“The Oil of Gladness”

A few years ago my daughter, a biochemist, developed a hair anointing oil (http://www.bright-star-hair.com/) to give hair sheen, glow and rejuvenation. At that time, most hair compositions did not contain oil. But, after my daughter’s new product Press Release, we noticed many of the major hair vendors began to advertise every type of oil imaginable in their compositions. They included Argan Oil, Moroccain Oil, Shea Oil, Castor Oil, Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil, Rosemary Essential Oil, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil, and others.

Previously, oil had been shunned from hair topical compositions, but “now” it was gladly included.

So, let’s examine “The Oil of Gladness”

Theme: “The Oil of Gladness”

Read Scripture: Psalm 45:7

“Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated wickedness; therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy companions.”

Both the Old Testament and the New Testament speak of anointing oil. Gotquestions.com writes about anointing oil, stating “Anointing oil is mentioned 20 times in Scripture. It was used in the Old Testament for pouring on the head of the high priest and his descendants and sprinkling the tabernacle and its furnishings to mark them as holy and set apart to the Lord (Exodus 25:6; Leviticus 8:30; Numbers 4:16).” “The recipe for anointing oil is found in Exodus 30:23-24; it contained myrrh, cinnamon and other natural ingredients.”

“There is no indication that the oil or the ingredients had any supernatural power. Rather, the strictness of the guidelines for creating the oil was a test of the obedience of the Israelites and a demonstration of the absolute holiness of God”. Psalm 45:7 states, “Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated wickedness; therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy companions.”

“Only four New Testament passages refer to the practice of anointing with oil, and none of them offer an explanation for its use. We can draw our conclusions from context. In Mark 6:13, the disciples anoint the sick and heal them. In Mark 14:3-9, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet as an act of worship. In James 5:14, the church elders anoint the sick with oil for healing. In Hebrews 1:8-9, God says to Christ as He returns triumphantly to heaven, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever,” and God anoints Jesus “with the oil of gladness.”

What is specifically the “oil of gladness”? It is the resting upon and saturation of the Holy Spirit. The basic idea of anointing is to pour oil upon someone or something in order to acknowledge special service or to set apart for special service to God.

So, when you pray, Psalm 23 wherein verse 5b -6 states, “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” You are acknowledging the abundance of God and that God has set you apart for His service.

So, although we certainly desire well-kept hair and appearance, we must always seek the better part of serving God and that is the desire for the anointing of the “Oil of Gladness”.

That is the difference others see in a Christian’s appearance. It is the glow of the “Oil of Gladness”.

Amen!

“Fruit flies, Gnats and other Nuisances”

The hot summer months bring out lots of insects and other critters. One of the most bothersome for me is fruit flies and gnats. These tiny insects are barely visible but seem to love to make their presence known by flying around in groups and swarming around food, beverages, and you.

I often wondered where do these fruit flies and gnats come from and how can I quickly get rid of them. So, I did some investigation. This is what I found out:

• Fruit flies and gnats seem to appear out of nowhere
• Fruit flies and gnats can quickly multiply in number, and be tough to get rid of once they’re around
• Fruit flies and gnats don’t come from spontaneous generation
• Fruit flies are built to find fermenting fruit
• Though small, they can detect the smell of overly ripe fruits and vegetables from a good distance away
• Because these insects are so tiny, they can get in through window screens or crevices around windows or doors
• Once inside, they reproduce. Before you know it, you’ve got yourself a full-fledged fruit fly and gnat infestation
• Sometimes, fruit flies hitch a ride into your home on fruits or vegetables and fruit flies lay eggs on the skin of very ripe or fermenting fruit
• To get rid of fruit flies you must get rid of the overly ripe or spoiled fruit that it is feeding/gathering around

Wow! That is a lot of information about those small insects. Let’s examine the theme, “Fruit flies, Gnats and other Nuisances”

Theme: “Fruit flies, Gnats and other Nuisances”

Read Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Those facts about fruit flies and gnats caught my attention from the point that fruit flies and gnats can detect the smell of overly ripe fruit. This means that fruit that has not been used and now is overly ripe or perhaps even fermenting triggers a fruit fly infestation, which is a tremendous nuisance.

