WHAT IS THE ONE THING MOST NEEDED? Mary Chose It

Byadmin

The scripture gives us an admonition for “one thing” that is necessary. “One thing” should be the priority in our daily lives.  In fact, Jesus, while visiting at the home of his friends, Mary and Martha, teaches them and us what that priority should be.  That “one thing” is more important than food, finances or approval.  What did Jesus say was the “one thing?”

Hospitality at the time of Jesus and Mary and Martha was close to being a sacred duty. Hospitality provided a grand welcome, the washing of the dusty sandaled feet, an all-out meal and a place for rest.  The guest was considered the “lord” of the house.   The hosts would do their best to meet whatever the guest requested. 

Martha was going all out in her hospitality efforts for Jesus.  In fact, so much so that she became very frustrated when her sister, Mary, was not doing her fair share of the preparations and serving.   Mary was shrugging her duties, according to Martha. 

Martha, fed up with doing all the preparations herself approached her guest, Jesus, asking him to command Mary to help.  But does he? 

Here’s the text in Luke 10:38-42:

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” 

 

 

Martha opened her home to Jesus. Martha, an inviting and hospitable woman, was probably the older sister and was in charge of making the home ready for her guest, Jesus.  There was food to be cooked, baking to be done, a table to be set, napkins folded, beverage glasses filled, condiments to be gathered.  Many preparations are made for entertaining a guest!   

Martha became upset with Mary, who wasn’t helping.  With that frustration she goes to Jesus and asks him, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?”  And before Jesus can reply Martha commands Jesus, “Tell her to help me.”    It would appear that Martha is asking for Jesus to become the judge and call the verdict of guilty on her negligent sister.  What kind of hospitality is that?

Jesus, the Teacher, responds to Martha. 

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.

I understand Martha.  I want a clean house, food ready, everything in order when guests arrive.  And I can understand when the time is ready to serve and you are deserted in the kitchen, it can be trying and frustrating. 

Jesus, rather than telling Mary to help, responds to Martha, who was “worried and upset about many things!” Many things — meal preparations, serving, the hospitality, the cleanness of the home, the table settings, and those last minute details.   Jesus continued, “but few things are needed – or indeed only one.”  This must have given Martha pause. 

MARY DISCOVERED THE ONE THING

If we look back at the text we will see that Mary positioned herself at the feet of Jesus and was listening to everything he said (Verse 39, She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said). 

Was Jesus saying that food wasn’t important?  Was he talking about the amount of food to be enjoyed at the table?  Was he saying there were too many dishes being served? 

As we consider the contrast of Martha and Mary and consider Jesus’ words, it’s very clear that Jesus is saying there is one thing more important than food.  There is one thing more important than serving and hospitality.  There is one thing that is indeed needed more than the rest. 

Jesus commended Mary that she had discovered it, sitting at his feet, and listening to his teachings.  That’s the priority Jesus gives. 

Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.

ONE THING

Jesus commends Mary for having a greater hunger for his words than for food; a greater need for his presence and his words than serving. 

I am often like Martha, “often worried and upset about many things.”  Our job, kids, meal planning, eating, serving, working keep us so busy we neglect that “one thing” that should have priority over every other “thing” in our lives.  Jesus reminds us, as he did Martha, that, yes, there are good things to be done, but the “one thing” should take priority over the rest.

Mary’s character reveals her devotion to how she loves the Lord by her priority of the ONE THING.  Mary shows a priority over appetites, finances, and the approval of others. 

  1. ONE THING is more important than FOOD

Jesus is saying we need bread, sustenance, food, but we also need God’s word daily.  How often do we eat each day?  2 or 3 or more times? Snacks? Bedtime food?   How does our Bible reading and prayer time compare?  Are we in the Word every day (we eat every day)?  Do we set aside time for prayer and just being in God’s presence? We make time to sit at the food table quite regularly.  When Jesus says we need the words from God more than we need food, how should that motivate us to get into the Word regularly?

Often our appetites, are for “things” that don’t satisfy.  Jesus was fasting for 40 days and 40 nights as he responds to the Devil’s temptation to turn stones into bread. Jesus easily responds that God’s word is more important than food.

 “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4

Jesus often used analogies of hunger and thirst to help us understand the importance of God’s Word. In John 4 he is talking with the woman at the well.

Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, “but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:4

Now that wasn’t to say we don’t need to drink water and eat food, but to show the importance of God’s word each day.  We need to eat and to drink to live and be healthy, humanly.  We need to daily eat and drink (read and understand) God’s word to be spiritually healthy.

  1. ONE THING is more important than FINANCES

In John 12 Jesus is again at the home of Martha and Mary.  Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, was reclining with Jesus at the table.  Martha served.  Mary took expensive, pure nard, worth a year’s wages, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped it with her hair.

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

We aren’t told how Mary acquired the expensive nard.  Was she the younger unmarried sister of Martha and this expensive nard was part of a dowry?  Or were both Mary and Martha older in years, perhaps widowed, and had not remarried.  We don’t have any record of a father or husband. Although unusual for women to be unmarried, these sisters may have been women of some wealth?  Whatever their situation, Mary’s expensive gesture went past her concern for her earthly treasures. 

Have you ever taken a year’s salary and given it to the Kingdom?  This helps put in perspective the love and humility which Mary pours out on Jesus.  Often money is spent on what we value. Mary’s generosity told all those present (and us today) that she valued Jesus enough to give this valuable possession of nard to show her love.   In close relationship to Mary’s generosity, we may consider our own giving.  What does my financial giving reveal about my love for the Lord?

