Why All This Suffering And Death? - Luke 13:2-3

   
And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way?  No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. - Luke 13:2-3

    If any of us have lived long enough we have undoubtedly lost loved ones, be they family or friends. Sometimes those losses have come by way of tragic circumstances, natural disasters, or disease. Inevitably we will hear two incessant questions to the loss of that loved one. The first that comes to mind is - “What did he or she do that caused this tragic death?” The second is almost always, “Why? Why did this loved one have to die?”
    Obviously, unless the deceased led a risky lifestyle we may simply never know the cause of death other than the curse of Genesis 3. “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” - Genesis 3:19. This was a general curse to mankind. Because as Romans 6:23 tells us - “For the wages of sin is death.” But God not only cursed Adam and Eve at that moment; He also cursed the earth - “And to Adam he said, ‘Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life.’” - Genesis 3:17.
    There are two misconceptions which many of us seem to fall under. One is the idea that a particularly tragic end came because of some particular sin we may have committed. The other is that we may feel (because of some wrongful thinking) that our faith wasn’t strong enough to prevent the tragedy from taking place. Both ideas are fallacious in their very being.
    Christ is telling us in our title verse that there was no particular sin responsible for the circumstances surrounding the tragedies that befall us. He is also implying that it was not a weakness of faith per se. The problem, according to Jesus, is that we fail to repent of our sins. This is Christ’s primary message to the world. It was the very first statement made by Him in the Gospel of Mark - “Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” - Mark 1:14-15.
    But the answer to “why” still eludes us. To be perfectly honest all I can say is that we may never know the answer this side of heaven. Our heavenly Father doesn’t always reveal His reasons to us and the best we may hope for comes to us from the Letter to the Romans - “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28. It is of paramount importance to understand the terms “for those who love God” and “for those who are called according to his purpose.” The indicators clearly show that we must first love God and be called according to His purpose. These two criteria find life in us through the promise of eternal salvation and life everlasting. Were this hope not evident; were this hope not true, we would have nothing more than the unbelievers have. This is the foundation of our hope. Without it, suffering and death have no meaning and we truly are lost. “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.” - 1 Corinthians 15:19. Without this promise, our faith makes no sense!
    More important though is that before death naturally or tragically overcomes us, we need to be prepared for a good death. A good death defined is a death where we have our repose in Christ Jesus. While we spend great energies and expenses upon the hope of recovery, healing, and recuperation, many of us and our loved ones fail to spend even a moment preparing ourselves for the inevitable end of life. And since we know neither the time nor place, shouldn’t we be sure we are ready to meet Christ when He comes to draw us to Himself? Certainly, healing is a blessing and if it is God’s will, we will be healed. But being prepared for our eternity in heaven is an even greater blessing, bought and paid for by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Let us all be prepared.
    We may never understand why people die when they do or whether they somehow brought their deaths upon themselves. God is under no obligation to explain Himself to us . . . ever! He is sovereign and does as He pleases. He is God! Our responsibility is to seek Him where and when He may be found. “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” - Isaiah 55:6-7.
    We will always have suffering and death but we can always be prepared for the time and the place if our faith is ultimately in Christ Jesus.

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made - Psalm 139: 13-14

 
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. - Psalm 139:13-14

    There is an old adage which people continue to quote as though it had the lasting viability of a true proverb - “Never discuss religion or politics in polite company.” So if I’m getting this gaff correctly, am I to understand that we should avoid speaking about the two issues in this life that affect us more than any other?
    The odd quote should be taken tongue in cheek, of course, otherwise we would never get anything of importance accomplished in this life. Of course, we are to speak of our faith. We have been commanded to by Christ Himself - “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20.
    Speaking about politics is as old as the first human tribes. It certainly has its precedent in the history of mankind. So yes, it too should be on the discussion table. As to when these two seemingly verboten subjects are to be included in conversation, I would suggest they be spoken about at your weekly “Faith & Politics meeting.” If that isn’t on your schedule I suggest they be spoke of whenever the subjects come up.
    Maybe the reason for the ban on talking about either subject comes not from social propriety but from the fact that the positions some people hold simply cannot be supported in a rational discussion. Perhaps the top one today is the subject of abortion, a topic that holds both religious and political gravitas. The significance of abortion arises from the concept of killing an unborn human being; “killing” being the key word. “You shall not murder.” - Exodus 20:13.
    As I write this, I can confidently say that there isn’t a single argument for taking a child’s life that can be defended. Not one! The defense of the unborn child can be bolstered legally, theologically, biologically and from any other position that can be brought into play. In fact, there isn’t a single logically sound argument for the unfettered killing of an unborn child that can be made. Every position the pro-abortion crowd turns to in defense of their bloodlust can be dismantled like a house of cards in a reasonable and controlled debate. And therein lies the source of their foolish proverb. In fact, what the person who coined the phrase should have said is, “If we can’t defend our opinions in a reasonable and logical manner, we should avoid discussing them.” That, at least, would have been more honest!
    The truth regarding abortion is clear: it is a selfish and arrogant act, fueled by a sinful heart. It is murder, plain and simple; a conspiracy to murder between a mother and her doctor! “Cursed be anyone who takes a bribe to shed innocent blood.”- Deuteronomy 27:25.
    We must always see a child as a gift from God, regardless of the source of the pregnancy. This will garner the greatest howls of defiance. How dare I? Not I, brothers and sisters, but God. “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” - Psalm 127:3. Not just children wanted or planned for or children hoped for but all children . . . period!
    No, I can easily see the convoluted logic of those who believe that religion and politics should never be discussed. They prefer to keep their beliefs and activities in the dark. I don’t agree with that notion, but I understand why they hold that position. And so does Christ - “For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.” - John 3:20.

