Man's Devisings, God's Decrees

Man's Devisings, God's Decrees 
A Message For Thanksgiving 2013
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A Sermon Manuscript by Robert L. Cobb

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"A man's heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps."
                                                                                                       Prov. 16:9 ./ 
As preachers prepare their annual Thanksgiving sermons for 2013, Christians in America are navigating dangerous waters as our culture and laws deteriorate further into ungodliness day by day.  What can we preach that will address the condition we now find ourselves and our nation in?  As a student of history and a lover of old classic sermons, I have mined the hearts of preachers through their Thanksgiving manuscripts all the way back to the American Revolution, and there are truths that are self-evident in each generation. Every lifetime comes with its own obstacles: wars, economic woes, natural disasters, etc. But the habit of thankfulness should permeate the life of each Christian in every age.

The day in which we live is unsettling for us as Americans.  We believe the United States was "set on a hill" by God Himself for His own divine purpose.  We have seen God bless America above every nation in history, even His beloved Israel.  We have been the richest, most productive, most powerful, most fertile land in the world for the last hundred years.  Though never a "Christian nation" by decree, our population has always reflected the Judeo-Christian ethic of the Bible.  Scripture has been honored and revered in America; our political leaders have extolled us using Biblical language; our preachers have expounded and preached Scripture from the pulpit; families have prayed around the kitchen table to the God of the Bible.  Our blessings have been overflowing so that it was easy to count them and appreciate them.

While evil people have always been a part of the American fabric, the nation's guiding principles have always shown through.  While all of us have faltered at times, our national consciousness has always been pointed toward the Lord God of the Bible.  But times are changing; our leadership is changing; our nation is changing; our people are changing. We have seen a steady erosion of godliness and decency in our culture for decades.  But now the chickens are coming home to roost.  No longer is the nation's majority a God-fearing and Christ-honoring people.  No longer do the majority of people attend church and pray regularly.  No longer is there an open door to preach and witness to our fellow citizens.  No longer do most people view Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving as Christian holidays.

What kind of Thanksgiving message is needed for this day?  Most definitely, God has not changed and He is still on the throne!  We should be thankful for the same things as our forefathers were thankful for.  But, in this message, I would like to highlight a Biblical truth that every Christian should praise from the housetops!  A principle that is especially noteworthy in our day!  It can be found in our text in Proverbs 16, verse 9: "A man's heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps."  Our national troubles are many, there is no doubt. Humanly speaking, we have fears of the future and challenges we never expected to endure in our lifetime.  Persecution, family breakdowns, sinful testings through social media and the internet, not to mention the recent moral failures of many of our elected officials and the scandals in government.  But I want us to see that we must thank God for His presence in human history!  God has not left His people to their own devices!  His holiness may force Him to give up on the United States of America, but He will never give up on His people, His Bride, the Church of Jesus Christ!

I believe through all our national troubles--God is there!  Through all our family troubles---God is there!  Through all our individual troubles---God is there!  He is working in the circumstances, through the circumstances, and in spite of the circumstances.  In every trial, in every battle, in every crisis, you can be sure that God is aware and active in the details.  He has promised that every event in our lives will work to our good, both the sovereignty and providence of God will see that He will get glory from it all!  We can look back to our nation's birth and we can see the direction of God's hand in the details.  We can see His hand in the Civil War and the two World Wars; our nation could never succeed without the hand of God at work.  Our hearts turned to Him in the crisis of 9/11, and many returned to a closer walk with their God during that time.  I am telling you today that God's purpose is still being fulfilled today in America.  

Christians are not out on a limb! Christians are not a lost cause!  The church is not out of business and God is NOT dead!  Twenty years from now, people will be able to look back at the headlines and happenings of this day...and see the Purpose of God at work.

As we consider this verse, let us do a quick word study to make sure we know what it is saying to us.  "A man's heart..."  The word "heart" refers to a man's feelings, will, and intellect. It is the center of one's being, the central part. The word "deviseth" is very illuminating.  It means to fabricate, to plot or to contrive.  The root has to do with the act of plaiting or weaving, or combining two things into one.  To devise is to think deeply and consider all options; it intimates a high degree of knowledge or wisdom.  Then we come to the phrase, "his way."  The Hebrew word here denotes a road, a course of life or a mode of action.  So thus far we see that humans plan the course of their lives according to their own wisdom and knowledge.  Likewise, political and cultural leaders make their plans and contrive their strategies to achieve their own purposes.  The unbeliever, also, devise his life's path according to his own designs.

