Faith of the Faithless

So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” - Daniel 6:16

     As I've studied the life of Daniel the Lord has convicted me, challenged me, and humbled me. Daniel was such an amazing servant of God! His faith in God and his faithfulness to God present an example for any Christian to follow. But what about King Darius? I don't usually think much about the king since I am so busy looking at Daniel's life. I'm not completely sure of Darius' spiritual status throughout this chapter. He doesn't seem to worship the Lord or claim to be a Christian. The end of chapter six finds him making a decree to follow Jehovah. The language used in the decree seems representative of a possible faith in God, but we still don't have any real proof. Regardless of his beliefs and spiritual condition, today's verse shows that he had faith in God's ability to rescue Daniel. This is the point I want to emphasize today. The faith of the faithless. Sounds backwards and confusing, I know, but there is a powerful lesson here. So often I become complacent and apathetic. I presume upon God's goodness and forget about His true nature. Unfortunately I think many unbelievers often have a better view of God than Christians. Even when the unsaved are mocking us, they often show what they expect our God to do. Do I expect Him to do the same things? I am reminded of those who mocked Jesus on the cross. They said that if He really was God that He would come down from the cross and save Himself. Were the disciples expecting Him to come down? They were focused on their errant ideas for the Messiah, and were busy weeping and thinking all hope was lost. Perhaps the mockers understood the Savior's true abilities more than His disciples at this moment. I know in my life I have students make simple comments like, "Couldn't God just do..." Fill in the blank with whatever miraculous action you choose. Most of my students aren't Christians, but they have learned enough to know that the God I teach them about is able to do what He wills. Unfortunately I think I forget this fact too often. I'm busy complaining or whining or deciding what God cannot do. It is humbling to think that even people who curse the name of God may often expect greater things from Him than I do. Sure, they may not have any real "faith" in the Lord, but they have realistic expectations of the Creator of the universe. Why do I limit God? Why do I put Him into a neat little box? Why do I refuse to expect amazing things from Him? Even King Darius knew that God was able to save Daniel from the lions. I wonder how many of Daniel's fellow captives truly believed that God was able to shut the lion's mouths. The faith of the faithless is a humbling thing, but it is also a powerful reminder. A reminder that I serve a God Who is so mighty that even the lost know of His strength!

Change the World

⁶ So these governors and satraps thronged before the king, and said thus to him: “King Darius, live forever! ⁷ All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. ⁸ Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter.” ⁹ Therefore King Darius signed the written decree.¹⁰ Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. - Daniel 6:6-10 

     I think there is a valuable lesson to be learned from Daniel in this passage. I love how he receives word of the decree and then just continues his daily routine. The laws and schemes of men do not deter Daniel from his praise and worship of the Lord. Daniel is not running away to hide. Daniel is not freaking out and crying to God for help. Daniel is simply trusting that God will honor His promises as long as Daniel honors his. I also believe that there is a much deeper lesson to learn from this situation. Look again at Daniel's response. He simply continues following God's plan for his life. He keeps his faithful testimony and focuses on worshiping God and doing what he knows is right. Daniel does not go before the king and stage a protest. He doesn't start a heated debate with those responsible for the decree. He doesn't go into the streets and plead his innocence. Daniel actually does nothing to specifically address the situation. I feel that many Christians today have their priorities wrong. We spend so much time and energy trying to make our mark in politics. We stage protests of abortion and gay marriage and a hundred other social issues with which don't agree. We try to change the world from the outside-in, which is impossible. Daniel realized that King Darius and these governors were pagans who did not follow the law of the Lord. He did not expect them to act like Christians. Daniel knew that these men did not honor God and most likely expected persecution from them. Daniel just stayed true to God's plan. We need to focus on God's plan for the world around us. What is this plan? The plan is for Christians to be faithful and have their heart right before God and then to spread His Gospel throughout the world. We need to focus on our testimony and make it more like Daniel's. We need to remain faithful in our daily walk. We need to share the Word of God with the lost and dying world around us. Only the Lord can change the heart and only the heart can change a man's actions. If we want political and social change we must have politicians and citizens who have God in their lives. I cannot teach unbelievers to follow God's plan any more than I can teach a dolphin to climb a tree; it is not in their nature. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. He is a new creation "In Christ." Only after the power of Christ has done its work can we truly change the world for the better. We need to follow Daniel's example and attack the real root of the problems around us.

