Wisdom-Trek ©

Putnam Church Message – 04/23/2023

Last, we began an extended series through the book of Hebrews in the New Testament. The theme of the superiority of Christ in His person and work resounds from every chapter of the book of Hebrews.

Today, our focus is a warning about drifting from our spiritual foundation. Let’s read Hebrews 2:1-4.

It’s hard to imagine many contexts in which drifting is a good thing. Possibly, a lazy floating river ride in a kayak or canoe may be enjoyable until you have to disembark. On the other hand, if a car begins to drift from its lane, it’s only a matter of time before an accident. When a boat drifts off course, at best, it will miss its destination; at worst, it could crash and sink! If an airplane drifts from its flight path, disastrous consequences could occur. Of course, a little drifting, caught early, can be corrected with little more than inconvenient consequences. But if a driver, sailor, or pilot doesn’t pay attention and neglects their responsibilities, the drift could result in injury or death.

Similarly, neglect in spiritual matters can result in spiritual drifting. When we begin to ignore the guardrails of God’s Word, we can swerve from the truth and become trapped in a spiritual or moral ditch. Suppose we fail to navigate our vessel according to the safe principles of God’s revealed truth. In that case, the currents of cultural conformity will inevitably drive us into the jagged rocks of doubt, ultimately shipwrecking our faith. If we turn our focus away from our heavenly destination, the winds of false doctrine and worldly conviction can blow us into enemy airspace, leaving us open to spiritual attack.

You know I am certainly not a doom and gloom type of person, and there are many great awakenings within the worldwide church today, but the state of some churches and Christians appears to be drifting. Spiritual laziness has set in by neglecting the great salvation given to us as a gift through Jesus Christ. Just think about the downward trends in our churches:

Doctrinal deviation

Moral compromise

Leadership failures

Cultural conformity

Political expediency

Worldly priorities

Evangelistic complacency

Sadly, the list could go on. These are the dangers of spiritual drifting. That’s why it’s so vital for believers to pay heed to the crucial tenets of the Christian life. There’s just too much at stake! Drifting from the message and morality of the gospel was as much a problem in the first century as it is in the twenty-first century. The challenges may have been different, but the trajectory is the same: off the straight path of doctrinal and moral purity and into the dangerous wilderness of spiritual decline.

The people to whom the book of Hebrews was written were converted Jews suffering the severe blows of persecution from both unbelieving Jews and Gentiles. Life was grim for many of them. Their circumstances, therefore, led some of them to question Christianity and lend an ear to the siren song of the synagogue. Going back under the umbrella of the old system of Judaism would have sheltered them from the storm of Roman persecution. Therefore, a significant focus of the author of Hebrews was to convince his readers that Jesus Christ deserves their continued allegiance, because He is superior in His person and work. To call them to recommitment, the writer periodically extends stern warnings, describing the severe consequences of abandoning their Lord and forsaking His church. Hebrews 2:1–4 is the first of several “warning passages” of Hebrews. Its message has as much significance for us today as it did in the days of the first readers, because every generation faces the tendency to drift amid trials and temptations.

Let’s step back for a moment to glance over our shoulder at the trailhead of our trek into the book of Hebrews we explored last week. In Hebrews 1, we learned that God has spoken His final “Word” through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus embodies God’s ultimate message to humanity, epitomized in His person and work, His words and deeds, His past ministry on earth as Prophet, His present ministry in heaven as Priest, and His future ministry over heaven and earth as King. As such, Christ is superior to the most outstanding representatives of God in the physical and spiritual realms—prophets and angels (1:1–14).

But this doesn’t mean prophets and angels were failures, or their work was unimportant. On the contrary, angels are “ministering spirits,” sent to assist the saints who embrace Jesus Christ as Savior (1:14). And the prophets who spoke long ago continue to speak to us today through the Holy Scriptures, (Bible) still pointing us to the glorious person and saving work of Jesus Christ. The warning not to drift (2:1–4) grows from the rich doctrinal soil of Hebrews 1. God’s angelic and human messengers minister to us who have inherited salvation (see Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:11).

Now, having inherited this salvation—freely, as a gift—believers must ensure they don’t begin to despise something they did nothing to earn. It seems to be human nature to place more value on an object we labored long to earn or on a goal we worked hard to achieve. Ecclesiastes laments the vanity of a man working hard all his life, only to leave the fruit of his labor to a son who may very well be an ungrateful fool (Eccl. 2:18–19). The parable of the prodigal son dramatically illustrates the folly of a son who inherits wealth he did nothing to earn (Luke 15:11–32). Because it is so easy to develop a careless attitude toward an inheritance, the writer of Hebrews pauses to include a strong warning for his readers.

Hebrews 2 begins building on the message of the superiority of Christ’s person in Hebrews 1. Our salvation is a gift from God. Earned not by us, but by the divine Son of God who accomplished the purification of sins by His death in our stead (1:3). We are inheritors of this salvation—not wage earners (1:14). “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard,” Hebrews 2:1. The writer points out that our problem isn’t a lack of knowledge of the truth, /but a tendency to let our attention be drawn away from it. In a world of constant distractions, especially in external pressure and internal struggles, it is easy to become careless and begin to “drift away” (2:1).

Now, most of us today are not experiencing the same magnitude of blatant persecution the original audience of Hebrews was dealing with. But we still have potent distractions that can woo us away from our allegiance to Jesus Christ.

Sometimes, simply becoming ho-hum about the gospel message can weaken our resolve. When the profound truth of the person and work of Christ becomes another been-there-done-that fad, we’re more likely to start looking outside the faith for something to stimulate our attention and ignite our emotions. Then, when genuine, external challenges to our faith hit, we will have drifted too far from the center of safety to withstand the pressure.

One final word on Hebrews 2:1: Notice that it’s not some new body of information we need to hear. At this point in his argument, the author isn’t urging his audience to more excellent knowledge to cultivate maturity—that will come later. Instead, here, at the beginning, he warns them not to drift from “what we have heard” (2:1).

Drawing again on the point outlined in Hebrews 1, the author employs a common Jewish form of argument known as qal wahomer, which means “light to heavy.” That is, if a principle applies in a “light” (or less important) matter, it must apply even more so in a “heavy” (or more important) matter. This logical argument had a firm place in the rabbis’ methods of biblical interpretation and would have been a powerful argument in the ears of the Jewish readers of Hebrews. The argument is simply this: The message of the Law mediated by angels was unchangeable. Its strict mandates were therefore binding, and serious consequences were in store for those who broke the commandments—demonstrated again and again through the revelation of God via the prophets (1:1). Now, One has come who is greater than the angels and prophets: Jesus Christ. How much stricter would we expect the judgment to be for someone who neglects the superior message of salvation proclaimed by Him and accomplished by His superior person and work?

The audience of Hebrews would have known quite well that, in the Scriptures, obedience to the Law of Moses brought temporal blessings (Deut. 28:1–14), while prolonged disobedience would bring increasingly severe temporal judgments (Deut. 28:15–68). It’s vital to remember that the Law of Moses never offered eternal life or heavenly reward for obedience nor warned of eternal damnation in hell for disobedience. Instead, it was a temporal covenant for the historical nation of Israel, setting forth the conditions for experiencing blessing in the land as God’s unique nation and people. Whereas temporal blessings were on the line for disobedience to the Law, eternal blessings are on the line for rejection of Jesus Christ.

The eternal, spiritual consequences for rejecting or neglecting the Christian faith are severe, whether a person is a believer. For unbelievers who reject Christ entirely, the cost is eternal life (John 3:36; 1 Jn. 5:10–12). For believers who embrace Christ but drift away from their allegiance to Him through neglect or rebellion, the cost is the heavenly rewards (1 Cor. 3:13–15; 2 Cor. 5:10). What our status, position, and responsibilities in the New Global Eden may be impacted on our allegiance to Christ now. The author of Hebrews primarily has the second category in mind—people who professed faith in Christ but risk neglecting their salvation.

The salvation we have received is “so great” because the mediator of this salvation is the God-man, Jesus Christ, who is superior to all things in His person and work. But the message of salvation, the gospel, is also superior because of the incomparable way it came to the original generation of believers in the first century. It came by the combined working of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Heb. 2:3–4).

In 2:3b, we are given insight into the unique, unrepeatable historical vantage point that the first generation of hearers had relative to Christ and His handpicked apostles. The readers of Hebrews probably had not been eyewitnesses of Jesus’ earthly life and ministry. Still, they had heard the teachings of some of the original apostles (2:3b). The message of salvation “was first announced by the Lord” Jesus Christ. It was confirmed to us by those who heard him, that is, Jesus firsthand—the original eleven disciples as well as hundreds of others in the larger circle of Jesus’ followers (2:4). God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Thus, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit triply sealed the message. It bore irrefutable marks of superior authenticity.

