“Those who pay attention to useless gods reject your faithfulness toward themselves.”
“जो लोग धोखे की व्यर्थ वस्तुओं पर मन लगाते हैं, वे अपने करुणानिधान को छोड़ देते हैं।”
- Jonah 2:8
Sometimes our Almighty God has to bring us to a place where He proves His sovereignty by showing us how futile are the gods whom we used to worship. The idols that are unable to speak, see or hear cannot deliver us (Psalms 135:15-17). Just like Jonah was reminded in the belly of the fish, we too in midst of our extreme trials and tests realize that, putting our hopes on vain idols will not only deprive us of our hope of His steadfast love (faithfulness) but also unnecessarily delay our deliverance.
Sometimes the only bridge we have to cross for our deliverance is Faith in triune God. Like Elijah Holy spirit today reminds us “How long will we falter between two opinions?” (1 Kings18:21). Not to forget that its not merely physical idols but we also need to get rid of our sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desires, and covetousness (greed), which are more severe and often unnoticed forms of Idolatry in our lives (Colossians 3:5).
Oh how we wish that God would not have noticed us worshipping these idols, but He does because He is an Omnipresent (Psalms 139:7-10, Jeremiah 23:24) and Omniscient (1 John 3:20, Psalms 44:21) God.
Don’t try to run like Jonah away from God but try to run towards God (Proverbs 18:10) and Be Saved.
“Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe! Help my unbelief!””
बालक के पिता ने तुरन्त पुकारकर कहा, “हे प्रभु, मैं विश्वास करता हूँ; मेरे अविश्वास का उपाय कर।””
- Mark 9:24
We may have shed tears for many reasons but tears shed for our children will lay the foundation of a godly generation that will be filled with passion and fire for God’s kingdom. The dilemma is our generation sometimes find it hard to follow its own Faith in Christ and occasionally doubt God’s omnipotence by asking “If you are able to do something…” (Mark 9:22). Jesus as always is ready to align our misplaced Faith by asking counter question what do you mean by “If you are able to?” (Mark 9:23). He reminds us that deliverance we seek for our kids and for ourselves depends on our own Faith on God.
As the history of Israel stands, One generation believed God, the next generation could only assume His existence and generation thereafter just forgot and denied God completely. Let’s not repeat the history. The challenge we face is somewhat same today, but we have the power of Holy Spirit to impact our coming generations because where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty - even for our children as well (2 Corinthians 3:17). Believe me this process is our own journey in establishing our Faith on Christ, help my unbelief the father cried (Mark 9:24).
What we need today are broken parents who can sincerely cry their hearts out for their children. It’s not in the resources and things we provide them (out of our love) that will save them but the tears we shed in the presence of Almighty God that will guarantee their salvation and their walk with God even when you are not there with them.
Our tears and prayers will point our imperfect kids to Perfect God.
“Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; When I fall, I will arise; When I sit in darkness, The Lord will be a light to me.”
“हे मेरी बैरिन, मुझ पर आनन्द मत कर; क्योंकि ज्योंही मैं गिरूंगा त्योंही उठूंगा; और ज्योंही मैं अन्धकार में पडूंगा त्योंहि यहोवा मेरे लिये ज्योति का काम देगा।”
- Micah 7:8
Above passage talks about Israel’s confession and comfort in the Lord (Micah 7:8-13). It was time of extreme moral crisis and nation has plunged deep into its sins just like days today. God through His messenger had to confront the leadership of the nation for devouring the flock with which they were entrusted. Towards the end of this prophetical discourse to His people, the spirit of God brought a true repentance in the lives of people. The prayer when I fall, I will arise and the Lord will be a light to me (Micah 7:8) are signs of genuine personal revival.
Zion (God’s people) puts their trust back in God and acknowledges that her suffering is due to her own sins and rebellion against the almighty God. As nation confessed “I will look to the Lord, wait for God and He will hear me” are Micah’s creed for the time of crisis for a believer (even for us living in end times) as it makes clear what should be the Vision (Look to the Lord), Attitude (Wait for the God) and Faith (God will hear) of a believer (Micah 7:7) in midst of suffering.
The mystery of Micah’s prophecy is focused on the one precious attribute of God and it’s Yahweh’s compassion (Micah 7:18, 19) which no false deity can ever match. It’s because of His compassion we are not consumed (Lamentations 3:22). Just like Israel, let’s turn back to God and Repent for our sins today, for the kingdom of God is near.
“There can be no revival when Mr. Amen and Mr. Wet-Eyes are not found in the audience.” - Charles Finney
“And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.”
“और वे दोनों परमेश्वर के साम्हने धर्मी थे: और प्रभु की सारी आज्ञाओं और विधियों पर निर्दोष चलने वाले थे।”
- Luke 1:6
When Bible talks about righteous people, it’s a beautiful testimony but when Bible talks about a righteous family then it’s a rare miracle in itself. In our passage, Zacharias, and Elizabeth (who were well advanced in years too, Luke 1:7) were declared as righteous before God and why? because their way of life was, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
Their testimony gains supreme significance because they were living blameless before God, when there was only godlessness around them. While we have a notion of going with the crowd (we did it because others did it too), this old couple stand out as an eye opener for us. Trying to mold our families as per the worldly patterns will only bring chaos and unrest in our family life. Zacharias and Elizabeth prove that if both husband and wife decide to walk with God together, then they can really bring a glimmer of hope in this dying world.
They were righteous but their sorrow was they had no children. Being a priest and living in a time when having children is the sign of God’s favor and childlessness was a sign of God’s displeasure, this couple broke all the odds of society and continue to hope on God by praying constantly with tears. It was a not an ordinary miracle that a couple well past childbearing age were blessed with a child. What more to say, they may have prayed for a priest, but God blessed them with a Prophet who was filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb (Luke 1:15). Moreover, this child didn’t belong to the ordinary league of prophets but the one who herald the coming of Messiah, the coming king and who turned the heart of Israel to the Lord their God (Luke 1:16,17).
Many Christian families today struggle with unity in the Lord. Incompatible views on scriptures and walking uncircumspectly in Lord (Ephesians 5:15) brings unpleasant or disastrous future for the kids too. In our Christian families, obeying God and separation from world, should not be an episodic experience but a norm to adhere with consistency. Someone has rightly said, “let Christ be the center of your home, a guest at every meal and a silent listener in every conversation”. In these perilous times, both husband and wife must pray, encourage and endeavor to walk blamelessly together before God, if they really desire to raise a godly generation in these ungodly times.
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, even if he dies, will live; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?””
“यीशु ने उससे कहा, “पुनरुत्थान और जीवन मैं ही हूँ, जो कोई मुझ पर विश्वास करता है वह यदि मर भी जाए, तो भी जीएगा। और जो कोई जीवित है, और मुझ पर विश्वास करता है, वह अनन्तकाल तक न मरेगा। क्या तू इस बात पर विश्वास करती है?””
