James 1:5-6 … "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith …"
"If any of you lack wisdom …" This probably refers to the kind of wisdom which we need in our trials, to enable us to bear them in a proper manner, for there is nothing in which believers feel the need of Godly wisdom for than in the manner in which we should bear our trials, and what we should do during the questions, and disappointments, and grief that come to us.
The language used is so general, that what is said may be applied to the need of wisdom in all respects.
The particular kind of wisdom which we need in trials is to enable us to understand their purpose, (what they are all about) and to learn the lessons which God designs them to teach; for He always designs them to teach us some valuable lesson. If we are in sin; the trials which are brought upon us by that sin, may be given for us to learn how we may avoid them in the future.
We are in great danger of going wrong when we are afflicted; by complaining and murmuring; by expressing a spirit of rebellion, and by losing the benefits which we might have obtained if we had submitted to the trial in the proper manner. So in all things we "lack wisdom," not just in times of trial but in other important matters of life and faith.
"Let him ask of God …" That is, for the specific wisdom which he needs; the very wisdom which is necessary for him in the particular case. It is proper to make mention of the specific want; to ask of God to guide us in the very matter where we feel we lack wisdom. It is one of the privileges of believers, that we may not only go to God and ask Him for general wisdom which we need in life, but if a particular emergency arises, we may also bring that particular need before the Lord, with the assurance that He will guide them.
"That giveth to all men liberally …" The word men here, is supplied by the translators, it is not in the original … but not improperly, although the promise should be thought of as restricted to those who ask. The object of James was to encourage those who felt their need of wisdom, to go ahead and ask God.
He is not saying however, that God gives all men wisdom "liberally" whether they ask or not.
No blessing is promised to man that is not sought; no man can hope to receive anything from God, who does not value it enough to pray for it; no one ought to obtain it, who does not prize it enough to … ask for it.
"And upbraideth not …" God does not reproach, rebuke, or treat harshly. He does not coldly turn us away, if we come and ask what we need, even though we do so very often, for we are a needed people.
The proper meaning of the Greek word "upbraideth" is … to rail at, reproach, revile, chide (angry censure); and the object here is probably to place the manner in which God treats us in contrast with what sometimes occurs among men. He does not hold our past conduct against us; our foolish choices; or our continual asking.
We are certain when we ask of God, that He permits us to come to Him freely, and that He will meet us with kindness and love in granting our requests. We are not always sure, when we ask of man, what we shall encounter in the process; sometimes it can be a harsh or troubling answer.
This promise … "it shall be given him" … the wisdom that may be necessary for the time of need … is absolute; we may be sure that if we ask God, it will be granted to us. There can be no doubt that it is one of the things which God is able and willing to give, as it would be used for our own good; and therefore, He is ever ready to grant it to us.
There are things that might bring some doubt as to whether, if they were granted, would really be for our good; but there can be no such doubt about wisdom. It is always for our good; and we may be sure therefore, that we shall obtain it when we ask in faith. If it is asked for in that way, we can expect Him to grant it.
"But let him ask in faith …" We cannot hope to obtain anything from God if there is not faith; and where, as in regard to the wisdom necessary to guide us, we are sure that it is in accordance with His will to grant it to us; therefore we come to Him with confidence and assurance, that it will be granted.
Edited for clarity … from the commentary of Albert Barnes.
Monday, June 30, 2008
The 23rd Psalm
Psalm 23:1 … " The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."
The word LORD is to be understood as Jehovah the Son, not Jehovah the Father. It is most frequently ascribed unto Jesus, the good Shepherd, for which He is abundantly qualified. Being omniscient, He knows all His sheep, where to find them, and what is to be done for them; He being omnipotent, having all power in heaven and in earth can protect, defend, and save them. David calls Him "my shepherd."
"I shall not want" … is the main idea in this psalm, and this idea is derived from the fact that God is a shepherd; meaning that God, as a shepherd, would make all needed provision for His flock, and properly care for that flock. The words "I shall not want" should refer to everything that could be desired, pertaining to the body and soul; even in reference to time and eternity. The idea is that God would always provide all that is needed.
One other thought that comes from the phrase, "I shall not want" is this … I shall not want for more than my Shepherd gives me. It is implied, more than it is expressed … I shall be supplied with whatever I need … and if not everything I desire, I may conclude it is either not fit for me or not good for me … therefore "I shall not want it."
Psalm 23:2 … "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters."
The green pastures mentioned are not for food, for that will come later in this psalm; these pastures are places of cool and refreshing rest, where one lies at ease. According to its primary meaning in Hebrew, it's a dwelling place, specifically an oasis in the desert where the weary finds much needed rest. The sheep are made to "lie down" in complete safety, satisfied the Shepherd will watch over His flock.
If Jesus is our Shepherd, might He not also make His sheep lie down, even when they may not want to, so He can quiet their minds and ease their souls.
He leads me beside "the still waters," which mean "waters of rest and quietness." The waters that the Shepherd takes His sheep to are still waters, pure and clear, almost motionless, a gentle stream that flows by softly, quietly so as not to upset or frighten the sheep as they drink from it.
Psalm 23:3 … "He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."
"He restoreth" … after God, our Shepherd guides us to the green pastures beside the still waters, He then restores, and refreshes our soul, (our mind and thoughts) where the battles of the enemy usually take place. The word restore means … "to recover, to bring back what ever has been lost, to get ones self back again." Literally … He causes my life to return.
"My soul" … during this time of rest, the Shepherd brings a new vitality, a new appetite for life back to His sheep in His pasture. The reference to the soul could be one wandering or backsliding from God and needing to be restored; but could just as well mean the human spirit and soul, exhausted, wearied, troubled, anxious, worn down with the cares and toil of life. Both will find what they need in their Shepherd.
Here is where the analogy of men as sheep changes more to just men. Natural sheep don't care about righteousness or things done for His name's sake. Of course some men don't care either, so the sheep analogy may not be too far off after all.
"He leadeth me" … He leads me in the straight and narrow path of righteousness (uprightness and right standing with Him) down the right paths, or in the right ways. He does not permit me to wander in ways that would lead me to ruin. He guides me in the way that leads to heaven along with His constant care in that path. God wants to keep all of His sheep from harm; and when relating to man that translates … from sin.
"For His name’s sake" … Why? To display His grace, and that His name may be honored. It has nothing to do with any merit of man. God’s motives of conduct concerning His sheep are solely from the goodness of the Shepherd's own nature in making known His own character and heart of love. If the lost sheep of the world could only see the love in the Shepherd's heart, and know of the care given to His sheep they also would want to join His flock.
"For His name’s sake" means … on account of, or purpose for. What purpose would God have for keeping His name honored? What name must man be saved by? That name is Jesus … the Lamb slain for us; the Good Shepherd Himself dying for His sheep … man. David who was a shepherd boy himself, wrote one thousand years before Jesus was born … that God wanted to keep His name honored and Holy; because that name would be … "above any name that could be named" … in Heaven or in earth. I have no idea as to whether or not David knew that he was speaking with that purpose, on account of that name.
Psalm 23:4 … "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."
"though I walk through …" meaning (even though, forasmuch, when, and while) I walk through … literally (to go forward, travel, be a wayfaring man, to wander) through … which means … (I will come out of this valley, I won't stay in it.)
"I will fear no evil" or the evil one Satan, who's name means … "the one who lies in wait" … the enemy of the sheep, who comes to steal, kill and destroy; who goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. But since the Shepherd is by my side, I'm able to say … I will not fear.