Much of the argument of Hebrews 2:3b–4 rests on the personal experiences of the original readers. The message of the gospel had been confirmed to them by “those who heard” – Jesus himself, and by those whose preaching had been “confirmed” by “signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit” (2:4). Does this mean we should be looking for God’s special messengers today to prove the truthfulness of their preaching through similar supernatural stamps of approval?

We don’t want ever to deny that God can do miraculous things. He performed miracles in the Old Testament before the coming of Christ and has done amazing things throughout the church's history. God is God. He does what He wants. However, we also need to submit our understanding of signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will (2:4). Which was for teaching God’s Word (2 Tim. 3:16–17). We must interpret personal experiences, testimonies, rumors, and reports of apparent miracles through the standards of Scripture. Although God can do as He pleases and can (and does) defy our expectations, He doesn’t do things contrary to His unchangeable Word.

When we dive into the teaching of the New Testament and the early church regarding signs, wonders, and miracles, we discover that these confirmatory gifts of the Holy Spirit were centered on certain people known uniquely as apostles. But, we also learn that this foundational ministry was just that—foundational. Once the foundation for the Christian faith had been laid in the first century, subsequent generations of evangelists, pastors, and teachers were to build on the foundation, not continue to lay the foundation (1 Cor. 3:10–11), "Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.” During the time of the apostles, churches were planted from Spain to India and Africa to Syria. By the end of the first century, the New Testament had been completed, forming the unchanging doctrinal foundation for the church from that time forward.

Even though miracles may seem commonplace in the Bible, we realize they are rare if we look closer. God seemed to cluster miracles around bursts of new revelation or during epochal transitions in how He interacted with His people. We can discern three relatively short, extremely remarkable eras during which miracles were particularly concentrated and astonishing.

The Exodus from Egypt, Wilderness Wanderings, and Conquest of Israel

After four hundred years of silence, God astonished the Egyptians and the Hebrews with a series of miraculous events as He freed His covenant people from slavery in Egypt, guided them through the wilderness, and then settled them in the Promised Land.

The Prophetic Ministries of Elijah and Elisha

In the days of the kings, after many decades of repeated warnings, God sent these two prophets to turn Israel from idolatry. He then used miracles to validate their message as divine. When Israel rejected the prophets, judgment followed.

The Foundational Ministries of Jesus Christ and the Apostles

After four hundred years of silence, God sent His Son with the ability to accomplish miraculous feats that surpassed the miracles of the Old Testament. He then produced miracles through the apostles to validate the message of Jesus Christ as God’s Son.

Indeed, miraculous works of God are rare, having occurred infrequently throughout history. Most of the time, the purposes of the miracles are to draw attention to His work in the world, to authenticate the activity or message of His special prophets or apostles, or to provide a clear warning of coming judgment.

According to the New Testament (1 Cor. 12:28), “God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers,” then the other gifts, suggesting that these first three were foundational church offices. Also, Paul noted that the marks of an authentic apostle included having “seen Jesus our Lord” (1 Cor. 9:1). So, one clear qualification of an apostle was that they had been eyewitnesses of Christ during His earthly ministry. “This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him” (2:3b).

In keeping with the early church’s teaching that the confirming sign gifts were centered on the original apostles’ preaching, the author of Hebrews notes that its divine origin was confirmed after Christ had preached the gospel. “God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will” (Heb. 2:4).

So, the Bible demonstrates that the first-century apostles were a fixed number who had seen and heard the Lord and had special abilities to perform extraordinary signs, wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Spirit intended to confirm the truthfulness of the gospel message supernaturally. Their teachings concerning the crucified and risen Lord and their writings were foundational for the church. When their lives on earth ended, so did their office.

But does this mean, then, that we’re off the hook? We don’t have the same vantage point as those who originally heard the apostles. We may not have signs, wonders, and various miracles in the same manner as the Apostles. But this fact does not give us an excuse to neglect our salvation, allow ourselves to drift, and disregard the gospel.

Today, in addition to the Holy Spirit living in us, we have the completed revelation of God’s Word in dozens of translations at our fingertips for free or inexpensive. The teachings and acts of Jesus and the original apostles are preserved for us in Scripture, and we can study and have teachers and those very knowledgeable in God’s Word to mentor us. We have the testimony of two thousand years of faithful saints who lived and died for the gospel. We have the arguments and evidence of apologists and scholars. We have the miracle of transforming lives. And we have the inner illumination of the Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth (John 16:13).

Just like the first generation of Hebrew believers, Christians today are inheritors of “so great a salvation” (Heb. 2:3). And no less than they, we must respond to this gift of salvation with relentless conviction, resisting the tendency to drift (2:1). If we are not concerned about the problem of...

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2228 of our trek. The purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I’m excited to continue our journey through the book of Proverbs, where we uncover its timeless wisdom. Today, we’re exploring Proverbs 13:1-8 from the New Living Translation. So, please put on your hiking boots as we delve into the profound impact of words and actions.

In Proverbs 13:1-8, we continue our exploration of the characteristics and outcomes of living a life of wisdom. These verses provide valuable insights into the power of our words and actions.

Verse 1: “A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction.”

This verse sets the tone for the passage, emphasizing the contrasting responses to discipline and correction. A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline, while a mocker refuses to listen. It highlights the importance of humility in receiving guidance.

Verse 2: “Wise words will win you a good meal, but treacherous people have an appetite for violence.”

These verses highlight the contrast between wise words and treacherous actions. Wise words lead to provision, while treacherous people are inclined toward violence. It underscores the value of speaking with wisdom and integrity.

Verse 3: “Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.”

Here, we see the power of our words to influence the course of our lives. Controlling one’s tongue leads to a long life, while speaking recklessly can lead to ruin. It reminds us of the importance of thoughtful communication.

Verse 4: “Laziness leads to a sagging roof; idleness leads to a leaky house.”

These verses focus on the consequences of laziness and idleness. Laziness leads to a neglected roof, while idleness results in a leaky house. It emphasizes the value of diligence and hard work.

Verse 5: “A good person hates falsehood, but a wicked person is loathsome and remains in disgrace.”

This verse contrasts the attitudes toward falsehood. A good person hates falsehood, while a wicked person is loathsome and remains in disgrace. It underlines the enduring value of honesty and integrity.

Verse 6: “Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.”

These verses underscore the protection provided by righteousness. Righteousness guards the person of integrity, while wickedness overthrows the sinner. It emphasizes the importance of living a life of moral character.

Verse 7: “Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor.”

Here, we see the contrast in appearances. Some who are poor pretend to be rich, while others who are rich pretend to be poor. It highlights the significance of authenticity and contentment.

Verse 8: “The rich can pay a ransom for their lives, but the poor won’t even get threatened.”

These verses contrast the vulnerability of the rich and the poor. The rich can pay a ransom for their lives, but the poor won’t even face threats. It reminds us of the challenges faced by different social strata.

As we reflect on Proverbs 13:1-8, we’re reminded that wisdom isn’t just theoretical knowledge; it’s practical and influences the choices we make in our daily lives.

Take a moment to consider these questions: How can you demonstrate humility in receiving guidance and discipline? In what ways can you use your words to build up and provide wisdom to others? Remember, wisdom equips us to make choices that lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Let’s summarize the key takeaways from Proverbs 13:1-8:

Humility and Correction: A wise child accepts discipline and correction, while a mocker refuses to listen.

Power of Words: Wise words lead to provision, while treacherous people have an appetite for violence.

Thoughtful Communication: Controlling one’s tongue leads to a long life, while speaking recklessly can lead to ruin.

Diligence and Hard Work: Laziness leads to neglect, while idleness results in ruin.

Honesty and Integrity: A good person hates falsehood, while a wicked person remains in disgrace.

Moral Character: Righteousness guards the person of integrity, while wickedness overthrows the sinner.

Authenticity and Contentment: Some pretend to be what they are not; authenticity and contentment are of great value.

Social Contrasts: The rich can pay a ransom for their lives, while the poor face different challenges.

In closing, remember that wisdom equips us to make choices that lead to a life of fulfillment. As we continue our journey through the vast landscapes of wisdom, may we embrace humility, integrity, and the enduring value of honest and diligent living.

Thank you for joining me on this leg of our Wisdom-Trek. I hope these verses have inspired you to actively embrace wisdom’s call and make her a daily presence in your journey. As we continue our journey, may we navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and grace.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2227 of our trek. The purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I’m excited to continue our journey through the book of Proverbs, where we delve into its timeless wisdom. Today, we’re exploring Proverbs 12:22-28 from the New Living Translation. So, fasten your hiking boots as we uncover the value of honesty, diligence, and the path they lead us on.