Like Daniel

³ Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. ⁴ So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. ⁵ Then these men said, “We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.” - Daniel 6:3-5

     A lot has happened to Daniel in a relatively short time. He moved through the ranks of Nebuchadnezzar's officials and advisers because the Lord was with him. He interpreted dreams and gained favor in the sight of the king. He served Belshazzar long enough to interpret the demise of his rule. Daniel now finds himself under the reign of Darius, who has chosen to make Daniel a ruler in the land. Verse three tells us that Daniel was excelling in his new position as well. He had already distinguished himself from the other rulers and gained the respect of King Darius. This rapid rise to recognition and power created jealousy in those around Daniel. Today's passage finds the other governors and satraps trying to get Daniel in trouble. The amazing part is that they cannot figure out a way to do this. Verse four says that they can find no fault or error in Daniel's life. What a testimony! They are scrutinizing this man of God and cannot come up with a single charge against him. The Lord says that Daniel was faithful. He lived his daily life in such a way that these men had no reason to call him out. The greatest part of this passage is the statement that is made in verse five. After watching Daniel's every move, the other rulers give up and say that they will never find any fault with Daniel's life. The only way they will be able to trap him is through his loyalty to his God. Ashamedly, I cannot even imagine having a testimony this strong. To think that the people around me could only fault me for my faith in God. To think that my students could only define me by my faithfulness to the Lord. To think that the only complaint my neighbor could have would be that I serve God too much. Once again, I am humbled by Daniel's testimony and strength. We often only think of Daniel as the guy who got thrown in the lion's den. There is much, much more to the life of this man. David may have been a man after God's own heart, but I think Daniel is a man with the heart of God. One thing is certain, he is a man worth modeling my life after. His dedication to God is unrivaled.

No Compromise

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. - Daniel 1:8

     The past week has been busy and stressful. Obviously, by my lack of posting, I have been a little overwhelmed. When I do find some spare time, the last thing I want to do is write since that seems like work. In the middle of this craziness, I began reading about Daniel. The first seven verses of the book tell the tale of Babylon taking Judah captive. We learn that Nebuchadnezzar wants the best and brightest young men to be trained in his court. Daniel happens to be one of these young men. He is put into the king's training program and offered the highest level of education and the very same food that the king receives. Not a bad situation for someone who was just taken captive! However, Daniel faces a major problem. Surprisingly, the King of Babylon doesn't follow Jewish dietary laws and Daniel does not want to compromise his beliefs. He requests to have a different meal plan, and rejects the King's food. As I reflect on this well-known story, I'm ashamed. Here's a young man, a teenager, torn from his home and thrown into the service of a pagan nation. He has lost everything and everyone. Yet, when he is offered a meal that is against God's law, he stands up for what is right. My busy schedule and the minor stress I am under is nothing compared to becoming a slave. I cannot even begin to relate to Daniel's situation, yet I do not have his resolve. I have put aside my blog writing and studying because of a little bit heavier workload. I have compromised what I feel God wants me to do simply because I have a little less free time. Oh, to have a heart like Daniel. There is no situation in which compromise is the answer. God always expects us to obey, no matter the cost, no matter how we feel. As I begin looking at Daniel's life, I am already amazed at the heart of this young man. May we all find the strength to be a little more like Daniel.

Amazing Grace

² So Jeremiah the prophet said to all the people of Judah and to all those living in Jerusalem: ³ For twenty-three years—from the thirteenth year of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah until this very day—the word of the LORD has come to me and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened. ⁴ And though the LORD has sent all his servants the prophets to you again and again, you have not listened or paid any attention. ⁵ They said, “Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and your evil practices, and you can stay in the land the LORD gave to you and your fathers for ever and ever. ⁶ Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them; do not provoke me to anger with what your hands have made. Then I will not harm you.” ⁷ “But you did not listen to me,” declares the LORD, “and you have provoked me with what your hands have made, and you have brought harm to yourselves.” - Jeremiah 25:2-7

