A big difference, you'll notice, between godly people and the ungodly, is the people of God honor people; the ungodly do not. Although people who don't fear God will idolize others, they'll just as soon tear them down with ridicule. God's people will honor others, whether they deserve it or not, even after they're dead. A key reason for this is that people were made by God in His image, and are His property. If we dishonor others, we dishonor God.
Psalm 8 is one of the most "incredibly" edifying Scripture passages I know. It really does seem incredible to us to think that God would think of us at all, much less visit us, speak to us, and crown us with honor and glory. It is so difficult for fallen humans to accept that He made us "a little lower than God," that the word elohim is often translated here as "angels," even though it's the same Hebrew word used in Genesis 1:1-- God created the heavens and the earth. Yes, we had fallen below the angels, but Jesus Christ has been raised up above all, and we are part of His body, even if we are only His feet.
God has always given honor to even the lowliest of positions in service to Him. I hadn't really taken notice of this verse before: "Mattithiah of the Levites, the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the trusted office over the things that were baked in the pans." 1 Chronicles 9:31 NKJV Whatever we do, God sees and rewards faithfulness when we're doing it as unto the Lord. Giving others appreciation and affirmation is a way of thanking and praising the Lord. When we consider that each of His children are part of His body, it is easier to honor and affirm them.
Even the ungodly carry the image of God in them, no matter how sullied and twisted, and they might still become part of God's kingdom. It is extremely unbecoming of God's people to put others down in a disgusted fashion, but I see this happening so much in the name of "righteousness." How are we ever to win the lost to Christ if we do not treat people with respect, even if they are sinners? Hating sin is not the same as despising people. God so loved the world. . .
The Apostle Paul was a faithful watcher, even on a tempest-tossed ship. He apparently interceded for everyone, not only to save his own skin. He was visited by an angel to bring the answer to his request-- everyone's life would be spared. There were sailors, soldiers, prisoners, a Roman centurion-- 276 people in all. Many of these must have given their lives to the Lord after that. To me, now, this number will always signify that God values life, even the life of unbelievers.
It is up to us, His people, to watch and pray. The world system is a sinking ship: but God already has a plan in place to save as many souls as will cling to His saving grace.
Showing posts with label angels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label angels. Show all posts
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
June 18, 2010 Persecution and Ministering Angels
There are two parallels with the Old and New Testament readings today that stood out to me: 1) the activity of a major demonic spirit, and 2) the activity of ministering angels from God. We call this particular evil spirit "Jezebel", after the queen who allowed it to control her. I see the same evil spirit working in Herod as well, as the evil spirit can work through men as well as women. It seems here that it tries especially to control the person in charge. Keep your eyes open for the workings of this devious spirit, as it is very active at this time in history.
One of the marked traits of the Jezebelian spirit is persecuting and killing the prophets of God (and anything to do with prophetic ministry). It's always good to see the end of a road so as to decide whether we want to be on it or not. Personally, I wouldn't want to be following the same path as a Jezebel spirit, even in a small way. Since we're in the last days, and we've been told that God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh and that there would be a lot of prophesying going on (Joel 2: 28-32), I think we should be careful not to be party to an evil spirit who would wish to stop this. It's also good to beware of counterfeits: but if you know the Spirit of Truth, it's pretty easy to spot something that's not Him.
Even though I'm not excited about going through more persecution (although Jesus did say it was coming), I am very much looking forward to seeing more angelic activity (God's ministering angels). As we see in today's passages, when the persecution level goes up, so does the level of angelic ministry. I've personally experienced some angelic ministrations, although I have not "seen" the angels (with my natural eyes). I would certainly like to be aware of more.
If you're not used to (or don't like to be) thinking about supernatural things, you might want to ask the Lord to change your viewpoint. You might find this kind of help to be very much needful in the future. Probably none of us would be alive today if it weren't for the help and protection of God's angels. I'm grateful indeed for a God Who loves us so much that He created a multitude of powerful and holy beings who are willing to serve Him and us! And in God's mercy, He didn't allow Satan, and the other rebellious angels, to run around on Earth without making sure that God's loyal and powerful angels were right there to help us always have the victory.