We couldn’t clothe our family, have food on the table, or pay the bills without the salary from our work. Yet how often are we like Martha, worried and upset about many things, often financial things?   Jesus teaches us to take time each day in prayer and Bible reading along with giving our tithes and offerings and generosity.   The “one thing” of His presence and promises of provision help us put all things in the right priority. 

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Matthew 6:33

 

  1. ONE THING is more important than APPROVAL FROM OTHERS

Judas objected to Mary’s expensive gesture.  He said the value of the nard should have been given to the poor!  Interesting coming from the guy who was a thief and who helped himself to the stash. “Judas Iscariot “was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.” John 12:6

Judas may not have been the only one who disapproved.   Others may have been annoyed by her intrusion into the meal.  Some may have thought she was being inappropriate in her gesture of pouring this nard on the feet of Jesus (a sign of burial and death).  Some may have thought her forward approach a moral gaffe especially when she wiped the feet of Jesus with her unbound hair.   Generally, Jewish women didn’t let down their hair in public. 

According to other historical writers, (“A Woman’s Unbound Hair in the Greco-Roman World” by Charles H. Cosgrove), her unbound hair may have indicated she was in mourning.  Her brother had recently died, and now Jesus was going to die.  Mary was prophetic in her anointing of Jesus. If her hair was unbound to mourn for the dead, perhaps this enlightens the response of Jesus when he said, “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 

Mary poured out her love at great expense, without worrying what others thought of her.  She had leaned the priority of the “one thing” Jesus said was more important than all others.  More than food, finances, and other’s approval.  The priority of being a disciple of Jesus and listening to his words so filled her heart and mind that the approval of others paled. 

I am often like Martha, worried and upset about many things.  Jesus commended Mary in that the “one thing” of priority — more important than food, or finances, or approval — was sitting at his feet and listening to his teachings. 

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

I hope this blog will encourage you to make God’s word (listening to Jesus), and prayer (sitting at His feet) a priority each day.  Share in the comments how you are growing in time in the Word and prayer.  

 

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TIME TO TRADE IN MY TENT?

Byadmin

My daughter-in-law recently lost her grandmother. It’s a traumatic jolt to the family tree. Yes, there is peace and comfort in the home going of an elderly frail, praying, faithful saint, yet tears for the absence of the body and the person loved and with whom life was shared. So what happens when we die?

Photo New York Public Library Unsplash

 2 Corinthians 5:1-10  

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, 3 because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 6Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we live by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.                         

Phto by Daniel Barnes Unsplash

TENT traded for a BUILDING         

The passage describes our human body as a tent (flimsy in a storm, not very warm or safe). A tent is easily blown down, just as our lives can be easily destroyed by accident, sickness,  tragedy. We trade in this flimsy tent for a strong, firm building, an eternal building by God (foundation, walls, roof, doors, windows, security from storms). What a difference!

We trade in our flesh for an immortal body that will never be sick, or die. In fact as soon as our never-dying spirit leaves this earthly body it goes to the presence of God.

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:8

Paul (the apostle, writer of several books of the New Testament) declares in the great resurrection chapter, 1 Corinthians 15, this human body puts on immortality, …..

42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable…

PERISHABLE (subject to quick decay or decomposition) to IMPERISHABLE (abiding, enduring, unceasing)

The human body has an instantaneous change from like-a-vapor-human to never-ending eternal life, perishable to imperishable, mortal to immortal. Changed in the twinkling of an eye. That’s faster than I can change clothes!

Scripture uses the analogy of changing clothes to show we have a new outfit- a whole new body not of flesh and blood, but of the stuff that never gets a cold, or flu or cancer. No one dies. No one gets sick. No one will have sorrow. From a tent to a building! From human life to eternal life! A brand new existence like that of Jesus after resurrection!

50 I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery:We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

Photo by Min Am Pexels

MY DAD’S FUNERAL

Although I had conducted several funerals as a pastor, I still wondered how it would be to see my own parents in a casket. At my dad’s funeral I was beside my mom as she was going to view the casket, and I remember saying to her, “Mom, he’s not there.” Sweetly smiling, she looked at me and with confident assurance replied, “I know.” The God secrets we both knew were speaking peace and comfort and a great calm within knowing that my dad was already enjoying the Lord’s presence.

Jesus told his disciples that he was going to prepare a home for them in heaven.  The scripture that says, “I go prepare a place for you that where I am you may be also.” (John 14). With Jesus sinless life that was a substitute for our sin, we now live in the promise and confidence that the sting of death is forever removed! Praise be to God!
This is the whole reason Jesus came to earth…to redeem us from sin and death. This is the reason God has “fashioned us for this very purpose.” 

Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 5:5

GOD IS FAITHFUL TO THOSE LEFT BEHIND

Mom told me that she didn’t know if she could take that first step into the home place without dad. They lived together there for 50 years. As she was telling the Lord of her fear, she took that first step inside the house. As she did, a warm calm flooded her being and surrounded her as if a warm blanket were wrapped around her body.  Mom understood it was the Lord’s presence with her, to which she responded, “Okay, Lord. I know I can make it.”

Knowing the God-secrets of God’s plan for heaven gives us peace through the deepest losses of life.  God has fashioned us for this very purpose and also helps us understand His presence with us as a guarantee that we will one day be with him forever!

I’m so thankful for knowing that there is more to come than just this life on earth, this vapor that lasts momentarily.  God gives us this eternal gift as we put our trust in him. 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Philippians 3:20-21
 

What God-secrets and promises from His word have brought peace and strength through the loss of your loved one?   Keep filling your mind with those precious promises and God- secrets. 

