Soldiers
1 Timothy 1:18-19
Language changes over time. For example, Latin is no longer a living language, though it forms the basis of so many of our words. When Isaac Watts penned the question “Am I a soldier of the cross” was he asking believers to examine their defenses or to be proactive? To what lengths would we go to defend our faith? Does he refer to a blood-bath or to a battle of words, of ideas?
Isaac Watts asked more questions, soul-searching questions. Do we blush to speak the name of Jesus, fearful because it is politically incorrect? What suffering would ensue if we talked about the One who died that we might live? It would be big news around the office, if our lives had been rescued in any other way.
Then he examines our expectations:
| Must I be carried to the skies On flowery beds of ease, While others fought to win the prize, And sailed through bloody seas? Are there no foes for me to face? Must I not stem the flood? Is this vile world a friend to grace, To help me on to God. Paul wrote to Timothy regarding the battles he would face in his ministry. The reason he gave Timothy so many instructions was to equip him to “fight the good fight [while] holding on to faith and a good conscience” (1 Timothy 1:18-19). He warns Timothy that soldiers of Christ will endure hardship (2:3). Sure I must fight if I would reign; Increase my courage, Lord. I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain, Supported by Thy Word. When we are faced with persecution, at work or even within our families, Paul encourages us from his own experience with suffering. “Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory!” (2 Timothy 2:10). The internal battle against self must first be won before we can love others enough to wage war on their behalf. Perhaps we could label this the battle of love. As soldiers of Christ we are also called to be peace-keepers. Peace is a sign to the world that we are under the authority of Christ (Colossians 3:15, 2 Thessalonians 3:16). How often do we cry out for peace within our own hearts? Imagine the pain of others who do not have access to the Prince of Peace. Thy saints in all this glorious war Shall conquer, though they die; They see the triumph from afar, By faith’s discerning eye. When that illustrious day shall rise, And all Thy armies shine In robes of victory through the skies, The glory shall be Thine. |
Reflection:
Let us remember those values for which so many Canadians have fought throughout our history. Founded on Christian principles, let us thank God for the faith of our fathers.
By Marilyn Daniels
A Worshiping Man
Acts 10
Cornelius was a devout man. His devotion to God was highly unusual for a Roman, especially one who had risen in the ranks of the Italian Regiment to the position of centurion. The fact that he believed in the Jewish God indicates he had become a proselyte of Judaism. Not only the man himself, but also his family worshiped God. His faith had impacted some of his servants as well as his military personnel (Acts 10:7). He practised his faith by giving, and praying regularly. We might do well to follow his example.
However, in spite of his faithfulness and zeal, something was lacking. God had seen his giving and heard his prayers. An angel appeared to Cornelius about 3 one afternoon. The angel instructed him to send to Joppa for the man Simon Peter. Without explanation this might have seemed a rather mysterious command. Apparently Cornelius trusted God enough to send for Simon Peter.
Peter’s own experience in preparation for this encounter is a story for another day. Sufficient to say he recognized the call of God and went to Caesarea. Cornelius met him in a spirit of reverence. In fact he fell at Peter’s feet in worship. Immediately Peter raised him to his feet reminding him that he was only a man, just like Cornelius.
Peter knew his Bible. The law given to Moses instructed God’s people to worship only the Lord God, Yahweh. The fullness of this thought required 3 commandments – there was to be no other God, they were not to worship anything animate or inanimate, and even the name of God was to be revered, kept sacred (Exodus 20:3-5). Joshua reinforces this theme in his parting address to Israel: “Do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve then or bow down to them” (Joshua 23:7).
However, tribal customs in some countries call for a show of deep respect for visitors, for teachers, preachers and other noteworthy persons. When I tried to raise a dear African lady to her feet on one occasion, I was rebuked for resisting tribal tradition; she would not budge and I felt guilty.
At this point we need a clear understanding of what worship is, in the eyes of God. Does it preclude a respectful appreciation for other human beings in authority or positions of leadership? When Jesus talked about worship He said: “God is a spirit and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Worship includes ascribing “to the Lord the glory due His name…..worship the Lord in the splendour of His holiness” (1 Chronicles 16:29).
Reflection:
Clearly worship is defined by one’s attitude. It is exercised in a variety of ways, but essentially is an act of our spirit, as it seeks God. Bowing to man might be an act of misplaced veneration, but God recognizes the attitude of the heart, and judges us on that point alone. Taking Cornelius as our Biblical example, we see that God, knowing his heart was truly seeking God, gave him the privilege of knowing Jesus by bringing Peter into his life. Our relationship with God is defined by Jesus Himself, in a verse with which we are all familiar “I am the way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me” (John 14:6).