P.S. I'm reminded of Rick Joyner's little book, When God Walked The Earth-- and I'm wondering how an angel might feel if they were not allowed to save someone, such as James, who was called to be martyred and was killed for the sake of the Gospel. They would then minister a different kind of grace.
One of the marked traits of the Jezebelian spirit is persecuting and killing the prophets of God (and anything to do with prophetic ministry). It's always good to see the end of a road so as to decide whether we want to be on it or not. Personally, I wouldn't want to be following the same path as a Jezebel spirit, even in a small way. Since we're in the last days, and we've been told that God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh and that there would be a lot of prophesying going on (Joel 2: 28-32), I think we should be careful not to be party to an evil spirit who would wish to stop this. It's also good to beware of counterfeits: but if you know the Spirit of Truth, it's pretty easy to spot something that's not Him.
Even though I'm not excited about going through more persecution (although Jesus did say it was coming), I am very much looking forward to seeing more angelic activity (God's ministering angels). As we see in today's passages, when the persecution level goes up, so does the level of angelic ministry. I've personally experienced some angelic ministrations, although I have not "seen" the angels (with my natural eyes). I would certainly like to be aware of more.
If you're not used to (or don't like to be) thinking about supernatural things, you might want to ask the Lord to change your viewpoint. You might find this kind of help to be very much needful in the future. Probably none of us would be alive today if it weren't for the help and protection of God's angels. I'm grateful indeed for a God Who loves us so much that He created a multitude of powerful and holy beings who are willing to serve Him and us! And in God's mercy, He didn't allow Satan, and the other rebellious angels, to run around on Earth without making sure that God's loyal and powerful angels were right there to help us always have the victory.
P.S. I'm reminded of Rick Joyner's little book, When God Walked The Earth-- and I'm wondering how an angel might feel if they were not allowed to save someone, such as James, who was called to be martyred and was killed for the sake of the Gospel. They would then minister a different kind of grace.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
June 16, 2010 Politics, Prophets and Provision
It's troubling to me to read about the dreadful split between Judah and Israel, and of the horrendous works of the evil kings. It makes me sad to realize it was all due to Solomon's wandering heart and idolatry later in his life. With all his wisdom, he should have known better. It just goes to show that "you can fall from any level," as Rick Joyner said in The Final Quest. How serious we need to be in maintaining the fear of the Lord, and a pure love for Him and His Word!
All the turmoil of those Old Testament days reminds me of modern times, even of American politics. If you look just under the surface of current events, you will see the seeds of civil war. The trouble is, so many of the issues are spiritual, just as they were back in Ahab's day. God's people today seem to have just as much trouble in dealing with ungodliness in society and government as they did in Bible times. Why is that, I wonder? Do you think, perhaps, that most of us are just too concerned with trying to survive to do anything to confront the evils that are trying to gain power over us, individually and as a nation? [and I'm not talking about "rebellion," I'm talking about submitting to God and following Him.]
In order to be free from evil domination, we will have to be willing to see what is really happening around us and to us. We will have to be willing to see evil, not close our eyes to it. Seeing it and liking it, or just going along with it (as well as simply closing our eyes to it), is what leads us into slavery. Seeing it and hating it is the beginning of getting free.
God expects us to love what He loves and hate what He hates. This, of course, must be established in our own personal life, but after that, what? I would say, no matter what, start with prayer. Prayer is the launch pad. None of us will know what He is doing, or what we ourselves are to do, without seeking the Lord in prayer. If you don't really trust God, now's the time to dig down into the Word and get your roots planted into Him. Every time you obey Him, you get a little more rooted. You're going to have to trust Him in order to stand godly in the evil day.
