Perspectives

Have you ever wondered how many people we have caused to miss heaven? Right when the kingdom was there for the taking, we suddenly do something completely contrary to the will of God or the leaning of the holy spirit. Those moments when God places something on our heart, but we choose to do the opposite, because it gives us personal satisfaction, but leaves the intended recipient at a loss. We must be aware that the harvest is not always at our convenience, in fact it occurs often, when we have conflicting plans. Collateral damage occurs when we as Christians turn a positive opportunity into a life hindering memory, while oblivious, the recipient of that hurt bears it for a lifetime. Will it cause us to lose our salvation, most likely “no,” but what will Jesus inquire of us, when he asks “why”? Why did you hurt the most vulnerable of his sheep, those that are broken and suffering heartache, when at the moment of their calling, we do something so contrary and detrimental that the hope and the courage they gained immediately and suddenly vanishes?

Truly, the whole of humanity has suffered collateral damage from the beginning, it is not a new phenomenon, the Bible is full of such, to serve as a reminder to us; Adam's sin when he ate of the fruit, and when asked rather than accept responsibility he blamed both God and Eve (Genesis 3:12); And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. Abel’s murder at the hand of Cain his brother (Genesis 4:10); And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.Abraham having to put away his first son Ismael (Genesis 21:11); 11 The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son. 12 But God said to him, “Do not be so distressed about the boy and your slave woman. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. Lot's wife fleeing the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:26); But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. Saul's haste, and unwillingness to wait on God (1 Samuel 15:11); 11 “Saul has stopped obeying me, and I’m sorry that I made him king.” The disciples forbidding children to come to Jesus (Mark 10:14); But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

James 4:1-3

4 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

Sometimes our desire to be right (self-rightness) can stand in the way of God's Righteousness. We can sustain arguments to no avail for the sake of being right, but fail to allow room for God, in all his splendor, to make things right, for his glory's sake. Our ability to suffer wrong or indignation, for the sake of peace, often springs forth a far greater good, which may not always be beneficial for us, but others.

We all have an idea of what right looks like, but are we right? Literally and figuratively, I suppose. However, Marriam Webster does not have the final say, God does. So let us begin to remove ourselves from the equation, and patiently allow God to have his perfect work. A perfected will, in you and me, which saves us to the utmost. That is righteousness.

Jesus was asked a multitude of questions when he stood before Pontus Pilate. He could have responded with great exception but did not for the greater good. His purpose was not for prolonged philosophical or theological debate, but rather suffering for our sake, without such there would be no redemption, no hope of salvation. David, knowing full well he was anointed king, raised not his hand towards Saul who grew envious and sought to kill him day after day. Even Moses despised and cursed among the press of a multitude, his authority, for 40-years, constantly in question, humbly made his plea before the Lord, that again reflects Righteousness.

We ought to be people after God's heart, as the lyrics to the song suggest, as referenced in Psalm 42:10.

As the deer panteth for the water

So, my soul longeth after Thee

You alone are my heart's desire

And I long to worship Thee.

You alone are my strength, my shield

To You alone may my spirit yield

You alone are my heart's desire

And I long to worship Thee.

How then do we know if our Righteousness is right and pleasing before God? How do we know if our offering is sufficient? Shall it reach the heavenly throne, or shall it return unto us empty as the heavens becomes as brass? There is no secret revelation reserved for private interpretation, God is always reaching out to us, striving to put us in a place where we can hear his voice. John 10:27-28 asserts, 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

While we may not openly admit, many of us have prayed, asking the Lord to save us, not from others, but from ourselves. Unsure of what awaits us or what to do, knowing that we are powerless to save ourselves. No matter how many promises, no matter the desperation of our resolve, we find ourselves helpless of escaping the very thing(s) that await us. How great our Savior must be. We often discover that no matter how insurmountable the hinderance, the weight, the obstacle may be, it has less to do with life’s outward influences, but the uneasiness, the ongoing press upon us, as we wrestle within our heart, constantly hidden behind the pleasurable faces we adorn each day. As my sister would tease, “you’re in a jam now.”

I read a quote that suggests the difference, while similar in context, between a trial and temptation; temptation is do this pleasant thing and do not let yourself be hindered by the fact that it is wrong where a trial says do this good and noble thing and do not let yourself be hindered by the fact that it is painful.

As a young Christian, I believed, I was both untouchable and invincible, because that is how I understood of what was preached and the power of God to deliver. I believed that whatever I faced, I could just as easily back away from, praying “Lord just this once …” “Just one more time.” It was not that the word had now become void, or the power thereof had departed, but my still limited understanding of how the power of God’s word works in and through his people. I was not fully prepared to fight against what awaited me. How often have I prayed, “Lord it’s me,” but for the same thing? The power of deliverance and salvation does not rest in mine own might, nor the abilities of my own hands.

Why do we waste time with idle disputes, which bear very few meaningful results, which are much more successful in tearing down, than building up? Meaningless arguments that are better at sowing seeds of division rather than encouraging, with immense joy, our fellow yoke men in Christ, but we often find ourselves as the scribes, pharisees, Sadducees, and the religious elite in the days of Jesus. He was among them and yet they did not recognize him, thousands gathered, the crowds followed, the lame walked, the blind received their sight, and the poor had the gospel preached to them. God's word reveals that it is the love we have for one another that is the singular characteristic, that without question identifies us, labels us, marks us as to who we are in Christ Jesus.

