Who did Jesus think He was? In the last blog post, I stated from John 6:35, that Jesus said, "I am the bread of life."
Now we find His second "I AM" statement in John 8:12 and 9:5. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world."
One thing I didn't mention in the earlier blog post about who Jesus thought He was--the statement, I am, is not just using the verb "to be." In Exodus 3, we find God revealing His name to Moses. And there we find God giving the name, Yahweh (Jehovah), to Moses, and the meaning was "I AM." God exists. He always has been, always is, always will be--no beginning or termination point.
That is what Jesus is referring to in these 7 "I am" statements in the Gospel of John. Basically in all of them, He is stating, "I AM God"--"I am the always existing God." WHAT A POWERFUL STATEMENT!
But with this, in each of these, He gives another description of Himself. Here He is the light of the world.
The world needs light to see--to keep from stumbling and to point the way. The Psalmist says, "Thy Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Ps. 119)
In saying, "I am the light of the world," Jesus is saying, "If you want to have light, goodness, rightness with you always, then I am that. You will find genuine light, pure light, the true way through me."
Who created light and distinguished it from the day? God (Genesis 1) did. And who always seeks to point people to light (the good, the best, the righteous, the true, the moral)? God does.
There is a lot of darkness in our world--always has been. But God wants us to have One who will always point out the way--always be the light for us to see--always be for us what we need to see the dangers in life and come out without stumbling and falling. That is Jesus.
John 8:12, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (NIV) Sounds much better than any flashlight or candle we could ever have. Sounds like coming from one who has our best interests in mind, to help us seek the best and find the best and refrain what will cause us harm.
John 9:5, "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (NIV)
If Jesus is God, and I believe He is (that's another hard topic to understand), then the light is always with us who believe, who follow, who trust, because God is always present. Jesus was here on earth physically for some 30 years, but He is always available to us, to give us light, through prayer and His Holy Spirit.
God is the light of the world. Jesus is the light of the world.
Do you need light? Do you need direction? Do you need a clearer path to walk through the hazards of life? Then look to the One who said, "I am the light of the world."
Friday, January 27, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
WHO DID JESUS THINK HE WAS?
Jesus made some extremely strong statements about himself. C.S. Lewis, Oxford professor (and author of "The Lion, the Witch, the Wardrobe" and "The Dawn Treader," etc.) said that Jesus had to be either a "liar, lord or lunatic." (If you want to read his article, you can probably find it on the internet). Lewis was friend and collegue of J.R.R. Tolkien ("Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings").
Liar--lord--lunatic--pretty strong words about Jesus. But when you look for yourself at some of the statements Jesus made about himself, you may come to one of these conclusions.
In the Gospel of John (Christian Bible--New Testament), one finds 7 very strong statements, known as the "I AM statements of Jesus. The first of these is found in John 6:35, "Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." (NIV) [If you want the whole story, read John 6:25--59]
Now some people don't accept that some of Jesus' statements about himself are really his statements. They think they are just attributions given him by the early believers and church. (And though you are reading my blog, I don't think you exist either, because I can't see you. You only exist on the internet.) But I believe they are genuinely the words of Jesus.
Before Jesus' statement, earlier in John 6, there is a miraculous story about Jesus feeding 5000 men with 5 loaves and 2 fish (pretty hard to believe that one either, but I do. I just believe God is unlimited in what He can do, whether I choose to believe it or not.)
Now Jesus' teaches about being the bread of life and leading people to never hunger or thirst again. (Men who traveled with Jesus apparently believed it, and wrote these things down about Him.)
Back in the Old Testament, when God led His people out of captivity/slavery in Egypt, He provided food for them. One of those foods was a bread-like substance, called "manna" (which actually means, "What is it?"). They had not seen it before, but God caused it to be there for them (another miraculous story--hard to believe, but I do.) Also see Jesus' statements in Matthew 5:3-10. ("Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled.")