The truth is, while Christ's Kingdom is being established on earth, the worldly kingdoms are crumbling. Can you feel the foundations being shaken? Do you see the chaos beginning to take hold of the world's systems? Of course, all those with worldly power, not to mention the evil spiritual entities that hold sway over the nations, are trying to tighten their grip. Controls will strengthen, and when people rebel against control, flattery will try to win them-- but only so that even greater control can be exercised. There's no getting away from this. It's the times we're in! That's why it's so important to see the Kingdom of God and go for it. It's time to see what kingdoms are what, and choose.
Whatever you're called to do in the Kingdom of God, God has provision for you. It takes a lot of courage to take a stand for God in evil times, or even to support one who openly does. But as Jesus said, Be not afraid! We saw how the Lord provided for Elijah-- He sent ravens to feed him! Then He asked a poor widow to care for him, and miraculously provided for her too. Not only was there enough food for them, but there was also provision for healing (her son was raised). Even if the Lord were to call for judgments (such as famine) against an idolatrous nation, His people will be provided for if they will trust Him and obey Him.
As we read in the story of Peter and Cornelius, the Lord even has communications covered: prayer, the leading of the Holy Spirit, visions, and angelic visitations will keep God's people "in the know" and the Kingdom of God running according to His plan. And remember how Stephen got transported by the Spirit, and he just found himself somewhere? Who needs cars, planes, cell phones and the internet when you have such efficient modes of communication and travel? We might as well get used to it-- we're called to live in a supernatural Kingdom! It's not science fiction, it's real! We'll see more and more of it as the return of the King draws nearer.
I know it's normal to say, "Well, I'm not Elijah! Maybe that guy over there is!" but each of us has been given a place of authority in our life, whether large or small; and in this place of rule, we are each called to declare the Word of the Lord and to resist evil, no matter what the apparent cost. We must trust the Lord to provide all that is needed, even when the world from which we have been gaining our support is falling down around our ears.
"And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead." Acts 10:42
All the turmoil of those Old Testament days reminds me of modern times, even of American politics. If you look just under the surface of current events, you will see the seeds of civil war. The trouble is, so many of the issues are spiritual, just as they were back in Ahab's day. God's people today seem to have just as much trouble in dealing with ungodliness in society and government as they did in Bible times. Why is that, I wonder? Do you think, perhaps, that most of us are just too concerned with trying to survive to do anything to confront the evils that are trying to gain power over us, individually and as a nation? [and I'm not talking about "rebellion," I'm talking about submitting to God and following Him.]
In order to be free from evil domination, we will have to be willing to see what is really happening around us and to us. We will have to be willing to see evil, not close our eyes to it. Seeing it and liking it, or just going along with it (as well as simply closing our eyes to it), is what leads us into slavery. Seeing it and hating it is the beginning of getting free.
God expects us to love what He loves and hate what He hates. This, of course, must be established in our own personal life, but after that, what? I would say, no matter what, start with prayer. Prayer is the launch pad. None of us will know what He is doing, or what we ourselves are to do, without seeking the Lord in prayer. If you don't really trust God, now's the time to dig down into the Word and get your roots planted into Him. Every time you obey Him, you get a little more rooted. You're going to have to trust Him in order to stand godly in the evil day.
The truth is, while Christ's Kingdom is being established on earth, the worldly kingdoms are crumbling. Can you feel the foundations being shaken? Do you see the chaos beginning to take hold of the world's systems? Of course, all those with worldly power, not to mention the evil spiritual entities that hold sway over the nations, are trying to tighten their grip. Controls will strengthen, and when people rebel against control, flattery will try to win them-- but only so that even greater control can be exercised. There's no getting away from this. It's the times we're in! That's why it's so important to see the Kingdom of God and go for it. It's time to see what kingdoms are what, and choose.
Whatever you're called to do in the Kingdom of God, God has provision for you. It takes a lot of courage to take a stand for God in evil times, or even to support one who openly does. But as Jesus said, Be not afraid! We saw how the Lord provided for Elijah-- He sent ravens to feed him! Then He asked a poor widow to care for him, and miraculously provided for her too. Not only was there enough food for them, but there was also provision for healing (her son was raised). Even if the Lord were to call for judgments (such as famine) against an idolatrous nation, His people will be provided for if they will trust Him and obey Him.
