Friday, July 31, 2009

I WILL NOT MAKE MENTION OF HIM

"Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay." (Jeremiah 20:9)

MANY OF GOD’S PEOPLE have been called to minister under grievous circumstances. Their labors were not attended by great public success, like those of Joshua and John the Baptist. Jeremiah was such a person. He certainly did not have a "career" some half-hearted person would seek! The people to whom he ministered held him in contempt. They said, "Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words" (18:18). The whole matter was deeply discouraging to Jeremiah, and he made strong intercession to the Lord against his opponents (18:19-23). The Lord then directed the prophet to stand in the court of the Lord’s house and proclaim the coming Babylonian captivity. It would be harsh and painful, and would come to them "because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear My words" (19:15).

WHEN A MAN NAMED PASHUR, son of the priest and chief governor in the house of the Lord, heard what Jeremiah was prophesying, he "had Jeremiah the prophet beaten, and put him in the stocks." The next day, in an act of political mercy, Pashur released Jeremiah from the stocks. Jeremiah was not silent. He had evidently been musing while in the stocks. He burst forth in a fiery prophecy that began with the words, "The LORD hath not called thy name Pashur, but Magormissabib" (terror on every side). The Lord, Jeremiah said, would make Pashur a terror to himself and his friends. He would see his enemies delivered to the sword before his very eyes, as God would hand over rebellious Israel "to the king of Babylon" (20:4).

IT WAS IN THE MIDST OF THIS PROPHESY that our text is found. It was an explanation of a past circumstance, when Jeremiah had become discouraged because of the hard-hearted people to whom he spoke in the name of the Lord. Every day he had shouted out the message God had given him, "proclaiming violence and destruction" (NIV). And, every day his word brought him "insult and reproach all day long" (v 8,  NIV). The whole experience finally became too burdensome, and the wearied prophet said, "I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name." That certainly would relieve some of the pressure the people were putting upon him. Needed relief at last!

HOWEVER, THERE IS ANOTHER KIND OF PRESSURE that was much stronger than that of the people. The Word of God was like a "fire shut up in" his bones. He could not forget the word God had given him, and it was a word that had to be spoken. He could not quench the fire it sparked, and it wore him out to keep silence. Finally, after being beaten and put into the stocks, wicked Pashur saw and hear the fiery Word of God erupt from Jeremiah’s mouth. He "could not stay," or hold it in, any longer.

IF EVER THE WORD OF THE LORD can get into the heart of those charged with delivering it, it will exert an inner force that is unparalleled. It will burn within until the messenger can keep silence no longer. Opponents and circumstances will prove powerless to keep it from being spoken in power.

– Given O. Blakely

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

EVERY SMALL MATTER

"And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee." (Exodus 18:22)

WHEN MOSES WAS TENDING SHEEP in the wilderness, before Israel came out of Egypt, Jethro, the priest of Midian, had given him Zipporah, his daughter, as his wife (Ex 2:21). Sometime during Moses' commission to deliver Israel and their actual freedom, he had sent Zipporah and his two sons back to her father. Now, after the deliverance, word of the mighty acts of God got back to Midian. Jethro took Zipporah and her two sons through Moses (Gershom and Eliezer), and went to meet Moses in the wilderness. After he had presented himself and Moses' wife and sons, Moses declared to Jethro how God had mightily delivered them (18:6-8). As a result, Jethro "rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel," saying "Blessed be the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them" (18:10-11). He then presented a burnt offering and "sacrifices for God," while all the elders of Israel ate bread with them (18:12).

THE FOLLOWING DAY, Moses "sat to judge the people," settling grievances they had with one another, and delivering the mind of God on the matters. It was a long day for the man of God, as the people "stood around him from morning until evening," presenting their cases. Here were some counseling sessions that certainly would prove too challenging to the professional counselors of our day!

MOSES' FATHER-IN-LAW, Jethro, observed the events of the day, and became quite concerned about them. He noticed there was a lot of trivia that was unworthy of the attention of a man endued with such wisdom as Moses had from God. He asked Moses, "Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?" Moses replied, "Because the people come to me to seek God's will. Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God's decrees and laws" (vs 15-16, NIV). The answer was not satisfactory for Jethro. He told Moses what he was doing was "not good." It was not a wise employment of his wisdom and knowledge – settling trivial matters. He and the people would wear themselves out. He said, "The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone" NIV (v 18). He then suggested that able and wise men be chosen from the people to judge "every SMALL matter," with only the larger things being brought to him. Moses then implemented the plan, making his burden more bearable.