Now Jesus fed 5000 men, and then went one better. He said He Himself was the bread of life. He would provide sustenance for those who believed in Him. He would sustain them just as God had sustained the Israelites in the wilderness. And part of His sustenance was to believe in Him and live by His words. Even His words help to sustain some of us today--helping us cope with hard things in life that occur. (I am presently unemployed, experienced the death of my sister a few months back, etc.)
Now who of us--you or me, or any other human--would say that we are food for others to live by or live on? We would be looked on by others as "liar or lunatic." But Jesus made this statement about himself.
Did he really believe this? I believe he did. He believed he was sent from God to be bread--sustenance--someone life-giving-- to those who would come to him and believe.
Was it true? You have to come to your own conclusions as you read the primary texts (the original texts about this would be in the Bible--not just some preacher's commentary or some skeptic's comments about this. Those would be secondary texts.)
More of these statements of Jesus in days to come on this blog. Read it for yourself and see what you think.
Liar, Lord or Lunatic--I believe "Lord."
Liar--lord--lunatic--pretty strong words about Jesus. But when you look for yourself at some of the statements Jesus made about himself, you may come to one of these conclusions.
In the Gospel of John (Christian Bible--New Testament), one finds 7 very strong statements, known as the "I AM statements of Jesus. The first of these is found in John 6:35, "Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." (NIV) [If you want the whole story, read John 6:25--59]
Now some people don't accept that some of Jesus' statements about himself are really his statements. They think they are just attributions given him by the early believers and church. (And though you are reading my blog, I don't think you exist either, because I can't see you. You only exist on the internet.) But I believe they are genuinely the words of Jesus.
Before Jesus' statement, earlier in John 6, there is a miraculous story about Jesus feeding 5000 men with 5 loaves and 2 fish (pretty hard to believe that one either, but I do. I just believe God is unlimited in what He can do, whether I choose to believe it or not.)
Now Jesus' teaches about being the bread of life and leading people to never hunger or thirst again. (Men who traveled with Jesus apparently believed it, and wrote these things down about Him.)
Back in the Old Testament, when God led His people out of captivity/slavery in Egypt, He provided food for them. One of those foods was a bread-like substance, called "manna" (which actually means, "What is it?"). They had not seen it before, but God caused it to be there for them (another miraculous story--hard to believe, but I do.) Also see Jesus' statements in Matthew 5:3-10. ("Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled.")
Now Jesus fed 5000 men, and then went one better. He said He Himself was the bread of life. He would provide sustenance for those who believed in Him. He would sustain them just as God had sustained the Israelites in the wilderness. And part of His sustenance was to believe in Him and live by His words. Even His words help to sustain some of us today--helping us cope with hard things in life that occur. (I am presently unemployed, experienced the death of my sister a few months back, etc.)
Now who of us--you or me, or any other human--would say that we are food for others to live by or live on? We would be looked on by others as "liar or lunatic." But Jesus made this statement about himself.
Did he really believe this? I believe he did. He believed he was sent from God to be bread--sustenance--someone life-giving-- to those who would come to him and believe.
Was it true? You have to come to your own conclusions as you read the primary texts (the original texts about this would be in the Bible--not just some preacher's commentary or some skeptic's comments about this. Those would be secondary texts.)
More of these statements of Jesus in days to come on this blog. Read it for yourself and see what you think.
Liar, Lord or Lunatic--I believe "Lord."
Thursday, January 12, 2012
WHY THE BIBLE IS IMPORTANT
Here are notes from the Bible study I did last night. I titled it, "Why the Bible is Important." It is taken from Paul's letter to Timothy, chapter 3:10-17 (mostly 15-17).
1. It is able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus (v. 15)
a. Points us to Jesus as the way, truth, life (Jn. 14:6)
b. Shows must have faith in Him for salvation.