     God has been continuously reminding me of His mercy, grace, and patience lately. I don't want to keep stressing the same thoughts over and over, but God is stressing the same thoughts repeatedly in my life. I suppose if I need a continuous reminder, perhaps someone else does as well! Recently I've been encouraged by the Lord's patience and forgiveness with Jonah and the people of Ninevah. In Jeremiah his patience comes to an end with the nation of Judah, but not after a long span of mercy. Jeremiah himself says that he has been telling them to repent for twenty-three years. Twenty-three years! Jeremiah then says that other servants and prophets have warned them as well. Yet, Judah still refuses to turn back to God. Throughout this lengthy period of time Judah has not simply been ignoring God's voice. The people have been actively making and serving idols and false gods. Twenty-three years of blatant idol worship. An utter slap in the face the their true Lord and Creator. Constantly reminded of God's displeasure, Judah pushes forward in their defiance. How amazing is God's grace? Why would He allow such disrespect? I cannot fathom such patience. If I were God I wouldn't last a week! I would be so enraged by the utter lack of respect and concern I would probably strike them all dead. Thankfully I am not in control. God's intense love, His limitless grace, His tireless patience, leaves me speechless. What an amazing God we serve. A joyous thought and a welcome reminder.

Slow to Anger

² God is jealous, and the LORD avenges; the LORD avenges and is furious. The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserves wrath for His enemies; ³ The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked. - Nahum 1:2-3a

     At the end of the book of Jonah, we're kind of left hanging. We don't know what happens to Jonah and we don't really have an extended history of Ninevah after their repentance. However, in the book of Nahum, we find that Ninevah's devotion to God was short lived. The city has returned to their sinful, pagan ways. They have returned to their idols and to their oppression of Judah. Nahum speaks out God's judgement upon their city and it's inhabitants. In spite of the grand historical implications, the book of Nahum tells us more about God's nature and character than it does about the events about to take place. In verses two and three we learn some great truths about the Lord, and we find a couple of special promises. Verse two explains God's righteous anger. We learn that He is jealous and furious with His enemies. Why is He jealous? He is jealous because we sinfully give worship, honor, and devotion to things that He created and controls. He is the Creator and Master of all, and He is the only Being ever worthy of praise. We also learn that God becomes very angry with the unrighteous and stores up wrath for them. He is holy and just and cannot overlook sin. These are scary thoughts, until we learn the promises. The first is the most comforting. God is slow to anger. If not for this character trait, perhaps none of us would still be here. Each day we fail to meet God's holy standard. We don't do what we should do and we do what we should not. If God was quick to anger, how long would we last? Just as we saw with Jonah, God is merciful, patient, and forgiving. This is an unfathomable truth. To think that God would allow us to walk this earth full of sin and wickedness. We often forget that this promise works two ways. As a Christian, this promise is an amazing concept that fills my heart with joy. The problem arises when we realize that God is slow to anger with all who are wicked. This means the vilest criminal, our worst enemy, those we feel don't deserve mercy. We often cry out to God for punishment and vengeance. We often question God's judgement and ask how He could allow these people to keep polluting and hurting the world around them. We fail to step back and see that the very thing we are complaining about is what spares us from God's wrath ourselves. Our hope and resolve comes through the second promise in verse three. God may show mercy upon the wicked, but He will never acquit them of their wrongdoing. God is patient, but He is not blind. He sees the wicked and stores up His wrath until He is ready. Nothing other than the blood of Jesus can spare the evil from their fate. Praise God that He is slow to anger, and that He is not storing up wrath for me because I am His child, not His enemy.

Follow Him

²⁶ If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.²⁷ “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. ²⁸ Father, glorify Your name.” 

