Transcendent Praise

Daniel 4:27 Therefore, O king, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.

The young man Daniel along with three of his companions, were among Israelites taken captive to Babylon during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar. Early in their captivity they were singled out on the command of the King to his court official to “bring in some of the Israelites from the royal family and nobility – young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand and qualified to serve in the king’s palace.”  The purpose was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. (See Daniel 1:3-4).

They were given new names, challenged to give up their language and beliefs and offered strange food. Daniel however, not wishing to defile himself, steadfastly refused to partake of the King’s food but instead requested permission that he and his friends be given a vegetarian diet. These young men found favor early with the prison official. “Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel.” (Daniel 1:9). When they were finally presented to the King, he was impressed not only with their appearance but with their speech because: “To these four men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.” (Daniel 1:17).  They entered the King’s service.

The time came when the King had dreams which only Daniel could interpret. The King accepted the interpretation of his first dream and rewarded Daniel and his companions with recognition and promotion. (Read Daniel 2). But later on the King would have Daniel’s friends thrown into a fiery furnace for not bowing to the image he had set up of himself to be worshiped. At heart Nebuchadnezzar was prideful, ruthless, wicked and an idol-worshiper. Daniel later interpreted another of the King’s dreams that predicted he would be deposed and be totally humiliated to the point of living like an animal and eating grass for seven years. Even though he had seen the power of God demonstrated when Daniel’s friends came out alive from the furnace he had ordered for their destruction, the experience did not change him for good.  Listen to him twelve months after Daniel’s prediction: “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:30). While he was still speaking the dream was fulfilled.

When Daniel had interpreted that dream he had advised the King to renounce his sins and start being kind to the oppressed so that his prosperity might continue. You may not be a king, but do you hold power or influence over the lives of others? Has it gone to your head? Is it time to renounce your sins and change course? Begin at home, then at work, and continue in an ever-widening circle. God will honor that.

2 Corinthians 4: 1-2 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

Paul the Apostle comes across to me as one who was so conscious of the seriousness of his calling that he constantly examined his way of life to make sure that he was doing nothing which would bring shame on his ministry and God’s name. It is not that he did not get criticized a lot, in fact he was often physically chastised, but even then he was more concerned that he had a clear conscience before God and was being diligent in doing the right thing.

In teaching about the surpassing glory of the new covenant through the blood of Jesus compared to the old administered through the sacrifices of bulls and goats, he handled the matter as a sacred trust. In the process he realized that for him to be credible he had to do some housecleaning. In speaking to the church at Corinth he said: “We have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.”

There is a principle here for all of us to follow. The believer must constantly be vigilant to examine his or her life to root out attitudes, practices and habits, which if discovered would not only shame you but call into question what you teach about God. Renouncing is an act of the will to confront and destroy. For me this is daily and it means humbly accepting correction from the Holy Spirit.

Jeremiah 17:9-10 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.”

In the King James Version of the Bible Jeremiah 17:9 reads: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it.” This verse came to mind the day after I had received news that a young man in my extended family had been murdered. Living overseas as I do I had only encountered him twice. In the only real conversation we had I was trying to explain the Gospel of salvation to him. He seemed receptive but, like so many, he wanted to think about it some more. In the years since then I know my sister lived a Christ-like life before him and had been kind to him. In turn, he would show up to lend a hand with chores in her home. At this point I do not know if he ever made a decision for Christ, nor are the circumstances of his death known.

The news had disturbed me deeply, more so because the setting is a rural village which in childhood was idyllic and a real haven. The idea that crime is now common place there is unfathomable to me. The question that kept playing in my mind overnight though was: Dear God, how does one human being get to the point where he can look at another and slay him with no qualms whatsoever? True, murder has existed since Cain killed his brother Abel, but when it hits home it still floors you.

The Scripture quoted above says it’s a heart condition. A heart that has grown cold and no longer reflects the nature of its Creator. In Genesis 9:4-6 the Lord said to Noah: “And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each man too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man. Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man.”  While there is forgiveness with God for all sins, including murder, we are left in no doubt as to how much he abhors the shedding of innocent blood.

Jesus provided his disciples with an explanation of what defiles a man: “For out of the heart come evil thoughts – murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” (Matthew 15:19). Guard your heart even at the very “thought” stage.

Matthew 20:25-28 You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.

The mother of James and John (two of Jesus’ disciples) went with them to Jesus one day to ask on bended knees for her sons to be allowed to sit on his right and left hand in his kingdom. Jesus informed them: “You don’t know what you are asking.” “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” They responded: “We can.” Jesus said to them: “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or my left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.” (See Matthew 20:20-24).

