Why do Really Bad Things Happen? Could God Stop Them?

On By TimIn Forbearance, Jeremiah 07Leave a comment

They have built the high places of Topheth, which is in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I did not command them, nor did it come into My heart.

Jeremiah 7:31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is something God didn’t ordain, decree, dream up or make happen… Babies were being burned alive in sacrifice to Molech. If one takes the time to read the rest of the chapter, it is easy to discern that God did punish this sin.

The Bible tells us that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23.) But from the very beginning of the book, we read about people committing sin and they don’t receive the wages of sin.

Why?

There seems to be a respite of punishment. To some, it isn’t blatantly obvious. But to the one who studies, it becomes very plain. And it provides an insight as to the very good reasons why God doesn’t stop repugnant-moral evil.

Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed swiftly, the heart of the sons of men is fully set to do evil. Since one who sins may do evil a hundred times and extend his life, I also have experienced that it will be good for those who fear God when they have reverence before Him. But it will not be well for the wicked, and he will not prolong his days, like a shadow, because he does not fear before God.

Ecclesiastes 8:11–13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The wisest king Solomon lamented over the lack of swift punishment. He watched how evil is pervasive and rampant, and one can do countless heinous things and still live. Solomon knows the end for the wicked, and the extension of life has a purpose.

What purpose?

That is hinted at in the title of Jesus in the very last book of the Bible. He is called, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

What the title is saying is that His death covers all sins that have been committed. If one has considered the entire work between the bookends of Genesis and Revelation, as that title of Jesus is encountered, the reality should be clear. This is the patient-forbearance of God.

Do you despise the riches of His goodness, tolerance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

Romans 2:4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

One could rail against others not getting just recompense for some heinous act. The murderer isn’t punished swiftly. But have we ever considered our own lies and thievery demand the same justice?

It’s kinda weird.

But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets. This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all and upon all who believe, for there is no distinction. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith, in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins previously committed, to prove His righteousness at this present time so that He might be just and be the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.

Romans 3:21–26 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The law shows the futility of trying to make up for past proclivities. It is impossible. Yet because all have sinned and fallen short, as they live after they sin, God is justifying them! That’s why they live. That’s why God doesn’t stop sin from happening. If He stopped what we considered heinous, He would need to mete out the same toward us when we tell a lie about someone. And all would drop dead the moment they conceived sin in their heart.

Who could then be saved?

Continue reading. This goes on to say that God overlooks sins previously committed. There is no distinction there. He doesn’t just overlook the really bad ones.

It’s a demonstration of His righteousness. The same righteousness of God that comes to a person by faith. Though all humans are in the midst of being justified, this provides them a day of salvation (Isaiah 49:8.) What is meant, is it is a time given to all to seek remission of sins. That only comes by faith.

Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away. Look, all things have become new. All this is from God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their sins against them, and has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:17–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The punishment is delayed so that every person has time to repent and be saved.

Judgy Christians Judging Angels?

On By TimIn 1 Corinthians 06, Fellowship, Judgment, Love3 Comments

Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to the law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more the things that pertain to this life?

1 Corinthians 6:1–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul is writing to his friends at the Corinthian church. In his long epistle, he covers many issues. After having just discussed correctly discerning and treating immorality in the church body, he addresses interpersonal matters. Ones in which members of the body go to a secular court to decide what is right.

He uses this occasion to teach a few things. Things that just might surprise you.

The first is that Christians are to judge.

We aren’t to condemn people, but we are to judge between what the right thing is and what it is not. This is something that each of us believers has within us just by the indwelling Spirit. But to judge correctly, we must have our mindset on the things of the Spirit and not the things of the flesh.

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace, for the carnal mind is hostile toward God, for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can it be, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Romans 8:5–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The easiest way for us to discern between being Spirit-minded or not is the motivation of what we do. If we are doing something to satisfy and gratify ourselves, that is to be carnally-minded… Focusing on our own (fleshly) needs and comfort. To be Spirit-minded is to set the concerns of others before ourselves. It is a simplification but is a quick way to know.

