In Zechariah 7 and 8 God says two separate, but very similar statements to the people:
"Thus says the LORD of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another,do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart." (Zechariah 7: 9-10)
"These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace; do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these things I hate, declares the LORD." (Zechariah 8: 16-17)
God's call to his people is to be true, render justice, caring for those in need, looking out for the welfare of one another. When these things are perverted, God hates it.
And this has become a major focus of much of the church today. It’s a great thing, but there is a danger to it. The church was never meant to be a humanitarian institution alone. Caring for the sick and releasing people from poverty is a critical part of the task, but humanitarian work can easily be done without God in the picture. These things can be done in the name of God, but the end result may not always be to lead people to Christ. A church soup kitchen can serve good food, but may never serve the good news, and yet they could feel like they are doing the Lord’s work because they are caring for the poor.
I know this is kind of touchy. Pastor Wayne Cordeiro says it this way: good deeds promote good will that open people up to receive the good news. Good deeds as an end is not enough. We can feed the homeless all the meals they’ll ever need but they will still find themselves in hell if they have never made any eternal decisions. Good deeds is not an end, it’s a means for people to receive the gospel.
Jesus speaks to the importance of this in Luke 13, after someone asks him if only a few people will be saved. Jesus talks about striving to enter through the “narrow door” (verses 23-24). But this narrow door isn’t a test of some sort. There isn’t some kind of way to work your way into this narrow door, it’s all about knowing Jesus in a personal way. Jesus tells a parable of people coming up to the door, knocking, and begging to be let in, but Jesus’ response is, “I don’t know you.” The people go on to say, “But we ate and drank in your presence, and we saw you teach in our streets, we listened to you and liked what you taught.” Still, his response is, “I don’t know you.”
The importance is on knowing who Jesus is in a personal way. It’s not enough to know what Jesus taught. It’s not enough to have gone to church a few times. It’s not enough to know about God from what your parents taught you. Jesus puts a huge stress on knowing him yourself. People need to know what Jesus taught, and then do those things. They need to believe that his death on the cross was payment for their sin. They need to speak and pray and relate to him daily.
The church hasn’t completed their task if all they’ve done is serve food or held a church service. There needs to be eternal impact. People need to meet Christ and walk daily with him.
As we press forward into the future, I believe the church will continue to fight poverty and right the social wrongs of the world. And I’m all for it. I want to be a part of that. I believe the the next generation will focus on a global, church-wide effort to transform communities and nations for God’s glory. We just need to never forget that the good news of Christ’s kingdom is our goal, not just the good deeds of the kingdom.
Good Deeds - Good Will - Good News
Seek First
In Luke 12, Jesus tells his disciples that the nations of the world seek after things like food and clothes, but they are not to worry about these things. Instead, they are to seek God's kingdom, and their needs will be met within that seeking. This is Jesus' response to covetousness and possessions.
I hear it so often to seek God's kingdom first, beyond my daily needs, but again I'm left with the question: do I actually do it?
In all honesty, no. Not consistently. To be transparent, covetousness is one of my struggles. I think it's easy to pass off that sin in our culture as "Well, it's okay to want new things; there's nothing wrong with that." Well, maybe. But if we're honest, in our hearts it often goes beyond that.
Sometimes I'll want curry, but Laine won't make it (because I didn't ask). But it doesn't matter to me. I'll eat what she cooked and be just as satisfied. I wanted curry, but didn't get it, and it didn't cause me any kind of grief. I don't crave curry afterwards, I don't even think about curry, because what I really wanted was any kind of food, and to eat with my family.
On the other hand, if I get an email from Apple announcing a new product, I go and check out all the specs.
I watch the product videos.
I'll look at my current computer and think it's old and outdated.
I might even go into the store and experiment with one.
The reality is, I've spent more time pursuing this one product than I've spent time praying about it, or seeking God on it.
When it comes to making decisions, I could be spending a lot more time in the Bible and in prayer, but I don't. I'm too busy watching Apple videos.
The same pattern happens with motorcycles, music, clothing, and movies.
Calling it plain and simple, it's covetousness. Maybe not in all cases, but most. Do any of those things further God's kingdom? I guess you could argue that they can, but that's beyond the point. If I'm going to follow Jesus and do as he says, I've got to change.
Lord, forgive my sin. I say right now that I don't want this to be a part of my life. I want to live with your kingdom as my highest and consistent goal. Please change me by your Spirit in Jesus' name.