- John 11:25, 26
The question about life after death is inevitable and often asked by Christians and non-Christians throughout the ages. Jesus statement I am the resurrection and the life is of profound significance for those who are really concerned about their eternity (while they are alive for short period of time on earth). Many people in their pride and ego are sometimes unable to accept that Way to Heaven can be as simple as putting our Faith on Christ (John 3:16-17). It’s the fifth “I am" declaration that pronounces Jesus to be the Resurrection and the Life. In His discourse with Martha (John 11:17-27), Jesus declared that if death is real, then there is life after death, and that the body will one day be raised by the power of God.
Not to forget that the presence of Jesus in our lives not only gives us hope for our future life (after death) but it is a great comfort and strength for our present life as well. While there are sufferings, pain, and tears in our life on earth but it’s nothing compared to the glory that is going to be revealed to us (Romans 8:18). God want us to Rejoice in that eternal hope that you and I have received when we believed in Jesus and are saved through Faith (Romans 12:12). Our doubts die a natural death, when we know and believe that our Christ has been resurrected and that one day God will also raise us up as well by His power (1 Corinthians 6:14).
Martha did not hesitate to affirm her faith on Christ. We must be ready to put our Faith on Christ today rather than delaying our decision for tomorrow (James 4:14, Psalm 39:4-5).
“When we know Him by faith, we need not fear the shadow of death”. Do you believe this ?
“Do not be amazed, my brothers, if the world hates you.”
“हे भाइयों, यदि संसार तुम से बैर करता है तो अचम्भा न करना।”
- 1 John 3:13
Bible says, A servant is not above his master (John 15:20), It would be foolish to expect honor and love from the world that gave crown of thorns to our Lord. Apostle John say do not be surprised if the world hates you in fact a mark of a true and genuine disciple is that he/she will always be standing against the wicked and evil ways of the world and hence he/she will be hated. There are no compromises when it comes to standing for the gospel, so conflict with the world is a constant package for a disciple of Christ. But even if the world hates us, we have been given enough grace to love them back and not hate them. Jesus told us to love those who persecute and hate you (Matthew 5:44). In fact, we need to go an extra mile and do good to those who hate us (Luke 6:27).
You may be hated to follow Christ and stand for truth at times, by your brothers, sisters, relatives, friends, neighbors or know-hows but let’s choose to love them and be the examples of Christ’s love in our homes first and then in our communities today. By this everyone will know that you are His disciples (John 13:34,35). The words of Jesus, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33), should give us immense peace at times when we are left alone and hated by others (sometimes our own) for our decision to follow Christ and obey Him. Remember you have already chosen the “Harder right instead of easier wrong”, they still have to choose theirs. Pray and intercede for them while there is time. When we belonged to the world system, we hated God’s people, but now that we belong to God, so we ought to love them. Forget not that the habit of loving each other begins at home first, thereafter its exercised with the world around us.
“When people hate you for no reason, remember God loves you for no reason.”
“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
“धन्य है वह मनुष्य, जो परीक्षा में स्थिर रहता है; क्योंकि वह खरा निकलकर जीवन का वह मुकुट पाएगा, जिसकी प्रतिज्ञा प्रभु ने अपने प्रेम करनेवालों को दी है।“
- James 1:12
The purpose of Trials (testing) is to refine our lives and leave us with a purer, stronger faith, as well as a character that God can bless and use. A disciple who perseveres under trials is considered to be as blessed by the apostle. The usage of word perseverance is important here as it means to achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or strong opposition. Romans 5:3-6 teaches us that suffering produces perseverance and perseverance leads to character (stronger, more godly and more mature character). Trials in life are meant to make us more like Jesus and less like world. Sometimes Trials are painful and difficult for us but if we are able to handle it prayerfully with our unwavering trust on God, then it will surely work together for our good, for us who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
The significance of fellowship to such brethren who are going through various trials is to uphold, pray, strengthen and encourage them without any judgement, prejudice and above everything with Christ like love. Remember, If its them today then it will be you and me tomorrow. We have to be merciful to others just as our Father in heaven is merciful to us (Luke 6:36). Only a merciful soul will receive mercy in his/her own need (Matthew 5:7). As hard and impractical it may sound but a Christian must learn to consider it as pure joy whenever they face trials (James 1:2-4). As someone said, when life puts you in tough situations, don’t say ’Why Me’, Say ‘Try Me’ because God is our helper in times of our trouble and sorrows (Psalms 46:1)
“Trials come to prove and improve us.” - Augustine
“Though your beginning was insignificant, yet your end will increase greatly.”
“चाहे तेरा भाग पहिले छोटा ही रहा हो परन्तु अन्त में तेरी बहुत बढती होती।”
- Job 8:7
Bible says that “The end of a matter is better than its beginning” (Ecclesiastes 7:8). Many times, we may have started well but today we are struggling hard to keep up, to continue and carry on with same fervor or zeal with which we started. Life’s disappointments wear us down at times and we lose the motivation to go on. In this discourse if we read the context, Job is been accused by Bildad that his sorrows are results of his sin. He might have thought that he is encouraging Job but his words were sharper than arrow for Job who was going through extreme pain and sorrow. It must have pained Job deeply when Bildad said that Job’s children had died because they had sinned (Job 8:4). His words “If you were pure and upright, Surely now He would awake for you…” (Job 8:6,7) are at best accusative but not comforting to him at all. But here is the turning point, little did Bildad knew that what he may be saying casually is going to be true. God indeed restored job’s fortunes and Job’s latter end was greater than his beginning. What else it was Job’s prayers that rescued Job’s friends (including Bildad) from God’s wrath.
Let’s keep looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith who is our best example to show how enduring cross and shame can lead to the glorious victory at the end (Hebrews 12:2). Let us begin afresh today and let’s see with Faith the new thing that God is going to do in your life (Isaiah 43:19). Let’s continue our good works in the Lord and make sure that whatever we do we work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men as its the Lord who will reward you and me (Colossians 3:23-25). Keep doing what you need to do in the Lord with an integral, righteous and a God glorifying heart, and for sure your end will increase greatly. Amen !!
“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”
“And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.”
“और जैसा तुम चाहते हो कि लोग तुम्हारे साथ करें, तुम भी उनके साथ वैसा ही करो।“
- Luke 6:31
The greatest area where we human beings gets disappointed with others is when our expectations from them are not fulfilled. While having a healthy expectation from others is not entirely wrong but doing so in a godly manner is definitely required. Sometimes also known as “Golden rule” of ethics which is also echoed in Matthew 7:12, exclusively guides us to choose for others what they would choose for themselves. Jesus said this Golden Rule “sums up the law and the prophets” which gives us an idea as to how significant this rule can be for us to follow in our daily lives as we deal with everyone around us.
