AND NOW THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION

 

AND NOW THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION…

Introduction: S. I. McMillen, in his book “None of These Diseases,” tells a story of a young woman who wanted to go to college, but her heart sank when she read the question on the application blank that asked, “Are you a leader?” Being both honest and conscientious, she wrote, “No,” and returned the application, expecting the worst.

To her surprise, she received this letter from the college: “Dear Applicant: A study of the application forms reveals that this year our college will have 1,452 new leaders. We are accepting you because we feel they must have at least one follower.” Is it not the same with us?

We all want to be great leaders without wishing to be a follower of a great leader. The disciples of Jesus Christ were also tempted in the same way. Remember, during the last supper, they argued among themselves about who would be greatest among them. To their utter surprise, Jesus said, “But among you, it will be different those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.” Luke 22:26

Jesus is not looking for great leaders but devout followers, who would apply his teachings and follow Him humbly, without seeking recognition. For the past several weeks, we have been unpacking the greater and better themes from the book of Hebrews.

Only knowing the truths doesn’t make us great or unique. Living by them affirms our birthright as God’s sons and daughters and make us His credible witnesses in this world. We concluded chapter twelve with the promise of God’s Unshakable Kingdom. After the service, I saw several emojis of hearts, likes, and joyful symbols on the Livestream comments section.

Some said they were challenged, and others proclaimed that they are the citizens of the Kingdom. But that is not enough. Let us not settle there now comes the Practical Application. In the concluding chapter thirteen, the author focuses on some of the essential practical ethics of Christian living. This morning we will explore two such practical applications. Hebrews 13:1-3.

 

I. EXCELLING IN BROTHERLY LOVE

Vs. 1 “Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters.” In ESV, it reads, “Let brotherly love continue.” We have heard an old saying, “Charity begins at home.” It is not from the Bible. The first use of the phrase “Charity begins at home” in print is found in Thomas Browne’s 1642 book “The Religion of a Doctor.”[1] There is some truth in it. Though charity begins at home, it must not end there; it needs to go out of our families and impact the rest of the world.

In verse one, the author unfolds the practical implications of being a Kingdom citizen. The Greek word Philadelphia here is translated as brotherly love. It is the love of Christians one to another in everyday spiritual life. He urges them to keep loving each other as brothers and sisters, referring to their immediate family of believers. But that should not end there.  

Similarly, our love for people should extend beyond Hope Church family to Christians worldwide, people who are unbelievers, and even to our enemies. How did the early Christians understand and practice brotherly love? They saw it not as a suggestion but a new command.

John 13:34, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” How did Jesus love them? He laid his life for them, and he loved them till the end. How are we obeying Jesus’ new command?

The early church practically demonstrated their love by caring for one another. Acts 2:44-45 “And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.”

Romans 12:10-11, “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically (let the spirit excite you as you serve the Lord).” How excited are you when it comes to serving God and His people?          The believers in Thessalonica took this command of loving one another earnestly. The Apostle Paul further encouraged them to excel in their love for one another. I Thess 4:9-10, “But we don’t need to write to you about the importance of loving each other, for God himself has taught you to love one another. Indeed, you already show your love for all the believers throughout Macedonia. Even so, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you to love them even more.”

I believe, to some extent, this is true for Hope Church members. I often hear our members say how we reach out to sick people and those struggling with finances or facing other challenging situations. We not only pray but care for them practically, to show how much we love them. That is obeying the command of Jesus to love one another. Let’s excel in it more.

 

II BE HOSPITABLE TO STRANGERS

Vs. 2, “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! In NASB and ESV, it reads, “Do not neglect.” If verse one comes as a commendation and encouragement, verse two comes as a reminder and rebuke. It appears that an ancient practice of hospitality was either forgotten or neglected by the audience.

We will look at the words Hospitality and Strangers and their implications for us. Hospitality can be defined as “the quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.” It was one of the virtues of the righteous in the OT.

For instance, while complaining about his sickness, Job remembers his integrity of how hospitality to strangers. Job 29:16, “I was a father to the poor and assisted strangers who needed help.” “I have never turned away a stranger but have opened my doors to everyone.” Job 31:32

God commanded Israelites to be kind and treat strangers (foreigners) with fairness. Lev19:31-34, “Do not take advantage of foreigners who live among you in your land. Treat them like native-born Israelites and love them as you love yourself.

Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” In ancient times, travelers did not have access to McDonald's, Starbucks, and rest areas. They relied on the hospitality of the people living in the towns, and many were kind to them.

In the New Testament, the Greek word translated “hospitality” literally means “love of strangers.” During their public ministry, Jesus and his disciples entirely dependent on others Hospitality as they traveled from town to town, such as the Hospitality of Martha and Mary in Bethany. Likewise, the early Christians also received hospitality from others. Acts 28:7

The author reminds us in Vs. 2, “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it, perhaps referring to Abraham, Lot, Gideon, and Manoah, who showed hospitality to strangers. (Gen:18,19 Judges: 6, 13)

Why does it matter for Kingdom Christians to be hospitable to strangers? “The word stranger generally denotes a person from a foreign land residing in Palestine. Such persons enjoyed many privileges in common with the Jews but still were separate from them.”[2]  Who could be these strangers are for us living in the USA today?

These are the immigrants that live among us. These are our friends, colleagues, and neighbors who may not speak the same language and share the same religious or political ideals as we are. Are we being hospitable towards them by sharing our resources with them? 

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus discusses the hospitable behavior of the Kingdom citizens. Matthew 24:34-36, “Then the King will say ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me.”

We don’t think much about entertaining strangers; we are often suspicious or afraid of them. But hospitality is still an essential part of Christian ministry. Romans 12:13, “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice (pursue) hospitality.” 

The Apostle Peter gives instructions to the end-time Christians on how to live their lives. I Peter 4:7-9, “The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.”     I am aware during this Pandemic applying this scripture may not be practical. However, we can still seek other ways to pursue hospitality. Would you join me in dreaming about how Hope Church is hospitable to immigrants and neighbors from different religious, ethnic, cultural, political, and economic backgrounds? By serving others, we serve Christ. Matt 25:40.

It is not necessarily through our preaching by which people in Sharon and neighboring communities will come to know that we are Jesus’ disciples, but through our love for one another and hospitality to strangers. Let us excel in brotherly love and pursue hospitality. Amen!

 

 

 

 

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[1] https://melindacousins.com/2014/01/29/can-we-please-stop-saying-charity-begins-at-home/

[2] https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/stranger/

THE UNSHAKABLE KINGDOM

 

THE UNSHAKABLE KINGDOM

Introduction: John Hess Yoder writes in Leadership magazine: While serving as a missionary in Laos, I discovered an illustration of the Kingdom of God. Before the colonialists imposed national boundaries, Laos and Vietnam’s kings reached an agreement on taxation in the border areas. Those who ate short-grain rice built their houses on stilts and decorated them with Indian-style serpents were considered Laotians.

On the other hand, those who ate long-grain rice built their houses on the ground and decorated them with Chinese-style dragons were considered Vietnamese. The exact location of a person’s home was not what determined his or her nationality. Instead, each person belonged to the Kingdom, whose cultural values he or she exhibited. So, it is with us: we live in the world, but as part of God’s Kingdom, we live according to His Kingdom’s standards and values.[1]

Last week we looked at “Our True Birthright” as God’s children. We realized that being the children of God is a privilege with responsibilities. In the remaining part of chapter twelve, the author shows us the difference between the earthly and heavenly realms. He warns us of the danger of not listening to God. He concludes by exposing the weak foundations of this universe and encourages us to live as the Unshakable Kingdom members. Hebrews 12:18-29.

I CONTRAST OF SINAI AND ZION: (Vs. 18-23)

            Mountains and hills are mentioned over 500 times in the Bible. Mountains have a logical religious symbolism for Jewish and Christian cultures since they are “closer to God,” who dwells in the heavens (as in the sky). God often reveals himself on a mountaintop.[2] They are significant because they exhibit God’s power, glory, dealings with humanity, and His indwelling presence. In the OT, the mountains of Sinai and Zion are most prominent. What do we know about them?

            Earthly Mount Sinai traditionally has been accepted as a sacred place for Jewish, Christians, and Muslims. Mount Sinai is the place where Moses received the law and the Ten Commandments. It became a symbol of God’s covenant with Israel. Exodus 19:1-25.