I must remember I am not alone as I walk through life, which I am sure has more than just one valley ahead of me; for my Shepherd is with me leading and guiding me in the paths of righteousness, even though that path may lead me into a valley that looks like … sure death; but as it turns out, it is only going to be a "shadow" that falls over me.
"for thou art with me" … I shall not go through this valley alone. I can be assured that if God is with me I have nothing to dread there. Jesus, my Shepherd will be my companion, comforter, protector, and guide.
One might even apply this to the dying man going into the dark "valley of death" alone. His family and friends accompany him as far as they can, and then they must let him go on alone. They can comfort him with their voices until he becomes deaf to all sounds. They can stay close to him so he can look upon their faces until he can see no more, and then he seems to be alone. But the dying believer is not alone. His Shepherd is with him in that valley, and will never leave him. This is one valley each one of us will go through.
Even in death, it is still the right path; it is a path of safety and it will take me to where I want to go. In that dark and gloomy valley, unable to guide myself, I will not be afraid of wandering or of being lost while under the guidance and protection of my Shepherd.
One other reason I am not afraid when the Shepherd is with me is because He carries a big stick … a rod and a staff; and He knows how to use them both. I am under His care and protection. The Shepherd with His rod can defend His sheep and drive away any predator that would prey upon the flock; and with His staff, He directs the sheep where to go, and retrieves back those that go astray.
We are not to suppose or worry that the rod is meant for correction; it is only used for the sheep's protection. How could His rod and staff be of comfort to me if they are used to punish or beat me down?
The two words "rod and staff," are denoting the same thing … both designating God's loving pastoral care over His sheep. We need pastors today that have a shepherd's heart.
Psalm 23:5 … "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."
The image now changes to show the provision of the Shepherd, the Lord God, and His care unto David, which could be one of the reasons for him to say in the first verse of this psalm … "I shall not want."
Picture the setting … a lush green pasture beside a gentle stream that flows by softly, quietly bringing a restful peace to David's spirit and soul. David has just passed through this dark valley with its shadows, and now he finds this table of plenty in the middle of this field where God has chosen to restore David's body and soul. If David had been a sheep, the grass and stream would have been enough; but he is a man, therefore he needs more … and more he receives.
"Thou preparest a table" … David acknowledges that it is the Lord that sets up, arranges, puts in order and prepares a table; more than just a meal … by the words used, (from the Hebrew) it is a feast that is spread out "before him" in the presence of David's enemies who are not invited to this feast. The wording here shows his enemies to be on the other side of the stream, within sight of God's blessings, but still able to view all that is going on.
"… in the presence of mine enemies" … continuing with the Hebrew meanings of the words … "before me" and "in the presence of," I come away with this notion or thought; it's as though God, while serving David this feast, came up to the table in front of David, looked him square in the face, and then turned and "looked" at all of David's enemies that were standing "in front" of David, facing him; but being on the opposite side of this flowing stream, they could only view what was going on. I do not know what kind of "look" God gave all those who were David's enemies, but I'm sure they got the message.
Now that I think about it, I wonder if God wasn't telling them with that look … "See how much I love my sheep and how I supply all their need."
Think about it … we should be the ones who serve God; but here God is pictured as the servant of man. This is a shadow and type of Jesus at the Last Supper before He became the Lamb that was slain for our sin.
David was talking about enemies that he could see, physical men he could fight.
The word "enemies" used here means literally … adversary, one who "binds up," afflicts and oppresses. David's enemies are a perfect picture of our adversary, the devil, Satan himself, that old serpent; and I am convinced that today the green pasture that God has led us to, has a snake hiding in the grass, and he is … "lying in wait."
I'd like to give one side thought here on the two words "binds up." Satan wants to bind us up with chains, to hold us in captivity; compare that with our Shepherd who comes to heal and bind (wrap up) our bloody wounds, the ones we may have received from the captive chains of the enemy.
Continue with the picture; God sets a table before us in our green pasture, with our enemy, who we can't see with our natural eye, still there, hiding like a snake in the grass. But here is where I have a small problem today with the analogy of Jesus as our Shepherd. A shepherd of natural sheep would use his rod to kill a predator like a snake. God knows that we have a spiritual predator hiding in the grass that can do more harm to us than a physical predator; but He leaves it up to us to fight him off. Yes, I know He has given us weapons to fight with … but we are supposed to be sheep, and sheep don't fight.
Remember, "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness …" (Proof that it's not man we fight against.)
"thou anointest my head with oil" … to honor with the custom of anointing the head with perfumed oil of olive and pine as an indication of prosperity and rejoicing. Oil was poured on heads so abundantly that the expression in Hebrew means "to make fat" which indicates abundance. David was indicating that he was abundantly blessed by God.
David, blessed so much by God that he could not contain it all, must shout out … "my cup runneth over." He can't contain within himself the joy, the anointing of the Lord that he feels from the honor God has bestowed upon him. It wouldn't matter whether David had a small cup or a barrel, any container of any size wouldn't just be filled, it would be overflowing with God's goodness. It means his cup didn't run over only one time when it was filled, spilling just a little bit, but rather his cup was continually overflowing without end.
The phrase … "runneth over" … in Hebrew means satisfied. The container, the cup he was talking about was his own body, soul and spirit … satisfied with the way God was filling his cup, his "life" to overflowing; which by the way is exactly what Jesus promised for us. Didn't He say one of the reasons He came was … "that we might have life more abundantly." We still cannot hold all that the Lord God wants to give us today. He is Jehovah-Jireh ... Provider ... "more than enough."
Psalm 23:6 … "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
The last verse of this psalm starts out with a Hebrew word that is an "affirmation" … the word "surely" (certainly, of a truth, at the least, only) … "goodness and mercy" shall follow me. God's goodness and mercy can't help but follow David. This is the effect that God’s prior dealings with him as his Shepherd had left on him; the assurance that as his Shepherd He would never leave him, or leave him in want. This one last statement of David's about goodness and mercy is the result of what is stated in all the previous verses.
I remember hearing someone say once that "goodness and mercy" were God's two sheep dogs that followed His sheep wherever they went. I don't know about that, could be; but I prefer to think of them as an example, a type of the "Rock" that followed the Israelites all the way through the wilderness, till they came to the Promised Land. That Rock was Jesus, our Shepherd. Our wilderness, our valley is our walk through this life that God has set before us. Our promise land is Heaven.
"… all the days of my life … " as many as God gives me will be enough; a period of time, from one sunset to the next, as many as remain, all the days. David is ending this psalm the same way he started it. "I shall not want." Not even for length of days; how ever many God gives me, I will be satisfied with. His days will come to an end … David knew that; and when they do …
"… I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." "Dwell" … its meaning is to settle in, to remain, and to abide there forever … a long length of time … eternity.
"Forever" … is a long, long time. Forever … with Jesus our Shepherd.
The word LORD is to be understood as Jehovah the Son, not Jehovah the Father. It is most frequently ascribed unto Jesus, the good Shepherd, for which He is abundantly qualified. Being omniscient, He knows all His sheep, where to find them, and what is to be done for them; He being omnipotent, having all power in heaven and in earth can protect, defend, and save them. David calls Him "my shepherd."
"I shall not want" … is the main idea in this psalm, and this idea is derived from the fact that God is a shepherd; meaning that God, as a shepherd, would make all needed provision for His flock, and properly care for that flock. The words "I shall not want" should refer to everything that could be desired, pertaining to the body and soul; even in reference to time and eternity. The idea is that God would always provide all that is needed.