As we read in the story of Peter and Cornelius, the Lord even has communications covered: prayer, the leading of the Holy Spirit, visions, and angelic visitations will keep God's people "in the know" and the Kingdom of God running according to His plan. And remember how Stephen got transported by the Spirit, and he just found himself somewhere? Who needs cars, planes, cell phones and the internet when you have such efficient modes of communication and travel? We might as well get used to it-- we're called to live in a supernatural Kingdom! It's not science fiction, it's real! We'll see more and more of it as the return of the King draws nearer.
I know it's normal to say, "Well, I'm not Elijah! Maybe that guy over there is!" but each of us has been given a place of authority in our life, whether large or small; and in this place of rule, we are each called to declare the Word of the Lord and to resist evil, no matter what the apparent cost. We must trust the Lord to provide all that is needed, even when the world from which we have been gaining our support is falling down around our ears.
"And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead." Acts 10:42
Friday, April 23, 2010
April 23, 2010
As much as I wanted to get into a less weighted topic than yesterday's, I couldn't help honing in on this verse, as it seemed to deserve our focused attention: “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21: 34-38
[It is a very good study to look up the words in this verse in the Greek--I did.]
I was brought up believing in the Rapture (the doctrine that says Christians will be taken off of Earth while the unbelievers suffer through the tribulation and God's wrath). When I began to see that Jesus' exhortations and prophecies were meant to help us "endure until the end," I then had a big question about the above verse-- Jesus telling us to pray we'd be counted worthy to escape. I've never heard a Rapture doctrine about being worthy, only about being a Christian, and then, of course, about people getting saved afterward, such as in the "Left Behind" series. As as good friend of mine used to say, "The only way to get out of here is to die."
I wish that there was such a thing as being Christlike enough to get lifted off the world and out of trouble. I think of Enoch as an example. But as that leaves little hope for me, and probably for you either, I'm searching for a better answer. What does Jesus mean-- counted worthy to escape? Are people like Enoch and Elijah the only ones who get to escape? I hope not, because "all these things that will come to pass" don't sound too pretty. I seriously want to escape! You?
Jesus was well aware of this desire to escape, and addressed it in the above verses. “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life." Most of us avoid the carousing and drunkenness, don't we? But most of us are certainly weighed down with the cares of this life. Negative thoughts swirl about our heads, things like "it was sure nice when life was good." The temptation of escapism is greater than it has ever been. And the modes of practicing escapism are grand and varied indeed. It's hard to resist getting lost in whatever form of entertainment appeals to us at the moment.
It is easy for me to imagine staying lost in some awesome BluRay movie, cool video game, or fantasy novel for the rest of my life. Then what: I couldn't stand before the Lord: I'd be covered in shame, with what excuse-- I didn't have the strength to watch and pray, and to get His help in staying mentally, emotionally and spiritually sober. No difference whatsoever, from when I was lost in drug-land long ago. The motivation would have been the same: I couldn't handle life. (I still enjoy movies, games, and books in moderation, don't get me wrong. I still have to be careful I don't use them wrongly. God ministers to our hearts, each on the things we need to deal with. I use myself as an example.)
I've come a long way from my drug-using days, and yet, I still feel intense pressure to escape. Things in the world are hard to face-- I can't fix them. I sometimes feel at a loss to even deal with things in my own firsthand world. It would be nice not to think about them. And yet the Lord challenges us to stay awake, watch for Him, live for Him. The Holy Spirit is our constant helper.
There is a great Harvest of souls to come out of the world and into God's Kingdom, and I want to be here to work in that field. People are frightened and hurting, dazed and confused. Jesus Christ Himself is what we have to give them, and if we keep our eyes open in the spirit, we will be able to do "whatever I see my Father doing." We have to live on the Earth in order to do that. How will we survive in such a dangerous time as this? I'm so glad you asked.