In Proverbs 12:22-28, we continue our exploration of the characteristics and outcomes of living a life of wisdom. These verses provide valuable insights into the significance of honesty and diligence in our lives.

Verse 22: “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.”

This verse sets the tone for the passage, emphasizing the importance of honesty and truthfulness. The Lord detests lying lips but delights in those who tell the truth. It underlines the enduring value of integrity.

Verse 23: “The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness.”

These verses highlight the contrast between the wise and the foolish in their behavior. The wise do not boast of their knowledge, while fools openly display their foolishness. It reminds us of the value of humility and discretion.

Verse 24: “Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.”

Here, we encounter the contrast between diligence and laziness. Hard work leads to leadership, while laziness results in servitude. It underscores the importance of diligence and perseverance.

These verses emphasize our words’ impact on others’ emotional well-being. Worry is burdensome, while encouraging words bring cheer. It reminds us of the power of our words to uplift and support.

Verse 26: “The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.”

This verse contrasts the counsel of the godly with that of the wicked. The godly offer good advice to their friends, while the wicked lead them astray. It underscores the value of seeking and providing wise counsel.

Verse 27: “Laziness leads to poverty; hard work makes you rich.”

These verses reiterate the consequences of diligence and laziness. Laziness leads to poverty, while hard work results in wealth. It emphasizes the importance of a strong work ethic.

Verse 28: “The way of the godly leads to life; their path does not lead to death.”

These verses underline the contrasting destinies of the godly and the wicked. The way of the godly leads to life, and their path does not lead to death. It emphasizes the enduring value of living a righteous life.

As we reflect on Proverbs 12:22-28, we’re reminded that wisdom isn’t just theoretical knowledge; it’s practical and influences the choices we make in our daily lives.

Take a moment to consider these questions: How can you embrace honesty and truthfulness in your interactions with others? In what ways can you cultivate diligence and perseverance in your work and pursuits? Remember, wisdom equips us to make choices that lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Let’s summarize the key takeaways from Proverbs 12:22-28:

The Value of Honesty: The Lord delights in those who tell the truth, while lying lips are detestable.

Humility and Discretion: The wise do not boast of their knowledge, while fools display their foolishness.

Diligence and Leadership: Hard work leads to leadership, while laziness results in servitude.

The Power of Words: Worry is burdensome, while encouraging words bring cheer.

Seeking and Providing Wise Counsel: The godly offer good advice, while the wicked lead others astray.

Work Ethic and Wealth: Laziness leads to poverty, while hard work results in wealth.

Contrasting Destinies: The way of the godly leads to life, and their path does not lead to death.

In closing, remember that wisdom equips us to make choices that lead to a life of fulfillment. As we continue our journey through the vast landscapes of wisdom, may we embrace open-mindedness, honesty, and the power of our words, and choose the path that leads to a life of purpose and blessing.

Thank you for joining me on this leg of our Wisdom-Trek. I hope these verses have inspired you to actively embrace wisdom’s call and make her a daily presence in your journey. As we continue our journey, may we navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and grace.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Putnam Church Message – 04/16/2023

The Last Word…Worthy of Worship

Last week, on Resurrection Sunday, we focused on The Death of Death because the Resurrection is real and changes everything.

Today, we are beginning an extended series through the book of Hebrews in the New Testament. The theme of the superiority of Christ in His person and work resounds from every chapter of the book of Hebrews. It is the repeated melody with which every subject of the letter resonates in perfect harmony. To develop his anthem of Christ’s superiority, the author conducts his readers through three major movements:

Christ is superior in His person. (1:1–4:16)

Christ is superior as our high priest. (5:1–10:39)

Christ is superior for pressing on. (11:1–13:25)

The first question that may come to your mind is, what is the relevance of Hebrews for us?

Most people reading the book of Hebrews today are not Jewish believers. And even if they are of Hebrew ancestry, none are living in the terrors of first-century Rome under the madness of Nero. However, we all—Jew or Gentile—can sense the heat rising in our increasingly anti-Christian culture and feel pressured to conform to this darkening world's values and priorities. Like the first-century Jewish followers of the Messiah who were tempted to abandon His way, truth, and life for a more comfortable path, we need to come to grips with Christ's sufficiency and absolute superiority over all things. We must pledge our allegiance to the Lord, who bought us with His blood.

The central theme of the book of Hebrews is simple but powerful: Christ is superior in His person and work. Throughout the book, the author develops this theme in vivid detail.

Throughout today’s message, I will read the verses of Hebrews 1 as we come to each section.

 

Drawing on the Hebrew people's great regard for the primary means of revelation in the Old Testament, the prophets and angels, the author of Hebrews compares these celebrated earthly and heavenly beings with God’s Final Word and Messenger, Jesus Christ. As powerful and significant as those holy people and holy angels were, they were inferior to the Son of God. He alone is God’s Final Word, superior in His person to God’s previous messengers and ministers—whether human or angelic. Why? Because Jesus is the Word incarnate (in the flesh)—fully human and fully divine—who occupies a superior place over all things.

In the first century, the apostle Peter described the ministry of the Old Testament prophets, noting that in 2 Pet. 1:21, “For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” For centuries leading up to Peter’s simple summary of the process of divine inspiration, a long line of prophets spoke and wrote God’s words under the supernatural guidance of the Spirit. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” These prophets issued warnings and rebukes, which flew off their lips like arrows from a bow to strike at the hearts of their hearers.

The names of these servants of God endowed with the prophetic gift reads like a roll call from the Bible’s Who’s Who list: Elijah and Elisha…Isaiah and Jeremiah…Daniel and Jonah… Malachi, and John the Baptizer. The prophet was God’s representative and spokesperson—saying, doing, and writing down what God wanted to be said, done, and written. At that time, they were the sole bearers of God’s messages to humankind and couldn’t be ignored.

For the sake of emphasis, the author points out the varied manner in which God’s messages were delivered “in the past.” If we flip through the pages of the Old Testament, we see what he meant. God spoke through dreams (Gen. 37:5), visions (Isa. 1:1), angels (Zech. 1:9), voices (1 Sam. 3:4), writing (Dan 5:5), and even Balaam’s donkey (Num. 22:28)!

The messages from God came at different times and ways, not all at once. This mosaic of the Old Testament is why many had difficulty grasping the concept of the Messiah even when Christ was on earth. Though all the messages were accurate, they were also incomplete. /God always has more He can say. This reminds me of my childhood. I got a lot of information from my parents over many years—fragmentary, partial, and incomplete. Sometimes, this information would be in the form of instruction, discipline, or living examples to follow. Yet, those messages came to me continually throughout childhood and into adolescence—all for progressively building me toward mature adulthood. This childhood experience is similar to the ministry of the prophets in the Old Testament. Their messages were accurate and contributed to the growing body of revelation from God to His people.

“In the past” versus “these last days”—the contrast between the prophetic anticipation of the Old Testament prophets and the fulfillment of the new covenant in Christ is immediately highlighted in Hebrews 1:1-2. The point is that God’s message of the Old Testament prophets has found its climax and supreme expression through the person and work of the Son (1:2).

In other words, Christ is superior in His person and work. And He is the final and fullest expression of God’s message and word to all humankind. The old means and manner of speaking to His people were not defective or deficient. They were great. But Christ is Greatness. The prophets’ messages from the Lord were perfect. Jesus is Perfection. The seers of old were the instruments. The Son is the Music. He is the One to whom, for whom, through whom, and about whom all the musicians had been playing.

In what follows in the argument of Hebrews, the centrality of Christ in God’s work of revelation depends on the superiority of Christ in His person and work. To underscore this point, the author of Hebrews opens his sermon-like letter with seven strong statements that demonstrate the superiority of the Son as God’s Word to all things on heaven and earth, visible and invisible.

First, by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things (Heb. 1:2). And “all things” means all things. Nothing stands outside that circle./ For instance, God had given a share of the responsibility to rule over this created realm to Adam and Eve as His imagers (Gen. 1:26–28). But when those first humans fell into sin, they forfeited their right to rule as heirs of God’s creation (Gen. 3). However, when the divine Son took on humanity, He became the “last Adam” (1 Cor. 15:45)—Jesus Christ. All that Adam lost has been restored to Him.

Second, by his Son through whom also he made the universe (Heb. 1:2). As the perfect human, Jesus is ruler over the created realm; and as the perfect Creator, He is the sovereign ruler over all creation—past, present, and future. Paul also clarifies Christ’s role as Creator in Colossians 1:16, “For through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see, such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.” Similarly, the apostle John opens his Gospel with this same majestic truth in John 1:1-3, “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.”