2. Scripture is God-breathed (inspired)--God is behind it all--"Word of God through words of men." (v. 16)
a. ALL Scripture--Scripture of Jesus and Paul was the OT. NT not written yet--Paul writing letters that became Scripture, but that was not His intent or purpose.
b. Verse refers to both Old and New. Shows importance of knowing the Old Testament. Can't really understand many things in New without knowledge of Old.
3. Scripture is useful--4 Ways
Look at Christian life as a path or road. From time to time, we veer from the path and need to go back or be restored to the right path or road.
a. Teaching--doctrine--Scripture tells us "what to believe"
b. Reproof--rebuke--Must know what is wrong for a Jesus follower to do--Scripture points that out--convicts us.
c. Correction--moves us back to the right path again. Doesn't just leave us in our wrong situation or state. Shows us the way back--confession, repentance leads to mercy and grace and restoration.
d. Training in righteousness--Just believing the right things is not enough. Need to live it out (action needed)--Scripture shows us how to live it out.
4. Equipping us to work for God (v. 17)
Which of these are important to you right now? What are other reasons Scripture is important to a follower of Jesus?
1. It is able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus (v. 15)
a. Points us to Jesus as the way, truth, life (Jn. 14:6)
b. Shows must have faith in Him for salvation.
2. Scripture is God-breathed (inspired)--God is behind it all--"Word of God through words of men." (v. 16)
a. ALL Scripture--Scripture of Jesus and Paul was the OT. NT not written yet--Paul writing letters that became Scripture, but that was not His intent or purpose.
b. Verse refers to both Old and New. Shows importance of knowing the Old Testament. Can't really understand many things in New without knowledge of Old.
3. Scripture is useful--4 Ways
Look at Christian life as a path or road. From time to time, we veer from the path and need to go back or be restored to the right path or road.
a. Teaching--doctrine--Scripture tells us "what to believe"
b. Reproof--rebuke--Must know what is wrong for a Jesus follower to do--Scripture points that out--convicts us.
c. Correction--moves us back to the right path again. Doesn't just leave us in our wrong situation or state. Shows us the way back--confession, repentance leads to mercy and grace and restoration.
d. Training in righteousness--Just believing the right things is not enough. Need to live it out (action needed)--Scripture shows us how to live it out.
4. Equipping us to work for God (v. 17)
Which of these are important to you right now? What are other reasons Scripture is important to a follower of Jesus?
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
FINAL WORDS
My last post was about parting words. Parting words are often important--the last things that are said to us by those we love or those who love us.
As I was reading in Deuteronomy the other day, it dawned on me the important things that were said as final words by some important Bible characters.
Moses--His final words in Deuteronomy were to prepare the people of Israel for continuing their allegiance to God as they were led by a new leader, Joshua, to capture the promised land. In Deuteronomy 32, we find Moses challenging the people to listen and obey God and His words (32:44-47). They were not "idle words" or unimportant words. They were "your life." Three to four chapters earlier in Deuteronomy, Moses had delivered to the Israelites some "blessings and curses" from God. If they obeyed God, they would be blessed. But if they disobeyed, they would be cursed. They disobeyed and ended up losing their land, their freedom, and were once again in captivity. If they had only listened to Moses' challenge here to listen and obey God's words to them.
In Matthew 28, we find some of Jesus' last words for His disciples. And that, we call, the Great Commission, "Go, make disciples, baptize, and teach others to obey all God commanded." Sounds a bit like Moses' words. Are these last words of Jesus important words? So how are we doing in obeying them (and how are you personally doing in obeying them)?
The apostle Paul also gave some final words in 2 Timothy. He wrote to a pastor whom he had discipled. The words challenged Timothy to continue with God and with his ministry on behalf of God. The book was especially a call for Timothy to persevere. Paul pointed to the fact his life was being poured out as an offering to God (chapter 4) but he had kept the faith, despite severe hardship. (You will find some of the hardship in 2 Corinthians 11:23-33.)