Our God has shown us that Love is the fulfillment of this rule and the law (Matthew 5:17). Jesus by laying down of His life on cross has demonstrated this Love for you and me (John 15:13). No human being can do what God has done for us. It would be a daily conscious effort from our side if we really want to love others as we have been loved by God Himself.
If everyone can follow this golden rule, then in theory, everyone would be treated equally well and our fellowship, community and the entire world will be a beautiful place to live and coexist in harmony.
Let’s remind ourselves daily that if we want the very best spiritually for ourselves then we must imitate our father (“Do unto others…”) in Mercy (Luke 6:36), in Forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7), in Patience (Romans 15:5) and in Love (John 3:16) towards others.
“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” - Charles Wesley
“This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.”
“नूह की वंशावली यह है। नूह धर्मी पुरुष और अपने समय के लोगों में खरा था; और नूह परमेश्वर ही के साथ-साथ चलता रहा।“
- Genesis 6:9
History is witness that in every age there remains a remnant of God’s people who stands for God irrespective of moral corruption and wickedness that consumes that specific age. But time of Noah was not an ordinary time. The account of Genesis 6 says God regretted creating mankind and it grieved His heart so much that He decided to wipe away the entire mankind (Genesis 6:5-7). But there was an exception. Its written about Noah that he was the only righteous person left who was blameless among the people of his age.
Today choosing to live a life according to the word of God and standing for our moral convictions are considered as harebrained and unpopular. Noah chooses to stand alone for God among the entire race and Bible says that only he and his household was ultimately saved. We are living in time when we are neck deep submerged in a society that is morally corrupt, wicked and follow its own ungodly ways (its own heart), but you and me still can be an exception in this time just like Noah. We still can choose to love our God (1 John 4:8) and obey Him (Psalms 128:1) just like Noah. We still can choose abundant life (Deuteronomy 30:15-20).
People may laugh at your faith and decision to follow God but that is Ok, people in Noah’s time made fun of him for making that big boat in that dry land. They failed to realize the significance of ark that was going to save Noah and His family which is like Jesus who brings salvation to the whole mankind (like the ark of Noah).
The flood came, everyone perished except Noah and his family because of his faith on God. Jesus is going to come back soon; you and I will be saved only by our Faith on Him. But this time only righteousness God will accept is the righteousness of His son Jesus Christ, His son (2 Corinthians 5:21) and the only way we can receive this righteousness is by admitting our sins and receiving Jesus in our lives (Galatians 2:16, Romans 3:19-30).
Even though God did execute His judgment because people refused to forsake sin, He still showed grace to those who trusted Him. Noah found favor in the eyes of God (Genesis 6:8). Are you ready to be like Noah and live like Noah in this world today.
Jesus is coming soon, don’t miss the boat
“It is better, if God desires, that you suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”
“क्योंकि यदि परमेश्वर की यही इच्छा हो कि तुम भलाई करने के कारण दुःख उठाओ, तो यह बुराई करने के कारण दुःख उठाने से उत्तम है।”
- 1 Peter 3:17
It’s one of the loaded chapters in which apostle peter first instructs women to live holy and submissive life with simplicity that draws men to God (1 Peter 3:1-5), secondly husbands were advised to live in understanding with their wives (1 Peter 3:7), thirdly the focus is shifted to believers in general on how to live in harmony being likeminded (1 Peter 3:8-11) and finally it talks about what to expect when we Christians try to live a righteous life.
Hidden between these crucial life principles is one precious advice from apostle which is, if it is in God’s will then it is better for us to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. Christians being the light in this dark world (Philippians 2:15) are entrusted with revealing the works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11) which makes the world and the power of darkness to be always against God’s people. It is nothing new under the sky, in Bible we can see Joseph was falsely accused for not compromising his moral integrity, Daniel was thrown into den of lions for not forsaking his religious convictions and greatest of all is our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified for revealing the sinful heart and state of this world. We should not be surprised if we suffer for doing good works and still being falsely accused while serving our God in any capacity.
Everyone who wants to live a godly life will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). And do not be surprised if persecution comes from within your own family first. Job was discouraged by his wife; Joseph was hated by his own brothers and David was ignored by his father and despised by his brothers. Do not let such ill-treatment by others drive you away from God or cause you to become bitter but rather Pray that it drives you closer to God and cause you to become better instead. Let’s cultivate the mindset of God’s son, Jesus, who came not to do His own will, but the will of the Father, even when that will meant facing false accusations, shame, torture and even the cross.
Secret to withstand such painful accusations and unjust persecution at times is having a strong conscience which apostle says is the result of unconditional obedience to God and a godly habit of quick repentance and confession of our sins (1 John 1:9).
No character is ultimately tested until it has suffered. - Harry Emerson Fosdick
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
“मेरे हृदय और मन दोनों तो हार गए हैं, परन्तु परमेश्वर सर्वदा के लिये मेरा भाग और मेरे हृदय की चट्टान बना है।“
- Psalm 73:26
Sometimes God’s children with the worst past end up creating the best futures but the key is whom do we look for inspiration to carry on, the world or the God. Asaph initially was upset looking at the prosperity of wicked (Psalms 73:3-12) and who was kind of questioning his own faith (Psalms 73:13-15) was brought to a divine revelation about how those who forsake God in their pride perishes (Psalms 73:16-19). A part of this divine revelation was knowing about his own life too. Asaph realized that he was ignorant and lacked insight.
Many times, just like Asaph we lose the sight of who we are and at times we start basing our identities on those who are around us. Our attention shifts more from worshipping and embracing our God to adore the fleeting glories of world. Asaph understood how God lead him always through his life by holding his right hand. He realized that his only help and rescue is God alone. Its high time that we bring our hopes, trust, and faith back to our God.
It was Asaph’s closeness to God and His genuine worship that gave him a new perspective on the problem he faced in his life. Instead of looking at his present circumstances, he starts to consider his future destiny in the Lord. Only when we learn to reflect on what God wants us to see and catch hold of God’s eternal perspective then just like Asaph, you and me too can admit that our flesh and heart may fail but God is the strength and portion of our heart. Putting trust on any possessions on this earth, giving man the place of God and comparing ourselves with others are all slippery places that can make us stumble in our walk with God (Psalms 73:18). Allow God to become your strength, your salvation, and your song today (Isaiah 12:2).
The promise God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever, is immensely comforting because no matter what happens, God is always there with us in our difficult times. God is there when we are all alone, when we are grieving the loss of someone close to heart, when our health, wealth and possessions are no more there for our rescue.
“Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future.” - Robert H. Schuller
“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him.”