While We Were Still Sinners - Romans 5:8

  
 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
 - Romans 5:8

    I know of many folks who just can’t grasp the idea of “grace.” It’s ok, it isn’t an easy subject to wrap our heads around. Works righteousness just makes more sense. We’ve committed some terrible transgressions against God’s laws so it only stands to reason that we should have to make some restitution or pay the consequences. And the logic here isn’t wrong; but identifying the party that stands accused is where all the confusion comes in. “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” - 2 Corinthians 5:21.
    So who drew the unlucky short straw? Why, Christ Himself, in a manner of speaking. And the same way many object that they didn’t vote to have Adam represent mankind in the Garden of Eden, they say the same thing about Jesus being our sin substitute. But just like the situation with Adam, no one asked us. And there is an incredibly great reason for that fact. You see, one doesn’t ask the spiritually dead if they want representation before the wrath of the Almighty God! “Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel.” - Ezekiel 37:11-12.
    So we, like the Valley of Dry Bones are without option or recourse. We are spiritually dead in our sins. And since dead men and women are capable of doing or achieving nothing, we certainly can’t save ourselves; we desperately need someone to bring us back to spiritual life. And that Someone is Jesus Christ. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 6:23.
    It is Christ’s loving self-sacrifice upon the cross that paid the wages for our sins. In His physical death upon the cross, Christ propitiated God’s wrath. He took our sins upon Himself and in turn, God reckoned Christ’s righteousness unto us. But He wasn’t done with us. There was one more task for Jesus to complete and it would be the task that would give significance to His death.“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” - 1 Peter 1:3. We have been forgiven our sins and saved for eternity by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ!
    Still concerned about having had too much to drink last Saturday night? God has already forgiven us for worse sins. Feeling guilty about the crosswords we had for a co-worker? He has already forgiven us for worse. Lust built up in our heart - he has already forgiven us for worse. If we believe that Jesus Christ died and was raised from the dead for us, all our sins have already been forgiven. “Well,” some might imagine, “does this give me the go-ahead to sin again?” “What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!” - Romans 6:15. The grace of God never gives us over to our sins. The answer is, “No!”
    This is the providence of God’s grace upon us. He has granted us forgiveness when we couldn’t pay the wages of sin for ourselves. Jesus did that! We were powerless to save ourselves. We could never recompense God enough to appease His holy wrath; only Jesus could.
    So let us take stock of our lives and remember the words Jesus had for a woman of sin, a woman who was thrown before Him after being caught in sin! “Jesus stood up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ 11 She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.’” - John 8:10-11.
    Let us remember Jesus last words to her - “Go, and from now on sin no more.”

