Question III

Okay, here’s a timely question considering the upcoming New Year holiday:

Did Jesus drink? 

…And by drink I mean alcoholic beverage(s).

 Let me know what you think and/or know.

Merry Christmas!

I love providing commentary with the help of the Holy Spirit, but sometimes it’s necessary to just let the word stand on it’s own.  And considering all of the confusion of the holiday season (to include the origins of the Christmas holiday), I think it’s safe to say that this is one of those times.

God bless this day, universally recognized as the day set aside to recognize the birth of Jesus.

            Merry Christmas everyone! 

 

            “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  

            And all this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel –which means, ‘God with us.” (Mt 1:21-23)

            In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.

            Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  In him was life, and that life was the light of men.  The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

            He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.  He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.  Yet to all who receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. (Jn 1:1-5, 10-13)

 

 

               

God Is Patient

It’s no surprise that as I pray to be more patient, God presents me with opportunities to cultivate patience in my character, by way of people who try my patience, as well as situations that require me to wait for a change after I’ve done my part. (I’ve concluded that a lot of the time after you’ve done everything you can do under your own power, you’re to pray and wait.)  Yes, God has a sense of humor, indeed.  And he is an answerer of prayers.

Patience is a godly trait, as love is patient, and God is love (1 Co 13:4; 1 Jn 4:16).  And we’re encouraged to be godly (Ti 2:11-15).  So my prayer is:

‘Lord, help me to be wise and patient, overlooking offenses. 

Help me to have persuasive patience.  Let me value patience over my own pride. 

I pray that I be an imitator of you Lord, showing kindness, tolerance, and patience that others may see you in me and be lead to repentance.  And I thank you Lord God for showing me the same grace and mercy! 

Although my anger might be justified, Lord let me keep from showing my wrath, as you do.

I know that I show myself to be your child when I’m understanding, patient and kind.

Lord, help me to work out my salvation so that I may reap the fruit of the Spirit, of which patience is a part.

I pray -as Paul did for the church in Colosse- that all believers be strengthened with all power according to God’s glorious might that we may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully give thanks to you the Father, who’s qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints.

I pray that I clothe myself in patience daily as one of your chosen Lord God.   

Lord, I know that I’m always in danger of becoming lazy and falling away from the body, so bless me with a mind to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what you’ve promised; examples like your prophets who spoke in your name Lord.

Yes, the patience of the Lord means salvation, and I thank you again Lord God for your patience that has lead me to salvation!  Help me to reflect your patience Lord!  These things I pray in Jesus’ name.

Amen.’

(Pr 19:11; 25:15; Ecc 7:8; Ro 2:4; 9:22; 2 Co 6:6; Ph2:12; Gal 1:11; 3:12; Heb 6:12; Jas 5:10; 2 Pe 3:15)

The Gospel

Okay, first of all, please excuse the infrequent and sporadic posts.  My schedule remains …hectic.  But here I am.  Thanks to those who are sticking it out with me through this trying time.  Now, on with the good stuff!

My pastor’s reminded us recently of our purpose specifically -from generally loving the Lord with all of our hearts, revering him, and keeping his commandments, and loving others:  Spreading the gospel (Ecc 12:13; Lk 10:27; Mt 28:19-20). 

With my pastor’s help, I’ve identified eight important aspects of the gospel:

1)     Virgin Birth 

The first chapter of Matthew explains that Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph (v. 18).  Jewish custom dictated that there were no sexual relations during the betrothal period (NIV note v. 18).  In verse 19 Joseph is called righteous, and to be called so by Jews meant that he was zealous in keeping the law (NIV note).  So, one can assume that Joseph, in his righteousness, has chosen a righteous spouse.  But all speculation aside, the Lord himself confirms that Mary was still a virgin in verse 20, saying ‘What is conceived of her is from the Holy Spirit’ (Mt 13:55; Lk 8:19).    

2)     Life

Jesus’ life can be summed up as perfect.  Jesus lived a sinless life (Mt 4:1-11; Lk 3:22; 23:39-41; 1Pe 2:22; 1 Jn 3:5). He performed countless miracles during his time on earth (Jn 21:25; Mt 4:23; 8:14-17, 23-27, 28-34; 9:1-8, 18-26, 27-34).  He taught (Mt 5, 6, 7; 13:1-52).  He comforted (Lk 6:20-23; Jn 14:16).

3)     Death

It wasn’t the crucifixion that killed Jesus, but he willingly gave up his life three hours after they were finished (Mt 27:45-50).

4)     Burial

Jesus’ body was buried in a borrowed, guarded, secured, and sealed tomb (Mt 27:57-66).