“जो यहोवा की बाट जोहते और उसके पास जाते हैं, उनके लिये यहोवा भला है।”
- Lamentations 3:25
Sometimes intentionally choosing to remember God’s mercies instead of mulling over our struggles and pain is the only way we can again look back to life. It does not mean that our pains and sorrows will just disappear but it certainly helps us to embark a new journey trusting our Faith on the Lord. The mystery of God’s doing is that every step closer to Father in Heaven with a seeking heart will unleash unseen and unspeakable joy in our hearts even in the midst of extreme pain and sorrow. When you wait upon the Lord, He is able to turn your mourning into dancing and your heart that just wanted to remain quiet and want to withdraw from the world in the past, will now be thirstily seeking to Praise Him (Psalm 30:11).
Believe it or not for those who seek Him in prayer and tears there may be weeping in the night but joy will come in the morning (Psalms 30:5). This joy is not due to the absence of your sorrows but due to presence of God’s peace in your heart that He Knows and He will make everything good in His time (2 Thessalonians 3:16, Isaiah 26:3).
When Jeremiah (Lamentations 3:19-39) realized the hope, mercy and faithfulness of God suddenly his outlook towards his present troubles changed drastically and his heart is filled with the divine hope that God is going to restore everything back. Let’s Pray and try not to look at our God through the lens of unbelief but with the eyes of Faith today. It’s a hard and sometimes long journey for us but as the Chinese proverbs says “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”, lets resolve to start this journey sooner than later. As angel of God told Elijah (1 Kings 19:7), lets stand up on our feet (kneeling down in prayer), eat (nourishment from word of God), drink (Pray and be filled in Holy spirit) and embark upon our journey of faith again with God today.
“Leave the broken, irreversible past in God’s hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him.” - Oswald Chambers
“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;”
“प्रेम धीरजवन्त है, और कृपाल है; प्रेम डाह नहीं करता; प्रेम अपनी बड़ाई नहीं करता, और फूलता नहीं। वह अनरीति नहीं चलता, वह अपनी भलाई नहीं चाहता, झुंझलाता नहीं, बुरा नहीं मानता।”
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
The story of Bible is a Love story of God that begins with God, and God is love (1 John 4:8). We are created by God and since God is love we are created out of that divine love. The sad part of this story though is that we His creation has never truly understood the breadth, and length, and depth, and height His Love (Ephesians 3:18) nor could we ever successfully demonstrate that Love genuinely within our families, with our fellow beings or sometimes with community at large. One of the tests of our loving others is manifested in the fact how we conduct with others when they unfortunately fall in grace (1 Peter 4:8).
Paul while dealing with the problem of Corinthian church wrote these words to them. This portion which is generally assumed to be an “anthem of love” or “hymn of love”, but it’s actually more than that when we understand the context in which Paul is writing these words to Corinthians. He tried to present the solution to the problem of division in church (1 Corinthians 1:10-13), selfishness, abuse of various spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-13) like speaking in tongues and impatience with each other. The solution Paul proposed in Spirit, is that Christians must be motivated to do everything in Love. He pointed out clearly that spiritual gifts can only be edifying to church when its used purely for benefit of others and that basically demands those to be operated in the realm of Christ’s love. Love removes envy that may exist for each other’s spiritual gifts. A Christian serving with a competitive mentality is serving himself and never His God.
Just like Corinthians we too are impatient in public meetings many times (1 Corinthians 14:29-32) and what we need is Love that helps us to become more patient with each other in public and private settings. Christians must learn not to keep records of any wrong doings by others. To answer Peter’s question how many times should I forgive my brother who sins against me? we know the standard set by Jesus there (Matthew 18:21-22). Now that is Love. True love leads to true forgiveness that wipes the record of others clean and tend to forget and forgive just like our Christ did with us (Ephesians 4:26, 32).
“He (God) loved us not because we are lovable, but because He is love.” - C. S. Lewis
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
“इसलिये परमेश्वर के आधीन हो जाओ; और शैतान का साम्हना करो, तो वह तुम्हारे पास से भाग निकलेगा।“
- James 4:7
Welcome to the challenge called Submission. Apostle James in this chapter touches some broad but important areas around issues of strife and its cause, Christian trait called humility, a deadly sin called Judgment and finishes with a gentle admonishment about “Do not boast”. The passage James 4:7-10 primarily focuses on how godly humility cures worldliness. While we may all have various notions around humility, it is important to understand the source and sustainer of this critical Christian value called Humility which is God Himself. If we notice the order here; holy spirit very clearly sets the precedent of our victory over enemy and that lies in our unconditional submission to God. Submission first and then victory not vice versa.
World today is very keen to misinterpret and reject outright the very basic notion of submitting to one another whether it is in marital relationship (Ephesians 5:21-33), wives submitting to husbands, husband’s submission to God, submission to elders, authority, shepherds and finally submitting to God Himself. The core reason for this rejection is very simple yet difficult to acknowledge at times, is our Pride. Apostle Paul starts with Therefore (James 4:7) which basically concludes and present the solution to the problem of Pride mentioned before (James 4:1-6). For Christians, any pretension in this area will not work at all in fact it will backfire when we try to submit outwardly and yet not be humbled inwardly to God. Unconditional surrender to God is the only way to have complete guaranteed victory. If there is any area of our life kept back from God, there will always be battles and this explains precisely why uncommitted Christians cannot live with themselves or with other people in peace.
Submission is an act of the will; it is saying, Not my will but thine be done. and that’s why sometimes praying in our foolishness “O Lord, humble me!”, can be a dangerous prayer to pray. It is better that we ourselves humble before God, confess our sins, weep over them, and turn from them (Isaiah 66:2, Psalms 34:18) because God chastening the proud believer until he is humbled is surely a painful process (David paid a heavy price to be at war with God, Psalms 32, 51). Pray rather “O Lord help me to submit to your will and humble myself today under your mighty hands. If you really want to sincerely pray for others, then pray God help my brother/sister to truly humble themselves to you and your will. Rest all things in their personal, spiritual, and family lives will fall under its own right place if they are able to truly humble themselves to God daily.
“You can have no greater sign of confirmed pride than when you think you are humble enough.” - William Law
Idea of God searching for man to have a fellowship or to accomplish something that’s in His heart, may look bit rare in the other world views but it is not uncommon for the Christian world view as we can verify from scriptures too. The actual question to ponder though is why God may need to seek His creation. In Genesis 3:9, God sought Adam to have fellowship with him, in Isaiah 6:8, God was seeking someone to be His prophet cum spokesperson to the wicked world, but when we come to Ezekiel, we found a very peculiar reason of God seeking a man. He is looking for an intercessor cum repairer who can stand between Him and Israel, so that God may not allow Israel and Jerusalem to be destroyed for their sins. The 3Ps namely, the Priests, the false Prophets, and the Princes/Politicians have utterly angered God with their abominations, injustice, bloodshed, and wicked ways. They adamantly denied and ignored time and again the voice of God that came to them to repent and turn back from their evil ways through many God’s chosen prophets. But even in this, the loving heart of heavenly father still sought someone who can Pray and intercede for them so that the enemy would not penetrate the wall and invade the city, but He found none.