Now we examine the second half of the verse: "...but the Lord directeth his steps."  "The Lord" is Jehovah, the self-existent one.  His name stands in direct contrast to the devisings of finite man's heart.   Then we come to the word "directeth."  This means to be erect, to set up, to establish, to fix in place.  It is a building term, used describe the erecting of a structure or house. It is also a term of creation, to make provision or to make preparation for a thing.  Man's devisings stand in complete contrast to God's direction.  Lastly, we have the word, "steps."  This is speaking of man's steps and not God's.  It speaks of his "pace."  So, the verse is saying, "Man can devise a path for himself, but God establishes his pace."

What a blessing to be thankful for!  Man is a free moral agent. He acts from choice, and not by constraint.  His heart devises his own way. This is his freedom, which every man possesses.  But likewise, it is also true that God governs the world and all that is in it!  Not only does God work His own purpose through human beings, but He does it without ever overruling or infringing on their freedom to choose.  How can this be?  We are not called to explain or understand it, we are to be thankful for it! 

"A man's heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps." Man devises; the Lord directs. Man proposes; 
God exposes. Man thinks, consults, plans, acts, and all freely; God controls, limits, orders, overrules, according to 
the good pleasure of His own holy will, and for the advancement of His own declarative glory. Or, in the language of 
Prov. 21:30, "There are many devices in a man's heart: nevertheless, the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand." Man's agency, and God's overruling sovereignty; man's heart devising his way, and the Lord directing his steps; or, in other words, Man's schemes, and God's issues. Man's projects, and God's results.

As an example, think with me of the first great project of human ambition in the pages of God's Word.  Genesis 11 tells us that the whole world was "of one speech."  Humankind devised a grand scheme: "Let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto Heaven, and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth."  Their aim was to centralize power, to consolidate a government that would control the world.  Their scheme would establish a universal authority that would control all aspects of life: religion, commerce, speech, economics, law.  It seemed such a good idea to the leaders of the day, and they spared no expense to accomplish their purpose. No doubt, those Babel-builders felt strong in the beginning of their enterprise; they were also united in their purpose; perhaps they were honest men who thought they were doing a great thing for the cause of humanity and good government.  They may have been confident of success---but there was one consideration which stamped their scheme with folly as well as wickedness, and made its defeat as certain as destiny itself. It was antagonistic to the plan and purpose of God. And how sudden and overwhelming was their defeat! And why? Because God's purpose was different than that of man!  Man proposed---but God disposed! 

Later in the Genesis record is the story of Joseph.  God had earmarked Joseph for leadership and service to Him.  A jealous set of brothers set out to thwart God's plan for their young brother.  They set out to kill him but decide instead to sell him into slavery. This was their device and their work, and an awfully wicked device and work it was. But what was God's design?  The latter chapters of Genesis weave the story of Joseph to a place of rule and leadership.  In fact, Joseph becomes ruler over his father and brothers in spite of the bothers' terrible sin against him. The brothers devised a path to achieve their desires, but God had a master plan for Joseph to, not only save his family, but to preserve a seed to Himself that would become the nation of Israel!  Joseph's brethren simply designed to gratify their wicked passions, to put Joseph out of the way---that was their devising. But what was God's decree? To raise up a people for his own glory, and train them in the school of affliction, and lead them through the sea and through the wilderness with signs and wonders never to be forgotten.  In time, this race would bring forth the Messiah, Who would bring salvation to the world!  The brothers were working evil, but God meant it for good.  The brothers were acting out of hate and malice, God was acting out of a heart of love for the whole world!

Lastly, look at the crucifixion of Christ. A Jewish mob, scribes, and chief priests, and elders of the people, filled with prejudice and rage, are determined to take the life and thereby crush the cause of the despised Nazarine. In Judas, one of His own disciples, they find an instrument suited to their purpose. For thirty pieces of silver he betrays Him into their hands. They hurry Him through a mock trial and pronounce Him worthy of death. They clamor for his crucifixion, and when the Roman Governor finally yields, they lead Him to a place called Gethsemane. And"there they crucified Him."   As He hangs on the cross, His enemies have seemingly accomplished their purpose.  Their hatred and malice has reached it's fruition.  He is dead and his disciples come to anoint His body. He is placed in the tomb and the door is sealed.  Evil humans have accomplished their aim, but God Almighty is working out a plan that they know nothing about!  Man has devised!  god has decreed!

In conclusion, let us bring the story to the present.  There are those who would re-define marriage away from the union of a man and a woman and corrupt God's perfect design.  There are those who work to ensure that unborn babies will continue to be killed before their little eyes see the light of day.  There are those who would flood our country with illegal immigrants, burdening our monetary system and setting them up as voters to ensure a perpetual voting block.  There is a man in the White House who has a goal of taking over the healthcare and health decisions of everyone in the country to centralize power and ensure his own legacy.  There are entertainers who make no secret of their disdain for our godly heritage and Christian history.  All these people are devising their plans.  It seems as if they are winning and traditional Christianity is losing.