MANY A PERSON, laboring for the Lord, has worn themselves out dealing with "small matters." It would be like the Apostles spending time administering food rather than preaching and praying (Acts 6:2-4). The institutional church demands such menial servitude, but discerning souls must refuse to give it. There are people who can resolve "small matters," yet are confused by the large ones. There are also people capable of judging large matters, but are worn out by smaller ones. Blessed are the servants of God who can discern such things, and give themselves appropriately to the work of the Lord.

IT IS NEVER GOOD to bombard discerning servants of the Lord with "small matters" that do not require their wisdom and expertise in the Word. It is quite true that the modern church requires this of those they call "ministers." However, men of God must refuse to expend their energy on things that do not have eternal consequences, and can be resolved by others who are better suited for such things. Those who can "handle the Word of God aright" (2 Tim 2:15) must not be asked to wear themselves out serving tables, or doing servile tasks. In the words of "the twelve," "It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables" (Acts 6:2). It still is not reasonable to do such a thing – whether it is required by the institution or not.

THERE IS A SUPERIOR WORK to be done by those appointed to feed the sheep. These are they who have been placed first in the church: "And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that . . . " (1 Cor 12:28). The apostles remain with us through their doctrine, as recorded in Scripture. The prophets are those who speak "unto edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor 14:3). The teachers are those who expound the things of God to the people. Ephesians 4:11-16 spells out the divinely established objectives for the teaching ministries of the church, and they are intended to be fulfilled.

ANY CONGREGATION that does not allow for the preeminence of these ministries, or seeks to bleed off the energies of those who are in these categories, has, by that very circumstance, ceased to be a valid and productive assembly. Further, those who encourage the maintenance of menial tasks by men of true spiritual understanding must be purged from positions of prominence. Such have violated the will of the Lord. At the very best, they are spiritual toddlers who have no right to lead the people in their tottering and uncertain ways.

– Given O. Blakely

Monday, July 27, 2009

IF IT HAD NOT BEEN THE LORD

"If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us: then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: then the proud waters had gone over our soul." (Psalm 124:2-5)

THROUGHOUT HISTORY, men have arisen against the people of God. It all began when Cain rose up against Abel (Gen 4:8). Ishmael mocked Isaac (Gen 21:9). Esau opposed Jacob (Gen 27:41). Joseph's brethren opposed him (Gen 37:4). All of those oppositions came from within the domestic family! But there were also adversaries from without. Goliath opposed David (1 Sam 17:42-43), Sennacherib came against Hezekiah (2 Kgs 19), and Jezebel against Elijah (1 Kgs 19:2). A wicked Jewish council opposed Peter and John (Acts 4:6-7), Ephesian business men opposed Paul (Acts 19:24-27), and Diotrephes, a professed leader in the church, opposed John (3 John 9-10). Let there be no question about it, those who side with God will be opposed by the world. As our Lord said, "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you" (John 15:18-19).

IN OUR TEXT, the Psalmist assessed the oppositions that arose because of identity with the Lord through faith. He knew very well that, person-to-person, their enemies are generally stronger and more numerous than believers themselves. Some who boast of self strength simply have never knowingly faced a fierce and crafty opponent. Pharaoh opposed Moses, Daniel faced Nebuchadnezzar, John the Baptist confronted Herod, and Paul encountered Nero the despot. In each case, the opponents were stronger from the human point of view. There was no way they could deal with these opponents in the energy of the flesh, or with the human nature.

DAVID KNEW THIS WAS THE CASE, and thus gave glory to God by crediting survival to God being "on our side." The New Covenant way of saying this is, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Rom 8:31). One might counter that Cain killed Abel, Herod killed John the Baptist and James, the Jewish council stoned Stephen, and Nero martyred both Peter and Paul. However, as with Pilate against Jesus, they could have had no power at all unless it was given them "from above" (John 19:11). All of these saints had finished their work, and were indestructible until it was accomplished.

