Be Blessed

Okay, right as I’m leaving the house tonight to go to a lab and type this, I’m tested on what the Holy Spirit had revealed should be my topic for this week’s post.  One of my teenage neighbors is leaning on my car -as if it’s his own- and when one of his friends jokingly suggests he show more respect, he gives a pretty nasty response.  I was put off by his actions, but thank God I chose to pray for him (and myself) instead of thinking badly of him or cursing him, even in my mind.  Now, being honest, this is not to say that it couldn’t have gone the other way -because God is still working on me- but I can thank God I can testify that I’m not where I was.  The Holy Spirit held my tongue.  Because of my yielding to God’s word, it was him who handled the situation, not Michael.  Thank you Lord!

The way we choose to respond to the provocation, snares, plots, schemes, etc. of those who oppose us determines whether, or not, we’re blessed:

1.    Jesus tells us, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Lk 6:27-28; Ro 12:14).  Please keep in mind that this is a command, not a request.  So try to live, so that you can also testify that when you’re cursed, you bless; when you’re persecuted, you endure it; when you’re slandered, you answer kindly. (1 Co 4:12-13)   

2.    Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him (Pr 24:17-18).  First of all, let me point out that it says, ‘when your enemy falls’, not if (2 Pe 3:9-10; Pr 29:6).  But in these verses what’s suggested is that God will give you the punishment reserved for the sinner if you rejoice in his punishment, as he did with Edom (see Ps 137:7; Eze 35:15).  Those of us who know better are held to a higher standard.

3.    God is omniscient.  He already knows about your enemy and all that he’s doing and saying, whether it’s to your face or behind your back (Ps 147:5; Job 28:24; Heb 4:13).  For those of us who trust in God, in the shelter of his presence he hides us from the intrigues of men; in his dwelling he keeps us safe form accusing tongues (Ps 31:20).  But he wants to hear from us too.  He wants us to share all of our thoughts about what we’re dealing with, the good, the bad, and the ugly (Ps 8:3; 62:8).  He’s God.  He can take it!

4.    Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Mt 5:11-12; Lk 6:22-23).  Things are almost never as they appear to be.  Although it may look like a follower of Christ is cursed, they are indeed blessed.  And it’s not because I say so, but Jesus Christ himself says so!  Notice that it’s the Jesus in a person that guarantees this blessing (see post titled “In Jesus’ Name”).  See to it that when you’re treated poorly that it’s because of Jesus, not because of any wrongdoing on your part. 

…God doesn’t promise any blessing for that.

   

Those Who Wait

As much as I like blogging, starting next week I’ll post only once per week, as I have other priorities that require more of my attention.  But considering I’ve been posting three times a week for about three months, I have quite a few posts in my archive.  So, I’ll encourage readers read them and comment on them still.

There are many benefits to being patient, which is something I’ve been struggling with lately.  My grandmother suggested I write a blog entry on this topic every week.  We have encouragement through scripture in patience, as well as restoration through patience.  And patient people promote peace and enjoy harvest (Pr 15:18; Isa 40:31; Ro 15:4; Jas 5:7-8).

We should be patient because it’s commanded (Mt 22:37-39; 1 Co 13:4; Ro 12:12; 1 Th 5:14).  It shows trust and wisdom (Ps 40:1-4; Pr 19:11).  And God himself demonstrates patience (1 Ti 1:16; Nu 14:18).  Thank you for it Lord!  The hope Christians have is a byproduct of salvation (Ro 8:24-25,NIV note on v. 24).  Although we may experience momentary discouragement, a person who is saved is never hopeless, and doesn’t live a life that is characterized by hopelessness. So patience during suffering must also result.

In Hebrews 6:12, faith, patience, and the inheritance of the promise is juxtaposed with laziness.  Faith and patience are not passive, but active (see also Heb 7; Jas 2:17).  Faith must be proven by action.  Just as the farmer waits for the land to yield its crop, he continues to tend to the land and provide a healthy environment where crops will flourish (Jas 5:7-8).  And see how grumbling and complaining are also counter-productive and not indicative of one who is saved.  Complaining brings about judgment, not a harvest (Jas 5:9).  Bless us Lord!  Patience is also juxtaposed with pride (Ecc 7:8).  Patience says wait on the Lord.  Have wisdom and trust.  Recall past victories.  Surely God has even greater in store!  Pride says, do things your own way.  It ain’t comin’ fast enough.  And don’t you know that God will not reward impatience (Heb 11:6)?   

The things that I believe God want for me require me to be patient and faithful and work as one who is waiting for a promised harvest, not work as one who’s at it all alone.  My promise is in the seed of God’s word, not manmade devices!