I believe the same is true about the development and nurturing of the “Fruit of the Spirit”. Galatians 5:22-23 states that there is spiritual fruit. As a believer in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit works within you to develop and nurture spiritual fruit (love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control).

But much like fruit that grows on a tree or vine (i.e. apples, berries, oranges, bananas, grapes…), spiritual fruit must be put to use in the Christian’s life. Otherwise the fruit will become overly ripe and begin to spoil or become rotten.

You might wonder, “What is the connection between spiritual fruit and fruit flies and gnats?” Well, glad you asked. Fruit flies and gnats gather around fruit that is overly ripe; fruit that should have been used, but instead was left to spoil or rot. The same is true for spiritual fruit. When you are not using the virtues of the “Fruit of the Spirit” (spiritual fruit), you begin to get plagued by the small nuisances in life. Things that should not bother you become enormous nuisances. Things that if you were living and nurturing spiritual fruit that would be easily ignored, now begin to be extremely bothersome to you and seem to multiply, come out of nowhere, and spontaneously generate.

When these nuisances seem to be getting the best of you, rest assured this is happening because you are not using the spiritual fruit of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control that God has given you through the Holy Spirit. Your spiritual fruit is spoiling on the tree or vine. So, pray to God for a new start and begin to use your spiritual fruit, and those nuisances or symbolically, those fruit flies and gnats, will begin to disappear out of your life because they won’t have anything to feed on.

Amen!

“Leave the Ass (donkey) at the bottom of the Mountain”

Genesis provides for us some great and godly stories of the beginning of time, as well as, the beginning of great ministries. One of the most important virtues to God in Genesis was obedience. God spoke and the world and everything within it came into existence. All creation was obedient to God’s command. But this wasn’t the case with man in every instance.

Man having the ability to think and reason, along with free-will, made decisions and choices that did not always demonstrate obedience to God. This was especially true when fear rather than faith entered into man’s heart. Fear competes with faith to try to over-rule obedience. Faith tells a person to trust and obey God’s commands, but fear competes with faith to try to stop or over-rule obedience to God.

In Genesis chapter 22 there is a man named Abraham. He is commanded by God to sacrifice his son. This is a pivotal point in the life and ministry of Abraham. God had promised Abraham that He would make Abraham the “Father of Many Nations”. In other words, God had big plans for Abraham. But, first God had to be sure that Abraham could be obedient and faithful to His commands.

God had a ministry for Abraham that would change a nation of people and the world.” God would provide everything that was needed in Abraham’s ministry. God would provide the necessary people, resources, and opportunities. In Genesis 22 we read that God provided an opportunity for Abraham to demonstrate obedience and faithfulness.

As Abraham began his faith opportunity journey, he quickly learned that everyone and everything wouldn’t be part of that journey. Some people and things would not be part of the journey, especially when the journey leads to higher and higher levels of service.

Let’s examine “Leave the Ass (donkey) at the bottom of the Mountain”.

Theme: “Leave the Ass (donkey) at the bottom of the Mountain”

Scripture Reading: Genesis 22:1-18 (KJV)

Focus Scripture: Genesis 22:5 (KJV)

And Abraham said to his young men, Abide you here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.

Reflection:

So, Abraham arose early traveling with his son Isaac, two young men, and an ass (donkey). They eventually reached the base of Mount Moriah. Arriving at the destination, Abraham had the two young men, and the ass remain at the base of the mountain. The two young men and the ass could not make the trip up the mountain with Abraham and his son, Isaac.

If we look at the symbolism of this story, we note that only Abraham and his sacrifice (son, Isaac) could go up the mountain. Abraham was to leave the two young men and the ass at the base of the mountain. This is a lesson that when God gives you important work to do; you have to leave some people and the ass behind at the base of the mountain. They are not called to climb the mountain with you. It is a journey you must make on your own.

