Behold the Lamb

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“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29) 

As part of my sales route, there is an office I visit about once a month. Each time I’m there, I’m drawn to a picture on the wall. The picture is of a lamb lying contently on top of a crown of thorns and below a reference to Isaiah 53:7, “He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, yet He opened not His mouth”. In Scripture, a lamb is used in both a literal and symbolic sense. The Israelites viewed lambs as a symbol of innocence, sacrificing them in worship as a burnt offering to make atonement for sin. Under the Mosaic System, these sacrifices had to be repeated. It was required the lambs chosen for sacrifice be without blemish because God deserved only the best. These lambs were also to be unblemished because they pointed forward to a perfect sinless sacrifice.

            “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” The gospel of John records John the Baptist’ declaration of Jesus as the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”. What the Old Testament sacrifices had pointed to was now here. The Greek word Lamb used in this verse had to do with daily offerings made in the temple. It makes perfect sense that the image of a lamb in the Old Testament would be more fully developed in the New Testament, for the whole purpose of the Old Covenant (Mosaic System) was to point to the New Covenant mediated by Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ fulfilled all the demands of the Old Covenant. He was who Isaiah 53:7 predicted. The blood splattered on those altars pointed directly to the perfect blood that was shed by the Messiah. But whereas the sacrifices under the Old Covenant had to be repeated to atone for sin, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God would atone for sin for all time.   

            I am always encouraged when I visit this office and see that picture on the wall because it makes me reflect on what it represents. It represents what Christ did at the cross. Because He chose to wear a crown of thorns, I will wear a crown of righteousness. I hope that is your reflection as you read this. But let us not stop there because Jesus is no longer on the cross nor is He in the tomb. He conquered them both and now sits at the right hand of God the Father. That crown of thorns placed on His head to mock Him has been replaced with a crown of glory and honor (Hebrews 2:7). Philippians 2:10-11 says that one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. The apostle John writes in Revelation that as we sing praises in heaven, we will sing of Jesus saying, “Worthy is the Lamb” for He is a Lamb who will demand our praise. But why wait for heaven? Jesus Christ demands our praise now. So, for all that we have to praise Him for, today praise Jesus as the Lamb of God, the perfect, sinless sacrifice who came to take away your sin and mine. He is worthy! 

Prayer

God, You are worthy of all of our praise. Help me live in the salvation You provide with a grateful heart for the atoning sacrifice of the perfect Lamb, Jesus Christ. Your Word tells us that one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess You as Lord. Don’t let me wait for that day. Let me bow before You, confess You as Lord and praise You today and every day. You are more than worthy! 

In His Image: There Are No Exceptions!

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“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27). You won’t find in this or any other passage of Scripture an exception to the fact that all humans are created in the image of God. Yet what is seemingly the case more and more is that every pro-life politician who puts forth anti-abortion legislation aimed at protecting the unborn excludes those conceived as a result of rape or incest. The latest politician is Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).

               A few days ago, Senator Graham commented on a bill he introduced that would ban abortions after 20 weeks. In a statement he said, “It is time for someone to speak up on behalf of these babies”. I agree with the Senator; it is time to speak up on behalf of them, ALL of them. You see, the bill introduced makes exceptions in the case of rape, incest and the life of the mother. I’m reminded of how during the campaign in 2012, there were several Republican Senate candidates who were painted as insensitive toward women because their anti-abortion stance made no exception in cases of rape or incest. Naturally, they took criticism from the Obama campaign, the pro-choice candidate, liberal politicians and the liberal media. But they also took criticism from Republicans, conservatives and the like. Governor Romney, who ran on a pro-life platform even called for one of these Senators to withdraw from the Senate race based on his view. The Romney campaign’s official pro-life position held out an exception in cases of rape, incest and the life of the mother. While maybe taking the higher moral ground than the Democratic platform position, neither position was biblical.

