Obeisance – 4.25.08

And he asked them of their welfare, and said, Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive? And they answered, Thy servant our father is in good health, he is yet alive. And they bowed down their heads, and made obeisance. (Genesis 43:28)

Ever run into a word that you can never remember how to pronounce correctly? Isn't it frustrating? Well for me, "obeisance" is one of those words. Is it oŸ`-bee-Ÿsuhns or oŸ`-bay-Ÿsuhns?

Another is "ambassage" (Luke 14:32). The problem here lies in the fact that today the word is spelled "embassage," though the meaning is the same. And in case you're interested, it is pronounced `emŸ-bə-Ÿsij (accent on the first syllable).

Anyway, when I looked up the proper pronunciation for "obeisance" (which I'm sure I've done several times before), I found that either pronunciation is acceptable (one dictionary listed the long a pronunciation first, the other the long e pronunciation first). But none of that is the point.

The word is defined as:

…a movement of the body made in token of respect or submission

…acknowledgment of another's superiority or importance

Now, regardless of how you pronounce the word, it is clear that the root is OBEY. And what stuck out in my mind was the fact that obedience is rooted in humility. In the same way, I believe it's pretty obvious to see that rebellion is rooted in pride.

If you're struggling with obedience in some area of your life (and we all do from time to time), remember that it is God Who puts authority in place, and He does so for a reason. And we are all commanded to submit ourselves to that authority. You see, God has the right to tell all of us what to do. And He's transferred that right to various people in our lives. To be obedient, we must humble ourselves and acknowledge that fact.

If you're struggling with obedience in some area of your life, you need to check up on your estimation of yourself (the great "Who do you think you are?" question), and think a while about how much God hates pride…Isaiah 14 might be a good place to start.

JESUS humbled himself and became obedient (Philippians 2:8). May we all follow His example!

Bread & Wine – 4.22.08

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. Genesis 14:18-20

In this section of the book of Genesis, a most interesting of Bible characters shows up; a man by the name of Melchizedek. He is mentioned in several other scriptures; most notably in Hebrews 7, where he is set forth as an obvious and wonderful type of Jesus Christ.

Now, isn't it great how the Bible gets bigger every time you read it? It's like someone puts something in that wasn't there last time. I've read this story dozens of times, but I've never noticed that Melchizedek brought bread and wine. And it was that part of the story that stuck out to me today.

Here's the application I believe we can make. In the context, Melchizedek came out and met Abram in celebration, in honor of his victory over the rebellion of Chedorlaomer. As part of that celebration, Melchizedek came with bread and wine.

What does that bread and wine remind you of as a NT Christian? The first thing that comes to my mind is the Lord's supper. Now, what is the purpose of our gathering together around the Lord's table? Is it not to remember our Savior and to show His death till He come (1 Corinthians 11:26)?

So what's the correlation? Herein lies the blessing; Jesus' death, the death we commemorate with bread and wine, was not a defeat. It was a victory. And just as Melchizedek celebrated Abraham's victory over Chedorlaomer with bread and wine, so we commemorate the Lord's victory over sin, death, hell, and the grave by partaking of bread and wine. Praise the Lord, our Savior lives!

Who appeared in glory, and spake of his [Jesus'] decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. Luke 9:31

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. Hebrews 2:14

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Revelation 18.17 – 4.18.08

For in one hour so great riches is come to nought… Revelation 18:17

Who says the Bible is a boring book? While parts are admittedly dry, you've got to admit that much of its contents are quite an intriguing read. Haven't you ever been fascinated by the book of Revelation? Granted, it can be difficult to understand and somewhat hard to follow at times (which is why we are commanded to study), but it is captivating nonetheless.

Chapter 18 is a very vivid description of the future destruction of Babylon, which will be the seat of the Antichrist and the center of world power during the time of the tribulation. It is followed by a picture of the coming King in chapter 19. Aren't you glad you get to witness this prophecy unfold seated on your white horse and following Jesus Christ? Praise the Lord, I'm on the winning side!

But that doesn't have much to do with the devotion for today. I'd like for us to meditate on the observation made by the Holy Spirit in verse 17 of Revelation 18. It is a very powerful statement. For in one hour so great riches is come to nought…

Remember, Babylon will be the greatest city in all the world at the time these events take place. The chapter describes its gold, its silver, its pearls, its precious stones, its ivory, its fine linen, its wine, its produce, its merchants. It will be the economic capital of the planet. And in one hour it'll be utterly destroyed.