The second thing he teaches is that Christians are going to judge the world.

You have probably never ever thought about that. But the folks that mock and scorn our faith who never change and die in that mockery… They are part of the world we get to judge.

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirits that we are the children of God, and if children, then heirs: heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified with Him.

Romans 8:16–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is far more to this idea than I will present here. The text is clear that we Christians are joint-heirs with Jesus. Meaning we get a share in everything He gets, even to share in His glory.

Since creation, God’s plan was for humans to have dominion over creation. Sometimes I want to think that is more of a prophetic idea than we know. Jesus is the One that wrested dominion from the insurrectionist. He inherits the Earth, as do we. He judges the creation, as will we.

I’m not saying that to flaunt it, just that it is the truth. It might help us to see that person at enmity with us in a different way. Just as Jesus would.

The third thing is that Christians will judge angels.

The fallen one who tempted Eve with the fruit of the forbidden tree will be judged by the very creatures he constantly works against to destroy.

Imagine that. The enemy that attacks and sets at us for our whole lives is going to eventually be judged by us. Couple that knowledge with the fact that Jesus has already put those entities to public shame.

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has resurrected together with Him, having forgiven you all sins. He blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us and contrary to us, and He took it out of the way, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed authorities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them by the cross.

Colossians 2:13–15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

What power do they really have over any Christian?

(The answer is none.) We were once useless to the purposes of God (dead in sins.) But He changed us, the word is resurrected or made us alive. He took away the assignment of guilt. He disarmed the authorities and powers… The fallen angels.

The fourth thing taught is something you will probably miss. This is important to grasp, especially in the wake of my little sister’s untimely death. I see the sentimental posts on social media about heaven gaining another angel. That is a cultural myth.

Humans don’t become angels when they die.

Read it again. That is silently taught in this passage. Humans, specifically those who are saved (Christians,) will judge angels.

My sister made a profession of faith. I fully expect that she is in heaven by that, but it is beyond my pay grade to really know. That decision belongs to Another.

When Jesus became human, the Bible says it is a state of being a “little lower than the angels.”

But someone in a certain place testified, saying:
“What is man that You are mindful of him,
or the son of man that You care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor, and set him over the works of Your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet.”

Hebrews 2:6–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The writer of Hebrews is quoting the Psalmist who gives the order of things. Jesus taking on humanity put Him a little lower than angels. His obedience even unto death on the cross ensured His glory not just as God, but as a human!

A Human has inherited dominion over creation, and all things are subject to Him.

That is the impetus for this post. We, in this existence of flesh and blood, are made a little lower than the angels. But as our profession of faith makes us Christians, and as Christians we are saints; we are also joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. That is to say, when we enter the next existence, we share in the inheritance of Jesus. By that, we become far greater than angels.

To those who read this and aren’t sure of their own eternity.

I will tell you if you’ve read this and find it incredible… It is. If you long to have that, you can.

It’s an easy thing.

Jesus came to earth as a human. God Himself came in the form of a little child being born in a most humble situation. He had to learn from His parents like you and me. But He lived a life in which He did nothing for selfish gain. He always served others first.

The Bible says that Jesus is God. That He died a death that paid the penalty for our sins… Yours, mine, and even the worst person you can think of. All paid in full. It’s like He says to each “you’re free to go.” This is why people are not punished immediately. The wages of sin is death. Few die for sinning.

But the best part of Jesus is that after dying, He rose again. He was seen by many people who recorded it for us. And because He lives, you too can live.

Do you believe that?

That is all faith is, believing a declaration of truth. If you believe it, just say it out loud right now. Acknowledge, Believe, and Confess the truth… “Jesus died and rose again for me!”

If you have done that, you can message me through the links at the site. I am the only one who reads these. I can help with some next steps for you.

Why Does the Past Hurt?

On By TimIn 1 Corinthians 13, LoveLeave a comment

Love suffers long and is kind; love envies not; love flaunts not itself and is not puffed up, does not behave itself improperly, seeks not its own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

1 Corinthians 13:4–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

When reminded of past trauma and the hurt that comes with it, ask yourself… How much pain is legitimate, meaning what is outside of my control?