               And so here we are again with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham’s proposed bill. Let me say a few things, first; I can appreciate any legislation or for that matter anything that lessens abortions. Ultimately, we should wish there be no abortions, but the fewer the better. Secondly, though a Christian position, the pro-life position is not necessarily reserved for Christians. There are those who don’t follow Christ who consider themselves pro-life. Lastly, we cannot pretend there aren’t any challenges ahead for all involved when a child is conceived in cases rape or incest. And the ethical dilemma faced when the life of the mother is at stake is heart wrenching. But this doesn’t change the biblical truth; all humans are created in the image of God. God’s care for the unborn makes no exception for time or the manner of conception. Scripture is abundantly clear on this point. We only have to consider it in our policies and personal convictions.

               As a nation, we can’t expect God’s blessings when we ignore His will. And we can’t expect those opposed to God to have any concern for the authority of Scripture. But as Christians, we also cannot afford to remain silent. Though the truth must always be stated with grace, it must be stated. As Christians, we must consider all that God has said. Many may claim that to be opposed to abortion in the case of rape or incest is a radical position. I would contend the most radical position is one that is opposed to God thinking we know better than He. A pro-life position with exceptions for rape and incest may be the view many Christians hold, but it’s not a Christian view. As believers in Jesus Christ, we must accept His authority. And we must urge and pray that our political leaders do the same. Our God is a gracious and patient God who has spoken on this issue. Let us open our hearts to His Word and here from Him.

Eyes That See

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“We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are” (Numbers 13:31) 

Loss of vision is an unfortunate disability. Though there is no cure and disadvantages exist, many advances allow people with blindness to get along well in today’s society. Spiritual blindness is different. People who are spiritually blind may have perfect eyesight, but are blind to the ways of God. Such was the case for the majority of the spies that Moses sent into Canaan to spy out the land and report back on what they saw. In all, twelve spies went in. When the LORD told Moses to send the spies, He said, it is, “a land which I am giving to the people of Israel.” This gift of land was a fulfillment of a promise the LORD originally made to Abraham (Genesis 17:8). It was a promise that would be kept because God keeps all His promises. Even having been witness to God’s faithfulness since bringing them out of Egypt, doubt still dominated the disposition of the majority of the spies. They were “blind” to the ways of God, and their report upon return from Canaan proved it.   

            “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are” This was the report from ten of the twelve spies upon their return from Canaan. There were two others who went into the Promised Land as well, Caleb and Joshua. As all twelve traveled the land for forty days, physically, they saw the same thing. Canaan was a fertile and prosperous land, “a land flowing with milk and honey”. The spies gained other insights as well. The people in the land were very formidable; they were very large and powerful people. It was on this observation where the spies separated into two groups, where ten of the spies lost their sight, spiritually speaking that is. When these ten spies looked, they saw only the obstacles they faced, believing their enemies were too much to overcome. Caleb and Joshua saw the obstacles as well, but believed they could be overcome. These calm and confident voices however were not welcome as the majority of the spies stirred Israel to rebel against Moses and Aaron, but most importantly, against God. They grumbled and complained, showing their contempt against the LORD who had brought them to this point and had promised this land to them. Their unbelief would not go without consequence. God made Israel wander for forty more years in the wilderness until the whole generation of the people twenty years and older died. The ten spies died as a result of a plague. Because of their belief, only Caleb and Joshua received the blessing of entering the Promised Land. 

            So what was it that distinguished Caleb and Joshua from the other ten spies? What distinguished them was how they viewed their situation. The majority of the spies saw the obstacles, but didn’t see God, while Caleb and Joshua not only understood God’s promises, but also the value of having Him present with them. The difference was simply an issue of belief versus unbelief. Unbelief is always at the root of spiritual blindness and often brings about undesired consequences. Belief on the other hand always pleases God. Caleb and Joshua believed God. In contrast to the majority of the spies, they were unique. Joshua eventually led Israel into the Promised Land. Caleb was said to have a “different spirit”, the Hebrew word for “spirit” having to do with the heart (Numbers 14:24). The reason Joshua and Caleb could see with eyes of faith was because they saw with their hearts.

            When our hearts are open to God, He is pleased to help us see. Do you have eyes that see every circumstance filtered through the Word of God? Do you see all of the happenings of this world under His providential hand? Our hearts help our eyes to see with faith. Maybe one day there will be a cure for blindness, but today, because of God’s grace, there is a cure for those who are spiritually blind. That cure is Jesus Christ. He alone changes hearts, taking us from unbelief to belief, from darkness to light and from blindness to sight. Do you see Him?

