When we looked at our tests of friendship we found examples of pure selflessness, dedication and sacrifice. Our Savior exemplifies these attributes. The scripture is God’s revelation; it reveals God to us in His full glory. When we see these tests in scripture where people exhibit true, loving friendship toward one another, we know that the perfection of these examples lives in our God. He is the perfect friend.

Scripture’s test of friendship is to make Jesus manifest when you are a friend. Scripture’s test of friendship is to seek Jesus for the strength to be as good a friend as those the Holy Spirit chose to immortalize in scripture. A test of friendship is to understand you may not be, but you need to be a friend like Jesus. Tests of friendship include a faith in Christ that invites Him to live for others through you. The test is knowing that without Him you will not succeed in true, biblical, Christlike friendship.

This week we talk about mothers. It’s Mother’s Day today. Many a young lady would claim her best friend is her mom. Young men are regularly admonished (or should be) to remember the sacrifices of their mothers. Some young men still hide around their mom. Moms have tremendous and special talents. Today we honor our mothers.

Go back to the beginning of scripture, to Genesis 2:18 please. These are our creation passages. We begin with by exploring the creation of the creatures of the Earth. We also recognize something; man is alone. God made animals of all kinds and had man name them. However, there was no creature like man. God addresses the problem. This is not just companionship, but a deep and abiding relationship.

They begin like any other child, helpless, cooing and toothless. As they grow, their behaviors are strangely peculiar to boys. Where boys envision great deeds of heroism, these creatures find the beauty of life more interesting. Where you might find boys hiding behind trees to ambush the unsuspecting prey that might happen by, you’ll find girls gaily dancing in the sunlight, spinning with arms outstretched, and even singing songs aloud to no one in particular. Where the young boy might grab a stick or a rock and find a readymade weapon, girls pick wild flowers and dandelions for loving gifts. Where a boy will quickly discard his only means of mechanized self defense, the little girl will shape, arrange and organize the bouquet of budding foliage into a masterpiece, then present them to her mother.

Variety, delicacy, originality, sensitivity and acute color awareness mark the existence of this special creation of God. Armed with these natural tools, the base resourcefulness of this special creation will put most of her highly skilled opposites to shame. This is because the young budding years cultivate a natural sense of refined imagination. Given their druthers, they would forbear the worst of behavior, forgive the worst action and forfeit every meal to feed a child.

We are talking about girls who develop into young ladies, who develop into women, who become mothers. As the spider is naturally a master architect in web design, a woman has the same natural skills to nurture and develop lives and relationships. What a glorious thing God created in the mother.

Mothers are the glaring example of polar opposites coexisting in a single person.

• They can speak kind, gentle, loving words to a child one moment, and in the next bellow out the announcement, “Come and get it!” in a voice that snaps the head of a Drill Instructor.
• They can treat their daughters with the utmost delicacy, treading softly on the emotions of a burgeoning teen like a professional counselor and in the next be the general, firmly in control of a multifaceted, bustling home life on the edge of chaos.
•  A mother can provide the finest and most exquisite finishing touches to a famous confectionary creation, while simultaneously instructing young men on the finer points of hammering a nail, and keeping their thumbs out of the way.
• Moms can simultaneously navigate the fragile emotions of a teenaged hormonal episode and rival the skills of Mario Andretti in high velocity Washington D.C. traffic.
• Mom can seem helpless as a lamb before the lion when father is home, and command with the authority of General McArthur in Dad’s absence.
• Moms can effectively span three generations in a day; she is labeled old-fashioned by the teen, cool by the elementary attendee and is able to play dolls with the toddler.
• Home school moms tackle the laundry monster, feed growling tummies and keep a home ready to welcome surprise guests, while providing education that inspires mathematical genius, literary mastery or musical virtuosity.
  

Moms are amazing, and today we honor them for the great and glorious love they give us all. God’s intended purpose in this creation was that man and woman would populate the Earth. The original reason though was much deeper than just procreation. God created woman because He knew man needed someone.

I. Recognition (Genesis 2:18-20)

Man needs companionship. God recognized the need for man to have someone like himself, only different. Many have speculated that the differences between verses 18 and 20 are that God originally tried to satisfy man’s needs for a companion, a helper, a counterpart (a helpmeet) through animals. This implies God did not originally know until His creation was ‘up and running’ so to speak. It also means God would have had some other expectation for procreation of the human race. This could not be farther from the truth. The Hebrew word used in this passage describes much more than a companion or helper.

“Ezer” carries the idea of helper, protector or aid. It also carries the connotation of surrounding or defending. This word is where we get our ideas of girding or supporting. Man’s helpmeet was designed to surround, protect, help and support. A definition with the word “protect” in it might indicate someone who is stronger, someone who provides some physical protection. We can be guilty of thinking too one-dimensionally if we limit our thoughts this way. Protection or support is meant to be intellectual as well as spiritual. This was a helpmeet for man in all ways. God knew from the beginning He was not designing man to possess every attribute of humanity. God planned to make two beings capable of complimenting one another. Just as He had done with most of the animals, He was planning to do with man. In fact, He intentionally designed man to need his complementary helpmeet unlike most animals. This ensured man would seek her counsel, learn her wisdom and try to understand her differences to improve himself. Man would invest himself in his helpmeet at first with a rib, then with his mind to appreciate God’s unique gift, woman.

Man would need protection. I know that you men are not too interested in being protected or recognizing your need to be protected by your wife, but there it is. You were put together with her because you need someone to watch out for you. God does not say man needs another mother, but it does say he needs woman’s protection and support. Mothers, your insight, wisdom and the special experiences in life are vital to his success in the Lord. God made you, ladies, to complement your husband’s life in every way and this includes protection.

Women of God are not weak by any measure. They are as strong as the men God gives them to wed, if not stronger in many cases. There is a horrible trend in our world today that actually proves their strength. Women are being forced to lead the home spiritually. We will talk about fathers on Father’s Day. Today, we discuss mothers.

The fact is that our helpmeets are the perfect complement as designed by God. However, that is all God intended in a biblical home. They are to be a helpmeet, not the leader. They are the closest and most trustworthy advisor to the head of the family, the father. This wonderful and multi-talented person God created for man is in a directly supportive, not authoritative role. They are the perfect protector, the perfect aid, the perfect defender of the man they marry. They are not the perfect family leaders. Man needs the help of his wife.[i]

Man needed a helpmeet to be with him. He needed someone strong, dedicated, supportive, and helpful. Man needs woman. That is part of God’s perfect plan. Men and women marry because together they serve and please God better than if they are apart.

 II. Solution (Genesis 2:21-22)

 God is the infinite, perfect creator of the world. God’s design for most creatures involved male and female of each species. Man is the preeminent creation of God. We have done many sinful things to make that fact very questionable, but it is a fact nonetheless.

God wanted to do something extra special for man. In 2:19 we read where God formed every beast, bird and animal from the ground. He did not make them from a part of one another. He made them individually and each from the already existing raw materials. In 2:21, God did something unique with man and woman that He did not do for the rest of His creation. God used part of man, literally bone of his bone, flesh of his flesh, to make woman (23). From the beginning of time, man and woman have been tied together in body as well as mind and spirit. Animals will feed, fight and live individually. For the most part opposite sexes meet only to procreate. Though they may travel in groups, their dependence is on the group, not on the individual mate. Even their procreation may involve one male and many females. God designed man differently from the beginning.

As for monogamy, God did not create many women from Adam’s one rib. God created only one woman, Eve. A single man is joined to a single woman and they are knit together flesh and bone, spirit and mind. Man and woman were given the ability to think, contemplate and communicate intimately. The rest of the animal kingdom can do no such thing.

Jesus tells us we can only serve one master, God or mammon. The truth of Matthew 6:24 lies in the broad context of the verse. Many quote it only to condemn gluttonous wealth, or the love for it over God. The truth is, the verse in context, means anything can take God’s place if we are not careful. Man can only serve one thing. This includes the fact that man can only serve one woman.

Ladies, you were made from a man, for a man. Those who have husbands, you were made for him, to love him, serve him, support him, encourage him and help him. The passage regarding the Proverbs 31 woman lists a great number of ways in which the woman is her husband’s helpmeet.

The husband can trust her and the Proverbs 31 woman will prosper him. Her life will show goodness to him. She works diligently in the home to provide and support. The Proverbs 31 woman seeks and prepares food regardless of the effort required. She serves her husband and also the servants, early in the morning. She does business to strengthen her home. Her work ethic is energetic, strong and vigorous. This woman works hard to create good merchandise for the home and to profit the home. The Proverbs woman makes clothing for all seasons and textiles for her home. She is giving and loving to those in need. This wife reverences her husband in public and conducts herself with respect among other leaders. Dignity, strength, honor and confidence define her countenance. She is wise and speaks from a position of biblical wisdom. She tolerates no unproductive activities in her home. Her children are respectful and respected. They know the blessing she is to them and her husband praises her for her efforts in motherhood. Above all, This woman fears the Lord and is praised for it. All those who know her and her family praise her publicly for the fruits of her work.

The blessings mothers can garner, the respect that they can command, the blessings that the Lord can bestow upon them are all infinite. Mothers have opportunities to earn God’s praise like no other person on the planet. As if rearing children, maintaining the home and being profitable in business were not challenge enough, they have direct responsibility to God for all this activity. They also have to support and submit to a husband that can present seemingly insurmountable challenges to them.

Mothers are truly amazing. Their lives are never dull. Scrapes, cuts and bruises enliven the day. “Tragic” events such as disappointed children; sibling rivalry amounting to guerilla warfare and forgetting the last of the pasta was already eaten, sparkle through the day regularly. Through all this there is a warm bed, clean sheets, clean clothes and a home any man would be proud to invite friends to.

Ladies, may I offer my deepest respect to you. You have made the greatest impact on mankind, far above that of any scientific or technological breakthrough in all of history. Mothers single-handedly form the future of our church, our city, our state, our nation and the world as a whole. Your role as supporting protector and dedicated helper to your husband has been one where the children have observed that relationship and patterned themselves after you. Where you teach them to lead, they lead. Where you teach them to follow, they follow. Where you teach them to love, they love. Where you teach them to forbear, they forbear. Their capacity for forgiveness is directly attributable to your loving kindness toward them. When they see you support your husband in the worst of times, submitting to his imperfect leadership, they learn submission even in the most challenging situations. This is a singularly vital lesson in the life of a Christian. They must seek the Lord for the strength to humble themselves in this world. You teach that when you do that.

The person in whom you trust for your life’s sustenance is the individual they will seek when they need support and provision. My prayer as your pastor is that this is Jesus. Your children should see you turn to Jesus for strength in all things throughout life. Seek Jesus to obey, to protect, to support and to defend your home and husband.

Happy Mothers Day, ladies!

Last week we considered God’s tests of obedience. We looked carefully at our Savior and His vicarious sacrifice and the emotional stress He suffered for us. What a great and glorious God we serve, who would take our sins upon His own body on the tree (1 Pet 2:24). Jesus bore our grief and sorrow of isolation and sin so that we would not have to (Is 53:4). Last week we discovered a little more about the pain and suffering He took upon Himself. We learned that His suffering gave us a heavenly companionship. We found we never have to feel alone; we can know we have Him with us at all times. We know He loves us. His Spirit is with us. The Father is with us. The more I learn about our God, the more in awe of His love and grace I become.

Under these circumstances, we considered obedience to be a desire of the Christian rather than a chore. We should do our utmost to bend our will to serve God. We should know that obedience does not mean that to do so will always make sense. Does it make sense to place yourself and your life in jeopardy for the likes of the worst wretch in the world? Jesus did. Does it make sense to suffer the full judgment of the Father for the likes of a child molester? Jesus did. Does it make sense that God would subject Himself to the ridicule, persecution, degradation and complete indignity of mankind’s worst? Jesus did. Does it make sense that the God of the universe would subject Himself to the authority of men of antipathy and utter disregard for life? Jesus did. God subjected His Son to this world and its worst, then took God’s holy wrath upon Himself so we would never have to. We truly serve the most glorious of Beings.

We begin in Job 2 today. When we consider Job, we often see the suffering one endures while remaining faithful to God. We look at Job and understand he had the perfect perspective concerning possessions. All that he worked for on this Earth was taken from him in a matter of minutes. Job lost not just his material possessions, but his children and servants. His wife was so grief stricken she struck out at him and told him to “curse God and die.” She believed he had to have done some great evil to bring this upon them.

Job relinquished all he had and all he was to God’s control. As believers, we should see that all we have and all we are belongs to the Lord. Every thing we own is His and we are simply to glorify Him through these possessions. This church and all these lands are the Lord’s. He will dispose of them as He desires and He orders things for His good pleasure. Our duty is to honor Him with our superintendence of them. Job took care of his people, his lands and all his possessions to honor the Lord. As Job did, we too should care for all of God’s things as though they were our own.

Friendship can be defined in many different ways. However, true friendship always boils down to selfless sacrifice and compassion. To maintain a friendship, people must be willing to compromise with one another. Many believe this is done through silence as if speaking about challenging things might be judgmental. Others believe that one must voice everything and air all things out in order to ‘clear the air’ and provide for a completely open and communicative relationship. Both of these can be true but what is most often more successful is a combination of the two. Silence may be the best tact at times. Communication may be the best option at other times. Friends seek to reach a mutual understanding in both situations.

There is an aspect of Job’s plight that is all too often neglected. Many scoff at Job’s friends because all they seem to want Job to do is admit to some great sin he has, according to their theology, committed. They repeatedly argue that he has to admit to sin, be forgiven and he can receive his life and health back. Today we would call this the “health and wealth” gospel. If you’re good enough and have enough faith, you’ll be a millionaire and live forever. The entire book of Job debunks this abhorrent distortion of the scriptures. Job repeatedly tells them there is a much greater purpose for his suffering; he just does not know what it is. We too should face the fact that our suffering may have far greater motive than our small sphere of belief. Job gives a great testimony of the characteristics of God, but he maintains his innocence before God. God Himself called Job blameless so we know Job is telling the truth. Therefore, Job is right. He gets off track eventually when he expects God to tell him why. He is humbled by God’s response. God never tells him why, either.

Today we talk about friends.  Who are these men described as “friends of Job?” Many have wondered. Were they as much a friend as the scripture says? Although the scripture calls them friends in 2:11, does the rest of Job’s book detailing their arguments against Job and the stern admonishment they receive from God in the later chapters bear them out as something less? Does the weight of their words and the apparent dissatisfaction God displays in His monologue (Chapter 42) disqualify them as friends of Job?

We may be able to apply the lessons in Job to our friendships if we understand his friends and their association better. We also find in these scriptures a very surprising testimony. Let’s crack open the book of Job just a little and consider these friends and how their relationship in these few verses can be a tremendous lesson for us in our lives. Let’s “consider” the servant Job as God requests in chapters one and two. Let’s also consider Job’s friends and their reactions. Christ is here in many ways. It will surprise you to find out where He is.

I. Friendship is Selfless (Job 2:11-13)

What do we know about Job’s friendship with Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar before they arrive to comfort him? Nothing. There is no indication of their relationship, the basis of their friendship or their association. We do not know, for instance, whether each has a relationship with Job based solely on worship. Their relationship could be strictly for business. They could have grown up together, and now as adults they have remained good friends. We simply do not know. Some commentators believe the phrases used to describe these men indicate they may be kings. Though they are from other countries, there is no real indication that they are rulers of any sort. Job was the wealthiest man in the East; therefore, they would be aware of one another through this association. However, there is no reason to believe they are kings.

Where are their homes compared to Job?  Eliphaz is a Temanite. Teman is a place near Edom (Jer. 49:7, 20). Eliphaz also named one of his sons Teman (Gen 36:11; 1 Chron 1:36). Teman is also linked with the province of Tema in Arabia. Interestingly, Teman is the only place of these three friends that can definitely be identified. All of the scriptural references to activity in Teman involve judgment for gross sin. This may or may not reflect upon Eliphaz. If Eliphaz were a priest, there are challenges with his leadership or teaching, as the city seems to be repeatedly judged. There is indication that Teman was a place of great counsel or wisdom though in Jeremiah 49:7. God asks, “is wisdom no more in Teman? Is counsel perished from the prudent? Is their wisdom vanished?” There is certainly a call to exhortation here, that Edomites should be looking to Teman for such things. However, in Amos 1:12 we find that “I will send a fire upon Teman, which shall devour the places of Bozrah.” It is clear that Teman was a place of wisdom and strength but they fell away to displease God. Nothing tells us the time Eliphaz lived in Teman, however since Job was a very early book and Amos a much later book we can safely presume Teman was still a place of wisdom. We can say Eliphaz lived in the province of Edom, and Job living in Uz beyond the Euphrates,[i] meant they could have been as much as 500 miles apart.

What of Bildad the Shuite and Zophar the Naamathite? The truth is that neither of them can be identified with any certainty. No people or location is clear from their names or the towns the scripture records. Of the two, we may come closest to understanding Bildad. He may have come from a region of the Middle Euphrates where some cuneiform texts were found connected to Genesis 25:2 and a son of Abraham. Zophar from Naamah is completely unknown in the scriptures other than in Job.

We can only presume that these puzzles are intentional by the Lord. If this is the case, the entire purpose of the passage is to communicate something outside those facts. They are Job’s friends. Knowing the distances they are willing to travel may add veracity to their relationship. Apparently, it is enough to know they did come from other locations. Their friendship is a simple fact with which we must come to terms. I believe we find in these passages just the kind of attributes God desires in His definition of friends. They may be in the wrong arguing against Job, but they certainly are right in their loving comfort and support for him for these seven days. Consider their actions alone.

