faith

Purpose

Looking at our own application of these verses, we are to live in sincere holiness, desiring to follow God’s word at any cost. We are to honor Him and keep our focus towards our life with Him in the future – no matter the obstacles we might face in the present.

Continuing in 1Peter Chapter four we read the exhortations from Peter, written to the Jewish and Gentile converts, to live according to the example of Christ in doing God’s will. It is enough that they had been following sin; they were to turn from their former life even though there was pressure from others to continue in sin. Their sights were to be on God with whom they were ultimately held accountable. The apostle persists in assigning reasons to these Christians why they should live according to the will of God.

1Peter 4:6 For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to [the will of] God.

Recall, in 1Peter 3, we were referred back to the time of Noah and the opportunity that was given for all to believe while he was building the ark. Noah was ridiculed for his belief, and so too would these new converts be reproached for their faith. Christians may be judged wrongly according to men but regardless, must live according to the word of God.

1Peter 3:19-20 in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits [now] in prison, who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through [the] water.

It is important for us to remember that God’s judgment is perfect, and all will be judged. This is motivation to live according to His will. Through faith and obedience those who lived before Christ were saved.

How often do we make decisions based on what others might expect or think rather than what God says? We can become too concerned about the judgement of others when we truly ought to be considering the will of God instead.

Spurgeon says this in his commentary, “Our departed brethren heard the gospel to this end that, though condemned to die by their cruel persecutors, they might win the immortal crown and glorify God as his witnesses”.

Are you living in the Spirit according to the will of God? Give an example of how this might change your thinking or actions.

Romans 8:9-10 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. And if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.

Ephesians 2:3-5 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

1Peter 4:7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober [spirit] for the purpose of prayer.

This letter goes on to encourage the recipients in their purpose of living for the will of God. The ‘end’ means the point aimed at, the goal, or the conclusion. A few years after Peter wrote this epistle, Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans. This marked “the end of the temple, the end of the Levitical priesthood, the end of the whole Jewish economy”, (Adam Clarke’s Commentary).

However, in a more general sense, and keeping with the Apostle’s encouragement to live in holiness, looking toward that final judgement, these words seem to point either to physical death or the prophetic end of Christ’s return. Each follower of Christ is to live in a manner which has more regard for what is to happen rather than focusing on the difficulties that weigh heavy in the present – because the end is near.

Perhaps a good question to ask ourselves is, ‘what are we living towards?’. Consider what direction you are headed. When you drive, you cannot go in opposite directions at the same time. You must choose one way or another.

Matthew 3:2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Matthew 24:13-14 "But the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved. "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come.

Matthew 26:41 "Keep watching and praying, that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Luke 21:34-35 "Be on guard, that your hearts may not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day come on you suddenly like a trap; for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth.

James 5:8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

1Peter 1:13 Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober [in spirit,] fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

2Peter 3:10-11 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,

Revelation 22:12 "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward [is] with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.

This is our charge to live in holiness while we await the day of Jesus’ return. He alone has the “power and authority to recompense every man according to what he hath done”, Poole. Are you prepared?

Be of sound judgment and sober [spirit] for the purpose of prayer. “Serious; thoughtful; considerate. Let a fact of so much importance make a solemn impression on your mind, and preserve you from frivolity, levity, and vanity”, Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary.

1Thessalonians 5:6 so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.

1Thessalonians 5:8 But since we are of [the] day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.

2Timothy 4:5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

To be sober in spirit is to be of sound mind, to watch, to be aware. Our salvation is not to be taken lightly. Christ suffered and died for us; we are to live for Him.

“How strongly are vain and sinful men attached to the amusements and interests of this mortal life, and to the gratification of their lusts! But the important end of all things is at hand, when this earthly globe, and all things which are therein, shall be burnt up, when the eternal state of all its inhabitants shall be determined, and immutable happiness or misery shall be their final portion. Be sober, therefore, and watch against all occasions of intemperance and of impurity, and endeavour to preserve your souls in so divine a posture, as that you may be habitually qualified for joining in prayer and those other exercises of devotion, which have such an influence on our whole conduct”, Philip Doddridge N.T.

Does this mean we do not laugh or enjoy things around us? Where do your greatest affections lie? What are your goals, your motivations? One commentary reads, “Be ye therefore sober, temperate in all things, not inordinately pursuing nor immoderately using any thing in this world knowing how short the time is”, Thomas Haweis.

Mark 14:38 "Keep watching and praying, that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Romans 12:11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

For the purpose of prayer. We are here to worship God, to give glory to Him in all things. Back up to 1Peter 4:6 and recall our purpose is to live according to the will of God.

Ephesians 6:18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

The KJV reads “and watch unto prayer”. Keeping close to God keeps us covered in His protection so that we do not fall into the temptations of the world. On our own we are weak and frail in our fight against sin. We need His power and strength to live worthy.

Even with the understanding of our need and the seriousness of our calling, there is an excitement of what is to come. There is joy to be had in the knowledge of our future in heaven and Christ’s return to earth. So, this is not a call to walk around in sackcloth and ashes; rather, it is a call to take your faith and your purpose seriously. God’s children have been appointed to live in holiness according to His will, and in His strength.

New Beginnings

You are not the same, you are no longer bound to this earth and worldly thinking, but instead you are heavenly minded. You have a new nature quite different from anything you were before.

2Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man is in Christ, [he is] a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

This verse begins with the words, ‘if any man is in Christ’. What does it mean to be in Christ?

Being in Christ means you are a genuine Christian, that your heart and life has been changed. It does not matter what ‘religion’ you call yourself, or what church you attend, or even if you have been baptized in a certain church. It is not what you have done, or how good you are, or what your parents taught you. It is what Christ has done and His love for us. It is having Christ dwell in your heart by faith. Being in Christ means you are joined with Him; united to Him in faith because of God’s grace.

I love to work in my garden. In February, you will find me outside pruning our two dozen fruit trees and grapevines. Once branches or limbs are cut off from their source, they are thrown away because they are no longer useful. Instead of being attached, receiving all their nourishment and support from the tree or vine, having been solely sustained by it, they are removed. This is a good picture of not being in Christ. There is no attachment, there is no union, no life to be had; there is no strength, and no purpose that will last. In the same way, anything someone does outside of Christ, or in their own strength, has no real lasting value.

John 15:4 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither [can] you, unless you abide in Me.

Consider your relationship with Jesus. If you are abiding in His truths and trusting in Him, then you are alive in Him. All your strength comes from Him. You have a position with Him, being part of His family. You are His child, and you have been freed from the power of sin, and freed to the pursuit of holiness. You have been renewed to think upon heavenly things rather than earthly things. This is what it means to be ‘in Christ’.

If you are in Christ, your heart has been changed, along with your thoughts and feelings. What differences do you see in your thinking and behavior? There must be some difference – our verse goes on to say, ‘he is a new creature’.

This literally means new or fresh. You are not the same, you are no longer bound to this earth and worldly thinking, but instead you are heavenly minded. You have a new nature quite different from anything you were before.

“That a change is produced so great as to make it proper to say that he is a new man. He has new views, new motives, new principles, new objects and plans of life. He seeks new purposes, and he lives for new ends … There is a change so deep, so clear, so entire, and so abiding, that it is proper to say, here is a new creation of God--a work of the Divine power as decided and as glorious as when God created all things out of nothing. There is no other moral change that takes place on earth so deep, and radical, and thorough, as the change at conversion. And there is no other where there is so much propriety in ascribing it to the mighty power of God”, Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary.

When I consider my motivations and thoughts before I was saved, I hardly even recognize myself. I used to seek approval of others, getting my worth from their reactions. I was afraid of not doing what was expected because others would be upset with me or show displeasure. I tried to follow a set of man-made rules in order to please those around me. I really didn’t even know what I believed or what my goals were. I was fearful of rejection, so I learned to please people. Now, I am much more concerned about pleasing God in my thoughts, actions, and words. My value is in being His child. My strength and purpose is in doing God’s will, rather than being accepted or approved by others. I truly am a completely different person. This is the testimony of God’s work in my life – because of Him, I am a new creature.

Being a new creature in Christ, is more than being mended, or putting a band aid on a problem. It is removing the problem altogether. Love of self, love of sin, love of the world, prejudices, opinions, habits, pride, and selfish ambition, are being transformed to love of God, hating my sin and the sin in the world around me, learning to see others through the lens of Christ’s love for them, growing in the knowledge of God’s will, seeking to please Him in all things, confessing my own sin, and desiring to live for God’s glory.

‘the old things passed away’

This is marvelous, perhaps the best rejuvenation recipe ever to be found! Your ‘old self’ is gone and has been replaced by a new self! Literally, your former ways of thinking in regard to spiritual things has changed. You now look to the future. One commentary writes, “All the old, out-worn conditions of our sinful nature … are now gone and past”, (Hall’s Explication of Hard Texts).

Think! Something cannot be new and old at the same time. We used to be controlled by sin – now Christ controls us. We used to live for ourselves – now we live for Jesus. This is a 180° turn in our thoughts and actions. You were headed in one direction, now you have been turned towards the opposite direction.

Ephesians 4:21-24 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in [the likeness of] God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

For example, my name is still Sharyn, and on the outside, I look the same. I even have the same soul, but I am characterized by new qualities, new understanding, new thoughts, and new goals. And all are centered on Jesus and what He has done for me. My old way of thinking ended when God touched my heart, opened my eyes, and allowed me to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Now my life is in Christ – my affections, my motives, my thoughts, and my hopes have been placed in Him. The purpose of my life, the feelings in my heart, the reasons for my actions, have all changed.

“All is new. There are new views of God and of Jesus Christ; new views of this world and of the world to come; new views of truth and of duty; and everything is seen in a new aspect and with new feelings … The Bible seems to be a new book; and though they may have often read it before, yet there is a beauty about it which they never saw before, and which they wonder they have not before perceived. The whole face of nature seems to them to be changed, and they seem to be in a new world. The hills, and vales, and streams; the sun, the stars, the groves, the forests, seem to be new. A new beauty is spread over them all; and they now see them to be the work of God, and his glory is spread over them all, and they can now say--- "My Father made them all." The heavens and the earth are filled with new wonders, and all things seem now to speak forth the praise of God. Even the very countenances of friends seem to be new; and there are new feelings towards all men; a new kind of love to kindred and friends; a love before unfelt for enemies; and a new love for all mankind”, Albert Barnes NT Commentary.

William Burkitt’s New Testament commentary says, “Old things are passed, or passing away daily, the old carnal inclinations of mind are wearing off, the old will is changed, the old life is reformed; and in a word, whatever was old and carnal, is now become new and spiritual” … “the change of the new creature consists in a new mind, a new will, a new judgment, new affections …”.

Notice the text again, it says, “the old things passed away”. This means they have gone; not been set aside or had something added to them, but gone, ceased in their existence. Have you heard someone say, “Well, this is just how I am, I can’t help it”? In Christ, there is nothing further from the truth. God can do anything, He can change anyone, and certainly, He will fulfill His promise of making His children more like Himself. We may not be very successful in changing ourselves, but God never fails. In our own strength we absolutely fall into sin; in His strength we are free to choose holiness.

Everyone who is ‘new’ in Christ should think upon heavenly things rather than earthly. Think! What occupies your thoughts most often?

Ezekiel 11:19-20 "And I shall give them one heart, and shall put a new spirit within them. And I shall take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in My statutes and keep My ordinances, and do them. Then they will be My people, and I shall be their God.

A Cornerstone of the Highest Value

to see the value of the Saviour, we must see that we are poor, helpless, dying sinners; that the soul is of inestimable worth; that we have no merit of our own; and that unless someone interpose, we must perish.

Let’s take a moment to review what we have learned so far in 1 Peter. In general, this epistle was written to the Jewish and Gentile Christians who were being ridiculed because of their break from Jewish tradition and Gentile heathenism. They had chosen to follow Christ and had become discouraged under the weight of opposition to their new faith. In 1 Peter 1:7, the Apostle addressed these trials as the avenue for proven faith, encouraging these converts that their faith was more precious than gold which is perishable.

Beginning in 1 Peter Chapter 2, the Apostle continues to unfold the privileges and responsibilities of being a Christian. He reminds the Christians that because of their salvation, they were to put away sin and put on righteousness as they grew in their understanding and knowledge of Christ. Unlike faith which had been placed in a structure built of stone, Jesus was now the foundation of a living faith. He is favored by God and those who trust in His name are part of His living church, set apart to offer worship to Him through their lives. Peter’s words continue to be true for believers today.