And honestly, America may be lost.  But it could be that the plan of God is for His people to trust in Him instead of a president; trust in His government instead of Washington; trust in the declarations of Scripture instead of the Declaration of Independence.  Whatever God's plan is, you can be assured that He has one, and that He will conduct it as He sees fit.  The Church will not be forsaken nor abandoned!  We, as God's people, have a future in Him! This truth is certainly something to be thankful for in this season. 

The Requirements of Servanthood

Luke 19:1-9 

When Jesus left His home in heaven, He didn't come to earth to be a superstar. He came to serve. As His disciples, we've been left here on earth to follow His example and serve a lost and hurting world. The story of Zacchaeus shows us some Christlike qualities that we need to develop in order to serve as the Lord did.

Awareness: Although surrounded by a crowd, Jesus stopped and took notice of one particular man perched in a tree. Zacchaeus was hated and rejected because he was a tax collector. Although he was rich, there was something missing in his life, and Christ recognized his need. There are people all around us "hanging in trees"--needy, empty, and searching for hope. But too often, we're preoccupied with our activities and don't even notice them.

Availability: Jesus was heading to Jerusalem to carry out the most important act in human history: our redemption. Yet He stopped to have a meal with a spiritually needy man. What could be so important that it keeps you too busy to give others what they need most--your time?

Acceptance: Although Zacchaeus was a notorious sinner, Jesus didn't say, "Clean up your act, and then I'll come to your house." We're called, not to fix people but to share the transforming gospel of Christ.

How are you doing at serving those around you? Maybe it's time to slow down and open your spiritual eyes to see all the needy people. God places opportunities all around us, but if we're not attentive, we'll miss them. Sometimes you just have to look up to see who’s in the tree.

~Dr. Charles F. Stanley~

Coming to Oneself

Coming To Oneself 
The Essence of Revival
by Robert L. Cobb
11   And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12  And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13  And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14  And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15  And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16  And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17  And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18  I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19  And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20  And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21  And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22  But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23  And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24  For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. 

This text is one of the most well-known and most preached in the Bible.  A certain minister went to a prison to preach to the inmates.  The chaplain took him aside before the service began and asked him, "You are not planning to preach on the Prodigal Son, are you?"  The preacher replied that he indeed was.  "Please don't," said the chaplain. "The last five preachers who've spoken here have all preach- ed on the Prodigal Son and we're about 'prodigaled' out."
I would like for us to look at this familiar story in a little different light.  There are many applications... to the sinner, to the backslider, or focusing on the father or on the brother.  But let us examine this passage in the light of the six words that are found in verse seventeen, "And when he came to himself..."  In this phrase we find the essence of revival in capsule form.   Something happened to the prodigal...something mysterious and profound. 
If we could understand and reveal what really took place in the heart of the prodigal at that moment in time, we would be well on our way to understanding the concept of revival in the individual hearts of God's people.  Many of God's children are like the prodigal.  Some are in the "far country," while many others are headed in that direction.  There are certainly not many enjoying the fellowship that our Heavenly Father offers.
Our purpose in this message is to help the Christian draw closer to God in real heartfelt personal revival, to help us to "come to ourselves," before we ruin our testimony and the chastening hand of God touches our lives.  What caused the prodigal to "come to himself?"  I believe that this process is the work of a Sovereign God and not subject to the dissecting hand of man.  But I believe that we can see and understand how God works in the hearts of His children to bring them back to His fellowship.  The story of the prodigal allows us to get a glimpse of His power in the lives of His people.

I. He Came to a Place of Restriction.  v. 14  In verse 13, we have a synopsis of the young man's seeming success.  It doesn't take God very long to summarize his backsliding.  He wasted his resources with "riotous" living.  It is interesting that the greek word asotos is used only once in the Word of God and it is translated here as our English word "riotous."  His lifestyle must have been sinful indeed for the Holy Spirit to use a special word.  It means an excessive, or abandoned life.
Notice, however, that his excess came to an end.  He spent all, meaning he  consumed everything.  God allows His backsliding children to wear themselves out.  How many times have you seen a headstrong young person strike out on their own with a "better idea?"  Parents know that there is no use to reason or plead with them.  Some lessons must be learned the hard way, and the prodigals lesson begins in verse fourteen.
There arose a mighty famine.  Isn't that just like God?  He will not allow His Word to be maligned.  Just as sure as we sow corruption, we will reap the same.  So many people think that they will somehow be the exception, but God, slowly and surely, brings the backslider to a place of restriction.  God's timing is perfect.  The famine arose immediately after the young man's money ran out!  God knows how to bring circumstances to bear in our lives to remind us of His sovereignty and power.

