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John 11:8-16
The disciples said to Him, “Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again?”
Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.
But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”
These things He said, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.”
Then His disciples said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.”
However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep.
Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.”
Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”
[John11:8-16 NKJV]
Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.
But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”
These things He said, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.”
Then His disciples said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.”
However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep.
Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.”
Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”
[John11:8-16 NKJV]
“they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep.”
Jesus says that He will not leave us, nor forsake us, and this story of Lazarus is surely proof of that. Jesus finally states clearly that “Lazarus is dead … Nevertheless let us go to Him.” He says this after having just stated that He was going “that I may wake Him up.”
Jesus flies in the face of all reason and common understanding, yet He speaks quietly and with conviction, knowing that the disciples, and us too, will in all probability react in disbelief and astonishment. None of this surprises Him, for He knows us all inside out.
“Nevertheless…”
In speaking of Lazarus as ‘asleep’, meaning ‘death’, Jesus is our teacher here. The passage begins with the disciples calling Jesus ‘Rabbi’ — ‘master’, or ‘teacher’ — which may confirm this, and he is teaching us the ways of the kingdom of God; how we are to think in the heavenly manner, with Holy Spirit understanding and not with the natural mind. Thus, Jesus says ‘nevertheless’; notwithstanding what the natural mind tells us, we go anyway, because the mind of Christ tells us that "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." [Matthew 19:26b NKJV]
‘O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go’
The title of this well-known Scottish hymn aptly expresses that Christ’s love for us is such that He will not and cannot leave or forsake any who call upon His name. Indeed the story of the Reverend George Matheson, who wrote the song is one of giving thanks to God, despite a great trial of His faith — overcoming and understanding that Jesus would not let him go. The words of the song just flowed ...
Jesus says that He will not leave us, nor forsake us, and this story of Lazarus is surely proof of that. Jesus finally states clearly that “Lazarus is dead … Nevertheless let us go to Him.” He says this after having just stated that He was going “that I may wake Him up.”
Jesus flies in the face of all reason and common understanding, yet He speaks quietly and with conviction, knowing that the disciples, and us too, will in all probability react in disbelief and astonishment. None of this surprises Him, for He knows us all inside out.
“Nevertheless…”
In speaking of Lazarus as ‘asleep’, meaning ‘death’, Jesus is our teacher here. The passage begins with the disciples calling Jesus ‘Rabbi’ — ‘master’, or ‘teacher’ — which may confirm this, and he is teaching us the ways of the kingdom of God; how we are to think in the heavenly manner, with Holy Spirit understanding and not with the natural mind. Thus, Jesus says ‘nevertheless’; notwithstanding what the natural mind tells us, we go anyway, because the mind of Christ tells us that "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." [Matthew 19:26b NKJV]
‘O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go’
The title of this well-known Scottish hymn aptly expresses that Christ’s love for us is such that He will not and cannot leave or forsake any who call upon His name. Indeed the story of the Reverend George Matheson, who wrote the song is one of giving thanks to God, despite a great trial of His faith — overcoming and understanding that Jesus would not let him go. The words of the song just flowed ...
"I am quite sure that the whole work was completed in five minutes, and equally sure that it never received at my hands any retouching or correction. I have no natural gift of rhythm. All the other verses I have ever written are manufactured articles; this came like a dayspring from on high."
Matheson began to go blind as a young man and broke the news to the young woman to whom he was engaged. She decided she could not continue with the relationship. George Matheson became blind at the age of 20, but continued in ministry until his death 44 years later. His sister looked after him, acting as his ‘eyes’ until she married. It was at that point that he wrote ‘O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go.’
Joy: Strength In The Lord
Have you ever been alone with Jesus?
The disciples enjoyed the inestimable privilege not only of hearing the truth from Our Lord’s own lips, but of questioning Him in secret about everything He said. The exposition the Holy Spirit will witness to is always so amazingly and profoundly simple that you feel, “Certainly that is God’s truth.”
Whenever you are without that feeling about an interpretation, hesitate. Don’t force your head to argue, but get alone with Jesus and ask Him. If He keeps you waiting, He knows why He does so. Discernment of God’s truth and development in spiritual character go together.
[from ‘Approved Unto God’ by Oswald Chambers ]
The disciples enjoyed the inestimable privilege not only of hearing the truth from Our Lord’s own lips, but of questioning Him in secret about everything He said. The exposition the Holy Spirit will witness to is always so amazingly and profoundly simple that you feel, “Certainly that is God’s truth.”
Whenever you are without that feeling about an interpretation, hesitate. Don’t force your head to argue, but get alone with Jesus and ask Him. If He keeps you waiting, He knows why He does so. Discernment of God’s truth and development in spiritual character go together.
[from ‘Approved Unto God’ by Oswald Chambers ]
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John 11:1-4
Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.
Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”
When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
[John 11:1-4 KJV]
It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.
Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”
When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
[John 11:1-4 KJV]
Chapter 11 in the Book of John is a significant chapter amid a book of much significance. Why? Because it focuses on resurrection — the restoring of life; overcoming death to live in eternity.
Lazarus was clearly special to Jesus. We know so little about the connections made by Him during His earthly existence, other than a few throwaway lines in the gospels— and here is one. This is ‘he whom You love’, and he is sick and expected to die.