5)     Resurrection 6)  Appearance

There was an earthquake, an angle rolled back the stone, Jesus sat up shining like lightening, and Pilate’s guards (nor anyone else) could do nothing about it (Mt 28:1-6).  And it was then that Jesus charged Mary Magdalene and the other Mary as the first preachers of the gospel (v. 5-10).  (My co-pastor, who is a woman, uses this as the biblical basis of God’s approval of female preachers.) He then appeared to his disciples, Thomas, and many others (Jn 20:10-21:25)

I love how the haters (Pilate’s guards) are the first to see that Jesus has risen though. Ha! (This is the same God, after all, that the Psalter testified would prepare a table before him in the presence of his enemies; Ps 23:5.) 

7)     Ascension

He was taken up into heaven (Mk 16:19; Lk 24:50-53).

8)     Promised Return

Jesus said he was coming back, and not even he knows when.  But we are to be ready (Mt 24:36-42; Mk 13:32-33).

*(See similar post from April 20^th, titled ‘From Sunday to Sunday’ detailing Jesus’ week before his crucifixion.)

 

...Because of Me

Okay, I really need someone to feel me on this one.  And I know it to be true, because I’ve experienced it quite a few times and often recently, but people will often hate the Jesus in you (even if you have not expressly stated that you are Christian) (Mt 10:22). 

In America, the insults, persecution, and lies that Christians often face are relatively harmless, and are only dangerous on a social level, so for those of us who have survived adolescence, dealing with it should be a piece of cake (1 Pe 3:17).  But knowing scripture lets us know how to respond when we are tested in this: 

• First of all, we shouldn’t be surprised by it.  Jesus said very plainly that men will hate us because of him (Mt 10:22).  We are just visiting after all (1 Pe 4:12).   We’re a peculiar people (1 Pe 2:9 KJV). People of the world don’t understand why we bless when we’re cursed, why we are hopeful, why we don’t lie to make life ‘easier’ for ourselves, etc.  
• Secondly, we’re never fear the world (Mt 10:28).
• Thirdly, not that we should deny everyone else, but Christians are to encourage one another (Mt 28:19-20; 1 Pe 3:8; Heb 10:25; 1 Th 3:2’ 4:18; 5:11)      
• And fourth, and best of all, we’re blessed (Mt 5:11-12)!

So, just pray for the haters y’all (Mt 5:44).

Manna

The state of life I’m in now is a situation I’ve likened to the children of Israel being provided bread from heaven in Exodus 16:4.  My needs aren’t being provided in a way I’d like them to be –which admittedly is out of pride.  But I’m also thankful that God is blessing me with my daily bread (Php 4:19).  I understand the importance of worshipping God joyfully, regardless of how I’m being blessed.  So, the test for me (and many of us, I’m sure) is will I continue to trust God at his word and bless his name, no matter how things look (v.4)?  (I’m reminded of my own words in a previous blog post after typing that statement.)  God despises the proud, so in his love for us, he puts us in humbling situations –not to ever harm us, but in order to keep us under his loving protection and so that we may recognize and glorify him, and I’m thankful for it (Pr 3:12; 16:5). 

Also, like Israel, I’ve stepped out on faith trusting in God according to his word, and I’ve looked at my past situation compared to the one I’m currently in, and I’ve sometimes thought that things were better.  But of course, like Israel, I also groaned when I was in ‘Egypt’ (Ex 16:3). 

Not to justify it, but I can honestly say that my grumbling is not in doubt of God and his plan for me, nor is it motivated by ungratefulness, but it’s out of sheer impatience (Jer 29:11).  I’m constantly needing lessons in patience, which is just God perfecting me, and shaping me to look more like him, because love is patient and God is love (1 Co 13:4; 1 Jn 4:8). 

So, I ask that you all pray that we all learn to be content (-although never settling.  I’m convinced that the Lord has not called us to accept mediocrity.), and stand on God’s promise that he will provide for us as over comers through Jesus Christ (Php 4:11, 19; Rev 2:17).  And also pray that we be more patient as God works it all out.

Just Doing My Best

I’m not perfect. I’ve never claimed to be.  And contrary top popular belief, I’ve never acted like I am.  Now, that I’ve gotten that out of the way, I will say that no matter how often I miss the mark, I will never lower my standards.  I set the bar high for myself (and often the people I care about) because I know that God is worthy of such. 

I don’t know if anyone else can relate to this, but it’s not unusual for people to tell me I’m self-righteous (because of my refusal to accept less than what God is worthy of, and refusal to accept less than what I know I’m capable of).  And if I didn’t know better, I’d believe them.  After lengthy examination of self, the  situations, and people who spew such accusations, as well as measuring it all against the Word, I’ve often come to the conclusion that the accusation is not justified, but it’s just a deflection off of the accuser’s insecurities (Rev 12:10).  Those accusations are most likely based on the belief in the lies that striving for perfection is pointless and impossible.  But underachieving doesn’t -or shouldn’t- play a part in a believer’s life. 

Paul likens the Christian journey to an athlete who goes into strict training to race and win (1 Co 9:24-25).  He goes on explaining that the athlete works hard to obtain an earthly crown that doesn’t last, but he (and we) shouldn’t run aimlessly or shadowbox, but we should discipline ourselves, for God’s sake, so that we may share in his glory (25-27). 