II. He Came to a Place of Resignation  v. 15-16   We have all heard people at certain times say, "Well, I'll never......."  Many times the very thing we'll "never" do is what we end up doing.  The young man never expected to end up in such a condition.  Here was a nice Jewish boy from a good family.  Surely he would never lower himself to feed swine, that unclean animal that the scripture outlawed for Israel's consumption.
But he was forced to adapt.  He had to do something!  The phrase joined himself carries with it great meaning.  It means to cleave, to glue or fasten himself to the citizen.  This was not just a job for the prodigal,  but he compromised and lowered himself severely to this man!  His pride and prominence was now gone.  His power had dissipated.  Circumstances dictated a change of attitude.  He who had made such great demands upon his father now latched on to a foreigner just to stay alive and fed!  Do you see the hand of God in his life, tightening the rope from which the prodigal was dangling?

III. He Came to a Place of Realization  v. 17  In this verse, we find our text and also a change of attitude.  He came to himself.  That is, hearrived or became known.  Somehow this young man changed on the inside and the change showed itself on the outside.  He saw things from a different perspective.  He began to perceive things in a God-ordered way.  What a mysterious perception!  We have all seen backsliders who have been the object of prayers and much visiting one day just "come to themselves."  They begin to see things as God sees them.  Their decisions change as their perceptions change.
Here was a young man who finally saw himself as others saw him.  Not only had he separated himself from his father's love and care, but he had lowered himself below even his father's servants!  The home that seemed so restrictive and restraining now seemed as a haven from the hunger and impoverishment he now endured.  He now saw two things differently with the help of God.  (1) He saw his own condition in it's raw failure and sinfulness, and (2) He saw his home and father as protector and compassionate supplier. 
The bondage of home was actually real freedom. The freedom to roam turned out to be cruel bondage! Oh, how we need to understand that God's design for our lives is best and all we can to is ruin His work when we seek our own will.  God uses varied means and methods to make us "come to ourselves" and accept his will for our lives.

IV. He Came to a Place of Resolution  v. 18a   Realization only brought him halfway to his desired goal.  It's one thing to know what to do; it's quite another to actually do something about it.  He made three good resolutions.  First, he said I will arise.  This was a vertical resolution.  It involved an upward mobility.  Second, he said I will go.  This was a venturing resolution.    Also, he said I will say.  This is a verbalizing resolution. 
 In this verse we find an essential quality of coming to oneself.    This time of resolving is a mysterious process that only God understands. I have personally conversed with Christians who have been out of fellowship with God for long periods of time and come to this place of resolving.  None I have spoken with can effectively explain how they came to this place.  It just happened!  It is the grace and mercy of God which herds His people back to His bosom.

V.   He Came to a Place of Repentance  v.18b-21   Notice in this passage the thoughts he verbalizes for the first time. I have sinned...  These words are not magical in themselves.  The pharaoh of Egypt said this to Moses more than once as the prophet of God pleaded with him.  The difference between pharaoh and the prodigal is that God has revealed his sinned to his heart.  If repentance is real, it results in action.  Verse 20 says, And he arose... The great controversy about repentance in religious circles today is easily solved in scripture.  Repentance is a change of mind and heart that results in a change of action on the part of the repentant.
He finally saw himself as God saw him.  His sin was not just a "personal choice," but was an offense against his father and against God.  Today's psychologists are careful to protect their patient's self-esteem, but the Bible teaches that the way "up" is "down."  Our self-esteem is really sin-esteem.  The emotionally healthy Christian has Son-Esteem.  True repentance restores God's rightful place of pre-eminence in the heart of the believer.

VI. He Came to a Place of Restoration  v. 22-24   No backslider ever drew near God without God drawing near to them.  Here is the real beauty and wonder of coming to oneself.  The prodigal only wanted relief from his unfruitful and painful lifestyle.  But he received much more.  God always exceeds the hopes and expectations of His people. 
Notice what the father gave his son.  Bring forth the best robe...   The robe is a symbol of righteousness for the believer.  The prodigal certainly had not lived righteously; he had broken the heart of his father.  But being clothed with the best robe reveals God's forgiveness.  The prodigal only wanted to be a servant, but the father desired his son's restoration.  ...and put a ring on his hand...  Here we see that the son's authority had been restored.  The father was restoring his rights as a son.

...and shoes on his feet...   This symbolizes a changed walk.  The son had probably been barefoot, which was a reproach in biblical times.  There was no doubt that the son's life would now change.  Lastly, there is the call for the fatted calf and feasting.  This shows the joy of restored fellowship.  Now both father and son could enjoy each others company again, along with the entire household. 
Conclusion:  Now the circle is completed.  From fellowship to failure and back to fellowship again.  All Christians have times of slackness and indifference.  Some even go to extremes as did the prodigal.  Our Heavenly Father stands ready to accept us back into fellowship if we will only 'come to ourselves."  May God use this message to accomplish His work in some backsliders life.