One other thought that comes from the phrase, "I shall not want" is this … I shall not want for more than my Shepherd gives me. It is implied, more than it is expressed … I shall be supplied with whatever I need … and if not everything I desire, I may conclude it is either not fit for me or not good for me … therefore "I shall not want it."
Psalm 23:2 … "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters."
The green pastures mentioned are not for food, for that will come later in this psalm; these pastures are places of cool and refreshing rest, where one lies at ease. According to its primary meaning in Hebrew, it's a dwelling place, specifically an oasis in the desert where the weary finds much needed rest. The sheep are made to "lie down" in complete safety, satisfied the Shepherd will watch over His flock.
If Jesus is our Shepherd, might He not also make His sheep lie down, even when they may not want to, so He can quiet their minds and ease their souls.
He leads me beside "the still waters," which mean "waters of rest and quietness." The waters that the Shepherd takes His sheep to are still waters, pure and clear, almost motionless, a gentle stream that flows by softly, quietly so as not to upset or frighten the sheep as they drink from it.
Psalm 23:3 … "He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."
"He restoreth" … after God, our Shepherd guides us to the green pastures beside the still waters, He then restores, and refreshes our soul, (our mind and thoughts) where the battles of the enemy usually take place. The word restore means … "to recover, to bring back what ever has been lost, to get ones self back again." Literally … He causes my life to return.
"My soul" … during this time of rest, the Shepherd brings a new vitality, a new appetite for life back to His sheep in His pasture. The reference to the soul could be one wandering or backsliding from God and needing to be restored; but could just as well mean the human spirit and soul, exhausted, wearied, troubled, anxious, worn down with the cares and toil of life. Both will find what they need in their Shepherd.
Here is where the analogy of men as sheep changes more to just men. Natural sheep don't care about righteousness or things done for His name's sake. Of course some men don't care either, so the sheep analogy may not be too far off after all.
"He leadeth me" … He leads me in the straight and narrow path of righteousness (uprightness and right standing with Him) down the right paths, or in the right ways. He does not permit me to wander in ways that would lead me to ruin. He guides me in the way that leads to heaven along with His constant care in that path. God wants to keep all of His sheep from harm; and when relating to man that translates … from sin.
"For His name’s sake" … Why? To display His grace, and that His name may be honored. It has nothing to do with any merit of man. God’s motives of conduct concerning His sheep are solely from the goodness of the Shepherd's own nature in making known His own character and heart of love. If the lost sheep of the world could only see the love in the Shepherd's heart, and know of the care given to His sheep they also would want to join His flock.
"For His name’s sake" means … on account of, or purpose for. What purpose would God have for keeping His name honored? What name must man be saved by? That name is Jesus … the Lamb slain for us; the Good Shepherd Himself dying for His sheep … man. David who was a shepherd boy himself, wrote one thousand years before Jesus was born … that God wanted to keep His name honored and Holy; because that name would be … "above any name that could be named" … in Heaven or in earth. I have no idea as to whether or not David knew that he was speaking with that purpose, on account of that name.
Psalm 23:4 … "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."
"though I walk through …" meaning (even though, forasmuch, when, and while) I walk through … literally (to go forward, travel, be a wayfaring man, to wander) through … which means … (I will come out of this valley, I won't stay in it.)
"I will fear no evil" or the evil one Satan, who's name means … "the one who lies in wait" … the enemy of the sheep, who comes to steal, kill and destroy; who goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. But since the Shepherd is by my side, I'm able to say … I will not fear.
I must remember I am not alone as I walk through life, which I am sure has more than just one valley ahead of me; for my Shepherd is with me leading and guiding me in the paths of righteousness, even though that path may lead me into a valley that looks like … sure death; but as it turns out, it is only going to be a "shadow" that falls over me.
"for thou art with me" … I shall not go through this valley alone. I can be assured that if God is with me I have nothing to dread there. Jesus, my Shepherd will be my companion, comforter, protector, and guide.
One might even apply this to the dying man going into the dark "valley of death" alone. His family and friends accompany him as far as they can, and then they must let him go on alone. They can comfort him with their voices until he becomes deaf to all sounds. They can stay close to him so he can look upon their faces until he can see no more, and then he seems to be alone. But the dying believer is not alone. His Shepherd is with him in that valley, and will never leave him. This is one valley each one of us will go through.
Even in death, it is still the right path; it is a path of safety and it will take me to where I want to go. In that dark and gloomy valley, unable to guide myself, I will not be afraid of wandering or of being lost while under the guidance and protection of my Shepherd.
One other reason I am not afraid when the Shepherd is with me is because He carries a big stick … a rod and a staff; and He knows how to use them both. I am under His care and protection. The Shepherd with His rod can defend His sheep and drive away any predator that would prey upon the flock; and with His staff, He directs the sheep where to go, and retrieves back those that go astray.
We are not to suppose or worry that the rod is meant for correction; it is only used for the sheep's protection. How could His rod and staff be of comfort to me if they are used to punish or beat me down?
The two words "rod and staff," are denoting the same thing … both designating God's loving pastoral care over His sheep. We need pastors today that have a shepherd's heart.
Psalm 23:5 … "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."
The image now changes to show the provision of the Shepherd, the Lord God, and His care unto David, which could be one of the reasons for him to say in the first verse of this psalm … "I shall not want."
Picture the setting … a lush green pasture beside a gentle stream that flows by softly, quietly bringing a restful peace to David's spirit and soul. David has just passed through this dark valley with its shadows, and now he finds this table of plenty in the middle of this field where God has chosen to restore David's body and soul. If David had been a sheep, the grass and stream would have been enough; but he is a man, therefore he needs more … and more he receives.
"Thou preparest a table" … David acknowledges that it is the Lord that sets up, arranges, puts in order and prepares a table; more than just a meal … by the words used, (from the Hebrew) it is a feast that is spread out "before him" in the presence of David's enemies who are not invited to this feast. The wording here shows his enemies to be on the other side of the stream, within sight of God's blessings, but still able to view all that is going on.
"… in the presence of mine enemies" … continuing with the Hebrew meanings of the words … "before me" and "in the presence of," I come away with this notion or thought; it's as though God, while serving David this feast, came up to the table in front of David, looked him square in the face, and then turned and "looked" at all of David's enemies that were standing "in front" of David, facing him; but being on the opposite side of this flowing stream, they could only view what was going on. I do not know what kind of "look" God gave all those who were David's enemies, but I'm sure they got the message.
Now that I think about it, I wonder if God wasn't telling them with that look … "See how much I love my sheep and how I supply all their need."
Think about it … we should be the ones who serve God; but here God is pictured as the servant of man. This is a shadow and type of Jesus at the Last Supper before He became the Lamb that was slain for our sin.
David was talking about enemies that he could see, physical men he could fight.
The word "enemies" used here means literally … adversary, one who "binds up," afflicts and oppresses. David's enemies are a perfect picture of our adversary, the devil, Satan himself, that old serpent; and I am convinced that today the green pasture that God has led us to, has a snake hiding in the grass, and he is … "lying in wait."
I'd like to give one side thought here on the two words "binds up." Satan wants to bind us up with chains, to hold us in captivity; compare that with our Shepherd who comes to heal and bind (wrap up) our bloody wounds, the ones we may have received from the captive chains of the enemy.
