Bible Ballistics: Vol. 8 No. 06     Yeah Though I Walk???

 

Most of us are familiar with Psalm 23, and we take great comfort in the strength, and encouragement that it’s truths impart. But I’d like to take just one portion of this passage and examine our lives in light of its truth.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

We all deal with difficulties in life, and Jesus told us that we would have trouble in this world, just as He did. But our hope is greater than the conflict and troubles that we may face in life—life in this world. We march to the tune of a different drummer even though we walk in this present earthly domain.

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

We can walk victoriously in this world because our Lord Jesus Christ accomplished the victory at Calvary! He paid the price for sin and gives forgiveness and eternal life to those who come to Him in repentance and faith. But what does this have to do with our passage from Psalm 23? In it I think we can find help and hope for living a victorious life in this corrupt and fallen world. Sometimes it’s so difficult to press on and keep on keeping on when we face devastating circumstances that just seem to keep on coming; whether they be health issues, financial crises, family issues or those situations that we may face because of our faithful service to Jesus Christ The Lord!

Jesus said that we would have tribulation in this world, not that we “might” have trouble/tribulation but that we would face difficulty when we follow Him. Paul told Timothy, his son in the ministry, this very same thing years later, because it is a truth of following Jesus. It will cost us something—many have given their lives because they stood with Jesus. How about you and me? Are we willing to live for Him in a hostile world? Are we willing to “walk” in obedience to our Lord in a hostile world? Or are we hiding our “light” under a bushel? (See Matthew 5:13-16)

“But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” 2 Timothy 3:10-13

Paul reminds us that “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution”—ALL! Not all at the same time, not all to the same degree, but ALL who will live “godly in Christ Jesus” will “ suffer persecution”! We will pay a price when we stand for Jesus, but how are we to react? How do we handle life when difficulties and/or persecutions may come? We handle it with confidence, not in our circumstances, but in the One to whom we belong. We can go back to Psalm 23 and know that our Shepherd is truly caring for us, even when we are heading into “the valley of the shadow of death”! God’s sovereign grace is always ahead of our crisis!

I have come face-to-face with a bit of infirmity lately with my recent knee surgery, and it has given me a new perspective, one that we often forget or overlook when we are in good health and living free from crisis at any given moment. Being in this place of limited ability and stamina has reminded me how easy it is to forget that there are those that face difficulty every day– just to live life and get by through circumstances that overwhelm the mind, heart and soul! But God wants us to know that we can live “abundant” lives even when we are in the midst of the “valley”, no matter where that valley may be. The secret is to remember that our victory is not in our circumstances but in the Christ who paid the price for our salvation and victory with His own blood on the cross. We must remember that our life, our confident living is based on whose we are, rather than in what we do or do not do, or what we face in any circumstance. It is all about “who” I am in Jesus, and what He has done and is doing to provide us victorious living.

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:4-5

When we belong to Jesus we can find victory in all our ways—not always immediately, nor on our schedule, but in God’s time. And when we look at Psalm 23, I think we find a lesson of great value. Our verse in Psalms says, “Yea, though I walk through” the valley, I will fear no evil. Notice that it says, “I walk through”!!! It doesn’t say I lay down and expect GOD to do it all! It doesn’t say I sit down and do nothing while I wait for God to take care of things! It doesn’t even say that I sleep through the difficulty till GOD gets it done. It says I “walk”— we can take a couple of things away from this message, besides the fact that when I walk with God, I don’t have to fear any “evil”. There is no safer place to be than in the center of God’s will, but:

1. It’s “I”, “me”, “myself” that must hold the line and walk with my Lord, and be actively involved in His work.

2. I must “walk” through, not quit, not give up, not lie down on the job, and not leave it to someone else to take care of. It means “I” stand firm and “walk” with the Lord “through” whatever HE leads me to.

Walking with the Lord isn’t easy most of the time, but it is relatively simple when we learn to do things God’s way, knowing that He is absolutely trustworthy and faithful to us, and to His Word! Let’s see what scripture tells us about “walking”.

We’re called to it:

“That ye would walk worthy of God,

who hath called you

unto his kingdom and glory.”    1 Thessalonians 2:12

It pleases our Lord, and our focus should always be pleasing Him and not men!