- John 12:26-28

     These three verses jumped out and smacked me during church today. There is no earth-shattering thought today. There is no new revelation, discovered for the first time. Today there is just a short simple reminder. A reminder so strong and humbling it doesn't need me to expound deeply upon it. Jesus puts all things into perspective and says that if I truly want to serve Him, I must simply follow Him. I must strive to mirror His example and act more like Him each day. I must do the things that He did if I want to honor God the Father. If I am tempted to complain or make excuses, Jesus covers that in the next verse. He gives me His own example. He is troubled about what He must face on the cross in the near future. Is His answer to ask God to save Him from His very purpose? It is for the Father's glory that Christ must die. Shall He rob the Father of His glory and honor? If Jesus is willing to obey God the Father even to the point of death and separation, what excuse could I possibly muster? None. There is no room for excuses or complaints here. If I want to serve my Lord, I must follow Him. I know it's trite, overused, and shamelessly marketed, but I must live my life each day by the code of "What Would Jesus Do?" Anything less is not my best. Come, let's go follow Him.

To All Nations

⁵ So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them. ⁶ Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes. ⁷ And he caused it to be proclaimed and published throughout Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; do not let them eat, or drink water. ⁸ But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God; yes, let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. ⁹ Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish? ¹⁰ Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it.

- Jonah 3:5-10

     Jonah is a very short book that is packed with lessons, challenges, and pictures of the Christian walk. In chapter three, Jonah finally obeys and delivers God's message to the people of Ninevah. They immediately repent, fast, and fall on their faces before the Lord. I believe this is one example of the unifying message of the book of Jonah. This portion of the Old Testament is one of the only places we see God sending His Word out into the Gentile world. Part of Jonah's attitude problem is his view of these "pagans" and his Jewish pride. Israel was God's chosen people, not the Assyrians. Why should idolatrous, wicked heathens receive the same promise and mercy as the law-adhering people of God? The ironic part is that the only person in the book of Jonah who is not acting like one of God's chosen is Jonah. In chapter one, as the ship is tossed around in the storm, the sailors are the ones who fear God and cry out for help. The sailors only throw Jonah overboard when they are convinced that it is God's will. Once Jonah is gone they offer sacrifice to God. Jonah didn't fear God's power or wrath. Jonah didn't cry out for help in the storm. Jonah rejected God's will. Now, as Jonah pouts and dutifully proclaims God's message, Ninevah repents but Jonah doesn't. He is still angry and bitter and without mercy. This entire book is a contrast between Israel and the secular nations. The Jews had become arrogant, selfish and spoiled. Many were convinced that they were the only people who could have a relationship with God. Salvation was an exclusive benefit to those who claimed the family of Abraham. God is teaching Jonah, Israel, and us a valuable lesson. There are few areas in the Bible where God's mercy and grace to all are so evident. God was trying to open Jonah's eyes and soften his heart. God was trying to open Israel's eyes and soften their hearts as well. God is still using the story of Jonah to do the same today. Do I truly have compassion on the lost? If so, why don't I witness to them more often? In light of recent events, if I had come face to face with Osama bin Laden would I have shared the Gospel with him? Do I wish evil upon those who have wronged me? Do I feel that my enemies are deserving of hell? Do I believe that anyone is deserving of hell? Jonah believed that the Assyrians were deserving of hell and punishment. His heart became so hardened that it seems almost nothing could change him. Do I believe that I am better than the unsaved? Do those with no knowledge of God live more like his child than I do? It is humbling to see the unsaved live lives with stronger Christian testimonies than many Christians. I'm just another sinner saved by grace. Israel has no monopoly on salvation and neither do I. From the history we have, Jonah was never able to look upon Ninevah with compassion. For all we know, he died with this same hatred in his heart for his Assyrian neighbors. It is my prayer that I will never become proud in my redemption and hardened to the lost around me.  

 The LORD has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations. He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. - Psalm 98:2-4

Jonah's Prayer

 ¹ Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the fish’s belly. ² And he said:“ I cried out to the LORD because of my affliction,  And He answered me. “Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and You heard my voice. ³ For You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the floods surrounded me; all Your billows and Your waves passed over me. ⁴ Then I said, ‘I have been cast out of Your sight; yet I will look again toward Your holy temple.’ ⁵ The waters surrounded me, even to my soul; the deep closed around me; weeds were wrapped around my head. ⁶ I went down to the moorings of the mountains; the earth with its bars closed behind me forever; yet You have brought up my life from the pit, O LORD, my God.⁷ “When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the LORD; and my prayer went up to You, into Your holy temple.⁸ “Those who regard worthless idols forsake their own mercy. ⁹ But I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.” ¹⁰ So the LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. - Jonah 2