Needless to say, when the other disciples heard about this, they were furious. So Jesus gathered them together to explain that those who follow him need a different perspective from what is “normal” in the world, namely, “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.” (See verses 26 – 27).

I would love to have been in that group to hear the gasps and see the facial expressions of those disciples. They must have wondered: “Is he for real?” Most of us have only a vague understanding of what a servant’s role is, let alone that of a slave. Both roles require submission and imply varying degrees of a loss of identity as the subjects’ identities are subsumed in that of their master or owner. In most cases a servant is addressed by a single name and a slave may not even be accorded that much respect. Jesus endured much more disrespect and ultimately demonstrated the servant role for us because he came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. John the Baptist understood Jesus’ teaching and summed it up very well when he said: “He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30). Are you okay with humbling yourself in service so that the Lord receives the glory?

John 1: 48 I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.

What are you occupying your time with under the fig tree? This thing called life. Can your Lord commend you? Jesus found Philip and recruited him as a follower. Philip went out and invited a skeptical Nathanael to come and meet Jesus. I say skeptical because Nathanael’s response to Philip’s invitation was “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” The place must have had a not so good reputation. Nevertheless, when Jesus saw Nathanael coming he said: “Here is an Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.” Nathanael is quite taken aback and asked Jesus; “How do you know me?” Jesus said: “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”

This understanding that God sees us wherever we are can be a source of fear, or of wonder, peace and great assurance depending on one’s relationship to God.  The believer’s position is one of covenant with God – a covenant which God himself administers. Romans 8:1 tells us: “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”  Your Lord sees you, he knows you and he alone judges you correctly.

Nathanael made a confession of faith: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” (John 1:49). Jesus said: “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that. … I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1: 50-51).

God not only sees his children’s past but their present and future as well. This understanding should make us aware of our accountability for the lives we lead, but should also bring us great comfort because God has promised to never leave or forsake us.

John 17: 9, 11, 20 – 21 “I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours…. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name – the name you gave me – so that they may be one as we are one…. My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you sent me.”

You are a child of privilege. Jesus the Son of God has prayed for you to his Father to bring you into the closest relationship possible with himself! Let this seep into your spirit. It will change how you think about Jesus and God your Father from here on. It will change the way you perceive yourself.

When Joseph contemplated ending his engagement to Mary, an angel appeared and told him: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1: 20-21).

This Jesus has saved you at great price. This Jesus has prayed for you to be protected. This Jesus promised that his Father would send the Holy Spirit to be with those who believe in his name. (John 14:15) This Holy Spirit lives within you and the same Jesus promised his disciples: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8).

In John 17, Jesus was very deliberate when he prayed for himself, then for his disciples and then for all believers through time. He has grafted you into his family, you bear his name and he has given you power and purpose. In Him you live and move and have your being. You are his offspring. (See Acts 17:28).

Joel 2:25 – 27 I will repay you for the years locusts have eaten – the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm – my great army that I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed. Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God, and that there is no other; never again will my people be shamed.

This is a word from God to the people of Israel through the prophet Joel whose name means “Yahweh is God.” Essentially that is the message of the whole book of Joel. Israel had a propensity to sin against God and, as a result, brought great judgment on themselves from time to time. Joel records a time during the reign of King Josiah when the southern kingdom of Judah was set upon by wave after wave of locusts which destroyed their crops leading to devastation and famine. The prophet’s job was to call the people to repent and to recognize God’s sovereignty so that they could be restored and blessed.

When I first drafted this a year ago there were four hurricanes in the news at the same time. Hurricane Harvey had devastated the State of Texas. Hurricane Irma was raging in the Caribbean, with Jose hot on its heels. Hurricane Katie was active in the Gulf of Mexico. Never in my lifetime have there been such massive and destructive hurricanes as Harvey and Irma in such quick succession. Was this judgment? One thing is sure the outcome has been as devastating for many as the plague of locusts was for Judah. We are in a new season now and Hurricane Michael has taken 36 lives in the Florida Panhandle and caused much destruction.

Having survived the ravages of Hurricane Sandy, I know something of the pain, loss, toil, aggravation and seeming injustice which threaten to overwhelm those affected by similar events and the long period of recovery which will follow. Does God not care? Yes he does. He has proven his love for you already at great cost to himself by sending Jesus to die for you. All he asks is your love in return.