First, Job’s friends heard and immediately responded. They were attuned to the activity in their area and they obviously lived close enough to discover all the devastation, destruction and death surrounding Job. We can only speculate, but apparently these men were unconcerned with suffering the same fate. Job’s friends either disregarded or had no reason to fear the danger posed by the Sabeans and Chaldeans in the region. They also did not care about the obvious condemnation in being association with the uncleanness Job suffered, having been driven out to the trash heap as a leper. These three companions left their homes, families and businesses traveled by foot for an unknown distance just to be with Job.

This goes further. They knew one another and coordinated their visit. They “made an appointment together” in order to meet with him. These close friends of Job were close friends among themselves, and they came together to mourn together, and comfort him together. They actually coordinated their efforts to provide the best possible support they could muster for Job.

We find an alarming statement in verse 12. When they were coming upon Job, he was so disfigured with disease and depression that they did not even recognize him! His appearance actually elicited a verbal response from all three of these men. They prayed and cried for him. They tore their clothes and threw dirt into the air in a ceremonial mourning as if Job had died. Indeed, his ostracized existence on the trash heap had in effect ended his life with others. Many see the testimony of his unrecognized state in Isaiah 52:14 and 53:3 where our Lord’s “visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men.” This was an extremely traumatic moment for these friends. It was equally traumatic for Mary and others to see Jesus on the cross. Tearing of their clothes may have been ceremonial, but the impact this appearance had on them is certainly not the sum of the act. This action was one of pure mourning for their friend. To them this was an act of great compassion as well.

Finally, we consider verse 13. Without concern for their own welfare or how they might be perceived, they join Job. Not only do they join him, they join him just to be there with him. At first, their only concern is to comfort him. In this sense, these men commit themselves to be with Job, identified with him and given over to him. In the technical sense, if a Jew were outcast in this way, anyone who identified with him would be considered equally unclean. Only Jesus could match this compassion and ministry with the leprous. These three mourned with Job there for seven days and seven nights. This is the legal period of mourning the dead. However, they did not view him as dead, else they would not be there. There was a greater reason. They sat down because “they saw that his grief was very great.” They sat and would be willing to sit with Job as long as he grieved. Anderson wrote:

“Attention is focused, not on the abstract mystery of evil, not on the moral question of undeserved suffering, but on one man’s physical existence in bodily pain. There was nothing to be said. These wise men are horrified and speechless. They were true friends, bringing to Job’s lonely ash-heap the compassion of a silent presence.”[ii]

These verses point to Jesus and His suffering for us; they are striking. Like Job, everything was taken from Jesus in a single night, including those closest to Him. Only Jesus’ mother remained. Just as Job’s own wife turned against him in her grief, when His followers saw Jesus on the cross, all were disillusioned with seeing Him torn and beaten to be unrecognizable. Jesus was falsely accused of many wrongs just as Job was with his friends.

Job’s friends displayed Christlikeness in their mourning as well. What a friend we have in Jesus. Jesus is selfless and compassionate. He traveled a great distance from Heaven to Earth to be with us. Jesus sits there with us in our grief when we are stricken, and comforts us with His understanding, empathy and words. He sent the Comforter to help us. He has made an appointment for each one of us to meet with Him. Jesus brought the best friends we could have with Him: the Holy Spirit and the Father. Jesus looks at us from afar off, knows our grief, and He knows our suffering.

Therefore, in many ways, we find both the friends’ response and Job’s station to be like that of Jesus. Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar had no concern for themselves.  They simply gathered, mourned with and comforted Job. Jesus made His friends with publicans and sinners (Luke 7:34). What greater comfort can there be than “God with us” in times of tremendous grief.? Friends like these – friends like Jesus – are immeasurable. Our test of friendship is to be as compassionate as Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar. Be as understanding, mournful and comforting as our best friend Jesus. Love as He loves, give as He gave (Deut 16:17; Jn 15:12).

Finding our Savior in those who grieve, as well as those who care for the grieving, should be a tremendous comfort to us all. Jesus suffered and ministers through that suffering. Jesus comforts us from an empathetic position. We saw just how much Jesus suffered for us, in our message last week. We know Job went through a lot, but Jesus suffered all the more. We also see Jesus ministering to people ostracized by everyone else. Jesus did not care about other’s attitudes or concerns. Jesus cared for the soul of man. What a friend we have in Jesus.

Just as Jesus gave up everything for His friends, so too we find Jonathan willing to sacrifice greatly for those he loved. David had a great friend in Jonathan.

II. Friendship Transcends All Else (1 Sam 20:1-42)

When we read about David and Jonathan, we often skip over Jonathan and his testimony and simply talk about David’s preservation through Jonathan’s friendship. It is as if that is all there is to say. We might only gather that the line to Christ through David is intact. Though that is important, what is the principle the Lord teaches us in conveying this history? Why was this entire event preserved in scripture? There are 162 words spoken in our King James translation, from verses 11 through 42.  Most are spoken by Jonathan. This passage is about Jonathan’s relationship with David, which is set against his father the King.

There is certainly a parallel with Jonathan and David, and Jesus and us, respectively. Like Jonathan, Jesus participates in a relationship with us that separates Him from His Father, the King. Like David, we are set against God the Father, King of the universe although in different respects.

David saw four attempts made on his life in one day. There should have been no doubt that Saul was trying to kill him. Still, he needed to make sure. It is clear here that he also needed Jonathan to see the truth. David wondered what we all wonder in times when we are targeted by others undeservedly. He needed to know if he had personally done something wrong. He needed to make reparations and repent if he was at fault. David wondered if he committed some transgression that separated Saul and him. David received the answer that many have received, and it does not always seem to help. David did nothing personally to the King; David committed no sin. Though our natural man loves to point at others and say it is their fault, that they sinned. We should act like David and not want to say, “Well then, that must be sin on their part.” It seems arrogant to approach things that way especially when we know we are capable of the same gross sin. David had to know more.

If anyone would know what was going on in the King’s mind and his challenges, it was certainly Jonathan, the King’s son. Verse two tells us the King “will do nothing either great or small, but that he will shew it me.” Still, David saw what Jonathan could not see.  Saul’s wrath was kindled against him out of pure jealousy. Jonathan had to be convinced too, and David was not about to slander the King.

In verse four, we find a stunning admission. Saul’s son vows loyalty to David. Jonathan would not tell Saul David’s location. Instead would work to verify his father’s desire to shed David’s blood. David’s plan included many things, not the least of which was that Jonathan would have to lie to his father. David did not want to set one against the other for his sake.

To eliminate all these challenges, David offers himself to Jonathan’s sword. David asks Jonathan to look carefully at him, and if he is at all guilty, to take his life himself and bring him to his father. David would give his life to maintain his friend’s relationship with his father. David certainly did not want to come between father and son on his account. Jonathan’s response to this was, “Never!” (v9) David’s selflessness clearly displays Jesus’ relationship with the Father on our behalf, as He offered Himself to restore any broken relationship.

At this point, Jonathan becomes the focus of the story. He has to deceive his father. He has to protect David. He has to see his father’s true hatred. He places his relationship and life in jeopardy and direct opposition to the King. In return, David would show the perfect kindness of the Lord to Jonathan (v14).

Reading 1 Samuel chapter 20, we find the testimony of a wonderfully loving friend. Jonathan knows David has been harshly and unjustly dealt with. Ultimately, both men know the true reason they are to take the actions they are planning. In verses 22 and 23, Jonathan tells us it is the Lord’s will. David had to concede to that and hid himself as they planned.

Jonathan placed his relationship with his father and his life in the kingdom in jeopardy. David’s life was already potentially forfeit. Jonathan had to choose to forfeit his own for David’s sake. Even if neither David nor Jonathan initially knew for sure what Saul was planning, once they found out, David was the only one in peril until Jonathan willfully cooperated.

Jonathan’s devout friendship, placed above that of father/son or servant/king relationship shows us that when we are in the Lord’s will, friends serving Christ are friends we should covet above all else. We can and should make covenants with these friends. We can and should submit to these friends. We can and should even conspire to do God’s will with these friends. We should not assume we can ever lie as Jonathan did, but we should be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” Like Jonathan, friends within the will of God display Christlike attributes. God uses them and we can see His glorious work through them.

In both instances, friendship with those who love God is a friendship we should cultivate. We should comfort our friends in Christ and care nothing for appearances. Our efforts to mourn with and love others should be a mirror of a loving relationship with our Savior.

One of my favorite verses for friends and brethren in the Lord is Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Friends give selflessly and simply devote themselves to the comfort and compassion of Christ. True friends are reliable and seek to help their friends. They are moral and act with a consistent manner regardless of circumstance. In this verse, “brother” is synonymous with “friend.” Therefore, this kindred spirit is born for adversity. They are there and will remain with their dear friend through the most difficult of times.

What a friend we have in Jesus.

“In many ways, before Christ there were no tools available to fight off sin. Since the New Covenant in Christ we have many at our disposal.”

In the past two weeks we have discussed commitment and loyalty. Many might equate these two terms, but they are very different. Where both commitment and loyalty may call upon someone to sacrifice, functionally they are different activities. Commitment calls for a dedication to task or to a duty. It is a matter of a pledge. The pledge calls for us to set aside personal issues and drive in unity to complete an objective. In our armed forces, each man and woman swears to an oath that commits them to service for our country. Commitment is the attitude that one has to complete an obligation, engagement, action or responsibility.

Loyalty, our subject from last week, is not focused upon completing an activity, though that can be involved. No, loyalty is normally given to an object, not a concept. The definition actually reads, “firm and constant in one’s support for a person, one’s country, etc.”[i] In another definition, we find more generality but the same meaning, “the quality of being loyal to someone or something.”[ii] An individual committing to a concept or objective is far and away different from the loyalty demanded by a specific object, especially when that object is a person. Once again, we find the perfect example of this in our military. Every Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine may commit to serve in their respective service, but each one of them has a problem with one of their superiors, whether in their immediate command, the mid-level echelon, with their Commanding Officer, or even the President.

We found the first necessity in loyalty is a willing decision. We must contemplate and be decided in our mind. With a decision, comes the need to act. Action may be verbal, physical, or both. Loyalty, and the decision to be loyal, also means one must submit to needs, requests and desires. This takes loyalty to a greater level than commitment. Great demands are made upon individuals in their efforts and desires to remain loyal. People are often pressed and stretched past their personal comfort zones as demands are levied from the object of their loyalty. This leads to sacrifice on the part of the individual, in their efforts to fulfill their decision for loyalty. Loyalty does not waiver. It is not a “yes man” situation; in fact, loyalty requires one to encourage or even lovingly chasten another to promote the relationship. Loyalty demands honesty and steadfast dedication. Finally (and probably because of the overwhelming pressure loyalty can place upon someone), loyalty is rewarded. The Lord rewards loyalty in many different ways. The Christian strives for these rewards, the greatest of which is to hear a few simple words, “well done, thou good and faithful servant.” (Matt 25:21, 23)

Today we come to an issue that results from either commitment or loyalty or both. One can obey without being loyal to an individual. One can obey without being committed to the whole concept. One can even obey without having either commitment or loyalty. However, obedience is required at a level to accomplish any task, mission, or project. The depth of obedience will indicate the level of commitment or loyalty.

We could simply open to Philippians 2:8 for this message. However, a much deeper understanding of this scripture is found in other places. We find the record of God tested in His obedience for our souls in three places: Matthew 26:38-39; Mark 14:37-38, 40-41; Luke 22:42-43. Philippians 2:8 tells us this is obedience. In these verses we find God’s commitment and His loyalty. As the Son, we see His obedience to the Father regardless the personal cost. We see the depth of strength and devotion perfect love requires. Love requires sacrifice. Because a wage has been earned, and God pays our wages (Rom 6:23a), His sacrifice is to take and spend them upon Himself. Perfect love provided a gift for all mankind – eternal life (Rom 6:23b). Today we look at tests of perfect, faithful, obedient love at all cost. These passages prove the love of God for man.

We have used Abraham’s sacrifice many times recently as an example for God’s testing. Consider Abraham under a new light with respect to testing. I read this the other day as part of my devotions:

“…Abraham interpreted God’s command to mean that he had to kill His son, and he could only leave this traditional belief behind through the pain of a tremendous ordeal. God could purify his faith in no other way. If we obey what God says according to our sincere belief, God will break us from those traditional beliefs that misrepresent Him. There are many such beliefs which must be removed…If the devil can hinder us from taking the supreme climb and getting rid of our wrong traditional beliefs about God, he will do so. But if we will stay true to God, God will take us through an ordeal that will serve to bring us into a better knowledge of Himself.

The great lesson to be learned from Abraham’s faith in God is that he was prepared to do anything for God. He was there to obey God no matter what contrary belief of his might be violated by his obedience. Abraham was not devoted to his own convictions or else he would have slain Isaac and said that the voice of the angel was actually the voice of the devil. That is the attitude of a fanatic. If you will remain true to God, God will lead you through every barrier and right to the inner chamber of the knowledge of himself. But you must always be willing to come to the point of giving up your own convictions and traditional beliefs.”[iii]

We have some tremendous examples in scripture of obedience and submission.  None compares to our Savior:   pure, unblemished God in Heaven, among perfection, absent from any temptation, foreign to any pain, disease or suffering, and wholly content. What an amazing existence we look forward to! He determined to walk among us (Matt 1:23). He left the perfection of Heaven and came to an existence of complete chaos and suffering. He left without experience of physical pain. His first exposure to this world was through physical childbirth in a cold, dark, smelly stable.

His sojourning was not without purpose. His death, burial and resurrection saved us from our sins. However, today we look at how Jesus emulated His own expectations for our obedience. We consider Him, in His humanity, struggling to submit to the Father. Though the spirit struggles horribly, it seems even more willing at times (compared to the body and emotions).  The human part of Jesus struggles with what lies ahead. Jesus will be crucified. He will suffer the most horrid torture and death known to mankind. When we consider these truths, one aspect of it should be clear to us. Jesus did not only know what He was going to suffer. The false accusations, humiliation, scourging and crucifixion are only a part of the challenge for the Savior. He knew what everything was going to feel like when it happened. He is God. He knew who was guilty for every injustice. He is God. Above all, Jesus knew the exact moment His Father would have to abandon Him as the sins of the world arose from the depths of Hell to engulf His being. As He accepted complete responsibility and possession of man’s sins, he accepted complete responsibility for man’s rightful judgment. When we see the scene in Gethsemane, do not just consider the physical aspect of His request. It is more deeply felt in His spirit. Jesus, for the first time in all eternity, was truly going to face complete separation from God the Father. He never had in ages past, nor will He in eternity future have to face this moment.

We wonder why relationships are so important to people. God made us in His image and relationships were very important to Him. Jesus would be isolated between two whole worlds. All on Earth abandoned Him. All in Heaven judged and forsook Him. If you can imagine feeling no love or sensing no hope; if you can imagine looking into the darkest abyss of cold judgment and punishment possible, then you begin to glimpse Jesus’ suffering on the cross. On the cross, Jesus was physically tortured and spiritually tormented, as no man can ever understand. Through all these trials, even in the worst of times, Jesus remained obedient.

I. The Greatest Tests of Obedience Come at the Worst Times (Matt 26:38-39)

How do we know that Jesus knew what He faced in the next several hours? This question has encouraged theologians to see Christ’s full humanity over those who would deny it. Some of the greatest arguments for Jesus being the God-man (100% God and 100% man) are found in this passage and the others we will consider today. Jesus was exceeding sorrowful. He knew what lay before Him and knew it in every detail. Some dismiss the physical because of the emotional distress and spiritual death (“thanatos” is the word used for death in this verse, see study by clicking here) He would experience. He was cloaked with the sins of the whole world, from the beginning of time forward to the end of it. A sinless God who cannot be associated with sin would literally become sin for us (2 Cor 5:21). Jesus the God-man knew He would be torn from the presence of the Father. He also knew all those who claimed to love Him would eventually leave Him.

Jesus asked these few, most-dedicated disciples to “tarry here.” He knew He needed time alone with the Father, but He needed His loved ones on Earth to support Him too. Jesus asked that they remain nearby. He asked that they stay and support Him in prayer. He asked that they watch, be vigilant and not fall into sin. He asked those who claimed to love Him to be there for Him spiritually where they could not be there physically. Jesus just wanted to know He had someone because He knew He was losing everyone.

We see the first signs of complete distress as He fell on His face. This is our Savior crumpling to the ground under the weight of the task ahead of Him. The next few hours will be almost unbearable. I have heard more than one Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine tell me that waiting for the command to attack or the first moment of engagement was far worse than being in the thick of a fight. A man’s nerves can wreak havoc on him, and cause physical damage as the stress stretches out one’s emotions like a rubber band.

Our Lord begs for the one, longest lasting, most meaningful relationship He has ever known. Jesus calls to His Father. Many hearken back to childhood for parental protection, running back to hide in mother’s skirt or father’s strong arms. What greater comfort can anyone imagine than seeking the Father of Lights. Our Lord begs the God of Heaven, imploring that He might not have to suffer the future He knows is inevitable. Jesus knew what was going to happen. With the stress upon Him and understanding the ability for our psyche to influence physical pain, we see our Savior’s soul in great pain “even unto death.” We also find Him praying as if great drops of blood let from His brow (Lk 22:44). He experienced emotional and spiritual pain so great it felt as if it would kill Him. Life giving water poured out of His body in great drops and so drained His strength it was as if He were bleeding to death.

Ultimately the most resigned and willful individuals will return to the task, but still seek relief from the responsibility.  “If it be possible, let this cup pass from me” – our Lord makes His request to the Father three times. Please let this cup pass.