Psalm 91 showed up right when I needed it! This Psalm has been such a comfort for me ever since I was first born-again. It speaks to me of how we can escape the evil and dangers of the last days and keep our wits about us too. We are to dwell in God: "Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; 11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways." Psalm 91: 9-11 We can dwell in the Secret Place of the Most High!
Jesus is our secret place, and we know that we are in Him and He is in us-- we are seated in the heavenlies. We enter into this reality by faith, by spending time with Him and allowing Him to establish this reality in us, so that we can experience it. It takes focus on heavenly things, laying aside everything that keeps us weighed down. Once we realize that we can be empowered to overcome, here on Earth, for His purposes, it makes it a lot easier to watch for Him, trust Him and do His will.
If we're listening, we won't be surprised, or ashamed, at His coming!
For further study-- people and situations in Scripture who escaped the judgments of God without leaving Earth:
Israel in Goshen and at Passover
Lot and his family from Sodom [his wife didn't "stand"]
Noah and his family when God flooded the earth
(There are more, I'm sure, but these are what I thought of right away.)
Jesus is the Refuge we run to.
Jesus is our Hope for our future.
Jesus is our Safe Home.
[It is a very good study to look up the words in this verse in the Greek--I did.]
I was brought up believing in the Rapture (the doctrine that says Christians will be taken off of Earth while the unbelievers suffer through the tribulation and God's wrath). When I began to see that Jesus' exhortations and prophecies were meant to help us "endure until the end," I then had a big question about the above verse-- Jesus telling us to pray we'd be counted worthy to escape. I've never heard a Rapture doctrine about being worthy, only about being a Christian, and then, of course, about people getting saved afterward, such as in the "Left Behind" series. As as good friend of mine used to say, "The only way to get out of here is to die."
I wish that there was such a thing as being Christlike enough to get lifted off the world and out of trouble. I think of Enoch as an example. But as that leaves little hope for me, and probably for you either, I'm searching for a better answer. What does Jesus mean-- counted worthy to escape? Are people like Enoch and Elijah the only ones who get to escape? I hope not, because "all these things that will come to pass" don't sound too pretty. I seriously want to escape! You?
Jesus was well aware of this desire to escape, and addressed it in the above verses. “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life." Most of us avoid the carousing and drunkenness, don't we? But most of us are certainly weighed down with the cares of this life. Negative thoughts swirl about our heads, things like "it was sure nice when life was good." The temptation of escapism is greater than it has ever been. And the modes of practicing escapism are grand and varied indeed. It's hard to resist getting lost in whatever form of entertainment appeals to us at the moment.
It is easy for me to imagine staying lost in some awesome BluRay movie, cool video game, or fantasy novel for the rest of my life. Then what: I couldn't stand before the Lord: I'd be covered in shame, with what excuse-- I didn't have the strength to watch and pray, and to get His help in staying mentally, emotionally and spiritually sober. No difference whatsoever, from when I was lost in drug-land long ago. The motivation would have been the same: I couldn't handle life. (I still enjoy movies, games, and books in moderation, don't get me wrong. I still have to be careful I don't use them wrongly. God ministers to our hearts, each on the things we need to deal with. I use myself as an example.)
I've come a long way from my drug-using days, and yet, I still feel intense pressure to escape. Things in the world are hard to face-- I can't fix them. I sometimes feel at a loss to even deal with things in my own firsthand world. It would be nice not to think about them. And yet the Lord challenges us to stay awake, watch for Him, live for Him. The Holy Spirit is our constant helper.
There is a great Harvest of souls to come out of the world and into God's Kingdom, and I want to be here to work in that field. People are frightened and hurting, dazed and confused. Jesus Christ Himself is what we have to give them, and if we keep our eyes open in the spirit, we will be able to do "whatever I see my Father doing." We have to live on the Earth in order to do that. How will we survive in such a dangerous time as this? I'm so glad you asked.
Psalm 91 showed up right when I needed it! This Psalm has been such a comfort for me ever since I was first born-again. It speaks to me of how we can escape the evil and dangers of the last days and keep our wits about us too. We are to dwell in God: "Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; 11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways." Psalm 91: 9-11 We can dwell in the Secret Place of the Most High!