Third, the Son is the radiance of God’s glory (Heb. 1:3). The noun “radiance” (apaugasma) refers to “brightness from a source.” As the rays of the sun continually convey light, heat, and energy as long as the flaming orb continues to burn, the Son of God eternally conveys the glory, majesty, and power of God from eternity past to eternity future. No prophet or angelic being, however holy or wise, could claim that. They were merely reflectors/imagers of God’s glorious light. The Son is the light itself.

Fourth, The Son is the exact representation of his being (Heb. 1:3). The four words that make up this Greek phrase are packed with profound theological significance. This clause asserts that the Son shares in everything God is in His divine nature. The word translated as “exact representation” is a figurative use of the noun character, a term used about “an engraved character like the minted impression on coins.” The Son is no cheap knockoff of a deity, no inferior reproduction of a superior original. The term for “his being” is hypostasis, referring to the authentic being of God. The Son is, therefore, “completely the same in his being as the Father,” though Father and Son are distinct persons. The Father is not the Son, and the Son is not the Father, but everything the Father is, the Son is too.

Fifth, The Son is sustaining all things by his powerful word (Heb. 1:3). You may have seen the image of the god Atlas holding the globe on his back and shoulders, straining under the weight, his bulging muscles beading with sweat. Banish that image from your mind! The Son of God upholds this world and the entire universe. He sustains this creation not by physical strength but by His almighty word. The Son Himself has the power to sustain through His very word.

Sixth, The Son provided purification for sins (Heb. 1:3). The first Adam undid humanity by disobedience, plunging this world into darkness, death, sin, and suffering. But the last Adam, Jesus Christ, through His voluntary suffering and death on the cross, drove out the darkness and banished death, as we learned in last week’s message. What had been poisoned by sin was cured by the blood of Christ—forever, once for all, never to be repeated. As the author of Hebrews will explain throughout, neither earthly humans nor heavenly angels could have accomplished this.

Seventh, The Son sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven (Heb. 1:3). The book of Revelation 5:13 says, “And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang:

belong to the one sitting on the throne

and to the Lamb forever and ever.’”

No exalted prophet, saint, or mighty angel can stand at the Father's right hand to receive praise and glory that is due only to the divine Majesty.

Seated in the most exalted position, Jesus is superior in His person and work over all things. This includes “the angels” (Heb. 1:4)—those spiritual creatures fashioned by God through the Son to be ministers and servants (1:7). When the Son took on human nature, endured death for sin, rose from the dead victorious, and ascended into heaven. He inherited a name no angel had the right to bear (1:4). So he became as much superior to the angels/ as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. What name was this? As a son bears the name of his father, so the Son of God would bear the name of God, the divine name YHWH, often translated kyrios in the Greek translation of the Old Testament. Paul also teaches this in Philippians 2:9–11, “Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

We do not have such a sustained, thorough treatment of angels in the Bible as in Hebrews 1–2. Nowhere do we even have a clear account of when they were created! Genesis 1–2 is silent on the creation of angelic beings. However, we know that a divine creature(s) chose to disobey God and tempted Adam and Eve also to disobey. Then God stationed angelic cherubim east of the Garden of Eden to guard the entrance to Paradise (Genesis 3:24). So sometime before Genesis 3, God created what we call the angels, which includes all of the supernatural beings in the unseen realm.

As powerful creations of God, angels conduct various services for the Lord. They carry His messages and perform His will among us—warning, protecting, helping, and rescuing. In addition, these supernatural creatures render service from heaven to earth. Although they make up part of God’s divine council, they are God’s servants who, like us, render worship to Him alone (Rev. 5:13). But as remarkable as angels are, their shining essence dims in the glorious blast of pure radiance that is the Son of God. Therefore, without denigrating the vital role of angels in the service of God, the writer of Hebrews puts them in their place in comparison with the person and the work of the Son.

To establish the superiority of the Son to angels, the author of Hebrews skillfully builds his case from a string of Old Testament passages. Remember that many of his Jewish audience were tempted to surrender their new faith in the Messiah to the old dictates of the synagogue, where the Old Testament Scriptures would have been held in the highest regard. By showing from those same Scriptures that the Messiah was superior to all things on heaven and earth, the author would have moved his audience toward a more substantial commitment to their Lord and Savior, Jesus.

 

 

today I have become your Father”?

and he will be my Son”?

He begins by citing two lines rich with prophetic import—especially related to the coming Messiah, the son of David. Psalm 2 and Psalm 89 were both critical texts for the Old Testament anticipation of the future Davidic king. So the first of these two psalms begins in Psalm 2:1-2:

Why do they waste their time with futile plans?

 The kings of the earth prepare for battle;

the rulers plot together

against the Lord

and against his anointed one.

The Hebrew word mashiyach and the Greek equivalent christos both mean “anointed one,” which could refer to any person anointed in consecration to a sacred office: a prophet (1 Kgs. 19:16), a priest (Exod. 40:15) or a king (1 Sam. 10:1).

To this Messiah, God decrees, “You are my son; today I have become your father,” (Ps. 2:7), which applies to coming into the royal position of kingship, and the moment of this becoming was the exaltation and enthronement that followed the resurrection and ascension.

With the Messianic title of “Son” as a backdrop, the author of Hebrews rightly points out that at no time did God ever address an angelic being as “My Son,” nor did He ever call himself the father of an angel. Angels are created beings who have been assigned high and holy tasks in the plan and purpose of God. But the Son is Himself the One through whom even the angels were created (Col. 1:16).

The author advances his argument further, indicating that the angels must worship the Son because of who He is—the author of their existence and God over all creation.

Thank you for joining me on this leg of our Wisdom-Trek. I hope these verses have inspired you to actively embrace wisdom’s call and make her a daily presence in your journey. As we continue our journey, may we navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and grace.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2225 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I’m thrilled to continue our journey through the book of Proverbs, where we uncover its timeless wisdom. Today, we’re delving into Proverbs 12:15-21 from the New Living Translation. So, let’s lace up our hiking boots as we explore the power of words and the contrast between wisdom and folly in these verses.

In Proverbs 12:15-21, we continue our exploration of the characteristics and outcomes of living a life of wisdom. These verses provide valuable insights into the significance of our words and the stark contrast between wisdom and folly.

Verse 15: “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.”

This verse lays the foundation for the passage, highlighting the stark contrast between the attitude of fools and the wisdom of the wise. Fools insist their way is right, while the wise have the humility to listen to others. It’s a powerful reminder of the value of open-mindedness.

Verse 16: “A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.”

These verses focus on emotional control and resilience. A fool easily loses their temper, but a wise person remains calm when insulted. It underlines the importance of emotional intelligence and self-control.

Verse 17: “An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies.”

Here, we encounter the contrast between honesty and deception. An honest witness speaks the truth, while a false witness spreads lies. It emphasizes the value of integrity and truthfulness.

Verse 18: “Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.”

These verses highlight the impact of words on others. Some people make hurtful remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. It reminds us of the power our words have to build up or tear down.

Verse 19: “Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.”

These verses underscore the enduring value of truthful words. They stand the test of time, while lies are inevitably exposed. It reinforces the importance of honesty and transparency.

Verse 20: “Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!”

This verse focuses on the intentions of the heart. Hearts filled with deceit plot evil, while those planning peace are filled with joy. It emphasizes the importance of our intentions and their impact on our lives and relationships.

Verse 21: “No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.”

These verses contrast the destinies of the godly and the wicked. The godly are spared from harm, while the wicked find themselves in a constant state of trouble. It underscores the enduring value of living a righteous life.

As we reflect on Proverbs 12:15-21, we’re reminded that wisdom isn’t just theoretical knowledge; it’s practical and influences the choices we make in our daily lives.

Take a moment to consider these questions: How can you cultivate open-mindedness and the willingness to listen to others? In what ways can you use your words to bring healing and build up those around you? Remember, wisdom equips us to make choices that lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Let’s summarize the key takeaways from Proverbs 12:15-21:

Open-Mindedness: Fools insist on their way, while the wise listen to others.

Emotional Control: A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person remains calm when insulted.

Integrity: An honest witness tells the truth, while a false witness spreads lies.

Impact of Words: The words of the wise bring healing, while cutting remarks hurt.

Enduring Value of Truth: Truthful words stand the test of time, while lies are exposed.

Intention and Impact: Hearts filled with deceit plot evil, while planning peace brings joy.

Contrasting Destinies: The godly are spared from harm, while the wicked face constant trouble.