OUR TEXT DOES NOT SAY believers will never suffer from their enemies. It DOES say if God was not on our side, they would swallow us up "quickly," or without any delay. If the Lord was not with us, every flare-up among our enemies would result in our harm. They could move against us at will, frustrating our labors and driving us into oblivion. Every flood would overwhelm us if God was not with us, and every opposing stream become a deluge in which we would drown. Every time the waters of circumstance swelled, and things became difficult, we would be overwhelmed – if the Lord was not on our side.

HERE IS A GOOD PLACE TO REASON – to view life from the standpoint of Divine affirmation. If the floods have NOT overwhelmed us – if we have NOT ceased to trust – then God is with us! If our enemies have NOT been able to get rid of us, God is with us. In such a case, our work is not finished, and the Lord will surely sustain us until it IS completed. How blessed to consider God being "with us."

– Given O. Blakely

Friday, July 24, 2009

WHERE THE ASHES ARE POURED OUT

"Even the whole bullock shall he carry forth without the camp unto a clean place, where the ashes are poured out, and burn him on the wood with fire: where the ashes are poured out shall he be burnt." (Lev 4:12)

UNDER THE LAW, provisions were made for a "anointed priest" [high priest] who sinned, "bringing guilt upon the people" (4:3). In particular, these were sins "of ignorance," or unintentional sins (4:2). Their effect, however, was that the people were led into the same sins, thus bringing "guilt upon the people." Sin does have a tendency to spread. The procedures for dealing with this kind of sin were very detailed. The priest was to (1) bring a young bullock without blemish for a sin offering. (2) The bullock was to be brought to the door of the tabernacle. (3) The hand of the priest was to be put upon the head of the bullock, and it was to be killed "before the Lord." (4) The priest took the blood of the bullock and, with his finger, and sprinkled it before the separating veil seven times. (5) Some of the blood was put on the horns of the altar of incense. (6) The remainder of the blood was to be poured out at the bottom of the altar of burnt offerings. (7) All of the fat was removed from the bullock, together with both kidneys and the lobe of the liver, and burned on the altar of burnt offering. The skin of the bullock, together with the head, legs, entrails, and offal were to be carried outside of the camp to a place that was ceremonially clean. Our text specifies that place to be "where the ashes are poured out." There the remainder of the bullock was to be burned "on wood with fire" (4:3-12).

THE "ASHES" OF REFERENCE were from the sin offering, and were to be carried outside of the camp to a ceremonially clean place (Lev 6:10-11). This was also the procedure to be followed when a "red heifer" was offered to the Lord for sin (Num 19:9-10). These ashes speak of an effective sacrifice that was made once, and could not be made again. The ashes of what was offered to the Lord could not be kept within the camp. Further, what remained of following sacrifices had to be burned where the ashes of the first sacrifice were poured.

THE PROCEDURE SPEAKS TO US of our approach offering to the Lord. What is given to Him must not be kept by us, as though it was owned by us. Whether it is our bodies (Rom 12:1-2), our minds (Rom 7:25), our will (1 Cor 9:17), or our possessions (Heb 13:16), we must take what remains of those things to where the remembrance of the greater sacrifice of Christ can be found. Our sacrifice is made acceptable upon the "ashes," so to speak, of Christ's sacrifice.

EACH BELIEVER SHOULD make a place in his heart – a clean place that does not compete with worldly interests – where the spiritual "ashes" of Christ's atoning sacrifice are recalled with vividness and power. When relinquishing our hold upon what we give to the Lord, that is where we should go: where the ashes have been poured out.

IN THIS WAY, we will fulfill part of the requirements God has specified in Hebrews 13:13. "Let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach." That text refers back to the text in Hebrews 13:15 – "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name."

OUR TEXT (Lev 4:12) is a depiction in type of cutting loose from the world, and identifying with ashes! Once the bullock was burned, it could only be serviceable to God. It had no more earthly use. If you are able to see it, there is something in that procedure for you.

– Given O. Blakely

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

WHEN ENEMIES ARE GRIEVED

"When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel." (Nehemiah 2:10)

SOME PEOPLE HAVE LIVED in especially difficult times. Nehemiah was such an one. He did not work in the land of Israel, but in a heathen palace (Neh 1:1). He was not privileged to serve a Israelite king, but served wine to a Persian king (Neh 2:1). What few people remained in Israel were afflicted and reproached. The walls of the holy city Jerusalem had been broken down, and its gates burned with fire (Neh 1:3). It was certainly a depressing time to live – at least from an earthly point of view.