We are not to fear a life lived in futility, if we have faith that we are pleasing our God who is more than worthy of our best, and that we’ll be richly rewarded for giving him such.  If we shrink back God will not be pleased with us (Heb 10:38). 

We’re to be holy in all we do; for it is written: Be holy, because God is holy. (1 Pe 1:16).   

In the call to preserve, we’re encouraged to hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful (Heb 10:23).

Sure, I often fall short, but I don’t wallow (Ro 3:23). God deserves better than that.  I wasn’t saved to make excuses for my laziness in disciplining myself spiritually.  I see myself in Psalms 63:8 being upheld by God’s right hand.  And I can also testify to Proverbs 24:16.  Thank you Lord for allowing me rise, so that I may serve you!  Another day God allows us to see if another opportunity to get it right.

      

Desperation

So, Satan tempted me through someone else today by suggesting I ‘be desperate’ about what is a very serious situation, no doubt, but the hardest learned lessons tend to be well earned lessons. And I’ve learned not to give in to desperation, and surely not to act in desperation.  In this particular trial I’m speaking of, it was hard to recognize it for what it was (I was being deceived after all), while I was in such a desperate state, but after I cried out for help, and God delivered me from the situation, I was able to see how I got there, so that I could manage future situations that would force me to act rashly and dangerously. 

Desperate- adj. 1a:  having lost hope b:  giving no ground for hope 2a:  moved by despair b:  involving or employing extreme measures in an attempt to escape defeat or frustration 3:  suffering extreme need or anxiety 4:  involving extreme danger or possible disaster; despondent (m-w.com)

In my experience, definition 1a lead me to definition 1b.  The root of desperation is hopelessness, which has no place in the life of a believer anyway, because we know that we have hope in God (Ps 25:3; 33:18-19; 62:5; 130:5; 146:5; 147:11; Isa 40:31; Jer 29:11; Ro 5:1-5; 8:24-25; 1Th 5:8; 1Ti 4:10; 6:17; Heb 10:23; 11:1). 

Jesus instructs us to be on guard of anxiety as an enemy (Lk 21:34; Pr 12:25).  It’s a trap!  We’re commanded not to be anxious and to cast our anxiety on God -in prayer- because he cares for us (Php 4:6; 1Pe 5:7).  Prayer is how we combat anxiety. I can testify to the importance of being on the watch and praying because the single most factor that shaped my negative thinking and allowed me to so easily give in during my test was:  a lack of vigilance (Lk 21:36).

(See post titled ‘Be Anxious for Nothing’) 

Make no mistake about it believers.  Unbelievers (and some Pharisaic ‘believers’) are watching how you react to situations that may seem desperate to them.  And thankfully God is watching even closer (Heb 4:13).  Stand strong under tests, trusting in the Lord and his holy word, so that you may have a testimony of victory, and so that God may get the glory.  Keep your hope in Him.

My Apologies

My apologies readers for not posting in a couple of weeks, but there have been big changes in my schedule, which requires so much more of my time. So, to be fair to you all, and to make my posting goal more reachable, I’ll be posting at least every two weeks now.

I thank you for your readership and your patience with me as I try to manage some pretty major changes in my life (a new day job, and everything that comes with it), and try my best to continue to glorify God with the talents that he’s entrusted me with.

Shalom!

Peace, first of all, is granted by God, and secondly, as a reward for obedience (Lev 26:3, 6).

There’s no peace -only fear of punishment- for the disobedient because of the lack of the intimate presence of God, who is love (Hab 1:13; 1 Jn 4:18). But for those who have either obeyed or truly repented for their disobedience, we’ve been freed from the yoke of slavery to sin (which results in death) and we’re ‘enabled to walk with heads held high’ to serve our Lord unhindered (Lev 26:13; Ro 6:23; Gal 5:1, 13).  

Throughout the Old Testament there’s an ebb and flow of the people of Israel enjoying peace and prosperity because of their obedience to God (and often His leaders), and suffering from death, lack, and destruction because of their disobedience (from Judges to 2 Chronicles; Jn 10:10). (Remember:  Although the Lord is merciful and long-suffering, there’ll be a Day of Judgment for all of us where we’re given the wages of all that we’ve done on earth, whether good or bad [2 Pe 3:9; 2 Co 5:10; Ac 3:19].)  

‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit’ (Ro 15:13).  

(See:  Nu 6:26; 25:12; Dt 20:10; Jdg 3:11, 30; 5:31; 6:24; 8:28; 1Sa 7:14; 2Sa 10:19; 1Ki 2:33; 1Ch 22:9; Job 22:21; Ps 29:11; 119:165; Pr 16:7; Isa 9:6; 26:3; 54:10; Jer 30:10; Mt 5:9; Jn 14:27; Ro 1:7; 2:10; 5:1; 8:6; 1Co 14:33; Gal 5:22; Eph 2:14; 6:15; Php 4:7; Col 1:20; 3:15; 1Th 5:33; 2Th 3:16; Heb 13:20; Jas 3:17; 1Pe 3:11)

Hypocrisy

I think the word is thrown around far too often.  But that’s my opinion.  To be sure we know of what we speak of, let’s first define what is, so we know what isn’t.