How often do we think about the other side of this equation? He also resigns Himself to the task three times. This is an encouragement to all of us. Even the God-man did not want to go through something horridly painful if He could at all help it. He not only asked to get out of the mess once, but repeatedly. Obedience does not mean you wholeheartedly desire torment or pain on behalf of the Lord. It is not at all sinful to ask to be relieved of the responsibility or the occasion. It is not even sinful to go back a few times and ask repeatedly. What is sinful is to refuse the responsibility when it is set before you. Sin would be when you do not take the actions you know are necessary, regardless of the personal pain they may cause. Our test of obedience is not that we want to suffer pain, or that we do not ask to forgo the suffering for God’s kingdom. Our test lies in the final action and submission. Will we go through with it regardless the personal cost to ourselves, even when we see plainly before us that it is going to be very painful and personally destructive? Like our Savior, our desire is to further the Father’s kingdom.

Those who are the most obedient recognize first their aversion to obedience – their own will. Ultimately, pure obedience results in understanding and submitting our will to the will of the authority placed over us. In Jesus’ case, He chose to submit Himself under the authority of the Father. He submitted wholly in body, mind and spirit.

II. The Greatest Tests of Obedience Come in Isolation (Mark 14:37-38, 40-41)

We have considered the struggles within His spirit, through His emotions and the physical manifestations of His struggles. Now we find the greatest tests of obedience come when one is alone, isolated or companionless.

We might ask why the Lord seems so upset concerning His disciples at Gethsemane. Jesus was normally very understanding with them. It was late at night. Jesus asked them to watch, but He walked away from them. He actually prayed through the night after the Passover. Jesus prayed for an hour and came back to the disciples. He challenged them quite strongly asking them why they couldn’t stay awake, for even just an hour for Him? If they would not stay awake for Him, maybe they’d stay awake to protect themselves. Jesus asked them to pray for themselves to beware of temptation. Then He prayed another hour and came back and realized they would not even stay awake for themselves.

The fact is that the most serious tests of obedience come in personal isolation. This truth may develop great fear in many. However, God does not give the spirit of fear (2 Tim 1:7). You may be around others when you find that wallet on the ground. You would not think twice about turning it into the authorities. True obedience is displayed in private, though. The test comes when you are alone and there is no visible accountability. In this case, isolation is forced and the cause is hostile. This is a situation where not only is no one around, but they have chosen to ostracize, even denigrate and publicly humiliate Jesus.

You may have friends and family who desert you. We will never feel as alone as Jesus felt though, because the Father isolated Him. The only time we might sense this feeling is before we know Christ. If we know Christ, we are never truly alone. Jesus will always be with us; He will never leave us or forsake us (Heb 13:5). We also have the Holy Spirit in us. If we ever feel alone we should remember the Holy Spirit is in us and the Lord Jesus is with us. Tests of obedience for us should become a matter of understanding. We should understand God is testing our obedience but He is always with us. We will never suffer as Christ suffered. It may feel as though we are completely alone, but we are not. If Jesus can obey the Father in total isolation, we can obey God when we have the Holy Spirit and Jesus with us. We still have communion with the Father through the Son. Jesus lost all connection; He was truly alone.

Jesus died so we could have this peace. Jesus gave Himself so we would never be alone. Jesus was alone in Gethsemane so we would never be alone on Earth. That is the depth of His love. Jesus suffered total isolation so we would never have to. Jesus knows the pain of isolation. He was in Gethsemane and knew the complete isolation that was coming. He loves us too much to let any of us suffer that pain. If you find yourself facing a severe test of obedience, remember that Jesus promised to never leave you or forsake you (Heb 13:5). He is and will always be with you.

Though our Lord is all we need, He is not the only comfort. Jesus also employs His heavenly host to encourage us.

III.  The Greatest Tests of Obedience Come with Heavenly Help (Luke 22:42)

 Having considered the powerful emotional struggle our Lord suffered, they give us the evidence and surety to know His promises are true. He suffered vicariously so no one else would. He not only stays with us to encourage us, His Spirit encourages us. We are provided messengers to encourage us. Just as Jesus was encouraged in Gethsemane, Mary was encouraged by Gabriel, and Joseph was met by an angel. The Lord received comfort from the heavenly host. We have the Word of God, we have the Holy Spirit of God and we have the Son of God. We are grateful for these promises.

When faced with a seemingly insurmountable choice, to submit to God’s call or to fulfill our own will, we have many tools at our disposal. When we consider scripture and the Old Testament, we see men who failed in so many ways. We seldom consider they had none of the advantages we have today. There was very little of the canon of scripture written. The Lord had not yet sent the Holy Spirit. Jesus had not yet promised to be with us and He had not yet died on the cross at Calvary. Today we have far greater and more powerful tools at our disposal to encourage us and actually empower us.

In many ways, before Christ there were no tools available to fight off sin. Since the New Covenant in Christ we have many at our disposal. All we have to do is open the toolbox. Our biggest problem is we hardly ever take the toolbox off the shelf, let alone open it. It is there, it is loaded with wonderful things and everything inside the toolbox is calling out to you, vowing to help you in trying times.

We can take this one step further. With the promises in scripture, when we have fellowship with the Son of God, we have fellowship with one another. John wrote that in his first epistle, chapter one, verse three. Because of our mutual salvation in Christ, we are joined as a family in the body of Christ with all those who have gone before us. We are never alone.

Tests of obedience normally come at the worst possible time. You lose a loved one, you have lost your health, you are in a serious struggle with a church member or your church as a whole. Regardless, God tests our obedience and resolve in these times and we are strengthened through these trials. If tests were easy, there would be no reason for them.

The most severe tests occur in isolation, or seeming isolation. When you feel as though you have no one or nothing in this world; when you sense that emotionally you are empty; when you even feel God may have abandoned you, you may be tested. You may be viciously attacked, falsely accused and even prosecuted or persecuted for Christ. You may feel as though the suffering is just being heaped upon you. You may feel as though you will buckle and be crushed under the weight. We are tested in our obedience in these deep times of emptiness and in some of the most profound emotional pain or physical weakness. Those are the times when the greatest tests come about. These tests normally result in the greatest times of maturing and growth in faith in the Lord.

Finally, we must remember the wonderful heavenly support system God has developed for us. First, His Son indwells us and stands with us. He has been where we are and worse. Jesus has felt all the pain and suffering we might ever experience. He knows how you feel and has experienced the same emotional distress. Through all that, Jesus obeyed. Second, we have the Holy Spirit of God indwelling us. He knows our deepest sins and our worst temptations. He is not just an outsider, but deep inside, in the soul of man, guiding and directing. He is always there encouraging us to stay strong, submit, obey and be a better Kingdom saint, to be more like Jesus. Third, we have God’s word. It strengthens and encourages us. Jesus and the Holy Spirit use the Word to challenge us to obedience. We see Jesus, the perfect God-man, obeying through the most horrific trials. We also see King David, Solomon and others obeying God in many ways, and we are encouraged that we can obey as well. Further, angels are sent to encourage us. Others who love Christ come to tell us what a blessing we may have been in their lives, just when we need to hear how God is using us.

Ladies and gentlemen, we can face tests of obedience with full peace and confidence that our Savior is standing right with us (John 14:27). The thought of obedience should never be a test; it should always be the desire of the Christian. We know that we have many spiritual challenges that God must work out for us. We best serve God when we let Him work in and through us. That is our test of obedience.

Last week we discussed how Christ asks us to commit to a new life, a new family, and a new faith. We considered men who left their professions to follow Jesus. They considered their old lives, earthly family, and the things they sacrifice for the Lord a worthy offering. We can either be intimidated by this or approach it in a biblical fashion.

Biblically speaking, once a disciple began to follow Jesus, their whole life changed. These men would become apostles. Their lives were dedicated to Christ and the furtherance of the Kingdom of God on Earth. Every disciple of Christ has a huge shift in life priorities. Once a disciple, their chief priority is to spread the gospel. Disciples of Christ no longer consider our life on Earth, the things of the Earth, or acceptance among those on the Earth to be paramount. Our attitude changes such that our friendships and associations focus upon glorifying God.

We also found a new family. All the disciples had to leave their families to minister for the Lord. Those who balked at complete commitment to the Lord over the family of the world were challenged by Jesus requirements. Many were saved from wretchedness, debauchery, and wickedness. Some were saved from demon possession. All were saved from false religious beliefs, empty of eternal life. All their beliefs depended upon works. Jesus told them that faith in Him was the only way to Heaven, and they needed to leave all other beliefs to follow Him. This does not mean we automatically walk away from our families, though it can come to that. It does mean that we have to commit to Christ over their desires. Like “Christian” in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, disciples of Christ seek to follow the Lord regardless of their families’ reaction or desire to restrain them.

Jesus also called us to a new faith. For some, such as the rich young ruler, their misplaced faith is in wealth. Others have a misplaced faith in self-discipline. Yet others have a misplaced faith in their knowledge of scripture. Others misplace their faith in their own testimony or years of life in service. While all these things can be good, they are only valuable if dedicated to the Lord. That does not mean we sell everything and move into a monastery. It does mean that, as with Job, we should know who really owns all we have and dedicate our lives to serving Him, others, and especially His children selflessly with all those resources.

Today we learn about another scriptural test from the Lord. As with all the tests, we will consider this a testimony that should try our hearts and help us to gain new heights in Christ. Today we open to the book of Ruth. Though I would greatly enjoy reading the whole book with you, we will have to focus on a few passages. We will consider some key moments in the book of Ruth where she made decisions to remain loyal to the Lord by following Naomi. Many make choices of loyalty, but the motivation of loyalty is wrong if not directed toward God first.

In his book On Being a Servant of God, Wiersbe wrote,

“We’re always being measured: God is measuring us, and people are measuring us. When it comes to measuring Christian service and servants, other people can make mistakes and we can make mistakes. Most Christian workers are prone to think either more highly of themselves than they should (Rom 12:3) or less highly. If we think to highly of ourselves, we’ll get too proud and start pushing our way into what we think is a more important place. If we think less highly, we’ll get discouraged and want to quit. Both attitudes are wrong.

The Lord is the only one who can accurately measure both us and our work, but he doesn’t always tell us what he thinks. Languishing in Herod’s dungeon, John the Baptist was sure he’d been a failure (Matt 11:1-19); and more than once Moses wanted to quit because he was sure he couldn’t stand another day of listening to the people complain.”[i]

This quote is equally applicable to commitment as it is loyalty. We would do well to remember God is always studying us. Our salvation places us in His kingdom. However, our work is continually measured against that of His Son.

God the Father said He would never leave nor forsake us in Joshua 1:5. Jesus told us He would be with us always in Matthew 28:19-20. The Holy Spirit will seal us with a promise of inheritance until the redemption of His children, God’s possession, to the praise of His glory (Eph 1:13-14).

Loyalty involves a number of things. First, one must make a willing decision. Next, one takes action. Loyalty makes demands on a person requiring further action. Loyalty submits to the demands of the relationship. Because there is submission, we should realize that loyalty makes demands on us which we might otherwise never consider. These demands require sacrifice on our part that can sometimes be very deep. Still, loyalty does not waiver, it does not give up or give in. Loyalty stays steadfast in the worst of times. Loyalty to God does come with great rewards. God rewards His faithful.

I. Loyalty is a Willing Decision (Ruth 1:16)

All things begin with this one starting point. We can sometimes identify the exact moment, often the exact words, or even thoughts. Regardless of the development of the beginning of loyalty, it all boils down to making a willing decision.

Look at Ruth 1:16 with me as we find this decision point for Ruth. We are not told why Ruth made this decision. In fact, at first we may wonder why Ruth makes this decision. There seems little reason to follow a bitter woman back to an unfamiliar land.

Some have speculated Naomi’s testimony of God brought Ruth to this decision. We have to consider that carefully. Reading through the book, Naomi turned faithful to God later. At this point she appears very hurt and bitter toward God concerning her life. In verses 11 and 12 she has given up hope for herself and encouraged her daughters to abandon her for a more promising future. She goes further to goad them in verse 13. Naomi displays a common problem with man – she is focused upon her world, not God’s Kingdom. In fact, she sees her home as a bane “it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord is gone out against me.” Naomi does not want to spread grief any further and she believes that pain springs from her and the Lord.

For reasons unknown to us, Ruth makes a decision to stay with Naomi. She commits her life, “where thou diest, will I die;” she commits her body, “and there will I be buried;” she commits her spirit, “the Lord do so to me.” She commits these to Naomi and to the Lord, “thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” All we can ascertain is that Naomi made this decision and God blessed her for it.

Psalm 78:7-8 tells of the decision that the people of Israel had to make. They had to set their hope in God, not forgetting His works, while keeping His commandments. They had to set the things of their forefathers (stubbornness, rebelliousness and wickedness in heart) behind them and move forward in faith alone. They had to stop all the indecisive, weak, murmuring. When they came out of Egypt, the nation of Israel was stubborn, fearful, faithless, rebellious and wicked. We should be mindful that these attitudes were not directed at the wicked or worldly; they were directed at the Lord and His servants. The Israelites needed to change, but refused to. They suffered for 40 years in the wilderness until a new generation replaced them, because they refused to be loyal to God. All these sins must disappear, such that they can remain steadfast with God and rest their whole hope in Him.

We are tested regularly in our decision to be loyal. Ruth made the decision to be loyal to Naomi and Yahweh in the face of discouragement. She chose to follow Naomi’s God. These choices for loyalty have no common sense attached to them. Ruth was young, without children and would easily gain a Moabite husband. Naomi was encouraging her to do so, and in fact denigrating Ruth’s decision to stay. You can almost hear Naomi’s sarcasm when you read, “Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? Would ye stay for them from having husbands?” Regardless, Ruth made a decision to be loyal and took immediate action.

II. Loyalty Takes Action (Ruth 1:17-19, 2:2-3)

Ruth and Naomi went to Bethlehem together. They were destitute as destitute can be. The blessings Naomi receives are encouraging. The whole town was stirred because of her arrival. They knew her and remembered her. If we say Ruth made her decision based upon simply wanting to help Naomi, we might wonder why Ruth did not have second thoughts at this point. Surely all those who remembered Naomi would care for her in this time of need. Naomi’s heart is on display though in verse 20, where she asks them to rename her “Mara,” meaning “bitter.” As is normal for everyone, she blames this whole incident upon the Lord. He is sovereign. However, we know that God is good; no evil comes from Him and we do well to place all things into His perspective and not our own. (Ps 73:1; Rom 8:28; 1 Tim 4:4)

Here is where decision takes action, as Ruth immediately begins to care for Naomi in her need. She asks Naomi for permission to go to the fields and glean the remainder for their sustenance. Ruth determines to serve and does not wait, but takes initiative. She takes action humbly but decidedly, and so should we. Loyalty results in intuitive thinking and action.

God blesses her first by giving her corn, then by placing her in the fields of her kinsman redeemer, without her direct knowledge. By taking initiative in serving one of God’s children, Ruth is given access to redemption. God rewards Ruth’s loyal actions.

Ruth determined to stay loyal to Naomi, despite discouragement. She took action as a loyal servant. In many ways we see Ruth’s submissiveness throughout this passage. This next passage clearly talks about her loyal and submissive servant’s heart.

 III. Loyalty Humbly Submits (Ruth 2:10, 23; 3:3-5)

 In Ruth 2:10 and 23 we find a humble, submissive servant that is simply pleased to perform her duties for Naomi. Now she is further humbled to the owner of the field, that he would give orders for her protection. Ruth asks no special favor; she only submits and humbly obeys by walking through doors of opportunity as they are provided. We are not told that Ruth is exceptionally beautiful. We do glean from the testimony of the book of Ruth that Boaz is an honorable man. Ruth does as she is instructed in verse 23, as she stays close to the maidens of Boaz and gleans with them instead of separately.

Ruth stretches out her loyalty further as she submits to Naomi’s instructions in Chapter 3 and goes back to honor Boaz by lying at his feet. Further humble submission and obedience garners even more favor from God.

Jesus displays this humble, submissive loyalty throughout His ministry to man on Earth. We find proof of this in John 3:16 and Philippians 2. Our tests of loyal submission and humility are equally as demanding.

When faced with decisions to remain loyal, those decisions cannot be based upon our surroundings or our perception. When we do determine to remain loyal, our actions should support that loyalty and we should continue serving humbly, and in loyalty. Ruth would not entertain the thought of going back to her people after she saw Naomi’s welcome. She did not begrudge working in the fields, gleaning their daily requirement of corn. Further, she did not buck against Naomi when asked to prepare herself for Boaz. Ruth did not live thinking about home while trying to submit to Naomi. Loyalty is focused and it does not come without demands.

 IV. Loyalty Comes With Demands (Ruth 3:3-5)

 To remain loyal to Christ, we must understand that our entire worldview will have to change. We talk about these things frequently. We should never make the mistake of simply applying this to our national challenges, which we rightly do. We should always apply these things personally. The applications of scripture should come to bear directly against our personal fears, thoughts and motivations. The former is a way we tend to project things away from us and keep them at a safe distance. This is as if to say we have Christianity all in a sock. The latter is the aspect of personal application that this passage very specifically points to. Loyalty demands personal commitment.

In chapter 3:3-5 we find Ruth receiving direction from Naomi. In this case, it is not just how to get corn, but she is directing her to prepare herself intimately and present herself before Boaz as a prospective wife. Though this is no blind date, one must wonder what kinds of thoughts went through Ruth’s mind. We do not know whether the Moabites thought this activity wicked.  For all we know, they may have (this would be arguing from silence in the scriptures). What we do know is that Ruth does exactly as Naomi demands and she is rewarded for her obedience. Ruth has promised complete loyalty and that even involves total submission to Naomi’s directions even on the most personal level. Ruth does not say anything about her ability as a woman to attract a man the way she thinks is right; she simply submits to and obeys her mother-in-law’s direction.

