Isaiah 41: 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

God was faithful to Noah, Abram, Sarah, Hagar, Moses, Joseph, Daniel, and Rahab. He was faithful to Stephen and to Paul and to the Apostle John, just to name a few. What am I talking about? Throughout the Bible you can study the lives of men and women and you can come up with your own list of those who encountered God in different ways in their lives. Sometimes their situations were dire and even seemingly hopeless, but God always found a way either to deliver them or sustain them in their trial.

God has fulfilled his promise to Abram that through his seed or offspring all the nations of the earth will be blessed. (Genesis 12: 3 – 4). Jesus was that promised seed and in him we have salvation. When we accept this wonderful gift, God then covenants himself to us. That covenant brings us into relationship with him and allows us to experience his faithfulness in our daily lives and for eternity.

I could make a very long list of the many ways in which God has been faithful to me in my own life but this short blog does not allow for that. All I want to do is encourage you, especially if you have recently been saved. The God we serve is faithful and if you will make it your business to live in his Word and listen for his voice, he will direct your steps and you will never regret trusting in him.  Life is filled with challenges but only God knows the best way forward. As Moses handed over leadership of the Israelites to Joshua he passed on God’s assurance: The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8). You can take God at his word.

Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

The news of our day is so filled with hate, war, carnage and unseemly conduct, it staggers the mind. Recently a local news item was about a woman who left a prayer meeting one evening only to be set upon by five hoodlums who robbed, stripped her and sexually assaulted her not far from her church.

I had heard the news on my car radio while on my way to my own prayer group and my heart broke. I thought: “God, how can this be? She should have been delivered from that attack!” I started to pray for her immediately along the lines – “God, would you touch her body, calm her mind and erase the memories of the terror she has been through, please help her and bring her peace.”  Others had heard the news as well and we joined in prayer for her. I will continue to pray for her because she has been scarred in a way no one wants to be. I know that God is able to restore her and our prayer should be that her faith will not fail, and that in time she will be able to see her suffering as part of her walk in identifying with Christ in his suffering.

When my daughter got home that evening, her question was blunt as she often is: “Where was God?” I am sure many, believers and unbelievers alike, had asked the same question that day. To say that God did not care, would mean he also did not care when Christ was crucified. Far from it! We know that in the darkness of that hour God demonstrated the magnitude of his love for us at tremendous cost to Himself. My discussion with my daughter centered on the free will acts of the perpetrators – how is it that five men, born of women, could so viciously attack a woman? Our human response was that they should have been hit by a bolt of lightning. But the Lord is not wanting anyone (including those men) to perish but everyone to come to repentance. (See 2 Peter 3: 9). Let us pray that He will bring them to their knees while he heals our sister’s mind and body and reveal His glory to her. The Lord is just and is able to adjudicate both cases.

John 13: 14-15 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

The preamble to the account of Jesus divesting himself of his coat and grabbing a towel, a basin and water to wash his disciples’ feet says: “Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.”

Washed any feet lately? Well, who do you profess to love? Is it your spouse, your father or mother, a sibling, your child, your Pastor, a Teacher? Who did I leave out? What is the state of that relationship right now? If you had to leave this world right this minute, what would your legacy be like? Would the people you cherish most or interact with every day be able to say he showed me the full extent of his love? Ouch!

Many of us, especially those who are parents, know how to love sacrificially. We will give “stuff” even when we can’t afford it and we give of our time endlessly. The one thing we find hardest to do is to love with humility – doing the things we consider beneath us for the sake of the other. This is often evident in families or at work in front of our peers as we draw the line – “I will not humiliate myself” or “I will never apologize”.

The Son of God humbled himself before his disciples as an example to them and us. There is no greater humiliation, especially in view of the fact that He left his majestic glory to come down to this earth to be mocked, spat upon and be crucified. This kind of love is redemptive. Pick one person in your life today with whom you are at odds and humble yourself before him/her.  See what happens! Jesus put it all in context for us, “I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” (John 13:16).

Colossians 1: 24 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.

My first reaction to this statement by Paul the Apostle was: “what is he talking about? Surely he is not saying that Christ’s suffering was incomplete!  The more I pondered, it became clearer. Paul suffered much for the cause of Christ. He counted his trials, his imprisonments, his beatings, being shipwrecked – all of it – as being for the purpose of spreading the gospel and building up the church, the body of Christ. He was purpose-driven; he had been given an assignment. (See Acts 9, especially verses 15 and 16).