How much is internal, that is what comes from my offense at being hurt?

These things are important to consider if only for one point. What is external can remain external and a person can move on. But… We tend to internalize these hurts by taking offense. Is it any wonder that the instructions on what love is teach us that it is not offended. This means clearly, if you’re offended, you’ve internalized an external hurt. You’ve brought it inside of you.

I am telling you, hurts will come. Sometimes they will be severe and devastating. It is okay to experience hurt.

Your response to it is wholly up to you. You can embrace it, internalize it, and be offended. That comes with a price. It will negate whatever you think you are doing for God. Your being offended will hinder your work… Guaranteed.

It may also give a foothold to the enemy. It might provide him a subtle way to attack and even waylay you.

There is another response. Submit yourself to the hurt. Let it roll over you. Let God defend you. Do what you do for Jesus in spite of those who would deride you.

Whatever service you do for God, step up, continue in it. Even more so… Press into it. Make it the effort to only honor Him in spite of whatever the naysayers say or do. If it is your calling, it is your calling. Rest assured, if you’re working for Jesus, you will suffer hurt. It is part of the work. The hurt is temporary, and the blessings and joy that come from serving God always exceed whatever temporary hurt that comes.

Commanders and Servants aren’t Nothing

On By TimIn 2 Samuel 19, Exhortation, Love2 Comments

Then Joab came to the king in his house and said, “Today you have shamed the faces of all of your servants who saved your life today, as well as the lives of your sons and daughters, the lives of your wives, and the lives of your concubines, by loving those who hated you and hating those who love you. You have shown today that commanders and servants are nothing to you. I know that if Absalom were alive instead today and all of us were dead, then this would be right in your eyes. Now go out and speak reassuringly to your servants, for I swear by the Lord that if you do not go out, no man will stay with you this night, and this will be worse for you than any calamity that has come against you from your youth until now.”

2 Samuel 19:5–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

David is the man after God’s own heart. Yet throughout the accounts of his adventurous life, it is easy to see his shortcomings.

In the text above, David is mourning his son Absalom. Absalom had treacherously usurped the kingship from his father. David seems to do something wrong, and compound wrongs on to that. This was a day of victory for Israel, but the mourning from the king looks like histrionics.

Enter brave Joab.

Joab courageously confronted the king with a different perspective to get his eyes drawn off of his own belly button. He wanted the king to know how his mourning dishonored the work of his servants in defeating the king’s and the nation’s enemy.

Joab did not mince words. He spoke plainly.

And it was enough to move David.

So the king arose and took his seat in the gate, and the people were all told, “The king is sitting in the gate.” So all the people came before the king, but the children of Israel had fled, each to his tent.

2 Samuel 19:8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The lesson here is two-fold.

First, from David’s perspective… Life sucks. It brings all sorts of troubles. This wasn’t a one-off occurrence, but the culmination of years of shenanigans from David’s children. They brought him a fair share of despair.

Consequently, our focus tends to draw inward in those moments. All of us have a tendency to think of only ourselves and our sorrow.

I’m not saying to not have sorrow or to mourn. There are seasons for those things. But I am certain there are others that rely on us. Yes, take time to mourn. But no amount of mourning is going to fix what happened. A prolonged season of it may also hinder a celebration of the good that is worked. Remember how God works all things for good to those who love Him.

Don’t become so bogged down in self-introspection that we don’t see the real world of people that surround and support us.

Second, when we serve others like Joab, we see the reality from a different perspective… We may have to have a frank conversation with our leaders.

As any of us may find ourselves in a leadership role, when something like this happens we need to be careful to not take offense. Sure, the words used might be frank and seemingly brutal.

Joab served the king. He didn’t want to harm the king. He wanted David to have a balanced view. And to do that will require humility from all parties involved.

In closing, be like David a man after God’s own heart. Also, be like Joab, not unwilling to correct an injustice when it is in our ability to do so.