People must be left behind because they will be of no further help to you on the upward climb. The ass must be left behind, because it is an ass both literally and figuratively. In other words, the ass is capable of carrying heavy loads, but it is also at times stubborn and not too smart. So, the ass must be left behind because physical strength is not needed for the journey. Only faith and obedience is needed.

So, don’t hesitate to leave behind that which will only hinder your upward climb.

Amen!

“I Like Crosses”

I recently attended a gathering of Christians. At the gathering one of the pastors was wearing a cross ring. The ring was quite attractive with gold-plating and an embossed cross raised on top of it. One of the ladies at the gathering saw the ring and said, “I like crosses”. She went on to say, “I collect cross jewelry; necklaces, rings, bracelets and pins”.

One of the elder women at the gathering said, “You like crosses, do you?” She went on to say, “Well if you like crosses, do you like to bear them?” That was certainly a sobering statement. I then chimed in to break the tension by saying, “Must Jesus bear the cross alone, and all the world go free?” Another person chimed in and said, “No, there’s a cross for everyone, and there’s a cross for me.”

Let’s take a look at the cross. It is more than just a piece of jewelry.

Scripture Readings: Matthew 16:24 (ESV)

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Reflection:

The cross was a tool of death. It was used to crucify Jesus Christ as He brought forgiveness of sin and salvation to the world. Most people believe that the Romans created the cross for punishment of those convicted of criminal actions to include rebellion, insurrection, and blasphemy of the Roman gods. But, research indicates the cross and crucifixion probably originated with ancient Persians in the 7th century BC. The practice of crucifixion on the cross was later adopted by the Romans.

The crucifixion generally began with a scourging or whipping with a strap or club covered with sharp bone, stone, or anything sharp that could cause extreme pain and bleeding. The scourging exposed muscle, bone, entrails (intestines or internal organs) and could cut major veins or disembowel the person being whipped.

Then the convicted rebel of the law, government or society usually had to carry the horizontal beam to the place of execution, not necessarily the whole cross. The rebel was then probably affixed to the cross by ropes, piercing nails, or some combination of the two. This was to provide a particularly painful, gruesome, and public death. The rebel would in hours or days die from asphyxiation, physical shock, dehydration, and/or exhaustion. This would be a deterrent to anyone considering challenging the forces of authority.

So, for Christians the Cross should never be viewed as just a piece of jewelry. It has a painful history for our Savior Jesus Christ, and a story of hope for those that believe in Him. The author (Thomas Shepherd (1693)) of “Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone” says it well:

(1) Must Jesus bear the cross alone,

and all the world go free?

No, there’s a cross for everyone,

and there’s a cross for me.

(2) How happy are the saints above,

who once went sorrowing here!

But now they taste unmingled love

and joy without a tear.

(3) The consecrated cross I’ll bear

till death shall set me free;

and then go home my crown to wear,

for there’s a crown for me.

(4) Upon the crystal pavement down,

at Jesus’ pierced feet,

joyful I’ll cast my golden crown

and His dear name repeat.

5 O precious cross! O glorious crown!

O resurrection day!

When Christ the Lord from heaven comes down

and bears my soul away

Amen!

“Burying Talents Loses Them”

The Theology of Work (TOW) Bible Commentary* reviews the “Parable of the Talents” found in Matthew 25:14-30. The commentary on the well-known parable (a short and simple story that teaches a moral, spiritual or religious lesson) spoke to my heart as I view Christian service or work for the Lord. A redacted (shortened) portion of the commentary reads as such:

One of Jesus’ most significant parables regarding work is set in the context of investments (Matt. 25:14-30). A rich man delegates the management of his wealth to his servants. He gives five talents (a large unit of money) to the first servant, two talents to the second, and one talent to the third. Two of the servants earn 100 percent returns, but the third servant hides the money in the ground and earns nothing. The rich man returns, rewards the two who made money, but severely punishes the servant who did nothing.