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PART 3. GOD’S WORD IS ESSENTIAL TO HOLINESS

Byadmin

I grabbed the wrong suitcase.  On a weekend ministry trip, my husband and I with four other students from North Central Bible College ministered in music and preaching at churches in the Midwest. We packed, grabbed suitcases, sound equipment, and headed out.  When we arrived at our room, I opened my suitcase to an unpleasant surprise.  Instead of my items of clothing,  I had grabbed my scrapbook suitcase – pictures, memories, dried flowers, and things from past special events.  Oh, no!  You can imagine my dilemma.  Nothing in that suitcase was essential for looking good on the platform at church.  

Too often, on the holiness journey, we forget to bring the right suitcase, the essential items of clothing found in the Word of God.  Put on the new self, clothe yourself with humility and compassion, suit up in the armor of God, and with the garments of praise.  Instead, we wear the same old outfits rather than being made new with the heavenly make-over wardrobe found in Scripture. 

Jesus placed principal value on Scripture, saying. “It is written, you can’t live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God”(Matthew 4:4).  Every word!  Megadoses of Scripture are essential for feeding our spirit and living a holy life.  

Peter urges his readers to crave (feel a fierce desire) the Word as a newborn craves milk.  Every four hours, the hunger-stricken infant screams for more.  Like that newborn, we will be satisfied and filled as we develop into the next stage of growth.     

Our Bible, God’s love letter, is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). God’s words spoke creation into existence. His words spoke through prophets, apostles, and preachers. And continues to speak to us today.   God’s Word is vital for holiness and imperative for knowing Jesus.

GOD SPOKE
Life began with a word from God.  God said, “Let there be light.” There was light (Gen 1:3).  Eight times, “God said,” and creation came to life.  God spoke, and it happened.

“By God’s word, the heavens came into being, and the earth was formed“ (2 Peter 3:5).

God, with a word, called into being oceans, lands, sky, seas, stars, lights, trees, fish, animals, and humans.  God spoke and called all things into existence.

God wrote with His finger on a stone tablet providing the way His people could be with Him and enjoy His presence  (Ex. 24:12, 31:18, 32:16, 34:1; Deut. 9:10), 

THE PROPHETS

The prophets in the Old Testament were God’s mouthpiece to the people (Heb 1:1). The prophets spoke of future events and prophesied the coming of Jesus hundreds of years before He was born.  They foretold of the message of salvation without knowing the actual time and setting of the suffering of Jesus and the glories to follow (1 Peter 1:10-11).

In his second epistle, Peter says to be mindful of the words spoken by the holy prophets.  “I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets” (2 Peter 3:2a).  They are God’s mouthpiece. 

THE APOSTLES  

An eye witness to the life-changing words of Jesus, Peter verified the writings of the Apostles. 

 “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things.  For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 2:16-21). 

Because these are God’s words spoken through the prophets and apostles, Peter says to be diligent in obeying “the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles” (2 Peter 3:2b).  

Peter was convinced  Jesus fulfilled all that was written in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets and  Psalms (Luke 24:44). Peter quotes fifteen Old Testament scriptures* in his eight chapters of 1 and 2nd Peter- the Law, Prophets, Psalms, and Proverbs*- further verifying the integrity of Scripture. 

Peter references his “dear brother,” Paul,  who was led by the Holy Spirit to write the Scripture, even though it was hard to understand for the person not familiar with them (2 Peter 3:16).  

Because of these verifications to the authority of Scripture (God, prophets, apostles, Paul), Peter says to crave the divinely inspired Word.  Pay attention to it! The prophetic message is “completely reliable” (2 Peter 1:19).

LISTEN TO JESUS – THE WORD OF GOD

At the transfiguration of Jesus, Peter, James, and John were present, along with the heavenly guests, Moses and Elijah.  From heaven, the Father said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.  Listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5).  

The E.F. Hutton brokerage firm advertising campaign of the early 1980s depicted people out jogging, aboard a train, or at a dinner party.  The conversation turned to the stock market and E.F. Hutton.  Upon hearing his name, joggers halted in mid-air, dinner guests ceased passing the salad, commuters put down the newspaper, and everyone stopped whatever they were doing and listened.  The tag line, “When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen.”  If the name of E.F. Hutton caused people to stop and listen, how much more the name of Jesus, the Word of God.  “Listen to Him.”

The Word, Jesus, was present at creation with the Father and the Holy Spirit.  Peter’s close friend, John the Beloved, said, “In the beginning (at creation), was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God” (John 1:1). 

Listen to Jesus!  Jesus, with a word, banished sickness, calmed the storm, cast out demons, and raised the dead.   

Peter was amazed at the words of Jesus that even a fruitless fig tree was changed.  Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!” (Mark 11:21).  Just as Jesus said.  

Jesus fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness when Satan tempted Him to eat.  “Just turn the rocks into bread, Jesus. That’s not too hard for you.”  Jesus spoke, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Deut 8:3, Matthew 4:4).    Every word comes from the mouth of God, more essential than my breakfast. 

CRAVE THE WORD

God spoke the world into existence, spoke through prophets, and the apostles. Peter urges believers to crave the Word like a newborn baby craves milk.   When we desire time with God in His Word, our ears hear better.  We are more sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit. It becomes easier to say no to temptation. Obedience becomes a desire.

“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.  Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation (1 Peter 2: 1-2).  

Not just ink on a page, but words that carry the absolute authority of its Author help us grow spiritually (1 Peter 2:2), has keeping power (2 Peter 1:10), and guards against error (2 Peter 3:17, 18).

DEFENSE AGAINST DECEPTION

 “I can’t believe it’s not butter” may describe our theology in believing something is true when it’s not.  Things appear authentic – artificial flavoring, plastic silverware, faux leather, fake news, and yes, counterfeit teachers and preachers – but are they?  Peter devotes an entire chapter warning against falling for the close-to-the-real-deal.  Without a healthy diet of spiritual food, deception is real. 