So, friend, what does your life look like? More thorns than flowers! Are you cursing your circumstances, the people in your life, your job situation? Is it conceivable that God wants to draw you closer by entrusting you with the challenges that are part of your daily living? What is your response supposed to be? “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18). I know we all cringe when we read “in all circumstances” because we are so limited.  Of course you can’t do this in your own strength. Read the last three words again – “in Christ Jesus”.  Only God who knows the end from the beginning can give you the assurance that all will be well. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Roman 8:28).

Matthew 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

This principle that Jesus laid down for his followers is often referred to as ‘the golden rule’. I have no idea whose idea it was to call it that, but indeed, it is that. If everyone lived by it there would be far less chaos in our world.

I want to make it a bit more personal today though and address those who in one way or another have responsibility for young lives, children, pre-teens, teens and young people in general. In what capacity do you serve and how do these young people view you?  Do they know that you are a Christian and how does your conduct towards them measure up to their expectations? Are you sensitive to their individual circumstances, do you encourage them? Do you listen to them? Do you love them and let them know that they are of value in God’s eyes? If not, are you instead vindictive and unforgiving? Do you abuse them verbally, physically or sexually? Ouch! I just had to go there.

A great deal of finger pointing has been done lately at people in religious institutions who failed in their responsibilities to their young charges. Many victims admit that they have been deeply scarred by negative experiences. If we hope to represent Christ to the young and impressionable, the golden rule takes on particular significance. I still remember the married Sunday School superintendent who was way too ‘touchy-feely’ and the high school teacher whose offer of a ride to the bus stop half a mile away came with great expectations of more than a mere “thank you”. Female leaders are not excluded in this. Are you a good role model for the youth over whom you have influence? Can they trust you?

A young person today is more likely to be reading your life than reading the Bible. You are God’s Power Point presentation. So here comes the injunction often attributed to St. Francis of Asisi: “Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary use words.” Do to the young only those things you would want to be done to you or your children.  Jesus put it very bluntly “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14).

Mark 11:22-24 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

Jesus assures us that God does hear and answer our prayers. Does he always answer in the way we want him to? Not all the time. A good father knows what his child needs and I believe God tailors the answer out of his infinite wisdom.

I have had many answers to prayers in my lifetime, some so immediate that they took my breath away. In other cases, it took years as God walked me through to the result he wanted for me. And yes, I have gotten impatient and had to ask for forgiveness. I have had to learn that God’s timetable is not mine, and God does not allow his children to manipulate him.

One of the most amazing things I have learned is that God is completely trustworthy and his Holy Spirit has been gracious in coaching me. Once I was asking the Lord to prepare me for a meeting with a friend who was going through serious challenges. This, in part, was the immediate guidance I received:

“This is the word you need to hold on to: Nothing has ever been impossible for me and nothing will be. It is I who change and rearrange all things as they are supposed to be. My Spirit will be with you to accomplish that which I please. You will not be alone for I have seen and I have heard this daughter’s pleas and anguish of soul. I am the deliverer of my people. I am not deaf or blind and my hand is not short, it has never been. I the Lord God undertake to change the situation.” 

I could only shout: Hallelujah! Together with another friend the three of us met and we prayed. All I can tell you is that God has done a mighty work in the life of our friend over the years. In Luke 18:1-8 Jesus prefaced an illustration of the power of persistent prayer by telling his disciples that they should always pray and not give up. So dear friend, always pray with confidence in a God who hears.

1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

Last Good Friday someone sent me via Whats App a message titled “The (Scientific) death of Jesus.”  At the outset it stated: “At that time crucifixion was the “worst” death, a death reserved only for criminals. It went on to describe in great detail the length of the nails, their positioning and the excruciating pain Jesus would have felt as he tried to continue breathing for three hours. It also described the beating that preceded his arrival at Calvary, the weight of the cross, the wounds that were inflicted to his side and indicated that after his blood was spilled only water would have been left in his body. The details were horrific.