Jesus response — which was basically “Lazarus is not going to die. In fact he will live and it will be for God’s glory … and to glorify The Son”. I must admit it had me confused at first; particularly as He then decided to stay where He was for two more days. When someone we love is seriously ill, our natural inclination is to rush to be with them; pandemic or not. Jesus knew exactly what He was doing and why He must not rush in. Father God would lead in His time.
As we shall see, this was no healing of the type Jesus had done before. This was His great test, and it had to be accomplished in God’s way and no other. Have you ever felt tested to the limit, or even beyond the limit you supposed you had? If you have, you maybe realised pretty quickly, like me, that you cannot possibly measure up to the challenge.
As a child and young person, I never pushed myself for fear of failure. My school grades were indifferent for the most part, until a teacher I respected wrote in my end of term report “a bright child, but doesn’t try hard enough”, or some such thing. After that, I began to try a little harder and got through school reasonably well, but I could have done better.
In first year at Secondary School, each one in our year was given a small Gideon New Testament, which I read assiduously, following the reading plan. I would like to say that I had an amazing boost and never looked back, but that was not the case. However, it planted a seed and set me on a course that eventually — a mere thirty years later — led me to a deep sustaining relationship with The Lord. I have achieved many other things, but that relationship and a wonderful family are blessings that I never believed could be mine. In God’s time; not mine ... and it takes patience; particularly on God’s part.
I have a small note pinned to my drawing space at home which reads “Leave it to God; He has a much better imagination than you do.” Jesus always left it with The Father. His way is the best.
Lazarus was clearly special to Jesus. We know so little about the connections made by Him during His earthly existence, other than a few throwaway lines in the gospels— and here is one. This is ‘he whom You love’, and he is sick and expected to die.
Jesus response — which was basically “Lazarus is not going to die. In fact he will live and it will be for God’s glory … and to glorify The Son”. I must admit it had me confused at first; particularly as He then decided to stay where He was for two more days. When someone we love is seriously ill, our natural inclination is to rush to be with them; pandemic or not. Jesus knew exactly what He was doing and why He must not rush in. Father God would lead in His time.
As we shall see, this was no healing of the type Jesus had done before. This was His great test, and it had to be accomplished in God’s way and no other. Have you ever felt tested to the limit, or even beyond the limit you supposed you had? If you have, you maybe realised pretty quickly, like me, that you cannot possibly measure up to the challenge.
As a child and young person, I never pushed myself for fear of failure. My school grades were indifferent for the most part, until a teacher I respected wrote in my end of term report “a bright child, but doesn’t try hard enough”, or some such thing. After that, I began to try a little harder and got through school reasonably well, but I could have done better.
In first year at Secondary School, each one in our year was given a small Gideon New Testament, which I read assiduously, following the reading plan. I would like to say that I had an amazing boost and never looked back, but that was not the case. However, it planted a seed and set me on a course that eventually — a mere thirty years later — led me to a deep sustaining relationship with The Lord. I have achieved many other things, but that relationship and a wonderful family are blessings that I never believed could be mine. In God’s time; not mine ... and it takes patience; particularly on God’s part.
I have a small note pinned to my drawing space at home which reads “Leave it to God; He has a much better imagination than you do.” Jesus always left it with The Father. His way is the best.
Alone with God! All hope and all aspiration springs from that source, and consequently all prosperity is measured from that source, and prosperity that springs from any other source is looked upon as disastrous.
[from ‘Christian Discipline’ by Oswald Chambers]
[from ‘Christian Discipline’ by Oswald Chambers]
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And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.
And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?
And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not.
And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.
In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
[Genesis 15:7-11,18 NKJV]
Verses 9-11 in Genesis 15 seem just plain weird to the rational mind. Abram asks how he will know that he will inherit this land? The Lord’s reply is to fetch a heifer, a she-goat, a ram, (all these to be three years old), a turtledove and a young pigeon. The animals are to be divided in two, but not the birds.
What are we to make of that? We know that His ways are not our ways and our thoughts are not His thoughts*, but this one is a doozy. However, The Lord always has a purpose, and the perfect one at that. He gives us a picture, a vision of something we will understand. Here, Abram would understand what is being said in the vision of the three specific animals and two specific birds, because it speaks to what he would know; not about animals and birds, but about people and faith.
We should see that the animals are earthbound creatures; the birds are creatures of the air, and thus we see a picture of those with faith at different stages in their walk with God; taking flight when hearing directly from The Holy Spirit
I am sure there are other ‘pictures’ to be derived from these verses, but what we have is explanation enough for Abram driving away ‘the fowls of the air’; the demonic spirits which gather to destroy the Holy Spirit life.
Unto thy seed have I given this land
After giving Abram a vision of ‘the road map to inheritance’; how He foresaw the outworking of His plan, God revealed the promised land; the land that was His covenanted prize for His people.
And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?
And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not.
And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.
In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
[Genesis 15:7-11,18 NKJV]
Verses 9-11 in Genesis 15 seem just plain weird to the rational mind. Abram asks how he will know that he will inherit this land? The Lord’s reply is to fetch a heifer, a she-goat, a ram, (all these to be three years old), a turtledove and a young pigeon. The animals are to be divided in two, but not the birds.
What are we to make of that? We know that His ways are not our ways and our thoughts are not His thoughts*, but this one is a doozy. However, The Lord always has a purpose, and the perfect one at that. He gives us a picture, a vision of something we will understand. Here, Abram would understand what is being said in the vision of the three specific animals and two specific birds, because it speaks to what he would know; not about animals and birds, but about people and faith.