Without any doubts we all can concur that the times are same and even worst by many standards today. God still seeks His people who can stand in the gap and pray for the people of this world so that they may truly understand the love and saving grace of our heavenly Father through His son Jesus Christ and can be saved from impending judgment. The Lord is still seeking men and women who will take their stand for the moral law of God, stand in the gap, and confront the enemy with God’s help. The Lord is looking for honest intercessors (Isaiah 59:1–4, 16) who will cry out to God for mercy and for a return to holiness. Surely the Lord must be disappointed that His people have time for everything except intercessory prayer and crying for the perishing souls and for those who are lost in their sins. Don’t forget that you and I are saved because someone somewhere interceded for our salvation to God. Let us commit to pray and intercede for others.
“God has no greater controversy with His people today than this, that with boundless promises to believing prayer, there are so few who actually give themselves unto intercession.” - A.T. Pierson
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance.”
“हे मेरे प्राण, तू क्यों गिरा जाता है? और तू अन्दर ही अन्दर क्यों व्याकुल है? परमेश्वर पर आशा लगाए रह; क्योंकि मैं उसके दर्शन से उद्धार पाकर फिर उसका धन्यवाद करूंगा॥”
- Psalm 42:5
If something that goes hand in hand in Christian life then it is Joy and Sorrow. These both are part of our Christian journey and will always follow us wherever we go. For us Christians who are called to rejoice always is the precursor to the fact that sorrows in various measure will always be there as well. Yearning for our God in midst of our deepest sorrow is the only anchor that keeps us stable from falling apart and is our only means to help us going forward. David says that his tears have been his food day and night (Psalms 42:3) something which many of us will agree looking at some situations we go through at times. The only thing looks feasible for us when we go through those deep moments of sorrow and emotional distress is that we pour out our souls in the presence of God. We need to take time and space to grieve, expressing ourselves in a way that is consistent with who we are. God who created us in His own image has also created our emotions and in his flawless design has given us the unique gift of emotional tears (even Jesus Wept, John 11:35).
If we feel like crying let us not hold back our tears but we need to make sure that we are not overwhelmed by our sorrows for too long. Like David seeking God in midst of his pain, let us make sure that we too introspect our lives and seek God by choice today. Just like David let us make our Almighty God, the God of our lives too (Psalm 42:8; Psalm 84:2). David poured out his soul in prayer (Psalm 42:4; Psalm 62:8;), pleading for the Lord to set him free and take him back to Jerusalem (where he can worship again). We too need to come out of our griefs gradually and go no where else but to the house of the Lord where we can worship as that is the place where our hearts and souls will find its ultimate rest and comfort. Unlike worldly people, let us try to find our consolation and peace only in the Lord, and not in our memories (Psalm 42:4), or in nursing our griefs for long (Psalm 42:3).
When enemy took David’s wife, children and left nothing of him or others, its written David and the people who were with him lifted their voices and wept until there was no strength in them to weep (1 Samuel 30:4). But the amazing thing that is mentioned there is that only David strengthened himself in the Lord his God (1 Samuel 30:6) and one of the reasons that we can concur from His life is that He has the courage and audacity to challenge his deep sorrows and ask himself time and again “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God…”
“We rejoice in spite of our grief, not in place of it.” -Woodrow Kroll
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
“व्यवस्था की यह पुस्तक तेरे चित्त से कभी न उतरने पाए, इसी में दिन रात ध्यान दिए रहना, इसलिये कि जो कुछ उस में लिखा है उसके अनुसार करने की तू चौकसी करे; क्योंकि ऐसा ही करने से तेरे सब काम सफल होंगे, और तू प्रभावशाली होगा।“
- Joshua 1:8
During the process of most critical handover of leadership in history of Israel, God through Moses instructed Joshua on some most profound secrets of victory and success. Immediately after encouraging Joshua in Joshua 1:6 to “Be strong and of good courage”, Joshua was given the modus operandi on how this will work. In Joshua 1:8 Joshua was called to do two things primarily in his life and that is Meditate the Law and Practice it. God promises that if he can do this consistently then God will make his ways prosperous, and he will have good (consistent) success in his life. We know Joshua did that and God was with him and wherever he went God’s hand gave him unheard-of victories against enemies of Israel.
The principle of God is still the same because God does not change (Malachi 3:6, Numbers 23:19). A great many Christians today are very religious in reading the scriptures in a religious way today but there is very less effort in observing what God tells them to do. While it is true that when we hear the scriptures with an open and thirsty mind, it does prick our conscience and moral convictions, like as it happened when Ezra read the scriptures publicly (Nehemiah 8). But this moral conviction (people wept, Nehemiah 8:9) must always lead us to get closer to our God in Faith (Romans 10:17) and to commit ourselves to Love God more and obey His commandments with more fervour (John 14:15).
Mere reading the scriptures sometimes when we feel like and out of duty may not bring the desired changes in our spiritual lives. One who looks at scriptures and is not a forgetful hearer and the one who diligently works according to it, is the one who will be blessed (James 1:22-25). It is not enough for us the royal priests of new testament (1 Peter 2:9) to carry and guard this precious book, but just like how Joshua was instructed, we too must take time to read it daily and make it a part of our inner person by meditating on it (Psalm 1:2; 119:97; Deuteronomy 17:18–20). For us the Christian believers, prosperity and success are not to be measured by the standards of the world. These blessings are the by-products of a life devoted to God and His Word. The questions God’s people need to ask daily are: Did we obey the will of God? Were we empowered by the Spirit of God? Did we serve to the glory of God?
“Spiritual advancement is measured by faithful obedience.” - Watchman Nee
“A little leaven leavens the whole lump.”
“थोड़ा सा ख़मीर सारे गुँधे हुए आटे को ख़मीर कर डालता है।”
- Galatians 5:9
It is amazing to see how God uses small trivial things to teach such valuable life lessons to us, His children. If it is ants in Proverbs 6:6-11 to teach us to work hard, then it is much smaller mustard seed in Matthew 17:20 to teach us the power of our faith. God even uses a microbial organism Yeast (leaven) to show how a tiny substance can have enormous impact on things much massive than its own size. Though leaven is used in positive note by Jesus in Matthew 13 to illustrate the rapid spread of the gospel, in most of the places in scripture it denotes an evil or negative influence. In Matthew 16 Jesus warns of leaven of Pharisees pointing to their evil and ungodly doctrines. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul uses leaven to explain malice, wickedness, and sin of pride.