1 Peter 2:7 This precious value, then, is for you who believe. But for those who disbelieve, "THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS BECAME THE VERY CORNER [stone,]"

We read an encouragement for those who believe in Jesus, and a warning to those who have rejected Him.

This precious value – Jesus, the Choice Stone, the Precious Corner Stone; and the promise of our faith which will not be disappointed.

The translation from Strong’s for precious means a value, money paid, esteem, and honor. Christ has value beyond comprehension. He is the only One able to pay the ransom for our souls. He did this willingly, choosing to be born as a man, choosing to walk on this earth, choosing to suffer and die for mankind’s sin. In being raised from death, He secured eternal life, the promise of our faith, for those who accept Him. Consider the word ‘value’ again –

What does it mean to value, esteem, and honor someone?

WordWeb definitions:

Esteem – The condition of being honored; respected or well regarded; an attitude of admiration; to think much of.

Honor – Show respect toward.

Think of the opposite of showing respect, how we might show disrespect towards someone. Perhaps we give little attention to them or disregard their words. This is an attitude of ‘you couldn’t care less’. Unfortunately, we all understand this attitude, having displayed it in our own actions at one time or another.

Do you consider the precious value of Jesus?

Think upon everything you have because of Christ.

The people we value get our utmost attention. This is different than listening because we must in a class at school. Instead, we listen with ears to understand, we desire to spend time with those we highly regard, we may even try to emulate what we see in them. We consider it a privilege to know them and understand them.

Picture this simple scenario. A classroom full of kids ready for the lesson to begin. Look around the room and you will see several examples of those who are attentive and those who ‘have better things to do’. The students who want to learn and are interested in what the teacher has to say, will be sitting with a posture of attention, eyes on their instructor, eager to hear information. Those who are unengaged will be slouched in their chair, fiddling with items on their desk, eyes everywhere except on the teacher, just waiting for the bell to ring to be dismissed. In this picture, the distinction is clear. When it comes to God’s word, are you the student eager to learn or the one distracted and uninterested?

1 Peter 2:7 goes on to say, “This precious value, then, is for you who believe.” It is for those who have trusted in Christ. The world we live in does not like exclusiveness. However, the precious gift of salvation, although offered to all, is exclusive only to those who willingly receive it through God’s act of grace on the heart.

This is the promise we read in the previous verse, 1 Peter 2:6, “He who believes in Him shall not be disappointed”.

We have joy, we are blessed, we have assurance.

1Peter 1:8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

John 20:29 Jesus *said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed [are] they who did not see, and [yet] believed."

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of [things] hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

“They are brought into a condition where they can appreciate his worth. To see the value of food, we must be hungry; of clothing, we must be exposed to the winter's blast; of home, we must be wanderers without a dwelling-place; of medicine, we must be sick; of competence, we must be poor. So, to see the value of the Saviour, we must see that we are poor, helpless, dying sinners; that the soul is of inestimable worth; that we have no merit of our own; and that unless someone interpose, we must perish. Everyone who becomes a true Christian is brought to this condition; and in this state he can appreciate the worth of the Saviour” … “The Lord Jesus is in fact of more value to them than any other benefactor. We have had benefactors who have done us good, but none who have done us such good as he has. We have had parents, teachers, kind friends, who have provided for us, taught us, relieved us; but all that they have done for us is slight, compared with what he has done. The fruit of their kindness, for the most part, pertains to the present world; and they have not laid down their lives for us. What he has done pertains to our welfare to all eternity; it is the fruit of the sacrifice of his own life. How precious should the name and memory of one be who has laid down his own life to save us!” … “We owe all our hopes of heaven to him; and in proportion to the value of such a hope, he is precious to us. We have no hope of salvation but in him. Take that away--blot out the name and the work of the Redeemer--and we see no way in which we could be saved; we have no prospect of being saved. As our hope of heaven, therefore, is valuable to us; as it supports us in trial; as it comforts us in the hour of death, so is the Saviour precious: and the estimate which we form of him is in proportion to the value of such a hope”. … “There is an intrinsic value and excellency in the character of Christ, apart from his relation to us, which makes him precious to those who can appreciate his worth. In his character, abstractedly considered, there was more to attract, to interest, to love, than in that of any other one who ever lived in our world. There was more purity, more benevolence, more that was great in trying circumstances, more that was generous and self-denying, more that resembled God, than in any other one who ever appeared on earth. In the moral firmament, the character of Christ sustains a pre-eminence above all others who have lived, as great as the glory of the sun is superior to the feeble lights, though so numerous, which glimmer at midnight. With such views of him, it is not to be wondered at, that, however he may be estimated by the world, "to them who believe he is PRECIOUS." Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary.

Now, the warning to those who continue to reject the Gospel.

But for those who disbelieve – those who willfully and perversely act in disobedience, obeying not the word of God, who do not believe in His name. The root word means those who are unwilling to be persuaded, contumacious – willfully obstinate, stubbornly disobedient, insubordinate.

Note, either we believe and accept God’s grace and the truths of His gospel, or we reject salvation in Him. There is no place for neutrality. In accepting the Gospel, we recognize the precious value of Jesus. We learn that our hope lies in Him, our protection, our purpose, and our very lives are under His perfect care.

In 1 Peter 2:7, “the stone which the builders rejected”, the Apostle is specifically addressing the ‘builders’ – literally the ‘housebuilders’, those who were responsible in the Jewish faith to build the house of God. The 1599 Geneva Bible Notes says, “that none do more resist this doctrine of the gospel, than they who are chiefest among the people of God. In the time that Peter wrote these things, they were the priests, elders and scribes”.

Consider why those who were most highly recognized and esteemed might have the most difficulty accepting the true Gospel. In accepting the Gospel we must die to self and live for Christ. This means a heart of humility must replace pride and dependence on self. We can grip the positions or importance we think we hold in this world so tightly that we miss the value we have in Jesus. How is this seen today? How can traditions and importance cause a reluctance to embrace faith in Jesus alone?

Pause a moment and think of those you might influence. What is your testimony of Christ as they hear your words and see your actions? Who does your life point towards? Are you an encouragement to others to grow in their knowledge and understanding of Jesus? Are you certain that what you ‘preach’ is the Gospel built on a secure foundation which will last?

The above questions are important for us to consider. Just as the Jews in Peter’s time became focused on tradition and Law instead of the Messiah, we also can get caught up in the world’s thinking or add our own opinion to what we share and follow. We can place more importance on what we do rather than who we are in Christ. Selfishly, we are apt to secure our own reputation and position before lifting up our Savior. Good works in serving and loving one another are necessary but they are not the foundation of our faith. They are an expression of our faith. Rather than gain anything by what we do or who we are, our service is to be an outpouring of gratitude for the gift we have received by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

“The stone which the builders rejected, this became the very corner [stone,]

Consider again the metaphor of a cornerstone. “The cornerstone was the most important part of any building. The total weight of an edifice rested on this particular stone, which, if removed, would collapse the whole structure. The cornerstone was also the key to keeping the walls straight”, backtothebible.org/post/building-on-the-cornerstone.

“In relation to architecture, a cornerstone is traditionally the first stone laid for a structure, with all other stones laid in reference”. “Over the years, cornerstones have served a variety of purposes. As a means to preserve time, buildings have been marked with a numerical representation to remind people when the building was erected”. “Today, cornerstones are more commonly placed ornamentally as interior walls, the floor, or the façade of a building, depending on whether the intention of the stone is inscription or preservation”. www.newstudioarchitecture.com

In Biblical times, you can imagine a secure cornerstone would keep a structure stable as every part of the building would be dependent on its placement. A poorly placed cornerstone or one that was unstable, would undermine an entire building. Consider these words of reminder from Paul to the Ephesian church –

Ephesians 2:19-22 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner [stone], in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.

It seems relevant to ask ourselves what the foundation of our faith is.

Do we rest on Christ alone with everything we think, say, or do reflecting Him, or is our faith simply ornamental, only a façade for others to see?

If Christ is our foundation, our corner stone, then our entire life will be lived in reference to Him. Our goal will be to bring all we have under His authority. This will affect how we respond, and how we use our resources of time, energy, and money. We will seek to align our focus with His truth.

Revisit the promise in 1 Peter 2:7. The precious value of Jesus Christ is for those who place their trust in Him. Blessings too numerous to count and an eternal future await those who believe. He is the Corner Stone upon which everything is built.

When we understand the precious value of Jesus, our heart of gratitude will lead us to share His Gospel with others.

Look carefully at your heart and life – how would God have you apply His truths?

Christmas

Through Christ, all sin was atoned for, all sin past, present, and future.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

The question – How can one be born again?

The answer – Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ.

The explanation – For God so loved the world. The reason we can celebrate Jesus’ birth is God’s love for mankind. We are imperfect, we mess up, we make the wrong choices, we even do bad things – this is called sin. No matter how hard we try we are unable to break through the bondage of sin on our own. God knows this, so out of His perfect love for us, God gave His only begotten Son. Jesus, born in human flesh, God incarnate, lived among us. Jesus – Teacher, Healer, Perfect in all His ways, Savior of the world, came to earth so we might live free from the power of sin now and free from the presence of sin in the future.

Do you believe?

The promise – Whoever believes in Him should not perish. Everyone who genuinely places their complete faith and trust in Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection will absolutely not perish; we will not be under the hand and power of sin’s destruction. We will not be separated eternally from God. Faith and trust in the things of this world is transient. Disappointment will meet us at every corner. However one thing remains constant – faith and trust in an all-powerful and perfect God. Through Christ, all sin was atoned for, all sin past, present, and future. No one is ‘good enough’ however, everyone is welcome. Because God loves you – not based on your own merit – but based on His choice, you can choose to believe.

The result – Eternal life. Consider – perpetual suffering and destruction versus eternal joy in God’s presence.

The answer to Nicodemus’ question, ‘How can one be born again’ is Christmas. Through the greatest gift ever given, the birth of a Savior. Through God’s grace alone, through faith and trust alone, in Christ alone, we are saved from sin to eternal life.

Celebrate Jesus’ birth. I pray you are filled with the joy and peace of the Gospel.

Celebrate Christ

“Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you”.

The season of Christmas is upon us! Christmas is a cultural tradition but for those who believe in Jesus Christ, it is a celebration of His birth! Our family has recently been blessed with a new birth. This little boy, now three months old, gulps his milk without taking a breath. He acts as if he is starving. This is a great picture of what our longing for Jesus should look like. As you celebrate the traditions and Truth of Christmas, I pray your desire for the word grows. As you have opportunities to share the gift of Christ’s birth, I pray you also share the sacrifice of His death for us. There is great cause for celebration – because of God’s gift of grace in our lives, because of the faith He alone gives, because of Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection, we have hope now and for the future. Celebrate Christmas!

1Peter 2:2-3 like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.

We will look at the condition of our growth first, which is stated in verse three – if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. Peter is not questioning his audience about their salvation; he is stating what the result should be because they have experienced God’s kindness. It is important for us to always remember it is only because of God’s grace in our lives that we know Him; it is only because of His work that we are able to grow in our faith and understanding of Him.

Consider how you might become discouraged with someone when you are trying to share Truth. It is disappointing when they do not understand what is so clear to you. Hopefully, you can respond with a spirit of compassion for their lost state and a spirit of gratitude for God’s work in opening your eyes and heart to Himself. The new Christians Peter is writing to have tasted God’s kindness. They have experienced the grace of God.

What happens when you taste something delicious? A desire is developed in us to repeat what we experienced; therefore we want more! There are thousands of companies that will offer a ‘free trial’ of something in order for you to sample their product. They know if you try it and like it, you are more likely to buy it. This is basic marketing, and it is built on a premise that we will want to repeat a positive experience.

When we are called by Christ to understand who He is, and we recognize His work and blessings in our lives, we will desire to know more. Consider the past trials in your life. Perhaps someone pointed you towards God and reminded you of the peace He offers. When you felt weak as if you could not go on, you may have experienced God’s strength and the rest that is found in Him alone. When you truly understand God as your source of peace and strength, you will seek Him.

What is your response to His grace in your life?

Tasting <geuomai> means to experience. We often relate experience to a feeling. Yet, it is much more. WordWeb defines experience as “the accumulation of knowledge or skill that results from direct participation in events or activities; the content of direct observation or participation in an event”.

To taste of God’s kindness is to know for certain of His work in your life because you have seen His power and experienced His peace in your heart.

You develop an expectation built from what has happened in the past. Your trust in Him deepens and your love for Him grows.

Remembering how God has worked in the past will grow your confidence in the plans He has for your future.

In Psalm 34:8 the word taste means to perceive,

“O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!”