But Paul said there was a reward awaiting him and others who were faithful (2 Tim. 4:8). So the hardship and battle and faithfulness and persevance were worth it all! A good reminder to Timothy who still had to wage more of his battle and live by faith while his mentor and discipler left him for the Lord's presence. (Kind of like Moses and Joshua.)
Final words--not just final words from people we know today--as I had with the parting words from my mother--but also final words from some important biblical people.
Yes, Jesus will be with us "til the end of the age," and then, as Paul said, there will be a further reward, a "crown of righteousness" when Jesus returns.
Is there reason to persevere? Is there reason to obey God and His Word? Is there a reason to disciple and teach others to obey?
Fight the good fight of faith today and keep the faith! It will be worth it all. That's what the final words say.
As I was reading in Deuteronomy the other day, it dawned on me the important things that were said as final words by some important Bible characters.
Moses--His final words in Deuteronomy were to prepare the people of Israel for continuing their allegiance to God as they were led by a new leader, Joshua, to capture the promised land. In Deuteronomy 32, we find Moses challenging the people to listen and obey God and His words (32:44-47). They were not "idle words" or unimportant words. They were "your life." Three to four chapters earlier in Deuteronomy, Moses had delivered to the Israelites some "blessings and curses" from God. If they obeyed God, they would be blessed. But if they disobeyed, they would be cursed. They disobeyed and ended up losing their land, their freedom, and were once again in captivity. If they had only listened to Moses' challenge here to listen and obey God's words to them.
In Matthew 28, we find some of Jesus' last words for His disciples. And that, we call, the Great Commission, "Go, make disciples, baptize, and teach others to obey all God commanded." Sounds a bit like Moses' words. Are these last words of Jesus important words? So how are we doing in obeying them (and how are you personally doing in obeying them)?
The apostle Paul also gave some final words in 2 Timothy. He wrote to a pastor whom he had discipled. The words challenged Timothy to continue with God and with his ministry on behalf of God. The book was especially a call for Timothy to persevere. Paul pointed to the fact his life was being poured out as an offering to God (chapter 4) but he had kept the faith, despite severe hardship. (You will find some of the hardship in 2 Corinthians 11:23-33.)
But Paul said there was a reward awaiting him and others who were faithful (2 Tim. 4:8). So the hardship and battle and faithfulness and persevance were worth it all! A good reminder to Timothy who still had to wage more of his battle and live by faith while his mentor and discipler left him for the Lord's presence. (Kind of like Moses and Joshua.)
Final words--not just final words from people we know today--as I had with the parting words from my mother--but also final words from some important biblical people.
Yes, Jesus will be with us "til the end of the age," and then, as Paul said, there will be a further reward, a "crown of righteousness" when Jesus returns.
Is there reason to persevere? Is there reason to obey God and His Word? Is there a reason to disciple and teach others to obey?
Fight the good fight of faith today and keep the faith! It will be worth it all. That's what the final words say.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
PARTING WORDS
Parting words are important--at least some parting words.
I remember being in the hospital with my mom, just a day or so before she died (at almost 100 years of age. I was sitting beside her, holding her hand, and she was in and out of consciousness. I was watching t.v., when I heard her rouse and say, "His name is Cecil. That's it. His name is Cecil."
My father's name was Cecil. He had passed away about 12 years before this. What was she doing at the time? I suspect that she was dreaming of leaving this earth--remembering who she would see when she got to be with the Lord. And one of those people--a very special person--would be my dad, "His name is Cecil."
What I suspected was that she was laying there in that hospital bed. When she woke up, she found someone holding her hand--someone she knew that loved her--and a man who looked familiar to her. (That was me.) But it reminded her of her beloved husband who had gone on before her--where and to whom she was preparing to go. And all of a sudden it dawned on her, "His name is Cecil. That's it."
Those were the last words I heard from my mom. The last cherished words, for I too loved my dad. It was a reminder that one day, I too, will join Cecil and my mom, Vesta, in a wonderful place with joy and peace and other loved ones and fellow believers in Christ. For now, it is a reminder of those I love who have gone before me--of the wonderful memories I have of them--of their love and care for me.