In our today’s passage of Galatians 5:9, we see Paul again using same example of leaven (in almost similar tone of 1 Corinthians 5:6 but on a slightly greater extent). Here Paul uses example of yeast (leaven) to explain the dangers of false teachings (of Judaizers) in Galatians church, where it was introduced in a very small way but something that has the potential to morally corrupt the whole church. The spirit of legalism (keeping of the standards as an evidence of spirituality) in church does not seem to hurt much in the beginning but just like a little leaven it slowly poisons the whole assembly. It tends to make us proud of our spirituality and it can surely puff us up, just like yeast puffs up the entire dough. There were those who distorted God’s grace into license to sin anywhere and at any time. Paul made the point that a small misrepresentation of the truth can lead to great degree of confusion and deceit if not addressed scripturally and prayerfully. The only way out for us to avoid becoming loser in our spiritual fight is “to purge out the leaven” from our lives i.e. forsake all the false teachings that denies the authority of God and makes us believe that we are sufficient in ourselves.
Let’s get rid of man-made traditions that brings more focus on ourselves and our own standards of worshipping God rather than truly accepting Christ (The Way and The Truth and The Life, John 14:6) as our only Saviour, obeying the word of God unconditionally and yielding to the spirit of God consistently.
Question that we need to ask ourselves today and every day is, “Am I leavened?”
“Tolerance toward people is a good and biblical virtue, but tolerance toward false teaching is sin.” - John MacArthur
“To the weak I became weak, so that I may win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some.”
“मैं निर्बलों के लिये निर्बल सा बना, कि निर्बलों को खींच लाऊँ, मैं सब मनुष्यों के लिये सब कुछ बना हूँ, कि किसी न किसी रीति से कई एक का उद्धार कराऊँ।”
- 1 Corinthians 9:22
For a Christian self-denial and serving others should be in the spiritual genes of those who are born through the precious blood of our Christ and savior Jesus Christ. Apostle Paul was miraculously converted from the one who persecuted Christians [even to the death (Acts 22:4)] to a humble apostle (1 Corinthians 15:8-10). If any among apostles has any reason to boast about his service to the Lord Jesus then without doubt it will be apostle Paul who wrote 13 of the 21 epistles and preached boldly about the death, resurrection, lordship of Jesus Christ, and fearlessly proclaimed that faith in Jesus guarantees a share in His life. In our passage today we will find a subtle and one of the most critical attitudes of his ministry to the unsaved. He lays down a basic ground rule for all those who wish to serve the Lord and win others for Christ. He says the secret of kingdom success is in becoming servant and not masters, it is in serving others and not in being served by others and it is in giving and never in taking . How similar does it sound to how our Lord Jesus Himself lived and served others when he was on earth (Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45).
Apostle Paul’s motive was to preach Jesus Christ and his mode of sharing Christ was “ourselves your bond servants for Jesus’s sake.” [2 Corinthians 4:5]. Only a free in Christ has the liberty to set aside his own rights for the sake of others , the one who is still in the bondage of enemy will struggle and continue to stumble while attempting to do what Paul and our Lord Jesus was able to do. We need to understand that Paul is not a compromising servant of God who changed his message to please his audience or the intent of his message according to different situations. Many times, his words are twisted and abused to suit certain mindsets but that’s not what Paul meant here. Paul being a Jew had a burden to share Gospel to his people but at the same time his calling was specific to share gospel to Gentiles (Acts 13). What he meant is that in his personal ministry he preached and lived in a way that he did not offend either the Jews or the Gentiles (who are separated primarily on the lines of Law and the Covenant). He was not inconsistent in his message but adapted his approach to make sure the different groups understand and comprehend the gospel well. It was not different than what Jesus did who preached spiritual birth to Nicodemus, a Jew (John 3) and living water to Samaritan woman (John 4) . Just like Paul, you and I can also follow the example of our Savior Jesus Christ and humble ourselves to become servants of all. All this is to please our master and glorify His name.
As the hymn by James M. Black, goes
“Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun;
Let us talk of all his wondrous love and care.
Then when all of life is over and our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.”
“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
“यदि नेवें ढ़ा दी जाएं तो धर्मी क्या कर सकता है?”
- Psalms 11:3
The strength of a spiritual foundation determines how easily we brace the storms of our lives. It is our foundation that will determine if our works, efforts and service to the Lord ultimately will pass the test of fire (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). There must be a great urgency in our lives today to make sure that our foundations must be laid on our Lord Jesus Christ (Corinthians-1 3:11). David was appointed as Israel’s future King and Saul has been rejected by God already. The nation of Israel was beginning to morally collapse. Saul in his zeal to retain power and destroy God’s anointed servant (David) has already began the process of taking weak decisions and adopting wicked means to shake the foundations of nation which was built on the Laws and commandments of God. One of the most tragic sequence of events that we can see is when Saul killed Ahimelech the priest and his entire household and including everyone in the Nob, the city of the priests. Such cruel zeal will only satisfy the one whose foundation is broken and shattered. David’s plea in Psalms 11:3 is a cry perhaps looking at moral corruption the Israel is now slipping into.
Foundation can very well be taken into context of things on which any society rests, or by which social order is sustained and these are the great principles of truth and righteousness that uphold any society. When we look around and see any moral corruption around us then understand the fact (and perhaps diligently pray as well) that the foundations have already started to collapse. Every society must be built on truth, and when truth is questioned or denied, the foundations will shake for sure (Isaiah 59:11–15). This is the picture of our modern world.
But even in this sad state of affairs there is a glimmer of hope for us the children of God. What we can do? We must strive hard to “Lay the foundations again!” . Each new generation must see to it that the foundations of truth and justice are solid. Samuel laid again the foundations of the covenant (1 Samuel 12), and Ezra laid again the foundations of the temple (Ezra 3). Let’s be like one who built a house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock (Luke 6:48) and that Rock is our Christ (1 Corinthians 10:1-12). Our Lord Jesus in His messages to Churches in Revelation 2 and 3 was asking churches (we the body of Christ) to constantly examine themselves to see if they’re faithful to the Lord, and encourage to pray for a constant reviving work of the Spirit. The question “What can the righteous do?” can also be looked as “What is the Righteous One doing?”
“Long-lasting victory can never be separated from a long-lasting stand on the foundation of the cross.” - Watchman Nee
“She said, “No one, Lord.” Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.””
“उसने कहा, “हे प्रभु, किसी ने नहीं।” यीशु ने कहा, “मैं भी तुझ पर दण्ड की आज्ञा नहीं देता; जा, और फिर पाप न करना।””
- John 8:11
Jesus was teaching people in the temple early in the morning when scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-3). In their zeal to somehow trap and accuse Jesus in something, they even forgot the very law of Moses which they claim they know and practice. The law required that both guilty parties to be stoned (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22) and not just the woman. Leaving the guilty man out of this itself shows the very nature of their wicked plans (who knows if they even caught her in the very act as they claimed). Further they were even ready to interrupt a public meeting where our Lord Jesus was teaching the hungry attenders and tending to their spiritual needs. The scribes and Pharisees somewhat represent the current thinkers or those from other world views who even without knowing what Christ has to offer, are sometimes ready to ignore and outright reject their own and other’s ultimate need for a savior. But the incident of John 8 should teach us a thing or two on how we should respond by looking at how our Christ addressed His accusers and the moral issues when it comes to sin and sinners. To the question of Pharisees, answering “Yes” she should be stoned will make question Jesus’s own image as friends of sinners and answering “No” will make Him break the Law and Pharisees could have openly condemned Him. Also if our Christ would not have answered them befittingly, then the stones that they brought to stone the women, they would not have thought twice to throw those on our Lord as well.