Are you aware of God’s blessings?
Do you take the time to recognize His hand in your life?

1 Peter 2:3 speaks of tasting the kindness of God. What is God’s kindness? The KJV uses the word gracious. It is translated from chrestos meaning goodness, gracious or kind. It comes from the root word, chraomai, which means to furnish what is needed.

God will provide to His children all that is needed, and often, so much more. The Brethren NT Commentary makes this comment on 1 Peter 2:3, “If they had ever felt the unparalleled mercy, peace, love and forgiveness of the Lord, they would not hesitate to lay aside all the evil and desire all the good”. Think upon the kindness of God, the mercy He continually extends towards His children.

Psalm 86:15 But Thou, O Lord, art a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.

Psalm 136 is filled with thanksgiving to God for His mercies and recounts the Israelites sojourning through the wilderness and their release from captivity. God has extended His mercy to you and has released you from the captivity of sin. Consider what it means to be controlled by sin. Look at the world around you, the thinking and actions. What was the driving force in your own life before you were saved?

When we think of being kind, we might consider the quality of someone who is considerate and warm, thoughtful, and sympathetic; someone who shows tenderness and is helpful to others.

The kindness of God is so much more. It reaches to the lowest depths, to those most unworthy, even to those who blaspheme in return. His lovingkindness extends to those who are ungrateful and wicked.

Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil [men].

God’s kindness is purposed for our repentance.

Romans 2:4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

Isa 30:18 Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him.

Ephesians 2:4-7

If you are God’s child, you have been pardoned; you are favored. When you taste the kindness of the Lord, your desire grows to know Him more. William Burkitt New Testament notes says, “It is but a taste of the sweetness of God and His word which a Christian partakes of in this life; satiety and satisfaction are reserved for another state”. This commentary reminds us that right now we see only a small example of God’s care for us; we will one day be fully engulfed in His perfect love.

Because you have tasted the kindness of the Lord,

You will put aside all malice, all guile, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander (1 Peter 2:1), and

You will, like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation (1 Peter 2:2).

This is a great visual. Just as a newborn infant automatically turns its head towards its mother’s milk, a new believer will have an appetite for Truth. Picture an infant latching on to its mother’s breast. Their desire for milk is strong and their cry for it will pierce ears; once they are attached to their source of nourishment, they literally hang on! A baby or child instinctively wants to be close to those who will provide what is needed. If a newborn is not fed the proper nourishment, it will have a difficult time thriving. If a child does not receive enough calories, their brain development is affected. Many studies have documented that language development, memory, and IQ, are lower in children with poor nutrition. A child simply trusts, without questioning or analyzing, that their needs will be provided. A Christian, in order to make steady progress and expand in their knowledge and understanding of Christ, needs constant nourishment in the truth of God’s word.

The pure milk of the word – the spiritual truths of the gospel – is in direct contrast to those things listed in 1 Peter 2:1, malice, guile, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.

We are to desire God’s word as earnestly as a newborn yearns to be fed. The sin that once enticed us is replaced by the desire for spiritual nourishment from God’s truth. Matthew Poole’s NT Commentary states the comparison of verses 1 and 2, pointing out that longing for Truth is “in opposition to their former corrupt and unregenerate state, in which they were destitute of all spiritual life; and so this agrees, not only to young converts, but generally to all regenerate persons”.

We are in a life-long process of growing and maturing in our spiritual knowledge and understanding.

Romans 12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, [which is] your spiritual service of worship.

Romans 6:13 and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin [as] instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness to God.

The word of God is our food for growth.

Ephesians 4:13-15 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ. As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all [aspects] into Him, who is the head, [even] Christ,

“That is to say, if we be indeed believers, God has bestowed upon us a spiritual and incorruptible life; therefore, let us have done with the evil fruits of the old nature. We are born into a new world, let us cast aside the defiled and leprous garments of our former condition. Anger, deceit, and slander are as unbecoming in a Christian as the cerements of the grave would be unfit for a living man. It is ours, henceforth, to live upon the truth and to practice it, to rejoice in a gracious God, and act graciously ourselves. We desire to know the word of God, that by its sustaining power the life within us may be nurtured and made to advance to perfection”, Spurgeon Devotional Commentary.

Do you crave God’s truths more than anything else? Describe your craving. What does it look like? How do you satisfy it?
Do you want to understand and know Jesus more so you can serve Him well? How are you engaged in learning more about your Savior? How has this affected your serving?
Do you look to the unadulterated word of God, the pure truth written for us, without adding or subtracting? This means there is no excuse. The challenge is to act according to His word no matter the circumstances. So if you are insulted, offended, treated unfairly, bothered, or hurt, your response is to trust God and live to honor Him. In addition, we seek to follow God’s word even though it may be difficult. We do not choose some or part and ignore what we do not like or what does not fit our lifestyle.

1 Peter 2:23-24 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting [Himself] to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.

I pray you continue to grow in your fervency for His word. I pray your longing is for God’s truths. I pray that you develop an insatiable appetite to know and understand Him. I pray that through His strength and work in your life, you will combat sinful behavior and live to glorify God in all things.

God’s Word, through His Spirit, is the source of understanding and knowledge of His Truths; it is our complete guide to growing in righteousness.

Psalm 19:7-10 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.

Without Jesus, none of this would matter. We would be unable to comprehend true love. Forgiveness and redemption would be unattainable. Celebrate Christ, God’s gift to the world, given because He loves us!

God’s Word Abides Forever

. “There is no stability in anything that man does or produces … but God and His word endure forever the same”.

1Peter 1:22 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, 23 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, [that is,] through the living and abiding word of God. 24 For, "ALL FLESH IS LIKE GRASS, AND ALL ITS GLORY LIKE THE FLOWER OF GRASS. THE GRASS WITHERS, AND THE FLOWER FALLS OFF, 25 BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD ABIDES FOREVER." And this is the word which was preached to you.

Assumed –

Obedience to the truth,

Heart sanctified by Christ’s blood,

Resulting in a sincere love for those who are like-minded,

Fervently and actively seeking to encourage one another.

The above is only possible if you have been called by God’s grace. God’s word is living, has the power to change hearts, and will continue forever. This truth is unlike our own physical bodies which will cease to exist.

Consider for a moment the comparison of flesh and grass. Grass grows, flowers, and turns to seed, then it dies and withers away. Man is born physically, grows, even flourishes, but then fades and physically dies. Man, like grass, is weak and transitory – here today and gone tomorrow. Ponder the strength you had ten or twenty years ago; perhaps at one time you were heralded for a great accomplishment or success in life or work. Even these moments of thriving fade with time. Man’s success is short-lived just like the flowering seed of grass. There is no certainty in our flesh, accomplishments, or possessions. However, there is permanency in God’s word which is all-powerful and eternal. Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary says man “is corruptible and decaying”, God is abiding. “There is no stability in anything that man does or produces … but God and His word endure forever the same”.

1 Peter 1:24-25 is a quote from the book of Isaiah where God spoke to the prophet Isaiah, instructing the church to stand on the lasting promises of God rather than men. A voice says, "Call out." Then he answered, "What shall I call out?" All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever, Isaiah 40:6-8.

“ …where the preaching of the Gospel is foretold, and recommended from the consideration, that everything which is merely human, and, among the rest, the noblest races of mankind, with all their glory and grandeur, their honors, riches, beauty, strength, and eloquence, as also the arts which men have invented, and the works they have executed, all decay as the flowers of the field. But the incorruptible seed, the Gospel, called by the Prophet, the word of the Divine nature, which it is the instrument of conveying to believers, will remain in them to all eternity.” Dr. Macknight.

The Word of the Lord is the Gospel. Trusting in the Gospel, understanding and accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord is life everlasting. The apostle Peter quotes Isaiah because it is the same word spoken then as it was beforehand. And this same Gospel is true for us today. Without the Gospel, man is destined for destruction. With the Gospel man is able to have confidence in his redemption.

Tomorrow, our country celebrates Thanksgiving which commemorates a feast held in the early 1600’s. Consider what you are thankful for. Everything you might list is a direct blessing from the hand of God. Our families, friends, employment, shelter, clothing, food, transportation, health, the air we breathe, plants, animals, stars, the sun’s warmth, the moon’s glow, new life, long life, even difficulties and the stretching circumstances which cause us to look up at something greater than ourselves. Of all these blessings, your standing as God’s child in His eternal glory is most important. Is God at the top of your list? Are you willing to accept His almighty power and absolute perfect plan for your life? Let us live each day and each moment in gratitude for the inexpressible value of eternal hope.

Glaringly opposite of the lasting value of God’s word is man’s fleeting existence.

Job 14:1-2 "Man, who is born of woman, Is short-lived and full of turmoil. "Like a flower he comes forth and withers. He also flees like a shadow and does not remain.

King David understands this comparison, “My days are like a lengthened shadow; and I wither away like grass. But Thou, O Lord, dost abide forever; and Thy name to all generations”, Psalm 102:11-12.

Ps 103:14-17 For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are [but] dust. As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. When the wind has passed over it, it is no more; And its place acknowledges it no longer. But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children,

Dust is a good description of man. What happens to dust when you blow on it? It dissipates into the air. This is man. However, we do have value, God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ to die for us so that we might live forever with Him. This is our value – God alone. God’s word is the clear representation of Himself. It is His communication to us of who He is, who we are, what He has done, and what we need to do.

Isaiah Chapter 51 was written to comfort the Israelites held captive in Babylon. In verses 12-13, God reminds them of man’s powerless state. “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, and of the son of man who is made like grass; that you have forgotten the Lord your Maker, who stretched out the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; that you fear continually all day long because of the fury of the oppressor, as he makes ready to destroy? But where is the fury of the oppressor?”

How does thinking rightly of man and rightly of God affect your attitude and choices?

All flesh, the body, what is external, human nature with all its physical and moral frailties, is like grass. There is a very short time in our valley when the hills surrounding us are green. It is quite beautiful to take a drive within the period when things are blooming. Consider the poppy fields we get to enjoy each year. Yet how long is the season of their blooming? Just as the green hills and fields of wildflowers shrivel and dry up, so will man’s flesh. Perhaps there will be moments of glory, but those moments quickly fade and are tossed aside, having no lasting value.

The Word of the Lord abides forever. It will continue through all time, it will endure through all circumstances, it stands on its own, it is present now and will remain. Its strength will never cease, and its intent will never change or be diminished. It is perfect, it saves, it is sure, it is wisdom, it is joy, it is holy, it is judgment, and it is protection, (Psalm 19:7-11).

The Word feeds the soul.

Psalm 119:103

Matthew 4:4

The Word is light in the darkness.

Psalm 118:105

Proverbs 6:23

The Word warns and it blesses.

Proverbs 29:18

Luke 11:28

The Word purifies

Psalm 119:9

John 15:3

“But the word of the Lord abideth for ever in undiminished force and vigour, nor can ten thousand succeeding ages prevent or abate its efficacy. Now this, which the prophet refers to in the oracle I have just been quoting, is the word which is preached to you in the gospel: show, therefore, your regard to it by such a temper and behaviour, both towards God and man, as it was intended to inculcate and produce”, Philip Doddridge N.T.

John 6:63-68, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. "But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me, unless it has been granted him from the Father." As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew, and were not walking with Him anymore. Jesus said therefore to the twelve, "You do not want to go away also, do you?" Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.

Good question – where else would we go, where else do we go. Either we live in the world and for ourselves or we live in Christ for Him. The first will afford moments of happiness based on circumstances, yet discouragement and failure will reign as we are tossed to and fro in the volatile waves of man’s wisdom. The latter promises joy based upon our value in Christ, His purpose for us and the certain hope of eternal life. Ephesians 4:14 says, As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;

What is your response? Do you know and understand these things to be true, having accepted them in your heart?

John 20:31 but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

James 1:5-6 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

Do you possess the certain hope of eternal life?

Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Have you placed your complete trust in God’s absolute holiness?

1Kings 8:56 "Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised; not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He promised through Moses His servant.

Psalm 111:7-8 The works of His hands are truth and justice; all His precepts are sure. They are upheld forever and ever; they are performed in truth and uprightness.

Matthew 5:18 "For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law, until all is accomplished.

The Word of the Lord, the Gospel, is permanent.

Psalm 119:89 Forever, O LORD, Thy word is settled in heaven.

This is what was preached then by the apostles; it is what we should proclaim now. If we have been born for eternity, we should now live for eternity. Christ crucified is the only means that will save a soul.

Are you counting on your own life, your works, your charitable deeds, your ‘claim to fame’, the church you attend, or your heritage or association with a religious group, to be the key to your eternal future salvation?