Hypocrisy- 1. feigning to be what one is not or to believe what one does not; especially: the false assumption of an appearance of virtue or religion (m-w.com).

Hypocrite- 1. a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion  2. a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings (m-w.com).

Jesus identifies those who:

• make an show of their acts of goodness, doing so for their own glory, hypocrites because one's who in service to God will do so for His glory (Mt 6:2, 5, 16; Lk 6:42; Mt 23:5-7). 
• ignore their own blindingly obvious sin, but attempts to point out another’s sin hypocrites (Mt 7:5). 
• honor the Lord with their lips, but hearts are far from him hypocrites, as well as those who merely adhere to religious practices instead of seeking a genuine relationship with him (Mt 7:5).
• ask questions only to entrap and provoke, instead of asking them out of a sincere desire to learn the truth hypocrites (Mt 22:18).
• (in Mt 23) don’t practice what they preach (v.3), burden people with religion (v.4, 15) choose to observe only part of God’s word (v. 23), are more concerned with how they appear than how they are (v. 25-28), and persecute -and even put to death- those who speak the truth and are righteous (v. 29-36) hypocrites.
• interpret ‘signs’ hypocrites (Mt 24:51).
• routinely disobeyed the law, but criticized him for seemingly doing the same hypocrites (Lk 13:15).

Jesus also identifies hypocrisy as something we need to be on guard for and rid ourselves of -if found; it’s an evil corruption that works its way through and permeates like yeast (Lk 12:1; 1 Pe 2:1).  Like David, we shouldn’t consort with hypocrites because bad company corrupts good character (Ps 26:4; 1 Co 15:33).  And the Lord lets us know explicitly that there’s a place set aside for hypocrites (Mt 24:51). 

Although the dictionary also defines hypocrisy as a mere act of hypocrisy, based on scripture we see that it is more an attribute or feature that makes up and distinguishes an individual. In other words it’s based in a person’s character.  Hypocrisy is seen as being a main or central part of their nature in scripture (m-w.com).  For us to call someone a hypocrite is a serious accusation.  (Remember, to accuse is to exhibit a character trait of Satan; Rev 12:10.)  But Jesus Christ, the Word himself, was more than justified.  Coming from him, it was not an accusation, but a judgment.

And lest you get beside yourselves unbelievers, those who have a false virtue or religion may be called hypocrites. But the Bible calls people who have no religion

…other things.   

Submission In Marriage

Submit- to yield oneself to the authority or will of another; to defer to or consent to abide by the opinion or authority of another; capitulate; concede (m-w.com). 

The rebellious, in heart, took fight at the very sight of the word, but I see you’re still with me, so… 

Chapter five of Ephesians speaks of submission, starting first with the submission of all ‘children of the light’, which tells us to be imitators of God and Christ, living a life of love that is characterized by sacrifice, and to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (v. 1-2, 21).  Lord, help us all with this one!  Submitting is something that goes against our prideful nature, but this is how we prove ourselves to be children of God because saying isn’t the same as doing.  This mutual submission is shown in a ‘conciliatory attitude’ that is ‘associated with the filling of the Spirit’ (NIV note on v. 21).  We should seek to give the advantage instead of taking advantage. 

The following passage, verses 22 to 33 -titled ‘Wives and Husbands’ in my Bible- speaks of the sacrifices each spouse should make, and be willing to make in a marriage.  Wives are commanded to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, not meaning the husband stands instead for the Lord in the marriage, but that a wife is to submit to her husband as an act of submission to the Lord (v. 22 and NIV note).  I’ll also point out that the word ‘as’ in this context most likely means ‘to the same degree or amount’, which leads me to believe that the wife is to submit to her husband, in that he himself is submitting to the Lord (This is in reference to character, as no one but Jesus has lived a perfect life.).  We’re told that nothing, no one, or nowhere precedes God, and that includes a husband (Rev 1:8). 

Verse 23 continues, ‘For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior’.  This verse explicitly states the cost of being a husband, or ‘head’ (director; leader; m-w.com) in a marriage:  sacrifice your life!  Jesus did so, in life and death.  All he did was for his bride, the church.  It also places the responsibility of leadership on the husband.  ‘Now the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything’ (v. 24).  The church is defined by its submission to Christ.  So, if an assembled group of people aren’t submitting to Christ, they can’t truly call themselves a church, just as a headless body ceases to live.  So, what do we call a woman who’s not submitting to her husband, or who’s not the head of his wife?