In closing, remember that wisdom equips us to make choices that lead to a life of fulfillment. As we continue our journey through the vast landscapes of wisdom, may we embrace open-mindedness, honesty, and the power of our words, and choose the path that leads to a life of purpose and blessing.

Thank you for joining me on this leg of our Wisdom-Trek. I hope these verses have inspired you to actively embrace wisdom’s call and make her a daily presence in your journey. As we continue our journey, may we navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and grace.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Putnam Church Message – 04/09/2023

Last, we continued our Resurrection messages with “When the Stones Burst into Cheers” from Luke 19:35-42. We learned three essential points last week:

God is worthy of loud and joyful praise.

Our praise should focus on the person and work of Jesus.

God must and will be praised through Jesus Christ.

On this Easter morning, this resurrection day, our focus is on The Death of Death because the Resurrection is real and changes everything. Throughout the message, we will look at the last few verses in Matthew 27 and most of Matthew 28.

There are moments when, all of a sudden, something happens, and everything changes. There are so many examples of this that it’s almost hard to pick. So, I chose a personal story that impacted our lives. On Easter weekend of 2017, we received the news that Hazel had leukemia. When Elizabeth called me, I was planting seedling trees in the yard, and our son Barney was helping me. Paula was on her way to visit some friends in North Carolina and had just crossed the North Carolina border when I called her. She drove off the first exit, turned around, and headed home. All of our lives were turned upside down. For the next 2.5 years, it was recurring treatments, hospital stays, and continual tears and prayers. By God’s grace, Hazel came through all, and today is a healthy, feisty, nearly eight-year-old flaming redhead. While her semi-annual checkups have been very positive for the past three years, our heart skips a beat or two whenever she gets a fever or a cough. I suspect it will be that way for years, because everything changed on that day six years ago.

When all of a sudden, in a moment, everything changes, that’s a powerful reality. It was the same over 2,000 years ago, but with an impact that changed our lives and the world. The empty tomb of Jesus changes everything. The fact that that tomb is empty changes everything. Not only for us as individuals but for who we are, how we live, and why we live the way we live.

Jesus, the Pharisees, and the chief priests had issues. They’re like the Democrats and the Republicans today. They don’t get along. Jesus offended the chief priests and Pharisees because he undermined their authority. He was subversive to their power. To use a modern phrase, they thought Jesus was a royal pain. Everything about his ministry bothered them. The fact that Jesus associated with tax collectors, the immoral harlots, and the uneducated, ordinary people who all flocked to Jesus bothered the religious people. Those people were blemishes to them. So they were tired of Jesus. They wanted this whole Jesus thing to be over. They remember when he was still alive; he said he would be resurrected from the grave. So they go to Pilate.

Interestingly, the Jewish priests were not allowed to use their palace guards. They had been under Roman rule for many decades at this point. Listen to Matthew 27:62-66 to understand their thinking, “The next day, on the Sabbath, the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate. They told him, ‘Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise from the dead.’ So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body and then telling everyone he was raised from the dead! If that happens, we’ll be worse off than we were at first.’

What this is teaching us is that you can’t stop the work of God. The chief priests and the Pharisees wanted to stop Jesus from being resurrected from the grave, and they thought, We’re going to make a plan, and there’s no way that this nonsense of Jesus will continue.

We also must remember that we can’t stop the work of God because I think if we’re all honest, we all try in some ways, don’t we? Things are going on, circumstances in our lives, situations where God wants to bear fruit in our lives, and we’re, in a way, putting our proverbial foot down, Mm-mm. No way, Lord. You are not going to do that.

That’s why one of the most common themes in the Bible is the idea of surrender or trust. Many of us know what it’s like to resist what God is doing. Like the Pharisees and the chief priests, we say, “God, this is unacceptable in my plans.” For the Pharisees and the chief priests, Jesus was unacceptable to their plans. So they were trying every which way to stop what God was doing.

The Pharisees say to Pilate, “Listen. The first deception that Jesus told people was that he was the Messiah. We don’t believe he’s the Messiah. But you know what would be worse? If his disciples come and say, he’s resurrected from the grave. That would be a huge problem for us. So can you take care of this for us, Pilate?” Notice what Pilate says. “Take guards and secure it the best you can.” So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it. (This consisted of at least four guards.) In these verses, we realize that at the tomb, there were three obstacles to Jesus being resurrected.

First, there was a stone rolled in front of the door. Unlike today, we bury people in the ground at the graveyard; this cave had a massive rock in front of the door. So there’s a physical barrier, a physical obstacle, this gigantic rock, blocking the resurrection of Jesus.

Second, they sealed it. The idea of sealing showed Pilate's political authority, saying, “No one can break the seal of Pilate without his authority.” So, the day's politics said Jesus was not coming out of that tomb.

Third, there’s the guard set. So not only is there a physical and political obstacle, but now there is a good, old-fashioned personal obstacle of the best Roman guards.

This arrangement is the setup for Resurrection Sunday. They’re trying to stop what God is doing, the work of God. In Matthew 28, we see that those obstacles don’t work. This arrangement sets the stage for that classic resurrection account. The simplest way to say it is “He is risen.” Although there are all these obstacles, there’s this big stone, the seal of Pilate, and the Roman guards; nothing will stop what God’s doing.

John’s Gospel tells us that they had brought anointing spices. They weren’t coming to see a resurrected Savior. They were coming to anoint the body of a dead One. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus had hastily prepared the body before the Sabbath started Friday evening. So, these women were not coming to see a risen Savior but to complete the preparation of Jesus’s body. They show up, but in verse two, this sure just got real (Verse 2). There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.

Have you ever been in an earthquake? I have only felt small tremors. Then, from my understanding, the house or building suddenly starts to shake, and you get frozen. But now, there is also an angel at the tomb. He rolls the door away, thus breaking the seal (Verse 3). His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. He sits down on top of it of the massive stone (Verse 4). The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. They got frozen.

Notice what the angel says to the women (Verse 5-6). “The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.’” Jesus told people he would be resurrected from the grave, but they did not get it. People today still question how it is possible.

Let me give you a scenario that might help. Do you like to watch crime dramas? Every time you see a scene in the emergency room, there’s a moment when somebody flat lines, where all of a sudden, their heart stops beating. Then what do they do? The people in the emergency room move into action. They grab the AED, the automated external defibrillator. When somebody’s heart stops, they try to shock the heart to start again. Now, do you guys believe in an AED? Do you believe those things would work? I know Ellea and Delbert Shaffer believe that this morning. We all believe in an AED. It’s the same thing. God’s grace and wisdom allow humanity to figure out how to bring somebody back to life whose heart stopped beating. Don’t you think God knew how to do it first?

Think about all our objections to the things said in the Bible. People ask, “How can you believe in the virgin birth?” Easy. If you can believe the process of In-Vitro Fertilization, where you take an egg out of a woman and some male sperm and put them in a little test tube, then you can put that back in a woman who’s never known a man, she can have a baby. If God’s grace and wisdom allow humanity to figure out how to do that, don’t you think God, who created humanity, can figure it out first?

Resuscitation back to life is not unusual anymore. Now, don’t get me wrong, though. Jesus is unique. Because everybody who gets resuscitated back to life dies again, just like Lazarus, except for Jesus. The fact that Jesus was resurrected from the grave should not be an intellectual hurdle. Why? Because it happens all the time. God allows humans to figure out how to do it. God, the creator of life, knew first. That fact is He created life out of nothing.

I want you to ensure that we all realize that Christianity would have never gotten off the ground two thousand years ago if they had just produced the body. He's resurrected from the grave when all this stuff starts going on. All they had to do was say, “No, no. His body is right here. Look. Here he is.” This thing would have never gotten anywhere. But they weren’t able to produce the body. Why? Because he wasn’t there. The seal was broken, and the stone was removed. He has risen just like he said.

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. If that wasn’t exciting enough for the women who came to the tomb, the angel said, Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.

There is a dual reality of why we gather together each Sunday. First, we come and see for fellowship, praising God, and learning from His Word. Then we go and tell others of that Good News. Too often, we fall into the habit of saying, “Come to church” rather than saying, “We come together as the church so that we can have a profound experience with the reality of the resurrection, and then we go to share God’s story in this generation. That is kingdom building. It’s not good enough to come and see; we must go and tell.

We come and see so that we and I can have profound experiences with the reality of the resurrected Jesus. Once we have that experience, we must go and tell God’s story in the world. Gathering together as the church only feels fulfilling when we simultaneously join God’s story in this world.

I want to encourage you and challenge you. There’s nothing more fulfilling after you have a profound experience with the resurrected Jesus than to put on that faith and be a part of changing the world in Jesus’ name, to build God’s kingdom until Christ returns to restore the global Eden. That’s where all this stuff gets worked out into reality.