NEHEMIAH WAS DETERMINED TO GO TO THE LORD about the circumstances of his time. He prayed fervently that the Lord would "prosper" him, and grant him favor in the eyes of king Artaxerxes, whom he served (Neh 1:7-11). On one occasion, when the king saw Nehemiah was sad, and knowing that was most unusual, the king asked the prophet the reason for his sadness. Nehemiah told him news of Jerusalem lying waste and its gates being burned with fire had caused this sadness. When asked what could be done about it, Nehemiah asked him to send him back to Judah, to rebuild the city of his father's sepulchers (2:1-5). The king then asked how long the journey was, and when he would return. Nehemiah provided the information, and a time was set for the expedition. He then asked the king for special letters to governors who could assist him in his journey, and to the keeper of the king's forest, that he might supply timbers for the restoration work (2:6-8). His petition was granted.

NEWS OF THE RECONSTRUCTION expedition got back to the land, and brought grief to certain enemies. Two are especially mentioned: Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the Ammonite. Sanballat was probably from Horonaim, and a Moabite by birth. Tobiah was a servant of the king of Persia. They had obviously exploited the feeble Jews who remained in the land. After receiving word the coming of Nehemiah, "they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites" (NIV). They seemed to sense that strong Israelites would bring jeopardy to them. As long as the people of God were weak and discouraged, these two heathen could work more openly and freely.

NOTICE HOW THE WELFARE OF THE ISRAELITES" was to be accomplished. It was by building the holy city, rebuilding the walls, and reestablishing the gates of the city.IT IS STILL DISPLEASING to the enemies of God when someone seeks the welfare of God's people – when someone comes to strengthen the church, which is the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Tim 3:15) – rebuild the walls and bulwarks of salvation (Isa 26:1), and reestablish the gates through which blessings come. Satan knows his kingdom is decidedly diminished when the people of God are strong, and their welfare is eagerly sought.

THERE ARE STILL SANBALLAT AND TOBIAH'S who are grieved with holy messengers and godly builders. They would rather leave the city of God in shambles, the walls of salvation in ruin, and the gates of blessing in disarray. They care nothing for a devastated city, weak and discouraged saints, and the dominance of hopelessness. But God DOES care. He will raise up men and women like Nehemiah who lament over the condition of an impoverished church, and seek grace to seek its welfare. God be praised when they come to us!

– Given O. Blakely

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

GOD MAKES US ADEQUATE

"It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up" (Psalm 18:32-35)

WHEN THE NATURE AND REQUIREMENTS of spiritual life burst upon our conscience, we will find reason to be thankful for the adequacy provided in Christ Jesus. The places we are required to occupy are too lofty for natural abilities. The battles we are exhorted to fight are too demanding for the flesh. Our enemies are too formidable to be faced in the energy of flesh and blood. We require supernatural provisions – enablements that come from God alone. This Psalm announces God has provided such things, making us equal to the demands of spiritual life.

GIRDED WITH STRENGTH. To be "girded" is to be compassed with, or have something bound to you. In this case, Divine strength is wed to our persons, making us personally able to do things we could not do before. This is power to withstand evil, make advance, and obtain good.

OUR WAY MADE PERFECT. A way that is "perfect" is one marked by integrity and flawless character. It is one that is upright, spotless, and passes the test of Divine scrutiny. Such a person is not condemned by God, and will receive His blessing and approbation.

FEET LIKE HINDS' FEET. A hind was a form of mountain goat – an animal that occupied high and treacherous places. Its feet were adapted to these risky realms, so that it could walk about with safety and confidence. In fact, its enemies could not go where the hind went. His feet were, in a manner of speaking, his protection. In this respect, God has not only placed us in "heavenly places" (Eph 2:6), but made us able to navigate in those realms, obtaining the blessings that are found there, and there alone (Eph 1:3).

SET ON HIGH PLACES. High places were habitations of safety. Isaiah referred to such realms as "the munitions of rocks" (Isa 33:16) – a fortress of unshakable protection. From these "high places" we can clearly see and repel the advancement of the enemy. They are a place of safety and security, where the fear of the enemy is dissipated.