Let’s examine the theme, “Burying Talents Loses Them”

Theme: “Burying Talents Loses Them”

Read Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30 (ESV)

 

Reflection:

The meaning of the parable extends far beyond financial investments. God has given each person a wide variety of natural talents and spiritual gifts, and he expects each person to employ them in His service. It is not acceptable merely to put those natural talents and spiritual gifts on a closet shelf and ignore them (i.e. bury them). Much like the three servants, we do not have talents and gifts of the same degree. But, the Lord expects us to nurture and use, for His service, the talents and gifts we have been given.

It is understood that the servant who received one talent was not condemned for failing to reach the five-talent goal; he was condemned because he did nothing with what he was given. What you have been given from the Lord to be used in His service includes spiritual graces, skills, abilities, family connections, social positions, education, experiences, and more.

The point of the parable is that we are to use whatever we have been freely given and have freely received for the Lord’s purposes. The severe consequences to the unproductive servant, far beyond anything triggered by mere business mediocrity, tell us that we are to invest our natural talents, spiritual gifts, and ultimately our lives in the Lord’s service, not waste (bury) them.

You may ask, “How can we use the Matthew 25:14-30 scripture and commentary in practical ways?”

The answer is the Lord has given you at least one natural talent and/or spiritual gift. He has given and entrusted to you something that is of great value to Him. It is meant to be received and invested to glorify the Lord and edify (build up) the Church. The natural talent or spiritual gift might be spiritual graces; or might be teaching, singing, preaching, ushering, or service to some other need.

It must be understood that when you refuse to invest your natural talent or spiritual gift, you are actually burying it. This demonstrates an attitude of in-gratitude, selfishness, and ultimately a resentment of the Lord’s authority. There is no way to know how many lives could have been won for Christ if only you had nurtured your talent or gift and invested it in service to the Lord.

But, what can be known for certain is that as the scripture states in verses 29 and 30 that those that have invested in service to the Lord will be given more. Those that have buried what was given and received from the Lord will lose all. They will lose what was initially given and received, and what would be given in the future to include even their eternal life. So, if you have refused to use your natural talent or spiritual gift for the Lord; No Excuses! Be Warned!

Amen!

Ref:

*http://www.theologyofwork.org/new-testament/matthew/living-in-the-new-kingdom-matthew-18-25/the-parable-of-the-talents-matthew-2514-30/

“Proclaim the Christ” blog is sponsored by NACEM. Contact: epearson@sjbcministry.org to learn more about NACEM or make a tax-deductible donation to edify the kingdom of God and nurture the spreading and understanding of the Word of God.

“Fig Tree Faith”

I recently had the opportunity to read once again a passage in the Bible that was a mystery to me when I first read it. The first time I read the passage my thoughts were that an unfair situation had occurred. The passage in the Bible is the story of “Jesus Curses the Fig Tree” found in Mark 11:12-24. The portion of the story that seemed to be unfair to me was that Jesus cursed the fig tree because it did not contain figs, even though it was not the season for figs.

In other words, fruit bearing trees, such as fig trees, have a season when they produce their fruit, and this was not the season for the fig tree to produce its fruit (figs). So, my thoughts were, why would the fig tree be cursed by Jesus resulting in the tree’s death when the tree could not have figs because it was not the season for the tree to bear (produce) figs.

Well, in my thoughts was embedded that somehow Jesus had been unfair because He cursed the fig tree (and it died) for not having figs to feed Him in His state of hunger, when it was not the season for figs. How could Jesus do such a thing when He knew it was not the season for the tree to bear or contain figs? Well through prayer and further study, I had a breakthrough about that narrative of the fig tree. Let’s take a look at “Fig Tree Faith”.

