The Devil’s men

The King of Babylon (Isa 14:3) represents satanically influenced men bent on world domination. There have been many through the years (Pharaoh, Sennacharib, Nebuchadnezzar, Alexander, Nero, Napoleon, Hitler, Stalin, etc.) and one is coming who will be more evil than all of them. They enslave the people and ruin the earth. The good news is that one of David’s descendants is coming to set things right (Isa 16:5). Then the earth will rejoice (Isa 14:7-8). Even so, come Lord Jesus.

Has your faith atrophied?

On whom do you depend? Where do you place your trust? Most of us are dependent on some human institution or we trust in ourselves. The Lord says, “Don’t put your trust in mere humans. They are as frail as breath.” (Isa 2:22) To demonstrate Judah’s misplaced trust God said he would take away everything they depend on (Isa 3:1). That is a scary thought. What if God removed all of our crutches, support systems and false sources of security? We would be driven back to God in desperation! Will God have to take such drastic measures with us before we acknowledge our utter dependence on Him? Find some way to demonstrate your trust in God. Try a new direction in life; a faith adventure. Share the gospel with someone. Give sacrificially. Start a new ministry. Lean into Him and you won’t be disappointed (Psa 22:5, Rom 10:11).

The heart of religion

The religion of Israel and Judah had been adulterated by idolatry and improper motives (2Ki 17:41, Isa 1:10-15). The religion was so corrupt that God wanted nothing to do with it. If it is not ritual and superstition that God wants, what is it? What God desires is for us to do the right thing with the right heart. “Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.” (Isa 1:17) He has shown you, O man, what is good and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God (Mic 6:8). This is true religion (Jam 1:27).

The path of least resistance

The life of comfort and ease, the predictable routine is not always healthy. Israel was stuck in a rut. She had found the “sweet spot” and she forgot God (Hos 10:11). Hard ground does not receive the seed of the Word (Mar 4:4). Lack of challenge causes atrophy and apathy, while resistance develops strength and endurance. Israel needed a change. “Break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord!” (Hos 10:12). Lethargy and inertia will slowly kill you. Get up! Take action! Resist! The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them (Hos 14:9).

Bad religion

In the midst of their idolatry, Israel still took oaths in the Lord’s name. (Hos 4:15) Much of what we call “Christianity” in the world is idolatry sprinkled with the Lord’s name. (our idols are money, sex, comfort etc.) Hosea warned Israel that their false religion and excessive wealth would devour them (Hos 5:7). This is also a warning for America. It’s uncanny how the message of the prophets speaks to America. We too have forgotten our God and built palaces and fortresses (Hos 8:14). Are we too far gone? Probably. All there is to do is continue to minister and woo them back one heart at a time.

Greener pastures?

You have turned from the God who can save you and have forgotten the Rock who can hide you (Isa 17:10). Man has a propensity to forget and wander. No matter how much God blesses us, we go in search of greener pastures. Hosea was instructed to marry a harlot (Gomer) to illustrate how we sell ourselves to lesser gods (Hos 1:1). Though we are faithless, He remains faithful (2Ti 2:13). He stands ready to redeem us if we will remember and return.

The coming King

Jesus will rule the world from Zion. Almighty God has made this his personal mission (Isa 9:6-7, 11:10). There is no getting around it. This will happen. No matter how distant God seems to us now, at some point He will once again intervene in history and establish a physical kingdom on earth. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Mat 6:10). The only question is, “Will you be on his side or one of his enemies?” Do you believe this? It should change your life.

Just when you thought you had God figured out…

Isaiah told Ahaz to ask for a sign from the Lord to confirm that Judah would survive the threats of Israel and Syria (Isa 7:11-12). Using conventional wisdom, Ahaz refused saying, “I will not test the Lord.” The Lord gave him a sign anyway. God is going to execute his plans. Sometimes he invites us to join him. If we are not flexible enough to follow him in faith (Isa 7:9b), we miss a great opportunity to fellowship with the Lord. Rather than enhance his relationship with God, Ahaz chose to sit it out. He did not test God’s power, but he did test his patience. Most of the time we should not require a sign (Mat 16:4). Occasionally, God wants us to test him (Mal 3:10). Don’t be so bound by “the rules” that you miss the relationship.