We should see that the animals are earthbound creatures; the birds are creatures of the air, and thus we see a picture of those with faith at different stages in their walk with God; taking flight when hearing directly from The Holy Spirit
- three years old represents faith in God in the natural world
- The heifer and she-goat are female revealing those under the denominational church system — the mother church — with the heifer showing the born again, and the she-goat, those who have received the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
- The ram being those who are seeking the fullness of The Lord, looking to The Father.
- All three of these creatures are cloven-hoofed, showing that they have a ‘divided walk’ — or are still ‘double-minded’**, meaning that although aspiring to the heavenly realms, they are as yet tied to the natural life.
- Each of these will be divided; cut down the middle, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ridding us of the flesh nature, healing the separation from God.
- The turtledove and the young pigeon need no such treatment — and thus can be interpreted as a metaphor for the realm of the Spirit; soul and spirit are one. They are ‘monocular’ — they turn their heads to see — and this single focus qualifies them to represent the Holy Spirit; they are not distracted.
- The turtledove feeds on grain, so is ‘grounded’ in that sense, whereas the young pigeon represents the category of pigeons/doves as ‘tree-feeders’, seeking ‘to come up higher’, if you will.
I am sure there are other ‘pictures’ to be derived from these verses, but what we have is explanation enough for Abram driving away ‘the fowls of the air’; the demonic spirits which gather to destroy the Holy Spirit life.
Unto thy seed have I given this land
After giving Abram a vision of ‘the road map to inheritance’; how He foresaw the outworking of His plan, God revealed the promised land; the land that was His covenanted prize for His people.
* For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. [Isaiah 55:8 NKJV]
** A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways [James 1:8 NKJV]
*** For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. [Hebrews 4.12 NKJV]
** A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways [James 1:8 NKJV]
*** For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. [Hebrews 4.12 NKJV]
A wise man who has built his life in confidence in God will appear a fool when he is among people who are sleek and cunning. The wisdom of God is arrant stupidity to the wisdom of the world, until all of a sudden God makes the wisdom of the world foolish [1 Corinthians 1:23-25].
If you stand true to your faith in God, there will be situations in which you will come across extortioners, cunning crafty people, who use their wits instead of worshipping God, and you will appear a fool.
Are you prepared to appear a fool for Christ’s sake?
[from ‘Still Higher For His Highest’ by Oswald Chambers]
If you stand true to your faith in God, there will be situations in which you will come across extortioners, cunning crafty people, who use their wits instead of worshipping God, and you will appear a fool.
Are you prepared to appear a fool for Christ’s sake?
[from ‘Still Higher For His Highest’ by Oswald Chambers]
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These verses in 1 Samuel are often quoted — particularly in regard to the concept of rebellion — and usually as a form of accusation to change the attitude or behaviour of the one accused, as in “I am right and you are wrong.” God does not enter the equation except as an onlooker.
So Samuel said: “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king.”
[1 Samuel 15:22-23 NKJV]
Samuel is expressing truth about hearing and obeying ‘the voice of The Lord’, and does so by stating that the The Lord would much rather have our complete obedience to His precepts than that we give offerings and sacrifices which may cost us little beyond mere observance of form.
Today — the Fourth of July — is America’s Independence Day, and in 1776 by ‘rebelling’ against British overlordship and declaring themselves an independent nation (of 13 states), America could then make an alliance with the French and go to war. So independence to America, was rebellion against Britain.
In this example, it is a case of ‘all men are created equal’, so neither party is better or worse than the other, whereas in our relationship with God, He is our Creator, and His hope is that we might be loyal to Him. In this regard, we are in rebellion from birth because ‘we know Him not’ [Job 36:26a KJV]. This is the lesson from Genesis; that, since the Fall, our days are lived out in search of Him in His fullness. Many, will never do so; thus remaining stubbornly in rebellion.
Together these twins — both arising from the one source— are likened to ‘the sin of witchcraft’ and ‘iniquity and idolatry’. In short, these mean simply going our own way instead of God’s way. If we have chosen to go His way and follow Jesus, who is ‘the way’, then we cannot dally with either rebelliousness or our own stubbornness in doing so. The Lord cannot by His very nature accept compromise.
So Samuel said: “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king.”
[1 Samuel 15:22-23 NKJV]
Samuel is expressing truth about hearing and obeying ‘the voice of The Lord’, and does so by stating that the The Lord would much rather have our complete obedience to His precepts than that we give offerings and sacrifices which may cost us little beyond mere observance of form.
Today — the Fourth of July — is America’s Independence Day, and in 1776 by ‘rebelling’ against British overlordship and declaring themselves an independent nation (of 13 states), America could then make an alliance with the French and go to war. So independence to America, was rebellion against Britain.
In this example, it is a case of ‘all men are created equal’, so neither party is better or worse than the other, whereas in our relationship with God, He is our Creator, and His hope is that we might be loyal to Him. In this regard, we are in rebellion from birth because ‘we know Him not’ [Job 36:26a KJV]. This is the lesson from Genesis; that, since the Fall, our days are lived out in search of Him in His fullness. Many, will never do so; thus remaining stubbornly in rebellion.