Theme: “Fig Tree Faith”

Scripture Readings: Mark 11:12-14, 19 – 24 (NIV) Son of man, I have made you a watchman to the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

¹² The next day as they [Jesus and His disciples] were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. ¹³ Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. ¹⁴ Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.

¹⁹ When evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city [Jerusalem]. ²⁰ In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. ²¹ Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!” ²² “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. ²³ “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. ²⁴ Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

 

Reflection:

The narrative, “Jesus Curses the Fig Tree”, on the surface appears to be unfair, but this appearance is based on viewing the narrative in the natural. What I mean by this is that nature would tell you that the only time a fruit tree could produce fruit is in its season. That is totally reasonable in our understanding of nature and the natural world.

But, Jesus operates in both the natural and the supernatural (above and beyond the natural). In the supernatural Jesus establishes the season of growth and production. This applies to trees, plants, animals, and of course humans. All things and everyone are under submission to Jesus for He is Lord of all in Heaven and Earth. So, it was the expectation and command that the fig tree would be submitted to Jesus’ hunger and therefore expected to produce/contain fruit –figs.

This is where the struggle in logic and reasoning comes in because we/I live in the natural and that forms expectations. In the natural you might think, well the fig tree does not know Jesus. But, scripture in Genesis 1, Psalms 19:1-3, and Romans 1:19-20 testifies that nature has knowledge and a relationship with Jesus’ divinity. So, there is no excuse.

So, I am reminded that living for Jesus requires faith and faith does not follow the natural or human logic, rationale or reasoning. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” So, as believers in Jesus Christ, we cannot operate solely in the natural, because faith exposes us to the supernatural (… assurance of what we do not see).

How does this apply in everyday life? Well, we must submit to Jesus’ needs and acknowledge that Jesus sets our season of growth and production. We don’t. So, when we have an opportunity to serve Jesus, we can’t refuse or say, “It’s not my season to do this or that”, because Jesus provides the opportunity and sets your season for service. You don’t.

So, when you refuse to serve Jesus in the way and time He requires, you are in rebellion and miss an opportunity to be fruitful. And rebellion to our Lord Jesus can have serious results. Remember the scripture says that the fruit tree withered (died) from its roots. In other words its very essence for life and base foundation was ruined forever

I will remember the story of the fig tree and the need to immediately move in faith when Jesus requires my service. I will remember, to have faith in Jesus when I am called upon to do something that I think is impossible, I will remember “Fig Tree Faith”.

Amen!

“What has bewitched you?”

If you are anything like me, there are times when God through the Holy Spirit puts a specific theme in your heart. It is a compulsion to share the Good News of Jesus Christ about a specific topic. For me that topic is “Apostasy”. That is a word that we generally don’t use in our everyday Christian-ease language or even our everyday language. Apostasy is described and defined as:

• A falling away or abandoning of the faith
• Deserting of a loyalty to God
• Departure from the belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior
• A leaving of the church or a lukewarm service to it

The one thing about apostasy that makes it so devastating is that it generally happens very subtly to the person that is in its grips. Galatians 3:1 (KJV) asks a question that infers apostasy’s grip as Apostle Paul asks, “… who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?”

Per Apostle Paul, the Christians at Galatia were aware of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross in obedience to God. It was the sacrifice of Jesus that brought about forgiveness of sin, salvation, and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ alone. So, Paul uses a question to reprove (gently correct) the Galatian Christians for departing from faith in Christ.

The Galatian Christians were moving away from the faith and had begun to reject it for other philosophies and beliefs. So, Apostle Paul questioned why the Galatians were not obeying what was the truth about and of Jesus Christ. What had changed their minds and hearts or as it is stated, “What had bewitched (captivated or fascinated) them?”

This is the same question that is reproving us today. What has captivated or caught our fascination such that now we aren’t loyal to what we once believed in and believed about Jesus Christ.

Let’s examine the theme, “What has bewitched you?”

Theme: “What has bewitched you?”