Continue with the picture; God sets a table before us in our green pasture, with our enemy, who we can't see with our natural eye, still there, hiding like a snake in the grass. But here is where I have a small problem today with the analogy of Jesus as our Shepherd. A shepherd of natural sheep would use his rod to kill a predator like a snake. God knows that we have a spiritual predator hiding in the grass that can do more harm to us than a physical predator; but He leaves it up to us to fight him off. Yes, I know He has given us weapons to fight with … but we are supposed to be sheep, and sheep don't fight.
Remember, "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness …" (Proof that it's not man we fight against.)
"thou anointest my head with oil" … to honor with the custom of anointing the head with perfumed oil of olive and pine as an indication of prosperity and rejoicing. Oil was poured on heads so abundantly that the expression in Hebrew means "to make fat" which indicates abundance. David was indicating that he was abundantly blessed by God.
David, blessed so much by God that he could not contain it all, must shout out … "my cup runneth over." He can't contain within himself the joy, the anointing of the Lord that he feels from the honor God has bestowed upon him. It wouldn't matter whether David had a small cup or a barrel, any container of any size wouldn't just be filled, it would be overflowing with God's goodness. It means his cup didn't run over only one time when it was filled, spilling just a little bit, but rather his cup was continually overflowing without end.
The phrase … "runneth over" … in Hebrew means satisfied. The container, the cup he was talking about was his own body, soul and spirit … satisfied with the way God was filling his cup, his "life" to overflowing; which by the way is exactly what Jesus promised for us. Didn't He say one of the reasons He came was … "that we might have life more abundantly." We still cannot hold all that the Lord God wants to give us today. He is Jehovah-Jireh ... Provider ... "more than enough."
Psalm 23:6 … "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
The last verse of this psalm starts out with a Hebrew word that is an "affirmation" … the word "surely" (certainly, of a truth, at the least, only) … "goodness and mercy" shall follow me. God's goodness and mercy can't help but follow David. This is the effect that God’s prior dealings with him as his Shepherd had left on him; the assurance that as his Shepherd He would never leave him, or leave him in want. This one last statement of David's about goodness and mercy is the result of what is stated in all the previous verses.
I remember hearing someone say once that "goodness and mercy" were God's two sheep dogs that followed His sheep wherever they went. I don't know about that, could be; but I prefer to think of them as an example, a type of the "Rock" that followed the Israelites all the way through the wilderness, till they came to the Promised Land. That Rock was Jesus, our Shepherd. Our wilderness, our valley is our walk through this life that God has set before us. Our promise land is Heaven.
"… all the days of my life … " as many as God gives me will be enough; a period of time, from one sunset to the next, as many as remain, all the days. David is ending this psalm the same way he started it. "I shall not want." Not even for length of days; how ever many God gives me, I will be satisfied with. His days will come to an end … David knew that; and when they do …
"… I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." "Dwell" … its meaning is to settle in, to remain, and to abide there forever … a long length of time … eternity.
"Forever" … is a long, long time. Forever … with Jesus our Shepherd.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Jesus Wept
In John 11:1-53 … the power of the resurrection and life in the person of Jesus is presented to our faith. Man, (in this case the person of Lazarus) is looked upon as dead. This family in Bethany was blessed; it received the Lord as if He was their own. But Lazarus falls sick. All the Lord's human affections would naturally be concerned for him. Martha and Mary feel this; and they send Him word that their brother whom He loved was sick. But Jesus stays where He is and doesn't come.
He might have sent His word, as He did in the case of the centurion, and as He did with the nobleman's sick son earlier in this Gospel. But He did not. He had manifested His power and His goodness in healing man before; but this was not His object here.
It was a question of bestowing life and raising up again that which was dead before God. This was even the state Israel was in; it was also the state of man. This is the reason Jesus came … to seek and to save that which was lost; Israel and man.
Therefore He allows the condition of man under sin to go on and manifest itself in all the intensity of its effects on earth, and permits the enemy to exercise his power to the end. Nothing remained but the judgment of God; and death, in and of itself, convicted man of sin while conducting him to judgment.
The sick may be healed … but there is no remedy for death. All is over for man, as man here below. Nothing remains but the judgment of God. It is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgment.
The Lord therefore does not heal in this instance. He allows the evil to go on to the end … to death. That was the true place of man; a death sentence because of sin. Lazarus had fallen asleep in death, but Jesus goes to awaken him.
In fact, whatever might be His love for the nation of Israel, like Lazarus He must allow it to die … (indeed it was dead), and wait for the time appointed by God to raise it up again. If He must die Himself to accomplish it, He commits Himself to His Father.
But let us follow out the depths of this doctrine. Death has come in; it must take effect. Man is really in death before God; but God in grace comes in.
Two things are presented here …
1.) He might have healed. The faith and hope of neither Martha nor Mary went any farther than Jesus might have. Only Martha acknowledges that, as the Messiah, Jesus could obtain from God, whatsoever He asked. But He had not prevented the death of Lazarus as He had done so many times before, even for those He did not know.
2.) Martha knew that her brother would rise again at the last day; but true as it was, this truth availed nothing. To rise again and appear before God was not an answer to this death (Lazarus) that came because of the original sin.
These two things were true. Christ had often delivered man from his sufferings in flesh, and there shall be a resurrection at the last day. But these two things were of no value in the presence of death.
Christ was there however; and He is … the resurrection and the life. Man being dead, resurrection must come first. Observe … resurrection delivers man from all that death implies, and leaves it behind … sin and death, all that belongs to the life that man has lost.
Christ brought to human life, grace and sinlessness; for when alive in this life He took sin upon Himself. Sin belongs, so to speak, to this life … in which Christ knew no sin, but was made sin for us. This man Jesus … would take man's punishment; all the power of the enemy, all its effect on mortal man, all the judgment of God; He would take it all, and would come up from death in the same resurrection power which is now imparted to us.
Like Jesus, Lazarus, even if he were dead, shall rise again; Christ will overcome death here; He is the resurrection and the life. He has brought the power of divine life into the midst of death; for in life … death is no more. Death was the end of natural life to sinful man. Resurrection is the end of death.
Martha, while loving Him and believing in Him, does not understand this; and she calls Mary, feeling that her sister would better understand the Lord. Mary, waiting for the Lord to call her to Him, had left the initiative with Him. Now believing that the Lord thru Martha had called her, goes to Him directly. Martha and Mary had seen miracles and healings that had stopped the power of death before. But here life had passed away. What could help now? If He had been there, His love and power they could have counted on.
Mary falls down at His feet weeping. On the point of resurrection power she understood no more than Martha; but her heart is melted under the sense of death in the presence of Him who had life. It is an expression of need and sorrow rather than a complaint that she utters. Jesus enters into it in sympathy. He was troubled in spirit.
He sighs before God, He weeps with man; Jesus wept. But His tears turn into a groan, which was … the weight of death … felt in sympathy and now presented to God; and in this groan of love for those who were suffering … was the fully realized truth of death … expressed unto God.
Jesus carried the weight of this death before God in His spirit in the misery of a man, the yoke from which man could not deliver himself, and He is heard. The need brings His power into action. It was not His part now to explain patiently to Martha who He was. He feels and acts upon the need to which Mary had given expression, her heart being opened by the grace that was in Him.
Man may sympathize with the grieving; it is the expression of his powerlessness. Jesus enters into the affliction of mortal man, puts Himself under the burden of death that weighs upon man; but He takes its cause away. His presence brings in the power that is able to take it away.