Together these twins — both arising from the one source— are likened to ‘the sin of witchcraft’ and ‘iniquity and idolatry’. In short, these mean simply going our own way instead of God’s way. If we have chosen to go His way and follow Jesus, who is ‘the way’, then we cannot dally with either rebelliousness or our own stubbornness in doing so. The Lord cannot by His very nature accept compromise.
A man’s idea of prosperity is according to where his hopes are founded — on God or on a hearsay God; on the living God, or on ideas of God. It is in the way alone with God that the soul says with Job, “I have heard of you … but now my eye sees you” (42:5).
[from ‘Christian Discipline’ by Oswald Chambers]
[from ‘Christian Discipline’ by Oswald Chambers]
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Human sacrifice was practised in many cultures in pre-history. Scholars debate whether this was the case in Ancient Israel; certainly, evidence was found in Egypt, although it had largely ceased when the pyramids were built around 4500BC. Human sacrifice has been known even in this present century, often associated with what we might call satanic cults.
So Samuel said: “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king.”
[1 Samuel 15:22-23 NKJV]
God seems to have demanded sacrifices since time immemorial and is our God any different to the deities of the past — or of other religions? Well, yes He is, because He does not demand that you sacrifice another by killing; He demands that you offer yourself as ‘a living sacrifice’.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
[Romans 12:1 NKJV]
And Paul says that this is our ‘reasonable service’. I may be totally wrong here, but it seems that our God — who has always been with us — sought to correct our misguided ideas of what He (or previously, gods) were, by sending Jesus to us to open our minds to the truth behind our suppositions.
I sleep, but my heart is awake; it is the voice of my beloved!
He knocks, saying, “Open for me, my sister, my love,
My dove, my perfect one; for my head is covered with dew, My locks with the drops of the night.”
[Song of Songs 5:2 NKJV]
The sacrifice that our Lord hopes for from each one of us is our obedience, which in essence is the complete and utter commitment of everything we are to Him. That is the reality of human sacrifice — not the taking of a life, but the giving of a life; the gifting of my life to my Heavenly Father, who gave me that life in the first place! That is the understanding He hopes that we will have.
So Samuel said: “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king.”
[1 Samuel 15:22-23 NKJV]
God seems to have demanded sacrifices since time immemorial and is our God any different to the deities of the past — or of other religions? Well, yes He is, because He does not demand that you sacrifice another by killing; He demands that you offer yourself as ‘a living sacrifice’.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
[Romans 12:1 NKJV]
And Paul says that this is our ‘reasonable service’. I may be totally wrong here, but it seems that our God — who has always been with us — sought to correct our misguided ideas of what He (or previously, gods) were, by sending Jesus to us to open our minds to the truth behind our suppositions.
I sleep, but my heart is awake; it is the voice of my beloved!
He knocks, saying, “Open for me, my sister, my love,
My dove, my perfect one; for my head is covered with dew, My locks with the drops of the night.”
[Song of Songs 5:2 NKJV]
The sacrifice that our Lord hopes for from each one of us is our obedience, which in essence is the complete and utter commitment of everything we are to Him. That is the reality of human sacrifice — not the taking of a life, but the giving of a life; the gifting of my life to my Heavenly Father, who gave me that life in the first place! That is the understanding He hopes that we will have.
A parable is an earthly story which does not explain itself.
Every one of us has an earthly story, and the explanation of it is not to be found in its own expression, but only in the domain of the Designer of life. Job says that the explanation his friends give of his earthly story is hopeless, they are nowhere near understanding it; God alone is the Source from whence will come the explanation of all he is going through.
[from 'Baffled To Fight Better' by Oswald Chambers]
Every one of us has an earthly story, and the explanation of it is not to be found in its own expression, but only in the domain of the Designer of life. Job says that the explanation his friends give of his earthly story is hopeless, they are nowhere near understanding it; God alone is the Source from whence will come the explanation of all he is going through.
[from 'Baffled To Fight Better' by Oswald Chambers]
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No temptation has overtaken you
When I was young I recall being told by my mother that God would never test you beyond anything that you could not endure. This was something that had been impressed upon her by her parents and seemed like a great comfort from a loving God. Only when Gill mentioned this verse in First Corinthians did I make the connection.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
[1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV]
Paul prefaces the verse above with ‘Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.’ [v12], showing that we have to have a clear understanding of, and faith in Him, before His faithfulness can operate in our lives. The word
translated as temptation* [See note below], primarily means to prove or test, and not — to me at least — my initial understanding of tempting.
When the waiter in a restaurant says “Can I tempt you to dessert?”, I do not consider it a trial of my faith. I do not believe Paul thought of it that way either.
Flee from idolatry
Verse 14 tells plainly where Paul is with this: ‘Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say.’ The issue at stake here is idolatry, one of the ‘immutable laws’.** (A definition of idolatry is shown below). Paul insists that we turn our backs and run from it, saying that the wise will know and understand what he means.
Idolatry takes many forms and it impinges on our lives in ways we do not always recognise. As an instance of this, I mention a confession by a dear brother in the Lord some years ago about recognising idolatry creeping into his life when a young man. He was an avid reader of novels by Zane Grey and J T Edsen, relishing these tales of the Wild West. At some point, he recognised that his reading of these tales was taking precedence over his Bible reading — effectively putting his faith in God into second place. He had turned his enjoyment of these stories into an idol.
This man was quick to recognise what was happening and took immediate action; committing himself afresh to The Lord. The temptation common to man had overtaken him, but God’s faithfulness granted him ‘the way of escape’.