We Christians need to learn to answer our accusers with grace, love and with spiritual wisdom in these end times (1 Peter 3:15). Perhaps not every question can be answered by simple “Yes” or “No” at times but trusting God in those moments and doing what our Lord Jesus did, should serve as a template of our moral defence our Faith. Now what did Jesus do, His intent was very simple, He just wanted people to see themselves in the light of their own moral corruption before judging others (2 Peter 2:19). We need to seriously look at our way of presenting gospel today. Does our gospel and defence of our Faith, help people to look within themselves or still leave them empty? Instead of passing judgment on the woman, Jesus passed judgment on the judges! He was very well aware of their hypocrisy and was even upset the way they handled the women for their selfish purpose. But His answer to them “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” was not only filled with grace but it was filled with power of holy spirit that convicted their own consciences to the core. Its written that the accusers quietly left the scene, and Jesus was left alone with the woman. Jesus parting words to women was of profound importance and something modern day preachers fail to do mostly. Jesus did not approve of her sins, rather He told her “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”. People leaving church after worship with just emotional upsurge, but absolutely no convictions of their own personal sins is risking their eternity. Forgiveness and Grace of God are not a license to sin further and to live as we lived before. We must not approve of the sins which God hates but rather we should try to offer a prayerful counsel, a wise answer and a spirit filled advise that can helps a sinner to look deep within themselves. And even if their response is not immediate, the seed of repentance will ultimately grow and bring the sinner to the feet of cross.
If Jesus has forgiven yours and mine sins, then all our life’s focus should be to live and teach “Sin No More”. Remember God’s intent is to bring conviction, not condemnation (Romans 8)
“To sin because mercy abounds is the devil’s logic; he that sins because of God’s mercy, shall have judgment without mercy. Mercy is not for them that sin and fear not, but for them that fear and sin not.” - Thomas Watson
“Look to yourselves, that you do not lose the things for which we all have worked, but so that you may receive a full reward.”
“अपने विषय में चौकस रहो; कि जो परिश्रम हम सब ने किया है, उसको तुम न खोना, वरन् उसका पूरा प्रतिफल पाओ।”
- 2 John 1:8
We are living in the times when false teachings not only has invaded our churches but it has also started to spread its evil roots in the Christian homes and families. Apostle John addresses this brief letter of encouragement and warning to a godly mother and her children (2 John 1:1-2) signifying that family is an important target in Satan’s war against truth and so must be on its guard always. It was not uncommon in the days of apostles as well that apostate teachers and their teachings were beginning to mislead the newborn believers and even the elects. Titus struggled with this problem in Crete (Titus 1:10–11) and Timothy faced the same nature of issues in Ephesus (2 Timothy 3:6). John admonishes the family and church equally to walk in Christ’s commandments (2 John 1:4-6) and that is evident by mention of word “Truth” in many places in this short epistle. Jesus said, “I am the Way, The Truth and The Life” (John 14:6), God’s Word is representation of same word of Truth (2 Corinthians 6:7) and this Truth leads us to our repentance, salvation, and our ultimate liberty in Christ (John 8:32). John says that it is not enough for us to only know the truth, but we need to “Love in the truth” and Live “for the truth’s sake.” (2 John 1:6)
Thereafter without missing a beat apostle John warns the listeners that since we know the Truth and are walking in that Truth, so we are always at the forefront of that spiritual war where enemy will bring all sorts of deception to challenge and question our faith on our Lord Jesus. He asks them to be careful of antichrist deceivers (2 John 1:7,8) who are in the world (in those times and even more in these end times). It takes constant spiritual vigilance to protect a family or a local church from the insidious attacks of false teachers. Sadly because of our fallen natures, there is a greater tendency to believe the lies of enemy and inherently resist the Truth of God. These teachers are against Christ because they deny that He is indeed God come in the flesh (1 John 4:1–6) and they are already ready with their “Substitute Christ” who is not the Christ, the son of God. It should be our constant Endeavor to make sure that we do not fall sometimes owing to our own spiritual over confidence (1 Corinthians 10:12). Apostle John also advises us Christian to test every spirit to see whether they are from God and avoid getting deceived in these end times (1 John 4:1). Let us look after our spiritual selves today with diligence and make sure to reject everyone who brings false teachings and ways that are contrary to the Word of God and His Truth (2 John 1:10-11)
“We need to realize that the Bible says to “test the spirits” and warns very strongly that the Last Days will be a time of “seducing spirits” and great deception.” - Andrew Strom
“Pay attention to yourselves, so that your heart is not deceived, and you turn aside and worship other gods, and bow down to them;”
“इसलिए अपने विषय में सावधान रहो, ऐसा न हो कि तुम्हारे मन धोखा खाएँ, और तुम बहक कर दूसरे देवताओं की पूजा करने लगो और उनको दण्डवत् करने लगो”
- Deuteronomy 11:16
Sincere Love and consistent Obedience to God is always rewarded . It is important for any generation who has personally witnessed the goodness of God, the chastening of God and the miracles of God (Deuteronomy 11:2-4) to without neglect, pass on the learnings to their next generations. Failing to do so will not only weaken the future generations but is a sure recipe for their spiritual downfall. God openly invites His children to see the outcome of obeying commandments of God and to love and serve Him with all our hearts and soul (Deuteronomy 11:13-15). But this invitation is followed by a warning as well and it is about taking care of our own hearts and making sure that we are not deceived and inclined to worship any other Gods (Man or idols) or giving our allegiance to any manmade gods. In the modern-day context, we can extend this principle to even, blindly following celebrities (including their way of lives), or those men in spiritual circles who keep themselves in position of God and demand people to worship and obey them instead of Almighty God.