TAUGHT TO WAR. Just as in the realm of flesh and blood, spiritual warriors must be "taught to war." The tactics of earthly warfare do not apply to the good fight of faith. In Jesus we confront an unseen foe, and eternity is at stake. The Lord must teach us how to wage this war, for it is not "against flesh and blood." Rather, we are fighting against staggering spiritual forces that have dominated the world (Eph 6:12). The wisdom of men has no use in this war.

THE SHIELD OF SALVATION. The salvation of God is not only for deliverance, it is also for protection. Just as it effectively deals with the past, so it successfully addresses the present and the future. With all of his craftiness, Satan cannot get past salvation. It is a bulwark he cannot destroy.

HELD UP BY HIS RIGHT HAND. Even when the believer's battle is fierce and relentless, God is able to "make him stand" (Rom 14:4). When your strength runs out, His comes in. By saying "right hand," the loving preference of God is emphasized. He upholds you because He WANTS to!

WHAT A MARVELOUS ADEQUACY is found in Christ Jesus! You have good reason to be "strong in faith, giving glory to God."

– Given O. Blakely

Monday, July 13, 2009

THE MINDFULNESS OF GOD

"What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that Thou visitest him?" (Psalm 8:4)

THE PSALMIST was moved to ask this question by his consideration of the natural creation. "When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is . . . " (verse 3). Without the aid of modern technology, the "sweet Psalmist" was struck with the immensity and orderliness of the universe. In view of this massive display of precision and beauty, how could the Lord fasten His attention upon "the son of man" – the offspring of Adam? Were the Lord to have confined His profound consideration of humanity to Adam, when he was pure and good, it might make a little more sense. But, "the son of man" – AFTER the fall?? That is certainly worthy pondering and engaging in extended meditation.

THE LORD'S PURPOSE for Adam was gracious. "Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth" (Gen 1:26; Psa 8:5-8). However, that was but an introduction to the Lord being "mindful" of man. This is the Lord's chief creation. Although made "a little lower than the angels" in the beginning, God has determined men will "judge angels" (1 Cor 6:3), and, in some respects, even be "equal to the angels" (Lk 20:36). In fact, "the world to come" has NOT been given to angels, but to men. "For unto the angels hath He not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that Thou visitest him?" (Heb 2:5-6). Why is such singular honor bestowed upon "man" or "the son of man?"

WE MAY REST ASSURED it is not because of any inherent worth or beauty in men. Apart from God, not a one of them is righteous (Rom 3:10). In a state of nature, man "drinks iniquity like water" (Job 15:16). The imaginations of men's hearts are "evil from their youth" (Gen 8:21), and their heart is "deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked" (Jer 17:9). Outside of Christ, all men are "as sheep going astray" (1 Pet 2:25), sinning and falling short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23). Indeed, if this was all we knew, it is too staggering to ponder why God is mindful of "the son of man."

HOWEVER, PRAISE THE LORD, Lord, this is not all we know about the matter. God has shown us His heart concerning man, or humanity. First, man, even fallen man, bears the likeness of God. Sin has distorted it, but it still remains. After the fall of man, and even after the flood, the Lord gave a law on murder, using this reasoning. "Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man" (Gen 9:6). Lest we imagine this applied only to Adam, James writes, "Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we MEN, which ARE made after the similitude of God" (James 3:9).

BUT THERE IS MORE! God has also given the world to come into the charge of redeemed humanity. He has a lofty purpose for men, and thus is mindful of them, being thoughtful of the purpose for which He has made them. It will be of incalculable aid to us if we learn to think in the same manner.

– Given O. Blakely

Friday, July 10, 2009

HE SENT HIS WORD

"He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions." (Psalm 107:20)

HOW ENCOURAGING are the words, "The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty" (Psa 29:4). His utterances are unparalleled, accomplishing His intentions. As it is written, "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it" (Isa 55:10-11). God's people must learn to reckon on this reality. Believe it – a word from God can resolve any situation.

JUST AS A MAN does not live by bread alone, so he is not healed by medicine alone. Strictly speaking, it is the Lord, and Him alone, that heals "all our diseases" – the same God who also forgives "all our iniquities" (Psa 103:3). He can speak a word, and salt cast into defiled waters by a prophet can heal those waters, and they can become pure (2 Kgs 2:21). His word can be sent through a prophet, enabling him to cast some flour into poison stew, and it will be healed (2 Kgs 4:40-41). When Israel was thirsty and could only find bitter waters, the word of the Lord enabled Moses to see a tree, cast it into the waters, and they were healed (Ex 15:23-25). In all of these cases, God "sent His word and healed them."