             Earthly Mount Zion can refer to one of three places: the hill where the most ancient areas of Jerusalem stood; the city of Jerusalem itself; or the dwelling place of God. In our passage from verses 18-22, we see a contrast between God’s earthly and heavenly dwelling places. The earthly Mount Sinai was a frightening and highly restrictive place.

God showed up on Mount Sinai through flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind. His voice was so terrible that the Israelites begged God to stop speaking to them. They implored Moses to talk to them instead. God’s presence was so powerful even Moses was so frightened.

Only Moses and Aron were allowed on the mountain, and the rest were prohibited. It was the same with the earthly mount Zion where the temple was located. In Psalm 15:1-5, King David prays, “Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? The rest of the verses talk about the criteria for entering into God’s presence.

After explaining to his audience how terrible and less accessible the earthly dwelling places of God were, he points them to a much better and heavenly place. Vs. 22-24 “No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem... You have come to Jesus, the One who mediates the new covenant between God and people.”

While God’s earthly dwelling places were restrictive and only a few could ever enter, the heavenly dwelling place is open for all those who believe in Christ Jesus, our Great High Priest. Heavenly Jerusalem will be our permanent address where you and I and all those who will believe in Jesus will dwell with God through eternity. But it is also being built now in the heart of each believer who walks with the Lord obediently and grows in wisdom and peace.

II A CALL TO LISTEN TO GOD.

Vs. 25, “Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven!” In this verse, we see a call to Listen to God when He speaks and a warning of what happens when we don’t listen.

            In our first theme, “Has God Spoken?” Where we saw how God spoke through prophets in ancient times to our ancestors and how in the last days through His Son Jesus Christ. It is not that he stopped speaking; perhaps we may have stopped listening. Have you stopped listening to God? Heed this warning of what happens when you go on your way without listening to God.

            Throughout Biblical and Church history, we have examples of those who have followed God closely by listening to His Voice and enjoyed blessings. We also have examples of those who refused to listen to God, went on their stubborn, independent ways, and suffered destruction.

Consider these scriptures: Isaiah 28:23, “Listen to me; listen, and pay close attention.” Prov 8:33, “Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.” When we don’t listen to God, even our prayers are an abomination. Prov 28:9, “If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.” Paying attention to God’s words gives health to our bodies.

Prov 4:20-22, “My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them and healing to their whole body.” God’s words are life-giving. They will enrich our souls.

Listening to God’s words involves obedience and observance.  Matt 7:24, Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Whose words do you hear today? Do you listen to the lies of politicians and follow unproven conspiracy theories? Or do you hear the life-giving and hope-filled words of God?

III THE UNSHAKABLE KINGDOM

            Vs.26-28, “When God spoke from Mount Sinai, his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.” This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed so that only unshakable things will remain. Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.”

            In the OT, people experienced earth-shaking underneath them whenever God spoke or was angry. Judges 5:5, “The mountains quaked in the presence of the Lord, the God of Mount Sinai in the presence of the Lord, the God of Israel.” That was the power of God’s voice.

God is promising that, once again, He will shake the earth and the heavens. The whole creation will be shaken and removed. Is COVID-19 a way of God shaking the world? As we know, since February last year, the world has been shaken in every way.

We all have been shaken up pretty badly by COVID-19. But do people pay attention to what God might be saying to us as our ancestors had done? Or do we keep doing the same old things, living in the same old God-dishonoring way? Let me warn you, according to the promise; more shaking is to be expected on the earth and heavens. Everything will be shaken.

God is making another promise that He will give His children the Unshakable Kingdom. Those who believe in Jesus will get to be part of that unshakable Kingdom. All those who belong to the Kingdom are thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe.

When this world passes away, God’s Kingdom will endure forever. Are you part of it? If not, you can become a Kingdom citizen by accepting Jesus as your savior. Those who are the Kingdom citizens speak these words with me; I thank you, Lord, for letting me be part of your unshakable Kingdom. Please grant me the strength to live as I belong to the King. Amen!

 

 

 

 

 

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[1] https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon-illustrations/60607/heaven-by-sermon-central

[2] https://bustedhalo.com/ministry-resources/what-is-the-significance-of-mountains-in-the-bible

Our True Birthright

 

OUR TRUE BIRTHRIGHT

Introduction: Liberty or Freedom is one of the inalienable rights that Americans cherish. You know what it is to fight for, obtain, and retain Freedom at all costs? How do we define what real Freedom is? From what are we freed? Freedom at what cost? On January 6^th, to maintain their privileges, an unruly mob of rioters vandalized Capitol Hill. It was a frightening sight to watch.