Christ’s Mandate - John 3:3

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” - John 3:3

    One of the most oft-quoted verses in all the Holy Scriptures, John 3:3 presents an indispensable qualification for salvation - we must be born again if we are to see the kingdom of God. Jesus doesn’t suggest to Nicodemus that he be born again. He declares without hesitation or ambiguity - he MUST be born again. So, it isn’t difficult to understand the Pharisee’s incredulity regarding the idea of rebirth. “Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?’” - John 3:4. We can almost hear his quandary, “born . . .again?”
    Christ was explaining to him that regeneration of the human soul was a sine qua non, a non-negotiable requisite for salvation and Nicodemus was having a world of difficulty understanding this fundamental principle. So Jesus elaborated - “Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.’” - John 35. Christ had just revealed one of the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith: spiritual rebirth.
    Two sit in church on Sunday, one is there because he understands that he is “supposed to be there,” while the other listens to and reflects upon the Word of God. The one’s mind races back and forth between the game later today and those things which distract him throughout the week. The other contemplates God’s Word and how it impacts him today, tomorrow, and every day of his life. One’s life “is of the world,” while the other’s is merely “in the world.”
The difference between these two is that one’s soul remains unregenerate while the other’s soul has been “regenerated” by the in filling of the Holy Spirit; this one has been reborn through the “water and the Spirit.” The water represents the washing of the soul. All the uncleanliness of the world has been washed away and the Holy Spirit has replaced the distractions and complications of a fallen world. This soul has been regenerated to eternal life.
    The eternal life Christ promises us comes through this rebirth. The mark of this rebirth; the fruit of this rebirth, is our very faith! “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” - 1 John 5:4. Without regeneration, without rebirth, we cannot have faith, because regeneration precedes faith! To come to faith in Christ Jesus we must first be reborn.
    But what of our sacramental duties? What of tithing? What of fasting? What of them? None of those peripherals, none of those incidentals are necessary for obtaining the faith we so need for salvation. They are certainly desirable for the Christian but not necessary for obtaining saving faith. But of being reborn, Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again . . . .” Without the spiritual rebirth, no one will be saved! Without the spiritual rebirth, we “cannot see the kingdom of God.” It is not a negotiable item. It is a must do if we are to seek the kingdom of God.
    There is no one in heaven who did not experience the rebirth. It is necessary. It is vital to our very salvation. Without it we would never seek God. With it, we are constantly seeking the kingdom of heaven so that all things will be added to us. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” - Galatians 5:22-23.

Leaning On Christ - Luke 10:38-39

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. - Luke 10:38-39

    We should all be familiar with the story of the sisters, Martha and Mary.  These were Lazarus’s sisters. The same Lazarus who would later die and Jesus would call forth from the tomb. When Jesus arrived at the home of the two sisters, Martha busied herself preparing to serve Him and His disciples, while Mary took a seat at Christ’s feet and lovingly listened to every word He had to say. As might be expected, Martha objected to Jesus about Mary not helping her  - “But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.’” - Luke 10:40. Jesus, in His manner, basically told Martha not to worry herself over Mary’s seeming lack of propriety - “But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.’” - Luke 10:41-42.
    The scene is played out again in the Gospels when the little children come to see Jesus and the Apostles objected, much as did Mary though for different reasons. “Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.’” - Matthew 19:13-14.
    The very presence of Christ is cause for all of us to come to Him. It should be our natural desire to sit at the feet of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, to be near Him, so close we can lean upon Him. But we, like Martha, are often anxious and troubled over many things. Life’s distractions often take our focus off of Christ. The bills need to be paid. The kids need to get off to school. The house needs to be cleaned. It seems we have no shortage of reasons to attend to things other than Christ. And while these things must be done, we must never forget to make time for God in our lives. In this way, we must be more like Mary and  the children who wanted to sit with Jesus.
    While we must see to our daily responsibilities, we must also seek Jesus with a desire that exceeds anxiety and worry. After all, was it not Jesus Himself who asks us - “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” - Matthew 6:27.  And does not Jesus provide an answer to our worries? “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30. Surely, we should be lining up behind Mary and the little children just knowing that Christ’s peace awaits us.
    Even in the throes of our worst experiences, we have the solid promise of Jesus that He will be with us and never forsake us. His promises are as true today as the day He made them.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” - John 14:27. This is not to suggest that nothing bad will ever happen in our lives. Such a promise is made nowhere! We cannot realistically expect that we will not have tribulation in our lives. That is simply part of our fallen nature. Our faith in God must remain our spiritual strength.
    We should all take great assurance in the promises of God. He has guaranteed that He will never leave us or forsake us. Ever! “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9. Wherever we go! Is it any wonder that Mary and the little children yearned to sit at Christ’s feet, to be in His presence; to lean upon Him?