But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves (2 Peter 2:1-3).

Ignorance of Scripture leads to deception, error, and sin.  

Deception is nothing new. Heresy runs alongside deception and tries to take your eyes of the truth. Much of the New Testament was written to combat heresy, something that seems close to the truth but isn’t.   Peter is adamant about gaining the “knowledge of Jesus” and the Word that provides guardrails against deception and error.    

Arian Heresy

A 2018 LifeWay Research State of Theology Study found Evangelical Christians are highly illiterate in the knowledge of the Bible.  78% believe the heresy of Arian from the fourth century that God created Jesus. This heresy claims Jesus is not God or equal to the Father.* 

 1 John 4 tells us to test the “spirits” because many false prophets are in the world. You can recognize the Spirit of God as follows:  Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God., but the spirit of antichrist (1 John 4:1-3). 

The Holy Spirit is More Than A Force

Another heresy believed by a high percentage of Evangelical Christians is regarding the Holy Spirit, thinking He is only a force and not a Person of the Trinity.

The Revelation Is Complete

It is not uncommon for people/pastors/teachers to pick and choose which Scriptures are relevant today.  Augustine wrote, “If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don’t like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself.”  All of Scripture is divinely inspired.  To add or take away from it brings a strong rebuke from its Author (Rev 22:18-19).

Every word of God is tested;
He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
Do not add to His words
Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar. Proverbs 30:5,6

 In a nutshell, all Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training, and equipping in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  Ignorance of Scripture leads to deception, error, and sin.  

Ignorance of the Scripture is ignorance of Christ (St. Jerome). 

 

CULTURAL VOICES

When feeding on bread crumbs rather than the banquet of Scripture, core doctrines become confusing.  The cultural voices shout when the gentle voice of the Spirit through Scripture is ignored.   Some of the popular cultural voices shout the following:

  • There is no eternal punishment for sin. 
  • The Holy Spirit is not God. 
  • Scripture is not relevant to today’s moral culture. 
  • Gender identity is a choice. 
  • It’s okay to be sexually active outside of marriage.
  • There is no original sin.
  • All gods are the same as Jehovah God.
  • The Bible is just a good book, not divinely inspired by God.
  • Jesus was just a good prophet.
  • It’s okay to be dishonest; everyone lies.
  • Everyone will be in heaven.

Scripture Refutes and Guards Against Error

Scripture refutes confusion, error, and heresy and guards the believer in the truth. 

Deception may be gradual,  like a frog in a pot being slowly boiled alive.  If the frog is put in boiling water, it will jump out, but since it begins at a comfortable temperature, the frog doesn’t perceive the danger and is cooked to its death.  Without a strong knowledge of Scripture, we can be like that frog that slowly accepts the things of the world and is effortlessly comfortable with its temperature.  Don’t stay in the world’s pot. Stay in the Word.

Be on guard lest you lose your footing and get swept off your feet by these lawless and loose-talking teachers.  Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Saviour, Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:17-18 MSG).

A knowledge of Scripture that points to Jesus will guard our hearts and minds against error and deception.   Listen and learn.  Read it as you crave it and hunger for it.  Read it over and over, in the morning, through the day, or at night.  But read it.  It will satisfy our hunger and lead to holiness.  Jesus is in the pages. 

God called you and chose you to be His.  As we do our very best to live to please God as his chosen people, we will not be deceived. We won’t fall. I believe what God says. 

For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:10, 11).

Scripture, the words of God, will keep us from error and deception as it teaches us how to become more like Jesus.  

THE WORD BRINGS JESUS CLOSER

When we love Scripture, we love Jesus!  Read it as the love letter it is. 

When I was dating John, every letter he wrote to me I cherished.  I read it and reread it.  I didn’t quit reading after the first paragraph.  I didn’t put it down and say, “Well, that’s enough for now.”  No, I couldn’t put it down.  I read each word, memorized each line, and then reread it, through the day, between classes, while eating, and before going to bed.  I was in love with the one who wrote to me. 

That is an excellent way to come to the Word – like a love letter from God to you.  So grab the right suitcase full of essentials on the road to holiness.  Then, we can do as Peter admonished, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).

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*Additional references

*Peter’s Old Testament Quotes in 1 and 2 Peter Ex 19:6; Lev 11:44-45,  19:2,  20:7; Is 8:12,14, 28:16, 40:6,8, 53:4-5, 53:9; Psalm 34:12-16, 118:22; Proverbs 3:1; 10:12, 11:31, 26:11. 

* Jesus is God, though not an inclusive list , see  Luke 22:70;  John 10:30, John 1:1-5,14; Colossians 1:15-17, 2:9; Revelation 19:6;  Philippians 2:6-8; John 8:58; 1 John 1:1-2; 2:22-23; 5:1.  

*The necessity of God’s Word:  Psalm 119, Psalm 19; John 6:63, 17:17; Ephesians 6:17, Jeremiah 23:29, 2 Timothy 3:16,17; Hebrews 4:12, Matthew 4:4

Go with us to Part 4. OBEDIENCE – A CALL TO LOVE Being a student of God’s Word leads to holiness. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Why is ‘Jesus Wept’ So Powerful?

Byadmin
tears on face of crop anonymous woman
Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Life often presents us with overwhelming moments filled with grief, sorrow, and tragedy. During such times, finding solace in the knowledge that God truly cares and empathizes with us is remarkably comforting.