Hang Up on the Hangups

On By TimIn Encouragement, Ephesians 04, Exhortation, Freedom, Justification, SinLeave a comment

Do not give place to the devil.

Ephesians 4:27 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul is speaking of giving the enemy rights. He has no way to bother you unless you give him permission and grant him the right.

What do I mean by right?

This could trigger some uncomfortable feelings.

Think about something that happened to you when you were young, something you remember clearly. Do you instantly become overwhelmed by the feelings of that situation?

It could be good, but might most likely not be. In that case, the feelings of fear and anxiety come… Especially with traumatic events. The feelings can be crippling.

Sometimes those feelings come because of something we’ve done and now regret. A feeling of guilt can obliterate a person.

These crippling feelings of guilt, fear, anxiety, despair, and/or others can create a cascading physiological response with an adrenaline surge. Which may lead to something that grieves the Holy Spirit.

These things the enemy uses as a foothold. It’s a place to gain access. And if we are not aware of that fact we can be blindsided. I know. It happens to me.

None of us are made to fear. We are not made to have guilt. Paul gives ample remedy for how to avoid giving rights away.

But what of those things in the past?

Knowledge is a firmer foundation than emotion.

You can renounce them. You can renounce how they make you feel. You can renounce the control they have over your emotions. Do it out loud, to God. For whatever it is that overwhelms you, whether you are the victim or not. Allow God to take the feelings, the anxiety, and the fear away. Read the rest of the text beginning at Ephesians 4:1 into Chapters 5&6. Learn how to put on the new nature and live in victory.

You can do it, by taking the first step.

Don’t be sidelined. Don’t be a spectator. Stand firm!

I Will Make a Case Before Your Eyes

On By TimIn Psalm 050, Repentance1 Comment

But to the wicked God says:
“What right have you to declare My statutes,
or take My covenant in your mouth?
You hate instruction, and cast My words behind you. When you see a thief, you are pleased, and have a share in those who commit adultery. You let loose your mouth to evil, and your tongue is bound to deceit. You sit and speak against your brother; you accuse your own mother’s son.

Psalm 50:16–20

In this psalm of Asaph, God is appealing to people. He is calling the peoples of the Earth to Him. This is ongoing since the garden. In that calling we note there are two types, His people and those not.

As He turns to speak to those that are not His people, He calls them wicked, He outlines their deeds. He shows the foundation of their errant behavior, “You hate instruction.”

Let that sink in.

Hating instruction is like saying, “You’re not my boss!” Or simply hating to be told what to do. It’s dismissive stubbornness. It’s not indifference or ignorance, but willful resistance.

That’s the basis for wickedness. The behavior that follows is just the bad fruit of from the bad rootstock. Look closer at what is said. The wicked person is not the one doing the bad stuff, but they are the one seeing it, letting it happen, and doing nothing about it. The wicked are silent about the sin of others. They don’t snitch.

When the wicked do speak, it’s lies. Oddly, others they won’t tattle on, except for their own family. All the secrets will be blathered out.

These things have you done, and I kept silent; you thought that I was indeed like you; but I will reprove you
and make a case before your eyes.

Psalm 50:21

And that comes to the principle.

People think that God somehow gives approval for these things because He doesn’t stop them. They think somehow the silence of God is an endorsement of what they do. That the evil of this world is here because it’s allowed to be here.

God says, “No.” He has the evidence to make a case that will deprive those ideas.

Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed swiftly, the heart of the sons of men is fully set to do evil. Since one who sins may do evil a hundred times and extend his life, I also have experienced that it will be good for those who fear God when they have reverence before Him. But it will not be well for the wicked, and he will not prolong his days, like a shadow, because he does not fear before God.

Ecclesiastes 8:11–13

It’s the wisdom of Solomon that helps us to understand. God’s silence is not impotence, nor is it acceptance or permission.

Is God silent?

One response to the silence, the wicked go hell bent toward evil. There is another response, which demonstrates there might not be any silence. Some turn and give God the reverence due Him. That’s astounding.