This revolt resulted in damage to property and five lives lost. Many rioters are supposedly have been Christians, only in namesake, carrying banners like "Jesus Saves." How could any faithful follower of Christ justify such heinous acts committed in the name of Freedom? In this emotionally heightened situation, let us hear the words of Abraham Lincoln.

According to an eyewitness, Lincoln spoke to the crowd of slaves around him: "My poor friends, you are free--free as air. You can cast off the name of a slave and trample upon it. Liberty is your birthright." But Lincoln also warned them not to abuse their Freedom.

"Let the world see that you merit [your freedom]," Lincoln said, "Don't let your joy carry you into excesses. Learn the laws and obey them."[1] That is very much like the message Jesus gives to those he has liberated by his death and resurrection.

Jesus gives us our true birthright—spiritual Freedom. But Freedom isn't an excuse for disobedience; it forms the basis for learning and obeying God's laws. It gives us direction in action. Last week we saw how God addresses us as his sons and daughters. John 1:12, "But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God."

Our true birthright is that God has set us free from our bondage to sin and given us new birth into His family of light. By a birth that comes only from God, we become His children. How are we to exercise and hold on to Our True Birthright? Hebrew 12:14-17

            After establishing that God is our father, and we are his sons and daughters, the author explains our spiritual birthright comes with responsibilities. He gives four instructions on how God's children must behave among the unbelievers in this world. Let us look at them one by one.

I. A CALL TO LIVE IN PEACE

Vs. 14, "Work at living in peace with everyone." It is one thing to know that God is our father, but it is another thing to live like the children of God. Our true birthright gives us access to all that God has for us, but it also lays a tremendous burden on us to bear.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Roman believers how God would exhibit his children to the world one day. Romans 8:19, "For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are." In one way, that day of reckoning has already come.

We are a small fraction of God's children, bearing His name in this fallen world. The world is watching how God's people will respond when they face challenging situations. Unfortunately, the world watched the events unfolded in the past few weeks, and they cast a dark shadow on Evangelical Christians in our country. Such events hinder the cause of Christ.

We are called to pursue peace, not with some but with everyone. Why Peace and why with everyone? Here the verb pursue is not a one-time thing but calls for continued action. This theme of seeking Peace is a repeated theme in the scriptures. Consider the following:

Psalm 34:14, "Turn away from evil and do good. Search for Peace, and work to maintain it." Romans 14:19, "Let us, therefore, make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." During a sermon on the mount, Jesus called out his disciples to be different than the hypocritical Pharisees and power-mongering religious leaders of his time. Matt 5:9, "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God."

The world needs Peace, and our country desperately needs peace and healing. Jesus gave a gift of Peace to his followers. John 14:27, "I am leaving you with a gift—Peace of mind and heart. And the Peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So, don't be troubled or afraid."

Are you afraid and in need of Peace? Don't look to political leaders who might be selfish and only concerned about their ambitions, but look to Jesus, who gives you Peace of mind and heart. If we call ourselves God's children, we must follow the example of Jesus. It is not enough for us to sing or say, "Peace on Earth," but do all we can to live in peace with everyone. One day Christ will establish His Kingdom of Peace. Until such time we are called to Purse Peace.

II. A CALL TO LIVE A HOLY LIFE

Vs. 14b, "and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord." Part of exercising and maintaining our true birthright as children of God is to work at living a holy life. Last week we looked at how God disciplines and punishes his children by sending all kinds of trails so that we might share in his holiness. As a child of God, we must live holy lives.

Holy living doesn't necessarily mean sinless living because as long as we live in this fallen world, we are prone to sin, but it does mean that we live as we belong to God. When we recognize that we are set apart for God and His purposes, we try to get rid of ourselves from every sin that easily entangles us. Holy living affects the choices we make regarding relationships, food, entertainment, etc. Living a set-apart life is our true birthright.

III. A CALL TO LOOK AFTER EACH OTHER

Vs. 15, "Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many." In this scripture, our birthright is best exercised in the context of a church. Again, the verb here implies a continued action. What does "look after each other," and in NASB, "See to it," mean?