We, the Church, have power when we submit to the Lord. Just as the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective, so is a submissive wife in her marriage (Jas 5:16).  Husbands may be won over without words by their wives’ behavior, beauty of their inner selves, and their gentle and quiet spirit (which is of great worth in God’s sight; 1 Pe 3:1-5).  This submission is seen as powerful, not weak, because only a strong woman can submit.  Women who fail to do so, are motivated by fear -the fear of losing control- but the previous verses explain how control may be gained by submission (1 Pe 3:6).  Surely, faith in God, and his way opposes this fear.   

Now back to husbands, verse 25 to 27 tell of the care given by Christ to the church for its overall wellbeing.  For a husband to care for his wife, is to care for himself, since they are one flesh (v. 28-31; Ge 2:24).  And is self-preservation wasn’t enough reason to care for a wife, failure to do so will result in hindered prayers (1Pe 3:7).

The profound truth of the union of Christ and his ‘bride’, the church, is beyond unaided human understanding.  It’s not that the relationship between husband and wife provides an illustration of the union of Christ and the church, but there’s a basic reality it, with marriage being a human echo of that relationship (from NIV note on v. 32).  Although the church is illustrated as the body of Christ, he’s independent of it.  Christ won’t cease to exist without followers, as a true marriage would without the two living as the Word instructs.

In closing, ‘In the Lord, however, woman isn’t independent of man, nor is man independent of woman.  For as a woman came from man, so also man’s born of woman.  But everything is from God’ (1 Co 11:11-12).

Bottom line:  We need each other y’all!             

Get Understanding Pt. 2: Marriage

Like I mentioned last week, much of my post will come from notes of my study on marriage/wives I wrote last year.  This week’s post might turn out to be a little long, so I’ll divide into subtopics/sub points to make it easier on you, the reader.  To be clear, God, not man, defines marriage, so I’m leaning on the Word for definition(s), as we should for anything else.

1. Marriage is a concession: 

Many assume that God desires us all to marry, which isn’t the case.  It’s written, The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone.  I’ll make a helper suitable for him’ (Ge 2:18).  We understand Adam, which means ‘man’, to be representative of: the individual, manhood, or mankind.  It’s my belief that the definitive ‘the’ used before ‘man’ signifies Adam as an individual.  However, I will introduce the interpretation of the NIV note on this verse as another possible understanding of it. ‘Without female companionship and a partner in reproduction, the man could not fully realize his humanity.’  On a very practical level, the very livelihood of mankind was dependent on Adam -and soon to be- Eve.  That is not the case today where there are plenty of children who don’t have parents to care for them.

In 1 Co 7, Paul lets the Corinthian church know that, ‘although marriage is desirable’, it’s not mandatory. He writes, I wish that all men were as I am.  But each man has his own gift from God: one has this gift, and another has that’ (1 Co 7:7).  Paul views his celibate lifestyle as a ‘gift from God’ that made it possible for him to accept unmarried state and use it in the service of his Lord (NIV note).  In verses 32 to 35, he points out the biggest benefit of an unmarried Christian:  a chance to live a life that is completely devoted to the Lord and free from the concerns of a spouse.  This isn’t to say that married people’s service to God is less than that of a single person, because based on what I’ve seen; surely it’s a gift to be able to live with a spouse and maintain sanity. (That was a joke married people.  Take it easy!)

Based on 1Co 7, I think it’s safe to say that the point Paul is trying to get at is, whether you marry or not, you should do so for the right reason(s), which is to say that you are in God’s will and are lead by him, following his plan for your life.

(Additionally, Jesus’ disciples concluded that it was better not to marry in Mt 19:10.  But in the following verses Jesus gives three examples of why a person shouldn’t marry: because they were born a eunuch, made a eunuch, or because they have ‘renounced marriage for the kingdom of heaven’ [v.11-12])

2. Marriage is an earthly institution:

Paul explains how marriage is only binding in life in Romans 7:1-3. 

And in Mt 22:23-33, Jesus is asked a testing question by the Sadducees:  Whose wife will a woman be at the time of the Resurrection after marrying seven brothers according to the levirate (from Latin word ‘levir’, which means brother-in-law) law (The levirate law was in practice in order to protect the woman after she was widowed, and guarantee continuance of the family line; Dt 25:5-10)?  Jesus answers in verse 30 that “at the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage…”  And in verse 32 he says that God “…isn’t the God of the dead but of the living”.  Marriage sets the proper foundation for reproduction and provides man with a suitable helper, both of which will not be necessary in heaven.  We will need or want for nothing in heaven!  God will supply all directly.  Jesus also says that at the time of Resurrection we “will be like angels in heaven”, who were (also) created to do nothing but serve God (v. 30).  There will be a new order of existence in the resurrection brought about by ‘the power of God’, and the basic characteristics of resurrection life will be fellowship with, and service for God (NIV note on Mk 12:25).  We will be made perfect at the time of resurrection.  So, all that we tried to get right down here will be made right up there.  We were made to serve him, and we will do so perfectly in heaven!    