Corruption itself is no hindrance to God. Christ came to bring the words of eternal life to dead men. Mary fed upon those words. Martha served; she busied her heart with many things. Martha believed; she loved Jesus, she received Him into her house and the Lord loved her. Mary listened to Him; this was what He came for. The good part, the words which she had received from Him should not be taken from her.
When the Lord arrives, Martha goes of her own accord to meet Him. She withdraws when Jesus speaks to her of the present power of life. We are ill at ease when, although believers, we feel unable to apprehend the meaning of the Lord's words. Martha felt that this was rather Mary's part than hers. Martha goes away and calls her sister, saying, that the Master (He who taught … observe the name that she gives Him) was come, and called for her. Mary instantly arises and comes to Him. She understood no more than Martha. Her heart pours out its need at the feet of Jesus, where she had heard His words and learned of His love and grace.
Jesus asks the way to the grave … Lazarus is then raised.
Caiaphas, the chief of the Jews, as high priest, proposes the death of Jesus, because He had restored Lazarus to life. And from that day they conspire against Him.
What a blessed family was this at Bethany, in which the heart of Jesus had found that His love was accepted and given back in return.
John Darby … (Edited for clarity.)
He might have sent His word, as He did in the case of the centurion, and as He did with the nobleman's sick son earlier in this Gospel. But He did not. He had manifested His power and His goodness in healing man before; but this was not His object here.
It was a question of bestowing life and raising up again that which was dead before God. This was even the state Israel was in; it was also the state of man. This is the reason Jesus came … to seek and to save that which was lost; Israel and man.
Therefore He allows the condition of man under sin to go on and manifest itself in all the intensity of its effects on earth, and permits the enemy to exercise his power to the end. Nothing remained but the judgment of God; and death, in and of itself, convicted man of sin while conducting him to judgment.
The sick may be healed … but there is no remedy for death. All is over for man, as man here below. Nothing remains but the judgment of God. It is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgment.
The Lord therefore does not heal in this instance. He allows the evil to go on to the end … to death. That was the true place of man; a death sentence because of sin. Lazarus had fallen asleep in death, but Jesus goes to awaken him.
In fact, whatever might be His love for the nation of Israel, like Lazarus He must allow it to die … (indeed it was dead), and wait for the time appointed by God to raise it up again. If He must die Himself to accomplish it, He commits Himself to His Father.
But let us follow out the depths of this doctrine. Death has come in; it must take effect. Man is really in death before God; but God in grace comes in.
Two things are presented here …
1.) He might have healed. The faith and hope of neither Martha nor Mary went any farther than Jesus might have. Only Martha acknowledges that, as the Messiah, Jesus could obtain from God, whatsoever He asked. But He had not prevented the death of Lazarus as He had done so many times before, even for those He did not know.
2.) Martha knew that her brother would rise again at the last day; but true as it was, this truth availed nothing. To rise again and appear before God was not an answer to this death (Lazarus) that came because of the original sin.
These two things were true. Christ had often delivered man from his sufferings in flesh, and there shall be a resurrection at the last day. But these two things were of no value in the presence of death.
Christ was there however; and He is … the resurrection and the life. Man being dead, resurrection must come first. Observe … resurrection delivers man from all that death implies, and leaves it behind … sin and death, all that belongs to the life that man has lost.
Christ brought to human life, grace and sinlessness; for when alive in this life He took sin upon Himself. Sin belongs, so to speak, to this life … in which Christ knew no sin, but was made sin for us. This man Jesus … would take man's punishment; all the power of the enemy, all its effect on mortal man, all the judgment of God; He would take it all, and would come up from death in the same resurrection power which is now imparted to us.
Like Jesus, Lazarus, even if he were dead, shall rise again; Christ will overcome death here; He is the resurrection and the life. He has brought the power of divine life into the midst of death; for in life … death is no more. Death was the end of natural life to sinful man. Resurrection is the end of death.
Martha, while loving Him and believing in Him, does not understand this; and she calls Mary, feeling that her sister would better understand the Lord. Mary, waiting for the Lord to call her to Him, had left the initiative with Him. Now believing that the Lord thru Martha had called her, goes to Him directly. Martha and Mary had seen miracles and healings that had stopped the power of death before. But here life had passed away. What could help now? If He had been there, His love and power they could have counted on.
Mary falls down at His feet weeping. On the point of resurrection power she understood no more than Martha; but her heart is melted under the sense of death in the presence of Him who had life. It is an expression of need and sorrow rather than a complaint that she utters. Jesus enters into it in sympathy. He was troubled in spirit.
He sighs before God, He weeps with man; Jesus wept. But His tears turn into a groan, which was … the weight of death … felt in sympathy and now presented to God; and in this groan of love for those who were suffering … was the fully realized truth of death … expressed unto God.
Jesus carried the weight of this death before God in His spirit in the misery of a man, the yoke from which man could not deliver himself, and He is heard. The need brings His power into action. It was not His part now to explain patiently to Martha who He was. He feels and acts upon the need to which Mary had given expression, her heart being opened by the grace that was in Him.
Man may sympathize with the grieving; it is the expression of his powerlessness. Jesus enters into the affliction of mortal man, puts Himself under the burden of death that weighs upon man; but He takes its cause away. His presence brings in the power that is able to take it away.
Corruption itself is no hindrance to God. Christ came to bring the words of eternal life to dead men. Mary fed upon those words. Martha served; she busied her heart with many things. Martha believed; she loved Jesus, she received Him into her house and the Lord loved her. Mary listened to Him; this was what He came for. The good part, the words which she had received from Him should not be taken from her.
When the Lord arrives, Martha goes of her own accord to meet Him. She withdraws when Jesus speaks to her of the present power of life. We are ill at ease when, although believers, we feel unable to apprehend the meaning of the Lord's words. Martha felt that this was rather Mary's part than hers. Martha goes away and calls her sister, saying, that the Master (He who taught … observe the name that she gives Him) was come, and called for her. Mary instantly arises and comes to Him. She understood no more than Martha. Her heart pours out its need at the feet of Jesus, where she had heard His words and learned of His love and grace.
Jesus asks the way to the grave … Lazarus is then raised.
Caiaphas, the chief of the Jews, as high priest, proposes the death of Jesus, because He had restored Lazarus to life. And from that day they conspire against Him.
What a blessed family was this at Bethany, in which the heart of Jesus had found that His love was accepted and given back in return.
John Darby … (Edited for clarity.)
Friday, June 27, 2008
The Death of Infants
1st Corinthians 15:22 … "For as in Adam all die …"
It may be noticed, that the death of infants is prior to personal or actual sin. Some babies labor with death and struggle hard in His hands, until they resign the gift of life they had retained for so short a while.
It is said that the case of infants is not introduced in Scripture in connection with this subject; that they are not at all referred to in any part of the disputed passage above, nor included in the clause, found in …
Romans 5:14 … "death reigned, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression."
Why do infants die? Perhaps it will be said that though they have committed no actual sin, yet they have a fallen nature. Why are innocent infants visited with death? One answer only can be given, " … in Adam all die."
The wonder is that this doctrine should ever have been denied. On the human family at large, on man and woman, on infant child, are traced the dismal effects of the first sin.
I hope this may help those who have suffered the loss of one or more of your born or unborn children or grandchildren. I know from personal experience it is a hurt you will never completely get over in this lifetime.
That's only going to happen when Jesus wipes away every tear later.
Comments welcome.