In the course of one September morning not long ago, 2 buildings crumbled to the ground and many lives were lost in a city of immense economic and political importance. That won't be a drop in a bucket compared to the havoc that our God will wreak on this city in that day…in one hour.

Let's make some personal application here. What are we living our lives for? Is what we're living for going to last? Let's face it, all that most "Christians" live for and strive for and center their lives around are things that could be gone in an hour. Why don't we center our lives around something that'll matter in eternity? Something that'll last for ever?

May God grant it.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:36-37

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor seta: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:20-22

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

For other foundation can no man lay than that is lad, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 1 Corinthians 3:11-13

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-3

Hebrews 12.1-4 – 4.15.08

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, STRIVING AGAINST SIN.

Read this very familiar passage today, and that final phrase really jumped out to me. Let's concentrate on it together for just a moment.

According to Webster, to "strive" is to contend; to contest; to struggle in opposition to another; to be in contention or dispute; followed by against or with before the person or thing opposed; as, strive against temptation; strive for the truth.

I have heard much and spoken much on the need for the Christian to PRESS toward the mark (Phil. 3:14), to RUN the Christian race (Heb. 12:1), to SUBJECT the body to the control of the Spirit (1 Cor. 9:27), and to do so by LAYING ASIDE sins and LAYING ASIDE weights and FIXING his eyes, his mind, his heart on Jesus Christ. But in addition to all that, Hebrews says that there is a need for the Christian to STRIVE AGAINST SIN.

I'm afraid we're often far too casual in our individual efforts as Christians to identify and overcome personal sins in our own lives. Galatians 5:17 says, "the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh." I don't believe the conflict between the Spirit and the flesh is one that we can solve through diplomacy. I don't believe God intends for the Spirit to be engaged in a "Cold War" against the flesh. I believe the Bible teaches us that we must identify the enemy (the flesh), declare war on the enemy (the flesh), and fight it to the death! This battle against that which God hates ought to be one of all out combat.

What have we done to gain victory over the sins, habits, vices, lusts in our personal lives (we ALL have them!) that could be described as striving? We strive for so many things that don't really matter. May we each devote our time and our energy to ardently attacking and ridding our lives of the sin which doth so easily beset us.

Onward, Christian soldier!

Be Ye Angry – 4.10.08

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath. (Ephesians 4:26)

Along with Romans 12 and Colossians 3, Ephesians 4 is one of the great chapters in the NT on practical Christian living. Personally, I find the instruction given here in verse 26 particularly interesting. Let's concentrate for a moment on that first phrase, Be ye angry. Sounds like a command to me. Sounds like there could be times when a Christian ought to get angry. And I believe that's exactly what the verse is saying.

Here are some notes I took down in my Bible long ago...

An apology for anger

• Anger is commanded (Eph. 4:26)
  
• The Spirit of the Lord moved Saul to become angry (1 Sam. 11:6)
  
• God is angry with the wicked every day (Ps. 7:11)
  
• Jesus was consistently angry with the Pharisees (Mk. 3:5)
  

Guidelines for anger

• Have a cause (Mt. 5:22)
  
• Sin not (Eph. 4:26)
  
• Get it dealt with; avoid bitterness (Eph. 4:26)
  
• Be slow to anger (Neh. 9:17; Ps. 103:8; 145:8; Prov. 15:18; 16:32; Joel 2:13; Jon. 4:2; Nah. 1:3; Ti. 1:7; Jm. 1:19)
  
• Defer your anger (Ps. 78:38; Prov. 19:11)
  

Warnings about anger

• Cease from (Ps. 37:8; Eph. 4:31; Col. 3:8)
  
• foolish anger (Ps. 38:3; Prov. 14:17; Ecc. 7:9)
  

The anger of the Lord was kindled

• Because of unbelief (Exo. 4:14; Num. 32:10-14)
  
• Because of murmuring (Num. 11:1)
  
• Because of envy (Num. 12:9)
  
• Because of compromise/ecumenicism (Num. 25:3; Deu. 6:14-15; Ps. 106:29)
  
• Because of Israel's vain gods (Deu. 32:21-22; Jos. 23:16; 1 Kn. 16:13)
  
• Because of Israel's breach of their covenant with Him (Deu. 29)
  
• Against Balaam, for his covetousness (Num. 22:22)
  
• Against Uzza, for failing to heed His clear instruction (2 Sam. 6:7)
  
• And on the list could go…
  

Here's what we need to think about. We all get angry, but what is it that gets us there? What makes us tic? Come on, honestly, what causes us to lose it? A righteous thing or a stupid thing? Sin in our lives? Failure to take advantage of an opportunity to witness? Our own shortcomings? Or losing the remote? Tripping over the dog? A squabble with a sibling? Spilling ketchup all over our clothes? Losing the game?