Written throughout scripture from Genesis to Revelation, and un-written through the persistent tugging and urging of the spirit, even now God invites us to “come and see.” To witness the marvel of his creation, to proclaim his glory, to abide with him, to gird the shadow of his wings upon us as a cloak of protection from all hurt, harm and danger. Each day as precious seconds tick by, we receive an invitation without expiration. One that bids us over and again to come and bear witness. An opportunity to enter a place where we can know and learn intimately of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Scripture abounds with such invitations.

Matthew 11:28-30

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

One hundred and seven years ago, on December 25th, 1914, the battlefields of Europe fell eerily silent as the sound of deafening explosions and the slaughter of mutilated bodies unexpectedly ceased, as the echo of familiar Christmas carols filled the air and were heard for miles around as the chorus of men began to sing aloud the glad tidings of he day. As difficult as it may be to conceive the once sworn enemies found fellowship, kinship and camaraderie under the most austere conditions. Each side offered to meet halfway on the once contended piece of land, absent the ability to present traditional gifts, they offered food, cigarettes, and other items in heartfelt recognition. This would be the last time in which such a show of benevolence would occur on the battlefield.

For a brief moment time yielded its place to God. It was as if to say through the midst of toil and torment, for your aught and rival bitterness, I am here. I cannot presume to know the number of lives spared that day, but I am confident of two important facts: 1. It presented many with the gift of life, another day to behold the wonders and mysteries of God; and 2. The full measure of God’s power on display as the might of his hand stayed a single round from being fired that day. It was undeniably a Christmas like no other.

What does my faith really mean? Not the faith referenced in Hebrews Chapter 11, where it asserts; “now faith is …”, but faith as it pertains to my relationship with God. When we speak of faith is it about a belief, our belief, or something completely different? Being on full display; what does our faith look like? Depending on where we live or where we are from it may mean something completely different. We must question periodically what our faith looks like to others. While Christian would be an appropriately used term, faith demonstrates a deeper level of understanding and commitment. It requires equitable action between what we say and what we do.

John 13:34-35

34A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Thanksgiving (or a variation thereof) is celebrated in nine other countries, and while the tradition is presumed to be a unique to the United States, it takes place in others signifying the arrival of autumn harvest and observances of gratitude. Thanksgiving (giving thanks) should be more than a singular occurrence each year. Likewise, if it only equates to afternoons of football and festive feasts, I am afraid we have missed the mark. That mark being the show of our genuine gratefulness.

Gratitude in all things is God’s desire, based on his unfailing love towards us, not conditional circumstances that can change suddenly without notice.

Goliaths of history and their inconceivable accomplishments come and go, as disputes surface about who is truly the greatest. The word great, as defined by Mariam Webster, is a noun meaning: an outstandingly superior or skillful person. The illustration can be applied to a great number of people, both past and present, but the applicability thereof may not be entirely accurate. Likewise, the fundamental elements of that selfsame truth, rests upon the vantage point of those telling the story. There is an expression that is now common place as the exploits of one are measured against another of similar or equitable stature, which is the Greatest of all Time.

What defines someone’s greatness in the pantheon of history. From empires and timeless figures, to explorers and modern-day athletes. One may simply question the quantifiable criteria? Is it based on feats of strength or one’s intellect, such as Philippides, who during the battle of Marathon ran to Athens to tell of its outcome; or the sprawling conquests of lands and peoples by Alexander the Great and the Roman empire; does it address the artistic talents of Michelangelo and Rembrandt; or the scientific discoveries of Sir Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein; or is it simply a matter of amassing wins on the field of athletic competition? While each are worth mentioning, I am, in no wise, attempting to discredit what others have achieved or accomplished, nor minimize the significance of their impact on the world at large. But, if we were to honestly place them in perspective (no pun intended), how would or do they, how does anyone, compare to Jesus, who fulfilled a singular purpose, something that no other could achieve, either before or since, he gave his life for the entirety of humanity, because his love for us was that great.

I can, without hesitation, declare that God has protected me from some things, and saved and delivered me from an equitable number of others. While they may appear to be similar, protecting, saving, and delivering all have different meanings, as interpreted by scripture. Protecting means never having to experience something; Saving means we have sampled, and God reaches in to pull us out; Delivering means we are in the enemy’s camp, and having dwelled there for some time, whereby God must use the fullness of his redeeming power to bring us forth. For example, as a young man, not quite 21 years old, on my way to visit my aunt and uncle, as I was driving through a particular neighborhood, I saw a young lady that appeared to be in a hurry, as if she missed the bus and was trying to get somewhere. I stopped, being several blocks from my destination and offered her a ride. I was young, well intended, and only doing what I learned was right to do. As we rode along, I asked, “where are you going?” she responded, “just up the street.” As we drove a bit further, I inquired a second time, her reply to me was, “where are you going?” I explained that I just got back in town and was going to visit my aunt and uncle (too much information). Having not caught on, the lady smiled and proceeded to asked, “do you want a date?” I was completely unaware of what she was asking me, until she asked a second time. It was then I finally realized what she was asking, and immediately said quite nervously, “oh no.” She responded, “you can let me out here.” That happened more than forty years ago, but I remember it as if it were today. That is what you call, God’s protection, because while well intended, I was naïve and completely unaware of the gravity of the circumstance posed. How is a young man or woman supposed to conquer and overcome, unless they hear our stories of triumph and battles won.