Persevering Prophets

Although Amos was in the habit of interceding for Israel, the religious establishment accused him of treason (Amos 7:2, 5, 10). Although Amos was not a “professional prophet,” Amaziah, the priest accused him of prophesying for pay (Amos 7:12, 14). Speaking the truth of God rarely results in “success” as we define success. In fact, When God commissioned Isaiah he told him that the people would not listen (Isa 1:9-10). But God’s word does not return void. It is a sword that separates and renders men accountable (Isa 55:10-11, Mat 10:34-39). If you’re feeling “unsuccessful” in your ministry you’re in good company. The measure of success is not numbers, but faithfulness (1Co 4:1-2).

Prone to wander

Our country is very much like Israel before she fell to Assyria. Some see the wickedness and long for judgment, “The Day of the Lord,” but they have no idea the misery they are wishing on themselves (Amos 5:18). Others ignore the injustices while they enjoy entertaining “worship” services in million dollar facilities (Amos 5:22-24). Some live as if life is a continuous party, enjoying luxury in denial of the state of the nation, and the needs of those around them (Amos 6:4-7). All the while God is calling out, “Return to me!” (Amos 5:4). Honor the Lord with compassion, justice and righteousness (Amos 5:24) for this is true worship.

Vacillating Victors

Amaziah did what was pleasing to the Lord but not wholeheartedly. (2Ch 25:2) I suspect that describes most of us. Uzziah was the same way. He followed the Lord initially, but when he became powerful, he also became proud (2Ch 26:16). Jonah had periods of personal revival, but in the end he remained selfish and angry at God. Wholehearted, lifelong discipleship is a difficult thing. Not many pull it off. Thank God that we do not earn our salvation. “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24)

Holy bones

As Israel drew closer to destruction, God began to remove His witnesses. Elisha was one of the last great men of God to bring His word to Israel. Elisha’s life was so dedicated to God that even his bones were holy (2Ki 13:20-21). But even with witnesses like Elisha around, Israel was bent on destruction. She enjoyed a few more sporadic victories against her enemies before succumbing to the Assyrians. Lord, help me to testify for you. Make me a light in a dark culture.

An active enemy

Judah was constantly tempted to worship idols. The history of the nation is a cycle of Baal worship and revival of the worship of YHWH. One good king, one bad king. A king starts well and ends poorly. Why is it not obvious and natural to follow the Lord? Zechariah, the priest, said, “Why do you disobey the Lord’s commands and keep yourselves from prospering?” (2Ch 24:20) We have an enemy. Just as he did in the garden, Satan is hard at work luring us away from the truth. If we don’t recognize our adversary, we are sure to be deceived. (Joh 8:44)

A lonely legacy

Jehoram, king of Judah, failed to follow his father’s example. He led Judah into wickedness. When he died no one was sorry (2Ch 21:20). What causes sons to rebel? Perhaps a need to establish their own identity, separate from their parents. They want to be known for their own ideas and outcomes, rather than being “his father’s son.” When your parents are good, there is no shame in following their example and adding to their legacy. God knows and recognizes you as an individual. There is no need to seek the glory of men. In the case of Jehoram, he cut off his nose to spite his face! He established an independent identity alright… “When he died no one was sorry.” That’s not the legacy I want to leave.

Is seeing believing?

Can you trust your senses? Elisha’s servant failed to see the armies of heaven surrounding the Arameans until God opened his eyes. (2Ki 6:17) Later the Lord caused the Aramean army to hear the sound of chariots and horses that did not exist. In fear of what they heard they panicked and fled. (2Ki 7:6) We tend to trust what we can see, hear, taste, touch and smell. Clearly the senses are not the ultimate measure of reality. They are subject to the Lord’s will. Father give me eyes to see and ears to hear that I might perceive the truth. (Deu 29:4, Mat 13:13)

Struggling with silence

Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit (2Ki 2:9). He apparently received it because the Bible records a string of miracles immediately following his succession of Elijah. The miracles began with Elisha parting the Jordan saying, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” (2Ki 2:14). Many of us are asking that question today, especially in light of the dearth of miracles in our time. But do you need a miracle to believe in God? He has given us creation, our conscience and the Canon to testify to the reality of his existence (Rom 1:19-20). If God chooses to be silent in our time, that is his prerogative (1Sam 3:1). Our faith should not be dependent on miracles (Mat 16:4).