Big Task = Big Opposition
Then, when the copy of King Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum and Shimshai the scribe and their associates, they went in haste to the Jews at Jerusalem and by force and power made them cease. Then the work on the house of God that is in Jerusalem stopped, and it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
(Ezra 4:23-24 ESV)
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Zerubbabel doesn’t get much attention in Christendom, but when you look at the history of Israel, he plays a very important and difficult role.
After being allowed by the king of Persia to start building up Jerusalem and it’s temple, people from the land of Samaria oppose it ruthlessly. Zerubbabel has to lead the people in continuing to build through all this opposition. Eventually, these adversaries convince a later king to order the building to stop, and they succeed.
Rebuilding the city and temple actually ceases for fifteen years.
But Zerubbabel and the leaders don’t give up. They are later able to continue building, still with lots of opposition.
As I reflect on this situation and the difficulties surrounding it, I’m amazed at the fortitude and perseverance of Zerubbabel. He, along with the other leaders, pressed on through every obstacle; in constant fear of the neighboring peoples who were fierce and unforgiving in their opposition. It’s already hard enough to motivate people to do something big while they’re living comfortable, safe lives; how much harder must it be to motivate others toward a God-sized task when they’re living in fear and everyone around them is against their efforts.
When I look at my short time in ministry thus far, I’ve come to a point where I realize that things rarely ever work out the way you originally plan them. This isn’t true only about ministry, but life in general. Currently, I really feel the Lord moving our youth ministry to be much more involved with social justice - to join the global church in righting the wrongs of the world. But I’m reminded by Zerubbabel today that I need to expect opposition, and it may be fierce. I also need to have a heart to press on past discouragement. It may even take more than 15 years to realize something like this; but if it is the Lord’s will, he will make it happen in his timing.
My heart needs to be set to be in the game for life. Even though great strategic plans and vision may seem foolproof, it’ll never turn out the way I envision it.
Lord, please infuse my heart with the will to press on beyond all obstacles. Your calling is great and fulfilling, and it is precisely because of that I must expect the opposition to be great also. Small tasks come with small opposition. May I rest on your word and guidance, in the name of Jesus and his kingdom - amen.
Inaction vs. In Action
Daniel 11:32
He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.
Luke 6:46
"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?"
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Life with God is a life of action. Daniel is receiving a message about the end of times. Here he's hearing about a time when people will be led astray by words of flattery, but those who know God will stand firm. The key, I think, goes beyond standing firm. It says they will take action. Too often the Christian is labeled as one who is complacent, but God has always intended that his people be those who stand for what is true, and be people of action, not just defensive reaction.
Jesus says in Luke (to his disciples and the crowds) that people confess Jesus is Lord, but do not do any of the things he asks of them. There may be lots of knowledge, even lots of faith and heart, but without action it's all meaningless.
Something needs to be done about the way we perceive a relationship with God. It can't remain something that focuses only on acting to improve ourselves, it has to be big-picture, more than yourself, kingdom-minded. And it can't include bashing those who are self-indulged. It has to start with my own understanding, and my own willingness to be in action for God, not inactive.
My Heart's Posture
Daniel 9:23
At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.
Daniel 10:10-12
10 And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees.
11 And he said to me, "O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you." And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling.
12 Then he said to me, "Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.
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An angel appears to Daniel after he has spent time fasting and praying. He perceives that he is living in a time when the words of the prophet Jeremiah are being fulfilled: that after 70 years, the Lord will end Israel's time in slavery.
What he does after realizing this is: prayer. He doesn't rejoice or speak to God in a proud way. He asks for mercy upon himself and God's people. He repents. He intercedes for the people. He stands in the gap and prays on behalf of all the people.
Because of this heart of his, an angel, Gabriel, comes to him to assure him that his humble prayers, his pleas for mercy, were heard by God and Gabriel is the proof that the Lord answers the prayers of his people. And it wasn't after Daniel had finished his prayer that the angel was sent, it was "at the beginning of (his) pleas for mercy."
Because of God's holiness, our mortal and sinful condition forces us to be fearful and trembling in his mighty presence. But God and his angels always tell those who are humble, "fear not." Again, Gabriel assures Daniel that the very first day that he set his heart to understand the things of God and humbled himself before the power of God, his words were heard. And they were more than heard, an angel was sent to him to deliver messages.
It's encouraging to me because it shows that humble prayers are answered by the Lord. Indeed, the Lord opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6 <from Proverbs 3:34>). When I pray, I need to be conscious of the posture of my heart. Is it humbled? Or lifted up? How I approach the Lord's throne room to speak to him?
Father, forgive me for so many times I pray without humility. I want my prayers to be acceptable in your sight. I want to set a good example for others in prayer. May I be ever more conscious of the posture of my heart as I seek you and speak with you, in Jesus' name.