It calls for the corporate responsibility of the believers in the family of God. We are called to watch our own lives to give a testimony of Peace and holiness and help struggling believers in their faith and those who need salvation. There is strength and safety when you belong to a group of believers than trying to run your Christian life all by yourself. 

If you are not yet already, I challenge you to be part of the Sunday Bible times or Wednesdays connect groups where you will grow. We need one another to keep us in check and receive the grace of God. This scripture also calls for us to watch out that "no poisonous root of bitterness" grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. What is this poisonous root of bitterness?

The author is warning here to the bitter root of apostasy or turning away from God by reminding them of a covenant that God has made with Israelites while they were in the land of Moab. Deut 29:18, "I am making this covenant with you so that no one among you no man, woman, clan, or tribe will turn away from the Lord our God to worship these gods of other nations, and so that no root among you bears bitter and poisonous fruit."

Gall and bitterness are likened to a root that springs up and defiles others. When a person is deceiving himself by wandering away from the truth, the bitterness of spirit results, and this causes him or her to "fall short of God's grace." If they are not corrected, they will defile others.

While giving signs of the end of the age, Jesus warned us that false prophets would arise and deceive, if possible, even God's chosen ones. (Matt 24:24). The recent events surrounding the November election results exposed several prophets' deception of failed predictions.

Unfortunately, many Christians blindly followed their prophecies without checking them, and now they are hurting. The false prophets are the poisonous root of bitterness in the body of Christ. They are a real danger to the well-being of any Church and society. We need to be aware and correct them graciously when we see some by pointing them to the Truth of God's Word.

IV. A CALL TO PROTECT OUR TRUE BIRTHRIGHT

            Vs. 16-17, "Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal. You know that afterward when he wanted his father's blessing, he was rejected. It was too late for repentance, even though he begged with bitter tears." To understand the gravity of what Esau did, we need to look back into Genesis.

            Genesis 25:29–34 depicts Esau as a man who lives only for the moment and does not take the cost of his decisions into account. Jewish tradition deemed Esau sexually immoral, probably originally based on his initial preference for Gentile wives (Ge 26:34 – 35), which dismayed his parents (Ge 26:35; 28:8). Esau had no regard for his birthright; he even sold it for a single meal.

            Our True Birth Right of being a son or daughter of God is not something we have inherited or earned but has been given to us from the time we accepted Christ. Let's be grateful, and let us not despise our spiritual birthright. Esau stands as a failed example. We are warned not to be immoral and godless like Esau. If we are not careful, we too can lose our eternal blessings.

            By our spiritual birth, we become the children of God; therefore, let us act like we are indeed the children of God. How can we let the world know that we are God's children? I John 3:10, "So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God."

            By our right living and love for other believers, the world will know we are children of God. Let's Imitate our loving heavenly father by reflecting His love and nature to the people around us. Jesus has brought glory to His Father by completing the work He was given. As God's faithful children, we can also bring glory to Jesus by completing the work he has given to us. Let us do it by the power of the Holy Spirit without complaining and grumbling so that we can shine as bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Amen.

 

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[1] https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon-illustrations/83313/freedom-by-sermon-central

A FATHER'S DISCIPLINE

 

A FATHER’S DISCIPLINE

Introduction: Have you ever wondered how to train an elephant? The first step is making it believe it cannot run away. Get your elephant—preferably a baby one—and tie it to a strong steel stake in the ground, like you would tie a horse to a hitching post. The baby elephant will try to break free, but it will not have the strength to do so. Eventually, the little elephant will give up and stop trying to escape from the rope and the stake that limit its range.

            Once the young elephant has learned that it cannot pull the stake from the ground, you can replace the strong stake with a smaller wooden one, even though it would not have enough strength to hold the elephant. An elephant trained in its babyhood to believe that the stake is strong and will not budge won’t attempt to break loose and run away—even after it has grown strong enough to yank almost any stakeout of the ground easily.

            Similarly, we are also best trained in our youth by a strong stake in the ground that teaches us where the limits are, by certainty about the difference between right and wrong. When it comes to spiritual training, God teaches us through His Holy Spirit from the time we got saved.      Last week we learned to Keep Our Eyes on Jesus and run the race that is marked for us with endurance. As we set off to run our Christian race, let us be aware that we will face a lot of opposition from Satan, often working through circumstances, our loved ones, and close friends. When the resistance gets intense, we tend to give up our race. But wait! Do not give up.