 Prayer

Lord God, help me to see You in everything, no matter how uphill the victory may seem. Let me learn from the testimony of Caleb and Joshua that victory is certain in Your presence. I want to stay in Your presence each day Lord as I battle this world and all of its obstacles. You are gracious and faithful. Help me glorify You in all I do. Amen!

October 31st: More than Just Halloween

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Most of us associate October 31st with Halloween. But did you know that October 31st is also a very significant day in the life of the Protestant church? It is Reformation Day. It was on this day in 1517 that Martin Luther, a catholic priest nailed his Ninety-Five Theses (stated objections) to the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany. This began what is known in history as the Protestant Reformation. For Luther personally, it began a long period of conflict with the Roman Catholic Church. Though men before him had expressed concerns with the church, the reformation movement crystallized with Luther. The word reformation means “to form again or to revive”. In Luther’s eyes what needed reviving was the supremacy of the gospel; a right theology in which to worship, a theology centered on God. Reformation theology is built on what are called the five Solas, a Latin word meaning “alone”. They are as follows: 

  • Sola Scriptura – the church looks to the Bible alone as its ultimate authority (2 Timothy 3:16) 
  • Sola Gratia – salvation is by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9) 
  • Sola Fide – salvation comes through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 1:17) 
  • Solus Christus – salvation comes in Christ alone (1 Timothy 2:5) 
  • Soli Deo Gloria – life is to be lived to the glory of God alone (1 Corinthians 10:31) 

            We would do well to see as clearly as Luther saw in his time because the supremacy of the true gospel needs reviving today as well. Appreciating and embracing the doctrines of the Reformation helps us to that end because they force our return to a right theology, a theology centered exactly where it belongs; at the cross of Christ. “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36).

Living the Gospel

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Most of the time when we hear it said we are to live the gospel, it’s said as encouragement to live each day for God’s glory. God’s glory should be our goal and obedience to His will matters, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:14-15). The apostle Paul asks rhetorically in Romans 6:1, “Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?” He then answers, saying “By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” (Romans 6:2). So yes, living the gospel means that we are to walk in a manner that pleases God.

            But living the gospel also entails our accepting the full forgiveness we have in Christ. Though one day we will be, we are far from perfect and sin stills dwells within us. If it were not so, would Paul have written to those in the church at Rome to not let sin reign in their mortal bodies? (Romans 6:12). Would he have told the Galatians to walk by the Spirit so not to gratify the desires of the flesh? (Galatians 5:16).

            It is easy to let the moments when we are less than who God calls us to be keep us from pursuing who we are in Him and fulfilling the purpose for which He created us. We must always remember; God has saved us from the just judgment we deserve apart from Him. Our sin was cured at the cross. Christ has become our righteousness. The simple and glorious truth is that when Jesus said, “It is finished”, He meant it.     

The Christian Response to Government

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             “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21). This was Jesus’ answer to the Pharisees question about whether or not it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. The question wasn’t asked out of genuine curiosity, but only one of the Pharisees many attempts to trap Jesus. Depending on His answer, Jesus would either appear to be a traitor to Caesar or have His ministry discredited. His answer in Matthew 22:21 startled those who questioned Him. Verse 22 says when they heard Jesus’ answer, “they marveled” and went away. Former pastor and commentary writer, Kent Hughes says that with His answer in Matthew 22:21, “the Lord established the validity of human government, while at the same time set its limits”. Hughes goes on to call Romans 13:1-7 the Apostle Paul’s exposition of Jesus’ answer to this question. It’s easy depending upon party affiliation or political philosophy to only accept governmental authority when its leaders meet our approval. It’s also easy to take this passage and use it inappropriately in an attempt to make it mean what it doesn’t. So, what should the Christian response toward civil government be? How are we to conduct ourselves in light of how our government conducts itself?