The message then returned to the salient fact: “Jesus died for you.” That has been enough for me from childhood. The cross of Christ demonstrates the Father’s love for us. Nothing less. That he would break his own heart and allow his Son to lay down his life to bring us back into fellowship with himself is beyond comprehension. There is no other way to measure God’s love. So for me it is more than enough and all I can say is: Thank you Lord for your love for me; I give you praise because you are worthy. And now I look forward to bowing before you and joining with the angels around your throne to sing: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Revelation 5:12) Hallelujah!

Mark 14:61–62 …Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Jesus is on trial for his identity. He has been dragged before the Sanhedrin – a court basically, numbering from 23 to 71 men, including the high priest, all the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law. In short, men of power who could decide Jesus’ fate and, on some level, they did. But do always bear in mind that Jesus’ death was God’s redemption plan.

The person whose conduct I find interesting is the high priest. Here is a man who clearly is quite conversant with the prophecies concerning an expected one whom he called “The Christ, the Son of the Blessed One.” So, using that title, he asked Jesus about his identity. But when he got the answer in the affirmative, he completely shifted into denial mode, tore his clothes in anger and shouted “Why do we need any more witnesses?” “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” The end result was that they all condemned Jesus to death. (See Mark 14: 63 – 64). To me the high priest exemplifies the difference between knowledge and faith. He had a lot of information but he did not allow himself to believe in the Lord Jesus.

The conduct of these men is proof positive that we are not always interested in hearing the truth. At times we are like little children who put their fingers in their ears and chant: nah, nana, nah, nah! How tragic! What if the high priest had paused long enough to let the second part of what Jesus said register with him? What if he had grabbed hold of the promise: “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven” and made the choice to be among those looking forward to it with great anticipation? He might have lost his position, but he would have gained everlasting life. “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36).

Mark 8:34-35 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: If anyone would come after me he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and the gospel will save it.”

Jesus was issuing an invitation to discipleship while at the same time outlining the “conditions of service” for “anyone” accepting it. Following Jesus has always been a choice. Everyone within the sound of his voice was being called, but not everyone would respond. Those who would respond needed to understand that there would be a cost involved – perhaps their very lives. That prospect always exists but, for the time being at least, most of us do not face that extreme cost. Nevertheless we are called by the Holy Spirit within us to daily deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Christ.

In Colossians 3, the Apostle Paul wrote to the believers at Colossi: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” There is nothing on earth that is worth missing heaven for!  So Paul spells out for us how to begin making the transition: “Put to death, therefore whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” There is no wooden cross for us to take up, but we must actively reject conduct which does not glorify our Lord – anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy language and lies. Instead we are called to practice behaviors which exalt His name – compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness and love. These traits will often call for denial of self in order to achieve unity in the body of Christ. Paul challenges us further to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, to love and share the word of Christ, bask in melodious praise and thanksgiving to God, doing all things in the name of the Lord Jesus. A taste heaven even now! The way of the cross leads home.

Matthew 26:49-50 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus replied, “Friend, do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.

“Jesus, the Son of God has just been arrested!” Let us just think for a moment that this is the headline in the morning newspaper or it is breaking news on television. It is immediately picked up by social media: “Did you hear…..?”  Some would react in utter disbelief. “How could they do that, he has done nothing but good from day one!” Some would be brought to tears immediately – “Look how they are treating him!” Some would be ready to go defend him, just like his disciples thought they would be ready to do. Some will remain glued to their devices for the drama to play out. Those who can will attend the trial and eventually make their way to Calvary to be eyewitnesses. Others will be completely indifferent, thinking his life has nothing to do with theirs. What is your reaction?

Jesus’ response to the arrival of the soldiers was completely unexpected. He did not resist. He explained that his Father would send legions of angels to defend him if he asked, but if he were to do that how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that said it must happen in that way. Read Isaiah 53 and note verse 10 in particular.

Jesus knew the purpose for which he came into the world. Read his prayer for himself in John 17: 1-5. By the time Judas and the soldiers came for Jesus he had already resolved his physical fear in the garden of Gethsemane when he prayed to his Father, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”  (Matthew 26:42).

Everything the Scriptures said concerning Christ coming into the world, his life, crucifixion, burial, resurrection and ascension have been fulfilled. Why then do we think that everything else God the Father and Jesus himself have said concerning our future and the whole of creation will not happen? “… man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 8:3 and Matthew 4:4 refer).