The shortest verse in Scripture, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35) defines much more than the sorrow of Jesus over the death of his friend, Lazarus. My article gives greater insight into the deep groaning of Jesus.

Read my published article here.

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Part 4 Holiness – A Call to LOVE

Byadmin

Saint Ignatius said, “It is not hard to obey when we love the one whom we obey.” 

Holiness changes us to the core.  God created us in His image.  Much like a baby who grows into an adult,  holiness grows the believer to be like God.  We won’t be all-knowing, or all-powerful, or unchangeable, His God-traits, but we will grow into HIs communicable attributes of love, forgiveness, and holiness.

Some see God’s “rules” as restrictive, arbitrary, and irritating when, in reality, they provide freedom from guilt, shame, regret, sorrow, a broken relationship, and the list goes on.  Like a parent stopping a little child from wandering out in the street with heavy traffic, God gives us rules for safety and happiness that leads to an abundant life filled with the presence and blessing of God.  

In one of the churches I pastored, a very challenging person would get up and leave when I was preaching. A nasty tongue, open ridicule, and malicious actions seemed relentless.  It would have been a relief to dish out some nasty words in my defense.  My feelings said retaliate.  My mind, with the Holy Spirit’s help, said Scripture—Forgive as I have forgiven you,”  “Pray for those who despitefully use you,” “Be kind and compassionate.” The Spirit also reminded me God could handle that person far better than I.  In times of “wanting” to retaliate, “waiting” on the Lord proved far better.  I’m thankful the Holy Spirit didn’t let me run into the heavily trafficked street but took me by the hand to a safe place.

 

ADD TO YOUR FAITH

Being a follower of Jesus isn’t a static, one-time encounter but a maturing experience in character development.  It’s loving God deeply.  At a pastor’s meeting a few years ago,  I will not forget the words of our speaker who, for years, struggled with moral and emotional issues.  His life changed when he grasped how much God loved him.  He gained the ability to say no to temptations that returned by saying,  “God, I love You more,” and then he walked away from the temptation. 

In a nutshell, when we love God we want to do what He says.  “I love You more” becomes our mantra, our song.  More than the desire, or temptation, more than that shiny object, 

Peter understood God’s amazing love always reached him in his struggles and failures.  After Peter denied Jesus, the only questions Jesus asked him was, “Do you love Me, Peter?”  Love is the basis of holiness.

Peter urges his readers to” make every effort“—be diligent, accurate, vigilant, rigorous—in loving Jesus.  When we do, we will add to our faith and maturity.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:5-8).  

Adding to our faith as a result of increasing knowledge of Jesus provides divine help to become like Him as we escape the corruption of the world (2 Peter 1:3-4).  And,  growing love for God will help us “never stumble” (2 Peter 1:9-11).

The story of Corrie Ten Boom tells of God’s help to forgive a Nazi prison guard in the concentration camp where her sister died.  After speaking at a church, the guard approached her to commend her message of forgiveness.  Now a Christian, he came to her and said, “Will you forgive me?”  Coldness clutched her heart, but knowing forgiveness was not an emotion, but an act of her will, she prayed,  “Jesus help me.”   She mechanically thrust her hand into the guard’s hand stretched out to her.  As she did, a current began in her shoulder, ran down her arm and into her hands.  God’s healing warmth flooded her body, and with tears in her eyes, she said, “I forgive you, my brother, with all my heart.”

Love covers a multitude of sins.  God in us enables us to do more than we think we can – like forgiving a Nazi guard.   Self-control, a fruit of the Spirit, can stop my tongue from speaking evil.  I can say no to temptations.  I can forgive someone who hurt me terribly and enjoy the freedom that comes.  And joy runs deep in the soul. The Holy Spirit living within enables moral power and the fruit of holiness.  

Make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him (2 Peter 3:14). 

BECOMING PURE

Being a student of God’s Word will teach us purity.  Our behavior changes.  For example, “So then, stop doing anything to hurt others. Don’t lie anymore, and stop trying to fool people. Don’t be jealous or say bad things about others” (1 Peter 2:1 ERV).  

This verse provides enough homework for any Christian, myself included.  Scripture is very easy to understand – don’t lie, don’t say hurtful things. It’s obvious.  When I do things the Scripture says to stop doing, I need to repent, and, thankfully, Jesus forgives.  We’ve all been there.  When we can say,  “I love You, more, Jesus,” more than wanting to say bad things about others,  or more than being jealous of my neighbor’s new car, or more than being deceitful and fooling others, it’s then that holiness is working purity in me.   

 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16

 “Holy is the way God is. God does not conform to a standard. He is the standard. He is holy with an infinite, incomprehensible fullness of purity incapable of being other than it is. Because he is holy, all His attributes are holy; that is, whatever we think of as belonging to God must be thought of as holy” (A. W. Tozer). 

KNOWING JESUS OF THE SCRIPTURES

Peter knew God’s relentless love changed his life.  It was the motivation for holiness.  He walked with Jesus, saw him with his own eyes, touched him, and heard the Father say, “This is my beloved Son, listen to Him.”  Peter’s emphasis on the knowledge about Jesus in the Scripture is faith-building.  Head knowledge leads to heart knowledge that produces godly conduct.   Five times Peter credits having a strong knowledge of Jesus as necessary to holiness.   The knowledge of Jesus gives generous grace and peace (1 Peter 1:2).

Knowledge of Jesus believes His divine power gives everything we need for living a godly life (2 P 1:3). 

Knowing who Jesus provides the strength to resist the alluring enticements in the world (2 P 2:20).

Loving Jesus and knowing more about his life and teachings coach us to say no to sexual sin and develop moral excellence (2 P 1:5-8).

This knowledge of Jesus leads to purity (1 P 1:22-23). 