It may be noticed, that the death of infants is prior to personal or actual sin. Some babies labor with death and struggle hard in His hands, until they resign the gift of life they had retained for so short a while.
It is said that the case of infants is not introduced in Scripture in connection with this subject; that they are not at all referred to in any part of the disputed passage above, nor included in the clause, found in …
Romans 5:14 … "death reigned, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression."
Why do infants die? Perhaps it will be said that though they have committed no actual sin, yet they have a fallen nature. Why are innocent infants visited with death? One answer only can be given, " … in Adam all die."
The wonder is that this doctrine should ever have been denied. On the human family at large, on man and woman, on infant child, are traced the dismal effects of the first sin.
I hope this may help those who have suffered the loss of one or more of your born or unborn children or grandchildren. I know from personal experience it is a hurt you will never completely get over in this lifetime.
That's only going to happen when Jesus wipes away every tear later.
Comments welcome.
When I Pray
When people ask me to pray about something, I usually ask them if they are sure they want me to pray for them, because everyone I pray for dies. They will usually laugh or say something like, "Oh no, you don't mean that." I just smile back; they don't realize I'm serious about it.
God said … "Call upon Me and I will answer." It's in the Book. But what He didn't say was His answer may not be exactly what we think it should be.
The prayer requests I have received, I believe were answered in the way God wanted them to come out. You may not believe (at this present time) that God answers all of them the way He wants, especially if you look through human emotions at the outcome of each one; for some look like failures while others are deemed to be successful. Example … if the one you might be praying for dies, that doesn't mean God's will in the matter wasn't accomplished.
That's why I am writing this paper … to state what I believe the Bible proclaims, perhaps with different words, in a different way … but the same truth; that being, God is still in control of our lives with His Providential Care. Knowing and believing that, we must accept that His ways are higher than our ways.
You may ask … "Show me some scripture." Okay, how about both … the Old and the New Testament.
Isaiah 55:8-9 … "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts."
1st Corinthians 2:16 … "For who has known or understood the mind and purposes of the Lord …"
We must come to understand that His purposes and thoughts, as He has shaped and drawn the image of things in His own mind; everything that is … "is" determined by the Lord; that nothing comes by chance, but everything is as it is … purposed by God; that everything comes to pass which He has resolved; therefore every solution to prayer, every answer … proceeds from Him, and is the product of His wisdom and Providence.
Each of His purposes shall be accomplished, no matter what is in the heart and mind of man concerning how we want prayer answered; it will be His will, done His way, in His time.
Getting back to "When I Pray" …
My mother taught me there is only one way to pray; and I quote … "I pray every time like I'm going to get it, and whether I do or not is up to God."
I believe that God is ultimately responsible … for everything. He made all things, and He has never lost possession or control over them. The Psalmist David states in Psalms 24:1 …"The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."
As far as prayer is concerned … we are supposed to ask God, using "the measure of faith" that has been dealt to each one of us, and then leave the answer up to Him; knowing that everything God does proceeds from a heart of love.
"I pray every time like I'm going to get it"… that’s the faith part. "And whether I do or not is up to God"… that's God's part, His "will" for us.
So … what happens if we don't get the answer we are looking for when we pray?
We should have enough confidence in God to believe that all His dealings are ordered from a heart of love. What if … He takes away our possessions, and/or visits us with pain (like He did with Job), will we lose all our confidence in Him? Do we submit to all the arrangements of the government of God without a complaint only during good times … or even when natural events are sent in their place?
We breathe the air which God has made, walk upon His earth, and eat the food He provides; but if and when He takes one or all away, do we feel that He has taken only what belongs to Him … of which we have no right or claim to anyway?
Here is the truth … "The answer to prayer … is often delayed."
The delay may not be from any unwillingness on the part of God to answer it, and not by any purpose not to answer it; and not even by the mere intention of trying our faith; but … "by the necessary arrangements to bring it about."
The answer may be of such a nature that it can not be answered at once.
How many arrangements may there be in progress designed to answer our prayers of which we know nothing about. How many agents may be employed to bring about the answer? What obstacles may be in a process of removal, or what changes must be made, and what influences exerted, while we pray, fast, and weep, in the face of many discouragements, and many trials of our faith.
The duty then, which is taught, is that of patience, perseverance, faith in God, and a belief that He is true to all His promises; therefore His very own "truthfulness" will bind Him to answer … though many times the answer to our prayers seem to be long delayed and slow to come.
Although Paul wasn't teaching about prayer in Romans 9:15-16, I think the basic meaning will still apply to our subject matter. He was speaking about the character and motive behind God's actions in dealing with people. This is Paul speaking about God … "For He saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy."
There may be some men who try to "will" something through prayer; others may try to receive their answer through "running" or working, earning it; when in truth, the answer comes only through the mercy of God. He is not owing to the will or works of men, to their desires, or to their actions.
These are not the motives, conditions, or causes of answers to prayer; it is only God showing mercy in a free sovereign manner; which He is not obligated to do because of anything man wills or works. God is at full liberty to give His grace and mercy, when, where, how and to whom he pleases; and even as Paul is teaching in this scripture … God has the right to give it to some, and deny it to others; and He can never be charged with an act of injustice, since He is not bound to give it to any.
So, what conclusion then can we come to? I say … that God can dispense His blessings in answer to prayer to whomever He wants and with what terms He pleases, for God is always just and right in all His dealing with His children.
I will state very plainly a second time so there is no misunderstanding … God can and will do whatever He wants, anytime He wants … and there is nothing anyone can do about it.
Whatever God does … is right. God … has never made a mistake, has never been late, can not and will not fail.
It has been stated by many men who came before us, that God … is the One who governs "all" creatures, actions and things, by His Holy Providence, according to His infallible will, wisdom, power, justice, goodness, truth and mercy.
God governs the world as He sees fit; but we cannot see the reasons of His conduct or know why He answers some prayers and not others. Are we going to accept the truth, which is …
1.) That God's ways and thoughts are higher than our ways.
2.) That "no man has a right to complain." It wouldn't do any good anyway.
I've had many opportunities in my lifetime to prove this last statement. When my daughter lost the baby she had carried for six months; even after singing praises to the Lord and reading the Word of God out loud so that the small life within her body would hear the Living Word, the Life giving words of Jesus; which apparently did no good … I complained … I even went so far as to tell God …
"You failed me."
It didn't do any good … the baby was still dead. But He understood that my words were from the pain and hurt, not really from my heart; and He forgave me.
When an eight year old boy we knew died from cancer after four years of prayer asking God to heal him; we asked "Why God?" But we didn't get an answer.
I don't ask why anymore; it doesn't do any good.
Ecclesiastes 9:1 … "For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God …"
I have found out as Solomon did when he said in Ecclesiastes 9:2 … "All things come alike to all …" therefore I can't judge from the occurrences which take place in life, both good and bad; who the objects of God's love or displeasure are.
Solomon draws his conclusion from what he had seen of the character of God; "that the righteous" (may I say especially the righteous) are in the hand of God, and are in His power.
It's called, God's Providence …"guardianship and control with His foresightful care." Try as you may, you will not understand it and you cannot comprehend it; nor do we need too … you just have to accept it. We have no other choice.
I've recently had two other experiences where I must assume God answered prayer in the way He wanted, which wasn't what we were praying for.
The first one concerns a beloved brother in the church who also died from cancer. The whole church was amazed at his faith in facing either God healing him or if not, his going to be with the Lord. As he said, "It's been appointed for me to die; it's in the Book. God either heals me or I will go to be with Him. Either way I win."