The way of escape
If we are hearing from God by His Holy Spirit, speaking to us in the deepest parts of us, we can quickly recognise when we are going adrift from the narrow way and the strait gate. His Spirit bids us return to Him ‘…for He knew what was in man.’ [John 2:25b NKJV]
If I were to sum up our way of escape, I would say simply, His forgiveness.
When I was young I recall being told by my mother that God would never test you beyond anything that you could not endure. This was something that had been impressed upon her by her parents and seemed like a great comfort from a loving God. Only when Gill mentioned this verse in First Corinthians did I make the connection.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
[1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV]
Paul prefaces the verse above with ‘Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.’ [v12], showing that we have to have a clear understanding of, and faith in Him, before His faithfulness can operate in our lives. The word
translated as temptation* [See note below], primarily means to prove or test, and not — to me at least — my initial understanding of tempting.
When the waiter in a restaurant says “Can I tempt you to dessert?”, I do not consider it a trial of my faith. I do not believe Paul thought of it that way either.
Flee from idolatry
Verse 14 tells plainly where Paul is with this: ‘Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say.’ The issue at stake here is idolatry, one of the ‘immutable laws’.** (A definition of idolatry is shown below). Paul insists that we turn our backs and run from it, saying that the wise will know and understand what he means.
Idolatry takes many forms and it impinges on our lives in ways we do not always recognise. As an instance of this, I mention a confession by a dear brother in the Lord some years ago about recognising idolatry creeping into his life when a young man. He was an avid reader of novels by Zane Grey and J T Edsen, relishing these tales of the Wild West. At some point, he recognised that his reading of these tales was taking precedence over his Bible reading — effectively putting his faith in God into second place. He had turned his enjoyment of these stories into an idol.
This man was quick to recognise what was happening and took immediate action; committing himself afresh to The Lord. The temptation common to man had overtaken him, but God’s faithfulness granted him ‘the way of escape’.
The way of escape
If we are hearing from God by His Holy Spirit, speaking to us in the deepest parts of us, we can quickly recognise when we are going adrift from the narrow way and the strait gate. His Spirit bids us return to Him ‘…for He knew what was in man.’ [John 2:25b NKJV]
If I were to sum up our way of escape, I would say simply, His forgiveness.
* g3986. πειρασμός peirasmos; from 3985; a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity: — temptation, x try.
AV (21) - temptation 19, temptations 1, try 1;
an experiment, attempt, trial, proving trial, proving: the trial made of you by my bodily condition, since condition served as to test the love of the Galatians toward Paul (Gal. 4:14) the trial of man's fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancyan enticement to sin, temptation, whether arising from the desires or from the outward circumstancesan internal temptation to sinof the temptation by which the devil sought to divert...
AV (21) - temptation 19, temptations 1, try 1;
an experiment, attempt, trial, proving trial, proving: the trial made of you by my bodily condition, since condition served as to test the love of the Galatians toward Paul (Gal. 4:14) the trial of man's fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancyan enticement to sin, temptation, whether arising from the desires or from the outward circumstancesan internal temptation to sinof the temptation by which the devil sought to divert...
** idolatry. Definition: worshiping, seeking internal or external peace or favour from spirits, false gods, processes and/or procedures, substances or powers/forces; to receive, wield, or distribute:
- Power
- Health and well-being
- Information
- Prosperity (finances)
- Contact with the dead (dead loved ones).
In dealing with the life of Abraham as the Father of the faithful, neither faith nor common sense must be our guide, but God Who unites both in a test tube of personal experience. To be guided by common sense alone is fanatical, both common sense and faith have to be brought into relation to God.
[from ‘Not Knowing Where’ by Oswald Chambers]
[from ‘Not Knowing Where’ by Oswald Chambers]
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KILMARTIN SERIES: 7
In this series, we are looking at how unclean and perverse spirits can easily take hold in a place and turn it away from The Lord. We are taking Kilmartin in Argyll as an example; largely because we live there, but also because it is a focal point where faith in God, once dominant, is being seriously challenged by unbelief, Humanism and New Age philosophy.
Last summer [2020], a fire erupted in a local farm destroying much, but thankfully it was contained before too much damage was done. What was lost, however was the part of the building that was the meeting room for the Renewal Fellowship when they moved to Kilmartin from Prestwick in Ayrshire, having heard a word from God. Many were the signs and wonders that led them (and soon others also) to leave what they knew and seek ‘the promised land’; for indeed that was the spiritual pattern that they were following.
Was the destruction of this particular place mere coincidence? Or a sign of a different kind.
“And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your old men shall dream dreams,
Your young men shall see visions.
And also on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days.
“And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth:
Blood and fire and pillars of smoke.
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.
And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.
For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance,
As the LORD has said, among the remnant whom the LORD calls.
[Joel 2:28-32 NKJV]
Those were the days, back in the 1970’s when there seemed to be an outpouring of prophecy; when dreamt dreams were fulfilled and visions flowed from many lips. We have a volume of prophetic words written down around the time of the millennium, which are filled with encouragement, hope and a way ahead. Yet, where are we now?
We seem to have slipped into a time of darkness once more … and it is plainly visible to see on every side. It would be easy to let it happen and accept what seems inevitable. Is that us? If it is, it is to our shame.