When you find yourself in the story of God, not only coming and seeing but going and telling, then all of a sudden you get, “Oh, this is why we come together as the church, because it’s a family reunion and then we scatter throughout the world blessing people in Jesus’ name.”

How did women at the tomb respond? They’re both terrified and overwhelmed with joy. They were fearful, and they were full of joy (Verse 8-10). “So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’”

The presence of Jesus will change your fear to joy. Joy is not situational or circumstantial. Joy is a disposition of the heart that says, “God, you are God, and I trust you.”  Or as Oswald Chambers put it: “When you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.”

In twenty-first-century Western nations, we realize that men and women are equal but different. Women are equally intelligent to men and maybe more so. Women have the same skills, although unique. So there’s uniqueness, but men and women are equal. But in Jesus’ culture, in the Roman culture, women were not even allowed to testify in a court of law. I know that sounds unbelievable and archaic, and it is wild and ancient because we don’t value that. But in that day, women were not allowed to testify in a court of law.

Suppose you were telling the story that Jesus is the resurrected Messiah and want it to run forth with validity in first-century Palestine. In that case, you do not have women be the ones who testify of the resurrection. They weren’t even allowed to testify in a court of law, and they’re the ones who are the apostles to the apostles, all the guys whom God chose whom Jesus walked with for three years. They were nowhere to be found. The women were there, and Jesus said, “Listen. You go tell my boys that I am alive.”

If you wanted to write a story that would change the Roman Empire, you needed to take that out. It needed to be Peter. It needed to be John. It needed to be James and Andrew. But, no, it’s Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. I mean, think about how powerful that is. So, if you want to write a story that will have some validity in that culture, it’s not the women sharing it. But they were the ones who were there, who saw. They were the apostles sent to the apostles saying, “He is resurrected from the grave.”

Don’t believe the cover-up.

In verses 11-15, the officials tried to create a cover-up. Don’t believe the cover-up! You can imagine. Mary and the other Mary are going to the apostles to tell them, “He is risen.” The guards go to the chief priests and say, “You will never believe what happened.” They tell them the whole story. “There was an earthquake, and there was this crazy angel who was shining and white as snow, and he broke the seal, opened the door, and sat down on it. We freaked out. The body is gone.” The officials respond, “This is what we’re going to do. We’ll pay you hush money, and we want you to tell everyone that the disciples came while they were sleeping and took the body away.”

Now, I hope you realize this is a terrible cover-up. This story is like, “The dog ate my homework.” Because if this is true, not one but all the soldiers (at least 4) had to be asleep. Not only that, all these soldiers had to sleep through an earthquake, the stone being rolled away, and the disciples stealing the body. This scenario would be like ten sleeping pills, and you don’t do that. You don’t wake up from that. But all these soldiers had to be asleep. All of them had to sleep through all of this mess. So even though they were sleeping and missed the whole thing, they knew who did it? I don’t have enough faith to believe that. Not only did they miss the entire thing and sleep through it, but even though the stone got moved, they knew who did it, too. It’s just a cover-up, because they don’t want to deal with Jesus truly being alive. Besides that, if the Roman guards messed up that badly, they would be executed.

Since Jesus conquered death, then we also have to deal with him. God created each one of us to have to deal with Jesus. It’s the most crucial question in the world—What have you done with Jesus?

What’s interesting about that question is that if Jesus is who he said he is, the only proper response is absolute allegiance. Because straight up, if he conquered death, he’s the only One who’s ever done that. That’s powerful. Jesus is the only teacher in history, philosopher, and religious leader alive today. All others have died. I want to encourage you today. If you are here and have never decided to align your life with the Giver and Sustainer of life. If he conquered the grave, you want to join him in that. If he conquered shame and brokenness, you want to join him. So do I. It’s the only logical place to be—with Jesus.

I can say this because I know what happens now. God accepts you exactly the way that you are. But you know what’s incredible about who God is? He loves us too much to keep us the way we are. He’s changing all of us. We never arrive. We’re all in process. It’s just a matter of if we’re going to say, “God, I’m willing to let you do the work you want to do on me from inside, not the outside. I will let you move in and change this life from the inside.” God is not afraid of where you’ve been. He knows us from our core. If you turn to Jesus today, you'll find he has already been waiting for you to turn. Just come.

Near the end of the forty days after the resurrection (Verses 16-17), “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.” We’re going to close today with the reality that he was seen by many. Not only did Mary and Mary see him, but the disciples did. They go over to Galilee, and Jesus reveals himself to them. It says, “They worshiped him; but some doubted.”  After this, right before...

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2223 of our trek. The purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I’m delighted to continue our journey through the book of Proverbs, where we explore its timeless wisdom. Today, we’re delving into Proverbs 12:8-14, from the New Living Translation. So, lace up your hiking boots as we uncover these verses’ contrasting paths of wisdom and foolishness.

In Proverbs 12:8-14, we continue our exploration of the characteristics and outcomes of living a life of wisdom. These verses provide valuable insights into the distinctions between the wise and the foolish.

Verse 8: “A person is praised according to their prudence, and one with a warped mind is despised.”

This verse introduces us to the idea that prudence leads to praise, while a warped mind leads to disdain. It underscores the importance of sound judgment and wise decision-making.

Verse 9: “Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food.”

Here, we encounter the contrast between humility and pretension. It’s better to be humble and have support than to pretend to be important but lack basic needs. It emphasizes the value of humility and authenticity.

Verse 10: “The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.”

These verses highlight the contrast in how the righteous and the wicked treat animals. The righteous care for their needs, while even the kindest acts of the wicked are ultimately cruel. It underscores the importance of compassion and empathy.

Verse 11: “Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.”

Here, we see the contrast between hard work and chasing after fantasies. Working the land leads to abundant food, while pursuing empty dreams shows a lack of sense. It reminds us of the value of diligence and practicality.

Verse 12: “The wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers, but the root of the righteous endures.”

These verses emphasize the contrasting destinies of the wicked and the righteous. The wicked desire the power of evildoers, but the root of the righteous endures. It highlights the enduring impact of a righteous life.

Verse 13: “The wicked are trapped by their sinful talk, but the virtuous escape so quickly.”

This verse underscores the power of words and their consequences. Their sinful talk ensnares the wicked, while the virtuous quickly escape such traps. It reminds us of the importance of speaking with wisdom and integrity.

Verse 14: “People can get their reward through the words of their mouths; they get what they deserve.”

These verses bring attention to the idea that words have consequences. People receive rewards or consequences based on the words they speak. It underscores the importance of speaking with purpose and responsibility.

As we reflect on Proverbs 12:8-14, we’re reminded that wisdom isn’t just theoretical knowledge; it’s practical and influences the choices we make in our daily lives.

Take a moment to consider these questions: How can you cultivate prudence and sound judgment in your decision-making? In what ways can you demonstrate humility and authenticity in your interactions with others? Remember, wisdom equips us to make choices that lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Let’s summarize the key takeaways from Proverbs 12:8-14:

Prudence and Sound Judgment: Prudence leads to praise, while a warped mind is despised.

Value of Humility: It’s better to be humble and have support than to pretend to be important.

Compassion and Empathy: The righteous care for the needs of their animals, while the wicked’s kindness is ultimately cruel.

Diligence and Practicality: Working the land leads to abundant food, while chasing fantasies shows a lack of sense.

Contrasting Destinies: The root of the righteous endures, while the wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers.

The Power of Words: The wicked are trapped by sinful talk, while the virtuous escape quickly.

Words and Consequences: People receive rewards or consequences based on the words they speak.

In closing, remember that wisdom equips us to make choices that lead to a life of fulfillment. As we continue our journey through the vast landscapes of wisdom, may we cultivate prudence, humility, and compassion, and choose the path that leads to a life of purpose and blessing.

Thank you for joining me on this leg of our Wisdom-Trek. I hope these verses have inspired you to actively embrace wisdom’s call and make her a daily presence in your journey. As we continue our journey, may we navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and grace.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2222 of our trek. The purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I’m thrilled to continue our journey through the book of Proverbs, where we uncover its timeless wisdom. Today, we’re delving into Proverbs 12:1-7, from the New Living Translation. So, please put on your hiking boots as we explore the contrasting paths of wisdom and foolishness in these verses.

In Proverbs 12:1-7, we continue our exploration of the characteristics and outcomes of living a life of wisdom. These verses provide valuable insights into the distinctions between the wise and the foolish.

Verse 1: “To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.”

This verse sets the tone for the passage, emphasizing the importance of discipline and correction. To acquire wisdom, we must embrace discipline and be open to correction. Rejecting these essential components of growth is unwise.