Jesus is our secret place, and we know that we are in Him and He is in us-- we are seated in the heavenlies. We enter into this reality by faith, by spending time with Him and allowing Him to establish this reality in us, so that we can experience it. It takes focus on heavenly things, laying aside everything that keeps us weighed down. Once we realize that we can be empowered to overcome, here on Earth, for His purposes, it makes it a lot easier to watch for Him, trust Him and do His will.
If we're listening, we won't be surprised, or ashamed, at His coming!
For further study-- people and situations in Scripture who escaped the judgments of God without leaving Earth:
Israel in Goshen and at Passover
Lot and his family from Sodom [his wife didn't "stand"]
Noah and his family when God flooded the earth
(There are more, I'm sure, but these are what I thought of right away.)
Jesus is the Refuge we run to.
Jesus is our Hope for our future.
Jesus is our Safe Home.
Monday, March 15, 2010
March 15, 2010
The Scripture readings for the last couple of days have spoken loudly to me about how people's words can steer the course of events. Yesterday, we read "By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked." Proverbs 11:11 Today, Proverbs says that sometimes we need to hold our tongue.
I could write a whole lot about this, but instead, I'd like to encourage you to check it out for yourself. How many examples can you find of people speaking words that influenced the future? Were they positive or negative?
I'll give you an example: look at Balaam and Zechariah. These two men were both supposed to speak words from God that would effect the nation of Israel. God had to intervene in each of these men's lives to keep them from opposing His plan with their words. Balaam was confronted by an angel and so was Zechariah. It was both these men's potential words that were an issue. When they accepted God's will and were willing to speak in agreement with it, they were each released to prophecy and bless.
Too many times, I find myself opposing the Lord by speaking negatively. I have discovered that it is not a peaceful place to be! It's this very lack of peace that opposes me and brings me around to seek for God's perspective on my life and circumstances, or His attitude towards people, and causes me to get my speaking in line with His.
What kinds of things have you found opposing you lately? Do you think it might have anything to do with what you've been saying?
I could write a whole lot about this, but instead, I'd like to encourage you to check it out for yourself. How many examples can you find of people speaking words that influenced the future? Were they positive or negative?
I'll give you an example: look at Balaam and Zechariah. These two men were both supposed to speak words from God that would effect the nation of Israel. God had to intervene in each of these men's lives to keep them from opposing His plan with their words. Balaam was confronted by an angel and so was Zechariah. It was both these men's potential words that were an issue. When they accepted God's will and were willing to speak in agreement with it, they were each released to prophecy and bless.
Too many times, I find myself opposing the Lord by speaking negatively. I have discovered that it is not a peaceful place to be! It's this very lack of peace that opposes me and brings me around to seek for God's perspective on my life and circumstances, or His attitude towards people, and causes me to get my speaking in line with His.
What kinds of things have you found opposing you lately? Do you think it might have anything to do with what you've been saying?
Saturday, March 13, 2010
March 13, 2010
Reading the Luke account of the story of Zechariah's visitation in the temple, I saw a different scenario than I had ever seen before. Not that anything different happened, but I saw it in a different way.
The angel Gabriel says to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard." Luke 1:13. Gabriel went on to tell him that his wife Elizabeth would finally bear him a son. I had always assumed that Zechariah had been praying for that son; but then I realized that, since he was standing before the altar of incense in the temple doing his priestly duties, when "the whole assembly of the people was praying outside," vs 10 that his prayers were for Israel: that God would "turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God." vs 16.
If bearing a son had simply been a private matter for Zechariah and Elizabeth, perhaps Gabriel would have visited them at home. But the angel's visit to the temple during worship and prayer marked a significant turn of events for Israel. I don't think Zechariah would have been quite so terrified when the angel showed up if it was usual then for the glory of God to appear in the temple. This must not have happened to him before, and was unexpected.