Amen.
My Sweaty Best
Daniel 5:29 - 6:3
29 Then Belshazzar gave the command, and Daniel was clothed with purple, a chain of gold was put around his neck, and a proclamation was made about him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
30 That very night Belshazzar the Chaldean king was killed.
31 And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.
1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom 120 satraps, to be throughout the whole kingdom;
2 and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss.
3 Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other presidents and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.
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On the night that Babylon is conquered and becomes part of the Medo-Persian empire, Daniel is promoted to the 3rd highest ruler in Babylon. When Darius settles into his duties of ruling his new territory, Daniel remains one of his top 3 officials. In fact, it pleased Darius to have Daniel as one of his 3 top leaders.
Daniel distinguished himself, by the Spirit of God, as God's representative, among the other 2 presidents set in place by Darius. He outperformed the others so much so that Darius planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Daniel, like Joseph, was a faithful witness to a king over the greatest empire on earth; not just in his duties, but chiefly as a representative of Yahweh.
It makes me realize that God appoints people where he will, but we all choose how we want to perform in our appointed roles. Those who are overseas missionaries need to choose the capacity to which they are willing to be used by the Lord. Those who work blue-collar jobs need to choose to what extent they will glorify God in their workplace. Those who are leaders in church need to choose how excellently they will perform their service to the bride of Christ.
If Daniel had not sovereignly been placed as a high official in the Persian empire, the Israelites may never have returned back to their homeland. Daniel set up a good reputation for God and his chosen people.
In sovereignty, God has placed me where I am at. Sometimes it just gets so easy to ride the wave of his sovereignty and just believe that whatever God's going to work out, he's going to work out. But Daniel, like Joseph, worked really hard at everything he did, and through that, he was blessed with favor.
It's something that needs to be instilled deeper into me, and my old habits and lifestyles need to be chipped away. Not in a religious or legalistic sense, but because the Lord is worthy of my best efforts. The apostle Paul says that he "strives" and "presses on" to what lies ahead for his life (Philippians 3:12-14). The image is one of working with fervor and sweat, not complacent-sovereign-wave-riding. (this isn't meant to be a dig at surfers at all, since surfing is not exactly all that easy)
God's Spirit is in me, empowering me to be like Christ. But I can't just rely on that for the good works he has planned for me in advance (Ephesians 2:10); I need to labor and strive for his kingdom. I work at a church, and I should aim to be so good at what I do that other people who work at church would be willing to hand over other churches to my care. Not because I want to be the ruler of churches, but simply because God sets us in our place, and we should desire to give him nothing but our sweaty best, because he is simply worthy of nothing less. However he chooses to use and reward that work is up to him, but the effort on my part shouldn't be questionable or negotiable.
Father, please forgive my complacency and negligence. Holy Spirit, I seek your guidance and power to put to death old and childish ways and habits, that I may inherit skills of excellence, for the glory of Christ's Kingdom. In Jesus' name;
Amen.
Certain of the Sunrise
Luke 1
3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.
Luke says that the purpose of his letter here is to give certainty to the one who reads it. Certainty about all the things they have heard and learned about Jesus, his kingdom, and his church.
There are times where I wonder and doubt the things I've seen, heard, experienced, and learned. But Luke is writing a complete, ordered account so that I can be certain about it all.
At camp we've been learning that freedom in Christ means to choose to live as he lived. At the end of chapter 1, Zechariah prophesies over his son John, and his prophecy ends with a description of what the Messiah will do:
78 (through God's mercy) the sunrise shall visit us from on high
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."
To live like Jesus means to bring light into darkness, and light into death. It means to guide people into peace with God. This we can be certain of.
Here at Oasis I feel a renewed sense of purpose and passion to live for Jesus, and to live like Jesus. I can be certain that everything I've experienced here is true. I can be certain that my life will be filled with challenges similar to Jesus and the apostles. But I can be certain that I am also being led into a way of peace; a way of life and not death.
Father, thank you that we aren't left to guess at life and eternity. Thank you that everything is certain. Thank you for this retreat and all that has happened here. May I be filled with your certainty that I will return home and begin a new season in life, empowered to be Your light in the darkness.
In the name of Jesus and his kingdom,
Amen.
Sheep Don't Lead Sheep
In Ezekiel, chapter 34, God lays out a prophecy against the “Shepherds of Israel.” He’s not talking about those who are actual sheep herders, but the teachers and leaders of Israel; those who are called by him to lead and care for the people of the nation.
verse 2: “Thus says the Lord GOD: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep?