“That ye might walk worthy of the Lord

unto all pleasing,

being fruitful

in every good work,

and increasing

in the knowledge of God;

11 Strengthened with all might,

according to his glorious power,

unto all patience

and longsuffering

with joyfulness;”     Colossians 1:10-11

Walking worthy reveals God to the fellowship of believers as well as to the world.

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech

you that ye walk worthy of the vocation

wherewith ye are called,

2 With all lowliness

and meekness,

with longsuffering,

forbearing one another

in love;

3 Endeavouring

to keep the unity of the Spirit

in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3

And when we walk with the Lord in obedience and submission it will make a difference in your little circle of the world, and the world at large. But to “walk” with The Lord, we must know Him in redemption and salvation, we can only walk worthy of the Lord when HE dwells within us because of the redeeming blood of Jesus the Lamb of God. And when we know Him and desire to walk worthy of the salvation that He imparts, we ought to strive to know Him and reflect His glory, character and purpose—pleasing and serving God. And Jesus shows us the way in His life.

“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy,

that ye be likeminded,

having the same love,

being of one accord,

of one mind.

3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory;

but in lowliness of mind

let each esteem other

better than themselves.

4 Look not every man on his own things,

but every man also

on the things of others.

5 Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery

to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself,

and became obedient

unto death,

even the death of the cross.”    Philippians 2:1-8

Jesus humbled Himself and obeyed His Father all the way to the cross. He came for the cross, and He went there in total devotion to His Father out of love for us and our redemption. And if He would do that for me, what less can I offer to God but to “walk worthy” of His love and sacrifice for all of us? And to keep on walking even when the road becomes difficult and long. After all, the reward is eternity with Jesus, and what difficulty could compare with the glory of God?

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,

they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage

again to fear;

but ye have received the Spirit of adoption,

whereby we cry,

Abba,

Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness

with our spirit,

that we are the children of God:

17 And if children,

then heirs;

heirs of God,

and joint-heirs with Christ;

if so be that we suffer

with him,

that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings

of this present time

are not worthy

to be compared

with the glory

which shall be revealed

in us.” Romans 8:15-18

So won’t you join me in seeking to “walk worthy” of the One who gave Himself for us? May we be found faithful in our devotion to Him, in our service and ministry regardless of how large or small our circle of ministry may be? God didn’t call us to be “great” (as man counts greatness), but He does call us to be faithful to Him, His Word and His kingdom.

If you remember the parable that Jesus taught in regard to the talents, each one was given a different measure of “talents” (money in that culture) but the response was in regard to the faithful service of the three, not the differences of the amounts given. The message was the same to the two faithful servants, and the condemnation was for the lack of faithful service by the third one. What will we hear?

“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:21

Or the condemnation of the third:

“Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 25:28-30

So the question I’d like to close with tonight is, “Are we ‘walking’ worthy of our Lord regardless of the road we are facing?”; or are we laying down on the job? Have we determined to know that God will “walk” with us through that “valley” and to faithfully press on? Or have we surrendered to the enemy, laid down our armor and gone to sleep on duty? May we all determine trust to our Shepherd and trust Him in every way, no matter where we are today! Our Lord is faithful in all things.

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Hebrews 13:5-6

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:6-10

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 8 No. 05 A Foodie Or A Follower???

 

As I was thinking today about all the political rhetoric going on, and how many people are bantering about the name of God and the Lord Jesus Christ for one side or the other, I was reminded of what Jesus had to say to some who came to Him on a particular day. I was reminded that not every one who shows up at the “party” is a guest, and not every one who claims to be following Jesus is truly following Him, they aren’t seeking Him out of gratitude for His sacrifice for us, or devotion and love for His amazing, saving grace; but they seem to want to be close to Him, but not have any allegiance to Him. Some are just following Him for what they can get out of Him, or for some profit they can receive for being in proximity to the Savior, yet they have no real allegiance to Jesus; those who know about Him without knowing Him.