It is a sad reality that even after Israel initially walking on God’s precepts and commandments were able to enter and even conquered the promised land but due to their consistent disobedience to God’s commandments, they were not able to remain in the land for long to enjoy it. The same principle goes for us the new testament believers as well, in Christ we have “all spiritual blessings” (Ephesians 1:3), but we cannot inherit them or enjoy them consistently unless we resolve to believe all God’s promises and fully prepare our hearts to obey His commands in every situation . Even though the promised Land was “a land of milk and honey,”, without God sending His rains nothing will flourish or grow and eventually people would starve even if they were technically in the promised land. Similarly without God’s constant flow of Grace and Mercy in our lives because of our own disobedience and forsaking God deliberately in our lives, we too will eventually starve spiritually (and many other realms of our lives). We forget that it is the blessings of the LORD that is the source and sustainer of our material enrichments and God adds no sorrow with it. (Proverbs 10:22)
“As long as you want anything very much, especially more than you want God, it is an idol.” - A.B. Simpson
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
“धन्य हैं वे, जिनके मन शुद्ध हैं, क्योंकि वे परमेश्वर को देखेंगे।”
- Matthew 5:8
The sermon at mount or The Beatitudes are one of the most direct and practical Christian values that describes the blessedness of those who possess these peculiar qualities in relation to the Kingdom of Heaven. In a nutshell these beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10) can define the most compact summary of the spiritual life of Christians. In Matthew 5:8 one of very basic criterion of seeing God is mentioned which is a “Pure heart”. Apostle John says everyone who hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure (1 John 3:3). Purity of heart is one of the debated subject in Christian thought process. When we wear glasses, we can still see through the dirty glass, it is just that what we are seeing is not much clear. When we clean the glasses, we can see more clearly. Something similar goes with purity of our Hearts. Accepting Christ as our personal Saviour in our lives, making Him the Lord of our lives (being Justified) and then obeying Him in Water baptism are the first steps of our Christian journey that puts us on this lifelong work of sanctification process.
David prays, create in me a clean heart, O God (Psalm 51:10), As part of our born again experience we must submit ourselves daily to the redemptive work of blood of Christ (1 John 1:7) and the Holy spirit. The more our hearts get cleansed and purified in Lord, the more we can see Him clearly. Our unrepentant sins (Galatians 5:19-21) and our Lack of Faith (at times due to our circumstances) on our God blurs our vision. We become like disciples who even though they were looking at Jesus but still perceived Him to be ghost (Matthew 14:25,26) because their spiritual vision was blurred momentarily (due to crisis they faced). Those who have clean (pure) hearts they will one day stand before God and behold Him. As psalmist says, who shall stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart (Psalm 24:3-4).
“It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to.” - C. S. Lewis
“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.”
“उदास मन दब जाता है, परन्तु भली बात से वह आनन्दित होता है।”
- Proverbs 12:25
We all need motivation, strength and confidence to carry on sometimes in our lives and in what we are struggling to do. For Christians, the gift of encouraging others is inbuilt into our newborn again life in Christ. Bible reminds us to spur each other, to love and to do good works and continue to encourage other fellow beings (Hebrews 10:25). It is true sometimes we need encouragement and sometimes someone else needs to be encouraged by us. But we will be very pathetic encourager if we try to do that based on our fallen human nature or misguided human notions. Bible teaches us that Christ must be the source of all encouragement (Philippians 2:1-2). Only our Christ can be our true model of self-sacrifice, love, sympathy, and genuine human affection. A good word is what we need sometimes either from our spouses, our kids, our fellow brothers, sisters or even our leaders and elders in Christ. Their gentle words and encouragement can bring life and health to us if its shared with God’s love and in His spirit (Proverbs 15:4).
Ask yourself to whom can you be an encouragement today? Did you encouraged anyone to hold on to their Faith lately? Did you made sure that your gracious words are always sweet like honeycomb to those who are filled with bitterness for themselves and for others (Proverbs 16:24). Your encouragement may not bring a great difference in someone’s life, but it will surely be good enough to impart that gentle push to them when they run out of energy to carry on themselves. Your encouragement can straighten someone’s feeble knees and strengthen their weak hands. But make sure just like you have tasted and seen that the Lord is good (Psalms 34:8), point them to their true and constant source of encouragement which is God and His Word. So let’s continue (or at least start today) to encourage one another and build each another up, just as some of you are already doing (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
“If I can put one touch of rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman,
I shall feel that I have worked with God.” - G.K. Chesterton
“While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
“और हम तो देखी हुई वस्तुओं को नहीं परन्तु अनदेखी वस्तुओं को देखते रहते हैं, क्योंकि देखी हुई वस्तुएं थोड़े ही दिन की हैं, परन्तु अनदेखी वस्तुएं सदा बनी रहती हैं।”
- 2 Corinthians 4:18
Paul’s revelation about seeing the invisible (2 Corinthians 4:16-18) is all about encouraging the believer to do not give up or be discouraged. He sets forth the importance of setting our Focus and Faith on unseen and eternal things. It may sound like a very strange concept for a worldly person to see the present from the perspective of eternal future. It just does not fit into the logical mindset of an unsaved person but for those who are born again this is not just the thumb rule of Christian living but also the only life line for them as they hope and wait for their eternal glory. When Paul says “Do not look” then he does not mean to “ignore” but not to keep looking at or continue to gaze at temporary worldly things that occupies our earthly sight.
When we have a clear understanding of our eternity, we will be comfortable to consider things of earth as temporary. In Colossians Paul strongly urges fellow Christians to set their minds on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:2). We need to learn to focus our thoughts and attention on things that are important to our Almighty God. When we learn to perceive the coming eternal life with our eyes of faith we will never cling to the temporary things the world has to offer such as fame, money, beauty, strength and every vain pursuits which becomes utterly meaningless on the scale of eternity. How so ever hard it may seem to believe it now but the invisible eternal world mentioned in the Bible is going to be the only reality for us ultimately. Now how can we look at things that are invisible? By Faith, when we read the Word of God (Romans 10:17), as faith is “the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
“I judge all things only by the price they shall gain in eternity.” - John Wesley
“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”
“परन्तु तुम्हारी बात हां की हां, या नहीं की नहीं हो; क्योंकि जो कुछ इस से अधिक होता है वह बुराई से होता है॥”
- Matthew 5:37
Christian life is identified and accomplished by the separation we practice when we start a new life in Christ. There are many realms in Christian life where we must practice separation but one of the crucial areas our Lord emphasized is that we must be separated in our conversation. Our Lord particularly taught that our conversation should be honest and our character be so genuine that we don’t need anything other than “Yes” or “No” to get people believe us. It is believed that Pharisees during Jesus time may not take name of God as such but would take oath to prove their words in the name of heaven, earth, city of Jerusalem and even their body parts. Jesus boldly taught them that words are actually valued by character and taking oath can never recompense a poor character.
Our God is Holy and so we must be Holy and we need to be Holy in all manner of our conversation as well (1 Peter 1:15–16). Apostle James inspired by Holy spirit, forbid its listeners, not to swear either by heaven or earth but let our Yes be Yes and No be No, something that Jesus also taught (James 5:12). There is a greater tendency to fall into sin when we use more words than needed (Proverbs 10:19). We need to pray to God and work daily on our speech (tongue is the most slippery threat to our spiritual lives) so that it is filled with grace and seasoned with salt and that we may respond lovingly and appropriately to others (Colossians 4:6). We all perhaps need an urgent godly speech therapy aimed at improving our ability to understand and express our thoughts, ideas and feelings in a more wise and Christian way.
“Learn to hold thy tongue; five words cost Zacharias forty weeks of silence.”
- Thomas Fuller