We have seen where loyalty’s tests involve a willful decision, decisive action, humble submission and the response to demands. All of these activities can fly in the face of our own commonsense. We are called to sacrifice ourselves, to the uttermost.

 V. Loyalty Involves Sacrifice (Ruth 3:10-11)

 Ruth, apparently against her her own inclination, trusts Boaz and sacrifices her personal concerns about the appearances she fears may develop. Boaz promises her that he will keep her virtue intact. He will do nothing to bring that into question; but he asks her to stay the night there at his feet. She still snuck out in the morning (v14). We can only speculate, but we should be mindful that Ruth pledged loyalty to Naomi’s God (Ruth 1:16). Having spent 10 years with Naomi, her husband and their sons, she would know much of Israeli customs. A woman’s virtue was vital to her testimony. Boaz instructed her to keep quiet about their relationship. This is probably tied to Ruth’s concerns with testimony.

We can only go on what is in the scriptures but it is clear there was apprehension concerning the appearance of Ruth with Boaz, and Ruth was the one sensitive about it.  Boaz reassured her. Boaz may very well have realized what she was saying in her caution, when he asked her not to speak to anyone about the relationship. A woman could be stoned for promiscuity and she did not want to sully Naomi’s reputation, either. Regardless, Ruth’s loyal commitment sacrificed her personal concerns and fears. She threw away her commonsensical thoughts that might maintain her personal virtue and gave these things over to the Lord by trusting Boaz. She trusted him with something that was as precious as life itself in Israel.

Sacrifice certainly brings us to a greater commitment. It is important for us to actually invest ourselves into those things we decide to be loyal to. We have to act in a fashion that leaves no suspicion about our loyalty. Our personal sacrifices should also display this dedication. Another aspect of loyalty is consistency. We cannot remain loyal to one while attempting to keep ties to another. Our loyalty will waiver if we do and we cannot afford to waver. The cracks of indecision and fear are the open doors for Satan’s minions.

 VI. Loyalty Does Not Waver (Ruth 4:1-9)

Boaz has obviously determined to remain loyal to Naomi and Ruth. This section of scripture shows Boaz taking action, displaying loyal steadfastness. It displays another aspect of loyalty as well, in his redemptive action. Boaz went to the gate, a place where all the elders enter and gather to make deep decisions. Boaz called upon Naomi’s nearest kinsman, Elimelech’s brother. He called a meeting before all those present, making them both directly accountable for whatever decisions develop. Before all these witnesses, Boaz commited himself, his wealth and his house to redeem Naomi and Ruth. He first resolved all things to God’s will. He gave Elimelech’s brother the opportunity to redeem Naomi and Ruth. This displays a steadfast loyalty to God’s sovereignty first. Then, without hesitation, Boaz took the opportunity to redeem Naomi and Ruth, when God made it clear that this is the direction he should take. Boaz remains steadfast to God’s sovereignty, in accountability and to his word.

Loyalty is a willing decision, it takes action, it humbly submits to and accomplishes the demands of the object of loyalty. One commits to loyalty knowing the requirement for sacrifice therefore, loyalty must be steadfast. All of these decisions and actions do not go unnoticed by our Lord. He recognizes these things and rewards His loyal subjects.

 VII. Loyalty is Always Rewarded (Ruth 4:13-22)

 The loyalty of Ruth and Boaz is rewarded. Boaz married Ruth and God blessed her with a son. This would eventually be the line of David. God uses a Moabitess to fulfill His will and the prophecies of Isaiah and Jeremiah. Naomi was blessed with a grandson, where there were none for 10 years before (Ruth 1:4). God blessed her as his nurse or nanny. Boaz was blessed receiving a promise that his name be known throughout all Israel. God ensured this by enscripturating this book such that even today we read of Boaz’s godly character (4:14).

We find great loyalty to God in Psalm 84:10-11. The Psalmist says it is greater to be before God in judgment than it is to dwell in tents of wickedness. God is his shield; He gives grace and glory. No good thing on Earth is held back from those who walk upright and remain loyal. Psalm 84:12 says, “O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” There are great rewards when we are loyal to God.

This reward can also be found in Matthew 25:21 and 23, where God rewards His faithful servants with more authority, responsibility and wealth. A willing decision, decisive action, humble submission to demands, personal sacrifice, and steadfast loyalty are all rewarded.

Loyalty is complex. The tests for loyalty will come on this wide variety of levels. It is often not simple but very much influenced by a decision. The initial decision to follow Christ is often immediately attacked by Satan through doubt. Decision leads to perfect loyalty, meaning one is wholly committed to the point of sacrificing everything. Satan again can attack and take things from an individual. Naomi suffered testing as she lost Elimelech and her sons. Joseph certainly suffered this testing as he lost his freedom on more than one occasion. This means we must move past social upbringing, past family ties, past anything that might stand in the way of committed loyalty. A loyal subject of the Kingdom of God becomes focused on the object of loyalty, which is Christ. One has to decide to remove any admixture of error or personal preference. Ruth did this when she did as Naomi asked by bathing and anointing herself, preparing herself and lying humbly at Boaz’s feet. We do not know why she might have been so well received, whether it was Ruth’s submitting to the Israelite customs, her beauty or simply her willingness to humble herself. What we do know is that loyalty was rewarded with the line of David being maintained and the realization of the promise of our Redeemer.

God regularly measures us. We should not be in the habit of measuring ourselves, nor is it our responsibility to measure others. God works on us and He will reward His loyal subjects perfectly. Has He tested your loyalty? If you struggle through these tests ask Him for the strength to endure. He will be faithful to give you the strength you need. (Deut 7:9; Heb 10:23; 1 Jn 1:9)

Last Sunday was Easter Sunday. We celebrated the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We looked at a variety of evidences of the resurrection. One glaring fact: everyone knew the tomb was empty. The entire struggle to disprove the resurrection proves the tomb was empty. There would be no concern if the body remained. We also found direct evidence that many saw Jesus. If people had not seen Him, there would be no reason to theorize concerning His appearances; no reason to explain why people saw Him. The fact is that in their denial we find testimony of the truth. Jesus Christ arose the third day to defeat death and Hell and all the fears of mankind’s mortality.

Jesus humbled Himself to be with us; He came from a perfect Heaven to an imperfect Earth. Jesus gave us living examples of heavenly love, service and life. Jesus ministered to the people in Judea in the first century and He continues to minister to us today both in Heaven and through the Word. Jesus lived on Earth for 30 or so years. He continues to live among, through and in us today. Our Lord is a risen Lord. Our Lord is a living God. Our Lord says worship Me and Me alone and I will give you eternal life. Our Lord has proven He can provide life and access to Heaven because He provided it to Himself. Christianity is about this person, not about ritual or ordinance or rigorous discipline. Christianity is about Christ. Christianity is about loving the Father through the Son with the Holy Spirit. Jesus fulfilled the Father’s requirements for entrance into Heaven and He imputes that righteousness upon all who believe in Him. Jesus sent the Comforter to encourage our souls. Only through Jesus can you have the Holy Spirit. Only through Jesus can we have life eternal in Heaven. We serve a truly awesome loving God who sent His only Son to secure our salvation.

We will consider three verses today. Our first verse, Matthew 8:22, is taken from a passage where Jesus is testing the veracity of an individual’s commitment to follow Him. The man still worries of the things in the world. Our second passage in Matthew 10:35 is extremely serious. Most anyone in the world would balk at its message. Many question Jesus’ love and devotion to the salvation of man because of this passage. They also point to this as a passage where Jesus might condone breaking the fifth commandment to “honor thy father and mother.” The passage in no way indicates that, but testifies of a believer who is committed to the family of God, not the family of man. The final passage, Luke 18:22, is another one that has confused many. This coupled with verses that follow seems to say being wealthy disqualifies you from Heaven. This could not be farther from the truth. Like Job, knowing where that wealth comes from and to whom it actually belongs is the key issue (Job 1:21). If God calls you in service to liquidate all you own and seek to follow Him, He is testing your commitment.

Has God ever asked you how committed you are to Him? We are not talking necessarily in literal words, though that can happen. Mostly God speaks to us through prayer and conviction in His Word. God speaks to us through His word and while we are in prayer.

Has God ever tested you to the extreme? Have you ever been in a church service or in private devotions and received this strange urge to dump everything you have on your plate and all your personal plans to go to some far away place even a country and serve God? Have you ever been stricken with an immediate need to clear your day or week and go spend time with a certain individual? Have you ever been convicted that, right at that moment, you need to forget your groceries and talk to that man or woman standing next to you? How you respond to these things testifies of your commitment to Christ.

These are all mild examples of conviction to obey God. Yet even in these we all fail at some point. We need Christ’s strength. Would you ever think God would test you at some extreme level? This is not a discussion concerning initial faith. This is a discussion concerning following, submitting, committing to Him regardless of cost. I do not know if God has ever tested you to an extreme personally, but I know that He does test His faithful.

Many talk of Abraham but we normally are in awe of his strength to sacrifice Isaac, and we should be. However, we often fail to see this as a normative situation. We often see Abraham’s commitment to God as extraordinary. It should not be. That is not meant to diminish Abraham or his faith, for truly they are remarkable. God gave us this account to show us His expectation for His glory, not for us to revere Abraham and hold him as some paragon of faith and commitment. That would take the glory from God and focus upon Abraham. Abraham is wholly committed to God. God is always faithful.

We often skip over a very important aspect of Job’s life as well. Many have marveled at Job’s worship after losing 10 children and all his possessions in a matter of minutes. As if this loss is not enough, we find penitent Job worshiping God, when he is additionally stricken with disease. Job is committed to God’s love, goodness, faithfulness and promises of redemption. Job never forsakes God; he never once doubts God’s power or promises. Job is wholly committed; God is always faithful.

We have mentioned Jim Elliot from this pulpit before. He and four companions, Ed McCully, Roger Youderian, Pete Fleming and Nate Saint made contact with the Waodani Indians in Ecuador. This was a tribe known for extreme violence. Elliot, McCully, Youderian, Fleming and Saint make contact with a few of the Waodani. After what seemed to be some very encouraging visits, on the morning of January 8, 1956, 10 Waodani warriors killed all five men on the banks of the Curaray River. This was one of God’s extreme tests of faith in a number of ways. First, a test of faith for the five men that were murdered. In a journal entry from Elliot October 28, 1949, we find Jim Elliot’s commitment even unto death where he wrote,

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

This quote may have been taken from Philip Henry. Regardless, it speaks deep truth. The next test of faith involved Jim Elliot’s wife, Elisabeth Elliot. With her son and Rachel Saint, they were convicted of God to go back to the tribe to share Christ with them. Eventually, the tribe was evangelized through their efforts and today many have accepted Christ. God was faithful.

One can possess nothing that equals the value of eternal life. Therefore, no one can barter for or purchase eternal life. That possession is only given, not taken. Clinging tenaciously to the changing waves of the world is a dubious existence. All of the people in our illustrations today knew these truths.

Today we will discuss commitment to an eternally existent, loving and powerful God. We will talk about committing ourselves to a new life with Him when called. We will discuss committing to a new family of believers. Finally, we explore committing to a new faith. We will begin in Matthew 8:22 please. Commit to a new life.

I. Commit to a new life (Matthew 8:19-22)

Let us look at some background. Jesus had been selecting His closest disciples. Every one He asked came with Him. Some left successful fishing enterprises, while others left their families, and still others left government positions as tax collectors. In this case, a scribe approached Jesus and said he would follow Him “whithersoever thou goest.” Scribes were keepers of the law. They were the teachers, copyists, scholars, lecturers in the synagogues. They were the debaters both publicly and privately and they were called upon at times for judgment rulings where the law was in question. Just being a scribe, they were paid per line of text copied. As a Pharisee, they received more compensation because they ministered to the people. Some Scribes were Sadducees, but very few. Very few became priests. They were known as men of the Torah, men who knew scripture. Scribes were not wealthy, but they were not without means. They had a family and the law was supreme in their lives. These men had to be 40 years old or older to be formally ordained as a scribe.

The first thing Jesus does is to make sure the man knows what he is getting into. Jesus knows the scribe; He knew all things. This scribe was going to be faced with having no home, no normal place to sleep. Where he had been used to regular workdays devoted to copying the scriptures, teaching in the synagogue, informing judges and ministering in the temple, now he would be in the wild and seldom would he find comfortable lodging. Jesus wanted him to know what was going to happen. There were no secrets here. The scribe’s commitment would be severely tested knowing they would give up their home.

In verse 21-22 we find a man who seems recently to have suffered a loss in the family. Did his father die? The dead required entombment quickly (the day of death) because of the Judean sun. (Luke 7:12) Tradition from Ecclesiastes required the body be washed and anointed as was the body of Jesus. Therefore, it is unlikely that this man’s father would have died since he was not already there tending to the arrangements. More likely, this man’s father was elderly and he speculated death was soon to come. We can only guess why this man felt a need to wait on his father’s death. It could very well have been for very compassionate reasons from the world’s point of view. Jesus’ response seems to be very stinging and sharp as He tells the man to leave the dead and walk with the living. Worldly compassion for a family of dead souls will not benefit God’s Kingdom. Jesus tells this man to let those who are separated from (dead, or physically fruitless) the Kingdom of God bury their dead.[i]

Jesus had many people say they wanted to follow Him. They thought that following Him would be wonderful, joyous and an experience empty of conflict and strife. Jesus made all of life seem that way, almost effortless.

In Matthew 19:16-22, a young man wanted to follow Jesus. He claimed he kept all the commandments. He wondered, if he matched up with the law in all aspects, what he lacked for life eternal. He asked Jesus which law he might not have kept. Jesus tells him that he needs to commit in total faith to God for everything. The law is a law of the heart. Jesus simply asked him to sell all he owned and submit. The implication is that this young man believed he could be equally devoted to worldly comfort and godly service. Jesus makes it clear your devotion can only be directed toward God.

What is the level of commitment Jesus is looking for? Some left everything and followed. He told Andrew and Peter that He would make them fishers of men. They left their nets and followed Him (Matt 4:20). James and John, sons of Zebedee left their boats and father (Matt 4:21). Jesus never promised them anything, but they left family and the world behind to follow. We have a promise of eternal life.  How much more should we be willing to leave everything in the world behind us to follow the Savior? We should be committed to a new life with God. God is always faithful.

Commitment to the Lord was not simply on a business level. It was always tied to a new life, a new family, or a new world. Jesus wanted those who follow Him to focus on new things and walk away from the old, even family.

 II. Commit to a new family (Matthew 10:35)

The sword Jesus talks about in Matthew 10:34 is the sword that cuts asunder and severs even the strongest ties that bind. Because of the Gospel, people would be put at odds with family. This is actually a passage that Jesus quoted from Micah 7. The separation between family members is severe. In Micah 7:2 we read that the godly have perished from the earth and there is no one upright among mankind. During the time of Micah’s prophecy, people would enjoy evil and do evil things very well. People connive against one another for gain. They spoke their minds without concern for the suffering their words might cause. No one could be trusted (Micah 7:3-5). Jesus is telling us that the ungodly surround us and are in fact in our earthly families. In Micah 7:6 we are told we cannot trust even those family members for they will have contempt for us, they will rise up against us, they will become enemies of believers in Christ.

What we find is that people in families not following the gospel doctrines that Jesus taught would ostracize their members who did follow Jesus. How many chanted, “Give us Barabbas” in the courtyard that day because they knew their dear family members were laying down palm fronds for Jesus just a few days prior? How many would chant, “Crucify Him” that a few days before saw their sons, daughters and mothers flock to hear Jesus teach in the temple? We could easily see these family members ecstatic to see this “heretic cult leader” properly dealt with according to the law. With some of the cults that have sprung up in our past we can understand the family members’ response, hoping that those led astray would now “come to their senses.”

In the days of Christ on Earth, many wanted to follow the law. They were so deeply engrained in working for their righteousness that they persecuted anyone who would not do things their way. Those who found Jesus the Messiah, and believed in Him, found something alive; they found faith. This faith in a life eternal outside the confines of the world brought about new and great challenges. How could simple faith create an environment of righteousness before God? They could not see that it is not faith, but the object of faith that develops that righteousness. Faith is the vehicle to communicate that righteousness. Faith in the only begotten Son of God is the answer. Instead of faith in our ability to do, we need to have faith in the One who did.

We need to commit to a new family. We have to commit to a family in Christ. We find new brothers born of a spiritual birth through the shed blood of Jesus. The world’s family is through a blood connection perpetuated in sin (Ps 51:5). Where the blood of the crucified One cleanses the soul to a pure white condition we are joined in the same Spirit in the body (Is 1:18; 1 Cor 12:13; Eph 2:18; Eph 4:4). We are part of a new body as righteousness is imputed to us through the faith in the pure blood of Christ.

Your new family of believers is joined in spirit and mind (Phil 1:27). We are of one accord regardless of our location. We are steadfast having the same power source and ultimate home. That home is not the same as the lost of the world. Only our new family will strengthen our spirit and edify us.

We cannot hold onto our worldly family and expect to live in the family of Christ. If it is not His will that we lead our family to Christ, Jesus will put division between us until we separate. It is not our position to maintain a witness for their salvation. Jesus opens their heart for His witness to them. That witness may not come from us. We praise the Lord for the opportunity, but we should never presume we are the only way they can find Christ. We have to realize that sometimes the best witness we can have is to separate and have them come back to us through Christ Jesus.