¹O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

Reflection: 

Most people would strongly reject the notion that they had been “bewitched”. The use of that terminology is arcane, old fashion, and outdated for our modern, rational, and technology-driven society. The term bewitched hints that someone is under a spell, curse or some type of magical control. Certainly nothing like that happens in the 21^st century! Well perhaps yes and perhaps no…

But, what we can document with evidence is what is known as “Syncretism” which is the mixing of other beliefs and philosophies with Christianity to obtain a more convenient truth to live by.

Syncretism is the combination of different forms of beliefs and philosophies which is evidenced by the following derailing movements within Christianity:

• “Jesus as Savior, but Not Lord”
• “All Religions serve the Same God”
• “There are Many Paths to God — Just Choose the one that Fits your needs”

Each of these movements is just that — a way to move you away from the truth of Jesus Christ.

Adrian Rogers, evangelist and radio broadcaster states, “If Jesus is not your Lord, then Jesus is not your Savior. You don’t pick and choose what you want of Jesus. There are a lot of people who think they are doing God a wild favor by accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior so they can have a little fire insurance and not go to hell. Jesus is Savior and He does save, but we cannot have what He gives unless we receive who He is. He is Lord!” *

In terms of all religions, Christianity affirms the doctrine of the Trinity which is the teaching that in the one God are three distinct persons–not three gods. In other words, the one God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is a uniquely Christian teaching, and this is a critical difference dealing with the nature of God. He is either triune (Christianity), or he is not triune (Judaism, Islam). Logically speaking, God cannot be both a Trinity and also not a Trinity at the same time. In addition, Jesus cannot be both God in flesh (second person of the Trinity) and also not God in flesh. Therefore, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam do not believe in nor worship the same God. **

Lastly, John 14:6 (KJV) states, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” In this scripture, Jesus uses a definitive article (“the”) in describing the path and direction to God; the reliability of His promises; and the eternal life offered by God. So, there is only one way to God and it is through Jesus Christ.

So, be aware and on guard that you don’t fall away from the faith. It is subtle, trendy, and deceiving, and it leads to destruction.

Amen!

Ref:

*See: See: http://www.lwf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=aboutus

**See: https://carm.org/do-christians-muslims-jews-worship-same-god

“Modeling Fatherhood for the Generations”

Father’s Day is a holiday in the United States in which fathers or paternal bonds are acknowledged. In 1910, the first recognized Father’s Day celebration occurred. Some believe it was in reaction to the acknowledgement of Mother’s Day as a needed complement.

Christians acknowledge secular Father’s Day, and acknowledge the greatest sacred example of modeling fatherhood as seen in God the Father and God the Son (Jesus). God also provided in His Holy Word other examples of fatherhood. The one I will highlight in this writing is the father and son relationship of Abraham and Isaac. Their example is one of paternal trust and obedience to God regardless of the circumstances and potential outcomes. It is an example that highlights love of God first, which leads to godly love of family.

A summary of Abraham and son Isaac is as follows:

One day God told Abraham to take his son Isaac, and to journey into the land of Mount Moriah. There he was to build an altar and offer Isaac as a sacrifice. It was a strange command, but Abraham knew that God would not bid him do what was wrong, and believed that even if he slew his son, God was able to raise him to life again. So he rose early in the morning saddled his ass, took two of his young men, and wood for the fire; and then, accompanied by Isaac, started on his journey.

On the third day they came near the place God had pointed out, and Abraham left the young men with the ass, while he and his son journeyed up the mountain alone.

As they went along, Isaac — who carried the wood, while his father carried the knife and the fire, said: “My father.” And Abraham replied, “Here am I, my son.” Then Isaac said: “Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Abraham answered: “My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering.”

The altar was built, Isaac was bound and laid upon it, and Abraham’s arm was uplifted to strike the blow that was to take his son’s life away. Then God called to Abraham, “Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him; for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing that thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from Me.” Abraham looked up, and behind him saw a ram which was caught in a thicket by its horns; this he took and offered as a sacrifice to God.