Even if you conclude that disaster has overtaken you because you are being judged, then allow yourself the joy of repentance, full disclosure before God and ask for a new beginning. Then listen for his voice, he will be with you as he was with me when the Holy Spirit said: “Look for my hand of mercy in your circumstances as they emerge.” Embrace the kindnesses which will be shown to you. It will surprise you how humane others will be. Take one day at a time, commit it to God and make the progress you can that day. Reach out to someone else even if all you can offer is a hug or a handshake. Know that people are praying for your recovery, others do care that misfortune has happened to you. Most importantly, know that God is a restorer for those who will trust him completely.

Romans 8:17 Now if we are children then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

The Apostle Paul is being very forthright with us in this passage. The concept of being an heir usually congers up in our minds a windfall of money or possessions which would come to us on the passing of someone to whom we are related. Somewhat overlooked however is the status of an heir apparent, i.e. while the would-be benefactor is still alive.

While an heir apparent may enjoy a level of respect not personally earned, he is expected to show a sense of responsibility, sometimes to the point of sharing in the day-to-day administration of the estate. That means he shares in the shame of its failure or the joys of its success.

Being an heir then is the result of relationship. So Paul is telling us that we, as children of God, are his heirs and co-heirs with Christ. Christ, through obedience and suffering, has attained or inherited the glory which is his.  We should therefore not expect to be exempt from suffering but process it as a part of our identity as children of God. Paul continues: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18).

What else besides salvation are we heirs of since Christ has died? We have access to God, freedom from condemnation, the presence of the Holy Spirit, the joy of the Lord which gives us strength, hopefulness, peace with God, provisioning for our daily lives. What is the glory? “Dear Friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2). To be in his presence, joy unspeakable!

Isaiah 55:6 -7 Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.  Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God for he will freely pardon.

This is a cry from the heart of God through Isaiah the prophet. It is a cry of urgency that leaves no one out. It speaks to young and old, the thirsty, the hungry, the poor and to those who have money or work hard but experience only futility in their labor. Why? Because the emptiness is not physical, the drought is in the soul – the recesses of man which is spirit and which only fellowship with the Spirit of God can satisfy.

Every human being has need for pardon and cleansing and it is awesome to realize that God is ready, willing and able to do just that. All he asks is that we turn away from evil and turn to him. The call through Isaiah was addressed to the children of Israel. Since Jesus came into the world to save sinners, God commands us now to believe in his Son to gain abundant life. There is still a time factor involved. “While he may be found” actually means while we are still alive. Perhaps it is because of terrorism and similar events and the speed at which news travel nowadays but it seems to me that there is an outbreak of what I call ‘sudden death syndrome’. So now is your moment, not sometime future because there is no way of knowing how long your future is.

To have your sins forgiven and be at peace with God means that you are ready to spend eternity in his presence no matter what happens. If you continue to live, the promised return of Christ will then fill you with great hope and anticipation instead of trepidation. “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36).

Isaiah 59:19 From the west, men will fear the name of the Lord, and from the rising of the sun, they will revere his glory. For he will come like a pent-up flood that the breath of the Lord drives along.

You may wish to read the verse above in the New King James Version of the Bible as well. I am addressing this blog to those who have been called and sent out as preachers and missionaries. Some of you are in places you never expected to be, doing things you had no idea you would be capable of accomplishing. You have responded to Jesus’ commission to be his “witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (See Acts 1:8). No doubt, you have been operating in the power of the Holy Spirit because Jesus made it clear that a mission such as yours should not be undertaken until you received the Holy Spirit. So there you are “at the ends of the earth” and I am sure there have been times when you have felt completely spent. The challenges are great and, indeed, the enemy has stood up to oppose everything you set out to do. What to do? Pray: “Lord I need you to send your Spirit to lift up a standard against the enemy in a hurry. I need you as never before.”

But do you know also that there are some battles you can’t fight by yourself? Do you know that the Lord has an army and that he can dispatch angels to dismantle the enemy’s plans or dictate a new strategy? Read about Joshua’s experience in Joshua 5. As the leader of God’s people he had just crossed over Jordan with them. He knew what victory felt like, they had celebrated. But ahead of him was a new challenge – he needed to enter Jericho, a walled city. For him to conquer it, that wall had to come down. As he came near to Jericho he met a man with his sword drawn for battle. Joshua asked him “Are you for us or for our enemies?” “Neither”, he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.”

You have answers and encouragement for everyone else, but if in this moment you need encouragement, be mindful that there are unseen forces at work against God’s purposes, so sometimes it is not about you. Step back and let God deploy his own army. The Spirit of the Lord is reminding you:

“Know that there are battles that the Lord himself will fight for you.”