Though we don’t witness swift judgment from our perspective, doesn’t mean it isn’t swift from God’s. Or even that it isn’t going to happen. After all He has the final say. He really isn’t silent, as we have His word.

The foreboding doom of wickedness is the assurance He will build a case against them in their presence. Those will not be able to avoid it.

But there is hope.

Now consider this, you who forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver: Whoever sacrifices a thank offering glorifies Me and makes a way; I will show him the salvation of God.”

Psalm 50:22–23

Sacrificing a thank offering is an easy thing to do. You can do it right now. Say to God, “Thank you.”

There are plenty of things to be thankful for. You ate today. You woke up. You have breath. Most importantly, He has been merciful towards you. He has kept you alive and is now leading you right to this moment… That you may thank Him.

That simple turn from the direction you were going to now thank God is where salvation starts. That simple move is the one that moves the wicked one into the fold of His people. You don’t need to fix yourself up. You don’t need to stop sinning. You need to thank God.

Storm’s a’Comin’

On By TimIn Psalm 029, WorshipLeave a comment

The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders; the Lord is over many waters.

Psalm 29:3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

From our previous excursion, the mighty ones were giving praise and glory to God. Now, the mood of the psalm changes. Some of the commentaries allude to this being a storm that comes over Canaan from north to south. It could be a surface understanding. But let’s check it out.

Our introduction comes to the voice of the Lord. There are lots to be said about the voice of the Lord, it is powerful. It makes and sustains all of creation. It thunders. It sounds like a trumpet. It is even pictured as Jesus with a sword coming out of His mouth. The voice of the Lord can bring comfort. It can also bring judgment. The psalmist is speaking a reassuring word. He repeats the phrase. The voice of the Lord is over the waters.

The idea of waters as we will see a bit later is an allusion to the flood of Noah. It can also be taken as a collective metaphor for the people of earth (not God’s people.) I think it may be both. And the idea of unsaved folks being chaotic intrigues.

The voice of the Lord thunders. Here we have another storm reference. The storm and thunder language aptly describe judgment. God does judge. We know that an approach to God Himself is daunting. Look at how the writer of Hebrews approaches the event at Mount Sinai when God asked the people to come to Him.

You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and storm, and to the sound of a trumpet and to a voice speaking words, such that those who heard them begged that the word not be spoken to them anymore.

Hebrews 12:18–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Their response was fear. They didn’t have intimate personal experience with this God as Moses did. They had seen what He did for them, yet that particular stormy scene was terrifying, even for Moses.

So terrible was the sight that Moses said, “I am terrified and trembling.”

Hebrews 12:21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I think that is the proper frame of reference for this. There is nothing that is greater than God, not chaos or the whole of humanity.

The voice of the Lord sounds with strength; the voice of the Lord—with majesty.

Psalm 29:4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Those at Sinai understood the strength. They also knew the majesty, but they weren’t going anywhere near that mountain. (You can read the account in Exodus 19.)

The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon. He makes them skip like a calf, Lebanon and Sirion like a wild ox. The voice of the Lord flashes like flames of fire. The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; the Lord shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh.

Psalm 29:5–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is yet more judgment language. He breaks the cedars of Lebanon. These trees had trunks 40 feet in girth. That’s unimaginable. Yet God’s voice breaks them and causes them to skip.

The reference to Sirion and Lebanon adds another interesting insight. Sirion is Mount Hermon. It has significance in that it is the mountain where the gods (mighty ones) came down in sedition. Sirion and Lebanon are mentioned in Baal poetry, too. Baal was the Canaanite storm god.

With those two references and another, we also know there is geography involved. But as is often the case, the named geography is used as an allusion to cosmic geography. (That is, geography from the perspective of God.)

Mount Hermon would be the northern edge of Israel. Mount Hermon would be the north reference point (thnk “sides of the north.) Kadesh would be the southern edge of Israel. The storm would encompass the whole land of God’s people. And cosmically speaking from God’s reference, all people in general.

As I understand, it is prophetic in that way of God’s coming judgment on Israel and the peoples of the world. (We are currently doing verse-by-verse in Revelation.) Reading this psalm connects to Revelation 16, in my mind.