What attitude defines your worship, and mine? Would you be known by God as a true worshiper, whether man or woman?
by Marilyn Daniels
Jesus Stooped Down
John 8:2-8
Max Lucado, taking his words from the NLT translation, points to a rather insignificant action in Jesus’ life. Or was it more of a habit than we realize. Jesus stooped down to scoop little children up into His arms (Mark 10:14). He loved them – and songs have been written about that love, the one most famous goes around the world. I was riding on a bus in Zambia when the group burst forth into “Jesus Loves Me This I Know”. In full five-part Zambian harmony, without accompaniment, their voices worshiped God for His great love!
At a Conference in New Zealand a group in ministry emulated the Master who stooped down to wash His disciples’ feet (John 13:5, 14), as we washed one another’s feet. For me it was one of the most memorably moving moments in my life! Humbling! “Dear Jesus – thank you for showing me the way to honour You by honouring my brothers and sisters!”
Peter obeyed the call of Jesus to ‘come’. He actually walked on water! But when he felt the wind and realized how high the waves were – it was no ordinary calm sea he was taking on – Peter began to sink and cried out for Jesus to save him (Matthew 14:28-31). Jesus leaned out/stooped to catch him by the hand.
Jesus was a person of prayer. Talking with His Father was crucial. He did it standing up as well as in other postures. See Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knelt. He stooped before His Father in the most critical decision-making event of His life! Luke tells us an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened Him for the trauma that lay ahead (Luke 22:39-43). And there, in a posture of abject humility Jesus sweat great drops of blood as He faced the torture, the rejection and utter abandonment of the cross, and all its preliminary persecution.
Under the weight of that cross Jesus also stooped and probably stumbled. He had been beaten unmercifully, but He carried on His responsibility until relieved by the Roman soldiers who ordered Simon to help him (Mark 15:21). In stooping under that cross Jesus was bearing your sin and mine! As we stoop under the burdens we bear let us remember that Jesus stoops with us in an act of utter commitment to the end!
There is at least one other occasion recorded in scripture of when Jesus stooped down. He wrote something in the dirt (John 8:6, and 8). We are not told what it said, but we do know it was a significant gesture. Was He stalling for time while the crowd raged against a woman who had sinned? Was He deflecting attention away from her scantily clad body (after all she had been dragged from the bed of her lover “Caught”!) Max Lucado wondered if Jesus was reliving the day of creation when man was formed out of the dust of the earth, and thinking how easy it is for earthly beings to do earthly things?
Reflection:
How many times have you been sinking and Jesus has stooped to lift you out of a pit, out of raging seas?
Are you stooping as you bear the burden of another?
Next time you stoop to do a menial task, to look into the eyes of a child, to lift someone who is sinking, remember Jesus stooped down!
by Marilyn Daniels
Called By the Master
Matthew 10:1-10
The Bible is amazingly relevant for today. Throughout every era in human history God has been calling people. It started in the Garden of Eden when He didn’t find Adam and Eve; because of their sin they had hidden from their Maker and friend, but God in His great love continued to call. It would take an entire book to review all those recorded in scripture who were called by God, but a few are outstanding. Note as we remember Samuel’s experience, that God even called children (1 Samuel 3).
Jesus called His twelve disciples to Him to commission them for a life-long task. First, He gave them authority over evil spirits and disease (Matthew 10:1). Among the many who followed Jesus these, particularly chosen for specifics tasks, were named (:2-4). Jesus outlines specific conditions for working for Him. These twelve were to go to Israel, particularly those in Israel who were lost (:6). Who were they? Certainly they were not to go to the Gentile community with the gospel message (:5). Why was that?
Jesus, knowing all things from the beginning to the end (He is the Alpha and Omega Revelation 1:8) already had His missionary to the Gentiles picked out. In fact Saul was probably born around that time. It would take eleven dedicated men to witness to the stubborn people of God, but by one very powerful preacher, through the thick and thin of persecution, the Word of God was seeded throughout the Gentile communities of the then-known world.
Being called by the Master would mean persecution. Jesus warned His disciples they would not be appreciated (Matthew 10:22). In fact, they would need to be “shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:14-16). The disciples of every generation, (even in the twenty-first century) learned what those words could mean. But they also knew the joy of the Lord is their strength. The reward of ministry to others brings an incredible sense of purpose and peace.