I also don't think that Zechariah had an expectation of receiving an answer to prayer about finally having a son. His reaction to the news, and Gabriel's response to it, indicate that he had given up having faith about that. I think it was Elizabeth who had the faith to have her womb opened. Her statement was, "This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favorably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people." vs 25 I don't believe she had ever stopped entreating the Lord about her barrenness.
God's goodness and wonderful timing are showcased here, answering two separate prayers concerning barrenness: a woman's and a nation's. God had a plan to not only bless a righteous couple who served Him, but to prepare His chosen people to receive the promised Messiah and the redemption He would bring.
I see an application for us personally. When we see the trouble around us, and take our cities and nations before the Lord in intercession, He will find a way to make us part of the answer. It may just be that the long-awaited answer to the deepest longing of our heart is part of God's plan to bring His redemptive power to work in our own personal area of influence. Isn't God awesome?
The angel Gabriel says to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard." Luke 1:13. Gabriel went on to tell him that his wife Elizabeth would finally bear him a son. I had always assumed that Zechariah had been praying for that son; but then I realized that, since he was standing before the altar of incense in the temple doing his priestly duties, when "the whole assembly of the people was praying outside," vs 10 that his prayers were for Israel: that God would "turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God." vs 16.
If bearing a son had simply been a private matter for Zechariah and Elizabeth, perhaps Gabriel would have visited them at home. But the angel's visit to the temple during worship and prayer marked a significant turn of events for Israel. I don't think Zechariah would have been quite so terrified when the angel showed up if it was usual then for the glory of God to appear in the temple. This must not have happened to him before, and was unexpected.
I also don't think that Zechariah had an expectation of receiving an answer to prayer about finally having a son. His reaction to the news, and Gabriel's response to it, indicate that he had given up having faith about that. I think it was Elizabeth who had the faith to have her womb opened. Her statement was, "This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favorably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people." vs 25 I don't believe she had ever stopped entreating the Lord about her barrenness.
God's goodness and wonderful timing are showcased here, answering two separate prayers concerning barrenness: a woman's and a nation's. God had a plan to not only bless a righteous couple who served Him, but to prepare His chosen people to receive the promised Messiah and the redemption He would bring.
I see an application for us personally. When we see the trouble around us, and take our cities and nations before the Lord in intercession, He will find a way to make us part of the answer. It may just be that the long-awaited answer to the deepest longing of our heart is part of God's plan to bring His redemptive power to work in our own personal area of influence. Isn't God awesome?
Friday, January 8, 2010
January 8, 2010
I am always impressed with Abraham's conversation with God. I'm sure Abraham was aware of the great evil in that place and was habitually interceding for Lot and his family. I always thought "how could Lot offer his daughters to those evil men?" but today I realized that the ladies weren't in danger from those guys. He included it to let us know clearly what those men were up to and what the Lord thinks about it.
I found myself comforted and warned by the Scripture selections today. Warned, because I saw how easy it is to become compromised in righteousness when we're in close contact with and influenced by the world, judging our own condition by comparison with what's going on around us. Comforted, as I also noticed the reference again in Proverbs 2:7 to the Lord being our SHIELD, and the references to God's justice.
It's also like Wisdom and Prudence, verses 10 and 11, are guarding us in the Way, and they will lead us out if need be, to protect us--like the two "men" did (I'm assuming they're angels)--from judgments to come. If I'm seeking the Kingdom and His righteousness first, Matthew 6:33, I will have my eyes on God and won't look back. Genesis 19:36
I found myself comforted and warned by the Scripture selections today. Warned, because I saw how easy it is to become compromised in righteousness when we're in close contact with and influenced by the world, judging our own condition by comparison with what's going on around us. Comforted, as I also noticed the reference again in Proverbs 2:7 to the Lord being our SHIELD, and the references to God's justice.
It's also like Wisdom and Prudence, verses 10 and 11, are guarding us in the Way, and they will lead us out if need be, to protect us--like the two "men" did (I'm assuming they're angels)--from judgments to come. If I'm seeking the Kingdom and His righteousness first, Matthew 6:33, I will have my eyes on God and won't look back. Genesis 19:36
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