3. Marriage is monogamous:

Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.  The man said, ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman’ for she was taken out of man’ For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh (Ge 2:22-24).  The divine intention for husband and wife was monogamy. Together they were to form as inseparable a union as that between parent and child.  As parents and their children are the same ‘flesh and blood’, so husband and wife should be bound together as ‘one flesh’, as long as they live –of which sexual union is an expression of (NIV note v. 24). 

In the New Testament, it is written that, …(E)ach man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband (1 Co 7:2), which leads me to…

4. Marriage is heterosexual:

The Old Testament command in Leviticus 18:22, ‘Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable’ signifies God’s stance on homosexuality.  And so that one doesn’t dismiss that verse as Mosaic legalism, or even as a command condemning same sex relations among males only, Romans 1:26 touches on the issue again.  It reads, ‘Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts.  Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones’.  And verse 27 continues, ‘In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another.  Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion’.  With word used like:  shameful, unnatural, indecent, and perverse, it’s safe to say, God is clear on this (see blog post titled ‘In Its Proper Place’)      

5. According to God, the compatibility of potential spouses is based solely on their relationship with Him:

‘Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers [do not make mismatched alliances with them or come under a different yoke than them, inconsistent with your faith].  For what partnership have right living and right standing with God with iniquity and lawlessness?  Or how can light fellowship with darkness?’ (2 Co 6:14, AMP).  Or more simply put, ‘What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?’ (2 Co 6:15, NIV)  One of the Bible’s many rhetorical questions to be interpreted as a statement (i.e. ‘A believer and an unbeliever have nothing, or too little, in common.’)

Ezra chastised God’s people saying, ‘You’ve been unfaithful; you’ve married foreign women, adding to Israel’s guilt’ (Ez 10:10).  Their sin was marrying pagan spouses.  God’s word had been given to Israel exclusively at the time, so gentile believers were few.  Foreign nations served their own pagan -or idol- gods, as opposed the one true and living God.  Then, as now, the mother often spent more time with the children and were their primary teacher, to include teaching of religion.  To have a pagan wife was to have pagan children.  This was a perversion of faith in the home.

God is not concerned with race, ethnicity, national origin, native tongue, or any other earthly designation.  As far as we’re concerned His only concern is whether, or not, we’re serving him (Ecc 12:13; Gal 3:28; Col 3:11).

6. Marriage should be for life, however…

In Matthew 19:1-12, after being asked a testing question from the Pharisees about divorce, Jesus pointed back to God’s original ideal for marriage in Genesis 22:24, to be united for life.  They continued with the question, asking about permission from God -by way of Moses- for a man to divorce his wife, if she becomes displeasing to him (because he finds something indecent about her; Dt 24:1).  Jesus answered that Moses permitted this only because the hearts of husbands were so hard, but it’s not what God desires (Mt 19:6, 8).  Jesus then gives the only reasonable ground for divorce:  marital unfaithfulness (v.9).  Unfaithfulness is defined as: not adhering to vows, allegiance, or duty; disloyal, untrustworthy, not faithful (steadfast, in affection or allegiance; firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty [m-w.com]). 

Again, even though divorce and remarrying were permitted and regulated according to the laws of Moses (Lev 21:7, 14; 22:13; Nu 30:9), Jesus elaborates on the Mosaic law concerning divorce in his Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5:31-32; 19:3-9). 

Although many people limit the term “marital unfaithfulness” to adultery, the definition of the word ‘unfaithful’ makes it clear that it’s broader than that.  Surely marital duty isn’t defined exclusively by sexual monogamy (For some duties of a faithful spouse, see previous blog post.).  Based on the above scriptures, I believe that Jesus wanted to make clear that a person’s cause for divorce shouldn’t be arbitrary or made with haste (as was the case he and Moses were dealing with).  But this unfaithfulness should be characteristic of the relationship, if the cause isn’t adultery, as opposed to divorcing because the spouse has made infrequent errors or lapses in judgment.  Men were basically divorcing their wives for once burning dinner!  Go ahead and laugh, but how different is it from some of today’s reasons for divorce?

7. Marriage is to be honored:

Marriage should be honored by all (and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and the sexually immoral) (Heb 13:4).

8. Marriage is to be enjoyed:

In Deut. 24:5, marital bliss or happiness was held in high regard; so much so that there was a law keeping a recently married men from war, or any other duty that would keep him from fulfilling his ‘duties’ to his wife.  Read ‘Solomon’s Song of Songs’ where verses like, ‘Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth –for your love is better than wine’ and ‘How beautiful you are, my darling!  Oh, how beautiful!  Your eyes are doves’ (Sol 1:2, 15).  And remember, this is still God’s inspired word we’re talking about!  His desire is that married people enjoy each other.   

9. Wives, be submissive to your husbands:

…Okay, this one deserves its own post.  I’ll get back to you on this topic.