Eternal salvation, rendered only through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, is rendered by God’s grace through faith in Christ alone.

In response, the gifts and strengths God has given to each of us are not to be used for our recognition or profit. All that we are able to do is to be used by God, for His glory. Our worship is the praise we offer to God, through the life He has given, which seeks to honor His name, in obedience to His word, which will abide forever.

Where Do You Find Hope?

Certain hope rests upon what God, not man, has done.

1Peter 1:21 who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

We believe because of God, our faith is built upon the cross of Christ, and our hope lies solely on God’s promises.

Matthew 11:27 "All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son, except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal [Him]”.

In Christ alone we can have a relationship with God as our heavenly Father. True faith can only be realized through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, not in man’s sacrifices or traditions, works or words, or position or wealth. Our faith and hope rests in what God has done.

God enables a heart to believe.

He is the one who opens a heart to His truths. This should invoke a heart of gratitude that He has chosen you.

Faith is the moral conviction that God is God. Saving faith is built upon the work of Christ. We rely upon the truth of Jesus’ death and resurrection for all mankind.
Because of Christ we have hope, a certain expectation of our future in heaven.

John 14:6 Jesus *said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.

1Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

“Who through his gospel believe in God, who raised him up from the dead, and gave him the glory of sitting at this own right hand, as Saviour and King, that your faith in him and hope of eternal life might be founded in the power and veracity of God”, Macknight on the Epistles.

Have you placed your complete trust and faith in Christ? Do your words and actions prove your answer?
What does complete mean? What does it look like in your personal life and circumstance? (every component, the whole, without qualification)

John 5:24 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

Psalm 146:3-5 Do not trust in princes, in mortal man, in whom there is no salvation. His spirit departs, he returns to the earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God;

Can you explain your hope?

How does your attitude reflect your faith?

Do you live like you have been redeemed? What is the evidence?

1 Peter 1:21 uses the term believers. This refers to those who have faith in Christ. It comes from pisteuo meaning to entrust – especially one’s spiritual well-being to Christ.

The fulfilment of our hope is in God. It is not in other individuals here on earth, how many friends we have or do not have, our children or any other relationships. It is not in a title we may claim, the importance of a role we have, or where we live. Neither is our hope in physical possessions or accomplishments. Material things offer only temporary satisfaction. Our hope is not in circumstances. Rarely do our plans end up as we thought they should. Certain hope rests upon what God, not man, has done. Hope is the foundation of our confidence in Christ and the reason we can have joy in all circumstances. Our eternal destiny is protected by God.

God is our hope “who is unchangeable in His counsels, and infinite in His mercies”, (Adam Clarke’s Commentary).

Jeremiah 17:7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD and whose trust is the LORD. "For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.

1Peter 1:13 Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober [in spirit,] fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Like Peter to the dispersed Christians, the prophet Isaiah offered comforting words to the nation of Israel, encouraging them to place their hope in God. God’s strength would see then through captivity. They were reminded to keep their focus on the hope of God’s promises for their future deliverance.

“Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up [with] wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary”, Isaiah 40:31.

The NIV translation reads, “those who hope in the Lord”. It means to look, to be patient. In 1 Peter 1:21, the word ‘hope’ means to anticipate, usually with pleasure. It is an expectation, a confidence. This is the root of our joy even amidst trouble. This hope gives endurance. It changes how we think and act. It determines our purpose. Imagine how encouraging Peter’s words must have been to those who were struggling. Peter’s words also hold a great deal of encouragement for us today.

God’s plan was put in place before the creation of the world. He sent Jesus to be our hope. Through the power of His grace we can exercise faith in Him.

The Promise for Your Future

The result of faith in Jesus Christ through God’s grace is the salvation of your soul.

1Peter 1:9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

We have a living hope, an inheritance in heaven, the protection of God’s power, opportunities to prove our faith, and a love for God that is able to produce joy in all circumstances.

Do you set goals? Most of us look ahead and plan for the next steps in our life. From the moment a child is born, each new achievement is celebrated – the first smile, the first time rolling over and sitting up, the first steps, the first tooth, and the first words. Then learning and formal education is encouraged as each level in school is passed. We plan for the future, thinking ahead to careers, relationships, family, and retirement.

We even hedge our plans with insurance. However, no matter how comprehensive your insurance policies are, they cannot stop something from happening. Insurance only helps when things do occur. For instance, fire insurance will never produce the security that you will not have a fire, instead it will replace items lost to the fire. Health insurance will not prevent you from getting an illness, it will help pay the cost of your care. We could go on and on with this same scenario. The point is, our plans and all we do to protect those plans, have limits. This is all fine for our time on earth, but do we look ahead to eternity? Do you have true life insurance? Not the kind that provides a benefit to those you leave behind, but the insurance that promises your eternal dwelling in heaven.

What insurance do you have for your soul?
What is your eternal goal?

These questions are more important than anything else we can address in our lives. 1 Peter 1:9 speaks about the outcome of our faith. God gives us a defined result of faith, a conclusion of our trust and belief in Him when we die. Eternal life insurance is a one-time purchase only by the blood of Jesus. It is free to those who choose to receive it.

Consider this scenario. A poor man dies leaving nothing to his relatives. No insurance policies, no inheritance, nothing of physical value. As an observer at his memorial service, a friend notices the chatter is one of sadness and sorrow for this individual who had nothing and left nothing. In the muffled quietness, this friend clears his throat and announces that their acquaintance who has died, was not poor at all. Astonished, the crowd stops talking as silence and hope fills the room, and undivided attention is given to the speaker. He looks around the room making eye contact with those who are most distraught and announces that there is no reason to despair, their loved one had riches too numerous to count. At this point you can hear a pin drop. Now everyone’s eyes are on the speaker, their complete attention is given to him as they excitedly wait to hear what they might have inherited. The speaker shares the Gospel, unfolding the meaning of God’s grace to each individual and how, by accepting the gift of His Son, they too could receive riches beyond compare. The reaction is disappointment as one by one the crowd disperses with heads hung low. Their original thoughts fill their minds of how sad it was that someone they knew died so poor. Let me ask you, who is truly poor? The gentleman who died into the arms of Jesus, or the crowd who did not recognize the true riches that were freely offered?

1Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Hebrews 10:36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.

Ro 6:22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.

What will be the result of your faith?

Are you more concerned about physical riches or spiritual riches – what gets the most investment? Do you give more attention to your personal portfolio or the perfecting of your faith?

As God’s child, there is great cause for rejoicing. Your soul, that part of you which will continue on through eternity, is secure. Salvation is the object and result of faith. 1 Peter 1:9 addresses the assurance a believer has for their eternal life with Christ.

“Receiving--in sure anticipation; "the end of your faith," that is, its crowning consummation, finally completed "salvation". Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary

“Receiving with unspeakable delight, as a full equivalent of all your trials, the great end of your faith, {even} the complete salvation of {your} souls; a prize of infinitely greater importance than all you can be called to sacrifice for its sake!” Philip Doddridge N.T.

In every challenge and difficult circumstance, we can either focus on what we believe should be different or what we think we have missed out on, or we can focus on what we know is promised for our future. The outcome of these choices is opposite to one another. The first will produce unrest and despair and tempt us to do things the way we want. The second will produce peace and hope and remind us to act in a manner that befits God’s children, always keeping our eyes on the prize.

We have become used to instant gratification. We want results now and waiting for them has become a lost practice. We need to look to the outcome of our faith, the salvation of our souls, this is our focus. We are working towards the final goal of our salvation, eternal life in heaven with Jesus. Until then we are to represent Christ well, as His children, even through difficulties.

Think upon the years you persevered in your education, sacrificing sleep in order to study. Your eyes were on that final diploma. Consider the years spent in a career. The benefits of longevity are realized at the end. Many of us can look at the energy, time and sacrifice it took to raise children. The hopeful reward is their maturing to adulthood and for some of us, grandchildren. How invested are you in your eternal future? Are you persevering to the end?

1Peter 1:15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all [your] behavior;

Because of God’s grace and continued work in our lives, we are able to combat our weakness toward sin and live pleasing to Him. May grace and peace be yours in fullest measure because your faith is based on the Cross of Christ.

Inexpressible Joy

By faith we love who He is, what He has done. We rejoice in the truths we know. The love we have for God is incomparable to any love we might experience in our human relationships. It is perfect and secure.

We have been saved to obedience. In Christ, we have grace, peace, mercy, a living hope, an inheritance, and protection. Because of these truths we can rejoice through trials. Through trials we have opportunities for our faith to be proven. We have a faith more precious than gold, a faith which will result in glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. In 1 Peter 1:8, we will see that this understanding and knowledge of our faith produces joy.

“May grace (the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude) and peace (prosperity and quietness) be yours in the fullest measure” 1 Peter 1:2b.

Because –

Joy is found in faith (v.8)

1Peter 1:8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

You have not seen Him
You love Him
You believe in Him
You greatly rejoice

What is faith?

John 20:29 Jesus *said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed [are] they who did not see, and [yet] believed."

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of [things] hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Faith is commanded. 1 John 3:23

Faith is believing in something or someone without seeing. Believing is more than hoping or thinking. It is confident expectation. Read the beginning of 1 Peter 1:8 again, “and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him”, these words define faith in Christ. Peter was writing to those who had not seen Christ in the flesh. Yet, they “loved Him as strongly as any of His disciples could, to whom He was personally known”, (quote from Adam Clarke’s Commentary).

Read of the faith of Abraham in Romans 4:18-21.

As a true believer, the faith you have in Jesus is the same faith exercised by those thousands of years ago. It is the same faith as those who had walked and talked with Him. Saving faith places full trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ. There is room for no one else and nothing else. It is not the compilation of trusting and believing in many entities and hoping one of them is right; it is the single conviction of Jesus as Lord and Savior. This faith is directly a work of God on the heart, it is unexplained and only given by the power and choice of God. Those who have it rejoice in its truth.

1 John 4:19 We love, because He first loved us.

What does it mean to love God?

Matthew 10:37; Matthew 25:35-40; John 8:42; John 14:15,21; 1 Corinthians 16:22

John 15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give to you.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary gives this insight – “Faith is the subsistence of things hoped for … the demonstration of things not seen … substance becomes a foundation for another thing to stand on … such are the effects of justifying faith: on it subsists the peace of God which passeth all understanding”,

2Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight—

What does it mean to hope for something?

According to WordWeb, hope is the general feeling that some desire will be fulfilled. Hope for the future is certain when placed at the cross of Christ. “Things hoped for are the peace and approbation of God, and those blessings by which the soul is prepared for the kingdom of heaven. A penitent hopes for the pardon of his sins and the favour of his God; faith in Christ puts him in possession of this pardon, and thus the thing that was hoped for is enjoyed by faith. When this is received, a man has the fullest conviction of the truth and reality of all these blessings though unseen by the eye, they are felt by the heart, and the man has no more doubt of God’s approbation and his own free pardon, than he has of his being”, Adam Clarke’s Commentary.

We have an absolute hope, a certain hope – this is what it means to believe. Like you and I, the Christians to whom Peter was writing had never seen Jesus. Yet by faith they were able to believe. The foundation of our faith is the same, Christ is unchanging, His work on the cross is for all who believe. Verse 8 says “though you have not seen Him, you love Him”. Consider the ability to love what we have not seen with our eyes. The first thing that comes to my mind is loving a child you have not seen. We experience a heartfelt love for the children we carry. When I found out my grown children were expecting babies, there was an immediate love in my heart for my grandchildren though yet unseen. Barnes’ Notes says these scattered Christians “had heard of His character, His preaching, His sacrifice for sin, and His resurrection and ascension, and they had learned to love Him”.

We have a true, historical, and clear account of our Savior’s birth, life, death, and resurrection, in God’s word. By faith we love who He is, what He has done. We rejoice in the truths we know. The love we have for God is incomparable to any love we might experience in our human relationships. It is perfect and secure. Consider what God has done for you!

He sent His only Son to redeem your soul from eternal damnation.
He is preparing heaven for His children whom He will one day gather to Himself.
He provides protection, guidance, strength, encouragement, hope, and purpose on earth.
He constantly pours blessings upon His children, even though they are undeserving, and even amidst their failures.

What is the result of grace which leads to faith in Christ?

You greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.

To greatly rejoice literally means to jump for joy! It means to be exceedingly glad, to be exultant. It is joy based upon the triumph of Christ’s resurrection and power over sin and death. This joy is so much more than happiness. It is rejoicing in the knowledge of who Christ is and the future that awaits those who believe. The result of true saving faith is joy; a joy that will manifest itself even in the most difficult and trying times.