Is there strife between you and your family because of Christ? Worse yet, do you ever spend time with your family and forsake worship of the Lord? Both of these could be because you have not committed to the family of Christ. Ladies and gentlemen, when you forsake worship for lost family members or any family members who will not attend worship with you, you place them before God. God knows it. Your family knows it. If your family loves God, they would never have you forsake Jesus for them. They would want to worship with you if they serve the risen Christ. That is the test of commitment.

Like the Greek myth of Alexander the Great cutting the Gordian knot, thereby setting him free to rule the world, committing to Christ cuts the ties that bind to Earth and frees the Christian for a heavenly residence. Christ frees us from the world’s kingdom so we can enter His heavenly Kingdom. We should be committed to a new family with God. God is always faithful.

This is one of the hardest doctrinal issues in the scriptures, as we want to believe that Jesus saved us so we could bring Jesus to our families. That, folks, is not the way it always works. Sometimes the worst thing we can do is keep letting our family define or dictate our worship based on their availability. This is a hard and terrifying thing ladies and gentlemen. Please understand that this pastor has done this very thing. My wife and I have experienced the pain it can cause. However we also know the great blessings in the Lord we reap from it every day now!

Commit to a new life with God first and forsake all for Him. He has the power, not us. Our sovereign, loving God has great plans for us, but we have to be submitted to His will, His way, and His power. We do this by committing to Him in a new faith.

 III. Commit to a new faith (Luke 18:18-22)

We made mention of this scripture earlier. This is the rich young ruler. He had everything the world could afford but wanted to know how he could obtain eternal life. He was wise enough to know that was out of his reach. We do not know whether he intended to purchase it from Jesus, or if he was looking for some simple answer. This young man was confident though that he could do whatever it took to achieve eternal life. He knew he could accomplish whatever task was required or keep whatever rigorous standard Jesus might levy upon him. He is not ready for Jesus’ response. Jesus tells him to cast off all the things in the world that give him confidence and commit wholly to faith alone. Jesus knows this is the one thing he lacks, commitment. As long as his money or influence could secure what was required, this young man knew he would succeed. Jesus asks that he discard his crutch. His test of commitment was to forsake all the things that gave him assurance in his world. We must also commit to simple childlike faith.

During my reading this week I came across this paragraph:

 “Even the weakest saint can experience the power of the deity of the Son of God, when he is willing to “let go.” But any effort to “hang on” to the least bit of our own power will only diminish the life of Jesus in us. We have to keep letting go, and slowly, but surely, the grateful life of God will invade us, penetrating every part. Then Jesus will have complete and effective dominion in us, and people will take notice that we have been with Him.”[ii]

Anything we lean upon in the world dims the reflection of Christ we should see in the mirror. Our commitment to Christ must be complete. We commit through faith. God is always faithful.

Our faith to Christ must be as complete as Abraham’s. We should enjoy resting in the commitment of Job. We should see Christ as God and know He truly cares for us. The faith of Moses, David, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego is a faith that the normal Christian should enjoy. They were not any more uniquely committed to God than we should be. Their commitment should be our commitment. It was just as hard for them as it is for us; but with God’s power they did it and we can too.

We are tested in our new life. We are tested in our new family. We are tested in our new faith. All of these tests take place on a regular basis. Though we may not be tested as severely as Daniel or even Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego before the fiery furnace, still our commitment is tested. Are you committed wholly to Christ?

I know you are probably concerned because you know you are not committed to Him as deeply as His disciples and the examples we have in scripture. There is hope, folks. You do not have to sit there in despair. God gives us faith (Rom 12:6; 2 Cor 10:15). Christ strengthens us for all these events (Phil 4:13). We also receive more faith by hearing these truths (Rom 10:17). We know that if others can achieve this level of faith, we too can enjoy it. It is truly a commonality. The wonderful thing about God is that He expects us to be realistic about our faith and know when we need more (Rom 12:3). Regardless, we do not have faith in man or the things of man, be it technology, reason, ability, or even character traits. Our faith rests in our commitment to God and His power (1 Cor 2:5). The power to commit to Christ wholly is given by God through faith (1 Pet 1:5). Ask for the strength you need to accomplish God’s will and you will receive it (Matt 21:22). Ladies and gentlemen, be committed because God is always faithful.

Today is Easter Sunday. What a wonderful day to continue talking of God’s great majesty, love and magnificence. He is glorious and there is no more glorious event in the history of man than Jesus’ resurrection.

Today is the day we celebrate the resurrection of the Son of God from the tomb of death and into life eternal. We see His greatness on display as a brilliant light in history. Turn with me to Matthew 28:11-16 please.

Believers and Unbelievers

They knew Him as King; they saw not His majesty.

They denied His throne; they prepared for His truth.

They desired His kingdom; they doubted His power.

They denied His claims; they feared their veracity.

They agreed He was God; they did not believe it.

They denied His deity; they feared its possibility.

They loved Him as teacher; they heard little instruction.

They hated His doctrine; they worried its likelihood.

They heard truth proclaimed; they denied it still.

They saw its evidence; they plotted deception.

They saw His evidence; they worried about man.

They agreed to the event; they sealed treachery with bribery.

They saw Him alive; they still did not believe.

They knew the tomb was empty; they promised to protect the lie.

The truth, He has risen and He will return.

I read a story recently about a German youth taken prisoner by Turks during a war. No one was able to free him in his youth. He spent many years among Mohammed’s fanatics, the followers of Islam, but he remained faithful to Christ.

One day he was compelled by his Muslim master to plow a field on Easter Sunday. He determined to still celebrate the risen Lord in his heart. As he followed the horse drawn plow he sang an old Lutheran hymn in his native language. Though forced to work in slavery, he rejoiced aloud in a hymn before the Lord on Resurrection Day.

At that very moment, an official of the German government, stationed in Constantinople, was passing by. He was amazed to hear Luther’s hymn, and in German no less. He stopped and asked the young man about his hymn. Given the entire story, the official was later able to gain his release and eventual return to Germany where he could celebrate Easter in freedom.

The most important aspect of this story is that God is sovereign. God knew this man’s plight. God also knew when the German official would pass that field. God knows all things, including how the wicked around us will respond to Him. He knew how the people focused upon worldliness would react. God is so great He even used this to testify of His Son.

We too can choose to make positive out of negative. We too should choose to focus upon the greatness of God and not the shortcomings of man. We too should look to emulate His mercy, His grace, His love and remain in His hope. We too should recognize that even in the denial of the resurrection, there is great truth and a joy to the Christian heart.

I. Jesus is Alive (Matthew 28:10)

One simple fact is true. Jesus appeared and talked to many people after the crucifixion. Jesus is alive! He lived in the first century. He died a horrible death. He was raised again the third day! Jesus defeated death. He defeated the grave. The gates of Hell could not prevail against Him. The grave could not hold Him.

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul, a man who persecuted Christians before his conversion on the road to Damascus, tells of events after Jesus’ death. Paul’s knowledge of these events probably comes from a combination of direct revelation of Jesus and what he heard from Christians he persecuted. Paul tells us not only was Jesus seen by the disciples and others, He was seen by “above five hundred brethren at once.” (1 Cor 15:6)

Today we celebrate the very first day Jesus appears to many in His resurrection body. He is seen by Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, the disciples and others. This one event has such significance it changed their lives for all eternity. Suddenly, instead of feeling downtrodden and defeated, they are elated and preaching the salvation of Christ throughout the land. It is these first Christians that Paul targets as a Pharisee, attempting to stamp out the return of the Messiah. Each disciple would die for Christ, and many more after them.

We should take a quick look at some of the problems associated with attempts to explain Jesus resurrection outside of faith. When we look at these, we see the wild contemplations that attempt to explain the unexplainable (Rom 1:21-22).

The “swoon theory” started about 1600 by a man named Venturini. The theory was that Jesus did not die but fell into a coma or fainted because of the severe trauma and pain He suffered during scourging and crucifixion. In the cool atmosphere of the tomb, and with the application of the burial spices, Jesus was rejuvenated. A couple of big problems with this theory are that a Roman soldier lanced the Lord on the cross. The spear used was most likely a Hasta which was the standard lance or spear used in the first century. The staff was approximately six feet in length and the iron head was (from the pictures I viewed) 8 to 12 inches long and three to four inches wide. The wound was large enough for Thomas to thrust his hand into it (John 20:27)! Blood and water came from the wound which indicates a punctured heart or at least the membrane around the heart. It meant liquid had settled in that region due to death. A second problem with this theory is that the soldiers always broke the shins of the crucified to bring death quicker toward the end of the day (Jn 19:31-33). The soldiers, as professional crucifiers, checked their victims before doing this. They did not break Jesus’ legs because He had already commended His spirit to His heavenly Father. Jesus yielded His spirit because He alone has the power to put His life down. We celebrate another aspect of His deity today. He also has the power to take His life up again, and He did! (John 10:17)

In the “wrong tomb theory,” some claim that Jesus was never really in that tomb, but in some other tomb – maybe in a criminal mass grave. There is a very difficult problem with this theory.  Wouldn’t Joseph of Arimathea know his own tomb? Another concern is that neither the Jewish leaders nor Roman guards would have sealed the tomb without knowing Jesus was in it. Nor would they post guards on an unknown tomb. Further, no plot to cover the absence of the body would have to be conceived if they were at the wrong tomb or if His body were placed in some mass grave. Some things are better left un-acknowledged and in this instance, some might think silence is the better part of valor for the theorists. However, even Roman historians document the absence of the body. The tomb is empty and no one wants to admit it.

The “hallucination theory” tries to explain witness claims of seeing Jesus after His resurrection. Many questions surround this theory as well. How could everyone hallucinate at different times in differing places and great distance from one another? We mentioned 1 Corinthians 15:6 earlier and have to admit that it is very unlikely that over 500 people would hallucinate at once, or participate in a fabricated hallucination. Another problem is that most of Jesus’ followers, including the apostles, did not believe until they saw Him personally. Even hearing of Jesus’ resurrection was not sufficient; Thomas had to touch the Master. Once again, this simply proves that the tomb is empty. It further acknowledges people saw Jesus alive after His death and burial.

Two final theories have floated around. They are probably the most challenging to even recognize. The first is the “séance theory.” Since the Jewish leaders and Pharisees are the ones looking for Jesus’ body, they would be claiming to violate scripture to accomplish their task. If we say that Jesus was called up by mediums, then the disciples would violate God’s commandments and their testimony would be void. Once again, this proves Jesus died and His body is missing. It also testifies that people saw Jesus!

The second is the “mistaken identity theory.” This would mean that some imposter duped friends and family and all the disciples, as well as some 500 people with some sort of disguise on par with something the best makeup artists in Hollywood today can muster. They would have to fabricate the holes in His hands and feet and the laceration in His side. Thomas’ close inspection in John 20 would have debunked any imposter. Once again, we find evidence in the naysayers that they recognize Jesus, His crucifixion, His death and His missing body and that He was seen three days and more after His death.

In light of Judean leadership’s desires to quell this Christian uproar, Pilate’s desire to maintain the peace (which Christianity certainly disrupted) and the overwhelming recognition that many saw Jesus, it is time for us to come to terms with the truth. Jesus Christ arose on the third day from the dead.

We will consider one final secular fact. Flavius Josephus gives us Jewish and secular confirmation. Flavius Josephus was a 1^st Century Jewish priest, soldier and scholar. He was not a Christian. In fact, when taken prisoner by Rome, he presented himself as a prophet, even though he was a soldier. He went so far as to affirm Roman Emperor Vespasian as an ancient Judean oracle to save his own life. Vespasian’s curiosity spared Josephus’ life. Therefore, Josephus was certainly not a Christian. He wrote this about Jesus as part of the history of Israel during his life:

“He was the Christ, and when Pilate at the suggestion of the principal men among us (i.e., Judean priesthood, addition and emphasis mine), had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold…”

Josephus does not say, “Jesus follower’s claimed.” Nor does it say, “though we know they stole the body.” It does not say, ”many hallucinated saying they saw Jesus.” Josephus wrote, “for he appeared to them alive again the third day.” This is a statement, not a supposition.

Jesus died on the cross, was buried and arose the third day. He beat all the things we fear. He ascended into Heaven giving us hope to be there one day with Him. We rest every day in that hope. We hope in our God’s promise to return and take us with Him.

The fact that Jesus arose from the dead is acknowledged in many ways, not the least of which is the reactions of His enemies of the day. They were afraid of Him and what His true message meant. It meant that man would report to God, the God. If Jesus were God it meant man needed Him to get to Heaven. It meant the prideful had to submit themselves to a carpenter.

II. The Fearful Knew (Matthew 28:12-17)

I want to spend the rest of our short time here today talking about the individuals surrounding the event and their reaction to what was taking place. We label these individuals as “unbelievers.” Here a group of Jewish leaders scheme to further discredit the Messiah’s ministry. The soldiers also had problems because the body was gone. Like the criminal supposedly always needing to confess, the soldiers had something to say. They had to acknowledge their failure to someone. They also had to seek assistance to save their own lives. Their punishment for failing a guard duty was certain execution.

In Matthew 28:12, we find the elders in counsel. This is probably the Sanhedrin, Pharisees, scribes and chief priests. They determined that, just as with Judas, money would take care of everything. We do not know what “large money” means exactly, but they had to give enough money to what we estimate as 12 soldiers, to satisfy them (Matt 27:66). This would not have been any small amount. We could estimate at least 300-400 pieces of silver. That only provides for about 30 pieces of silver for each soldier. That still is not much, simply the price of a slave. This act is interesting, though. The elders would never have convened or schemed if they did not have a problem to address. Their only recourse after they assembled and took counsel was to bribe and deceive. Their action alone confirms that the body was missing and these men had no idea where Jesus was. It further shows that they feared the claims of the disciples and others who claimed to see Jesus. Those who testified of seeing Him were believed. They are not denying the claims, they are trying to cover them with false accusation to develop suspicion. (12-13)

Their final determination also affirms the truth, that Jesus was gone from the grave and appearing all over town. They had to contrive an explanation. Of course, the disciples were the most likely targets. One must wonder (if the disciples stole the body) how 12 simple, unarmed disciples, mostly fisherman and farmers, overcame 12 heavily armed and battle hardened Roman guards mano-a-mano. This is a challenging concept in the least. This also does not account for the disciple’s response to the women reporting His resurrection.

Then we find an admission that is even more difficult to believe. If the Roman guards desired protection from certain punishment for failing their assigned guard duty, why would they permit the Jews to denigrate their honor by saying they all fell asleep on duty? If a Roman soldier was anything, he was duty bound by honor. The Romans held loyalty in high esteem. They were a proud people with a rich heritage. The more senior soldiers were very confident and proud of their position. This admission is completely out of character, it can only be explained through a tremendous fear and a trust in the Jewish leadership to help them with something they have done drastically wrong, or failed miserably at accomplishing. These soldiers knew the body was gone and they had failed in their mission. Jesus was out of the tomb and they had no doubt heard reports of His being seen by others. They had failed in their duties at the cross and now failed to properly guard the tomb. Their need for a cover story clearly shows that Jesus was gone and they did not know where. (13-14)

Then we find that the Jews are willing to use their political influence to protect Roman soldiers. The Pharisees, scribes and chief priests despised these soldiers. We see cooperation from the Sanhedrin, who were only interested in furthering business and maintaining peace for profit. However, the Pharisees were bound to the Law of Moses and the 10 Commandments, as were the chief priests. To lie was to break one of the 10 Commandments by bearing false witness against another. They are willing to sin a great sin in order to kill Jesus again through character assassination along with fellow Jews. Their murder was not sufficient at the cross. Their false accusations in their trials and before Pilate were not sufficient. They felt they needed to continue to destroy Jesus’ character and teachings. Because there were reports of many seeing Jesus, these men needed to try to quiet all the turmoil. Again, this points to the fact that they knew the tomb was empty. They knew exactly where the tomb was, and they knew there was no body there. These Jewish leaders would never have paid a great sum of money without confirmation. Jesus had risen and they were trying everything they could to deny the truth. (14-15)

The Romans did as they were taught. The Jewish leadership convinced them to lie and told them they would help them. Interestingly, Josephus does not mention this deception and he only confirms the sightings of Jesus. Yet, Roman soldiers, afraid for their lives, do just what good soldiers do when faced with leaders in whom they have to trust; they follow orders. Again, these actions speak of an empty grave that strikes fear in the unbeliever. These men were doing everything they could to deny truth. What they end up doing is confirming truth in their struggle. (15)

What do the disciples do? They too follow their instructions. Jesus told them to go to a mountain near Galilee. Though the secular world around them schemes to deceive and deny, the disciples are now back with their Master. They are familiar with this mount. They all know exactly where the Lord wants to meet them. This humble place in the wilderness is the location of one of the greatest and most invigorating commissions man has ever known. Now though, they not only see Jesus as their rabbi, teacher and master, they see Him as God. They worship Him. Although the disciples obey, and they apparently bring many with them, not all those in attendance truly believe yet. We find in other places in scripture where the disciples had their doubts and at this point it seems there may still be some. Additionally, the indication is clear that many more were there on that mount with some level of skepticism. Then Jesus gave them the commission in the last verses of this Gospel. When He did so, they all went forth and obeyed without hesitation. (16-17)

Ladies and gentlemen, we serve a risen Savior. He is here with us today, and in the world today. There is more evidence of His life, crucifixion and resurrection than that of many notable figures in times past.

From overwhelming evidence in scripture to overwhelming evidence in secular and religious circles that Jesus Christ arose the third day. We find overwhelming evidence in scripture and overwhelming evidence in secular and religious circles that Jesus Christ was alive after His crucifixion. We find overwhelming evidence in the actions of the disciples and overwhelming evidence in the actions of those who deny Jesus that they knew He was alive. Jesus is the hope of our eternal life because He already has eternal life and is living it in Heaven with His Father.