I am thankful for heaven. I am thankful for Jesus. I am thankful for a God who gives us loving memories and a wonderful hope to look forward to. But most of all, I am thankful, "His name is Jesus. That's it. His name is Jesus." I will be with others, because of Jesus, the one whose name means "salvation."
I remember being in the hospital with my mom, just a day or so before she died (at almost 100 years of age. I was sitting beside her, holding her hand, and she was in and out of consciousness. I was watching t.v., when I heard her rouse and say, "His name is Cecil. That's it. His name is Cecil."
My father's name was Cecil. He had passed away about 12 years before this. What was she doing at the time? I suspect that she was dreaming of leaving this earth--remembering who she would see when she got to be with the Lord. And one of those people--a very special person--would be my dad, "His name is Cecil."
What I suspected was that she was laying there in that hospital bed. When she woke up, she found someone holding her hand--someone she knew that loved her--and a man who looked familiar to her. (That was me.) But it reminded her of her beloved husband who had gone on before her--where and to whom she was preparing to go. And all of a sudden it dawned on her, "His name is Cecil. That's it."
Those were the last words I heard from my mom. The last cherished words, for I too loved my dad. It was a reminder that one day, I too, will join Cecil and my mom, Vesta, in a wonderful place with joy and peace and other loved ones and fellow believers in Christ. For now, it is a reminder of those I love who have gone before me--of the wonderful memories I have of them--of their love and care for me.
I am thankful for heaven. I am thankful for Jesus. I am thankful for a God who gives us loving memories and a wonderful hope to look forward to. But most of all, I am thankful, "His name is Jesus. That's it. His name is Jesus." I will be with others, because of Jesus, the one whose name means "salvation."
Friday, January 6, 2012
HOW BIG IS YOUR GOD?
How big is your God? I am reading through the Old Testament book of Numbers now. (Well at least, it's not Leviticus, right!). Actually I like very much the stories in the Old Testament. I learn a lot about me and life today. I learn things that help me understand better the New Testament. We really have not changed much.
Today, in chapter 13, Moses sends out spies to explore the Promised Land. They were to survey the peoples and the land (much like a church planter or pastor looking at demographics of their area before and/or during the ministry there).
What were they to look for? (vv. 18 ff.) "See what the land is like and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many. What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? What kind of towns do they live in? Are they unwalled or fortified? How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there trees on it or not? Do your best to bring back some of the fruit of the land."
What did they find? (vv. 23, 27-29) They found great fruit ('indeed it is a land of milk and honey'--[as God had told them]).
"BUT"--and that is where the problem started. For us, it often begins with "but." Yes, it is good, but ... Yes, it is as God said, but ... Yes, God promised, but ...
There would be opposition from strong people with strong walls, and many of those people are bigger than we are--maybe even giants.
Caleb says, "Let's go in." Let's go, lets' take possession, for we can certainly do it. Ready to rush ahead--ready to pursue the dream--ready to listen to God, and yet, could it be that even Caleb was a little too trusting of the Isralites talent rather than trusting the God who was the real power?
Then it gets even worse by the ten spies who thought it could not be done. (vv. 31 ff.) What happened was that they went from what was true (great land, strong people live there, strong walls, large people) to falsifying what they saw. "We can't do it--the people are giants and we look like tiny grasshoppers to us and to them."
So often that happens with us. We assess the new situation or the place we find ourselves in. It is new and unfamiliar. It is full of problems, and our faith wanes. We begin to think that God has forgotten us. We think that we cannot do it (we are right about that one). We think that the problems are insurmountable. We look like grasshoppers in the sight of our problems.
I also see that so often our "thinking" and relying on our intelligence alone leads us to move away from faith and God's intended provision. They intellectually saw all these problems, which were insurmountable, and it led to them panicking and doubting God and His promise and provision. Is not God bigger than even what we think? (more than we ask or think)
At times, we think we can do it, but we think WE can do it, rather than the real power behind living life, living victorious, having provisions. It is dependent on ME. No, it is dependent on God!