Psalm 5:11

Has your faith led you to grow in your love for God and His commandments?
Does your faith lead you to obedience and service?
Have you placed your soul trust in Christ alone, fully dependent on Him for your salvation?

Thomas Scott’s Commentary says this of ‘joy inexpressible’, “they derived a joy which was so excellent, holy, substantial, and satisfactory, that it could not be expressed by words … and they shared this joy in proportion to the degree of their living faith and obedient love; whilst they delighted in the salvation which was wrought by Him, and in their enrapturing discoveries of the glory of God, harmoniously anticipating the everlasting felicity of all believers in Christ … This faith, love, and joy, … formed the distinguishing character, of real Christians … amidst their trials and conflicts”.

Matthew 5:12 "Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Read Mary’s words upon believing and trusting in God’s plan, “And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior”, Luke 1:47

Is it your practice to rejoice in God?
Are you resolved to place your confidence in His promises?

It is possible to find joy no matter the circumstances. Joy, when is based on the truths of what we know, does not fluctuate. The conditions of our lives might seem to change frequently and feel a bit unstable. However, the promises of God’s word are unchanging.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 Though the fig tree should not blossom, and there be no fruit on the vines, [Though] the yield of the olive should fail, and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold, and there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. (when Judah was about to be invaded by the Chaldeans and injustice reigned upon the Jews)

1 Peter 4:12-13; Acts 16:23-25

Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

Does the reflection of God’s grace in your life manifest itself in joy?
Does your joy bring honor to God’s name, does it magnify His glory?

Joy is found in what we know to be true yet cannot see. It comes from the heart rather than only being a reaction to outside circumstances. Read 2 Corinthians 4:17-18. True faith will produce action. It is different than just believing a pool will hold water or an airplane will fly. It is believing in the one true God who is able to do all things, even that which seems impossible in our eyes. It is believing in the majesty and power of God, trusting in His word and His plan. May God’s influence in your heart and the reflection of His love in your life abound. May quietness and joy surround your soul as you rest secure in His truths.

We love God, we believe in God, and we rejoice in His plan – all because of Him.

Ephesians 1:13-14

Peace In My Soul

Ours is not only a hopeful faith, it is a certain faith wrought by God’s own power.

God’s children are protected by the power of God. When we really take the time to consider what this means, an ensuing peace surrounds our very soul no matter the circumstances. We are kept, we are watched, and we are guarded by God’s power!

1 Peter 1:5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

God’s power is miraculous in its ability, abundance, intent, strength, and wonder. There is nothing comparable to God’s power. In the previous post we addressed the truths that God’s word is able, it is abundant, and it is intentional. Part 3 will address the strength of God’s power and the wonder of God’s power, and what it means to be protected by God’s power through faith for salvation.

God’s power is miraculous in its strength - it simply has no match in strength. God has the power to save and the power to forgive sins. He has power over nature and the power to uphold all things by His word. Hebrews chapter 11 gives us a list of details how God manifested His power through those who believed in Him.

Hebrews 11:33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed [acts of] righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

Psalm 93:4 The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea. KJV

Nahum 1:3 The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and the LORD will by no means leave [the guilty] unpunished. In whirlwind and storm is His way, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet.

Is anyone or anything able to disrupt God’s power?

God’s power is miraculous in its wonder - it is full of wonder. Consider His miraculous creation. Consider His marvelous works.

Exodus 15:11 "Who is like Thee among the gods, O LORD? Who is like Thee, majestic in holiness, Awesome in praises, working wonders?

Psalm 77:14 Thou art the God who workest wonders; Thou hast made known Thy strength among the peoples.

Daniel 4:3 "How great are His signs, and how mighty are His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation.

There is nothing more beautiful and amazing than God!

We are protected by the power of God through faith.

What does it mean to have faith?

Faith is the persuasion, acceptance, and moral conviction of the truthfulness of God. It is reliance upon Christ alone for salvation. It is believing without a doubt the Gospel; it is absolute assurance in God’s promises, it produces unwavering confidence in God.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of [things] hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Faith in a believer’s heart is bestowed through God’s grace, (Ephesians 2:8-9). We are saved by grace through faith and we can have confidence that God will keep us in His care.

Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary says God “does not keep us by the mere exertion of power, but He excites faith in our hearts, and makes that the means of keeping us. As long as we have faith in God, and in His promises, we are safe”.

Ours is not only a hopeful faith, it is a certain faith wrought by God’s own power.

For what are we protected?

A salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. This is our final and ultimate rescue and deliverance. The Teacher’s Commentary states we will see complete victory over the fight in our flesh toward sin and we will witness complete deliverance from trials, persecution, and sorrow.

The word euphoria comes to mind. Great elation and joy in the fulfillment of God’s promise to His children in His eternal kingdom, not for our pleasure but for His praise.

John 10:28-29 and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand. "My Father, who has given [them] to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the Father's hand.

This is incredible, this is our hope, and this is Truth. If you follow Christ, you are secured by His power through faith for salvation.

Are you holding fast to the confidence you have in Christ?
During this time of uncertainty, how is your faith being manifested in your thoughts, actions, and words?

“Who are, by the mighty power of God, through the means of their faith wrought in them by the Spirit of God, kept to the full obtaining and fruition of that salvation, which, having been purchased and revealed by Christ, is ready to be consummated in these last days of the world”, Hall’s Explication of Hard Texts.

God will protect those who are His; He will preserve and guard them for Christ’s return. Philippians 1:6 [For I am] confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Read this summary found in Philip Doddridge’s N.T. Commentary, “Who, though now surrounded with many apparent dangers, are not left defenseless, but are guarded as in a strong and impregnable garrison, by the almighty power of God, through the continued exercise of that faith which this almighty power wrought in your hearts; and he will still maintain it unto that blessed hour when you shall receive the complete and eternal salvation which is already prepared, and though now kept as under a veil, is to be revealed in its full radiance of glory, in the last time, the grand period, in which all the mysteries of divine Providence shall beautifully terminate.

Amen.

Praise, Glory, and Honor to God!

We need to minor in self and major in Christ. True faith is placing your complete trust in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, claiming His sacrifice as your key to heaven.

“May grace (the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude) and peace (prosperity and quietness) be yours in the fullest measure” 1 Peter 1:2b.

Because –

Trials prove our faith (v.7)

1Peter 1:7 that the proof of your faith, [being] more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

The blessings of being born again, of our hope because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, the certainty of our heavenly home, and the protection of God’s power to sustain us for salvation, are the reasons we can be joyful. Even in the midst of trials and sorrow, nothing is able to touch our glorious future. There is more – trials prove our faith and the proof of our faith is valuable. In fact, the proof of our faith is desirable, something we should want. We do not glory in the difficulty, but rejoice in the result.

Is your faith real?

There is a difference between simply acknowledging facts verses trusting in them to be true. The first is intellectual assent, the second is heart embraced. Let us look a bit closer at these two possibilities.

Intellectual assent uses the rational mind to decide if something might work or might be true. It involves fact gathering and a conclusion based upon those facts. There is no heart response or life-changing revelation. Intellectual assent is merely the acknowledgement of information to be true. Only knowing who God is will not save you. Man can think so highly of his intellect and reasoning that it becomes difficult to recognize his need of a Savior.

Fully embracing something with your heart involves knowledge with trust. It means understanding the facts and adopting them as your own. It is humbly accepting that you need something and are unable to provide the answer. It is realizing that however intelligent you may be, it is impossible to fully understand God’s ways. We need to minor in self and major in Christ. True faith is placing your complete trust in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, claiming His sacrifice as your key to heaven. The word faith <pistis> is explained as the moral conviction and reliance upon Christ for salvation. It is the assurance that what God says is true. Therefore, sincere faith involves a confidence in the truth of God’s word. This is only possible through God’s grace working in the lives of His children.

The proof of our faith is more precious than gold. The KJV says it is much more precious than gold. Adam Clarke’s Commentary gives us a clearer understanding of the properties of gold. “Gold is defined by chemists to be the most perfect, the most ductile, the most tenacious, and the most unchangeable of all metals… When exposed to the action of the fire it becomes red hot before it melts, but in melting suffers no alteration; but if a strong heat be applied while in fusion, it becomes of a beautiful green colour. The continual action of any furnace, howsoever long applied, has no effect on any of its properties… Gold is so very tenacious that a piece of it drawn into wire, one-tenth of an inch in diameter, will sustain a weight of 500lbs. without breaking”.

James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have [its] perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

When we seek to glean a small understanding of gold being refined by fire in order to purify it, we can begin to understand the necessity of trials in our lives. In addition, when we understand the reason for trials, our response is led to thankfulness and peace for the work God is performing to strengthen our faith. Revisit the beginning of this section of scripture. 1 Peter 1:2b reads, May grace and peace be yours in fullest measure. God’s work in your heart, the reflection of His love in your life, a heart of gratitude in understanding the gift of your salvation, and the quietness in your heart that stems from a secure future no matter the turmoil around you, are the hallmarks of a soul that fully relies upon God. This is the precious proof of your faith.

Your faith will be tested in one form or another.

Will it “be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ?

Job 23:10 "But He knows the way I take; [When] He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Proverbs 17:3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests hearts.

James 1:12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which [the Lord] has promised to those who love Him.

2Thessalonians 1:11-12 To this end also we pray for you always that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power; in order that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Check the genuineness of your faith. Is it mixed with imposters of pride, selfishness or worldliness? Is it something kept for ‘emergencies’? Is your faith only used as a security blanket?
What is your reaction to trials? Do you persevere in serving God? Do you complain?
Will your faith sustain you?

Read Matthew Poole’s Commentary of 1 Peter 1:7, “He compares the faith of the saints with gold, and argues from the less to the greater … If men do so far esteem their gold, that they will make the excellency and preciousness of it appear by trying it in the fire, which purgeth away the dross, and discovers the goodness of the metal; no wonder if God will have the faith of the saints (more precious to him than gold is to men) tried by afflictions, that the excellency of it may more fully be discovered”.

1Peter 1:13 Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober [in spirit,] fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Humility and Kindness

It is not our hard work that accomplishes anything but the ability to work hard that comes from God. It is not our intelligence that garners our understanding but the intelligence that God gives.

Ruth responds in humility to the kindness of Boaz, she did not expect or think she deserved his favor. After Boaz assured her of her safety and welcome in his fields, verse 10 describes her reaction.

Ruth 2:10 Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground and said to him, "Why have I found favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?"

Ruth cast her eyes down being overwhelmed and prostrated herself before Boaz. She placed herself in a position of inferiority. The culture of that day would signify her behavior as one of reverence and gratitude towards Boaz. We see this same posture when Joseph was governor and his brothers came needing food (Genesis 42:6). Also, in Matthew 2:11 when the Magi presented gifts to Jesus. There are many accounts of showing humility and reverence in the Bible.

Consider much of what we see today in the attitude of individuals. There is a permeating attitude of deservedness in our culture. We get caught up in wondering why someone did not treat us better, or the idea that something is not fair. We want accolades for who we are and what we have accomplished. We feel slighted when we are not recognized by individuals who are placed above us. Basically, we often think higher of ourselves than we ought. In fact, a humble attitude is easily overlooked in the world, even considered weak. Yet, the example we are shown throughout God’s word is to have a heart of humility, the opposite of pride and arrogance and deservedness.

Ruth questioned Boaz about his kindness to her especially because she was not from Bethlehem. Perhaps she thought Jewish law may not apply to her in gleaning the fields. Remember, the Jewish nation disdained the Moabites who were known as enemies of God. Boaz however shows kindness where kindness needs to be shown. Are we able to say this of ourselves? Or are we selective, or too busy, or consider it to be someone else’s job? Do we show mercy only to the extent we consider necessary? Are we willing to help others where they need help?

Read Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:35-36, “For I was hungry, and you gave Me [something] to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me”.

James 2:15 says, “If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled," and yet you do not give them what is necessary for [their] body, what use is that”?

1John 3:16-18 tells us, “We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world's goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth”.

We are to have hearts of humility and thankfulness when kindness is shown towards us, understanding we are undeserving of such mercy. We are reminded to show kindness and grace towards others when we see a brother or sister in need. Learning to say thank you and learning to have eyes and actions that reach out to others is opposite of the world’s picture of service towards one another. Where do we stand – in the world or in the Word?

Moving on to verse 11 in Chapter Two of Ruth, think carefully for a moment and ask yourself these questions - What is your reputation? What characteristics would be used by others to describe you?