            The reason why we are to keep our eyes on Jesus is that He endured much more opposition than you and I could collectively ever face. The author encourages us to think of all the hostility that Christ suffered from sinful people, to help us not become weary and give up.

Today we will see how God wants to relate with his followers, and part of our running includes embracing God’s discipline. We begin our study to find what this discipline of God is all about.

I. THE FATHER HEART OF GOD.

            Heb 12:5-6, “And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. 6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” These words come as a father’s instruction to his son or daughter. (Pro3:11-12).

            The audience of the book of Hebrews was primarily Jewish. Their ancestors were familiar with this type of father and son relationship between them and God. It looks like those believers had forgotten entirely, that such a beautiful relationship once existed. The author was encouraging them to get back into their traditional way of relating to God.

            Throughout scriptures, God related with his people as Lord, King, master, ruler, judge, teacher, and husband. But more frequently, as a loving father. Let us look at the Father Heart of God. Jeremiah 3:19, “I thought to myself, ‘I would love to treat you as my own children!’ I wanted nothing more than to give you this beautiful land—the finest possession in the world. I looked forward to your calling me ‘Father,’ and I wanted you never to turn from me.”

            Unfortunately, the Israelites could not live up to his expectations and broke his Father’s heart. Deut 32:5-6, “But they have acted corruptly toward him; when they act so perversely,

are they really his children? They are a deceitful and twisted generation. Is this the way you repay the Lord, you foolish and senseless people? Isn’t he your Father who created you? Has he not made you and established you?”

            Though the Israelites turned their backs on him and stopped relating with Him as their Father, God as a loving and merciful father would not give up on them quickly. Our heavenly Father’s love has been pursuing us from the beginning and will continue till the end of the age. Remember, one of the names given to Jesus at his birth was “Everlasting Father.”

            Jesus himself addressed God as his Father and taught us to call God our Father in heaven. The apostle Paul affirms God’s fatherly bond with his followers. Eph 4:5-6, “There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.”

            For some of you, coming to God as his son or daughter may bring back specific unpleasant memories of your childhood. Taking God as their Father may be difficult for others because they may have never known or lost their Father at a very young age. Whatever your situation may be, understanding God’s father heart would help you appreciate verses 6-13.

II. A FATHER’S DISCIPLINE

            Vs. 5-6, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” In this verse, God is portrayed as a loving father. We see the expression of God’s love towards His children and their response and two action verbs, “discipline and punishment. Are they the same or different? To whom is God referring to My child?

            Initially, these words applied to the nation of Israel, whom He affectionately referred to as my son. From the time of its formation, God loved them. He wanted to deliver them from their bondage to sin in Egypt and lead them to the promised land. He demonstrated His love through discipline and punishment. How do we understand these two crucial acts of God’s love?

            What is discipline? It is the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior. Discipline brings stability and structure into a person’s life. It teaches a person to be responsible and respectful. The observance of well-defined rules is the basis of civil society. If there were no discipline, people would do whatever they wanted without considering others first and foremost.” How is punishment different? If the goal of discipline is to teach, punishment is intended to inflict consequences for misbehavior and to correct disobedience.

            When should these two most loving acts begin? Who should administer discipline and punishment at the earliest? God placed that responsibility on the shoulders of parents. The scriptures encourage parents to discipline and punish their children well from a very young age.

            Consider these scriptures. Proverbs 22:6, “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” Prov 13:24, “Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.”

            There has been much debate over the interpretation and implementation of these scriptures. However, the essence here, especially for Christian parents, is that it is your responsibility to train your children in the ways of God and if they deviate constructively, correct them. If they are trained well, they may become worthy and respectful citizens. If not, they may become anarchists like some of the unruly rioters who stormed Capitol Hill a few days ago.

            In our passage, the author compares the earthly parenting style and how God parents His children. He notes that “the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” In John 1:11-12, we read, “He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.”

No matter who you are, the moment you believe in Jesus, you will have the right to become his son or daughter; what a privilege it is for us to know that we are God’s children. Along with that privilege comes God’s discipline and punishment because He loves us. What benefits do we find when we embrace our Heavenly Father’s discipline?