Verse 2: “The Lord approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness.”

Here, we see the divine perspective on goodness and wickedness. The Lord approves of those who do good, while those who plan wickedness face His condemnation. It highlights the importance of aligning our intentions with goodness.

Verse 3: “Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots.”

This verse contrasts the outcomes of wickedness and godliness. Wickedness never leads to stability; it’s like shifting sands. In contrast, the godly have deep roots, symbolizing their enduring strength and stability.

Verse 4: “A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.”

These verses underscore the impact of a spouse on a marriage. A worthy wife is a source of honor and blessing to her husband, while a disgraceful woman is like a destructive force. It emphasizes the importance of choosing a life partner wisely.

Verse 5: “The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous.”

Here, we see the contrast between the godly’s plans and the wicked’s advice. The plans of the godly are characterized by justice, while the advice of the wicked is treacherous. It reminds us to seek and follow godly counsel.

Verse 6: “The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives.”

These verses highlight the power of words. The words of the wicked are likened to a murderous ambush, bringing harm. In contrast, the words of the godly save lives, emphasizing the importance of our speech in influencing others positively.

Verse 7: “The wicked die and disappear, but the family of the godly stands firm.”

This verse points to the contrasting destinies of the wicked and the godly. The wicked die and fade away, but the family of the godly stands firm. It underscores the lasting impact of a godly life.

As we reflect on Proverbs 12:1-7, we’re reminded that wisdom isn’t just theoretical knowledge; it’s practical and influences the choices we make in our daily lives.

Take a moment to consider these questions: How can you embrace discipline and correction in your life to grow wiser? In what ways can you ensure that your plans and words align with godly principles? Remember, wisdom equips us to make choices that lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Let’s summarize the key takeaways from Proverbs 12:1-7:

Embracing Discipline: To learn, we must love discipline and correction.

Divine Approval of Goodness: The Lord approves of those who do good, but condemns those who plan wickedness.

Wickedness vs. Stability: Wickedness never brings stability, while the godly have deep roots.

Impact of a Spouse: A worthy spouse is a crown, while a disgraceful one is like cancer in the marriage.

Just Plans and Godly Words: The plans of the godly are just, and their words save lives.

Power of Words: The words of the wicked harm, while the words of the godly influence positively.

Contrasting Destinies: The wicked fade away, but the family of the godly stands firm.

In closing, remember that wisdom equips us to make choices that lead to a life of fulfillment. As we continue our journey through the vast landscapes of wisdom, may we embrace discipline, seek goodness, and choose the path that leads to a life of purpose and blessing.

Thank you for joining me on this leg of our Wisdom-Trek. I hope these verses have inspired you to actively embrace wisdom’s call and make her a daily presence in your journey. As we continue our journey, may we navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and grace.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

 

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Putnam Church Message – 04/02/2023

When Stones Cry Out – Palm Sunday

Last, we began our Ressurection messages with “Making It All Better – The Story of Lazarus” from John 11. This story set the final stage for Christ to enter Jerusalem to fulfill His purpose as, “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world,” John 1:29.

As we approach the Easter season, we are reminded of the miraculous events that occurred in the life of Jesus leading up to His crucifixion and resurrection. One of the most remarkable events is the raising of Lazarus from the dead.

Today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 19:35-42, tells the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This event is commonly known as Palm Sunday and marks the beginning of Holy Week, leading to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.

In this passage, we see Jesus riding on a colt while the people of Jerusalem greet him with shouts of “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”

They spread their cloaks on the road, and wave palm branches as a sign of victory and honor for the coming king, much like we would wave the American flag during an Independence Day parade. However, as Jesus approaches the city, we see a weeping king, a weeping savior once again. He recognizes the tragedy and destruction that will come upon Jerusalem because of their unbelief and refusal to accept Him as the Messiah.

This passage reminds us of the joy and celebration of Palm Sunday and the seriousness and sacrifice of the Holy Week. It also challenges us to reflect on our response to Jesus, as we welcome him into our lives and communities. Do we honor him as king or reject him and turn away?

Today, we could talk about the Mount of Olives or the significance of Jesus entering Jerusalem from the east. We could talk about Jesus driving out the money changers and cleansing the temple the next day.

But today, I want to focus on something we don’t often consider on Palm Sunday. I want us to focus on the rocks or stones that lined the road going into Jerusalem. That’s right, the stones. Now, you might wonder, what in the world do a bunch of stones have to do with Palm Sunday? Let’s read Luke 19:35-42.

So, did you spot the stones in the passage? They show up right in the middle of the passage. “Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples!’ ‘I tell you,’ he replied, ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.’” But I like how the NLT puts it a little better, “He replied, ‘If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!’”  Cheers, just like the disciples were doing along the road.

Now, that would be quite a sight, wouldn’t it? How would you like to see the rocks burst into cheers! I think it would be amazing.

But as much as I would like to see the rocks cry out, according to our passage today, that would not be a good thing. Why? Because it would mean that we are not doing our job in giving God his rightful praise.

There are three things I want us to learn from this passage today, and all three relate to this mysterious saying from Jesus about the rocks crying out.

God is worthy of loud and joyful praise.

Our praise should focus on the person and work of Jesus.

God must and will be praised through Jesus Christ.

God is worthy of loud and joyful praise

First of all, God is worthy of loud and joyful praise. Look at Luke 19:37 with me, “When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen.”

It’s Passover week. Jesus is on the donkey and headed into Jerusalem. The crowds have gathered, and the atmosphere is electric. Everyone’s emotions are tuned to a high-pitched fever of excitement. The crowds welcoming Jesus have not only heard about his miracles. They are eyewitnesses. They have seen things that no one in history has ever seen before. As in last week’s message, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, after he had been in the tomb for four days. And so, as Jesus approaches Jerusalem, the crowd of disciples joyfully praises God in loud voices for all the miracles they have seen. (These were the seven sign miracles we discussed last week.) God is not only worthy of praise. God is worthy of loud and joyful praise.

God created all things for his glory

There are many reasons why God is worthy of such praise, but the primary reason we are given in Scripture is that God created all things for his glory. We read in Revelation 4:11, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” God is the Creator. He is before all things. He created all things, and there is nothing, absolutely nothing, without him. We have a world, universe, life, breath, and our very being because God chose to create. By God’s will, all things were created and have their being. In other words, you’ve got nothing without God. Therefore, God is worthy of all glory and honor and praise. God created all things for his glory.

Our greatest joy is found in praising him

Not only that, but our greatest joy is found in praising him. So we read in Psalm 100:1-3, “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.”

The very first instruction in Psalm 100 is to shout for joy to the Lord. That sounds like loud and joyful praise to me! We worship not only the Lord/ but also the Lord with gladness. We come before him with joyful songs. Why? Because he is God, and he is the Creator. He made us, and we belong to him. We are his people. We are the sheep of his pasture. God created all things for his glory. Our greatest joy is found in praising him. Therefore, God is worthy of loud and joyful praise, just like the crowds offered to God as Jesus approached Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday. That’s our first point this morning. God is worthy of loud and joyful praise.

Our praise should focus on the person and work of Jesus

Secondly, our praise should focus on the person and work of Jesus. Back to our passage in Luke 19 now, listen to what the crowds shouted about Jesus in verses 38-39, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” As the crowds offered their loud and joyful praise to God, notice how they focused on Jesus. Luke records two specific statements they made about Jesus. And when you take these statements and compare them with other Scriptures, we see that these statements focus on the person and work of Jesus – who Jesus is, and what he did for us.

Jesus is the king who comes in the name of the Lord

First, let’s look at, the person of Jesus – who Jesus is. Jesus is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. This first shout of praise comes from Psalm 118:24-26 where we read, “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. O Lord, save us; O Lord, grant us success. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Notice the theme of joy that heads up these verses in Psalm 118, a joy that rests once again in God as Creator. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!” Notice the cry for salvation embedded in the middle. “O Lord, save us; O Lord, grant us success.” The word translated, “Save us!” is the same as the Hebrew word “Hosanna!” that the people cried out on Palm Sunday. That’s what Hosanna means – “Lord, save us!” And then comes the part of the verse that the people applied directly to Jesus on that first Palm Sunday. “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

But notice how they have also changed this slightly to say, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Luke 19:38) Why the change? The people in Jerusalem acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, the long-awaited Savior God promised he would send so long ago.

They don’t know everything about the Messiah yet. They don’t understand that Jesus is not only the Messiah but the very Son of God. They don’t understand that Jesus came not only to be king over Israel, but King over all the earth, the new Global Eden, the Kingdom of God. They don’t understand that Jesus came to save his people from sin, not as a political savior. They don’t understand any of that yet. But they recognize that he is the Messiah, the Savior, the Promised One. And so, they joyfully echo the words of Psalm 118, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Jesus’ death brings peace in heaven and earth.