Ruth 2:11 And Boaz answered and said to her, "All that you have done for your mother-in-law after the death of your husband has been fully reported to me, and how you left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and came to a people that you did not previously know.

When Ruth questioned his kindness to her, Boaz proceeded to recall what had been relayed to him about her actions. The words ‘fully reported’ mean what he had heard stood out to him as her circumstances were explained. Rewind a bit and recall that Ruth had also lost her husband just as Naomi did. What hasn’t been recorded for us is her lamenting over her own situation. She must have experienced grief yet it doesn’t seem to be her focus. Instead, her example was to care for her mother-in-law who had lost her husband and both her sons. Ruth relinquished any possible support or acceptance she may have received from staying in her home town, and she followed Naomi into a foreign land and culture and professed faith in the God of the Jewish nation. Ruth heard God’s call and responded by leaving all behind.

Luke 14:27, 33 "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. "So therefore, no one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Luke 9:23 And He was saying to [them] all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

God had allowed Ruth to understand the necessity of trusting in Him alone for all things. This shouldn’t prompt you to walk away from your home, job, family and all that is part of your immediate life. However, consider what comes first in your life? If you were to lose any of the persons or things familiar to you, would you be able to continue with a heart of trust and praise for God? Unfortunately, people often place their purpose in everything except the one constant we have – Jesus. Then, when loss knocks at the door, meaning and security and happiness dissipate and life’s focus is lost also. God knows us well and commands us to place Him at the forefront of our existence. Because of Jesus, we live. All lasting joy is found in Him alone. We praise God for the moments of laughter, and sweet memories and relationships and numerous blessings poured on our lives yet we must be prepared and willing to hold all things loosely. Only then can we fully grasp what is truly important. And only then will we learn to truly enjoy God’s blessings. Consider this – if we are always busy trying to hang on to something or control a situation, or we are in fear of losing a person or memory, how much are we able to relax and simply delight in the moments?

John 12:26 reads, “If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall My servant also be; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him”.

Ruth’s actions preceded her reputation. In Ruth 1:16 we read of Ruth’s commitment and intentions, “But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you [or] turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people [shall be] my people, and your God, my God”.

So Boaz had been previously informed of Ruth’s pious behavior and desire to follow the God of Israel. He was impressed by what he had heard and this showed in his special kindness to her. This confirms the righteous character of Boaz also – that he was a man of God, esteeming those who follow God. Doing what God desires will always lead to blessing, perhaps not tangible in this life, but always to the reward of an eternal future in heaven. In following the God of the Jewish nation, Ruth had denounced the idols of Moab, the land of her birth and family. Any comfort or security she may have found in Moab was left behind. Her sincere choice to follow the one true God was evident in her actions. Her sole dependence was placed upon God for His provision and protection. Ruth’s actions caused Boaz to form a favorable impression of her faith and virtue.

Psalm 37:5 says, “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it”. Also read Psalm 55:22 which says, “Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken”. Read the words of Jesus to Peter in Luke 18:28-30, “And Peter said, “Behold, we have left our own [homes,] and followed You.” And He said to them, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come, eternal life”.

Think back again to what Ruth left behind. In leaving Moab, it is possible she also left the possibility of being remarried. She was an outsider in Bethlehem and worse, she was from a land that was looked down upon because of its heathen gods. Leaving the town of her birth very well may have been like putting a seal on her fate as a single woman living in poverty forever. The essence here is Ruth did not just leave one possibility for another, she left all chances for a bright future for a plethora of unknowns. Each of us needs to come to Jesus willing to forsake all things that will vie for our attention. There is a daily, and even moment by moment, pushing away of the world from grabbing hold of us. Read Jesus’ words in Luke 14:33, “So therefore, no one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions”.

We live fairly easy lives in comparison to the cultures of Biblical times. There is little true religious persecution in America. Most of us are not forced to choose between family and faith. And even in the small percentage of those who have had to make this choice, who would you rather please? Who do you fear most? Man or God? There are many verses that tell us to fear God above all else. Here is just one of them, "And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding”, Job 28:28. So then, what holds us back? What are you afraid to let go of in order to follow Jesus with your whole heart? We cannot slice salvation like a pie – a small piece for now, another later – it’s all or nothing.

In Ruth 2:12, Boaz gives Ruth a blessing. “May the Lord reward your work, and your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.”

What stood out the most as I first read this verse was the repetition of God’s name – the Lord …, the Lord, the God of Israel. Perhaps Boaz is reiterating to Ruth the true source of her blessings. The Lord rewards us; the Lord blesses us. It is not our hard work that accomplishes anything but the ability to work hard which comes from God. It is not our intelligence that garners our understanding but the intelligence that God gives us. We each need to be reminded where glory and honor is due, not at the hands of men but in God’s care for us. Boaz certainly knew Ruth’s background of idol worship and that she was a newer convert to the Jewish faith so maybe he was making the most of an opportunity to encourage Ruth to continue to trust in God, the one true God of Israel.

When people are thankful towards you for serving them, how do you respond? This is a great chance to speak of God’s blessings and care for His children. Do we turn praise towards God or accept it for ourselves? What is your motivation in serving? Remember the warning given in Mathew 6:1, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven”. Boaz refers to God as the Lord Jehovah and the God of Israel – the eternal Lord, and judge and ruler of the Jewish people. There was no mistake who Boaz worshiped and served.

Consider how exciting it is to watch someone learn to trust God. Imagine the blessing of knowing Ruth’s background and seeing her confidently move forward in her faith. God has purposed each step Ruth has taken and will continue to do so as she takes refuge in Him. Boaz knows this and Ruth must be marveling at God’s provision towards her and Naomi. As you take a moment to rewind circumstances in your own life, are you able to see the protection of the God who loves you? Do you find peace and security in His hands? Ruth 2:12 says, “the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge”. These words remind us that God is our refuge. He is the one we should flee to for protection. He is the one who offers true hope. Is your trust in Him alone? Where do you go for protection?

Psalm 17:8 Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of Thy wings,

Psalm 36:7 How precious is Thy lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Thy wings.

Ps 57:1 (For the choir director; [set to] Al-tashheth. A Mikhtam of David, when he fled) (from Saul, in the cave.) Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge in Thee; And in the shadow of Thy wings I will take refuge, until destruction passes by.

Ps 63:7 For Thou hast been my help, And in the shadow of Thy wings I sing for joy.

God will fully supply our needs as we rely upon Him. Boaz’ response to Ruth gives us further evidence of her true conversion to Naomi’s God because her faith is seen in her actions. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please [Him], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of those who seek Him”.

Joseph

We sing about the kings, we sing about the shepherds, we sing about Mary, and of course we sing praises to Jesus, our Lord and Savior. What about Joseph, Mary’s husband? He is an unsung hero in our nativity scene. What can we learn of him, who was he?

Mt 1:16 and to Jacob was born Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

Joseph had future plans of a wedding to Mary. He was a carpenter (Mt 13:55), so we can conclude he was a skilled worker. Picture him, going about his plans, working towards this future time of marriage, then the bomb drops!

Mt 1:18-19 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. 19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her, desired to put her away secretly.

We don’t know exactly how or when he found out about Mary’s unique pregnancy, but we do know he was rightfully a little taken back. He acted mercifully towards her which gives us a picture of a compassionate heart and tender feelings for Mary. He wasn’t going to hand her over to Jewish law and its consequences. He chose not to throw her ‘under the bus’. So he decides to quietly, (rather than publicly), end his betrothal to her and avoid her shame. Think for a moment, Joseph and Mary’s betrothal was not a secret, it was publicly known that they had plans for the future to be together. Suddenly this would change and no matter how discreet Joseph chose to be, the word would get out. Certainly, people would talk and his name, along with Mary’s, would be up for questioning and raised eyebrows.

Matthew 1:19 says Joseph was a righteous or just man. Yet we also see he is thoughtful, ‘not wanting to disgrace’ Mary.

Consider. We live in a world where accusations are quick and biting, often without merit. People’s reputations can be ruined. It seems, in general, our society has forgotten the choice to remain silent and show mercy towards those found in difficult and even guilty circumstances. Perhaps we can be reminded of the necessity to act in a manner that is righteous but also tempered with a large dose of gentleness, humility and mercy towards others.

Fact – God continually shows mercy to us in His faithfulness to forgive.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

According to Albert Barnes’ New Testament Commentary, the punishment for adultery, in the Middle East carried extreme public shame. “Adultery has always been considered a crime of a very heinous nature. In Egypt it was punished by cutting off the nose of the adulteress; in Persia the nose and ears were cut off; in Judea the punishment was death by stoning”.

Joseph had every right to bring a public accusation against Mary, yet he chose to ‘put her away secretly’ preserving her shame and character.

Ps 112:4-5 Light arises in the darkness for the upright; [He is] gracious and compassionate and righteous. 5 It is well with the man who is gracious and lends; He will maintain his cause in judgment.

Consider. We often hear the words, ‘It isn’t fair’. Perhaps you have personally thought the words, ‘This is not right’. The temptation is to defend yourself against something that looks bad for you. Our example in Joseph is to put another’s protection above our own ‘rights’ and even our own innocence.

Think back upon how God ordains each of His children’s steps. Before all time, God chose Joseph to be a player in the miraculous birth of Jesus. God knew that Joseph would react towards Mary’s circumstances with a heart of care and protection, even in his own distress from what seemed to be his future wife’s betrayal. So while he could have her persecuted, he chose to preserve her.

Read this interesting comment about Joseph’s character written in the British Family Bible: “he purposed to put his spouse away privily, that he might preserve her reputation. In so doing he was a pattern of charity, and reads to us a rule for our deportment towards erring and lapsed persons, that we should treat them with meekness, and pity, and fear; not hastening their shame, nor provoking their spirit, nor making their reformation desperate by harsh treatment. Bp. J. Taylor.

We do know that God comes to the rescue of Mary’s reputation and encourages Joseph to remain and follow through with his plans for their future. However, a personal application is apparent first.

Consider. Before an ‘angel of the Lord’ appeared to Joseph in a dream and enlightened him on the true facts of Mary’s condition, Joseph acted with a heart of kindness and mercy towards her. Before Joseph was convinced of the truth of the matter, he chose to quietly put her away rather than openly shame her. Before God’s plan was revealed, Joseph chose Mary’s protection over his own rights.

“Mary was espoused to him, and he was saddened and perplexed when he learned that she would become a mother before they had been actually married. Many would have thrust her away in indignation, and put her to an open shame; but Joseph was of royal mind as well as royal race. He would not expose what he thought to be the sin of his espoused wife: although he felt that she must be put away, he would do it quietly. When we have to do a severe thing, let us choose the tenderest manner. May be, we shall not have to do it at all.” Spurgeon’s Commentary on Matthew

We all have choices to act in a manner of mercy towards one another. We all have choices to protect another’s name and well-being. Often, we weigh ourselves and our benefit first. How tender are our actions and thoughts towards the mistakes and circumstances of others?

Clemency is not a word often used today. It conveys the meaning of being lenient and showing compassion towards others who are guilty when you are in a position of bringing down a judgement or sentence.

God’s intervention and lovingkindness is shown towards Mary and Joseph in their precarious relationship. As Joseph was pondering what to do with this situation of Mary’s pregnancy, divine intervention eased his thoughts.

Mt 1:20-21 But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 "And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins."

Seriously?! So here we have a carpenter from Nazareth, engaged to be married to a young women whom he finds is expecting a child before they have had a physical relationship. Joseph decides to act in a discreet manner towards this news to avoid Mary’s shame. He will call off the engagement and pray any ‘talk’ will settle down quickly. Problem solved, or so you would think!

Joseph has a dream which enlightens the true events and he is pulled into the scene which is to unfold. An angel tells him to move ahead with his plans to betroth Mary. He is given this fantastical – meaning ludicrously odd – news that the child Mary is carrying has been conceived of the Holy Spirit. I’m not sure how you would wrap your head around this information.

Consider. Joseph must have had a faith that transcends our understanding. How would you respond to impossible, and humanly speaking, the improbable news of this dream? Joseph’s thoughts must be akin to when Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel to tell her of God’s plan for her to carry His child – although she knew no man (Luke 1:34-35).

What is Joseph’s response? He did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.

Mt 1:24 And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took [her] as his wife

A carpenter from Nazareth in the hills of Galilee had plans to marry a young woman from the same city. His plans take a turn that was definitely unexpected and incredibly difficult in human understanding. Yet, Joseph’s faith proves true as he moves forward into unknown territory with a heart of obedience towards God. Think of Joseph’s humble character as he accepts Mary as his wife, and prepares to step-father a child not his own, all the while, trying to wrap his head around a story that would be difficult for anyone to grasp. He will go ahead with his betrothal to Mary and take a significant role in the Savior’s birth and early childhood.