Christ and I Are Friends

If we ask what was the beloved disciple's religion, we may put the answer into phrase—Christ and John were friends. It was a great, all-absorbing, overmastering friendship, which transformed John. This friendship began that day when the Baptist said to two young men, as Jesus passed near: "Behold the Lamb of God!" The two young men followed Jesus and were invited to his lodgings, spending the afternoon with him. What took place during those hours we do not know—but we do know that a friendship began between John—then scarcely more than a boy—and Jesus, which bonds have never slackened since. For three years this friendship grew in sweetness and tenderness, and during those years it was that the wonderful transformation took place in the disciple. We know a little about the power of a strong, rich, noble human friendship—in shaping, inspiring, uplifting lives. There are many lives that are being saved, refined, sweetened, enriched—by a human friendship. Here is one of the best of the younger Christian men of today—who has been lifted up from a life of ordinary ability and education—into refinement, power and large usefulness—by a gentle friendship. The girl he loved was rich-hearted, inspiring, showing in her own life the best ideals and attainments, and her love for him and his love for her lifted him up to love's nobility. She stayed with him only a few years and then went home to heaven—but he walks among men today with a strength, an energy and a force of character born of the holy friendship which meant so much to him. Silas Marner was a miser who hoarded his money. Someone took away his hoard, and his heart grew bitter over the wrong to him. Then a little child was left at his door. His poor starved heart, took in the little one, and love for her redeemed him from sordidness, bitterness, and anguish of spirit. God has saved many a life by sending to it a sweet human friendship. A Christian lady climbed the rickety stairs to the miserable room where a woman lay in rags on a pile of straw. She bent over the poor woman, all vile with sin, said a loving word and kissed her. That kiss saved her. Christ comes to sinners and saves them with love. That is the way he saved the prodigals of his time. He came to them and became their friend. It is to a personal friendship with himself, that Christ is always inviting men. He does not come merely to make reforms, to start beneficent movements, to give people better houses, and to make the conditions of life better. He does not try to save the world by giving it better laws, by founding schools, by securing wholesome literature. Christ saves men by becoming their friend. John surrendered his heart and life, to this friendship with Jesus. He opened every window and door to his new Master. The basis of John's friendship with Christ, was his trust. He never doubted. Thomas doubted and was slow to believe. This hindered the growth of his friendship with Jesus. We cannot enter into the joy and gladness of friendship, unless we believe heartily. Peter was one of Christ's closest friends—but he was always saying rash words and doing rash things which interrupted his fellowship with Christ. Such a spirit as Peter's, however loyal and courageous, cannot realize the sweet and gentle things of the holiest friendship. But John loved on in silence and trusted—his friendship was deep and strong. At the Last Supper he leaned on the Master's bosom. That is the place of confidence—the bosom is only for those who have a right to the closest intimacy. It is the place of love, near the heart. It is the place of safety—in the secret place of the Most-High. The bosom is the place of comfort too. It was the darkest night the world ever saw, that John lay on the bosom of Jesus. But he found comfort there. The bosom is the place of trust also. That is what leaning on Christ's breast means. Do not think that that place of innermost love, was for John only—and has never been filled since that night. It is like heaven's gate—it is never closed, and whoever will may come and lie down there. The bosom is also a place for those who sorrow—oh, that all who have known grief, knew that they may creep in where John lay—and nestle there! John's transformation is the model for all of us. No matter how many imperfections mar the beauty of our lives, we should not be discouraged. But we should never consent to let the faults remain. That is the way too many of us do. We condone our weakness and imperfections; we pity them and keep them. We should give ourselves no rest until they are all cured. But how can we get these evil things out of our lives? How did John get rid of his faults? By letting the love of Christ possess him! Lying upon Christ's bosom, Christ's sweet, pure, wholesome life— permeated John's life and made it sweet, pure and wholesome. It is the friendship of Christ—which alone can transform us. You are a Christian, not because you belong to a church, not because you have a good creed, not merely because you are living a fair moral life—you are a Christian because you and Christ are friends. What can a friend be to a friend? Let us think of the best that earth's richest-hearted friend can be to us and do for us. Then lift up this conception, multiplying it a thousand times. If it were possible to gather out of all history and from all the world—the best and holiest things of pure, true friendship, and combine them all in one great friendship, Christ's friendship would surpass the sum of them all. Even our human friendships, we prize as the dearest things on earth. They are more precious than rarest gems. We would lose everything else we have—rather than give them up. Life without friendships, would be empty and lonely. Yet the best earthly friendships, are but little fragments of the friendship of Christ. It is perfect. Its touch is always gentle and full of healing. Its help is always wise. Its tenderness is like the warmth of a heavenly summer. If we have the friendship of Christ, we cannot be utterly bereft, though all human friends be taken away. To be Christ's friend—is to be God's child, with all a child's privileges. This is one essential in being a Christian. We could not say that Paul is our friend, or John—but Jesus is living, and is with us evermore. He is our Friend—as really as he was Mary's or John's. Christ is our Friend. That means everything we need, will be supplied. No sorrow can be uncomforted. No evil can overmaster us. For time and eternity—we are safe. It will not be the streets of gold, and the gates of pearl, and the river and the trees—which will make heaven for us—it will be the companionship, the friendship of Christ! But we must not forget the other part of this friendship. We are to be Christ's friends too. It is not much we can give to him, or do for him. But he would have us loyal and true. Surely the consciousness that Christ is our friend and we are his—should check every evil thought, quell every bitter feeling, sweeten every emotion—and make all our life holy, true and heavenly! ~J. R. Miller~