After hearing of this brother's faith and his total trust in God to always do what is right according to His plan, purpose and will; someone said maybe he died because his profession of faith wasn't right since he left God with two options rather than just believing strictly for healing.
Can't someone put their trust in God and commit it totally and completely to His care … no matter what the outcome is, without having others sit in judgment because the answer didn't fit their doctrine.
Are they telling me that they always get every prayer answered in the way they want, when they want it? If they do, shouldn't they share their secret with the rest of us regular …"just scarcely saved"… normal believers? When we pray, we just ask God for His help, using the measure of faith He gave us, and then we leave it up to Him as to how and when He answers.
This last experience I am going to share is still ongoing (currently happening), as I am writing. A Christian brother and his wife needed a car to use on vacation. Their car had broken down and wasn't running … so the Lord spoke to Peggy and me separately that we were to loan our van to them to use on their trip. Everything we have is the Lord's anyway, right? No problem, so we offer it to them.
They graciously accept our offer as from the Lord; the four of us pray together for their trip, pray for safety around the van as they travel; and for God's general blessing and so forth. Before they leave from their home the next day, they pray again and even anoint the van with oil, thanking God for the use of it and His keeping power over it. Then off they go.
On the forth day of their trip, around dusk after they leave Yellowstone National Park; at the same time as they see the deer … "bam" … our van punts this very same deer over the guard rail along this mountain highway in Montana.
Thank God they were not hurt; but our van suffered the same fate as the poor deer, both were dead, going nowhere. Our dear friends are now stranded, waiting for an auto body shop, a thousand miles from home, to repair over $6,000 damage to a van that God allowed them to borrow … a van that had been entrusted to God's care and safety … as well as themselves.
Why am I telling you this "as of yet" unfinished drama? Do you remember how I started this paper? Do you remember I said … "When I pray, everyone I pray for dies." Well it almost happened again, it was that close … but it didn't happen this time. Praise the Lord.
Do Peggy and I mind that our van was wrecked? Not really. We really mean what we said; it is God's not ours; therefore if He so chooses, He can use His van as a tool to provide food for the wolves and bears of Montana to feed on.
Everything we have, including our breath, is God's; and He can take some or all of it from us, if He so chooses. I really like that thought …"If He so chooses." If we really do "trust Him" in what He brings our way, His purpose and plan for our life; which means if the answer to prayer isn't exactly what we expected … then there is still no reason to quit and give up praying. Pray, trust God, go on.
I don't understand why, what happened, happened. Was it God? Was it Satan, "the one who lies in wait?" Or was it just life that God watched come our way? He could have stopped it; but He obviously didn't.
So once again, I must conclude that all these events; especially the ones that come to us after prayer; must fit in God's plan and purpose for our lives. That plan is known only to Him and He's not talking. Again, I fall back on the teaching of Solomon when he said in …
Ecclesiastes 8 :17 … "Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun; because though a man labor to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it."
It is my understanding from the whole counsel of God (the Word), that "the work of God" Solomon is speaking of, is all the stuff God uses, to bring about in our lives … His purpose and His designed plan and His will for us.
I stated earlier, "I don't ask why any more." I also don't "need to know why" any more. There is no one on this planet that believes more strongly about the "Sovereignty of God" then I do "now." I totally agree with Solomon … God is still in control. If He's not … when did he lose it?
The Psalm I put on paper earlier, is still true …"The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."
This covers everything; the earth (the physical planet); the fullness (everything it produces); the world (the social systems); and they (all men and creatures).
God has never relinquished His control over any of His creation; with the exception of …"the free will of man," but yet God, if He so chooses, can bend (but He never breaks) our will, to bring us to serve Him, and even then that choice is always left to us.
Concerning, "When I Pray"…
I'm still going to pray. But I'm not going to get all bent out of shape about God's answer anymore.
As I said … "I believe in the Sovereignty of God and His Providence" … His guardianship and control; total complete care that comes from a heart of love.
Even though it seems many times that prayer is just a waste of time …
Keep on praying; Keep on believing; Keep on loving God.
Babe Ruth "struck out" more times then he hit home runs. So might we … but there is always another time at bat, unless you quit the game. As you have heard, "It's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game."
Remember, we play by God's rules, not ours.
God said … "Call upon Me and I will answer." It's in the Book. But what He didn't say was His answer may not be exactly what we think it should be.
The prayer requests I have received, I believe were answered in the way God wanted them to come out. You may not believe (at this present time) that God answers all of them the way He wants, especially if you look through human emotions at the outcome of each one; for some look like failures while others are deemed to be successful. Example … if the one you might be praying for dies, that doesn't mean God's will in the matter wasn't accomplished.
That's why I am writing this paper … to state what I believe the Bible proclaims, perhaps with different words, in a different way … but the same truth; that being, God is still in control of our lives with His Providential Care. Knowing and believing that, we must accept that His ways are higher than our ways.
You may ask … "Show me some scripture." Okay, how about both … the Old and the New Testament.
Isaiah 55:8-9 … "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts."
1st Corinthians 2:16 … "For who has known or understood the mind and purposes of the Lord …"
We must come to understand that His purposes and thoughts, as He has shaped and drawn the image of things in His own mind; everything that is … "is" determined by the Lord; that nothing comes by chance, but everything is as it is … purposed by God; that everything comes to pass which He has resolved; therefore every solution to prayer, every answer … proceeds from Him, and is the product of His wisdom and Providence.
Each of His purposes shall be accomplished, no matter what is in the heart and mind of man concerning how we want prayer answered; it will be His will, done His way, in His time.
Getting back to "When I Pray" …
My mother taught me there is only one way to pray; and I quote … "I pray every time like I'm going to get it, and whether I do or not is up to God."
I believe that God is ultimately responsible … for everything. He made all things, and He has never lost possession or control over them. The Psalmist David states in Psalms 24:1 …"The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."
As far as prayer is concerned … we are supposed to ask God, using "the measure of faith" that has been dealt to each one of us, and then leave the answer up to Him; knowing that everything God does proceeds from a heart of love.
"I pray every time like I'm going to get it"… that’s the faith part. "And whether I do or not is up to God"… that's God's part, His "will" for us.
So … what happens if we don't get the answer we are looking for when we pray?
We should have enough confidence in God to believe that all His dealings are ordered from a heart of love. What if … He takes away our possessions, and/or visits us with pain (like He did with Job), will we lose all our confidence in Him? Do we submit to all the arrangements of the government of God without a complaint only during good times … or even when natural events are sent in their place?
We breathe the air which God has made, walk upon His earth, and eat the food He provides; but if and when He takes one or all away, do we feel that He has taken only what belongs to Him … of which we have no right or claim to anyway?
Here is the truth … "The answer to prayer … is often delayed."
The delay may not be from any unwillingness on the part of God to answer it, and not by any purpose not to answer it; and not even by the mere intention of trying our faith; but … "by the necessary arrangements to bring it about."
The answer may be of such a nature that it can not be answered at once.
How many arrangements may there be in progress designed to answer our prayers of which we know nothing about. How many agents may be employed to bring about the answer? What obstacles may be in a process of removal, or what changes must be made, and what influences exerted, while we pray, fast, and weep, in the face of many discouragements, and many trials of our faith.
The duty then, which is taught, is that of patience, perseverance, faith in God, and a belief that He is true to all His promises; therefore His very own "truthfulness" will bind Him to answer … though many times the answer to our prayers seem to be long delayed and slow to come.