            When considering Paul’s teaching in these verses, it’s important to remember that at the time he was writing, Christians in Rome were living under the authority of a less than friendly government. It is also important to remember the clarity and direct nature with which Paul wrote, not only to the Christians responsibility toward civil government, but also to God’s intended purpose for government. Christians are to honor and respect governmental authority. We are to be good citizens. God’s purpose for government is to restrain evil, promote good and to punish disobedience. I think it’s safe to say that in both instances we have failed. Christians have often used governments’ immoral and irresponsible acts as an excuse for our own less than Christian response. At least I know I have. And our government has clearly run away from its God-ordained responsibilities as well. Not only are our tax dollars spent irresponsibly, but more and more our government supports policies that are contrary to God’s standards.  

            This passage of Romans doesn’t answer all of our questions, but Scripture does tell us how we are to order our priorities as it relates to obedience. We must obey God before all else. When the apostles were told by the governing authorities not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus, they responded, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20). Paul also emphasized in this passage of Romans that Christians obey “for the sake of conscience” (Romans 13:5). Our conscience involves our sense of what is right and wrong, but even more our awareness that we are to do what is right. That’s why the apostles didn’t obey when they were told not to teach in the name of Christ, their consciences told them not to. God always has the final say as to what is right.  

            I mentioned above that in his commentary, Kent Hughes indicated that Jesus’ statement in Matthew 22:21 not only validated the role of human government, but also set its limits. His point was that although there is a proper role for government and all are to respect its authority, government functions only under the sovereign hand of God. “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings…” (Daniel 2:20-21). We can take great comfort in understanding that every king, every ruler or dictator, every president and every member of congress, no matter their political philosophy or party is there only because God ordained they be. And they will be there only until He determines otherwise.

            In short, Christians should be our nation’s best citizens. Our respect, honor and submission to governmental authority should be above reproach, stemming from the recognition that government is a divine institution. However, this passage doesn’t require Christians to be passive toward sinful and immoral actions by our government. And it doesn’t teach blind loyalty to government. Our hope should always be that we are able to obey both God and men. However, when man’s law or command conflicts with God’s, we must choose God’s. As Scriptures makes this point, it also teaches the appropriate manner and tone in which we disobey.

            Lastly, like all institutions, sinners occupy the seats of our government and our leaders must remain objects of our prayers. These prayers should not be conditional of who they are or what political party they belong to. Jesus changes everything for those touched by His grace. We must believe in the power of prayer.           

            As Hughes concluded his commentary on this passage of Romans, he said it is only through Jesus Christ that we can live out our duty to obey as described in God’s Word, but that it is also only through Christ that we are able to fulfill our duty to disobey when it is the will of God for us to do so. Remember, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). 

            Below is a prayer offered by an early church Father, Clement of Alexandria. Our nation’s leaders need these prayers today.   

“Thou, Master, hast given the power of sovereignty to them through thy excellent and inexpressible might, that we may know the glory and honour given to them by thee, and be subject to them, in nothing resisting thy will. And to them, Lord, grant health, peace, concord, firmness that they may administer the government which thou hast given them without offence. For thou, heavenly Master, king of eternity, hast given to the sons of men glory and honour and power over the things which are on the earth; do thou, O Lord, direct their counsels according to which is “good and pleasing” before thee, that they may administer with piety in peace and gentleness the power given to them by thee, and may find mercy in thine eyes.”

Let the Children Come

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“But Jesus called them to Him, saying ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God’” (Luke 18:16) 

There are moments that cannot be described any other way than as just precious. Once a year at Hunter Street, the first graders are presented with Bibles during the worship service. As they walk across the stage to receive their Bibles from our pastor, it’s always interesting to watch the manner in which they go to get them. Some go briskly, some very seriously while others go meekly. On this particular year, after the presentation of their Bibles, the children were led out as the congregation sang Jesus Loves Me. This song is probably familiar to most of us. It may even be the first song you ever learned in church as a child. If you’re not familiar with it, the chorus goes, “Yes Jesus love me. Yes Jesus loves me. Yes Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so”. What great words to teach life altering lessons, not only to children, but to each of us.   

            “But Jesus called them to Him, saying ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God’” Jesus’ attitude towards children was unique and quite different from many religious leaders of His day. In many ancient cultures, until children were of an age to actively contribute to the family, they were seen as somewhat of a burden. The disciples seemed to even believe this as they rebuked those who tried to bring their children to Jesus for blessing. Jesus in turn rebuked them for keeping the children away. He saw children as a model of humility and trust, taking this occasion to make a point, “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it” (Luke 18:17). 