THIS IS WHY for forty long years, not one garment of the Israelites waxed old, and not a foot swelled (Deut 8:4). Again, God testified, "And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not waxen old upon you, and thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot" (Deut 8:4; Neh 9:21). "He sent His word and healed them."

THE KNOWLEDGE OF THIS can calm the troubled soul. Our dilemmas can be solved with but a word from God. He can "command deliverance" for us (Psa 44:4), "command the blessing" (Psa 133:3), and command all creation to remain consistent (Psa 33:9). God is able! Our Lord Jesus declared, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God" (Lk 18:27). There is no circumstance or period of time that can nullify that declaration. Situations may very well be a discouraging challenge to us, but they are no match for God. It just takes a word from Him to resolve them.

THE LORD CAN "speak peace unto His people" (Psa 85:8), calming their souls like Jesus calmed the raging winds and sea. Even a Gentile centurion saw this in Jesus. When a servant that was especially close to him was near death, he said to Jesus, "but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed" (Lk 7:7). The response of our Lord to these words confirms the blessing they were to Him. "When Jesus heard these things, He marvelled at him, and turned Him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel" (Lk 7:9).

THERE IS EVERY REASON to expect that a strong faith in our Lord will be rewarded. Our first recourse must be to Him, for it is God with whom we have to do. The only thing that will hinder His working toward us is unbelief. He will always honor faith – faith that does not stagger at the promises of God. Whether it is healing of the body, healing of the soul, or healing of food and water, it only takes a word from the King for it to be done. I ask you, is that not a great comfort to the soul? And does it not open the door of hope?

– Given O. Blakely

Thursday, July 9, 2009

CAIN, BALAAM, and KORAH

"Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah" – Jude 11, NKJV

THERE ARE CERTAIN DANGERS that face the people of God. They are not insurmountable, nor are they to be feared. We are, however, to be spiritually alert concerning them. Ranking high among these dangers are false teachers. By "false teacher," I mean a teacher that is not sent from God, has no message from God, and is not being blessed by God. Such men are not always apparent, and therefore we are especially warned concerning them.

JUDE IS UNUSUALLY POINTED in speaking of such intruders. He refers to them as "certain men who have crept in unawares," affirming they were "long ago designated for this condemnation." He says they are "ungodly men" who turn the grace of God into an excuse for despicable sins, and that they deny the Lord. He further identifies them as "filthy dreamers" who "despise dominion," and "speak evil of dignities." He further states they deride what they do not understand, acting like irrational animals (Verses 8-10). He then mentions three men of Scriptural record, who were pioneers of iniquity–men who championed the cause of the devil, while in the presence of the people of God. They were Cain, Balaam, and Korah.

CAIN is identified as "of that wicked one." He killed his own brother "because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous" (1 John 3:12). This was the first, but not the last, religious murder. Cain's record is found in the fourth chapter of Genesis, standing as a solemn reminder of the nature of "the flesh."

BALAAM was a prophet driven by a lust for money. It is said of him that he "loved the wages of unrighteousness," or desired gain that proceeded from doing wrong (2 Pet 2:15). Knowing the nature of the Lord, he taught the enemies of the God's people how to seduce them, causing judgment to come upon them. His record is found in the twenty-second chapter of Numbers, and stands as sober reminder of what a religious person can do for riches.

KORAH was man who dared to speak against the Lord's anointed. He is noted for "gainsaying," or rebellion. He gathered together 250 princes of the Israelites. With a brashness only flesh exudes, they challenged both Moses and Aaron, saying they had taken too much upon themselves. In response, the Lord opened the earth and swallowed them all, confirming His later word: "Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm" (1 Chron 16:22). His record is found in Numbers sixteen, confirming how Satan can cause men to challenge the very people sent by God Almighty.

THUS, AN UNHOLY TRIAD IS INTRODUCED TO US. They depict men who still attempt to infiltrate the ranks of the saints. They attack the saints like Cain. Their love for money moves them to bring a curse upon the saints. They are not afraid to openly challenge those who are blessed by God. As long as they are advantaged, they think nothing of hurting the people of God, or seeking to embarrass them before their peers. To them, personal profit supercedes the edification of the saints. God be praised, we will only contend with them for a while.