Although Paul wasn't teaching about prayer in Romans 9:15-16, I think the basic meaning will still apply to our subject matter. He was speaking about the character and motive behind God's actions in dealing with people. This is Paul speaking about God … "For He saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy."
There may be some men who try to "will" something through prayer; others may try to receive their answer through "running" or working, earning it; when in truth, the answer comes only through the mercy of God. He is not owing to the will or works of men, to their desires, or to their actions.
These are not the motives, conditions, or causes of answers to prayer; it is only God showing mercy in a free sovereign manner; which He is not obligated to do because of anything man wills or works. God is at full liberty to give His grace and mercy, when, where, how and to whom he pleases; and even as Paul is teaching in this scripture … God has the right to give it to some, and deny it to others; and He can never be charged with an act of injustice, since He is not bound to give it to any.
So, what conclusion then can we come to? I say … that God can dispense His blessings in answer to prayer to whomever He wants and with what terms He pleases, for God is always just and right in all His dealing with His children.
I will state very plainly a second time so there is no misunderstanding … God can and will do whatever He wants, anytime He wants … and there is nothing anyone can do about it.
Whatever God does … is right. God … has never made a mistake, has never been late, can not and will not fail.
It has been stated by many men who came before us, that God … is the One who governs "all" creatures, actions and things, by His Holy Providence, according to His infallible will, wisdom, power, justice, goodness, truth and mercy.
God governs the world as He sees fit; but we cannot see the reasons of His conduct or know why He answers some prayers and not others. Are we going to accept the truth, which is …
1.) That God's ways and thoughts are higher than our ways.
2.) That "no man has a right to complain." It wouldn't do any good anyway.
I've had many opportunities in my lifetime to prove this last statement. When my daughter lost the baby she had carried for six months; even after singing praises to the Lord and reading the Word of God out loud so that the small life within her body would hear the Living Word, the Life giving words of Jesus; which apparently did no good … I complained … I even went so far as to tell God …
"You failed me."
It didn't do any good … the baby was still dead. But He understood that my words were from the pain and hurt, not really from my heart; and He forgave me.
When an eight year old boy we knew died from cancer after four years of prayer asking God to heal him; we asked "Why God?" But we didn't get an answer.
I don't ask why anymore; it doesn't do any good.
Ecclesiastes 9:1 … "For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God …"
I have found out as Solomon did when he said in Ecclesiastes 9:2 … "All things come alike to all …" therefore I can't judge from the occurrences which take place in life, both good and bad; who the objects of God's love or displeasure are.
Solomon draws his conclusion from what he had seen of the character of God; "that the righteous" (may I say especially the righteous) are in the hand of God, and are in His power.
It's called, God's Providence …"guardianship and control with His foresightful care." Try as you may, you will not understand it and you cannot comprehend it; nor do we need too … you just have to accept it. We have no other choice.
I've recently had two other experiences where I must assume God answered prayer in the way He wanted, which wasn't what we were praying for.
The first one concerns a beloved brother in the church who also died from cancer. The whole church was amazed at his faith in facing either God healing him or if not, his going to be with the Lord. As he said, "It's been appointed for me to die; it's in the Book. God either heals me or I will go to be with Him. Either way I win."
After hearing of this brother's faith and his total trust in God to always do what is right according to His plan, purpose and will; someone said maybe he died because his profession of faith wasn't right since he left God with two options rather than just believing strictly for healing.
Can't someone put their trust in God and commit it totally and completely to His care … no matter what the outcome is, without having others sit in judgment because the answer didn't fit their doctrine.
Are they telling me that they always get every prayer answered in the way they want, when they want it? If they do, shouldn't they share their secret with the rest of us regular …"just scarcely saved"… normal believers? When we pray, we just ask God for His help, using the measure of faith He gave us, and then we leave it up to Him as to how and when He answers.
This last experience I am going to share is still ongoing (currently happening), as I am writing. A Christian brother and his wife needed a car to use on vacation. Their car had broken down and wasn't running … so the Lord spoke to Peggy and me separately that we were to loan our van to them to use on their trip. Everything we have is the Lord's anyway, right? No problem, so we offer it to them.
They graciously accept our offer as from the Lord; the four of us pray together for their trip, pray for safety around the van as they travel; and for God's general blessing and so forth. Before they leave from their home the next day, they pray again and even anoint the van with oil, thanking God for the use of it and His keeping power over it. Then off they go.
On the forth day of their trip, around dusk after they leave Yellowstone National Park; at the same time as they see the deer … "bam" … our van punts this very same deer over the guard rail along this mountain highway in Montana.
Thank God they were not hurt; but our van suffered the same fate as the poor deer, both were dead, going nowhere. Our dear friends are now stranded, waiting for an auto body shop, a thousand miles from home, to repair over $6,000 damage to a van that God allowed them to borrow … a van that had been entrusted to God's care and safety … as well as themselves.
Why am I telling you this "as of yet" unfinished drama? Do you remember how I started this paper? Do you remember I said … "When I pray, everyone I pray for dies." Well it almost happened again, it was that close … but it didn't happen this time. Praise the Lord.
Do Peggy and I mind that our van was wrecked? Not really. We really mean what we said; it is God's not ours; therefore if He so chooses, He can use His van as a tool to provide food for the wolves and bears of Montana to feed on.
Everything we have, including our breath, is God's; and He can take some or all of it from us, if He so chooses. I really like that thought …"If He so chooses." If we really do "trust Him" in what He brings our way, His purpose and plan for our life; which means if the answer to prayer isn't exactly what we expected … then there is still no reason to quit and give up praying. Pray, trust God, go on.
I don't understand why, what happened, happened. Was it God? Was it Satan, "the one who lies in wait?" Or was it just life that God watched come our way? He could have stopped it; but He obviously didn't.
So once again, I must conclude that all these events; especially the ones that come to us after prayer; must fit in God's plan and purpose for our lives. That plan is known only to Him and He's not talking. Again, I fall back on the teaching of Solomon when he said in …
Ecclesiastes 8 :17 … "Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun; because though a man labor to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it."
It is my understanding from the whole counsel of God (the Word), that "the work of God" Solomon is speaking of, is all the stuff God uses, to bring about in our lives … His purpose and His designed plan and His will for us.
I stated earlier, "I don't ask why any more." I also don't "need to know why" any more. There is no one on this planet that believes more strongly about the "Sovereignty of God" then I do "now." I totally agree with Solomon … God is still in control. If He's not … when did he lose it?
The Psalm I put on paper earlier, is still true …"The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."
This covers everything; the earth (the physical planet); the fullness (everything it produces); the world (the social systems); and they (all men and creatures).
God has never relinquished His control over any of His creation; with the exception of …"the free will of man," but yet God, if He so chooses, can bend (but He never breaks) our will, to bring us to serve Him, and even then that choice is always left to us.
Concerning, "When I Pray"…
I'm still going to pray. But I'm not going to get all bent out of shape about God's answer anymore.
As I said … "I believe in the Sovereignty of God and His Providence" … His guardianship and control; total complete care that comes from a heart of love.
Even though it seems many times that prayer is just a waste of time …
Keep on praying; Keep on believing; Keep on loving God.
Babe Ruth "struck out" more times then he hit home runs. So might we … but there is always another time at bat, unless you quit the game. As you have heard, "It's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game."
Remember, we play by God's rules, not ours.
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