Many are called (Matthew 22:14). However, Jesus knew responses would differ. There are those who make a profession of faith based on an emotional response. Others make a commitment, by following the Lord in Baptism. Some people make Jesus Lord and Master of their lives, not just Saviour. One pastor used to say “If He is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all” (Dr. John Moore). How true is that? Ryrie comments: ”There is a general call of God to sinners inviting them to receive His salvation….there is also a specific election that brings some to Him…..man is held responsible for rejecting Christ whether it is because of indifference, rebellion or self-righteousness” (Page 1500).
The Master calls all to “Come unto Me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28)….emotional rest in the midst of relational storms, spiritual rest when persecuted, physical rest when tired, sick or hungry.
Reflection:
Note God has called sinners, children, disciples, and perhaps even you and me today. How do you feel about that?
Have you been called? To what purpose?
Does it include suffering? (Read Philippians 1:29)
by Marilyn Daniels
Experiencing God’s Love
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
Why do we not know more about God’s love? Every day He showers us with blessings which we take for granted. If they are removed, we complain like little children, yet He knows we have lessons to learn. His love is consistent with His character and does only that which is for our ultimate good. Have you ever asked “What do You want me to learn?
God’s love is not weak and wavering. Human love is so often inconsistent. We say one thing but mean another. Not so with the love of God, so when He kindly gives us advanced warning of consequences of poor choices, He means it. That, in my day was called good parenting. How times have changed! Is it possible that we draw conclusions about God from lessons learned from our society? Shouldn’t He be the standard by which we measure all things good?
What does scripture say about God’s love? It is lasting love – eternal. That is a concept we find very hard to fathom because we’re used to measuring things, even our feelings. Because it is eternal it never fails; therefore, it is trustworthy. It is relational – He calls Himself our “Father”. Once again He is the standard of good Fatherhood so let’s not take our view of that from our earthly experience, whether good or bad.
Moses sang a song of praise to “the Lord who is highly exalted” because He had seen the love of God in action! First of all, He acknowledges God as “My God…and my father’s God” (Exodus 15:1-2). There’s a history here. Then Moses goes on to praise God for deliverance from evil – the evils of living in Egypt, a land where many gods were worshiped. “Who among the gods is like You, O Lord?” (Exodus 15:11). Then he continues with a vivid description of God – “Majestic in holiness! Awesome in glory! Working wonders!” “In Your unfailing love You will lead the people You have redeemed! In Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling” (15:11, 13).
Hundreds of years later, John refers to the love of God found in Christ Jesus. “Having loved His own who were in the world, He now showed them the full extent of His love!” (John 13:1). The last supper was being served and Jesus was facing the cross where He died in a magnificent act of love, taking our sins, yours and mine as well as the sins of the world, upon Himself, out of love. He demonstrated self-sacrificing love. In a “Me-first generation” this seems to be a foreign concept. So – there is much to learn about God’s love, isn’t there?
Reflection:
It is worth noting that Jesus claimed to be “The Way and the Truth”. If so – what the Bible teaches about God’s love is true. God wants us to know His love – not to just know about it, but to really experience it. How is that possible? We will know it when like Paul we are changed, to love as Jesus loved. “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced One died for all, and therefore all died. And therefore, He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
by Marilyn Daniels
Marilyn’s Meditations
Deborah, A Mother in Israel
Judges 4-5
How many Bible-believing Christians know the story of Deborah? It is unique. In the midst of a patriarchal society, we find this fascinating story of a woman in leadership in the nation of Israel. Where did she come from? What did she do? What of her progeny?
In the book of Judges we find the nation of Israel was being ruled by a series of judges, some of them better men than others. Samson is an example of an enigma, a man called by God, yet one who couldn’t keep his hormones under control. In the end Samson redeemed himself in a tremendous act of courage which ended in his own death. Read chapters 13-16.
Isreal was constantly in a state of flux. The nation was enticed by the gods of other nations. Loyalty to the God of Heaven, the One True God who was to be Lord of their lives, was rejected in favour of gods they could see. As a result, the Lord allowed them to be at war with surrounding nations.
In a little background – Ehud is very little known today, but he made his appearance during the Moabite oppression of Israel, when in a daring act of courage he killed their king. We read “The Lord gave Eglon king of Moab, power over Israel…..then He [the Lord] gave them a deliverer – Ehud” (Judges 3:12-15) He was left-handed, noteworthy because soldiers always struck with weapons designed for the right hand. Ehud was from the tribe of Benjamin. Due to his courageous act, Moab became subjected to Israel and God’s people had peace for 80 years.