The Promise of Persecution?

If you live a godly life, you will be persecuted. You can count on this. It is not a matter of if; it is a matter of when and how much. We love to claim the promises of God. We love to claim His promises of provision and protection. But how many of us have claimed this promise: "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12)? I haven't. Who likes to be persecuted? Yet Jesus said, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:10-11). In all the other beatitudes, the word "blessed" is used once, but in this particular beatitude, Jesus used the word "blessed" twice to emphasize the generous blessing given by God to the persecuted. Righteousness, by its very nature, is confrontational. The very fact that you believe in Jesus bothers some people, because Jesus said, "For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed" (John 3:20). People give a lot of excuses as to why they are not Christians, but I would say the real reason people do not come to Christ is they don't want their evil deeds exposed. They don't want to admit they are sinners. You are a representative of Christ. And the reality is that if you follow Jesus, then you will face persecution. Because "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." ~Greg Laurie~

Render Unto Caesar

Render Unto Caesar 
The Place of Politics in Modern Christianity
Matthew 22:15-22
by Robert L. Cobb
15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.

16  And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.

17  Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?

18  But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?

19  Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
20  And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
21  They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.
22  When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

Should believers be involved in politics?  This question is being discussed in Christian circles all over the country.  A new book by columnist Cal Thomas puts forth the premise that Christians have lowered themselves and the gospel of Christ by engaging in partisan politics.  Religious leaders such as James Dobson and Pat Robertson are on the defensive, trying to justify their past political involvement.  This controversy is ongoing, and will not end soon.  The upcoming presidential election will ensure it.

What does the bible say?  Or does it even speak on the matter at all?  Possibly the most pertinent scripture on the subject is the above quoted Matthew 22:15-22.  In it, we find biblical answers to these questions. 

The Counsel   v. 15

In verse 15 we see the two major political parties of Israel introduced.  The Pharisees were the religious leaders who used the political system to their advantage.  They were nationalists, believing that the Roman occupation of Israel was unacceptable.  The Herodians were their opposition.  They were the liberals of the time, compromising with the Roman government for their own political gain.

An amazing fact is that Jesus was such a threat to the political system of His day that both major political parties conspired together to stop Him.  The word translated entangle means "to snare as trapping a bird." The political experts decided to play political games with the Son of God.

The Christ   v. 16

Notice how the political experts handled Christ.  They used the old political trick of flattery.  But in their attempt to flatter Him, they actually pay Him great homage.  They call Him Master, a term denoting His authority as a teacher.  In saying thou art true , they mean that He is a lover of the truth. In teaching the way of God in truth, they judge that He is an objective teacher, one who does not play favorites.  They also praise His objectiveness with people, not preferring one over the other.  The disciples of the Pharisees and the Herodians think that they have Christ in a political quandary, so they lavish Him with compliments, trying to build up to the defining moment when they present the poisonous question.

The Challenge   v. 17

It is almost humorous to examine the question presented to Christ in light of present day politics.  In verse 17, we have the political experts' opinion poll.  "Tell us therefore, what thinkest thou?"    As in the opinion polls, you get the choice of two answers.  Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?   This was their "poison pill" question.  Politically, there was no way to answer.  If He rejected the paying of taxes to the Roman government, He would be considered a seditionist and a rebel.  He could be arrested.  If He advocated payment, He risked alienating His largest group of supporters, the common people who hated being under the rule of Rome.

It was just the type of political quicksand in which politicians love to get their opponents mired.   The questioners thought they "had" Jesus, but they had sadly underestimated Him.  He was "up to" the challenge.