     Today’s post is an in-depth look into Jonah’s prayer in chapter 2, and a response to the ideas in my last post’s comments. I fully agree with the interpretation that is presented, and marvel that so many Christians and churches seem to miss these points. Usually the story of Jonah goes something like this: Jonah runs from God, Jonah gets swallowed by a whale, Jonah repents and goes to Ninevah. Traditionally, the focus seems to be on Jonah’s punishment in the belly of the fish/whale. I agree that the fish was Jonah’s salvation and the miracle provided by God, not the punishment. Jonah was expecting to meet his demise when he was thrown overboard. Look at verses three through seven. If these verses are not describing how it feels to drown I don’t know what they are describing! Jonah is sinking slowly and drowning in the dark depths of the ocean. He is struggling for air and ready to faint. In these moments he cries out to God and the Lord delivers him by sending a great fish. In the fish’s belly he is praising God for his salvation from drowning. In the grand scheme of things these slight differences don’t really matter, but I feel that we gain so much more insight into Jonah’s situation if we truly read and comprehend.

     The one area where my opinion differs with that of my father’s comment is the main topic of today’s thought. I do not believe that Jonah ever repented for his actions, even when faced with death and the insides of a fish. Search chapter two for any acknowledgement from Jonah that he has sinned. He realizes that he has been cast out of God’s sight. He looks to the Lord to save him from his current calamity, but he does not seek forgiveness. He remembers the Lord and claims that he will sacrifice and offer thanksgiving for being saved from death. His ultimate response is that he will complete what he has vowed. My understanding of this vow is Jonah vowing to go to Ninevah as God has commanded. This is not repentance, just obedience. If we see any mention of Jonah’s prior attitude it is a stab at the people of Ninevah as Jonah reprimands idol worshipers in verse eight. I don’t want to ruin the suspense, but as we read chapters three and four we find that Jonah’s attitude really has not changed. He does obey, but he does so half-heartedly and begrudgingly.

     The reason I point out Jonah’s lack of repentance is not to belittle Jonah or focus on his failures. I believe that when we understand this point we are able to see the absolutely amazing mercy bestowed upon us by the Lord. Jonah has forsaken God’s command. God has chastised Jonah and brought him to the brink of death in an attempt to open his eyes. Jonah is crying out for mercy while sinking both in the dark depths of the sea and the dark depths of his sinful heart. He is crying for the Lord’s help while still forsaking the Lord’s will for his life. His attitude stinks and he knows it, yet he presumes upon God’s grace. In spite of everything Jonah is doing wrong, God still hears his cry and offers him salvation. Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Jonah got one thing right when he concluded his prayer in verse nine: “Salvation is of the LORD.” Salvation is not from anything we have done or ever will do. Salvation is offered to us even though we don’t deserve it; even though we have a poor attitude. God is a God of second chances, mercy, and forgiveness. The beginning of chapter three starts off like this: ¹ Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the second time, saying, ² “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you.” No reprimand, no reminder, just the same simple command offered to Jonah once before. God does not hold grudges. He forgives and forgets. What a thought, to realize that God would still show patience with Jonah. How humbling to think that God will use Jonah in spite of Jonah. God hasn’t changed. He still offers salvation to all, no matter their past. He still shows patience and mercy to this disobedient and rebellious sinner. He still uses me in spite of all my faults and selfish antics. God’s mercy is truly incomprehensible.

I'm Thankful for Sailors and Fish

¹¹ Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you that the sea may be calm for us?”—for the sea was growing more tempestuous. ¹² And he said to them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will become calm for you. For I know that this great tempest is because of me.” ¹³ Nevertheless the men rowed hard to return to land, but they could not, for the sea continued to grow more tempestuous against them. ¹⁴ Therefore they cried out to the LORD and said, “We pray, O LORD, please do not let us perish for this man’s life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O LORD, have done as it pleased You.” ¹⁵ So they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. ¹⁶ Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice to the LORD and took vows. ¹⁷ Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. - Jonah 1:11-17