– Given O. Blakely

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

AND HE SEPARATED THE DISCIPLES

" . . . and separated the disciples . . . " Other versions read, "withdrew the disciples" (NKJV ),"took away the disciples" (NASB), "took the disciples with him" (NIV), "taking the disciples with him" (NRSV), "kept the disciples separate" (BBE), "met separately with the disciples" (CSB) "took his disciples" (GWN), "took away the disciples" (NAU), and "took his disciples apart." (NJB).

Briefly consider the revealed objective for all apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors and teachers. "And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, 1 for the work of the ministry, 2 for the edifying of the body of Christ: 3 till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, 4 unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 5 that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 6 but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 7 from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, 8 maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love" (Eph 4:11-16).

1. FOR THE PERFECTING OF THE SAINTS. This has to do with spiritual maturity. The target is for the child of God to grow up into Christ in all things (Eph 4:15). There is no provision – absolutely none – in Christ Jesus for remaining juvenile and immature. Salvation does not sustain such a state. The grace of God is not calculated to leave one in that condition. Faith has no quality that encourages immaturity or a lack of growth., Hope makes no contribution to such a status. If the aim is to conform the sons to the image of Christ (Rom 8:29-30), this ought to be abundantly apparent. However, judging from the condition of the modern church, one would never suspect that this was the case. The church of our time, with exceedingly few exceptions, is a gigantic contradiction to this Ephesian text – all talk notwithstanding.

2. FOR THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY. Other versions read, "equipping of the saints for the work of service,"NASB and "prepare God's people for works of service." NIV This is not a reference to community service or common philanthropic work. This has to do with ministries within the body of Christ, as the text will confirm in verses 15-16. Each member of Christ's body is strategically placed within the body by God Himself. As it is written, "But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him" (1 Cor 12:18). It is their relationship to the other members of the body that is the point. They have been baptized by one Spirit into one body in order to be a means through which Christ ministers to His people (1 Cor 12:13). There is no such thing as a non-functioning member of Christ's body. The point of the gifts given to the church (Eph 4:11) is to get those members working productively and effectively.

3. FOR THE EDIFYING OF THE BODY OF CHRIST. Other versions read, "for the building up of the body of Christ," NASB and "so that the body of Christ may be built up." NIV This is not talking about numerical growth – although that may very well happen. This is addressing the matter of spiritual maturity – a state in which one can discern good and evil (Heb 5:14), and effectively minister to the children of God. Edification occurs when faith, hope, and love, are made stronger, and the individual members are able to stand againstthe wiles of the devil, while engaging in a energetic pursuit of holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord (Heb 12:14).

4. TILL WE ALL COME TO THE UNITY OF THE FAITH AND OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF GO0D. Every person who does not grow up into Christ is a liability to the church. They are a portal through which Satan can enter and work; for, by remaining in a state of childishness, they are a living contradiction of the Kingdom of God, which is as a mustard seed that begins small, yet grows into a large tree (Matt 13:31-32). The body of Christ is to be brought to a point where everyone can comprehend the things of God. An intelligent grasp of both the nature and direction of the Kingdom of God is to be possessed. There is only "one faith" (Eph 4:5), and while it may vary in degrees, it does not vary in nature. The "knowledge of the Son of God" is acquaintance with Him, so that His voice is recognized and known, and His ways discerned to some measurable degree. While every believer is at some point a novice, they are not to remain in that state. They are to be conversant with the things of God – able to perceive them, take them up, and handle them. Every member of Christ's body who remains deficient in faith and the knowledge of the Son of God must grow out of that state. The gifts given to the church are designed to make that happen. Where it is not happening, either no true minister is present, or the ministers have been recalcitrant to their revealed duty.

5. UNTO A PERFECT MAN, UNTO THE MEASURE OF THE STATURE OF THE FULNESS OF CHRIST. Unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of Christ. The "perfect man" is the church in the aggregate: "till we ALL come . . . unto a perfect MAN." Although comprised of individuals, the "church," which is "the body" (Col 1:18), is a single entity – "one body" (Eph 4:4). It is not that it ought to be "one body," that is what it is. Its oneness is directly traced to the likeness of its members to the Head, which is Jesus Christ. Since no single member possesses all of the traits of Jesus, the aim is for each member to mature in that Divine quality that is most prominent in them. In other words, in their Divinely assigned capacity within the body of Christ, they are to conduct themselves as Jesus. That is the aim. In so doing, they will reflect their "measure of the stature of the fulness Christ."