I have to pause a moment here as these words shout in my own head – How big is your God? How amazing and incredible is your God? How perfect is your God who knows and plans each moment in each minute of all mankind – all to His glorious name?

This story has more twists and turns than any modern day screen writer could imagine. Yet, it is ultimately true and divinely inspired as the plan of salvation for the entire world.

In several instances, we read of Joseph’s obedience to Jewish Law (Lu 2:1-4; 21-39, 41; Mt 2:13-15; Mt 2:19-23; Lu 2:42-51). The greater commendation is his obedience to God and acceptance of God’s plan for him.

Joseph was of the lineage of David. He lived in the city of Nazareth in Galilee (Luke 1:26-27). Although he was not the physical father of Jesus, he acted as a father to Him (Luke 4:22). He is last mentioned in the journey to Jerusalem when Jesus was twelve years old. According to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, ‘it is commonly supposed that he [Joseph] died before the commencement of the public ministry of Christ.

Joseph, Mary’s husband. We are shown only a glimpse, a small window of his life. Yet, the inspiration is great. He is a person, drawn towards God and used by Him. A carpenter from a town in the hills of Galilee with a heart of compassion and integrity and thoughtfulness. Joseph is willing and obedient to the plans of God and humble in his acceptance of God’s direction. There is no way he would be able to comprehend such an incredible plot yet he finds himself in the midst of the true story of God’s redemption for the entire world.

The figure of Joseph is commonly placed next to Mary in a Christian nativity scene, simply because we know he belongs there, he is a factor in the account of Jesus’ birth. Yet, as we take a closer look at his life, we can see clearly how God used our ‘unsung’ hero. Think upon the example we have in Joseph – a heart full of compassion, humility, faith, and obedience – a man used by God for God in His plan for humanity.

Mt 1:25 and [Joseph] kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.

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Eyes of Wonder

As we approach the season of celebrating Jesus’ birth, I pray our faith and obedience to God’s will is lived out in a manner that directs honor to Him. His plans are for our good and His glory.

Every Christmas season, scenes of Jesus’ birth is depicted all around – in store front windows, in picture books on store shelves, and on ornaments for the tree. The nativity is printed on napkins, fabric and canvas suitable for framing. Little eyes look with wonder at the familiar scene and sing songs of a ‘Silent Night’ so long ago. What do we know of the characters represented?

What do we know of Mary?

Her husband was Joseph, whose father was Jacob. She gave birth to Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. His birth has been celebrated world-wide for over two thousand years!

Matthew 1:16 And to Jacob was born Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

Mary lived in the city of Nazareth which was set among the hills of Galilee. It seems that the people who lived in Nazareth were scorned upon (ref. John1:46), so it may not have been a popular place to live. But, something quite extraordinary happened to an unsuspecting teen according to the Bible.

Luke 1:26-30 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee, called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And coming in, he said to her, "Hail, favored one! The Lord [is] with you." 29 But she was greatly troubled at [this] statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.

Note, the salutation given to Mary by the angel Gabriel. She is favored by God! This comes from the Greek word charitoo meaning to give grace or special honor. Mary is accepted by God as His own. According to the account above, she was actually disturbed by this greeting and wondered what was meant.

Think for a moment how strange this encounter might have been! It was not an everyday occurrence to have an angel of the Lord visit you. She did not expect God to give her a special honor which leads us to believe she was humble. In this unusual meeting, it was most likely difficult for her to even know what to think or say. How would you respond?

Picture this young girl, living in the town of Nazareth set in hills made of limestone, trying to wrap her head around this greeting. You can almost see her shaking her head in disbelief, wondering if she was dreaming or hallucinating. Then, the real news is delivered.

Luke 1:31 "And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.

Mary was a virgin when she conceived Jesus. This fact, in itself, makes no sense in our human knowledge and understanding. Yet, it is true. It is highly doubtful that Mary was able to comprehend how she could conceive and carry a child without having an intimate relationship with a man. Read her response:

Luke 1:34 And Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?"

Hmmmm, you must have the wrong person, right!? She was not even married yet! The entire context of this scenario seems to be out of place, at least in human terms.

Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy offspring shall be called the Son of God.

Consider the news Mary had received, how her life was turned upside down. One day she was anticipating her marriage to Joseph, the next she was wondering how she would convince him of what had happened and hope he would somehow accept this unbelievable change in their plans.

Mary was probably not oblivious to the laws and the consequence of what others might think. Yet, her response to what she understands as impossible, unbelievable, and in all likelihood puts her in a position of wrong accusation and death, certainly proves she is God’s favored, full of His grace.

Luke 1:38 And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

There are two thoughts from her response that cannot escape our notice. Faith and obedience. She believed what the angel said would happen, and she refers to herself as the Lord’s bondslave, in complete acceptance of His use of her life. What we do not read is an account of Mary thinking that perhaps God could find someone else to use, that this might prove to be quite difficult and it was going to upset the plans she had for her future. Instead, her faith in God’s will for her life shines forth. Her obedience to God’s plan is steadfast. It is remarkable, worthy of our notice.

Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.

The word used in the KJV for betrothed, is espoused. According to Jewish custom, a man and woman could be espoused or promised in agreement to one another ten to twelve months before they were married. This time was much like what we consider being engaged today. However, there is a difference. In the Jewish religion the betrothal agreement was legal and binding on both sides, at the time of engagement. Our cultural practice today sees an engagement as non-binding and without any legalities involved. No matter if a marriage ceremony takes place or not, or if unfaithfulness is practiced, there is little consequence. In Mary’s case, unfaithfulness during the time of betrothal was considered adultery and punished exactly the same way.

Leviticus 20:10 'If [there is] a man who commits adultery with another man's wife, one who commits adultery with his friend's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.

John 8:3-5a And the scribes and the Pharisees *brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the midst, 4 they *said to Him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. 5a "Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; …"

Was Mary afraid of what might happen? We do not read she was, but she was human and must have had feelings and fears and thoughts. It would be fair to think she felt a bit uncertain and uneasy how this plan was going to come to fruition. We do know Mary at least suffered the misunderstanding of those who loved her.

Read the commentary below on Matthew 1:18.

“She was found with child. Her situation was the most distressing and humiliating that can be conceived. Nothing but the fullest consciousness of her own integrity, and the strongest confidence in God, could have supported her in such trying circumstances, where her reputation, her honour, and her life were at stake. What conversation passed between her and Joseph, on this discovery, we are not informed; but the issue proves that it was not satisfactory to him: nor could he resolve to consider her as his wife, till God had sent his angel to bear the most unequivocal testimony to the virgin's innocence. His whole conduct, on this occasion, was exceedingly benevolent and humane. He might at once have taken the advantage of the law, and had her stoned to death.” Adam Clarke’s Commentary

Matthew 1:19-20 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her, desired to put her away secretly. 20 But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

Think again of the consequence of what Mary’s condition looked like to those around her, this time recorded for us in Deuteronomy.

Deuteronomy 22:23-24a "If there is a girl who is a virgin engaged to a man, and [another] man finds her in the city and lies with her, 24a then you shall bring them both out to the gate of that city and you shall stone them to death ...”

Consider. Mary’s age. She was probably much younger than what we might think. According to several different studies, the average age for women to get married nowadays is about twenty-five years old. Four generations ago, it was not so unusual to be married in your very early twenties. Today, that would be considered fairly young! Rewind to the time and culture of our subject. It was common then for young women to be espoused or betrothed in their early teens, when it was physically possible to conceive children. This was culturally not only accepted but expected. Taking this into thought, it is fair to assume that Mary may have been little more than a teenager.

Imagine for a moment the teenage girls you know and try to comprehend the full weight of responsibility placed on Mary at this young age. It is difficult to believe and absolutely inspiring to read her response to the news she was given and all it may have conjured up in her mind.

As we approach the season of celebrating Jesus’ birth, I pray our faith and obedience to God’s will is lived out in a manner that directs honor to Him. His plans are for our good and His glory. God will use each of us right where we are placed. We may not always understand His plan (I often do not understand), sometimes God may require that we are uncomfortable, and He may ask some to suffer. God may change the plans we thought we would follow. In times of unexpected turns we have been given an example to follow through the exemplary life of a teenage girl. We are not to worship Mary, God alone is worthy of praise. But, we can esteem her life as one used by God and look at His amazing ways with hearts of love and eyes of wonder.

Marvelous Faith!

Consider. A young girl, in her teenage years, betrothed to a man she was to marry. Innocent, yet asked to endure a situation that very well could have cost her life.

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Fall back to your teenage years for a moment. Many teens are still very insecure, concerned about what others think of them, somewhat irresponsible, perhaps even selfish being more apt to think of themselves before they consider the feelings of another. I was not yet saved as a teen so compounded with the above, I was enticed by the world. Worldly thinking, worldly values, it was all about me or so I thought. I had a job so there was some responsibility. I remember scooping ice cream at a well-known ice cream shop. I worked hard, but I was rewarded with a paycheck. The thought of sacrifice for another was pretty foreign.

Mt 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.

[She was found with child] Her situation was the most distressing and humiliating that can be conceived. Nothing but the fullest consciousness of her own integrity, and the strongest confidence in God, could have supported her in such trying circumstances, where her reputation, her honor, and her life were at stake. What conversation passed between her and Joseph, on this discovery, we are not informed; but the issue proves that it was not satisfactory to him: nor could he resolve to consider her as his wife, till God had sent his angel to bear the most unequivocal testimony to the virgin's innocence. His whole conduct, on this occasion, was exceedingly benevolent and humane. He might at once have taken the advantage of the law, and had her stoned to death. Adam Clarke’s Commentary

De 22:23-24 "If there is a girl who is a virgin engaged to a man, and another man finds her in the city and lies with her, 24 then you shall bring them both out to the gate of that city and you shall stone them to death; the girl, because she did not cry out in the city, and the man, because he has violated his neighbor's wife. Thus you shall purge the evil from among you.

Consider. A young girl, in her teenage years, betrothed to a man she was to marry. Innocent, yet asked to endure a situation that very well could have cost her life. The punishment for engaging in premarital relations was death by stoning. Imagine how scared she may have been. Yet her willingness to trust God in the role He placed her in, surpasses the circumstances most of us will ever experience.

Trust is difficult. Especially when you feel alone, when others don’t understand. You rely upon those who know you to believe your ‘story’. Sometimes they do, other times you are alienated. But that’s okay! Because God understands. Remember His promise.

Mt 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. "For My yoke is easy, and My load is light."

Jer 29:11 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

1Co 1:9 God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

While we don’t venerate Mary to be anything more than the vessel God chose to carry His Son, we can be encouraged and even amazed at her willingness to follow God in what was a difficult and even dangerous position He chose for her.

Lu 1:30-35 And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 31 "And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32 "He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and His kingdom will have no end." 34 And Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" 35 And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy offspring shall be called the Son of God.

Consider Mary’s response. ‘Lord, I am your servant’. I wasn’t there so I don’t know but I can imagine she didn’t fully understand how everything would actually come about. But, she was fully willing to comply with God’s plan. There is no account of even a struggle with choosing to follow God. Just immediate compliance with His plan for her life. And this was life-changing. Probably not the plan she had in her mind being betrothed to Joseph. And, consider how she was to explain to Joseph her condition.

Lu 1:38 And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

Such trust, I am unable to comprehend. But, I pray God touches my heart to trust so completely in Him. Total confidence without fear. No apprehension for His plan for my life. A full expectation in the fulfillment of His promises.

Do we have opportunities to trust in God’s perfect plan? Absolutely! Everyday. We can be ready to obey God’s commands at all times. We can focus on His truths that He will accomplish His work in us for His purpose and glory. We can willingly and immediately submit to God’s will as we trust in His promises.

Ps 119:38 Establish Thy word to Thy servant, as that which produces reverence for Thee.

Ps 116:16 O LORD, surely I am Thy servant, I am Thy servant, the son of Thy handmaid, Thou hast loosed my bonds.

2Co 5:1-7 For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For indeed in this [house] we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven; 3 inasmuch as we, having put it on, shall not be found naked. 4 For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed, but to be clothed, in order that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge. 6 Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord-- 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight--

Marvelous, humble faith! Readiness to give up ourselves for God’s plan. Firm belief in God’s divine care and providence. A submissive and obedient spirit. For these things I pray.

JITNOT

I had only made one dessert, a three tiered lemon cake, the favorite of most of those present. It was centered on the table outside like a star begging you to notice. Well, it did get the attention of —– our dog!