The Corruption   v. 18

Verse 18 says that Jesus "perceived their wickedness."  Wickedness here refers to "evil purposes."    These challengers of Christ were political power-players.  They knew the game and how to play it.  Their purpose was not to be taught or edified by Christ, but to destroy Him if they could.  They resented the hold He had on the people.  They were losing their grip on their power.  Jesus' question to them let them know that He could see through their sham.  "Why tempt ye me..." Why do you use craft and cunning to test me, He is saying.  Then He labels them "hypocrites." Pretenders!  Stage actors!  Jesus certainly did not use political correctness in dealing with the politicians, He exposed them!

The Coin    v. 19-20

Jesus asked them for the coin.  In doing this, He placed the entire political process on display.  The coin represented the government of Rome; it was backed by the Roman empire.  It was the currency of their culture.  He then asks them whose image is embedded on the coin.  In doing this, He placed the political leaders on display.  Caesar represented the supreme political power of the day.

Notice too that Jesus made His challengers produce the coin.  This placed Him above and beyond the controversy.  The coin did not come from the pockets of Christ, but from the questioners themselves.  Let us always remember that our faith is never subject to the political whims of the day.  Our salvation is always "above and beyond" the political process.

The Charge   v. 21

Now we come to the great teaching that has amazed the teachers and scholars to this day.  To "render" means  "to pay or to deliver." We are to deliver allegiance and obedience to our government.  We are obligated to fulfill our duties to the state, such as paying taxes, voting, serving on juries, etc.  I believe that we are "rendering unto Caesar" when we honor the flag and show patriotism.

But that is not the entire teaching.  The word "and" which connects the two parts of the sentence is "a primary article, giving force to the words preceding and proceeding it."  Christ is saying that there is benefit in respecting and honoring your government, but not at the expense of "rendering unto God."  The two causes are separate causes, and there is no question which is to be the most important to the Christian.

We are to "render unto God the things that are God's."  Our supreme duty and passion is to give glory and honor to the God of our salvation.  There can be no compromise, no debate, and no discussion.  By His statement, Christ forever separates faith and politics, and at the same time, links the two together.  The state can never overtake the principles of our faith, but our faith must always be our guide in our political and governmental dealings.  If there is a division, God must take preeminence.  When the disciples in the book of Acts were commanded by the magistrates not to preach anymore in Jesus' name, they said, "We ought to obey God rather than man."

The Conquest   v. 22

When the questioners heard the words of Christ, they marveled.  That is, they wondered in admiration.  They had been defeated in their designs.  They were silenced and confounded and they went their way.  Christ had upheld the principles of Christianity when confronted by the political apparatus of the day.  Christianity is not for sale or compromise in the political arena.  Believers are not to negotiate away our standards and principles. 

Conclusion: So where does this study leave us?  Should a Christian enter the political arena?  The answers are complicated.  First, Christians are divinely responsible for being "salt" and "light" in their culture.  Our beliefs are a part of our very beings.  We cannot "check in our religion at the door" as we enter the political process.  We must be allowed to stand for the principles that make us who we are.  Those who would exclude Christians from the political process on the basis of separation of church and state do so with no authority from our constitution or the words of Christ.

Conversely, Christians should never expect to further the cause of Christ through the political process.  We do not have a divine mandate to use politics in the work of God.  Politics is a dirty business, a compromising endeavor.  I believe that today's Christian depends too much on our governmental leaders to uphold our Christian heritage.  The Christian heritage we reverence is not a product of our government.  It rests in God's people and our individual testimonies.  God is our refuge and our help, not a flawed government with flawed leaders.

Christians can use the political process, but we should never allow politics and politicians to use us.

As It Is In Heaven

"May Your will be done on earth—as it is in heaven." Matthew 6:10

"As it is in heaven" is the standard which the Lord's Prayer sets for us—in doing God's will on earth. It is a high ideal, and yet it cannot be no lower. The petition is a prayer that heaven may begin in our hearts here on the earth.

When a child was looking thoughtfully up into the depths of an evening sky, and wondering how one could get to heaven, as it seemed so far away and he could see no ladder, he was told by his wise mother, "Heaven must first come down into your heart." We must not forget this. We can never enter heaven—until heaven has entered into us. We must have the life of God in us—before we are ready to dwell in blessedness with God.

We forget that heaven is not far off yonder—but begins right here in our everyday lives, if it is ever to begin at all for us! Isn't that what the prayer means, "May Your will be done on earth—as it is in heaven"? "On earth," that is—in our shops, and our drudgery, and care; in our times of temptation and sorrow. It is not a prayer to be taken away out of this world into 'heaven', to begin there the doing of God's will; it is a prayer that right here and now on earth—we may learn to live—as they do in heaven.