That is emphatically not our calling. His fire still falls from heaven. When darkness arises, the people of God are required — indeed can do nothing else but — shine The Lord’s light, declaring His everlasting presence with ‘blood and fire’, as The Salvation Army motto declares. Do we mean standing on street corners and shouting out the Word? No, for we are told …
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.
You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.
But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak.
For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
[Matthew 10:16-20 NKJV]
To be witnesses and watchmen, praying relentlessly despite the persecution. And that is where we are in this hour … among the remnant whom the LORD calls. There are still visions being spoken. A few years ago — Jean Darnall spoke words of revival about Scotland. Jean died in 2019, but here is a video from 2009, in which she speaks of her prophetic vision.
Last summer [2020], a fire erupted in a local farm destroying much, but thankfully it was contained before too much damage was done. What was lost, however was the part of the building that was the meeting room for the Renewal Fellowship when they moved to Kilmartin from Prestwick in Ayrshire, having heard a word from God. Many were the signs and wonders that led them (and soon others also) to leave what they knew and seek ‘the promised land’; for indeed that was the spiritual pattern that they were following.
Was the destruction of this particular place mere coincidence? Or a sign of a different kind.
“And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your old men shall dream dreams,
Your young men shall see visions.
And also on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days.
“And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth:
Blood and fire and pillars of smoke.
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.
And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.
For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance,
As the LORD has said, among the remnant whom the LORD calls.
[Joel 2:28-32 NKJV]
Those were the days, back in the 1970’s when there seemed to be an outpouring of prophecy; when dreamt dreams were fulfilled and visions flowed from many lips. We have a volume of prophetic words written down around the time of the millennium, which are filled with encouragement, hope and a way ahead. Yet, where are we now?
We seem to have slipped into a time of darkness once more … and it is plainly visible to see on every side. It would be easy to let it happen and accept what seems inevitable. Is that us? If it is, it is to our shame.
That is emphatically not our calling. His fire still falls from heaven. When darkness arises, the people of God are required — indeed can do nothing else but — shine The Lord’s light, declaring His everlasting presence with ‘blood and fire’, as The Salvation Army motto declares. Do we mean standing on street corners and shouting out the Word? No, for we are told …
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.
You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.
But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak.
For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
[Matthew 10:16-20 NKJV]
To be witnesses and watchmen, praying relentlessly despite the persecution. And that is where we are in this hour … among the remnant whom the LORD calls. There are still visions being spoken. A few years ago — Jean Darnall spoke words of revival about Scotland. Jean died in 2019, but here is a video from 2009, in which she speaks of her prophetic vision.
Jean’s vision does not stand alone and unsung. A number of people have had similar visions — that revival will begin in the land of the Gael. Gill had a vision only two or three years ago, seeing little clusters of sheep on her way from Kilmartin northwards. The Lord showed her that these small ‘fires’, the clusters, would be the way forward for His church through the times of darkness until the new dawn arises.
These visions are not idle fancies, but genuine outpourings of the Holy Spirit in these days. He has not forgotten us; we are not passed over. He is with us.
For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
[2 Corinthians 1:20-21 NKJV]
This is His song, indeed. We are not without hope, and HE WILL PREVAIL.
These visions are not idle fancies, but genuine outpourings of the Holy Spirit in these days. He has not forgotten us; we are not passed over. He is with us.
For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
[2 Corinthians 1:20-21 NKJV]
This is His song, indeed. We are not without hope, and HE WILL PREVAIL.
Yet not I, but through Christ in me…
The faith of many really spiritual Christians is eclipsed today, and the reason it is eclipsed is that they tried to remain true and consistent to the narrow confines of their experience instead of getting out into the light of God.
[from ‘The Place of Help’ by Oswald Chambers]
[from ‘The Place of Help’ by Oswald Chambers]
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KILMARTIN SERIES: 6
In this series, we are looking at how unclean and perverse spirits can easily take hold in a place and turn it away from The Lord. We are taking Kilmartin in Argyll as an example; largely because we live there, but also because it is a focal point where faith in God, once dominant, is being seriously challenged by unbelief, Humanism and New Age philosophy.
In the first five meditations in this Kilmartin series, we looked at what the Bible says about a place (and a time) such as this. We noted that none of us are immune to the unGodly spirit outworkings around us, and that what is revealed in the natural world has resonance and impact for us in the spiritual realm.
We have seen that
For the final two meditations, we will look at a couple of instances which can be seen to indicate the presence of this ancient evil. In Acts 19 we read this story …
Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.
And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”
Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
[Acts 19:13-16 NKJV]
The telling part of this story is that the evil spirit knew Jesus and Paul; “but who are you?” Evil spirits recognise Christ and flee from Him (Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. [James 4:7 NKJV]). Pretenders to the life of Christ are dismissed unrecognised, but are ripe for assimilation and will be easily overpowered, just as those who know not Christ at all.
In 2017 the life of the Living Stones Christian Centre was diminishing; numbers were falling as more and more of those who had breathed the inspiration from The Lord passed through the veil, or had to move on to pastures new. Few were drawn in to be inspired afresh. Despite the faith of those that remained, a dark cloud covered the face of the sun. The season had passed.
Around that time there was a tragic spate of suicides among young people in the area, two from Kilmartin Glen itself. The sense of stifling darkness was palpable and overwhelming. I offer no reasons for this fall, although we lived though that trying time. I suspect we, most of us, took our eyes off the calling, and forgot our purpose. Despite many declarations that we believed in ‘now’, maybe there was too much indulging in reminiscence of past glories. The prince of the power of the air seized his moment.