(Summary from: http://www.gospelweb.net/YouthItems/abrahamandisaac.htm)

Let’s examine the modeling of fatherhood per the Holy Bible.

Theme: “Modeling Fatherhood for the Generations”

Scripture Readings: Genesis 22:1-19 (NIV)

Reflection:

If we examine the story of Abraham and Isaac there is much to be learned. Here are the main points we realize from the story:

• Abraham was a father who talked with and had a relationship with God (…God told Abraham to take his son Isaac to Mt. Moriah)
• Abraham spent quality time with his son Isaac in obedience to God (…took a journey together)
• Abraham had trained his son in making sacrifices to God
• Abraham did not rely on his own reasoning or rationale but followed God’s commands
• Abraham started his day making God’s instruction a priority (…he arose early to begin his service to God)
• Abraham got others involved in God’s service
• Abraham realized that everyone was not privileged to be a part of God’s purpose and plan for his life (…his servants did not ascend the mountain with him)
• Abraham involved his son and family in God’s work
• Abraham protected his family (…he carried the dangerous items of the fire and knife)
• Abraham taught his son the importance of shared labor (…his son carried the wood)
• Abraham taught his son the need to offer his life to God
• Abraham taught his son that God would provide what was needed
• Abraham taught his son total trust in his father and the God they served
• Abraham acknowledged that everything and everyone belongs to the Sovereign God
• Abraham learned that God prefers obedience to sacrifice
• Abraham learned that God has resources that we know nothing about
• Abraham discerned the Will of God
• Abraham accepted that his children belonged to God
• Abraham learned that God gives and takes away (blessed be the Name of God)

So, as we reflect on Fatherhood and recognize fathers and paternal figures in our lives reflect on what we can learn from Abraham; the man God called to be the “Father of many Nations” (Genesis 17:5).

Amen!

“Jewels and Jewelry for Christmas”

The Christmas season advertising demonstrates the lack of recognition that it is the birthday of Jesus Christ not an opportunity to request and purchase all the items and trinkets that you desired all year long. It is also an opportunity to request that someone else pay for and purchase your heart’s desire. The items that seem to be most requested are jewels and jewelry.

The television commercials and magazine advertisements display those brilliantly sparkling jewels of every color, size and shape. The typical purchases are diamonds and sometimes birthstones and gems in settings of gold, silver and platinum. Each of these has a specific symbolism and meaning. This is also true of the precious jewels and jewelry mentioned in the Bible.

The Bible contains what is known as “emblematic jewels”. These jewels symbolize important symbols within the Bible. A symbol is a sign which suggests meaning rather than stating it. A symbol is similar in some way to the item it represents thus it gives you an impression that helps you to understand what is portrayed.

So, when asked “What do you want for Christmas?” Just say, “I want emblematic jewels”. That will certainly bring a response of “I never heard of those before. Where do you find that jewelry”? or “What store should I go to purchase them”? You can then say, “Glad you asked. They are very valuable, beautiful, durable, splendid and rare. But, you can’t purchase them. They are absolutely free”.

Let’s examine “emblematic jewels”…

Theme: “Jewels and Jewelry for Christmas”

Scripture Reading:

Ezekiel 28:13 – You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: carnelian, chrysolite and emerald, topaz, onyx and jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise and beryl. Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared.

  

Reflection:

The Bible has many references to jewels and jewelry. There is jewelry that is worn. There are jewels that surround; and jewels that complement. Each time jewels are mentioned in the Bible, they symbolize God’s love and the care and value He places on each of us. Each jewel mentioned represents how precious we are to God and how He wants the absolute best for us. Here are the jewels and jewelry of the Bible.

Jewels of “Knowledge” – Proverbs 20:15

Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

 

Jewels of “Wisdom” – Job 28:18

Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.

Jewels of “Defense” – Isaiah 54:12

I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones.