6. THAT WE BE NO MORE CHILDREN. In Christ, simplicity and naivete are not friends. Because eternal life is knowing God and Christ (John 17:3), ignorance is a liability. The barrage of false teaching that originates with Satan and his hosts is especially hurled at those who are babes in Christ – those who are not grown up. In the initial phase of spiritual life, the Lord protects His children, making them stand (Rom 14:4), and gently leading and caring for them (Isa 40:11). However, there does come the time when they themselves must "stand against the wiles of the devil" (Eph 6:11). They must see through the errors to which they are subjected, and learn to "fight the good fight of faith," laying "hold on eternal life" (1 Tim 6:12).

7. SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE MAY GROW UP INTO HIM. Other versions read, "holding the truth in love" (DARBY), "doing the truth in charity" (DOUAY), "follow the truth in love" (GENEVA), "living the truth in love" (NAB), "practicing the truth in love" (NET), "live by the truth and in love" (NJB), "being true in love" (YLT), and "let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]" (AMPLIFIED).

The word translated "speaking" has no true parallel in the English language. It does include the idea of speaking, but is not limited to that. The idea is that "truth is the element in which we are to live, move, and have our being" (PULPIT COMMENTARY). Speaking the truth in love has nothing whatsoever to do with tone. Those who reject the truth because they do not like the way it has been said have revealed their own hearts, not the hearts of those who testified to them. In my judgment, the word "speaking" is used to accentuate the gifts the text states have been given to the church. They are all "speaking" gifts: "apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors and teachers" (Eph 4:11). It is understood that those ministries can only be effective within the context of truth – truth that is lived out as well as spoken.

8. THROUGH CHRIST, THE WHOLE BODY IS COMPACTED TOGETHER BY THE WORKING OF EVERY PART. As the "Good Shepherd," Christ ministers to His people, feeding them and leading them (John 10:11-14; Heb 13:20). However, He does this through means. So far as His body is concerned, it is apparently most frequently, though not exclusively, through its various members that nourishment comes to the individual believers. Each member is like a spiritual conduit through which spiritual nourishment is ministered to the brethren. Any kind of spiritual life that is unrelated to this objective is spurious and worthless.

9. THAT AN INCREASE MAY BE REALIZED, WHICH IS DEFINED AS THE BODY EDIFYING ITSELF IN LOVE. The "increase" of reference is not numerical growth. It is true that numerical growth can take place in varied ways. This can take place exponentially – multiplication (Acts 6:1,7; 9:31l 12:24), It can also range from "a great multitude" and "many" (Acts 17:4,12), to a household (Acts 16:15,34; 18:8), and even to a single individual (Acts 8:38-39). However, the "increase" mentioned in this text refers to spiritual maturity, or growing up into Christ "in all things." It is increasing in faith, spiritual aptitude, and godly expression. This is the point at which the individual members [and, consequently] the whole body begins bringing forth "fruit unto God" – the revealed intention of it all (Rom 7:4).

Given these revealed objectives, precisely what kind of justification can be presented for remaining in a gathering where such things are not at all apt to happen? If there is only a "form of godliness that denies the power thereof," are not God's people told to "turn away" from such (2 Tim 3:5). Jesus did not remain where truth was not received (Matt 16:4; 21:15-17; Mk 12:13-14), nor did Paul and those with him (Acts 13:46,51; 18:6). In fact, since Jesus has been exalted into heaven, we have no example of any lengthy period during which any man of God sought to teach or direct those lacking a love for the truth. When stubborn unbelief rears its head and refuses to leave, the time has come for the man of God to move on! I understand that patience is required, as well as discernment of the true situation. Also, judgments cannot be made upon the basis of human opinion or conjecture. But eventually, unbelief will have the truth withdrawn from it, and woe to the person who insists on remaining united with those who refuse to be united to Christ through their rejection of the truth!

Thus, it makes perfect sense that Paul took the disciples and left the synagogue. Had there been a compelling interest in the truth of the Gospel, he would have rejoiced to stay. But such an environment was not present. In the interest of the disciples – who are the premier people before God – he moved to a place that was more conducive to collective teaching.