III BENEFITS OF DIVINE DISCIPLINE

            Before we talk about the benefits of God’s discipline, let us find out why He disciplines us in the first place. Vs. 7-8 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Whoever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its Father?

If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all.” The essence of this scripture is that God disciplines all his children without exception. Otherwise, they cannot be his children. When we endure His discipline, along with punishment, we become God’s legitimate children.

            What are the benefits of God’s divine discipline? Firstly, when we are disciplined, we are being treated as His children. Secondly, God’s discipline is always good for our souls (Vs10). Psalm 119: 67-68, “I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees.” Thirdly, God disciplines us so that we might share in his holiness. How are we to respond to His discipline?

            Vs. 9, “Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? This comes as a challenge. If we could submit to our imperfect parents who disciplined us the best they knew how, can we not submit to our heavenly Father who disciplines us out of love?

            You may be asking, so what exactly would God’s discipline be like? The Bible doesn’t give us specifics in regards to how He disciplines His children.  He often sends trials and difficult situations on our way to get our attention and correct our disobedience. When troubles come on our way, count them as joy. Perhaps God might be disciplining and testing our faith.

            Therefore let us not make light of and resist God’s discipline; it is only for our peril if we did. Is God’s discipline going to be easy? Any discipline, while it is happening, is not enjoyable. But when we embrace and endure God’s discipline, rewards outweigh the pain.

Remember, we all carry inevitable brokenness into God’s family. God patiently works on our brokenness, teaching precept by precept and correcting our flaws. He is still working with us; let us cooperate with Him. Let’s embrace our Heavenly Father’s Discipline. Amen!

 

KEEPING OUR EYES ON JESUS

 

KEEPING OUR EYES ON JESUS

Introduction: The year 2020 is now History, leaving us with frightening memories of loss and grief. We have endured much and have come through a year of hardships and struggles. Yet, we have so much to be grateful for and give praises to God.

When it comes to enduring hardship more than anyone, Joni Erikson Tada comes to my mind. Joni, who was paralyzed in a diving accident more than a half-century ago, founded Joni and Friends 40 years ago to "present the hope of the Gospel to people affected by disability."

Just days after testing positive for coronavirus, Joni shared an update on how, what COVID meant for evil, Christ meant for good. Joni noted, "My faith has widened, my hopes are higher, my love for Jesus has skyrocketed, my appreciation for others has deepened, and God's promises are cemented further into my soul. My lungs are clear, and my temperature is down."

While going to the emergency room, she took solace because her trip to the hospital enabled more people to experience the Gospel's Joy, which her husband, Ken, shared with the hospital staff."[1] Joni is a living inspiration. If Joni can do it, we too can!

In Hebrews eleven, we only looked at Abel, Enoch, Noah, and Abraham's faith, but the chapter mentions many other faith heroes. In verses 39-40, we read, "All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us."

This is where present-day and future believers relate to past heroes of faith. What makes the people of the past, Joni and the likes of her to endure difficulties? How can we endure pain, suffering, and hardships in our lives? In Hebrews, 12:1-6, we will find a few keys to holding on to our faith amid challenging situations and continue to live productive lives.

 

I. A GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES

Vs.1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." In the Message Bible, it reads.

"Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. The author reminds us that we are surrounded by a vast crowd (some writers used cloud figuratively for a crowd) of witnesses.

What do we know about these witnesses? The witnesses are the deceased people mentioned in chapter eleven. They give witness to the value and blessing of what it is to live by faith. In other words, living by faith was not merely an intellectual exhortation but an experiential reality for them. If we were to ask them, was it worth going through what they went through? They might say, Yes! They were all commended as righteous for their faith.

These heroes of faith, the trailblazers, these veterans are cheering us. They encourage us to run our race without growing weary and giving up as they only would be made perfect together with us, referring to the ultimate resurrection of the righteous at the end (Dan 12:2).

II. RUNNING THE CHRISTIAN RACE

 One of the Biblical metaphors used to describe the Christian Faith is "Running a Race." The Apostle Paul uses this metaphor in I Cor 9:24-25 "Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So, run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize."

In our passage, the author advises us on how to run to win an eternal reward. First, we are to "strip off every weight that would slow us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up."