The voice of the Lord makes the deer to give birth, and strips the forests bare; and in His temple everyone says, “Glory!”

Psalm 29:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He gives and takes away. The mighty ones in His heavenly temple give Him the glory due His name.

The Lord sits enthroned above the flood, the Lord sits as King forever.

Psalm 29:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is nothing that is going to move God. It is His voice that ensures His will is done.

The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.

Psalm 29:11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The people of God can rest knowing they won’t be moved either. They have peace with the God enthroned above all.

This psalm praises God for things to come… The ultimate storm. That storm will break up seeming unbreakable thrones. Principalities that really have no real power over God’s people. The people of God rest completely at peace.

Glory to God.

Give to the Lord, O Mighty Ones

On By TimIn Exhortation, Psalm 029, Worship1 Comment

“Give to the Lord, O mighty ones,
give to the Lord glory and strength.
Give to the Lord all the glory due His name;
worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness.”

Clay Hecocks – “His Holiness“

I start with a paraphrase of a psalm turned into praise lyrics. This was something we used to sing in church some time ago. It has a gorgeous melody. I think it was written by Clay Hecocks. (Listen here: His Holiness.)

It was one of my favorite things to sing at church. I hope I can explain it well enough. (Don’t believe what I write. Check it out for yourself, Acts 17:11. Read the references and above them and below them.)

Let’s start with the text from the psalm.

Give to the Lord, you heavenly beings,
give to the Lord glory and strength.
Give to the Lord the glory of His name;
worship the Lord in holy splendor.

Psalm 29:1–2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This has many levels of meaning, and it is centered around the Hebrew phrase beneha elim translated to heavenly beings. In some translations, the term sons of God is used. That is also correct given the Hebrew phrase.

That phrase hints back to Job, where a similar Hebrew phrase is used beneha elohim.

Recent scholarship thinks the term elohim describes a class of beings that includes the Most High God. This is similar to the English word gods that denotes a class of beings, with the capitalized singular form God meaning the Most High. (Of note, the Hebrew elohim is always a plural, even when used as a proper noun Elohim as a name for the Most High.)

These elohim are part of the family of God present in His mountain (garden of Eden.) They are His divine council written of in psalm 82. That psalm points to something wrong happening in this council. Something that rocked the foundations of the earth. God will eventually judge these in the council and condemn them to die “like men.”

Can you imagine what that would be?

I think the Bible points to the insurrection that occurred in the garden and God’s necessary enslavement of the creation to futility. In today’s language, the term is entropy.

The purpose of His council is outlined in the first two verses of David’s psalm. Give to the Lord the glory due His name.

They failed at that task. God could create more beings for His council. But did it in what may seem is a peculiar way. Peculiar, because there’s nothing else like it.

The Adoption

You are all sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:26 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul begins an important point in one sentence that he will elaborate upon. He sums it up this way…

God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth into our hearts the Spirit of His Son, crying, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a servant, but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Galatians 4:4–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I hope that your mind is making connections here. Not much is ever said about this, though it is an important concept to grasp.

There was an insurrection. Some of those members of the divine council fell miserably. Jude says they left their first estate. (Think of the impetus for the flood in Genesis 6. I am purposefully being vague to leave you some crumbs for your own pursuit.)

Back to what Paul is saying of… The adaption. We Christian saints of this age have a unique purpose. We are called sons of God.

Could it be we replace the failed members of the divine council?

I think so. There are far too many references. The Bible says we will judge angels. Look at that psalm 82… Who is it that judges angels?

I’m not saying we will be God. But somehow, someway, we have such an intimate relationship within the Godhead. Jesus said it.

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You. May they also be one in Us, that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory which You gave Me, that they may be one even as We are one: I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfect in unity, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

John 17:20–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus speaks of an intimate unity just as He has with the Father, “May they also be one in Us.” Furthermore, it says Jesus gives us the glory that the Father gave Him. The significance of that statement ought to rock your socks off!