At other times, we just give up--there is no way this can be changed, resolved; it can't be done. And we even make it worse by seeing problems that are not even there--even seeing things that are not true and making "a mountain out of a molehill."
I see myself quite often right here.
We can't--God can!
Who is bigger--the enemy or God? the giant or God? the problem or God? Paul said in Romans, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" And I would add, "If God is for us, WHAT can be against us or defeat us--actually what can defeat Him or His plan?" And the answer to his rhetorical question is, of course, nothing.
"I can't. God can." I see no way to the prize--the promise--the provision. God sees it all perfectly clear.
Is God big enough for the problems, the circumstances, the people (enemies) that I face? How big is my God? How big is yours?
Today, in chapter 13, Moses sends out spies to explore the Promised Land. They were to survey the peoples and the land (much like a church planter or pastor looking at demographics of their area before and/or during the ministry there).
What were they to look for? (vv. 18 ff.) "See what the land is like and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many. What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? What kind of towns do they live in? Are they unwalled or fortified? How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there trees on it or not? Do your best to bring back some of the fruit of the land."
What did they find? (vv. 23, 27-29) They found great fruit ('indeed it is a land of milk and honey'--[as God had told them]).
"BUT"--and that is where the problem started. For us, it often begins with "but." Yes, it is good, but ... Yes, it is as God said, but ... Yes, God promised, but ...
There would be opposition from strong people with strong walls, and many of those people are bigger than we are--maybe even giants.
Caleb says, "Let's go in." Let's go, lets' take possession, for we can certainly do it. Ready to rush ahead--ready to pursue the dream--ready to listen to God, and yet, could it be that even Caleb was a little too trusting of the Isralites talent rather than trusting the God who was the real power?
Then it gets even worse by the ten spies who thought it could not be done. (vv. 31 ff.) What happened was that they went from what was true (great land, strong people live there, strong walls, large people) to falsifying what they saw. "We can't do it--the people are giants and we look like tiny grasshoppers to us and to them."
So often that happens with us. We assess the new situation or the place we find ourselves in. It is new and unfamiliar. It is full of problems, and our faith wanes. We begin to think that God has forgotten us. We think that we cannot do it (we are right about that one). We think that the problems are insurmountable. We look like grasshoppers in the sight of our problems.
I also see that so often our "thinking" and relying on our intelligence alone leads us to move away from faith and God's intended provision. They intellectually saw all these problems, which were insurmountable, and it led to them panicking and doubting God and His promise and provision. Is not God bigger than even what we think? (more than we ask or think)
At times, we think we can do it, but we think WE can do it, rather than the real power behind living life, living victorious, having provisions. It is dependent on ME. No, it is dependent on God!
At other times, we just give up--there is no way this can be changed, resolved; it can't be done. And we even make it worse by seeing problems that are not even there--even seeing things that are not true and making "a mountain out of a molehill."
I see myself quite often right here.
We can't--God can!
Who is bigger--the enemy or God? the giant or God? the problem or God? Paul said in Romans, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" And I would add, "If God is for us, WHAT can be against us or defeat us--actually what can defeat Him or His plan?" And the answer to his rhetorical question is, of course, nothing.
"I can't. God can." I see no way to the prize--the promise--the provision. God sees it all perfectly clear.
Is God big enough for the problems, the circumstances, the people (enemies) that I face? How big is my God? How big is yours?
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
TESTED
While reading an Old Testament text, I was reminded of this idea. At times, God does test our faith. He did so with Abraham in Genesis 22; He did so with Job. But the tests are for a purpose, much like the refining of silver or gold.
"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (NIV)
David in this Psalm, asked to be searched, tested and known. What did he want tested? His heart--what was in him. His thoughts, especially anxious, worried thoughts. And if there were any offensive, evil ways within him--ways that would be contrary to God.