The sinless perfection of Jesus rubs off on us as we rub shoulders with Him.  We want to please Him.  The more we “taste” of the goodness of Jesus, the more our hearts grow fonder(1 Peter 2:2,3).  Holiness is the by-product of loving God. 

A MOTIVATION OF PURITY—JESUS RETURN

Peter closes his second letter calling believers to live in purity and to be ready for the coming of Jesus.  The heavens and earth will disappear (2 Peter 3:10).

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming (2 Peter 3:11, 12).

Peter says it’s an excellent thing to attain to holiness.  Considering our eventual eternity with the One we love motivates us to live in such a way as to please Him.  We want to live in purity.   Holiness calls us to love God first and most.  Scripture, like a salve, will heal our fleshly desires as it guards against being led astray. It will help us know the seasons, ready for His return. 

An exceptional strength of faith develops by hearing and applying the Word of God. 

When I hear a worship song for the first time, the melody or the words may not affect me nor stay with me.  But, once I  know the song and love the song, it gets into my spirit—filling my thoughts.  I sing it over and over. That’s the time the song has moved from my head to my heart–loving and singing it.  

That is the way of Scripture; it gets into my spirit, awakens me in the night, speaks to me through the day.   My behaviors begin to align with the likeness of Jesus.  I am becoming holy. 

In the last chapter and verse of Peter’s writing, he appeals to believers to thrive in holiness.  Don’t be carried away by falling into error from a lack of knowing the Scripture, but grow in the grace that comes from knowing Jesus and the Word of God.  Holiness is the outcome.   

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”  2 Peter 3:18.

If you don’t have a Bible reading plan established, start today, (click here). Join me on the journey of holiness. 

“It is not hard to obey when we love the one whom we obey.”  Saint Ignatius  

 

Come with us to Part 5 THE SUBMISSION OF HOLINESS

God calls us to live by a higher standard as we represent Him in our daily living.  Following the example of Jesus helps us submit to authorities, employers, and our spouse.  

 

 

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CAN I BE HOLY? PART 1, Peters Example in the Struggle to be Holy

Byadmin

This is the first article in a six-part series on holiness from the books of First and Second Peter.  The word holy may seem lofty, unattainable, or restrictive. But God calls us to holiness, “Be holy because I am holy.”   Peter’s life gives us an example of how God turns an ordinary person, with doubts, fears, into a holy Christ-follower with unshakeable, obedient faith.  His life and writings give impetus to the truth that we, too, can live a holy life.

PETER fell at the feet of Jesus, “Go away from me; I am a sinful man.” That didn’t stop Jesus from taking Peter from a rough diamond and turning him into a faceted rock-solid gem that sparkled with the light of Christ.   Peter was transformed from a faithless fisherman to a forceful follower who didn’t back down from opposition or persecution.  

Let’s look at his story.

Peter Called by Jesus

Andrew brought his brother Simon to meet Jesus.  Upon seeing him,  Jesus said, “You are Simon, but you will be called Peter, the rock” (John 1:42).

On another occasion, Jesus climbed into Peter’s boat.  After a long, barren night of fishing, a word from Jesus brought fish swarming across the 13-mile fresh-water lake into Simon’s nets.   Awestruck by this miracle and captivated by a smile that conveyed a love deeper than the Sea of Galilee, Simon put away his nets, climbed out of the boat, and followed Jesus.  

fish

Peter’s Proclamation of Jesus the Messiah

When many disciples turned away, Peter proclaimed Jesus the Messiah, the Son of the Living God (Mark 8:29, Matt 16:16, Luke 9:20).  “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.  We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:60-69).  A shining moment for Peter!

In one overzealous, not-so-shining-moment, Peter rebuked Jesus for saying he would be crucified.  “Far be it from you, Lord!”  “This shall never happen to you” (Matthew 16:22).  Jesus called Peter a stumbling block because he didn’t have in mind the things of God. 

Peter’s Denial of Jesus

The disciples gathered at the last supper when Jesus announced a betrayer was among them.  Peter boasted he would never betray nor deny Jesus. But Jesus knew otherwise, “You will deny Me three times before the rooster crows” (Luke 22:33,34).

It happened just as Jesus said.  Later that night, the soldiers arrested Jesus while he and his disciples were praying.  Peter, trying to defend Jesus, chopped off the ear of the high priest’s servant, still unaware of the redemption plan.   Jesus healed the servant’s ear and told Peter, “No more of this.”

Peter followed Jesus to Pilate’s courtyard, but his courage soon dissipated when three people recognized him as a disciple. Peter’s “I’ll never deny you, Jesus” soon became, “I don’t know the man.”  The rooster crowed.   Jesus turned, and Peter’s eyes were caught in His gaze.  At that very moment,  the torment of guilt and shame overcame Peter.  In agony,  he fled as hot tears streamed down his cheeks (Luke 22:54-62). 

Following the death of Jesus, the disciples hid, fearful of the Jews.

On the Sabbath, the women who had gone with spices to the tomb of Jesus hurried back to report to the disciples the tomb was empty.  Peter and John ran to the tomb.  They looked in, struggling to make sense of it all. (Luke 24:1-12).  Uncertain, they returned to their familiar occupation of fishing.

Peter Restoration and Reappointment

Jesus appeared to his perplexed disciples after the resurrection.  On this third appearance, after a strenuous night of fishing,  the disciples heard a call through the morning mist,

“Do you have anything to eat?”

“No,” they answered.

“Throw your nets on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.”

Then John smiled and said to Peter, “It is the Lord.”  At once, their nets were so full they were sinking.  Peter grabbed his outer garment and jumped into the water. The other disciples towed the heavy nets to shore.  Famished, the smell of the frying fish drew them to Jesus. 