Live every day knowing Jesus has risen. Let Him love you by trusting Him for your eternal life. He has proven His power, He has given His life, He has risen from the grave victorious. Happy Easter my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Last week we discussed bearing the burdens of others and even caring for their belongings when we find them. The Old Testament teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves, to love them as God loves them, to care for them and their needs as God cares for us. Our test is to turn all these things over to God and even care for those whom we know are at angst with us. We receive great blessings when we obey God, especially in times of strife.

We noted that we can have great blessings of the Lord when we concentrate on giving others hope and the love of Christ. We saw not only a way to share the love of Christ, but we saw that Christ’s commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves was not as new as many think.

Our test is: Would we put ourselves out for one another even when we do not think it would be appreciated? Would we do all we can even for those that hate us? Would we take steps to serve another we know does not like us and is even out to hurt us? It is easy to love those who love you. It should be just as easy to love those who do not love you because of Christ within us.

Today we talk about tests of dedication. When we open to our passage we find how deeply our Lord loves children, but we find much, much more. What we see here is how deep a faith we should display in our great and glorious redeemer, Jesus Christ.

Though we will focus on the passage in Matthew 18:4, we will also look at two other passages in Genesis for perspective. We will open by considering Psalm 19, though, the passage we read in our scripture reading. We will consider this passage before our main passage as a way to orient our mindset toward the One to whom we are humbling and dedicating our selves. Understanding His greatness is vital to our perspective.

I have some pictures here from the Hubble Space Telescope.[i] None of the images you will see are actually visible with the naked eye. There is filtering on the telescope to get the images you see in some cases. In other instances, they are just too far away. Some of the spectacular things are the gases in the regions that you find depicted. They are illuminated by the starlight around them, and the light God created in Genesis 1:3.

We serve the God that did all this. This is simply amazing. The span of space between the stars alone in these pictures is hundreds of light-years. The span across the whole picture could be in the millions of light-years. Some of what you see depicted are pictures of stars that have exploded in recent history.

When I think of the great majesty of God, I think of these things. I think of the same complexity that He built into a single cell. I think of how small man is in this great expanse of the heavens and that we are not even able to see most of God’s creation (Deut 29:29). This is God’s personal art gallery. God made much for us to see. By His grace, we are able to see more of it. By His power, He sustains all things with a thought while we marvel at the creation. Where we can only see such great expansive beauty, He can visit each star in His creation. Where we can only fathom of travel to a distant planet to study it, He can walk upon its face regardless of the atmosphere there. God needs no space suit, no space shuttle and He certainly does not need to be put to sleep for any long journey. God is omnipresent. He is as much there on any star or planet you choose to point to as He is here right now.

Ladies and gentlemen, that is the magnitude of our God. He is truly unfathomable. We cannot comprehend all that He is. There are a number of reasons for this, but the most significant reason is because we cannot even comprehend all that He has done. If we cannot understand all that He has done, we can never truly understand or limit all that He will do either.

Our God is magnificent, glorious and terribly powerful. When we think of ourselves as children of God, we must put all this into some perspective. One perspective we have a picture of is in our scripture today. Let’s consider our tests of dedication with respect to our position as children of this awe-inspiring and perfectly loving God.

I. Noah’s Dedication (Gen 5:32, 7:6)

Consider Noah. Consider some facts that surround his life. He had lived for 500 years before God called upon him to build the ark. He had three sons after that 500-year mark (Gen 5:32). We know they grew to adulthood and took wives before God contacted Noah. We can estimate then that it took him in the neighborhood of 70 to 80 years to build the ark because in Genesis 7:6 we find he was 600 years old when he entered the Ark with all the animals.[ii] We know that in Genesis 6 God tells Noah specifically what kind of ship to build, what to build it out of, and what to do to build it. God promises Noah He will make a covenant with him. The sign of this is the rainbow we find later in scripture with a promise never again to flood the Earth. We know that Noah preached righteousness even though the people did not listen.

Noah was dedicated to the Father of lights. Noah was wholly faithful, believing God would provide all that was needed for his task. Noah rested in God’s truth and obeyed Him completely even when all those around him mocked him and were nothing but wicked (Heb 11:7). At 500 years old, Noah was dedicated to God as a child is to his father. Noah wanted no part of disappointing God and employed his sons for equal support. Noah led his whole family through his faith. We should note that throughout scripture we find no description of the righteousness of Shem, Ham or Japheth. However, through their dedication to their father Noah, they are saved as well. Noah is the individual seen as righteous. Noah obeyed all that God had him do. Noah’s pure dedication and love for God through the trials of disbelieve in all those around him proved God was good and true to His word. No one listened when Noah preached. Not one individual believed him. Other than their compliance to help build the ark, there is no indication that his family was sold on the whole idea that God would destroy the Earth with rain, either. He preached righteousness and brought destruction down upon every ungodly individual in the world.

Can we stand in the face of such ridicule and remain dedicated to God? We should be mindful that Noah saw God’s great power. He believed God could and would do what He said. There is no indication that Noah balked at what God instructed him to do. Scripture only testifies that Noah did everything in submission to God with strict obedience to His command. Noah was dedicated just as any child of God that sees His great power should be.

We do not see many grand demonstrations of God’s direct power today. We hear stories, but we do not see God moving mountains literally. We hear stories but we do not see great pillars of flame such as the one that protected the Israelites at the Red Sea. We do not see the Red Sea being divided for us to walk to safety.

Do not mourn in your heart, or let yourself become weary, Christian. A miracle of a far greater magnitude happens every time a soul is saved and assured of a place in Heaven! Every soul God saves is saved from the next destruction. Every soul God saves is delivered from the preaching of righteous damnation to the preaching of sanctification. Every soul saved moves from a position of condemnation to a position of justified righteousness before God. Unlike the creation, each soul saved has a will and must subordinate that will to God for salvation.

Beloved Christian, if we see the great expanses of heavenly bodies in the lens of a man made telescope that spans incredible and incomprehensible distances, we also see a God of incalculable magnitude that loves us with all that power. Noah knew this power without seeing what you have seen today. Noah believed in that power without having seen the modern wonders of science. Noah knew it, rested in it, laid his life in the hands of his faith and for almost 100 years worked on something that seemingly had no purpose. The Person who created this magnificent universe and all the things in it reached down to this little planet, and placed His Son in the womb of a woman for our salvation.

II. Abraham’s Dedication (Gen 22:8-13)

We marvel at Abraham’s faith, but we too can have that sure a faith. We can know God will provide when we are in His will. We can know God will give us what He wants us to have and much, much more. We can live without fear. We can live in determined faith just as Abraham did as he left the Ur of Chaldees and all his worldly security behind. We can live dedicated to God knowing His promises will be fulfilled. We may have challenges trying to implement what He promises. Sarah was barren and God took many years to tell them that she would bear the child, Isaac. Still, we walk upright and sure of our path knowing God has promised to glorify Himself through us. We should not make the same mistake Abraham made and sin in the process of trying to fulfill His will. We should have every confidence in God and be wholly dedicated to fulfilling His will.

We saw God’s art room earlier. Abraham knew God could do that. Though he had never seen any of the beauty you have now witnessed. He knew God’s power. He had been preserved; his flocks and families had been preserved. He had met the travelers that destroyed Sodom. He knew their power as Sodom was incinerated. Abraham had many other reasons to be completely dedicated to God. Then Sarah bore Isaac. God had finally fulfilled his promise.

Abraham knew God would provide for His promise. God promised Abraham many kindred and nations from his loins. Abraham’s faith and dedication to God was counted unto him for righteousness (Rom 4:3, 9). All God’s promises to Abraham were realized in Isaac (Rom 9:7). Still, he offered Isaac on the altar as God commanded, with full faith in God’s ability to provide a sacrifice or resurrect Isaac to fulfill the promise (Gen 22:8; Heb 11:17).

Just as with Abraham, God may test us right to the very end. He is faithful and will provide. We must stay dedicated to the fulfillment of God’s will. We seek the power only God can provide. He gave power to Abraham; He can give power to us too. Romans 4:20 tells us he did not stagger or stumble at all about the promise of God. There was no unbelief in him. Abraham was strong in faith and gave all the glory to God.

We will soon celebrate the resurrection of Jesus the Christ. When we do, I ask that you remember the greatness you have seen today and consider the miracle of life. I pray you realize that with us new life is a glory. In God’s universe, some of the greatest beauty comes from heavenly bodies that die. Our bodies are more complex than any single star system out there. Consider the promises of God in your salvation. To God you are more beautiful even than one of these galactic beauties.

III. Our Childlike Dedication (Matt 18:4)

Looking at Matthew 18:4, we find a very dramatic description of the faith we should have in Christ. We have to believe as children believe. Children know no different than those adult figures around them. Children know no caretaker other than those that put food before them, clothe them, encourage them or correct them. There are great negative examples in our world today, including such as parents that do not care for their children at all. However, those children can still identify with their parents and openly do so. It is not until they are older that they begin to separate from their parents. When they begin to fend for themselves, their independence takes over. Even children in good homes have to fight themselves to submit to their parents. The reasons for this are many but they boil down to one question: Who do we think knows better?

We have the most perfect Father in the universe. When I look at His galactic art gallery, our little slideshow that opened our message today, I wonder at His greatness. His wisdom, intellect and all His other characteristics and aptitudes which are equally awesome. He knows everything about everything. God knows how to make a star explode to look like an hourglass. God knows how to illuminate a galaxy of a million stars to look like the clouds in the sky. He shapes and forms that galactic dust as a master painter uses his brush to paint a canvas. We wonder where men such as da Vinci, Picasso, van Gogh, Michelangelo and Rembrandt learned and received their talent. Consider God’s works. Paintings, sculptures and all the fine art forms are displayed in His creation.

Beloved, Jesus is speaking to adults in this verse. He is saying we should marvel at and be as dedicated to our heavenly Father as much as these children marvel at and are dedicated to their earthly fathers. Sons normally want to be like their fathers. Daughters relish time with her fathers and to be like their mother. Even youngsters with bad parental examples seek to find what they consider are the best attributes to emulate in their parents. If we have the most perfect Father in the universe, there are no attributes we should not emulate. We should be even more dedicated to Him and the furtherance of His kingdom than any child of the world.

I see the child gathered at the legs of a father, cowering from the oppression of the world. I see a child humbled by their small stature and clinging to the only greatness they know, however feeble it may be as they stand holding tight to their father’s leg. This is the picture of dedication and humility. We too should run to the Father pull at His tunic and cling to His leg as a child does when faced with danger or challenge. Our Father may pull us away and point to the danger and direct us to resolve it on our own. He may stand firm and defend us against the danger. Our Father will defeat any danger that may hurt us. We humble and dedicate ourselves to His power to do all these things. We have to humble and dedicate ourselves to His decisions for all of these things.

Humble yourselves as a little child before God. Today we have seen some of God’s great and glorious power. The heavens do declare His majesty like nothing else. Noah and Abraham submitted to His will and His promises before all else, including their own families and tribesman. They led in the face of blatant rebellion and worldly opposition. These two men and many others have defied the things of the world in their dedication to a great and glorious God. We should do no less.

Run from the worldly things and cling to the Lord’s cloak. Run from any evil that presents itself and grasp the leg of your heavenly Father. Seek His protection. Do not stand boldly and defiantly before the world thinking that you are capable of handling anything it could throw at you. That may be the way of the west, but it is not the way of God. The admonition is to come and humble yourself as a child. Be dedicated to God’s Kingdom. Forsake the kingdom of your heart.

If we can submit wholly to His will and His decisions, promoting only the furtherance of His Kingdom, He will grow us and we will grow in Him. If we stay steeped in our own wisdom, we will never advance His Kingdom. We have a choice to be dedicated to His kingdom or to our wisdom. We are invited to humble ourselves before Him as a child.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, the furtherance of His kingdom on this earth operates through faith and faith alone. Without our humble faith in Him, His use of us to further His kingdom becomes antagonistic (Rom 14:23). There is no indication that Noah received constant and intimate instruction after his initial encounter with God. He did all that God commanded. God only gave Abraham certain pieces of illumination at specific times. We do not know why, but we know that Abraham acted on each on faithfully and went forward to carry out all His commands. Each of these men acted as a child follows direction from their parents and we all know they are not isolated in scripture. There are many examples of child like faith following the Father of fathers in the face of great adversity.

Be dedicated to God and His kingdom. Humble yourselves as children such that you do not know and do not claim to know what God would or would not want for you, or for our church. Our humility and faithful submission develops dedication as we invest more and more of ourselves into our home. That is not a reference to money. We dedicate our whole hearts into our God and let Him change them for His glory. That is the test.

Many see Jesus’ commandments to love one another, love our neighbor and even love our enemies as unique to the New Testament. Ladies and gentlemen, we have to face the fact that the love of God is taught throughout the scriptures, and the love we are to have one to another as humans is equally taught in both the Old and New Testaments. Abraham took in the three traveling strangers as they were on their way to Sodom to destroy it. Scripture tells us we do not know who we may be entertaining at our campsite.

The cities of refuge in Numbers 35 are great illustrations of how we are to help one another. If one is in the city, the accuser cannot hurt him. The cities were founded to take in wanderers seeking refuge from an accuser. They are given food, water and shelter regardless of their supposed crimes. They may be innocent. No one in the city can count them as guilty until a proper court judged them. Only then could they be turned out.

We get our concepts for trial by jury from these passages. Where “the congregation” as a whole determines the guilt of one, we adopted a group of 12 jurors of one’s peers. The number 12 was not arbitrary either. One juror or representative from each of the 12 tribes of Israel makes the determination. We should note that provision and shelter are never in question. Their ability to stay was only affected by a judged guilt for a wrong perpetrated against another. Those being put out of the city were put out because the leadership determined their guilt. They were only given refuge until their judgment was finalized. Still, even a guilty murderer could be permitted to stay in the city. Granted, these determinations were normally based upon an assessment of accidental death, regardless the guilty would not be put out if the congregation judged in their favor.

One might ask what all this has to do with a test of our bearing one another’s burdens. It is simple. Every person in the city of refuge knew they would house and feed individuals who sought justice. Another issue is that even those we may hate are required to receive our compassion. How much more compassion are we to display for the innocent? The justice system of the United States was designed as a city of refuge system. The jails and their protection from outside as well as inside are supposed to provide that. Neither irate family members nor vigilantes can get to the accused. We should be a city of refuge, not just for some accused of crime, but for all those we claim to love. Greater than that, we should bear their burdens and willingly do so.

Where we opened to the Old Testament book of Isaiah last week, this week we go further back to the Pentateuch. We move first to Exodus 23:4-5. Then we will open to Deuteronomy 22:4. Please look at Exodus 23:1 and we will read our opening scriptures today.

Our Lord told us we could find Him and His motivations for ministry, life and service to the Father in the books known as the law of Moses and the prophets. When we look at Jesus, we should not find some new theology for the Jews and the Gentiles as opposed to that which was before. Instead, we should find the living exposition of those truths.

We look at Jesus’ arguments against the Pharisees and often we say, “They made so many extra rules for the Jews that over burdened them. Jesus’ ministry freed them from those rules.” That is true. However, we find there is a greater truth in that everything Jesus teaches is documented in the Old Testament.

The teaching in these verses is why we find James writing: “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” This good that is done can be anything. Many people believe it is someone else’s responsibility to ask them to help. They do not want to be the young man beaten by the elderly lady as he pulls her across the street. That illustration does not say to do nothing. It says we should serve properly and in wisdom.

Our first passage follows laws dealing with people’s possessions and how we should respect them. These first verses specifically address how we should deal with individuals with whom we might be in some legal battle.

This is the heart of the gospel, ladies and gentlemen.  We can love as He loved and give as He gave. We are supposed to be conformed to the image of Jesus. Romans 5:6-9 tells us how Jesus handles these things:

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”

Ladies and gentlemen, Jesus is only showing us what it is that He will do, and what it is that He has done for us. We have to understand we submit to the Lord in all ways when we bless our enemies. This is true of those we may have angst towards, but more so for those whom we know have angst toward us.

I. Bearing the burdens of those who hate you (Exodus 23:5)

When we consider the greater lessons in scripture such as the example of the Good Samaritan, we often miss the finer details of the picture (Lk 10:33-37). In the passage describing the Good Samaritan, we find that he actually just left the man there in the inn and asked the keeper to place everything on his own account. The individual that the Samaritan helped was injured and needed medical attention. Still, the individual could have taken great advantage of the Samaritan. Those thoughts never crossed his mind though. He did not concern himself with self-preservation or protection against abuse. There is no record in scripture that this individual who helped him then thought, “Oh, he’s a Jew, I’d better not tell the inn keeper I’m a Samaritan, or he might refuse (or take unwarranted advantage of) me.” None of these concocted fears entered into his mind. Scripture is very straightforward:

• He came upon him
• He felt compassion
• He bandaged him
• He administered first aid (poured oil and wine on his wounds)
• He loaded him on his beast
• He conveyed him to the inn
• He paid for current lodging
• He promised payment and continued care upon his return

This Samaritan must have been a man known to the innkeeper because he said, “When I come again.” The Jew did not know the Samaritan, but the innkeeper did. They worked together to care for someone they did not even know. One man cared with bandages, medicine and a little funding. The other provided these needs when compensated. Neither expected the Jewish man to pay a thing.