How do they live in heaven? There all wills are in perfect accord with the divine will. We begin our Christian lives on earth, with hearts and wills much attune to our old nature. Naturally we want our own way—not God's. The beginning of the new life—is the acceptance of Christ as our King. But not at once, does the kingdom in us become fully His. It has to be subdued. Christian growth is simply—the bringing of our wills into perfect accord with God's. It is learning to do always the things that please God.

"Our wills are ours." But this is only half the truth. They are ours to give to God, to yield to His will. This is the whole work of Christian growth, of spiritual culture. We begin making our wills God's—when we first begin to follow Christ. But it takes all life to make the surrender complete. But taught of God, and helped by the divine Spirit—we come every day a little nearer doing God's will on earth—as it is done in heaven—if we are faithful.

"May Your will be done on earth." That means obedience, not partial—but full and complete obedience. It is taking the Word of God into our heart, and conforming our whole lives to it. It is accepting God's way always—sweetly and submissively—with love and faith.

The divine law is summed up in one word—LOVE. "You shall love." God is love. "As it is in heaven" means love shining out in a pure, beautiful, holy life. "May Your will be done on earth" means, therefore, love. All the lessons may be gathered into one—learning to love. Loving God is first. Then loving God begets in us—love to all men.

Do we understand what love is? Don't we usually think only of its earthly side? We like to be loved, that is, to have other people love us and live for us, and do things for us. We like the gratifications of love. But that is only miserable selfishness, if it goes no further. It is a desecration of the sacred name of love—to think that, at its heart, it means only getting, receiving. No, love GIVES. Getting is earthly; "as it is in heaven" is giving. That is what God's love does—it finds its blessedness in giving. "God so loved the world—that He GAVE His only begotten Son" (John 3:16). That is what Christ's love does—it pours out its very life-blood, to the last drop. The essential meaning of love must always be giving, not receiving.

Perhaps our thought of the blessings of heaven, is often a selfish one—that it will be all enjoyment, all receiving. But even heaven will not be an eternity of self-gratification, or only the bliss of receiving. Even there, especially there, where all imperfections will be left behind—love must find its supreme blessedness in giving, in serving others, in pouring out into other lives. There it will forever be more blessed to give than to receive, to serve rather than to be served.

"On earth as it is in heaven" means therefore not merely the gratification of being loved—but the blessedness of loving others and giving out the richest and best of one's life for others. Sometimes we hear people sighing to have friends, to be loved. This is natural. We all hunger for love. But this craving may become unwholesome, even miserably morbid. A great deal more wholesome, is the desire to give love, to be a blessing to others, to pour out the heart in refreshing other weary hearts.

It is God's will that we should love; it may not always be God's will that we should be loved. It seems to be the mission of some in this world—to give and not receive. They are to shine in the darkness, burning up their own lives as the lamp burns oil—to be light to other souls. They are called to serve, to minister, to wear out their lives in giving light, comfort, and help to others—while none come to minister to them, to pour love's sweetness into their hearts, and to give them the daily bread of affection, cheer, and help.

In many homes we find such lives—a patient wife and mother; or a gentle, unselfish sister—-blessing, caring for, serving, giving perpetually love's richest gifts; themselves meanwhile unloved, unserved, unrecognized, and unhelped. We are apt to pity such people—but couldn't it be, that they are nearer the heavenly ideal of doing God's will—than are some of those who sit in the sunshine of love, receiving, ministered unto—but not giving or serving?

Was it not so with our Lord Himself? He loved and gave and blessed many, at last giving His very life—but few came to give Him blessing and the encouragement of love in His own soul. It is more divine to love—than to be loved. At least, God's will for us is that we should love, pouring out our hearts' richest treasures upon others—not asking meanwhile for any return. Loving is its own best return and reward.

Thus "as it is in heaven" always shines before us, as the ideal of our earthly lives. It is not a vague, shadowy ideal, for it is simply the complete doing of God's will. Perfect obedience is heaven. Sometimes it is serving others; sometimes it is quiet, patient suffering, or passive waiting. The one great lesson to be learned—is perfect accord with the will of God for us every moment, whatever that will may be.

"As it is in heaven" may seem far above us today. We say that the song is too melodious, for our unmusical voices to sing. We say that the life is too ideal for us, with our little faith.

But if only we are true to our Father's will; if only we keep our hearts always open to the love of Christ; and to the help and sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit—we shall rise day by day toward heaven's perfection, until at last we shall enter the gates of peace and be with Christ and be like Him! For the present, our effort and our prayer should continually be: "May Your will be done on earth—in us—as it is done in heaven."

~J. R. Miller~