In the four years since, we believe that we have seen these old spirits dancing. They have leapt and overpowered, but will not rest until they have prevailed. They know who we are, but they may think they have God’s people, if not defeated, then at least gagged and bound — hemmed in on all sides. Has that evil spirit prevailed against us? Not yet, but we must ask, where is that once powerful praying voice?
In the next and final part of this series, we will look for the vision of the way forward. Our God always has a remnant of His people.
In the first five meditations in this Kilmartin series, we looked at what the Bible says about a place (and a time) such as this. We noted that none of us are immune to the unGodly spirit outworkings around us, and that what is revealed in the natural world has resonance and impact for us in the spiritual realm.
We have seen that
- Satan tries to encroach on our ‘land’ and claim us for himself by moving our boundaries in his favour.
- The land thus becomes a spiritual battleground with our spiritual inheritance the prize to be wrestled from our grasp
- Satan tempts us (as he did with Jesus) to fall into idolatry with the things of this world
- and the ‘familiar’ spirits of darkness await to welcome us with their vain imaginings and false promises
- However, if we know Jesus, we have the choice of life over death
For the final two meditations, we will look at a couple of instances which can be seen to indicate the presence of this ancient evil. In Acts 19 we read this story …
Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.
And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”
Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
[Acts 19:13-16 NKJV]
The telling part of this story is that the evil spirit knew Jesus and Paul; “but who are you?” Evil spirits recognise Christ and flee from Him (Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. [James 4:7 NKJV]). Pretenders to the life of Christ are dismissed unrecognised, but are ripe for assimilation and will be easily overpowered, just as those who know not Christ at all.
In 2017 the life of the Living Stones Christian Centre was diminishing; numbers were falling as more and more of those who had breathed the inspiration from The Lord passed through the veil, or had to move on to pastures new. Few were drawn in to be inspired afresh. Despite the faith of those that remained, a dark cloud covered the face of the sun. The season had passed.
Around that time there was a tragic spate of suicides among young people in the area, two from Kilmartin Glen itself. The sense of stifling darkness was palpable and overwhelming. I offer no reasons for this fall, although we lived though that trying time. I suspect we, most of us, took our eyes off the calling, and forgot our purpose. Despite many declarations that we believed in ‘now’, maybe there was too much indulging in reminiscence of past glories. The prince of the power of the air seized his moment.
In the four years since, we believe that we have seen these old spirits dancing. They have leapt and overpowered, but will not rest until they have prevailed. They know who we are, but they may think they have God’s people, if not defeated, then at least gagged and bound — hemmed in on all sides. Has that evil spirit prevailed against us? Not yet, but we must ask, where is that once powerful praying voice?
In the next and final part of this series, we will look for the vision of the way forward. Our God always has a remnant of His people.
Be ruthless with yourself if you are given to talking about the experiences you have had. Faith that is sure of itself is not faith; faith that is sure of God is the only Faith there is.
[from ‘My Utmost For His Highest’ by Oswald Chambers]
[from ‘My Utmost For His Highest’ by Oswald Chambers]
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KILMARTIN SERIES: 5
In this series, we are looking at how unclean and perverse spirits can easily take hold in a place and turn it away from The Lord. We are taking Kilmartin in Argyll as an example; largely because we live there, but also because it is a focal point where faith in God, once dominant, is being seriously challenged by unbelief, Humanism and New Age philosophy.
But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
For the living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten.
Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished; nevermore will they have a share In anything done under the sun.
Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already accepted your works.
Let your garments always be white, and let your head lack no oil.
[Ecclesiastes 9:4-8 NKJV]
I am currently reading ‘The True Believer: Thoughts On The Nature Of Mass Movements’ by Eric Hoffer, which, while not a book about scripture, frequently quotes the Bible to illustrate some of the ‘thoughts’. In one paragraph that I read yesterday evening, Hoffer quotes Ecclesiastes 9:4 …
But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
For the living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten.
Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished; nevermore will they have a share In anything done under the sun.
Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already accepted your works.
Let your garments always be white, and let your head lack no oil.
[Ecclesiastes 9:4-8 NKJV]
I am currently reading ‘The True Believer: Thoughts On The Nature Of Mass Movements’ by Eric Hoffer, which, while not a book about scripture, frequently quotes the Bible to illustrate some of the ‘thoughts’. In one paragraph that I read yesterday evening, Hoffer quotes Ecclesiastes 9:4 …
The liberal sees the present as the legitimate offspring of the past and as constantly growing and developing toward an improved future. All three (conservative, liberal and sceptic) then cherish the present, and, as one would expect, they do not take willingly to the idea of self-sacrifice. Their attitude toward self-sacrifice is best expressed by the sceptic: “for a living dog is better than a dead lion. For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing … neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.”
The radical and the reactionary loathe the present.
What you might ask, has this to do with our Christian outlook in Argyll, or the world for that matter? The Bible view of this is that both the living and the dead are in this world now. The living are ‘alive in Christ’, while the dead are ‘dead in trespasses and sins’.