Equally, we do not find that the Samaritan wanted to know the total paid for any reason other than to pay the bill. There is no indication that he would require this individual to pay his own way. There is no indication that the Jewish man talked to the Samaritan about his plight. The Samaritan saw an injured man in need on the side of the road, had compassion for his needs and cared for them. He did so simply because of compassion and no other reason.

We frequently forget what a wonderful blessing it can be for some people to just give. We often skip over a blessing we can have from giving. This Samaritan obviously knew this and relished the opportunity to give.

An even more convicting lesson exists in our Exodus passage. We begin with some basics in verse 1; you do not lie about people. You should never join with individuals to witness against someone for malicious purposes. This passage tells us we should never comport ourselves in such a way that we are spiteful or hateful for what we might do, or what we might say. Verse 2 says that we are also not supposed to follow groups that compose evil, purport evil or enjoy evil crowds. At issue here is that we are easily led into evil when there is a prevailing example of it which many follow. Just because the masses follow, does not make evil right. We could consider that those who followed may not have seen the evil for what it was. Nevertheless, the scripture says it is evil.

We should not publicly dispute people in order to have some turn away from them and have justice perverted. It should never be an effort focused upon ostracizing an individual. Further, we are not to be overly sympathetic to the poor or destitute. Just because someone is poor, one should not over-embellish his or her need for gain. Jesus spent most of His time caring for these individuals but to give them any greater position over anyone who is spiritually in need is wrong. We should show favoritism to no one. Every soul out there needs the gospel.

The first thing we notice in verse 5 is that this is about an individual’s animal, not about the person. The second thing we notice is that this person is familiar. Beyond that, it is someone whom you know hates you.

In the Jewish culture of those days, animals were highly valuable much like in the old West. In today’s terms, think of this donkey as a large flat bed trailer. In fact, this is the only trailer you have and it not only carries all your goods to and from market, but it also carries all your family’s groceries. Imagine living five miles back in the mountains. There is a road back there, and this is the one-flatbed trailer that can make it on that road. That is this donkey.

The power of Christ is amazing. Christians can move past differences in order to bless anyone in their path. As Christians, we can love as Christ loved and have His blessing on us for doing so. Jesus loved unconditionally. Jesus loved through wickedness. Jesus loved because He chose to love. We love because Jesus loved us. We love because we know what was given for us in love. This is someone who hates you, yet you choose to bless his animal with assistance and ensure that he receives his goods back in good order.

Christian, you are to bless those who curse you and curse not. Here we can show God’s selfless love to everyone we come across, even our most ardent enemy. You can do that with Christ. We can pick up the burden of others and help them even if we hate them. We already know we are to give selflessly to those who love Christ. Think how much more blessing comes from loving those who hate you because you love Christ. How much more blessed are you that you might care for that person’s goods, their animals and all they have? Truly, those are the blessings we should covet in heaven.

Second Timothy 1:7 tells us that God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of sound mind (discipline). God wants us to operate in His power, out of His love with discipline. He wants us to be unwavering, not emotional. We are tempted to not bear the burden of those who hate us because we do not want confrontation. In the power of God and through His love all things are possible. We are blessed when we bear their burden. Equally, we show the love of Christ in us who gave Himself for us while we were at enmity with God (Jam 4:4).

When we do not respond properly to loved ones, that is one thing. It is sinful and we should seek God’s greatness to soften our hearts. When we do not deal with those who hate us in a right fashion, that too should convict us. We have to be moved to scriptural responses.

We have had Jon Gleason here before. He pastors a church in Scotland. I recently read a post of his that describes how we believers should react when faced with seeing our sins. This is a quote from Chambers’ “My Utmost for His Highest:”

 “If the Spirit of God detects anything in you that is wrong, He doesn’t ask you to make it right; He only asks you to accept the light of truth, and then He will make it right. A child of the light will confess sin instantly and stand completely open before God. But a child of the darkness will say, “Oh, I can explain that.” When the light shines and the Spirit brings conviction of sin, be a child of the light. Confess your wrongdoing, and God will deal with it. If, however, you try to vindicate yourself, you prove yourself to be a child of the darkness.”[i]

 We talked about 1 John 1:9 some years ago. If we confess our sins and God is faithful to forgive us.

We are called to remain steadfast in Christ, and in the face of our enemies. We are supposed to bear their burdens in the love that only Christ can give. We can do this because Jesus lives within us. Where the past passage was about those who hate us, this passage simply discusses our fellow countrymen. What are we to do for them?

II. Bearing the burdens of fellow countrymen (Deuteronomy 22:4)

Does the scripture tell us to help bear the burdens of our fellow Americans? God gave Israel instructions concerning their humanity and how it should be manifest. These are called “sundry” laws, or we could say various laws governing general life. The Exodus passage we just studied is considered one of those same types of laws.

Beginning in Deuteronomy 22:1, we are told to care for our fellow countryman’s needs. It should be as important as caring for our own. The Hebrew word for “brother” here is very general and can apply to any one. It is easy to apply this not just to our countrymen, but also to anyone whom we find needing assistance. Once again, when we look at the Old Testament as opposed to the New, we want to think of it as a very hard and unloving law. However, an honest inspection will net great truths. Right here in the Pentateuch we find Jesus’ admonition to love our neighbor as ourselves.

This is what we might call a simple act of common courtesy. Where we would like someone to care for our animals in our absence, we should naturally do the same. We should care for things of others when we see their need. We’ve picked up the newspapers from the front porch of a neighbor without their asking, after we saw three or four stack up. We’ve taken in mail for others in their absence when we saw it piling up. You do simple things to help your neighbor.

I remember one time seeing police officers in Riverton pushing a car back into a parking space. It had rolled out of the slot and stopped in the lane. I remember thinking I was happy that they moved the vehicle back so people could pass through the parking lot. It never occurred to me that they were performing a function that anyone who saw the car should have performed. Still, here it is in scripture. If we see something like this, we should take the time to take care of our neighbor. The Jamieson, Faussett and Brown commentary says this is not just a common courtesy, but to ignore the responsibility is a violation of divine law. We should take care of other’s properties until the proper owner can be determined and the goods restored to them. [ii]

We thought, “finders keepers, losers weepers” was the rule. This could not be farther from the truth. We cannot presume to take full possession of something that does not belong to us. I was with my boys just outside of Franklin, West Virginia, one day. I saw a wallet in the middle of the road. We pulled over and picked it up. There was a large amount of money, a number of credit cards, a license and other identifying information in it. With the boys in the truck, we went to the State Police and turned it in.

I have never been in the cattle business but I understand that competition is very fierce. The scripture tells us to care for one another’s animals and bring them back in good health. In verse four, this comes closer to home. The hue and cry of many today is not to get involved. We are admonished that if it is none of our business, we had better stay out of it. If we find someone’s conveyance and materials, we are actually supposed to care for them. In today’s world, we might think this is unrealistic. If we found a trailer along the road with a blown tire, are we really expected to fix the tire and tow the trailer to safety then contact the owner. According to the scripture, if you have the ability to do so, yes. You might get into some trouble with the police if you do not notify them. I make it a practice to call the police, notify them of any of these things and make sure they know. We have made many a phone call to 911 while on the road. They charge for those things, but I see no other way to handle them properly. Since we now have a vehicle that can tow many things, we may have more opportunity to help others. However, we are usually already towing something.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have to make good decisions, but they should be oriented toward fulfilling our requirements in scripture and never directed toward trying to ignore our responsibility. Scripture says we cannot hide from these responsibilities. You cannot just move on and pretend to not see them.

Where we develop fear to deal with things like this, we have to remember the same verse that was given to us from above. Second Timothy 1:7 says:

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

We may be fearful, but that fear does not come from God. It comes from the father of the lost in this world. His deception and desires still have a grip on our hearts. Fear more frequently than not stems from a lack of faith. God tells us to be of good courage. In fact, God mentions that we should be courageous over 300 times in scripture. It is an important aspect of the Christian life.

The test today is packaged well in James 4:17, which reads:

“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”

If you know what that good thing is that you should do, and you choose not to do it, you sin. That good thing could be helping another person’s animal bear the weight of its load home to its master. It could mean caring for an animal and the person’s possessions that you found even though you know that individual hates you. It could simply be caring for others in need that you do not know. Whatever it is, we are supposed to do it without dissimulation (Rom 12:9).

If we are going to be like Jesus, if we are going to love as Jesus loved, we should resolve ourselves to care for those same people that Jesus gave His life to save. We are commanded to pray for those who despitefully use us (Lk 6:28). No matter how we try to slice it, we cannot get away from love. The best form of love we can give is the love born through Jesus Christ. Our test to bear the burdens of others is that we do so strictly for the Lord, fearlessly on His behalf. We help others as He helped us and gave Himself for us. Jesus loves everyone unconditionally.  He asks is that you love everyone unconditionally too.

How does Christ love? He said of those parting His garments while He hung on the cross, “Forgive them father for they know not what they do.” He loves us so much that, “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” We are not perfect, but we should strive for Christ’s perfect love that does not operate on emotion, or reason its way out of giving assistance. Christ’s love operates on decision regardless of circumstance.

Tests of preference first involve being able to live with all men peaceably. We understand that our challenge is not to provoke purposefully, but our passions to serve the Lord and dedicate ourselves to Him can be provoking. We need to accept the fact that while we may have control over our passions, we have no control over the response of others. Our passionate faith in Christ may offend.

We also found that a very vital test of preference involves not impeding the development of a believer. We should prefer a successful relationship with the Lord in all believers and endeavor to do nothing whatever to hinder that development.

Identifying with the whole truth of these two texts we found that Jesus is fighting for us. He also stands to convict and encourage us. Jesus is our advocate before the Father and we rest in His perfect love. The tests of our preference come through the temptation of our flesh that can outwardly provoke another or if we take action to lead someone down a road away from the Lord and resting in His pure provision.

Another issue that occurred to me is where a perfect storm of growing faithlessness and sin can develop. As we prefer our fears or reasoning over faith, or we prefer our desire to control and completely understand over faith, we can impede the faith of those around us. As we let our personal pride dominate, faith and the great power of God grows dim in the rear view mirror. Pessimism breeds pessimism, faithlessness feeds further faithlessness. When we promote our abilities over that of the Lord to do His will, we fail Him. Where we offend others in the process we violate Matthew 18:6. As we choose to prefer ourselves, our smarts, our abilities and our rationale over faith, we choose to ignore God’s mercy, power, grace and love. We should always prefer God.

Today we talk about judgment. We open a discussion concerning our attitude with respect to judgment. We find in our scriptures that judgment is not discernment and discernment is not judgment.

We consider two passages in scripture today. Both will require context to develop. First, we return to the Sermon on the Mount and then we return to our passages in Romans from last week. In the Lord’s inscripturated Sermon, we will look at a verse that is probably the most oft quoted by unbelievers. Man’s heart (believer and unbeliever alike) does not desire conviction. Natural man wants conviction even less.

Chapters 5 through 7 of the gospel of Matthew carry great heavenly truths and establish these great truths for His Kingdom residents. Jesus is laying these spiritual foundations in those gathered around Him. These truths, as we identified them in the Sermon on the Mount exposition, are clear and growing character traits of the believer who belongs not in this world, but in Heaven. Believers are citizens of another realm, the realm of the almighty God. There is no Christian that does not exhibit these character traits.

Matthew 5:13-16 teaches us about the functional Christian in the world. The question we are forced to ask ourselves is, “What is God’s will and will you submit to it or capitulate to the world?” Christians are the light and salt in a corrupt society. They come into the world and work among the worldly but are not changed by the world or its inhabitants. Christians should have the effect of changing the world around them. We hold back complete spiritual deterioration with our testimony through the Holy Spirit. We are spiritual light and salt in this sea of darkness. Christians are never content with mediocrity before a perfect God who encourages our faithfulness for His provision and His glory, which demands perfection.

From 17-40 we find a discussion of the Christian relationship to the law. We might ask, “What is the Christian position before God in accordance with the law of God?” With Christ active in the believer’s life, the authenticity of righteousness is the moral law of God alive in the life of a believer. The purpose of the moral law is manifest in the Christian. God writes His law on our hearts (Jer 31:33). Authentic inner righteousness lives. It is what a Christian really is. We find the antitheses of the moral law in adultery, divorce, murder, oath taking, and revenge. This is where the Christian has to let his yea be yea and his nay be nay (Jam 5:12). Christians are not content with existentialism, just looking like a good Christian. The Christian must be authentic, functional.

Chapter 6 is practical application, the Christian lives out these things. Christian and religious life, giving, good works, fasting and praying are all alive and vibrant. If a Kingdom resident in Heaven can immediately commune with God, they take full advantage of the privilege of talking with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit at every opportunity. Why should any believer on earth be any different? In praying, giving or fasting, our motives must be focused upon God’s glory, not for men as the Pharisees did. Your heavenly Father sees all things – always remember that.

The Christian’s attitude toward material things is wholly different from the world. Desires for food, clothing and other material possessions must be without covetousness. We should live without anxiety for daily provision. “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness,” and you shall receive and exemplify all these things.

Our overall life as a Christian is supposed to be lived before God for His glory. Because we live out a Christian life before covetous man, he compares us to himself and those whom he respects (2 Cor 10:12). Therefore, man requires the Christian be a model human being, as natural man defines it. Real challenges develop when Christians press personal and biblically cloudy convictions upon others.

I. Judge not, but discern (Matthew 7:1-2)

Everything we do is scrutinized by the Father. Further, every day brings us closer to that day when we will see God and make an account for ourselves and how we have lived, or not lived, for Him.

Many cry the “judge not lest ye be judged” foul when they are convicted. This claim is often used to cover up false teachings or hearts bent to sin that want to deny conviction. Many react against discipline using this verse. The test for the real Christian is to know judgment and discernment.

Jesus does not mean we are not to discern. Is it a statement of character? Are we to never pass judgment on whether or not someone is a hypocrite or unbeliever? That is not the testimony of scripture. Consider verse six. We are supposed to know what is holy and what is unholy, where the dogs and swine are. When we obey these scriptures, we discern the character and what we suspect is another’s position before God, saved or unsaved. How do we know if we do not make a decision based upon some facts – a discernment?

Verse 20 tells us that we will know them by their fruits. Once again, we look at what others have produced. We scrutinize the labors of others to determine their teaching ability. Romans 16:17 tells us to go further and mark them which call divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrines of the scriptures and avoid them. Whether by their lips or their actions, we are to mark those who divide us and offend other believers as contrary and stay away from them.

First Corinthians 5:9-10 becomes very important after we exercise proper discernment. We do not keep company with fornicators, covetousness, criticizers and pessimists (railers), drunkards or idolaters. You are given authority to pass judgment on those who profess Christ. Doing it in a right and proper way is being a loving Christian brother or sister. We do not want to hear this as individuals, but the fact remains. Each one of us is given to judge one another in order to practice the priesthood of the saints we find in 1 Peter 2:5.

Second Thessalonians 2:14 says we must stay away from those who walk disorderly. We have to determine, judge and discern what is and what is not disorderly. We cannot permit men and women to be accepted when they are exhibiting the things listed as sins in Galatians 5:19-21 and other passages.

We are also given to discern false teachers and stand for truth, opposing error. Neo-Evangelicalism and the other ecumenical efforts fly in the face of this doctrine. We have to make our discernment strictly with scripture, but we have to make them all the same. We should never pressure someone to conform to our personal convictions, nor force those personal convictions into the church as many have done. However, we should notice Christian growth and encourage that change as it develops naturally through the Holy Spirit.

Look at Matthew 7:15. Beware of false prophets – you will know them by their fruits. We have to know what they are and treat them accordingly. We do not just drop all our decision making abilities in order to accept all brothers and sisters in Christ. We are to point to others who claim Christ and tell them when they are falling away, encourage them to come to this church because we teach the scriptures, and not deny Christ as He is preached here, but instead deny the heresy as it is preached there.

Galatians 1:9 tells us we have to let those who preach and teach another gospel be accursed. They are as sheep on the outside, but inside like wolves that will devour you. These false teachers appear as sheep but they desire to devour the souls of those before them. Second John also gives us more information in verses 9-11. Those who do not abide in the doctrine of God do not have Christ. In 1 John we read that if you do not have the Son you do not have the Father. In 2 John we read that without the doctrine of Christ we deny the fundamentals of the faith. Without the fundamentals of our faith, we cannot grow in knowledge of who Christ really is. John goes further than just not letting them in your church. John says you should never even let them in your home. You should not even permit them room in your house at all.

Sincerity is no substitute for the truth. The scribes and Pharisees, Saul of Tarsus, Buddhists, Islamists all of them were and are sincere. What matters is not their sincerity, but those things in which they place this sincerity.

Jesus does not mean we are not to discern the character and activity of others. We are not supposed to dismiss our discernment with respect to teachings of men.

II. Unity in Humility (Romans 12:16)

This passage in Romans brings to fruition the scriptures before. Romans 12 opens with an encouragement to present ourselves as living sacrifices. We should not be conformed to this world, but transformed in our mind. This transformation proves our faith that God’s will is good and acceptable and perfect.

In our next verses, beginning in verse 3 we find we are not to think ourselves higher than others. The exhortation is to discern whether or not we exalt others higher than ourselves. We also find that each of us is a vital piece of the body of Christ. Each one of us must work in the body to have the body work properly. None of us have the same function, none of us should presume the position of another as we discussed some weeks ago. The reason for these differences and the things associated with them is that we are all uniquely gifted within the body. We are all given individual powers to edify, build and encourage the body. These powers tie us together just as a real physical body is tied together. If we pictured the body again, we would see each of the parts of the body as the functioning elements, and the Holy Spirit is the skin the holds it all together. We know that the Head is Christ. Our gifts are wide-ranging and individual. We are exhorted to prophecy if we are prophetical, we must serve if we are servants. Teachers are encouraged to teach. As we go down the list in verses 6 through 8 we find that every individual must serve, for each individual is gifted to do so in some way, by some gift, for some reason.