The stripping off weights refers to the Greek custom of a runner stripping off clothes to run unencumbered. Ancient writers sometimes used "weights" figuratively for vices. It is an encouragement for his audience so that they will not be tempted to turn back from their faith.

What does this practically mean for Christians today in 2021? It means paying careful attention to anything that might sidetrack and hinder us from following Jesus wholeheartedly—for instance, indulging in food, pleasures, entertainment, etc. It does not mean we have to give up on them entirely but exercising self-control and restraint in those areas.

What is that sidetracking and slowing you down from running your Christian race? It may mean different things for different ones. For me reducing my TV watching, for Wilma deactivating Facebook. For you, it may be something else. Pray and ask the Lord to show you.

The second part of the stripping is to do with sin that wages war against our soul. What may be considered a sin in one culture may not be a sin in another culture—for example, drinking wine. It is forbidden in South Asian Christian culture, but it is an acceptable norm in certain European and Scandinavian cultures. It would do us good to pay serious attention and try our best to eliminate what the scripture calls are sins. Consider the following scriptures:

Ephesians 4:31-32, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." We need some working on these verses.

The apostle Peter who once was a committed follower of Christ knew what it is to be sidetracked and betray His Lord during a crucial moment. But when he repented, he became an utterly sold-out soldier for Christ. Knowing our vulnerabilities and potential to sin gives us this warning, "Dear friends, I warn you as "temporary residents and foreigners" to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls." I Peter 2:11.

 

III. RUNNING WITH ENDURANCE

Once we are all done with the preparation, now it is time for us to run. The later part of the verse tells us we are to "run with endurance the race God has set before us." Two of the most critical ingredients in any race, especially a marathon or a long-distance race, are preparation and endurance. The Christian race is not a quick 100 meters dash but like a relay race and marathon.

Many will sign up in any marathon, prepare themselves, get a badge, and enthusiastically start the race. Those who lack endurance will quit the race early or halfway through. But those who are persistent, focused, and not distracted are the ones who will complete the race and even end up winning a prize. That is how it works in the Christian race. Consider these scriptures:         

Luke 9:32, "But Jesus told him, "Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God." Speaking of the end times, Jesus said. Matt 24:12-13, sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." God celebrates with us when we finish our race well.

Jesus explains why someone quits following Him halfway in a parable of the sower and the seed, rendering themselves fruitless. Mark 4;19 "The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God's word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced."

Eternal rewards are awaiting those who do not give up but run the race with endurance till the end. Rev 2:1-7, "I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you do not tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. To everyone who is victorious, I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God." How are we running the race that God has set before us? What keeps us from being disqualified?

 

IV. KEEPING OUR EYES ON JESUS

            Vs. 2, "We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne." In this verse, we see our champion runner Jesus who has completed His race on the earth. He is cheering us on to complete our race.

            Consider the heroes of faith who kept their eyes on Jesus. In the OT, Jesus made His appearance in several different forms during crucial times to help people in their races. I could think of how Jesus helped Abraham and the three Hebrew young men thrown in the burning furnace by appearing as a Ram and a fourth person. (Gen 22:13, Daniel 3:25)

            The author of Hebrews notes how Moses endured hardships and kept running his race. Heb 11:27, "He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible." Remember the story of Peter walking on water; if he kept his eyes on Jesus, he could walk, but he began to drown when he looked at the wind and the waves. What are you looking at today?

            What made Jesus endure the cross? He focused on the joy that was set before Him. That joy was nothing but the salvation of yours, mine, and the millions of others. In James 1:18, we read, "He chose to give birth to us by giving his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession." I am humbled by the fact that Jesus saw me as his prized possession, so he endured the cross disregarding its shame. As we partake in communion, let us be grateful.

            Jesus, the initiator, and the perfector of our faith is here today by the power of the Holy Spirit. He began a good work in us, and He is faithful to complete it. What has been entrusted to Him, He can preserve it till the end. Keeping our eyes on Jesus calls for lifelong learning and living by His teachings in His word. In 2021 we can start fresh. Let us resolve to put away distractions and run the race by Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus. Amen!

 

 

 

 

 

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[1] https://www.christianpost.com/news/joni-eareckson-tada-what-covid-meant-for-evil-christ-meant-for-good.html