This is the accusation he brings among them:
“The weak you have not strengthened,
the sick you have not healed,
the injured you have not bound up,
the strayed you have not brought back,
the lost you have not sought,
and with force and harshness you have ruled them.”
(verse 4)
God then doesn’t give them a set of rules or instruction to correct their false behaviors. He steps forward and says, “No longer shall the shepherds feed themselves...I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declared the Lord GOD. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice.”
(verses 10, 15, 16)
This is a prophecy. It means that this is going to happen in the future. It’s not just a rebuke, it’s an event that’s going to take place and be fulfilled. God promises that he “will set up over (his people) one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. And I, the LORD, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them. I am the LORD; I have spoken.”
(verses 23-24)
When Jesus walked the earth, he said that he was this servant; he was this one shepherd; he was this prince. In John chapter 10, verses 1-18, Jesus spells this out clearly. In verse 11 he specifically says, “I am the good shepherd.”
This prophecy in Ezekiel also has clear tones from Psalm 23. And Jesus himself said that he would seek the lost, bind up the injured and broken (Luke 19:10, Luke 4:18).
John chapter 10 has a famous verse that Christians love to quote: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Traditionally, we attribute that title of “thief” to Satan, but that’s not who Jesus is talking about. Jesus identifies leaders and teachers who do not shepherd the people faithfully as the ones who are thieves.
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber.” (verse 1)
“Jesus again said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.’ (verses 7-8)
Jesus is clearly accusing the Pharisees and religious leaders of being thieves. John chapter 10 flows from a conversation he’s started with the Pharisees in chapter 9.
“Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, ‘Are we also blind?’ Jesus said to them, If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains. Truly, truly I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber.” (John 9:40-John 10:1)
There isn’t a break in his speech; he doesn’t change location. It’s clear, Jesus calls the Pharisees (and other oppressive teachers who came before them) thieves and robbers, because they do not shepherd the flock as God calls them. Just as God accused the leaders in Ezekiel’s day, Jesus accuses the Pharisees in his day of being wicked, greedy, neglecting justice and the love of God (Luke 11:37-52).
All of this reminds me today that even though I work at a church, preach on Sundays, lead Bible study groups, do counseling, officiate funerals, etc.,
I am not a leader, or teacher, or shepherd to be depended on or held in high esteem. Jesus is the one shepherd. Myself, and others who share the same calling as me, are sheep who have a certain responsibility among the rest of the sheep. There’s not a flock of sheep in the world that is led by one strong sheep or ram. Sheep flock to a shepherd, to someone who is not like them, beyond them in power and wisdom. The same is true for us, we need someone beyond us in power and wisdom to lead and shepherd us. There isn’t a single person in the world qualified to do that; unless a person could also be God, which is exactly who Jesus is.
Lord, please remind me of this always. May I see my life and calling accurately and humbly, so that I can focus on leading people to be led by you. In Jesus’ name.
A King and His Kingdom
Daniel 4:17
The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, the decision by the word of the holy ones, to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men.
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This is an announcement by an angel, given to Nebuchadnezzar in a dream. Daniel goes on to interpret this dream, saying that Nebuchadnezzar will be humbled to the point of having his mind changed to be like a wild animal's, even eating grass and living outdoors. The angel says that the point of this humiliation will be to show all the earth that God rules the earth, not Nebuchadnezzar, nor any other king.
The book of Daniel is a string of events to show the absolute power and sovereignty of God. Chapter 4 is actually written by Nebuchadnezzar himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit. It's a personal testimony to the level of control God actually has in the world.
I try to imagine this whole thing. Here's a king of a kingdom so powerful, it's still considered to be one of the most powerful to this day. A voice from heaven passes judgment on him and he is led out of his kingdom, living in the wild like an animal eating grass. He does this for so long that his hair and beard grow out to ZZ Top proportions, and then one day he is restored to himself in an instant. If that event doesn't lead anyone to fear God, I don't know what would. And at the end of it all, Nebuchadnezzar doesn't secretly hate God or hold a grudge against him (at least, it doesn't say). Instead, he says, "I praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble" (v.37).
All the events recorded in Daniel tell of two kingdoms: that of man, and God's. We are shown through multiple amazing events that God is able and powerful far beyond the greatest kingdom, and that he uses the humble to make this known. When Jesus came in ultimate humility (God, in human flesh), he instituted and inaugurated God's eternal kingdom. It's like a countdown. A king has been established, and he is on his way to put the world under this order, this kingdom. Which kingdom are you a part of? Because in the end, only one will stand, and you choose your allegiance in this lifetime.