“…….and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities. 14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. 16 But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. 17 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. 18 He said, Bring them hither to me. 19 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. 20 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. 21 And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children. 22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.” Matthew 14:15-22

This is the account of Jesus feeding five thousand men (plus women and children) on a hillside in the wilderness from only five small loaves and two small fish. This large group of people found satisfaction for their physical hunger as they were flocking to this itinerate carpenter turned teacher/preacher who was turning Judea upside down. I find it very interesting to see the fickleness of people in the ministry of Jesus. People seemed to either hate Him or they lauded Him and believed in who He was, but He wasn’t always the “beloved” teacher that we try to make Him. He was often (almost always) stirring up people with His focus on who He was and Who had sent Him, as well as what He’d been sent to do—to purchase our salvation on the cross! Even His disciples didn’t understand the cross before His resurrection.

After this miracle, Jesus sent the people away, and His disciples across the Sea of Galilee as He adjourned Himself to spend time alone in prayer. Jesus walked where His Father directed on every turn, and spent time alone with Him; what better goal could we have, yet we must remember that a person that journeys close to Jesus will often (in fact almost always) be a road without a crowd. But when we walk with Jesus we NEVER walk alone (regardless of the lack of companions around us)—and I’d rather walk with Jesus alone, than follow the crowd of the world and NEVER know Jesus. Many were, and still are, “fair weather” friends, if you would. We often delude ourselves in thinking that Jesus was always beloved and sought after; that His truth was welcome, but scripture reveals that often His truth called for change, change that people weren’t willing to make then, or now. Most aren’t willing to give up self nor our selfish focus to trust ourselves to the only one who can give real “Life” both physical life and eternal life! We see this time and time again throughout the pages of the Word.

On what could be called Jesus’ most popular day of ministry, I believe we see that very fickleness of people—and it’s the same now as then! Jesus was lauded as Messiah on Sunday, and yet the same crowd who was shouting “Hosanna” on Sunday changed to a different chant just four days later:

“And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. 10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? 11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.…………..15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased,” Matthew 21:9-15

Here the crowds filling Jerusalem for the Passover were taken with this “prophet of Nazareth”, this “Son of David”, He that “cometh in the name of the Lord”; yet in four short days they were crying something completely different;

“Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. 23 And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. 24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. 25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.” Matthew 27:22-25

“Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.” Mark 15:14

“But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.” Luke 23:12

Why this change of sentiment? Well the question is the answer—they only had “sentiment” toward Jesus. In our modern vernacular we laud, “if it feels good, do it” and the transverse of that is true as well, “if it doesn’t’ feel good, don’t bother”—and hence the majority preferred to join the “crowd”, the “mob” and crucify the Lord when they weren’t being personally accommodated. Sounds like America today! And just like that crowd that was filled with the “loaves and fishes”, many in our land are only looking for someone to “feed me” and I’ll follow you anywhere—but only as long as the “food” holds out! Are we followers of Jesus or simply “foodies” looking for a “free meal”—satisfaction for our physical needs, without regard for the more important spiritual and eternal issues that regard the truths of genuine salvation? As I’ve often said in the past, “saying so doesn’t make it so”, but only the new birth and a transformed life through the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord. Look at what went on after that miracle of the 5000 and the loaves and fishes.

“The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone; 23 (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:) 24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. 25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? 26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. 27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. 28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. 30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? 31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. 32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. 34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. 35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. 36 But I said unto you,

That ye also have seen me, and believe not.

37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:22-37

We must come to Jesus in repentance and faith, believing that He IS the only way to the Father. And coming to Him is a life-changing experience—He gives new life to those who “come” to HIM!

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13

Jesus wants us to understand that knowing Him involves a change of heart, which produces a change of life. Just claiming to belong to Jesus doesn’t make it so—but receiving and experiencing the “new birth” does.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Just claiming the be a Christian isn’t enough, but having a life-transforming relationship with Jesus; knowing Him and the power of His resurrection.

“But what things were gain to me,

those I counted loss for Christ.