 

Get Understanding Pt. 1: Wives

What inspired my question from last week was the somewhat common assumption that the verse, ‘He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord’, means that it’s God’s desire that a man seek a wife if he’s to have one (Pr 18:22).  And I think it’s safe to say that we often have assumptions and preconceived notions based off of everything from popular opinion, to tradition, and our own selfish thoughts.  But while addressing this assumption the Holy Spirit gave me Proverbs 4:7, which reads, Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom:  and with all thy getting get understanding (KJV).  I looked at several Bible versions of this scripture and they all stress the difference between simply acquiring knowledge and gaining understanding (or wisdom, or judgment).  A parrot can be trained to repeat biblical scripture, but they have no understanding of what they’re saying.  Understanding of God’s word is the principal thing.  And preconceived notions can be -no are- a hindrance of our understanding of God.  “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways”, declares the Lord (Isa 55:8).         

A few more questions concerning Proverbs 18:22 though; does it suggest that:         

1.  …all wives are a good thing?

2.  …an unmarried man has not received favor from the Lord?

3.  …if a man is to receive a wife, he is to seek her?

1.  A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones (Pr 12:4).  The NIV note on this verse says that a good example is Ruth (Ru 3:11), who is described as having noble (def.  possessing outstanding qualities; arising from superiority of mind or character or of ideals or morals [m-w.com]) character (def.  attributes or features that makeup or distinguish an individual; the complex mental and ethical traits marking and often individualizing a person; the usual qualities or traits [m-w.com]).  And such a woman is fully described in the popular Pr 31:10-31, which is titled in many Bibles ‘Epilogue:  The Wife of Noble Character’.  A wife of noble character brings her husband honor and joy.  Like wisdom -and because of her wisdom- she will set a garland of grace on her husband’s head and present him with a crown of splendor (Pr 4:9). 

Contrasting the wife of noble character is the disgraceful (def.    dishonorable; shameful; lacking merit, a good name, respectful, integrity, or purity [m-w.com]) wife who saps the very strength of her husband.  She’s described as a decay of his core!  Proverbs 19:13 reads, ‘a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping’.  Stirring up dissension is condemned throughout Proverbs (NIV note).   

So, surely, not all wives are of God, and not all wives are good.  Proverbs 19:14 specifies by saying, ‘a prudent wife is from the Lord’.  And most notably the contrasting of the two types of wives puts the cultivation of character in the wife’s hand.  She decides what type of wife she’ll be.  

2.  The Bible has many instances where favor is given apart from having a wife.  Abel was looked on with favor from God because he dedicated his best to him (Ge 4:4).  God looked on Noah and Mary with favor because of their godly lives (Ge 6:8-9; Lk 1:30).  God looked upon Israel with favor because of their obedience (Lev 26:1-13).  We receive favor as God’s fellow workers (2 Co 6:2).  The righteous are granted favor (Ps 5:12). To find wisdom is to find life and favor (Pr 8:35).  That last verse is from Proverbs chapter eight, which in my Bible is titled ‘Wisdom’s Call’.  And I as I wrote earlier, the desirable wife is characterized by wisdom, so to find a wife, such as this is to find favor.

3.  Based on my understanding of Proverbs 8:35, and the other reference verses from this post, I’ve come to the conclusion that Proverbs 18:22 might suggest that a potential bridegroom should be the one to actively seek the wise and prudent wife that God desires him to have.  That’s if God has called him into the covenant of marriage.  I’ll also point out though that the use of the word ‘man’ in the Bible is often in reference to mankind, or any person who has reached adulthood.  Surely God encourages women to also acquire wisdom.  And surely many of the qualities used to describe the noble wife are also to be found in a noble husband (wisdom, prudence, shrewdly managing the affairs of the household, enterprising, diligent, etc.).  So Proverbs 18:22 may very well be interpreted as, ‘whoever finds a prudent spouse finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord’. 

What's the Meaning?

As I’ve written before, God is purposeful in all that he does and says (as well as all that he doesn’t do and say). And we know that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired by God. 

So, what does David mean when he writes in Proverbs 18:22, He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord?

Purpose

Regarding the question asked last week concerning body decoration …First let me get a couple trivialities out of the way:  I questioned the use of the word tattoo, which is relatively new (1780), and is not even used in every Holy Bible version for Lev 19:28.  But even though the word is fairly new, that doesn’t mean that the practice is.  Also, some may try to dismiss this command as intended only for the Israelites.  But in order to gain an understanding of God’s word, we must consider context and purpose.  In my NIV intro of the book it says, Leviticus is a manual of regulations enabling the holy King (God) to set up his earthly throne among the people of his kingdom.  It explains how they are to be his holy people and to worship him in a holy manner.  Holiness in this sense means to be separated from sin and set apart exclusively for his purpose and for his glory.  In Leviticus spiritual holiness is symbolized by spiritual perfection.  So, when Jesus said, “do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them”, it meant that that he would demonstrate the full value and meaning of worshipping God, not only through mere adherence to the letter of his word, but on a deeper, more basic level as well (Mt 5:17; 22:37-40).  Jesus saw the big picture, but was still concerned with the details.