But then the Israelites did evil again in the sight of the Lord. We read “The Lord sold them into the hand of Jabin” (4:2) a Canaanite king. His commander-in-chief, Sisera, was a cruel man and oppressed Israel severely. Enter Deborah, the prophetess.
It is interesting we are given more family background on Jael, who eventually killed Sisera when he took refuge in her tent, than we know about Deborah. She was married to Lappidoth but nothing is told of his history either. In the hill country of Ephraim, she held court under the Palm of Deborah where the Israelites came to get their disputes settled (Judges 4:5).
Deborah is the only woman who is both prophet and judge alongside two other men in Israel’s history – Moses and Samuel; the only woman among the twelve judges in the Old Testament. She called on Barak to take an army to Mount Tabor where God would lure Sisera into battle and give the victory to Israel. Barak wanted Deborah to go with him so she warned him “Because of the way you are going about this, the honour will not be yours, for the Lord will hand Sisera over to a woman” (4:9).
That word of prophecy came true (4:18-21) thanks to Jael’s courage. Sisera, in hiding in her tent, fell asleep giving her opportunity to drive a tent peg through his temple. And Deborah and Barak sang a victory song! ”When the people offer themselves willingly – praise the Lord!” (5:2) They had much to thank God for – their oppression was at an end! ”I, Deborah, arose, arose a mother in Israel!” (5:7). “My heart is with Israel’s princes, with the willing volunteers among the people. Praise the Lord!” (5:9). “Then the land had peace for forty years” (5:31b).
Reflection:
When God calls us to serve Him, whether it is under a palm tree dispensing justice, or whether it is in active warfare, lessons we can learn from Deborah are to rise to the occasion without question. Then we should not forget to praise Him who has guided us into the paths of righteousness, for His name’s sake. As a man or a woman, the call of God requires surrender and dedication. Just as Deborah composed in her song, her words ring true today :“ When people willingly offer themselves – Praise the Lord!” (Judges 5:2).
She Shall Be Called Woman
Genesis 2:18
Woman refers to an adult female human according to the dictionary, usually associated with qualities of femininity. In Hebrew the word ishshah reflects on the fact that woman was derived from man, Ryrie tells us. Scripture tells us that God formed all the beasts of the field out of the ground – a discussion for another day perhaps. However, this woman was unique. She possessed the DNA of Adam; taken from his “rib” or “side” she was part of his very being. This meant something special to Adam, giving them a kinship he did not experience with any other animal. “This is now bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh!” (2:23).
God’s purpose for woman is clearly stated. “It is not good for man to live alone” (Genesis 2:18). One must conclude that woman was created for companionship, someone for Adam to talk with heart to heart. Why then did God not create another man? Men do not speak easily from their hearts, man to man. Perhaps a woman’s perspective is needed to help a man express his emotions. We are not told details about their relationship, but we do know that in the eyes of God, man needed a helper (2:18). May we assume that Eve was a strong and vibrant young woman?
Some will argue that woman is lost in the male-dominated culture recorded in the Bible. However, we see astonishing examples of women who were strong. I doubt that Noah and his lads could have accomplished the building of the ark and their journey on it with a boat full of animals, without the strength and support of their Missus! Sarah, revered and loved by her husband, was someone Abraham listened to in matters of import, some which reach into our world today; read about Hagar, in that family (Genesis 16). Deborah was a judge in an era of male domination in Israel. Rehab was pivotal in saving the male Israelite spies. Naomi’s loyalty to her husband allowed them to travel into Moab as a family, where her son married the Moabitess Ruth, who became a progenitor of Jesus…..and the list goes on.
Just as God had a plan for these women, so He has a plan for every woman born on earth. Spurgeon relied on the prayers of an old, and perhaps insignificant woman; her faithful prayer life lifted his spirits when he was discouraged and gave him insights into the Word of God that blessed his world. I met women in Africa who endured through unbelievable pain and deprivation in the strength of the Lord, believing they were part of His magnificent plan, whether or not they could see the end from the beginning. Few of us can, whether men or women.
Womanhood is to be celebrated! Why? Simply because He [God] called her “woman.” It was a woman who first talked with Jesus after His resurrection – He chose to reveal Himself to Mary Magdalene. Listed among women of the Bible are nameless women, referred to by the role they played, such as ‘the crippled woman’, ‘the Samaritan woman’, ‘the woman who lost her coin’. Each of these had a role to play in the plan of God, which would bring Him glory and honour. Woman does that so well!
Reflection:
Count the women who have impacted your life significantly and thank God for each contribution they made to the person you are today.