The promise keeper

David’s descendants, the kings of Judah, had a checkered history at best. Asa and Jehoshaphat were good kings, but failed to remove all of the pagan practices in Judah. Jehoram is reputed to have been as evil as Ahab (2Ch 21:6), but the Lord did not destroy David’s lineage because of the promise He made to David. David was assured that his descendants would rule forever (2Ch 21:7, 2Sam 7:16). If God spared Jehoram because of his promise to David, how much more will He be gracious to us because of his covenant with Jesus (Joh 10:27-29). Praise the Lord for his abundant grace.

Tempting fate

The prophet warned Ahab not to go into battle. Ahab defied the Lord and the host of heaven conspired against him (2Ch 18:18-19). Even though the king disguised himself and duped king Jehoshaphat into being a decoy, a random arrow found the chink in his armor (2Ch 18:33). Make your plans, take precautions, but know that if you live in defiance of God your sins will find you out. (Num 32:23) Be not deceived. God is not mocked. Whatsoever a man sows, that he will also reap. (Gal 6:7) The only refuge from God is in God.

The truth hurts

Ahab learned to hate the prophets of the Lord. One rebuked him for sparing Ben-Hadad, king of Aram (1Ki 20:41). Elijah called him on the carpet for killing Naboth and stealing his vineyard (1Ki 21:19). He began to avoid the prophets and did not want to consult Micaiah before going to war. He said, “I hate him. He never prophesies anything but trouble for me.” (2Ch 18:7) When you live in sin, expect discipline. These faithful prophets spoke truth to power. That is the role of the prophet. Call it like it is, no matter the cost. Thank God for men and women with the courage to speak the truth in our day.

Lonely leaders

Representing the Lord sometimes means being respected by the people. During hard times, however, it often means being blamed for misfortune. Elijah was both appreciated and scorned by the widow of Zeraphath (1Ki 17:18). Later, he was greeted by King Ahab as the “troubler of Israel.” (1Ki 18:16) Elijah found himself at odds with the people and the leaders because he remained faithful to the Lord. The constant tension took its toll on Elijah and soon he wanted to be relieved of his duties (1Ki 19:4). It is often said that leadership is lonely. It is even more so with spiritual leadership. Do you know someone standing for the kingdom? Take some time to encourage them today!

Devotion back log

June 9, 2011
Light in the darkness
The prophet told Asa, “The Lord will stay with you as long as you stay with Him…Be strong and courageous, your work will be rewarded.” (2Ch 15:2) Asa believed this and he remained loyal to God even during very dark and turbulent times. (2Ch 15:5-7). It requires tremendous faith to overcome the strong political, social, and spiritual influences that woo us away from God. But as long as Asa stayed the course others were drawn to him when they saw that God was with him (2Ch 15:9). Lord, be a light to the faithful through me. Help me to stand firm and inspire others to do the same.

June 10, 2011
A heart wholly His
As Asa’s power grew he slipped away from the Lord. When Judah was threatened by Israel, he turned to the king of Aram instead of the Lord. (2Ch 16:7-8) Because of this decision the Lord gave him over to war for the remainder of his reign. Asa hardened his heart and did not turn to the Lord even when his health failed (2Ch 16:12). He started well, but finished poorly. The eyes of the Lord search to and fro throughout the earth to find those whose hearts are fully His. (2Ch 16:9) Lord, make my heart fully yours. Teach me to rely on you, not any human institution, for help and sustainment and satisfaction. Help me to finish well.

Aging graciously

Much of Solomon’s frustration was with the fact that he was growing older. His abilities and opportunities were diminishing daily (Ecc 12:4). Young men, as you map out your life you must plan for the “slow down.” You will not always be as strong, energetic and passionate as you are now. There comes a time when you make your living with your brain instead of your back. If you don’t see it coming, this can be a very discouraging transition. It’s not that you are no longer useful, but you are useful in different ways. Your contribution is increasingly wisdom as your strength and energy fade. The outer man decays, but the inner man is being renewed day by day! (2Co 4:16)

Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater

Among Solomon’s melancholy ramblings (Ecc 7:2-4) there are some golden nuggets of great advice. Avoid extremes, approach life sensibly (Ecc 7:15-18). Even if you get on your bosses’ bad side, labor on diligently. You can overcome your mistakes if you don’t quit (Ecc 9:4). Diversify! Invest in an assortment of things to mitigate the risk (Ecc 11:2). If you wait for perfection, you’ll never get anything done. Assume some risk and go with the 70% solution (Ecc 11:4). Don’t burn your bridges. You never know which avenue success will take (Ecc 11:6). Though Solomon is certainly not a perfect role model (who is?), he definitely learned some good lessons and gives great advice.