I am the Lord, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to graven images.

Isaiah 42:8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This isn’t a contradiction. Paul is correct in saying we are adopted sons. We are joint-heirs. What Jesus gets, we get.

I can’t even begin to fathom such things. But that’s what is there… Plainly. It short-circuits my brain because I have no real concept of all that it entails.

This isn’t pantheism. It isn’t panentheism. (Search engines are friends.) This isn’t me saying we are going to be God. But we are destined for something intimately special with God because of Jesus.

Give to the Lord, o mighty ones. That’s going to be us believers. Give to the Lord glory and strength. From Whom did we get glory and strength?

Give to the Lord all the glory due His name. Worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness.

I am a Worm

On By TimIn Jesus, Prophecy, Psalm 022Leave a comment

But I am a worm, and not a man; a reproach of men and despised by the people.

Psalm 22:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I love the psalms. For many reasons, yes I love them. There are gems like this verse that give a stark contrast to a fleeting moment compared to eternity.

It is written by King David, the man after God’s heart. One that was far from perfect yet God favored. This is David’s lament, yet with prophetic significance as that speaks to the experience Jesus had on Earth.

Yes, Jesus suffered the disapproval of others, He suffered the dismissal of indifference.

Sometimes, circumstance leads some of us right into that lonely place of reproach and despair. It can happen at any moment, even in a crowded room. And if our minds are not focused correctly, we can easily slip further into a circular morass of depression.

The real idea that permeates David’s song is not the singular focus of that verse. There is the steadfast focus on God in the rest of the psalm that gives encouragement. Read it for yourself. David, and writing prophetically of Jesus, knew the reproach of men. He also knew the promises of God and in Whom hope never is disappointed.

I‘ve experienced this solitary place more than I would like to admit over my lifetime. I’ve been called more names than I want to remember… Even by adults who supposedly cared for me. I can be alone in my thoughts anywhere, anytime.

Things I know… Knowledge is a firmer foundation than emotion. What I feel is fleeting and can change. What I know can change what I feel.

The man after God’s heart knew that place. Jesus also isn’t unfamiliar with the same. He has suffered despair far worse than David, you, or I could imagine.

The God of the universe has firsthand experience with hate and spite given to Him by the very creatures He made in His likeness and whom He sustains.

That is my God!

He’s the One Who set aside what it is to be God to experience the things I experience… Even death. The Bible says that He even tasted that death for me.

He didn’t deserve to get what I ought to have.

“I am a worm,” Jesus says.

He stooped to serve me. He didn’t hide from it. Yet in that same instant that I remember that it comes to mind, He did that so I could have no fear.

For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; nor has He hid His face from him; but when he cried to Him, He heard.

Psalm 22:24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I need not fear despair. I need not fear reproach. I need not even fear death. For He has conquered it all. And He does not hide from it.

Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah has prevailed. The One that stooped to serve me, will have all willingly kneel to Him.

All the prosperous ones of the earth will eat and worship; all who go down to the dust will bow before Him, even he who cannot keep his own soul alive. Posterity will serve Him; it will be told to generations about the Lord; they will come and declare His righteousness to a people yet to be born, that He has acted.

Psalm 22:29–31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He is alive. He has overcome. Behold, He is risen and coming back for His own.

Lukewarm Christian?

On By TimIn Encouragement, Revelation 03Leave a comment

I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of My mouth.

Revelation 3:15–16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus is speaking to the church at Laodicea. His indictment of their works as a body is lukewarm. And if that is continued, the church would wither away.

This is not an indictment or a judgment on any Christian. It doesn’t mean that any of those Christians in the church lost their salvation. In fact, it has nothing to do with salvation. Nor does it have anything to do with individual behavior, even though the church as a body is made up of individuals.

It is a judgment on a church body.

A Christian doesn’t lose his salvation, neither do his works have anything to do with his salvation, whether helping it or not. In fact, good behavior isn’t fruit-bearing that Jesus looks for in a person. It can lead to it, and make it more bountiful, but bearing fruit is not the same as obeying the law.