 

Jewelry of “The Breastplate of the High Priests” – Exodus 28:17-20

¹⁷ Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. The first row shall be carnelian, chrysolite and beryl; ¹⁸ the second row shall be turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald; ¹⁹ the third row shall be jacinth, agate and amethyst; 20 the fourth row shall be topaz, onyx and jasper. Mount them in gold filigree settings.

Jewels personally inscribed on “The Foundations of the New Jerusalem” – Revelation 21: 14, 19-21:

¹⁴ The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb; ¹⁹ The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, ²⁰ the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. ²¹ The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.

 

Jewels of a “Women’s worth” – Proverbs 31:10:

¹⁰ Who can find an excellent woman? She is worth far more than rubies.

Jewels around “The throne of God” – Revelation 4:3

³ The one who sat there shone like jasper and ruby. Around the throne was a rainbow shining like an emerald.

Praise God for how much value He places on your life as He compares you and desires for you the most precious and marvelous jewels there are in all creation. God views you as very valuable, beautiful, durable/capable, splendid and rare. So, if you don’t receive your desired jewelry for Christmas, remember all the beautiful jewels and jewelry you desire awaits you in Jesus Christ.

Amen!

“The Tragedy of Wasted Influence”

George W. Truett (May 6, 1867 – July 7, 1944) was a great American clergy man and writer. He penned the book, “A Quest for Souls”. In his book he tells the story of man who met the Lord later in life and was so inspired that he dedicated his life to reading, study, and living the Word of God.  The man had two sons and grandchildren.

His sons and grandsons had lived most of their lives with an unsaved father and grandfather. A father that placed importance on everything but church. But, then one day at the age of sixty-eight the man was confronted with the question, “Are you prepared to meet God?” The man that thought he knew everything and had accomplished much did not have an answer.

The question gnawed at the man, until finally he attended church and was convicted of his sin. The conviction was so strong that the man was determined to live his life for Jesus Christ and even better he would confront others with the question that changed his life, “Are you prepared to meet God?” The man decided he would first pose the question to his sons.

Let’s see what happened…

Theme: “The Tragedy of Wasted Influence”

Scripture Readings:

James 5:20 (NIRV) reads, “Then here is what I want everyone to remember. Anyone who turns a sinner from going down the wrong path will save him from death. God will erase many sins by forgiving him.”

Reflection:

The man in the story came to the startling and disappointing conclusion that “no man liveth to himself”. Today, we would say, “no man is an island”. This conclusion was drawn because as the man talked to his sons and invited them to attend church, the sons replied, “Well Dad I guess we’ll start going to church when we get to be about sixty-eight, like you.  Not, being able to convince his sons to go to church, he decided he would invite his grandsons.

The grandsons winked at each other as their grandpa invited them to church. The grandsons with a little wit in their voices said, “Well grandpa, we will start going to church when we turn sixty-eight or seventy”. The grandsons were quite pleased with themselves by their comment. But, their comments fell on the man, their grandpa, like a ton of cement. The man realized he had wasted not only much of his own life by waiting so long to come to Christ, but his influence on his sons and grandsons had also set the stage to waste their lives.

The man realized “The Tragedy of Wasted Influence”. The man had influence over his family, relatives, friends, and associates. But, his influence to bring others to Jesus Christ had been wasted all of his formative years and most of his adult life. When others saw him, what came to mind was his success in business and his well-to-do life. What’s more all of it had been accomplished by him without attending church and without any regard for Christ. This was a severe tragedy to the man. His influence to lead others to Christ had been wasted for far too many years. Now, as an elderly man, no one wanted to listen to his testimony of Christ.

The man was pained by the thought that his influence ruined the lives of his sons and their families? He wondered had his influence led his relatives, neighbors, and co-workers down a path that did not prepare them to meet God? The man was broken-hearted at the thought. So, what can we learn from this story?

Who is in your circle of influence and have you led a life that guided them to Jesus Christ? Are you living the tragedy of a wasted life, and have not realized it yet? If so, act now! It just might not be too late.

Amen!