8 Yea doubtless,

and I count all things but loss

for the excellency

of the knowledge

of Christ Jesus my Lord:

for whom I have suffered the loss of all things,

and do count them but dung,

that I may win Christ,

9 And be found in him,

not having mine own righteousness,

which is of the law,

but that which is through the faith

of Christ,

the righteousness which is

of God by faith:   

10 That I may know him,

and the power of his resurrection,

and the fellowship of his sufferings,

being made conformable unto his death;”    Philippians 3:7-10

What a wonderful picture Paul paints of what it means to belong to Jesus. It means all else is but dung (refuse) in comparison to Jesus; it means that to KNOW Him is the greatest accomplishment of this life. It means that I am, and will be, “found in Him” by God’s grace, and faith in the forgiveness that Jesus offers to those who will come to Him; the redemption that He bought at Calvary with His own blood. What has Jesus done for you? Are you just a “foodie” looking to feel good for a time, or have you received the salvation that HE offers and gives to those who will come to Him in repentance and faith.

“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” Colossians 1:13-14

“Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” Acts 5:31

Jesus came to forgive sinners because we are all sinners—and without His sacrifice we would all stay lost, and pay for our own sin and it’s penalty of death. And the thing our world needs to hear is that Jesus came to save the lost—not give them a “get out of jail free card” so they could live their own way, but that we might have life “IN HIM”, that abundant life that can overcome the penalty of sin, and the obstacles that confront us on every hand in life.

Are you just talking about Jesus, or are you walking with Him in “newness” of life. Have you received the power to overcome sin, death and hell, or are you just talking a talk about something and someone you don’t really possess? It is a question that only you can answer, but it is a question that we all need to consider and confirm in our own hearts and minds, because there have always been “imitation” followers—those that Jesus called “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (See Matthew 7:15). The key is to know if we are in Christ, or if we are just playing games with religion. God knows the truth about us, and we need to be sure that we know the truth about ourselves and our true relationship to Jesus.

“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19

So I ask you to make sure today that you have taken care of business with God! Make sure you are following Jesus, not just hitting the buffet line!

“From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. 24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:21-26

There is only thing that anyone can do to deliver their soul from hell, and that is to believe in the atoning death of Jesus. To see your sin as sin, repent/turn away from it and turn in faith to Jesus death, burial and resurrection for your sin. Only one way, only one price will cover your sin and deliver you from the penalty of that sin, which is death. Won’t you choose life, Jesus has already done the work?

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

The choice is yours! Foodie? Or follower? Oh that I would know Him more and reveal HIS glory to a lost and dying world in need of a Savior!

“That I may know him,

and the power of his resurrection,

and the fellowship of his sufferings,

being made conformable unto his death”    Philippians 3:10

I can only know Him by faith—but I can know HIM!!!  And so can YOU!

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen………..6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:1 & 6

Knowing that God IS able to save and deliver us—He will never fail and I will follow Him. How about you? Do you want to know Him or just “taste test” at His table?

“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.” Habakkuk 3:17-19

 

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #285      Our God Is Able!!!

I hope your week is going well, and as we wind up this week, I would just like to share a word of hope for each of us today. We all have difficulties and trials. We all face times of crisis and conflict. We all face times of decision, times when our faith and trust in our Almighty God and His Son Jesus Christ our Lord are put to the test. And in the culture we live in, the world around us is becoming more and more hostile to Biblical truth—the Word of God and the God of the Word. But we must take confidence in the faithfulness of our God and His Word, and we can be encouraged by the testimony of other believers in the Bible. Let’s look at just one this morning.

“Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? 15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. 19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. 20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 22 Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flames of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. 25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. 27 And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.” Daniel 3:14-27

Most of us are familiar with the story of these three Hebrew young men, who took a stand for righteousness at the risk of their very lives. Of course we don’t always face a “fiery furnace” but we all face times when the “heat” rises against us because we take a stand for God and His Word. So what can we learn from these young men? A lot, I think, about how to walk in integrity before a lost and dying world. We know from the context and previous record in Daniel that these young men were faithful civil servants in the kingdom of Babylon, serving King Nebuchadnezzar. They were faithful men in their relationship and service to their God and reflected godly, respectful character in all they did, but when called on the carpet for their failure to “worship” the golden idol that the king had created, they stood firm and faithful to God—they wouldn’t bow to the “political correctness” of their culture. Yet they behaved with respect and integrity, they weren’t arrogant or disrespectful but simply and truthfully declared their convictions and that they would not bow down before the idol.