God is worthy of loud and joyful praise, and our praise should focus on the person and work of Jesus. Jesus is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. That is the person of Jesus, who he is. And Jesus’ death brings peace in heaven and earth. That’s the work of Jesus, what he did for us.

In Luke 19:38, look at the second phrase: the people cry out, “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”  This second phrase echoes the song the angels sang at Christ’s birth. Look at these verses next to each other:

The angels’ song at Christ’s birth: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)

The people’s declaration at his entry into Jerusalem: “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38)

At Jesus’ birth, the angels shouted, “Peace on earth!” On Palm Sunday, the people shouted, “Peace in heaven!” Both are wondrously true.

Did the people even realize the significance of what they were saying? Probably not. But God, in his sovereignty, knew that Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem would result in his dying on the cross for sin. Jesus’ sacrificial death would bring peace in heaven and earth, peace between God and man for all who would put their faith in Christ.

We read this beautiful song of praise to Jesus in Revelation 5:12.

to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength

and honor and glory and praise!”

This passage is the song of praise we will sing throughout eternity. “Worthy is the Lamb” – there’s the person of Christ; “who was slain” – there’s the work of Christ. Throughout eternity, we will sing praise to Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the world’s sin. He was slain for your sins and mine, and with his blood, he purchased men and women for God from every tribe, language, people, and nation. “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”

Jesus is the Son of God. He is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Jesus’ death brings peace in heaven and earth. Therefore, our praise should focus on the person and work of Jesus Christ.

So, those are the first two things we learned from our passage this morning.

God is worthy of loud and joyful praise.

Our praise should focus on the person and work of Jesus. And finally,

God must and will be praised through Jesus Christ.

In Luke 19:39-40,  “Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples!’

And so, we learn that not everyone along the road to Jerusalem was happy on Palm Sunday. The Pharisees hear the people proclaiming Jesus as Messiah, so they tell Jesus: “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”

And you know what? Any good teacher who was not the Messiah would have rebuked the disciples right then and there. But Jesus did not rebuke them, because he is the Messiah. He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. In fact, rather than rebuking the people, he affirmed their praise instead. He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!” (Luke 19:40)

I love that phrase. It is wonderfully ambiguous, yet at the same time, such a clear affirmation that Jesus accepted the people’s praise of him as Messiah. So, what did Jesus mean that the stones would burst into cheer? There are several possible interpretations.

1) One interpretation is that Jesus says it is just as impossible for the disciples to keep quiet as for the stones to cheer. The Messiah is here. How can they not rejoice?

2) A second interpretation would be that Jesus is worthy of praise, and if we do not give it to him, God will find some other means, even if it means making the stones cheer out his praises instead.

3) A third interpretation sees the stones crying out not in praise but in judgment of those who do evil. We find parallels to this in the Old Testament, for example, in Habakkuk 2:11-12 where we read, “The stones of the wall will cry out, and the beams of the woodwork will echo it. ‘Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town by crime!’” In this interpretation, the stones would condemn the disciples who withhold their praises or the Pharisees who seek to silence them.

I like the second of these interpretations best, that if the disciples remain silent, the stones will burst into cheers of Jesus instead. But whichever Jesus meant, it is clear that he affirms the peoples’ praises over the Pharisees’ objections. So, God is going to be praised one way or another. And if we keep quiet, the rocks will burst into cheers!

God will not give his glory to another

This saying of Jesus is remarkable for several reasons. First, the Bible tells us that God will not give his glory to another. We read in Isaiah 42:8, “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another.” God’s glory belongs to him alone, and he does not share or give his glory to anyone else.

 

Jesus shares God’s glory; therefore, he is God.

And yet, the Bible also teaches us that Jesus shares God’s glory. The night before Jesus went to the cross, he prayed a prayer to God in the presence of his disciples. Hear the opening words of this prayer in John 17:1-5. Jesus prayed, “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”

Now, remember, God will not give his glory to another. And yet, here we see that Jesus shares God’s glory. The conclusion is unmistakable. If Jesus shares God’s glory, then Jesus is God.

We see that, indeed, Jesus Christ will share God’s glory because:

Every knee will bow, and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord

The New Testament confirms this in many other places, but perhaps one of the clearest is in Philippians 2:9-11 where we read this about Jesus, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

CONCLUSION: So, what does all this mean about the stones cheering? Exactly what we’ve just been talking about throughout the whole passage.

God is worthy of loud and joyful praise. He created all things for his glory, and our greatest joy is found in praising him.

Our praise should focus on the person and work of Jesus. Jesus is the Son of God, the king who comes in the name of the Lord. That’s the person of Jesus. Jesus’ death brings peace in heaven and earth. That’s the work that Jesus came to do.

God must and will be praised through Jesus Christ. God will not give his glory to another. Jesus shares God’s glory;...

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2220 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I’m excited to continue our journey through the book of Proverbs, where we explore its timeless wisdom. Today, we’re delving into Proverbs 11:24-31 from the New Living Translation. So, tighten your hiking boots as we explore the path of generosity in these verses.

In Proverbs 11:24-31, we continue our exploration of the characteristics and outcomes of living a life of wisdom. These verses provide valuable insights into the rewards of generosity and its impact on our lives and communities.

Verse 24: “Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.”

This verse presents a straightforward principle: generosity leads to increased wealth, while stinginess results in loss. It underscores the value of a giving heart and the blessings that flow from it.

Verse 25: “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”

These verses further emphasize the benefits of generosity. The generous not only prosper but also find refreshment for their own souls. It highlights the reciprocal nature of giving and the joy it brings.

Verse 26: “People curse those who withhold grain, but they bless the one who sells it.”

Here, we see the contrast between those who withhold and those who provide. Those who withhold grain invite curses, while those who sell it are blessed. It underscores the value of meeting the needs of others.

Verse 27: “If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you!”

These verses emphasize the importance of our intentions and desires. Those who seek good find favor, while those who seek evil will encounter it. It reminds us to set our hearts on goodness and positive pursuits.

Verse 28: “Trust in your money and down you go! But the godly flourish like leaves in spring.”

This verse contrasts trust in wealth with trust in godliness. Trusting in money leads to downfall, while the godly flourish like leaves in spring. It underscores the importance of placing our trust in godly principles.

Verse 29: “The fool who provokes his family to anger and resentment will finally have nothing worthwhile left.”

These verses highlight the consequences of foolish actions within a family. Provoking anger and resentment ultimately leads to loss. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy relationships within our families.

Verse 30: “The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends.”

Here, we encounter the idea of sowing seeds of good deeds. These seeds grow into a tree of life, symbolizing the positive impact of our actions. Wisdom also plays a role in building friendships, emphasizing the value of both.

Verse 31: “If the righteous are rewarded here on earth, what will happen to wicked sinners?”

These verses underscore the contrasting destinies of the righteous and the wicked. The righteous receive rewards on earth, leaving us to ponder the fate of wicked sinners. It highlights the enduring value of living a righteous life.

As we reflect on Proverbs 11:24-31, we’re reminded that wisdom isn’t just theoretical knowledge; it’s practical and influences the choices we make in our daily lives.

Take a moment to consider these questions: How can you cultivate generosity and a giving heart in your life? In what ways can you seek good, trusting in godliness rather than wealth? Remember, wisdom equips us to make choices that lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Let’s summarize the key takeaways from Proverbs 11:24-31:

Generosity and Wealth: Giving freely leads to increased wealth, while stinginess results in loss.

Prosperity of the Generous: The generous not only prosper but also find refreshment for their own souls.

Meeting the Needs of Others: Providing for the needs of others leads to blessings, while withholding invites curses.

Seeking Good vs. Evil: Seeking good brings favor, while seeking evil leads to its discovery.

Trust in Wealth vs. Godliness: Trusting in money leads to downfall, while the godly flourish.

Family Relationships: Provoking anger and resentment within the family leads to loss.

Positive Impact of Good Deeds: Good deeds have a positive and lasting impact, and wisdom is key to building friendships.

Contrasting Destinies: The righteous are rewarded on earth, raising questions about the fate of the wicked.

In closing, remember that wisdom equips us to make choices that lead to a life of fulfillment. As we continue our journey through the vast landscapes of wisdom, may we cultivate generosity, seek goodness, trust in godliness, and choose the path that leads to a life of purpose and blessing.

Thank you for joining me on this leg of our Wisdom-Trek. I hope these verses have inspired you to actively embrace wisdom’s call and make her a daily presence in your journey. As we continue our journey, may we navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and grace.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!