Ps 91:1-2 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Ps 91:3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, And from the deadly pestilence.

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Summer. Barbeques. Family. The weather was beautiful. The family was gathered. The food was good. The kids were all running around in the backyard. The adults were relaxing, talking. Some were cleaning up in the kitchen, others were sitting around the table outside. Soon it would be time for dessert. I had only made one dessert, a three tiered lemon cake, the favorite of most of those present. It was centered on the table outside like a star begging you to notice. Well, it did get the attention of ----- our dog! As quick as you can say no, the lemon cake had a large bite taken out of the side. My oldest brother laughed as he shooed Pooh Bear away and told us what happened when we came out from the kitchen. We were able to cut a large margin off the cake where the insult had taken place and still enjoy my efforts. Just in the nick of time? Or not? Injuries were apparent but there was salvage.

‘Just in the nick of time’ is a saying most of us have heard. There’s actually an acronym that showed up for this phrase: JITNOT! It means ‘at the last possible moment’.

My three children and I had moved around about every six months for a period of three years. We weren’t hiding or choosing to move, we were surviving through a really rough period of time. One of our last moves was into a low-income government housing project. Not the best place for a young single mom with three kids, two under the age of five, but nevertheless a place that provided shelter. It was a bit scary and not what you might particularly choose, if you had a choice. Drug dealing was rampant and obvious, the sounds of fighting and yelling were commonplace and even my sweet five year old son got punched in the face by a girl as I was watching him on the swing set placed in the center of the apartments. My paperwork was to be completed the following morning to sign a contract for the lease and I remember thinking there had to be a better solution but was unable to come up with one. The only things I knew to do was pray, trust and be thankful for what God had provided. Then there was a phone call from a leader at the church the kids and I attended and a request to come by right away that evening. As I was offered a real home and asked not to sign the papers in the morning I remember tears of thankfulness. A couple in our church had purchased a tiny home specifically for our use! Asking only for rent we could pay within our meager income. This house was in a safe neighborhood. Next door to an older couple who quickly became dear friends. Just in the nick of time! Perfectly in God’s time. He delivered us out of a situation that had become increasingly difficult. JITNOT! Could God have rescued us sooner? Sure. But the increasing values of trust, patience, dependence on Him, thankfulness for what you have, recognizing the needs of others, learning that joy comes from within rather than outside circumstances, were His gift to myself and my children, learned through hardship – one that is forever embedded in our hearts.

Ps 91:3 says, For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilence.

In the previous verse of this chapter, David had called God his refuge, his fortress, his trust. Why? Because he knew God would rescue him from harm.

For it is He who delivers you….

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A Purposed Plan

Consider. Here’s a response to someone’s call for attention that we’ve all used at one time or another – “Not right now, I’m busy”. If Jeremiah had responded similarly to God’s voice, he would have missed the blessing and comfort of knowing the plan God had for him and the nation of Israel.

Are you a planner? I think everyone is in some way or another. Some people are

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low-keyed and just keep a plan in their head. That’s great if it works for you, but I’ve always thought if my head wasn’t attached I’d lose it, so this approach is not the best for myself! Plans really are our expectation of what is to happen. On the extreme side, there is now a whole system of planners and calendars at one of the larger craft store chains. I haven’t looked too closely at what is available but it seems you can color code and use different stickers or symbols to designate your plan for the day/month/year. For me, this may be a bit much because I would have to plan to work on my planner. We have short term plans. My daughter is having Thanksgiving at her house for the first time with several of her husband’s family arriving early in the week. She has had her plan for the food and seating and overnight guests written down for several weeks. There are plans for all kinds of celebrations: birthdays, weddings, holidays – you name it, we’ve learned to celebrate it!! We have long term plans. Ideas for the direction of our own lives, desires for certain goals for those we love, hopes for the paths of our children’s lives, even thoughts for the care of our parents as they age and for our own retirement years. Plans. Lots of plans. They keep us to the task at hand, they help to keep our focus on accomplishing certain steps for the future. Most of us even feel more secure when we have a plan or we know what the plan is.

The first definition given for the word ‘plans’ in WordWeb reads like this:

1. A series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished.

In a previous blog and Bible study, (“Identity Crisis”, see link below), I mentioned how Jeremiah 29:11 was instrumental in the encouragement of my faith very early on. To know that God has a plan for good for His children is comforting. Going back to the beginning of the book of Jeremiah, God uses the truth of His predestined knowledge of His plan for Jeremiah to encourage him for what is to come…

Jer 1:4-5 Now the word of the LORD came to me saying, 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations."

There are several encouraging observations in these two verses.

… the word of the Lord came to me saying…

Jeremiah was receptive to God’s words. To His direction. I am not a Biblical scholar able to determine whether this was an actual appearing of the Spirit of the Lord. It seems it certainly could have been since there are accounts of God’s word going forth in the Old Testament through His appearance (Ezekiel and Daniel). Also, reading further in this chapter, we are given more information about this encounter. Jer 1:9 Then the LORD stretched out His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me, "Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. But let’s concentrate on the fact that Jeremiah’s heart heard God’s plan. Doesn’t this give us a glimpse of Jeremiah’s relationship with God?

Oftentimes in our relationships, we are not always attentive, which means we don’t always hear. Our minds can be distracted by other things. We don’t always look at the greater picture but instead get side-railed by a number of smaller, less significant things. There are times I can be so focused at the specific task at hand that I don’t even hear my husband as he proposes a question or thought. I assume you can relate to this in some way. How much are you aware of another person speaking to you while your concentration is focused elsewhere?

Jeremiah was attentive to God’s word and because of that, he heard Him. He didn’t just hear God, he listened to what God was saying. Is it possible to hear but not really comprehend? I think so! I think the phrase we use is ‘tuning someone out’. It goes back to the problem of not giving our full attention to something. We are aware of those things in our lives that are truly important to us. Case in point: I can be fully engaged in preparing a meal for family but the minute I hear a grandchild say my name (they call me Mina), you can bet I stop what I’m doing and respond! So, do we hear God’s voice, His calling, and direction given to us by His Spirit? Or are we too engaged in other things to listen?

Jer 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations."

Oh wow, just ponder what this verse says! We now have amazing technology that allows parents to ‘see’ their unborn children in utero when they are just the size of a peanut. As they grow, the clarity of a defined face and limbs certainly is a wonderful picture that produces anticipation of meeting your new little baby. But, with all this technology, we can’t really know too much about these sweet babies. What color will their hair be, how tall will they get, what will their temperament be like, what talents or abilities will they present.

It’s clear Who made us, right? Jeremiah 1:5 says, ‘Before I formed you…’ God is the creator of life. And our life is not happenstance. It is purposed. Before He formed us in our mother’s womb, He knew us. God had a plan for us and knew all about us, every last tiny part of us, before we were even a thought in our parents’ minds. Purposed and planned – that’s what our lives are!

Have you seen a child trying to get someone’s attention? We don’t need to get God’s attention, we’ve always had it, from before time began. Think about what it means to know someone. We can just be aware of someone but not really know them. We can know something about an individual but we can never know all things, the deepest part of the heart. We can know someone by acknowledging them but not have a relationship with them. We can have acquaintances but be clueless of situations that may be a part of their lives, we can know how someone acts but not understand the motivation, and we can be familiar with a face or voice but not know the person. God knows us. And… He has a plan.

“And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah heard from God that before he was born, God had chosen him, He appointed him for salvation. I don’t get how God’s mind works but I believe what He says is true, and since He is God and He made us, He can do whatever He wants. This is perhaps a simplistic way to look at the subject of ‘how are some saved and others not’, but I’m content leaning on faith instead of explanations. I’d rather concentrate on those things that we can understand.

Jeremiah was greatly encouraged by God’s words to him as he realized God knew him, meaning He understood the deepest parts of him, and that God had an incredible plan for his life. God went on to reveal that He appointed Jeremiah as a prophet to the nations. God had a very specific plan for him. That plan was to proclaim God!

The Bible reveals to us account after account of the plans God has for His children.

Isa 49:1 Listen to Me, O islands, and pay attention, you peoples from afar. The LORD called Me from the womb; from the body of My mother He named Me.

Isa 49:5 And now says the LORD, who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, To bring Jacob back to Him, in order that Israel might be gathered to Him (For I am honored in the sight of the LORD, And My God is My strength),

Ga 1:15-16a But when He who had set me apart, even from my mother's womb, and called me through His grace, was pleased 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles,

2Ti 2:19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness."

Eph 4:11-12 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

God knows His children intimately before they are even born. God has a plan for His children. God has set apart His children for service to bring glory to Himself. I pray you are part of this magnificent plan and are excited to discover where God will use you for His purpose! This truth is certainly something we can be thankful for as we reminisce over our blessings with friends and family this week.

http://thensingsmysoultothee.com/identity-crisis-2/

Why?

I can’t imagine the nightmares that are being relived over and over in those who were present. I can’t imagine the fear of being in danger with nowhere to escape. I won’t pretend to understand what causes a mind to shatter and become someone who annihilates innocent people. I don’t know how to begin to comfort those who have experienced something so horrific.

ABC News: “live from the scene of the harrowing mass shooting in Las Vegas”
NBC News: “after gunman’s deadly spree, a lingering question: Why?”
FOX News: “Las Vegas shooter described as unstable”

Feelings and thoughts that are unsettling, fear-provoking, sorrow-filled, empty, perplexing, and doubting and threaten to give-up all hope, fill the mind.
How do we respond? How should we respond?

It’s difficult to know. I can’t imagine the nightmares that are being relived over and over in those who were present. I can’t imagine the fear of being in danger with nowhere to escape. I won’t pretend to understand what causes a mind to shatter and become someone who annihilates innocent people. I don’t know how to begin to comfort those who have experienced something so horrific. I am unable to explain how God allows such tremendous evil and pain in the world without just doing away with all of us.

This is what I do know. God has perfect knowledge and understanding.
Job 34:21 For His eyes are upon the ways of a man, and He sees all his steps.
Heb 4:13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.
I know that God hates sin.
Pr 15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But He loves him who pursues righteousness.
He is all-powerful.
Job 42:2 “I know that Thou canst do all things, and that no purpose of Thine can be thwarted.
It doesn’t make sense to my limited mind. But I am convinced He has a plan. I’m convinced that plan is good. He never promised us all warmth and fuzzys on earth.
Mt 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

We want to hear God is love; we aren’t so excited to hear God is just.
De 32:4 “The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He.
In fact, He promised His wrath on sin.
Eph 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

I won’t begin to even try and understand how this all works. Is my thinking weak, is it a cop-out, a choice to not deal with something hard? No. I simply am unable to fully appreciate the ways of God.
Job 26:14 “Behold, these are the fringes of His ways; and how faint a word we hear of Him! But His mighty thunder, who can understand?”
Do I need a reality check? No. Is God a fairy tale? No. Sin is real, very real. Evil is real, painfully real. God is true, He is the Truth.
Joh 14:6 Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.

Consider: The God of the Bible cannot be a fairy tale. No man would write a story that would contain the events in the Bible. It would never be a best-seller. People don’t flock to theaters to be reminded of how much they are in need. God’s word does contain a story, but it is not trivial. It’s real. However, it is not written by human understanding.

In the beginning, God. Creation of the world and all it contains. Providing all perfection. For man. Whom He loves. Then, man’s sin, challenging his Creator. What Father would not discipline His child whom He loves? The consequence, death. But whose? The offering of His Son, Jesus Christ, the perfect atonement.
Heb 2:9 But we do see Him who has been made for a little while lower than the angels, [namely,] Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.
Jesus willingly accepted our punishment.

God’s love for us is so far-reaching it is without human comprehension. He doesn’t ask for us to understand, just believe. Trust. Have faith.
Ac 16:31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you and your household.”
Isa 43:10 “You are My witnesses,” declares the LORD, “And My servant whom I have chosen, in order that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, and there will be none after Me.

So where are we left with the recent massacre in our country? How do we help? Share what you know to be true. If you knew for certain that a massive destruction would occur, and that it would take out the people you work with, the people in your neighborhood, those in your family, your friends, acquaintances and all others in your path, would you warn them? Of course. If you truly loved them and you truly believed in the source of your information, you would. So, are you?

Ro 10:8-9 But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART” –that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, 9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus [as] Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved;

Even in the wake of a harrowing mass shooting, we can have peace. Let’s concentrate on what we know rather than what we can’t understand. There is hope in the promises of God. We set our hope on His future return. He will make all things right.
Ps 39:7 “And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in Thee.
1Co 15:19 If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.
Ro 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Tag: faith

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