When Nebuchadnezzar encountered this response he was so angry that he commanded that the normal punishment already in place for violators, was to be increased to seven times the normal intensity of the furnace. So hot in fact, that the guards who carried them to their death died from the intensity of the heat.

But there’s a lesson we need to learn from this event, which is desperately needed in our day—these men behaved with respect, integrity and courage but never once did they demand a concession for their “difference”. Rather they took their stand with trust in their God, regardless of the consequences. To paraphrase verses 16-18, “Oh King, we mean no disrespect, but our decision is already made, we are so devoted to our God that we cannot, nor will we ever bow before any other ‘god’, not even your amazing golden idol. We know that our God is able to deliver us, but even if He chooses NOT to deliver us at this time, He will ultimately deliver us from your hand, and we will not bow before this idol. We will maintain our devotion to our God regardless of the cost.”

This angered the king and in his rage he sent them to their death, declaring his superiority to their “God”!

“and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?”

And God chose to use this incident to display His power and glory. God chose to answer in a magnificent way as He delivered these men in response to Nebuchadnezzar’s question! Our God can deliver, and He does deliver in His time and in His own times and ways, and He always bring glory to Himself.

But don’t miss the amazing nature of this miraculous deliverance. Not only were these men delivered out of a burning furnace, but also even their enemies who orchestrated this situation, couldn’t argue with what they saw.

“And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them”

Not even the smell of smoke was on them! Yet we need to note here that even the experience of this miraculous deliverance didn’t convince their enemies on a permanent basis, read chapter 5 & 6 and see that Daniel still had those who hated him for his faithfulness to God and his civil responsibilities. And my friends, we also will have those who will hate us because we belong to Jesus! But take heart, Jesus told us that it would be this way, and like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego we must place our confidence and our trust in the Lord God Almighty not our circumstances!!! It’s as essential in our lives as it was to them! We can live lives that make an impact on the world—but be prepared, we will face opposition. Take heart and remember that Jesus told us it would be this way—and we are not alone, anymore that these young men were alone in that furnace. Will we live in such a way that others will see God in our lives, especially when we are under fire for our faith and righteous living? God’s own people have always suffered at the hands of the world, and we will until Jesus comes back—and I do believe that’s pretty near!

“Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.” John 15: 20-21

So take heart—our God is still in charge, and you can trust Him to deliver in His time. Stand fast, walk forward and look up dear ones.

“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:28

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Hebrews 13:5-6

Take heart dear ones. We do not stand alone.Hebrews 13:5-6

“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

 

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 8 No. 04 A Way That SEEMS Right???

 

It is so good to be back with you all again. I apologize for my absence for the last couple of weeks, but am so glad to be feeling better and I think I’m ready to get back on the “Bible Ballistics” trail! I had knee replacement surgery several weeks ago and that has kept me from my writing. I am doing much better, and while I’m still terribly slow and have a lot of limitations, we are making progress. Thank you for the prayers, messages and calls; your concern has been a real encouragement to me.

I’d like to share some thoughts today about paths and choices. With all the chaos and fear around us, we need to keep our hearts and minds focused on God and His Word. Our confidence is in the creator NOT the creation—and in that is great assurance, as the ‘creation’ isn’t doing to well (since they’ve chosen to walk away from God and HIS ways). And we must remember that God created us with the freedom to choose, to make decisions, we are gifted by God with the free will to choose for ourselves the paths that we take. But we also must take into account that with each choice there is a consequence; and we need to choose wisely and consider the cost!

“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 16:25

Jesus cautioned us to be aware of the truth and the consequences of missing “truth”. And in the culture that we live in, it is so easy to be caught up in “popular” opinion and miss “truth”!

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.

15 Beware

of false prophets,

which come to you

in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly

they are ravening wolves.”     Matthew 7:13-15

Jesus told us that there are two ways—but only one choice. He also declares that the ways are not always what they seem to be, they are not always easily discernable. While one is broad and appealing, and followed by the masses its end is destruction! The other by contrast, is a narrow way yet its end is life—abundant and eternal life, but “few” find this narrow way! Jesus came to give that life—eternal and abundant– to those who will believe in Him and trust in His sacrifice for salvation. His way—the only way!