     I'm still studying the horrible beginning to Jonah's tale. Not the most impressive way to begin a book that bears your name. Today I am challenged by the Word, but also humbled as I am reminded of God's great mercy. Once again, as I look at Jonah I am confused and a little shocked. His attitude is still so strange, hypocritical and apathetic. He confesses in verse twelve that he is the cause of the storm and that he must be thrown overboard. As one of my students asked this morning, "Why didn't Jonah just jump off the ship?" A truly great question. Jonah obviously knows what must be done in this situation, yet he personally refuses to do it. He wants to leave his fate in the hands of someone else. Even as these poor men row for their lives and the storm grows stronger, Jonah is content to sit on the ship and wait. Why not jump overboard and save them all this trouble? I get angry with Jonah for his selfishness and cowardice, but then I realize how often I act just like him. I know what God wants me to do. I know God's plan to fix the mess I'm in and I refuse to act upon it. The sad part is that my situation has never been as intense as Jonah's. I fault him for not jumping overboard to what surely seemed like suicide to him. I call him out for putting these sailors through so much hassle when the alternative appeared to be his own demise. The choice has never been that difficult for me, yet I still refuse to act. I become selfish, hypocritical, and apathetic. I refuse to respond to God's call and then I refuse to get my heart right afterwards. I sit on my ship and watch those around me struggle. I, like Jonah, become consumed with "me."

     My similarities to Jonah are challenging and convicting, however I also have great joy when reading this passage. In spite of Jonah's horrible attitude, God still has a merciful plan. The sailors finally agree to throw Jonah overboard and God has a fish waiting to swallow Jonah. God should have just let Jonah drown, but instead, He offered mercy. Many times I have been selfish like Jonah and gone my own way. God has always been faithful and merciful. He always has someone willing to throw me overboard and wake me back up. He always has a trial waiting, like a giant fish, to humble me and turn my focus back on Him. Initially, I often complain and whine and fail to see this as a blessing. I'm sure Jonah also failed to see the benefit of being thrown overboard and swallowed. But I would venture to guess that after a day or two inside that smelly fish, his eyes began to open and his heart began to change. I'm thankful for the sailors and the fish that God puts into my life during times of great spiritual need. I may not like God's plan for me, but it is always perfect and it is always just what I need.

Fish Food

⁸ Then they said to him, “Please tell us! For whose cause is this trouble upon us? What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? And of what people are you?”
⁹ So he said to them, “I am a Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” ¹⁰ Then the men were exceedingly afraid, and said to him, “Why have you done this?” For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them. - Jonah 1:8-10

     This week I will be studying through the life of Jonah. Quite a lot to glean from a story most people only know because of a giant fish. The struggles and human nature that is witnessed in Jonah is so similar to my own life and struggle. The passage today finds Jonah on board a ship to Tarshish in the middle of a horrendous storm. The others on the boat are terrified and begin looking to Jonah for answers. As I read these verses today I noticed something that I had never paid attention to before. As they question Jonah they ask about where he is from, his nationality, and his job. They knew nothing about this man. Jonah simply bought a ticket and got on a boat that was going away from where God wanted him to go. I can't say that I would be sharing personal information with strangers on a boat either, but this is not what jumped out at me. In verse ten, we learn that the other men on the boat know that Jonah is fleeing from God's presence. How do they know this? Because Jonah told them! That's right, he didn't tell them anything about who he was, but he felt the need to share the fact that he was running from God. I have trouble figuring out Jonah's attitude and intentions in chapter one. I think I have to go with the idea of apathy. He just doesn't seem to care. He immediately runs from God's command. He seems to feel no guilt as he sleeps through a major storm at sea. He apparently felt comfortable sharing his decision to run. Jonah just doesn't seem to care! The challenge for me comes from verse nine. Jonah claims to fear the Lord, the Creator of the world. What a hypocrite. If he truly feared God he wouldn't be running from God and basically bragging about doing so to a bunch of sailors. I have to search my heart and ask how much my life reflects what I share with others. Do I talk about fearing or loving the Lord while I am very obviously out of His will for my life? Do I contradict myself from day to day in what I say and do? Am I fooling myself, like Jonah? I must check my own heart and follow what I know to be God's will. If I don't I may just find myself in the middle of a storm preparing to be fish food. Lastly, I must never become so apathetic and calloused that I share the fact that I am out of God's will. That is a very scary place to be. I think it would truly take nothing less than three days in a fish to change an attitude like Jonah's. May I always learn my lesson before God has to take extreme measures to teach me!