And when we do get angry, how do we handle it? Do we handle it and get it over with? Or do e let it brew a while? Are we quick to anger or does it take a while to get us there? Do we ever decide it's just not worth it to be angry?

Let This Mind Be in You – 4.8.08

Read through the book of 2 Corinthians this morning, and there was one truth that seemed to stick out over and over. Take a look at the following verses…

Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand. (1:24)

For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. (4:15)

For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed. (10:8)

Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not your's, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. (12:14-15)

Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? We speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. (12:19)

No doubt about it, Paul was a GREAT Christian. But what made him such a GREAT Christian? It was the fact that he followed Christ in giving his all for others. He lived solely for the benefit of those around him.

Philippians 2:3-6 says, Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of god, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant…

Think about this for a minute. What drives your decision making? On what basis do you choose what direction to take or how to act in a certain situation? What determines how conduct yourself in your relationships? Your own good? Your own well being? Your own benefit? Many times that's the way we work. Now let me ask you this. When's the last time you did something for no other reason than to be a blessing to someone else? You got no benefit. You sought no return. You didn't expect any payback. You just went out of your way to do something good for somebody other than yourself. I'm afraid many of us will have to think pretty hard to remember such an instance. Then how much like Jesus are we, really?

Now, the book of 2 Corinthians is all about "the ministry." But don't think that excuses you from this principle. Read chapter 5. We're all called by God to minister. Read 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4. We've each been given a spiritual gift, which is to be exercised for the profit of the entire body of Christ.

Jesus came…for others. He died…for others. He rose…for others. And He lives…for others. May we press toward that mark!

Determination – 4.4.08

And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:19-22)

Been reading this week through the thrilling record of the history of the early church in the book of Acts. This account in chapter 14 really stuck out to me as I read through.

It is interesting to note that Paul was stoned at Lystra, but he was not stoned by the people of Lystra. The people of Lystra thought Paul and Barnabas to be gods, and they could barely restrain the people from offering sacrifices to them (14:18). The people who stoned Paul were a bunch of Jews who chased him down from Antioch and Iconium, cities he had visited prior to Lystra.

Paul and Barnabas came to Antioch in Acts 13:14. There many Jews, proselytes, and Gentiles believed the word of the Lord and were exhorted to continue in the grace of God (vv. 44, 48). Paul's crowds (v. 44) filled the Jews with envy (v. 45) and they stirred up the VIPs of the city to have Paul and Barnabas expelled.

From there they came to Iconium, where again a great multitude of the Jews and Greeks believed (14:1). Again, some Jews stirred things up, but Paul escaped the rock party they wanted to throw [at] him there (vv. 5-6).

It apparently wasn't enough for these Jews to have Paul and Barnabas gone from their cities, they wanted them gone from the face of the earth. So they chased them down in Iconium and stoned Paul [they thought] to death.

But look what Paul does. He rises us and immediately walks back into the city. He and Barnabas left the next day for a new town to evangelize, but then returned to Lystra (where Paul was stoned), and to Iconium (where he narrowly escaped being stoned), and Antioch (the hometown of some who came to Lystra to stone him)…all to confirm and encourage the believers and let them know that there is tribulation associated with the kingdom of God.

Now, I don't know what lies ahead in our futures (Proverbs 27:1), but I have a reasonable measure of doubt that any attempt will be made on our lives for the cause of Jesus Christ. However, I realize that 2 Timothy 1:13 is still in the Bible. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Here's the lesson we need to learn. If mocking can stop you, then you're going to be stopped…because you will be mocked. If ridicule can derail you, then you're going to be knocked off course…because the ridicule will come. If persecution can make you quit, then you'll not go for long…because the world will not put up with your stand for Jesus Christ. You can't order righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost (the kingdom of God; Romans 14:17) and ask God to "hold the tribulation."

What every one of us has to do on a continual basis is recognize that there will be costs associated with our decision to devote our lives to Jesus Christ. And we need to count the cost and settle the matter in our hearts…that it's worth it. It's worth it because everything I enjoy is a blessing from God, and He deserves my all. It's worth it because I'll be better off in the long run for following Jesus. It's worth it. It's worth it. It's worth it. For so many reasons, it's worth it.