“Thomas saith unto him,

Lord, we know not whither thou goest;

and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.” John 14:5-6

There is only one-way to The Father, and that way IS JESUS! Yet Jesus didn’t come to only give us eternal life in the ‘by and by’, He came that we might know HIM, and The Father through His sacrifice. And in His salvation we receive abundant life, love and the peace of God within our hearts.

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access

by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope

of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience;

and experience, hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God is shed abroad

in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:1-6

What a mighty God we serve—the One who created us, He who loved us even when we sinned against Him, and also made provision for the Savior to save and redeem us back to the One we failed. He made the way—the only way– for sinners to be reconciled back to Himself—He paid the debt for our sin by giving HIS SON.

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

And not only save us but give us abundant life! Don’t settle for the imitation of the “thieves”! Look to Jesus!

“I am the door:

by me if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out,

and find pasture.

10 The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come that they might have life,

and that they might have it more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life

for the sheep.” John 10:8-11

This great shepherd sacrificed His life so that YOU and I might have life “more abundantly”. Yet that abundant life also has a price tag—a cost to consider. We must remember that following Jesus has a resultant consequence, and Jesus did not leave us in the dark about its certainty, yet it’s a message that isn’t talked about much today. Many are more concerned about what God can give than what we are called to give Him. How sad that so many in our day are focused on “popularity” more that “persecution”!!!

“If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him that sent me.”    John 15:18-21

When we identify with Jesus, we can expect to be treated as He was. As He told us above, when we choose to follow Him, the same kinds of people who persecuted Him then, will persecute us now. Those same kinds of people who hated Him then, will also hate us now. In fact people have challenged me on this issue, saying ‘when we treat others nicely, then they will respond in kind’, but most of those who were alive in Jesus’ day “loved” Him to death—death on the cross. And we can expect to be treated in the same way. When we are speaking life and truth (just as Jesus did), we will be accused of false and heinous things, just as our Lord was. We may suffer for HIS sake and the truth of His Word when we devote ourselves to living according to His Word and His Righteous ways.

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12

What choices are we making each day? Are we rightly considering the cost? There is so much false information abounding around us, and the acceptance and approval of mediocrity and worldliness seems to be the fare of the day. We must make it our diligent pursuit to know Christ and His Word, and to pursue the things that please God and produce growth in the knowledge of God and holiness in our living. A small price in return for what our Lord has done for us

“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” Philippians 3:8-10

Oh, to “know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings”! Oh, that we might recognize and understand that to suffer with Jesus, is better than to join the crowd of popular majority in ease and indulgent worldliness. We don’t hear a lot of teaching or preaching about the suffering for and with Jesus, but a lot on the indulgence of the flesh—the message of God’s blessings and prosperity to those willing to “manipulate” God and His Word! Do we want to know Jesus and His Word, or do we want ease, comfort and prosperity, when many are loosing their very lives for clinging to the name and hope of Jesus? Are we willing to die to self and live to Jesus, or are we clinging to self and the world?

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live

in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

And we must always consider, that whatever we choose, there is a consequence—a true principle of God– and HE is the record keeper, of all and for all.

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.” Galatians 6:7-9

We can stand fast in assurance of the Lord Jesus Christ whom we serve, knowing that it is Him to whom we will all give an account, for every word and deed (Ouch!!!)

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”   Matt. 12:36

“For the word of God is quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts

and intents of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest in his sight:

but all things are naked and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.”    Hebrews 4:12-13

And so, like Joshua, may we all choose to serve God and align ourselves with Him, His Word and His ways.

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord,

choose you this day whom ye will serve;

whether the gods

which your fathers served

that were on the other side of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the Lord.”    Joshua 24:15

The truth is, that all will give an account—and there is no exemption for sex, age, status, family or culture.

“Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.” Proverbs 20:11

All will give an account! What will your account reveal?

“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” Revelation 20:12

Oh, to hear Him say:

“His lord said unto him,

Well done,

thou good and faithful servant:

thou hast been faithful

over a few things,

I will make thee ruler

over many things:

enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”    Matthew 25:21