Notice the contrast--anxious thoughts and offensive ways are contrary to the everlasting way. As I read these verses, I see how much growth I need in my own life.
How does this happen? At times, God just brings things to mind as we pray. But most of the time, this conviction, this awareness that life is not as God would want it to be is tested through the reading/study of the Bible--God's Word to human beings.
"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (NIV)
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Notice the Word of God represents God's mind and God's actions and God's intentions for us. David asked for his heart, mind and actions to be tested. Here in Hebrews, we find the Bible judges our thoughts and attitudes. As we read the Bible, it shows us ways that we have missed the mark--lived our way rather than God's way. And that is an opportunity to repent and turn back to God's way and God's thoughts again. God is a God of forgiveness, cleansing and restoration.
Often we think that when we are going through hardship it is a judgment of God. It can be, but it also can be God's way of improving our faith, growing our faith and maturing our faith. Look at the hardships the apostle Paul went through in 2 Corinthians 11:16-28. If Paul went through testing, will we not also do so.
Then in James 1:3, I am reminded of the purpose of testing of our faith. "because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. " (NIV)
Will we stick with God when times are hard? Will we prove that faith is real or will we fall by the wayside. The parable of the soils says that only 1 of the 4 soils will persevere. But the good soil is the one who perseveres, even through the testing, through the trials, through the hardships.
God's purpose in testing us is not to cause us to fall away. But it is an opportunity to prove our faith is genuine, and to let God be God, even when things are not going well. And from our experience of going through testing, we will learn to persevere with God, rather than giving up.
I don't like testing, but I know there is a purpose in the mysterious ways of God. And what I can do is pray and read and wait on God's answers. That is where I am right now. Where are you?
And if you are not in testing at this time, read and study to prepare for the next big test. And pray for others who are going through this right now--that they will persevere.
"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (NIV)
David in this Psalm, asked to be searched, tested and known. What did he want tested? His heart--what was in him. His thoughts, especially anxious, worried thoughts. And if there were any offensive, evil ways within him--ways that would be contrary to God.
Notice the contrast--anxious thoughts and offensive ways are contrary to the everlasting way. As I read these verses, I see how much growth I need in my own life.
How does this happen? At times, God just brings things to mind as we pray. But most of the time, this conviction, this awareness that life is not as God would want it to be is tested through the reading/study of the Bible--God's Word to human beings.
"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (NIV)
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Notice the Word of God represents God's mind and God's actions and God's intentions for us. David asked for his heart, mind and actions to be tested. Here in Hebrews, we find the Bible judges our thoughts and attitudes. As we read the Bible, it shows us ways that we have missed the mark--lived our way rather than God's way. And that is an opportunity to repent and turn back to God's way and God's thoughts again. God is a God of forgiveness, cleansing and restoration.
Often we think that when we are going through hardship it is a judgment of God. It can be, but it also can be God's way of improving our faith, growing our faith and maturing our faith. Look at the hardships the apostle Paul went through in 2 Corinthians 11:16-28. If Paul went through testing, will we not also do so.
Then in James 1:3, I am reminded of the purpose of testing of our faith. "because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. " (NIV)
Will we stick with God when times are hard? Will we prove that faith is real or will we fall by the wayside. The parable of the soils says that only 1 of the 4 soils will persevere. But the good soil is the one who perseveres, even through the testing, through the trials, through the hardships.
God's purpose in testing us is not to cause us to fall away. But it is an opportunity to prove our faith is genuine, and to let God be God, even when things are not going well. And from our experience of going through testing, we will learn to persevere with God, rather than giving up.
I don't like testing, but I know there is a purpose in the mysterious ways of God. And what I can do is pray and read and wait on God's answers. That is where I am right now. Where are you?
And if you are not in testing at this time, read and study to prepare for the next big test. And pray for others who are going through this right now--that they will persevere.
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