“Come and have breakfast,” Jesus said.

When they finished eating, Jesus drew Peter aside and said, “Do you love me, Simon?”   

“Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.“

Jesus asked again, “Simon, do you love me?” 

” Yes, Lord, You know that I love you.”

And a third time, Jesus said,  “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter, cut to the heart, responds, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

With each question to Peter,  the Great Physician applied the healing salve of forgiveness and restoration.  Peter would become that rock, after all!   Like the first time, Peter put away his nets and followed the Master.  This time, he would fish for men (John 21).  

Peter’s Encounter with the Holy Spirit

Moments before Jesus ascended, he told Peter and the other disciples to wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit that would empower them to be witnesses (Acts 1:8). 

For ten days, one hundred and twenty disciples waited in an upper room. The Holy Spirit came. They spoke in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them (Acts 2:4). The travelers in Jerusalem for Pentecost heard them speaking in their native languages, praising God. Amazed and perplexed, the crowd asked, “What does this mean?” (Acts 2:12).

Peter’s Ministry Launched

Peter raised his voice and addressed the crowd and preached about Jesus, His death, and resurrection.  Three thousand people responded to Peter’s message with repentance and baptism (Acts 2:15-40). The church was born.

The Lord continued to add to their number each day, as they continued in the apostles’ teaching, prayer, communion, and fellowship (Acts 2:42-47). 

Peter, a courageous leader, and bold preacher healed the sick (Acts 3:7; 5:15-16, 9:34), raised the dead (Acts 9:40), and called the church to holiness (Acts 5:4,5,10).  When the authorities arrested him for preaching about Jesus, he was fearless (Acts 4:21).  Peter led the church, obeyed the Holy Spirit, and carried the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10). 

 

 

GOD PROVIDES EVERYTHING NEEDED FOR A HOLY LIFE

Jesus saw the potential in Peter’s life before he saw it himself.  While Peter saw his flaws and sins, Jesus saw a rock of faith (Matthew 16:16-18). 

Full of the Spirit, Peter writes, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3).  Peter knew it was true! Power from the Holy Spirit became Peter’s source of strength and guidance.

One of the most influential leaders of the first century, Peter experienced the rise from failure, frailty, and fears to overcoming power, strength, and boldness.  From Peter’s first encounter with Jesus,  “You are Simon, but you will be called Peter, the rock” God was grooming Peter in holiness.  And He will do the same for us. We are not what we will be. 

I hope you will take the time to read through 1 and 2 Peter, only eight chapters. Even in the face of death, Peter experienced the divine power capable of providing everything he needed to live for his holy Savior.  Peter died a martyr, being crucified upside down, feeling unworthy of dying in the same manner as Jesus. That’s unshakable faith.  That’s holiness at work!

When we become discouraged, remember Peter.  We can trust the promise of God’s “divine power” to help us and “give us everything we need” to grow into holiness. 

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.  As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;  for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:13-16).  

Go with us to Part 2.  GOD HAS CHOSEN YOU TO BE HOLY

God has chosen you and will provide everything you need to live a godly life. 

 

 

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Part 6 The Holiness of Suffering – a Divine Purpose

Byadmin

Is suffering worth it?

The sixth and final part of this holiness series from 1st and 2nd Peter gives insight into how to respond to suffering.  Heather Moeckl McGee is sharing her testimony of surviving cancer and how her faith deepened.   As much as we try to avoid pain,  Peter helps us grasp the connection to deeper faith. as we rejoice THROUGH suffering,  follow the example of Jesus IN suffering,   and gain the favor and blessing of God FROM suffering.  

In the previous posts (linked), 

(Part 1) CAN I BE HOLY?   Peter’s example and writings affirm God chooses and equips us to be holy. 

(Part 2)  GOD HAS CHOSEN YOU TO BE HOLY  God gifts us, not only with an eternal inheritance but with an earthly promise of everything we need to live a godly life!  

 (Part 3)  GOD’S WORD IS ESSENTIAL TO HOLINESS  Peter inspires us to “crave” God’s love letter to resist sin and reflect God’s image.   Jesus, the Word, is on each page.   

(Part 4) HOLINESS – A CALL TO LOVE  Loving God cultivates the make-over of our inner person, developing a holy character that pleases and honors God.

(Part 5)  SUBMISSION IN HOLINESS  We are to submit to one another, “for the Lord’s sake.”

And, Part 6, Peter outlines these steps when suffering –  rejoice through suffering, follow the example of Jesus in suffering, and obtain the blessing and favor of God from suffering. Jesus said we would have trouble in this world, but He has overcome the world (John 16:33).  Suffering is temporary and only while on earth.  In heaven, there will be no more suffering,  sorrow, or crying. 

In human thinking, ease is a far better way to enjoy life.  I don’t like the difficult things that come.   But, I’ve discovered ease doesn’t grow spiritual maturity as much as suffering. Trials and pain squeeze out sin as it embraces authentic faith.

HEATHER MOECKL’S TESTIMONY

Heather Moeckl McGee has had a couple of years of enormous suffering and sorrow but shares with us her testimony of God’s faithfulness. 

I met Heather while traveling to Israel on a Chorale tour.  I, the choir accompanist for the North Central Chorale, and Heather, a singer in the Chorale, spent significant time together, even in the hospital when she was sick from food poisoning. Today Heather lives in Texas and is a breast cancer survivor.  May her story encourage you in your faith and through your suffering.  Only a portion of her testimony is in this post but the end of the document links to the full read.