Deliver Us From Evil - 2 Thessalonians 3:3

   
But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.
 - 2 Thessalonians 3:3

    The reality of evil in our world is beyond argument. One need only look to the historical atrocities which we have witnessed over time to see that there is a living entity known as “evil!” I’m not going to go into a dirge naming the many instances of evil that have taken place over the millennia. Suffice to say that one would have to be blind to suggest there is no such thing as evil. In fact, I’m going to go one step further and suggest that something doesn’t necessarily have to meet criminal criteria to be seen as evil. Apathy and negligence can be evil, as can be domination, criminal behavior, anti-social or asocial behavior. To push a non-swimmer into deep water is evil and criminal; to refuse to aid the floundering swimmer may not be criminal but it is most certainly evil. “But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?” - 1 John 3:17.
    I know the temptation is there to see Hitler or Charles Mason as the embodiments of evil but what we see is the manifestation of their evil in their criminality. Yes, they were both evil but we remember their criminal activities rather than their blackened hearts. But what about our neighbor who leaves his dog out in the rain or the freezing snow. There is evil there. What about the father who stays at the tavern too long and forgets to pick up his fourth-grader from school? There is evil there. I could go on but I don’t see the need.
    We live in a fallen world and evil is all around us. Sometimes it glares at us from the car driving by. Sometimes it is more insidious and could be living in our own homes, laying awake while we sleep. And sometimes it beats within our own hearts. In us, it is truly cause for constant repentance.
    Evil has been part of the human experience since the dawn of mankind.  It is so prevalent that evil is characterized immediately after Adam and Eve are banished from the Garden of Eden. Jesus encountered evil often enough in His human life that He included an invocation against it in the Lord’s Prayer - “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” - Matthew 6:13.
    So it is important to understand evil from both the psychological view and the theological view. To do otherwise could lead to tragedy. Under all circumstances, it should be approached with caution, prayer, and when the circumstances demand, a physically active response.  Caution? “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” - James 4:7. Prayer? “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” - Ephesians 6:11-18.
    The Word of God goes a long way to defeat evil, as does the holy name of Jesus Christ but without the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives they are just both words. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to drive the Satanic forces back to where they have come from. Without the attendance of the Holy Spirit, we are simply muttering words against the powers of darkness.   
    Yes, evil resides among us. Sometimes it hides in the darkness. Sometimes it slithers into our lives wearing a smile. Yes, and sometimes it nests within our hearts. Let us always be aware as the Apostle Peter warns us - “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” - 1 Peter 5:8.
    Deliver us from evil, Lord.

The Lord’s Chosen - 1 Corinthians 6:14

  
And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. - 1 Corinthians 6:14

    Jesus came with a purpose and it wasn’t to fascinate us with His philosophy. It wasn’t to dazzle us with His miracles. And it wasn’t to set an example with His moral behavior. He came for one reason and one reason only - “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” - 1 Timothy 1:15.
    With Easter upon us there will be every conceivable error made about the day of Christ’s resurrection, starting with colorful eggs and pink bunnies to the erroneous idea that He came to save all of humanity. He did not. According to His own words, Jesus did not die to save all of humanity.
 “I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.” - John 17:9. No, Christ came to save those whom God the Father had given Him from before the foundations of the world. “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” - John 6:37. The Bible clearly illustrates that the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is sufficient for all but efficient only for the elect of God.
    For many, this presents a quandary. Didn’t Jesus die for all mankind? Not according to Holy Scripture.  According to the one source we have for revelation about Jesus Christ, the Bible emphatically states that it is God’s chosen whom are saved by Christ’s selfless sacrifice upon the cross. “But that’s not fair,” you object. Why is Jesus’ atoning death good for the salvation of some but not for others and who makes that call? At this juncture I would suggest that fairness and justice is not what you really want. Fairness and justice wouldn’t save any of us since we are all born in sin. What we want, what we pray for is mercy! Who makes that call? “What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! For He says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.’  So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.” - Romans 14-16. And as Romans clearly states - God will show mercy upon whom He decides to show mercy.
    Let’s face it: there are those who couldn’t care less about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is just another day off of work, a day of hiding Easter eggs, filling baskets with candies and toys, and an excuse to BBQ on a pleasant Spring day. Would you really expect or believe that Jesus suffered through His passion, death by crucifixion, and resurrection for those God had not directly chosen for salvation? That would be a clear and cut case of “universalism,” which the Bible clearly does not teach! “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” - Matthew 25:46.
    If Universalism were true there would be no such place as hell. There would be no need for such a dismal and dark place. Christ wouldn’t have to “save” anyone! But Scripture has proclaimed - “How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?  For we know him who said, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay.’ And again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” - Hebrew 10: 29-31.
    Let us come to the Lord’s table on Resurrection Day acknowledging our sinfulness in humble repentance and know that we are indeed the Lord’s chosen.