              Though Scripture teaches that all of us are brought forth in iniquity (Psalm 51:5) there was a certain innocence to this moment of when these children received their Bibles. They may not know all the theology that will serve them as they age, but they don’t possess all the clutter either. That is not to say that theology is unimportant. Correct theology is critical. It is only to say that children’s hearts and minds are wide open to God’s shaping. Is yours? God will reveal great things to those who approach Him like a child. A humble and teachable spirit is fertile ground for the Holy Spirit’s work. Let us approach Jesus like a child. The words of the song, Jesus Loves Me may be simple, but they are also powerful and true. No one loves you more than Jesus. And just as with the children, it’s the Bible that tells you so.         

 Prayer

Father God, thank you for your Word and its expression of love for us. Thank you for the cross that saved us from our sins. Thank you for the empty tomb by which we are justified. As children grow, let them hold fast to what the Bible teaches. It will not be easy. Help all of us to hold fast to your Word. Keep us humble before you, trusting in all that you are.  

Knowing the True God

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“No religion is stronger than its god, and in the case of Christianity, no Christians have ever been stronger than their knowledge of the true God and their desire to obey and glorify Him.”

                                                                                                 – James Montgomery Boice –

             What keeps us from having a greater passion to know the true God? Are we just too busy to spend time getting to know Him? Could it be because we’ve made up a god of our own choosing; one that conforms His will to ours instead of the other way around? James Montgomery Boice’ quote above is found in the introduction to his commentary on Romans 9-11. In many ways, these are three of the most difficult chapters in Scripture. They are difficult because they make it abundantly clear that God, not man, is the center of all things. He is above us in every way. Paul concludes Romans 9-11 by expressing the depth of God’s wisdom and the impossibility of our complete understanding of His ways (Romans 11:33-36). We can never separate our desire to obey and glorify God from our knowledge of Him. That knowledge comes as we submit to His authority and allow free reign of the Holy Spirit in our lives. All of it is by God’s grace. Let us pray that our hearts would be open to His work, that we would have a greater desire to seek to know the only true God. Let us see His greatness, obey His will and glorify Him more and more each day.

The Joy of Salvation

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“Restore to me the joy of your salvation” (Psalm 51:12). Pride is the root of all sin. King David knew pride and sin well. We too know it well. But David was also a man after God’s own heart, and in time, whenever he found himself out of God’s will, he eventually made his way back and always found God welcoming. The context for which David wrote Psalm 51 was when he was exposed as both an adulterer and murderer (2 Samuel 11:1-12:23).

            The truth is we sin because we’re sinners, but as Christians our hearts default position is obedience to the will of our heavenly Father. You see David express as much in this psalm. He recognized his sin and prayed for a clean heart and renewed spirit, knowing that it was something only the LORD could do.    

            God didn’t save us so we would have to wait for eternity to experience the joy of salvation. Though our joy will be unbroken in eternity, God wants us to experience joy now. David recognized that his sin robbed him of that joy. We must recognize the same. Sin and joy cannot co-exist in the believers’ heart. When you find your fellowship with God broken because of your sin, repent and seek Him with a humble and contrite heart. When you do, you will find God pleased to restore the joy He intended for you all along, joy that is found only in Him.

Where Credibility Comes From

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“For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross be emptied of its power” (1 Corinthians 1:17) 

We live in a day where instant credibility and wisdom seems to attach to a person gifted with great oratory skills. You see it all over the place; in the political arena, in business, you see it with celebrities’ and with sports figures. We can be so enamored with how someone says something. It’s almost like it doesn’t even matter what they say so long as they sound good saying it. But, do you know what? The same thing can also be said about the church. It’s not to say that being a great speaker is a bad thing, it’s not. It’s a gift, and like all good gifts, it’s from God. But it is to say that being a great speaker in and of itself, particularly as it relates to proclaiming the gospel message is not the most important thing. Unfortunately, sometimes we treat it as if it is. Continue reading →