When we look at verse nine we are strongly exhorted to love without hypocrisy and abhor evil, cling to what is good. We should devote ourselves to one another with a brotherly love. Here we get our words to have preference toward one another in verse 10. We should honor one another and love one another with a fervent spirit, serving the Lord. We are called to rejoice in hope and persevere in tribulation and strife. Our life is devoted to prayer and hospitably contributing to other saints as unto the Lord. We are even supposed to bless individuals who might cross us or wrongfully accuse us. We rejoice with everyone who rejoices and we equally understand why others weep, and share in their deepest sobs.

Now we come to verse 16 and find that we are to be unified in mind. The word for mind is a word that means understanding or wisdom. We are given to keep the same goal in mind – to glorify God in all things. We are given to focus upon honoring Him in a faithful following of our Lord, and in faithful diligence in His work. That work may be great, and yet it may be small in our part. However, all God’s works are eternal and everlasting. If we only fold a paper as a part of that ministry, we have done something on a scale we might never understand.

We are not supposed to be grasping for the gold ring all the time. We do not deny others of lowly estate to try to build something around us that looks like a palace a king would be proud of, all in an effort to make something of an upper crust ministry. Folks, ministry in the trenches is dirty. We have to be willing to get down in that dirt and help the lowly of the world out of those trenches.

We certainly are blessed to be in a country of great prosperity. We do not mean to diminish wealth at all in this discussion. The issue we have is with those we might all call snobs; those who might put their chin up to certain individuals. Those mentioned in this verse, who are haughty in mind, are individuals who would not be caught dead with “those people.” I saw a great illustration of this one time where a group of ladies were gathered around a lunch table eating expensive salads. They were all white, wealthy and successful or married to successful men. One of these ladies had adopted an older black child. The other women there were mortified that she might consider it, let alone actually adopt a black child, especially when the woman had a young daughter in her home. Her response to these attitudes was, “Shame on you.” Shame on us when we contemplate such vile things, such as considering others lower than ourselves and unworthy of our attention, time, money or accommodations. That a Christian would place a life somewhere below them simply because we are affluent or we desire to be in the upper crust is reprehensible. One of the most common responses is, “Well, we just don’t do that.” Another one is, “You have to be careful.” Paul wrote be careful for nothing (Phil 4:6).

We often do this with how we expect things in our life to be. We seem to press upon other things that they are somehow sacred or so precious that we might disparage someone or press ourselves upon someone because of this pre-conceived notion. We presume we are the Christians after whom others have to pattern their lives. We presume above all that we have the existentials right. What we frequently miss about our attitude is that our Lord often slept on the ground. In Judea the list of critters that bite and hurt you is long, painful and scary. From scorpions to tarantulas to snakes, they are all out there. Our Savior had no place to lay His head. The transformed Christian has to understand that we begin in the ground, among the dirt and filth of sin. Jesus came down here, dug deep into that ground and saved us from that mire.

Have you ever considered what it would have been like for our Savior to sleep at the bottom of a fishing boat? Folks, in those days where did they put the fish? That boat more than likely reeked of fish. Jesus fell asleep among His disciples in the mire of a fishing boat. We might speculate that since He knew there was a storm coming, He may have invited the cleansing of rain and sea.

We can too often throw people aside that we do not consider to be worthy of our time, equal to our status or in our league. I pray you never fail in this level of judgment. Can we be the Savior, walking into a leper colony and witnessing to them with full faith in that if we are afflicted it is God’s choice, not ours? We must give up our stereotypical attitudes of people and be flexible for all of God’s tools and belongings. They are His to use, they are His people to save, they are His sheep we serve, it is His will that will be done.

We can be discerning but we must not be judgmental. When we judge we place people into categories and determine who gets what. We have no right nor authority to do that. What we should do is discern real Christian character and encourage others to grow in Christ.

We further develop unity as we humble ourselves to understand the complete truths associated with our own standing before God. It’s easy to say we know where we came from. It is much harder to actually live out that truth. We are judgmental when we forget where we came from and where we must go. We must be humble in our lives and the things of our lives. Nothing belongs to us. It all belongs to God.

Above all things, we remember the great glory of an almighty omnipotent God of the universe. His power is over all, for all and always positioned to glorify Himself. We can position ourselves to take advantage of that power when we focus upon glorifying Him. That is done by positioning ourselves in faith before His throne, trusting only Him and not in ourselves. We should rest in this power, in His position and seek always to glorify Him by completing His will. When we look to Him, commune with Him, take all our cares to Him and not to others we eliminate our judgmentalism and the propensity to be judgmental. He is a great God. He will hear your prayers.

Last week we considered scripture that tested our salvation. We looked carefully at the things in our life that should be evident with Christ and the Holy Spirit in us. We found the Beatitudes very specific in their call for Christian change. Individuals with the first three attributes firmly imbedded in their life (a poor, mournful and humble spirit) promote Christ within them.

These changes also promote a change in activity, a change in the way the believer lives. Christians strive to build and unfold their lives differently than others. This change revolves around their faith in the one true God and His Son. There is great contentment that dominates the life of the believer. This contentment does not promote mediocrity or apathy. Who could say Paul was at all apathetic? For that matter, no apostle was apathetic. Their activity in the face of great persecution brought about their martyrdom. To say apathy is part of contentment is to say a sieve holds water. Contentment when acting in faith creates peace even in the greatest adversity. The believer should experience a growing hunger for righteousness, a great desire to be merciful in all things and a deep desire to purify the heart. Our hunger and thirst for righteousness is tested where our contented hearts are tempted to apathy instead of zeal. Our mercy is tested in faithfulness where we are encouraged to show mercy and strength simultaneously without being antagonistic. Our purity is tested where we are tempted to capitulate with the world when labeled “pious” or “Bible thumper.” We may need to remain strong but loving in our witness. However, we may be too harsh to be heard. In all instances, we act in faith, not by sight (2 Cor 5:7).

Our final test is in peacemaking. This does not negate all aggression, assertiveness or conviction. This is a peacemaking effort where we focus upon the Lord. Like Stephen preaching to the Pharisees before being stoned to death, we can give good, solid arguments that only provoke because of the faithlessness in others. Stephen did not speak one hateful word, he only told the truth of his testimony for the Lord. It was so truthful, it was officially recorded in scripture. The Pharisees stoned Stephen because of their wicked hearts, not because of a venomous or spiteful Stephen.

Therefore, we are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. I have been in altercations that resulted from mild mannered, simple, calm requests for clarification. I have suffered spiteful and hatefully vicious attacks because someone just did not like hearing about God, hearing about Jesus or hearing about what He has done in my life. I have been spit upon, sworn at, belittled and many other things just for talking to someone about Jesus. We are encouraged to expect these things. How we handle these altercations is a testimony of Christ in us.

Today we look at a test of preference. Believers should prefer to be with other believers. We will consider two verses in this. The first is Romans 12:18 where we are called to simply be peaceable with one another. The second is Matthew 18:6 where we are exhorted by the Lord not to impede the growth or be a stumbling block to a believer.

We need to make sense in this world. When we look at the news on any given day we find the violence in our cursed world on display. It’s sad to say, but a U.S. Marine was sentenced Friday to 15 years in prison for brutally beating his wife. Some other headlines include:

• Cape residents concerned after arsons
• Woman Murdered in DeLand
• Woman charged in son’s slaying
• Clarksville Homicide Suspect Arrested in NC
• Three men shot during dice game in Berkeley

People wonder why we have this violence in our world. These are simply examples of the painful truth of the curse of man’s sin on the world. Ladies and gentlemen, the Christian strives to be beyond that. Sadly, we’re not. We normally keep out of the fray, but we are just as susceptible to violence as every other person. More than one pastor has beaten his wife or children. Pastors have committed suicide. Believers have fought other believers over scriptural issues. Some who claim Christ have killed doctors who perform abortions. As mentioned last week, Ulrich Zwingli, a reformer having a deep testimony in Christ put other believers to death over disagreements in doctrine.

Many secularists and others contending with Christians over a history of violence might point to the crusades or even the wars fought by Israel and the annihilation of the Canaanites. Some point to the world wars, Korea, Vietnam and the War on Terror and ask how can Christians justify so much killing. It all seems so destructive, so hateful. Many shut down and just drop to a simplistic question: “Can’t we all just get along?” As if this question, asked properly to everyone, will spur some inner civility and cause a cogitative light bulb moment. Some actually believe if you talk with someone enough, you understand them, they can get to understand you and together you can work through differences and avoid violence. Some think it is a matter of mutual respect, and that respect has to first listen to, understand and consent to the challenges of others. We look at all this history, all the current events, all the violence and seeming hatred for each other, certain religious movements or mankind as a whole, and we wonder why.

The fault does not lie in socio-economic stereotypes. The problem is not simply with those who have suffered abuse. The violence is not just because of alcohol. We have to face the fact that natural man has little control over his actions. Some have chosen to follow guidance that is more civil than others, but it is a choice they make. Dictators choose to be dictators and will remain dictatorial until forced to take another path. Even then, history proves they do so with a mind toward returning to power. They are built to be bullies and remain so unless they choose or are forced to change. The world has a hard time facing the fact that some people are just evil. Others make different choices to be morally acceptable in society.[i]

They also have a difficult time facing the fact that each of us has the same capacity as those we might consider the worst of the world. Like everything else, the intellectual secularist has attempted to offer, civility and morality are fluid and relative. Some have determined to use relativism and evolutionary theory as an excuse for murder.[ii] Whether perceived happiness, political elitism or developing eugenics to form a master race the idea is the same; all life must be subdued to feed the desired utopia.

As we might know in our growing Christian walk, Jesus calls His believers to a completely different standard. Instead of attempting to dominate everyone, God gives them a simple choice. Follow Jesus the Son of God, choosing Him, all that is in Him and all that He stands for, or follow the world choosing it, all that is in it and all it stands for. Whichever choice is made, one accepts all that comes with the package. Since Jesus gave His life for all mankind, we too must give of ourselves for all men (2 Pet 3:9).

I. Live peaceably with all men (Rom 12:18)

Living peaceably describes a state where man does not disturb others and is not disturbed by others. We have to remember that the first is in our control while the second is not. Our world is populated by sinners not saints.

On a very general plain, we find God’s word commanding us to love the world (Matt 5:43). This is the principle from which Paul draws the conclusion we find in Romans 12:18. It is probably well worth noting that Jesus is not found in scriptures to quarrel with Romans, only with His own people. The very people chosen by God, gave God’s Son the cross in exchange for His personal sacrifice for their sins. Where Paul says, “all men” he means both natural man and the believer.

The paragraph for this passage starts with verse 14. Bless those who persecute you: bless, and curse not. We are supposed to go further than our current political buzzword says to tolerate one another. However, we should note the scripture does not say, condone every action of the unbeliever. We are just supposed to bless them.

Take this one step further. Knowing the evil of natural man and the curse that evil uses for its freedom, the Christian is supposed to sympathize, even empathize with the worldly. We understand that bad things happen to good people. We can empathize if we have had struggles in our life, if we have suffered loss. We should comprehend their pain and suffering because of the wickedness that we know surrounds us. Christians must know they are simply a hair’s width from tragedy themselves.

We take the good rain and rejoice with the world, but we see the disaster and death of great tornadoes and hurricanes and weep with them as well. When a child is born, we rejoice with the family. When a family member dies, or children are lost to senseless violence we weep with them and try to help them through their distress.

The difference is that the Christian can rejoice in strife because their eternal location is secure. We can rest in a loving God who will take us from this cursed land and place us in His Kingdom, in a mansion built just for us. This is what we share with others, the great blessings of salvation!

Our test is to live peaceably with all mankind even through these challenges. Having our testimony for Christ cannot be something that we provoke others with personally. Our personal testimony should not be given in a fashion to provoke the unbeliever. That they are provoked because of a testimony for Christ is another issue all together. We have to remember this comes from a man who was beaten with rods three times, stoned once, imprisoned and ultimately beheaded for Christ (2 Cor 11:25).[iii]

We are tested in our Christlike love and ability to love as Jesus loved us (Jn 15:9). Many times we are told in scripture to love one another as Christ loved us. The passage in John 15:9 can be understood to mean believers and unbelievers. Just before this verse, we are encouraged to bear much fruit. We bear fruit through gaining disciples for Christ. We witness and encourage others to become part of His Kingdom. We are encouraged to be like Him out of the same love Jesus has for all mankind.

We are tested to witness in a fallen world lovingly, even to the most unlovable. We are tested to love as Christ loves. We are also tested in our call to holiness. Scripture tells us to be in the world, but not of the world (1 Jn 2:15). We are challenged to separate, but to do so in meekness and without disdain (Jn 15:19). One of our greatest challenges as people is to respond not as much emotionally, but with a volition honorable to our Lord. That, ladies and gentlemen is Stephen and his response to the Pharisees in Acts 7-8.

As Jesus normally does, He clarifies things in other passages that better illustrate how we are to have preference for the believer. We know we must live peaceably with the unbeliever, but there is a test for the whole of existence that we have to exercise regularly.

We are tempted to fall back into the world. The way of the world is cripplingly hard. Just letting go seems easy. However, the failures associated with simply letting Satan take us deep into the doldrums are beyond our thoughts or senses. Pulling someone else down with us is all together another issue. After all, misery loves company. Entertaining the idea of somehow interfering with a child of God should shake you to the core after you read Matthew 18:6.

II. Do not impede my believers (Matt 18:6)

Children, and specifically Jesus’ children (young and old) are extraordinarily special to Him. He gave His life for them and they are placing their eternal trust in Him. He’s not going to let us down!

In Matthew 18 we can sense His passion with the words, “Woe unto the world because of offences!…Woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” Clearly, the world itself groans and strains against the sin which twists and contorts it into a globe filled with death, hate and depravity. Phillips notes:

“Let teachers in our schools and colleges who deliberately set out to corrupt the minds and beliefs of the young with humanistic and hurtful philosophies beware. Let those who exploit little children for the sake of lust and personal gain beware. Let all those who abuse children beware. Jesus the kindest and most tender of men said of such a one that “it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.””[iv]

The millstone is a huge piece of hard stone used to grind grain. The power of a mule was required to move it. A man could not carry the stone let alone bear the burden in water. It is inconceivable that a man could endure its weight. He would go down quickly and never recover. It would be better to die quickly in this fashion than to face and be part of the depths of wickedness that lay in wait to devour natural man.

Jesus promises two forces would come to bear upon those who purposefully impede the progress of His children as they strive for His glory. The first woe pulls all the world’s wickedness to bear upon him. Anyone who would teach that promiscuity or impurity is acceptable will find the full weight of the curse of the world. Additionally, the full weight of Satan’s burdens will rest on their shoulders. A clear indication is that, unlike what God did for Job, Satan will have no limitations. He can do whatever he wishes.

The absence of compassion in life completely oriented toward an individual can be devastating. The weight of pure darkness is oppressive. No love, no care, just do as you are bid. Can you imagine never having anyone in your life that cares for you? They might care a little, as long as you can supply what they want or need. Some celebrities suffer groupies who will hang out with them as long as they have money, drugs and alcohol to party with. Once there is no more money, friends become scarce. How horrid to think that you are only liked because you have something someone else wants. Your only friends are parasites.

The second woe may be worse. It focuses upon the individual in a more personal nature. As you realize the only reason people want to be around you is to use you, many negative emotions begin to develop. Anger, hate, disdain, derision, constant criticism, complete dissatisfaction, malcontent and all the worldly desires, lusts and challenges that are never satiated. Because the individual hands out so much, he begins to expect a return on the investment. Resentment and a complete lack of contentedness sets in.

The joy is that being one of God’s chosen children, we are protected by the Chief Shepherd. We all know we have value. Our foes or those who would attempt to hurt us should quake in their shoes if they knew what may lie in store for them. Your Savior came to Earth, lived a perfect life as a testimony and to preserve righteousness, and died on the cross for you. All that and He still fights for you, watches out for you and protects your eternal condition. We serve a great and glorious God. His Son is the most loving, wonderful, righteous man that ever walked the Earth. There is no wonder we prefer being with one another.

I am excited to know that, though we are tested at times, we have a Savior who fights for us and encourages us to remain unified. He wants us to be faithful, and He gives us faith for His glory. If we will submit to Him, give Him our faith, rest in Him and trust His protection and eternal security, we will always please Him and glorify Him.

Do we strive to live peaceably with all others on the Earth? Do we look to Jesus for the strength and courage to do so in the face of adversity? Do we bless those who curse us in order to let Jesus shine through our testimony? These are our tests.

Do we in any way impede the faith and trust or glory that another believer may have in Christ? Are we furthering His kingdom, or are we a stumbling block for another believer’s operative faith? Do we encourage stronger relationships with Christ, or do we temper our relationship to better understand it? When we encourage others to operate outside of faith or scripture we injure a child of God, we impede their access to God. Their sin was precipitated by our temptuous activity. We should encourage one another in Christ, not discourage one another through the world.

Jesus wants all to come to repentance. He wants us to know that, and He wants us to operate with that at the forefront of our minds. Live peacefully with everyone you can. We have to give great preference to those who belong to Christ. Above all, we have to give them the greatest of what we have, the best of what we can. We have to be able to tolerate unbelievers, but we have to support and encourage and help believers get closer to Christ, glorify Christ, see Christ and worship Christ.

Christian, go forth and love your neighbor as yourself and love your brother in Christ above all others. That is your test.