People of Peace
John 14:27
In a tumultuous era of history we find Jesus reassuring His disciples. “Do not let your hearts be troubled” He says while reflecting on His own up-coming death. They are in the upper room just finishing the Passover Supper.
Passover is a time of remembrance. The young nation of Israel, descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, had been 400 years in Egypt, living in slavery. God heard their cries and finally delivered them, bringing them back to the land He mapped out as Israel, when He gave Abraham the land as an everlasting sign of their covenant relationship. Hundreds of years later Jesus is celebrating Passover.
Troubled times from the beginning until that moment, may have caused the nation’s heart to fear. Yet God still spoke His peace into their hearts. Twice Jesus tells His disciples “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1, 27). He knew they stood on the verge of a painful parting. He was going to return to His Father in heaven, but they would not be alone.
A totally new concept of their relationship with the Father in heaven would flash across their experience after Jesus died, rose, and later ascended into heaven. He needed to prepare them for the coming of the Holy Spirit. We read about this in the book of Acts when the early church was once again gathered together in an upper room (Acts 2:1-4).
Now Jesus urges them to feel His peace. In itself, this is a miracle because His own heart had been troubled (John 12:27). As fully man, although He is God, Jesus felt the weight of His coming Passion – that terrible time of persecution and pain culminating in His death. Now, facing His own destiny, Jesus prescribes peace. The disciples didn’t know until the eleventh hour exactly what was needed to go through the horrific hours ahead. They remembered His words after He was glorified.
They were no longer sitting on a hillside listening to pastoral homilies. They were in Jerusalem where Jesus’ life had been threatened more than once, by His enemies. Would they receive the gift Jesus was bestowing on them. “My peace I give you” Remarkable – born out of His own struggle, His peace was filled with power to endure anything. Did they, could they believe it?
Reflection:
Today so many believers seem to have lost a sense of this marvellous peace. The world, our world is in chaos. Will we allow Jesus to empower us to be about our Father’s business with the peaceful confidence He still wants to use us to accomplish His purposes? The prophets faced persecution and death yet they bravely endured through very troubling times. Perhaps the question we might ask ourselves is: Will we demonstrate our faith in Jesus’ words by becoming People of Peace?
In the Day of Battle
1 Samuel 14
Recently I read that a government official declared the world was at war in 2015. Are we actually in a day of battle? What does this war look like? Who is the enemy? What are our weapons? Have we a strategy? How does faith enter into the picture?
Long ago a king sat down under a pomegranate tree. With him were 600 men. With them was their high priest, wearing an ephod. It seemed they were resting from battle. We need some background from chapter 13. During his two-year reign, King Saul accumulated an army of 3,000 fighting men. His son, Jonathan, with 1,000 of those men attacked a garrison of the Philistines, inciting their retaliation. The Philistines gathered an army of 30,000 chariots, 6,000 horsemen and foot soldiers like the sand of the sea (13:5). The Israelites were so terrified that they hid themselves in caves, in holes and in pits. Some defected to Gad and Gilead.
Saul waited for the prophet Samuel to offer a burnt offering, but when he did not come and the people still trembled with fear, he took it upon himself to offer the sacrifice. Fear severely contorts our judgment. With Saul was Ahijah who wore the ephod and presumably the Urim and Thummim used for divine communication, which were attached to the breastplate. Therefore this group seemed to be equipped with all that was necessary for that moment. In a mad moment Saul mistook the act of offering a sacrifice, as a way back to God, even though his own heart was bound up by fear and disbelief. No wonder that Samuel, when he came, severely rebuked him for taking matters into his own hands. As a result, Saul’s kingdom would not last, but would be given to “a man after God’s own heart” (13:14).
Feeling utterly disheartened, Saul rested from fighting. However, the battle was not over. God had a plan. One man of faith called his armour-bearer to scout out the enemy’s camp. Jonathan believed implicitly that the Lord would deliver Israel out of their predicament (14:10). We read that they crept up to the Philistines front lines. Using premeditated signals, he and his armour-bearer responded to the enemy’s ridicule (:12). The enemy was thrown into chaos –“It was a panic sent by God” (1 Samuel 14:15).
Reflection:
We must see that in the day of battle the outcome is all about God. It is not, nor ever was about you and me. We do not need to fear the enemy, with God on our side. We can rely on His strategy when we surrender ourselves to Him daily. Weapons of faith will sharpen our powers of observation, enabling us to even love our enemies, in the day of battle! Remember – we do this for Jesus’ sake!
Marilyn’s Meditations by Marilyn Daniels
Inspiring Joy 