Satisfaction in the kingdom

After a thorough exploration of what the world has to offer, Solomon’s conclusion was, “Vanity of vanities. All is chasing the wind.” (Ecc 1:14) He found no purpose, no meaning. His only recommendation was to sooth the pain of this truth with the pursuit of wisdom, work and pleasure. These were merely distractions. Futility constantly lurked in the corners of his mind reminding him that it all meant nothing. Most of us can identify with his dilemma. What Solomon was missing was Jesus. He gives us purpose and meaning (Joh 14:6, Mat 22:37-39). To love God and love people is to seek His kingdom, a meaningful, lifelong task (Mat 6:33).

Ensnared

For all of Solomon’s wisdom, in the end his heart was led astray (1Ki 11:3-4, 9). It’s amazing to think that the person who wrote most of the Proverbs forsook the Lord. It just goes to show you, it’s not how much you know but how much you obey that keeps you close to the Lord. The decisions of his youth caught up to him. Some of his 1000 wives and concubines led him astray. Was he a sex addict? Or was he just exercising his power in excessive, superfluous ways? What is your weakness? What will prevent you from finishing well? Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (NASB95)

Playing with fire

Song of Solomon is the story of two young lovers. It is full of metaphors and symbolic language, but unmistakably the description of a romantic relationship. Thank God for romance. Remember the excitement of your early relationship with your spouse? Keep that alive or recapture it. It is a precious gift from God. Because the gift of physical love is so intoxicating, it must be treated with utmost care. The lovers repeatedly warn, “do not awaken love before it is time.” (Song 2:7) This powerful gift is not to be treated casually before we are mature enough to deal with the resulting emotions and, let’s face it, children. Sex has the potential or creating a human life! This miraculous gift should only be shared between two people completely committed to one another and mature enough to care for a child.

Devotion back log

June 2, 2011
The risk of prosperity
If you are wise a certain amount of wealth and luxury will come your way. There is nothing inherently wrong with these blessings (Pro 21:20, 22:4). The trick is to remain wise once wealth increases. Too many get caught in the trap of Mammon worship. Like any blessing, money can be abused (1Ti 6:10). It is possible to be addicted to wealth. If you want to continue to be wise then save and give and live sensibly. Allow God to pour resources into the kingdom through you. (Pro 3:9-10, 1Ti 6:17-18) “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. (Malachi 3:10 NASB)

June 3, 2011
Wisdom for work
The Scriptures value diligence and competence at work. (Pro 10:14, 22:29) It does not pay to be lazy in mind or body. Laziness is not only frustrating to those around you, it is ultimately unsatisfying for you. There is nothing like the sense of accomplishment and reward when you know you are a fully qualified asset to the team. Not to mention the material benefits (Pro 24:3-4). However, it is possible to overdo the “work ethic.” (Pro 23:4, Psa 127:2) As with all things, the Bible endorses a sensible approach. Work hard, rest well. Then you will be blessed and you will be a blessing to those around you.

Damaged goods

People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord (Pro 19:3). I observe two things in this verse. First, you are a product of your own decisions. It is possible to bring catastrophe on yourself by making unwise decisions. Many people think that things will always work out. The truth is, sometimes they don’t. Some choices cause permanent damage. Second, it is tempting to blame the Lord for your circumstances. The answer to the popular, “Why me?” is “because of the choices you made.” A ruined life is not a result of a malicious God, but of a foolish person. By the grace of God, our lives fit into more than two categories; ruin and success. People are found all along the spectrum. So even if some of your choices have caused damage, there is still hope. Make better choices and move on. No matter how tainted your past is, your future is spotless! (Pro 24:16)