The Lord tells his people in Leviticus 19:28, ‘Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves.  I am the Lord.’  The NIV note on that verse says that there was to be no disfiguring of the body after the manner of the pagans.  The operative phrase here is, ‘after the manner of the pagans’.  By conforming to the practices of the pagans, and more importantly for the same reason as the pagans, God’s people would’ve shown that they’ve aligned themselves with their gods.  The NIV note on Lev 21:5 reads, such lacerations and disfigurement were common among pagans as signs of mourning and to secure the attention of their deity.  (Along with this is also the command not to cut the hair along the hairline or beard because this was also a pagan religious custom of the Canaanites. Lev 21:5; Deut 14:1)

If cutting or any permanent alteration of the body were sinful, in and of itself, then surely God wouldn’t have established the covenant of circumcision with Abraham (Gen 17:10).  God is purposeful, and he doesn’t arbitrarily establish rules for the sake of burdening us.  They’re for our own good -and more importantly- for his glory.  Just as the cutting of the hair at the hairline and cutting and tattooing were symbolic of calling upon pagan gods; circumcision was a sign of covenant between God and Abraham (and his people) (Gen 17:11). 

Consider though that we’re warned to be careful not to limit our understanding of God by religious practices only, and that by trying to justify ourselves by the law, we alienate ourselves from Christ (Gal 5:4).  Paul points out the futility of this by sarcastically suggesting that prideful agitators who did this should become even more ‘holy’ by castrating themselves! Who says the Bible is boring? (Gal 5:1-15, and also Ro 2:17-29; Php 3:1-11; Ro 6:15)  I believe that in order to gain a full understand of God and develop a relationship with him, a person must first have an understanding of God through his word, to which external acknowledgment and obedience are a byproduct.  Simple adherence to the word, based on knowledge without understanding, makes a hypocrite out of the one who does so.  We come to know God through his word, as well as by his grace (by which we have the ability to be reconciled with God, and grafted onto his family tree, through Jesus Christ).  If we exclusively acknowledge either (the letter of the Word or God’s grace), we fail to fully recognize who God is.  In all that we do, we must ask, ‘For who, and what purpose?’

              

   

Question...

Is it a sin to get tattooed (pierced, branded, etc.)?

Nosey Busybodies

Lately, I’ve noticed this.  And God is clear on where he stands with it.  ‘There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him:’, and ‘feet that are quick to rush into evil’ is one of them (Pr 6:16, 18).  These verses are a continuation, in theme, from the previous ones that speak of the overtaking disaster/destruction that will be the consequence of people who engage in the foolish behavior listed in Proverbs 6:6-19.

I take the phrase ‘feet that are quick to rush into evil’ to not only mean actively engaging in, or participating in sin, but also includes giving audience to such behavior (Pr 1:16; 17:4).  Being a busybody is spoken against in the Bible (2Th 3:11; 1 Ti 5:13).  Aside from the fact that it eventually leads to disaster, it’s potentially destructive for any and everyone involved (e.g. loss of trust, fueling instead of quelling a dispute, modeling of improper behavior, etc.).  Given the context of the fore mentioned verses, the cure for nosey busybodies are godly, worthwhile pursuits, since idleness is the cause of it.  Simply put, people who mind their business, mind their business.

Well, surely you don’t mean that we shouldn’t show concern for others, Michael?  If there’s any doubt about the difference between being concerned and being a busybody, I think the criteria that defines the two is based on motivation.  Ask yourself, ‘What is my purpose for seeking out this information?’  What is my purpose for ______?  (…running to witness a fight, eaves dropping on a conversation, going in the direction of the police lights, etc.)  Avoid justification.  God knows all, and we’ll eventually have to answer for all that we do (Ro 14:12; 2 Co 5:10).

And although the consequences are not always immediate, God doesn’t lie (Nu 23:19).  If he says disaster and destruction will result for the fool (God’s word, not mine.  That’s where the word folly comes from.)  who does these things, then they will.  There’s no surer guarantee than God’s word.  If questioning your motivation for doing so is not enough to shed light to whether you’re engaging in this type of behavior, consider the result of  them (2 Ti 2:16).

Oh, and if you think no one sees you think again.  And I’m not just talking about God either (Heb 4:13).  We all have more eyes on us than we realize.  You never know who you might be influencing.  But for parents, you know exactly who you’re influencing. How much does it ruin your credibility when junior knows you’re a snoop?       

Thank You Sweden!

I am very grateful for all of the hits from various countries from around the world that WOTN has gotten.  I am blessed to be used as a vessel, and I’m encouraged by so many who clearly honor God and value his word.  But I must extend a very special thanks to Sweden, where hits to Watches of the Night have long ago surpassed the number of hits from any other country, to include the U.S.!  Please continue reading and telling your friends about the blog. 

I’d also like to encourage all of my readers to subscribe -and more than that- contribute to the WOTN community by commenting on posts.  It’s the sharing of our individual perspectives on God’s word that gives us the clearest understanding of it, so never think that what you may have to say is not valuable. 

Thanks!  Love you with the love of God!