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
[Ephesians 2:4-6NKJV]
So where is our focus? Hoffer noted that the ‘mass movements’ of the radical and the reactionary in this world revere the idea of self-sacrifice for their cause, while the common man avoids self-sacrifice of any sort, if at all possible. The sacrifice that the true Christian makes is not for a cause but for a person; the Lord Jesus Christ, willingly returning the life that God gave him to God so that he avoids death ‘in trespasses and sins’ in exchange for everlasting life. I hope that makes sense.
In terms of Kilmartin, Argyll, we see that over time there has been a movement away from ‘life in Christ’ and an increasing reverence for the gravestones, burial cists, relics, standing stones and rock carvings from pre-history. I have seen people putting their arms around standing stones to ‘feel the life force’ in the rock. This is worshipping the dead.
Christians are not immune to such things; the spirit forces in nature are real enough, but they are subtle and insidious — every bit as real as Covid-19, and just as life-threatening. Our protection from such death is also real enough, it is the Holy Spirit, the thread that keeps us alive in Christ, our intercessor with Father God. Hallelujah!
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
[Ephesians 2:4-6NKJV]
So where is our focus? Hoffer noted that the ‘mass movements’ of the radical and the reactionary in this world revere the idea of self-sacrifice for their cause, while the common man avoids self-sacrifice of any sort, if at all possible. The sacrifice that the true Christian makes is not for a cause but for a person; the Lord Jesus Christ, willingly returning the life that God gave him to God so that he avoids death ‘in trespasses and sins’ in exchange for everlasting life. I hope that makes sense.
In terms of Kilmartin, Argyll, we see that over time there has been a movement away from ‘life in Christ’ and an increasing reverence for the gravestones, burial cists, relics, standing stones and rock carvings from pre-history. I have seen people putting their arms around standing stones to ‘feel the life force’ in the rock. This is worshipping the dead.
Christians are not immune to such things; the spirit forces in nature are real enough, but they are subtle and insidious — every bit as real as Covid-19, and just as life-threatening. Our protection from such death is also real enough, it is the Holy Spirit, the thread that keeps us alive in Christ, our intercessor with Father God. Hallelujah!
Experience is a gateway, not an end. Beware of building your faith on experience. You can never give another person that which you have found, but you can make him long for what you have.
[from ‘My Utmost For His Highest’ by Oswald Chambers]
[from ‘My Utmost For His Highest’ by Oswald Chambers]
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Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates.
For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
[Exodus 20:9-11 NKJV]
The Sabbath is a word taken from the Hebrew meaning to repose, or rest*. In Genesis chapter 1 we are told that God rested on the seventh day (seven revealing wholeness, completion, perfection). We translate this pattern by churchgoing on Sunday’s, while to the Jews their Sabbath is a Saturday; but looking at the Bible in more depth, we see that the seven days become a pattern of our growing into a relationship with God.
If we look at Hebrews chapter 4 we read of the deeper revelation of ‘entering into His rest’…
For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works”; and again in this place: “They shall not enter My rest.”
Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience, again He designates a certain day, saying in David, “Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said:
“Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts.”
[Hebrews 4:4-7 NKJV]
When do we enter? Hebrews says ‘today’; and today is this day and thus every day, from which we can conclude that once we have entered His rest, it is the place where spiritually we should remain. The Sabbath is an every day state of life.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
[Hebrews 4:16 NKJV]
We all are called to be a Seventh Day company of believers, resting in His presence because we know that our purpose is to seek only more of Him.
For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
[Exodus 20:9-11 NKJV]
The Sabbath is a word taken from the Hebrew meaning to repose, or rest*. In Genesis chapter 1 we are told that God rested on the seventh day (seven revealing wholeness, completion, perfection). We translate this pattern by churchgoing on Sunday’s, while to the Jews their Sabbath is a Saturday; but looking at the Bible in more depth, we see that the seven days become a pattern of our growing into a relationship with God.
If we look at Hebrews chapter 4 we read of the deeper revelation of ‘entering into His rest’…
For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works”; and again in this place: “They shall not enter My rest.”
Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience, again He designates a certain day, saying in David, “Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said:
“Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts.”
[Hebrews 4:4-7 NKJV]
When do we enter? Hebrews says ‘today’; and today is this day and thus every day, from which we can conclude that once we have entered His rest, it is the place where spiritually we should remain. The Sabbath is an every day state of life.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
[Hebrews 4:16 NKJV]
We all are called to be a Seventh Day company of believers, resting in His presence because we know that our purpose is to seek only more of Him.
* h7673. שָׁבַת šâḇaṯ; a primitive root; to repose, i.e. desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific): — (cause to, let, make to) cease, celebrate, cause (make) to fail, keep (sabbath), suffer to be lacking, leave, put away (down), (make to) rest, rid, still, take away.
AV (71) - cease 47, rest 11, away 3, fail 2, celebrate 1, misc 7;
AV (71) - cease 47, rest 11, away 3, fail 2, celebrate 1, misc 7;
The Christian life is a holy life. Do not substitute the word happy; happiness is a consequence of holiness. So many good people are caught up in what we may call “the gospel of temperament.” In other words, they subscribe to the belief that they must be happy and bright. But these moods are consequences, and not causes, of the Christian’s relationship with God. Our Lord insists that we keep our eyes fixed on “the strait gate and the narrow way” which, in essence, is pure love and holy living in every area of our lives. Happiness is not to be our primary aim. Our aim is to please the Lord Jesus Christ, to serve Him in the beauty of holiness, in love, and in humility. Is this your aim?