The tears were unstoppable. December 5th of 2018, I received the diagnosis I had aggressive breast cancer!  I just had my fortieth birthday. How could I tell the kids? I was terrified and couldn’t communicate any hope to them. Every time I verbalized the statement “I have breast cancer,” I broke down in tears. 

Fear had taken hold of me. My greatest fear was for my kids, ages six and nine, to watch me die…slowly. I had to have six rounds of chemo, spaced out only three weeks apart.  I started begging to stop my treatment by my 4th round.  Each round I became increasingly ill and unable to tolerate the pain. My husband was my greatest cheerleader. He told me to hang in for the sake of our kids.  I’d love to tell you that I was a spiritual hero at that time, but I wasn’t. I had been reduced to a skeleton and was sick all the time!

Fear was still controlling me. I felt like I was going to die, and God wasn’t going to save me.  My greatest fear was leaving my kids. Then, at one of my lowest times, God spoke to me.  He said, “Do you trust Me?  I answered, “Yes, of course, I trust You!”  But He asked me again. Then He asked, “Don’t you think I am enough for your kids?”  “Don’t you think I will be able to heal their hearts, and don’t you think I love them more than you do?” 

Wow!  Who was I to think that God was not capable of taking care of my children and even better than I could?  The grip of fear had been so strong on me.  I cried out to Jesus to forgive me for my unbelief and to cast off fear.  I surrendered to God’s will, whatever that may be.  I truly got to the place I could say that it was okay if I was never healed of this cancer because I wanted God to be glorified in my life. 

It is a hard place for a mother to go, to have to face the reality of death, and to surrender her children. I had symbolically dedicated my children to the Lord as babies, but I had to walk that out now. It was so humbling and, at the same time, truly beautiful.  God was so close to me; I could feel His presence.  He had never left me; He was there the whole time, cradling me in His arms. The peace He gave me is indescribable.  He conquered my greatest fear. I was set free.   (Heather’s full is linked below). 

Suffering comes to each of us, whether cancer, broken marriages, loss of a loved one, financial pressures, persecution for your faith, or any number of things life brings our way.  We cannot separate suffering from faith.   Peter writes to rejoice through suffering because the outcome is holiness.

REJOICE THROUGH SUFFERING (I’m still working on this one)

According to Peter,  there is a divine purpose in suffering – deepening genuine, unshakeable faith.

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (1 Peter 1:6,7).

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed (1 Peter 4:13).

Knowing there is a purpose in suffering helps me trust “our faithful Creator” to work out all things for our good.  As I put my life in perspective with heaven and realize God is working to bring about healthier, genuine faith, then it’s easier to submit to the Lord and rejoice through the suffering. 

The best example we have for modeling a life of holiness is that of Jesus.  He is the focal point in how we should face suffering and trials. 

JESUS IS OUR EXAMPLE 

Have the same attitude.  Though beaten, abused, and killed, Jesus gave his life willingly. His submission to suffering served a divine purpose as it overpowered sin and death forever.  And He is there to help us.  “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).

Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps (1 Peter 1:21).

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit (1 Peter 3:18).

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin (1 Peter 4:1).

When I go through troubles, I seek God more earnestly.  Suffering gets my attention, and I examine myself, repent of sin, and turn more fully to God, no longer living earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God (1 Peter 4:2).

As David said, See if there be any offensive way in me and lead me, in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:24).     

Suffering puts our eyes on Jesus and our hearts on heaven.  Sin’s attraction isn’t so bright or tempting. Through the storms of life, faith anchors to the Rock of our salvation.  Character develops, and we gain God’s blessings.  

SUFFERING TURNS US TO GOD AND HIS BLESSINGS 

Suffering for Doing Good   

Peter tells his readers to be like-minded, sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessings, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:8-9).

We are to keep our tongues from speaking evil and deceit. Do good, seek, and pursue peace.  Then, the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their prayers. 

Peter continues, when non-believers speak maliciously against your good behavior, in your hearts “revere Christ as Lord” and share the gospel, with gentleness and respect.  Peter says, don’t be afraid of the bullies, “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” Look for the opportunity to share your faith in Jesus. 

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,  keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.  For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil 1 Peter 3:15-17)

Jesus told the disciples to turn the other cheek, love your enemies, do good to those who persecute you.  Don’t respond to evil with evil, but with gentleness and kindness, so your faith is evident. God’s blessings follow.   

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed (1 Peter 3:14)

 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed  (1 Peter 4:14)

However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name 1 Peter 4:15,16)

CONCLUSION

Is suffering worth it?  Hard things make faith and character stronger!   Heather developed a greater trust in God, not only for herself but for her family.  Though it’s hard, in light of eternity, suffering produces genuine unshakable faith.   Most importantly,  I am getting stronger inwardly.  As my wise son, Tom, once told me, “We haven’t suffered like Jesus since we haven’t sweat great drops of blood yet.” 

Rejoicing through suffering, becoming more like Jesus in suffering,  and gaining God’s favor and blessings from suffering is holiness at work.   

The hymn writer, Ira Stanphill, wrote it this way,  “It will be worth it all when we see Jesus, one glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase; so gladly run the race till we see Christ.”

The promise of God’s exalting you and caring for you through suffering is sure. We can be diligent in the battle to live for God.  Resist the devil.  He will flee.  Don’t give up when it’s hard. 

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast (1 Peter 5:10).

Our suffering on earth will produce a pain-free eternity; whereas for the unbelievers, their suffering will have only begun.  God is calling us to holiness and is ready to help us! 

I hope you will take the time to read through Peter and let it encourage you in your journey of holiness. 

1 Peter 1:6-7 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Read Heather’s full testimony here.

 

 

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