Leading the Charge

⁶ Then he arose and went into the house. And he poured the oil on his head, and said to him, “Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘I have anointed you king over the people of the LORD, over Israel. ⁷ You shall strike down the house of Ahab your master, that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel.

¹⁸ So the horseman went to meet him, and said, “Thus says the king: ‘Is it peace?’”
And Jehu said, “What have you to do with peace? Turn around and follow me.”
So the watchman reported, saying, “The messenger went to them, but is not coming back.”
¹⁹ Then he sent out a second horseman who came to them, and said, “Thus says the king: ‘Is it peace?’” And Jehu answered, “What have you to do with peace? Turn around and follow me.”
²⁰ So the watchman reported, saying, “He went up to them and is not coming back; and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously!” 

³² And he looked up at the window, and said, “Who is on my side? Who?” So two or three eunuchs looked out at him. ³³ Then he said, “Throw her down.” So they threw her down...

- 2 Kings 9:6-7, 18-21, 32-33a

     Today's passage may be a little confusing at first. These verses give details about the beginning of King Jehu's reign in Israel. In verses six and seven we see the Lord has anointed Jehu as king and has given him the task of cleaning out the abomination that is Ahab and Jezebel's rule. For years, Israel has suffered under their idol worship, disdain for God, and persecution of believers. Finally God says, "Enough!" and sends Jehu to do the dirty work. The first thing I want to point out is Jehu's obedience. Ahab was a successful warrior and feared by most. Along with Jezebel, he ran things the way he wanted and severely punished all who disagreed. Jehu does not seemed phased by this at all. He rides furiously toward Jezreel on a death mission. He has a command from God and he is set on completing what has been asked of him.

     The next two sets of verses give us valuable insight into the nation's attitude. Twice Joram sends a messenger to Jehu as he approaches, and twice that messenger joins the ranks of Jehu's men. They were tired of those who were in charge and ready for change. After taking care of Joram and Ahaziah, Jehu enters Jezreel in search of his next target, Jezebel. She calls to him out of a window and Jehu responds by telling her attendants to throw her down. Without any hesitation they toss her out of the window and into the street below. Apparently, they too were tired of the way things were going. It seems that the people of Israel knew that Ahab and Jezebel were evil and desired a change. However, no one was doing anything to make a change. The people of Israel needed a leader who would stand up and fight. All they needed was someone to say, "Follow me." Maybe I am that leader. Maybe I am the one who needs to be charging forward and doing something about the evil that surrounds me. Maybe I am the one who needs to be riding furiously out into the world, encouraging others to join with me. Without Jehu and his dedication, things would have stayed the same. I can picture the people of Israel drudging through their day, complaining about the powers that be and wishing things were different. It's time to stop complaining and wishing, and take a stand for the Lord. It's time to be a Jehu and lead an attack against Satan and his forces. We might be surprised by how many people join the charge, but you can't join a charge that doesn't exist. The time for change is now.

God did it

¹⁴ So he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. ¹⁵ And he returned to the man of God, he and all his aides, and came and stood before him; and he said, “Indeed, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel; now therefore, please take a gift from your servant.” ¹⁶ But he said, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive nothing.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused. - 2 Kings 5:14-16

     The last lesson from the story of Naaman is a challenging one. Once again, I don't want to talk about Naaman, but rather about someone else in the story. There seems to be a common thread as I read about events in Elisha's life. When the widow's oil miraculously multiplied, Elisha was not present. When Naaman was cleansed of his leprosy, Elisha was not present. Elisha told the widow to work behind closed doors and sent his servant to instruct Naaman. Now, in today's passage, Elisha refuses all gifts of gratitude from Naaman. Over and over, Elisha keeps himself out of the spotlight and lets the focus be wholly on God. He is obedient and does his job efficiently and effectively, yet without seeking praise. I believe Elisha is a powerful example for me to follow in my own life. I believe he is the stark contrast to Naaman's attitude in this story. A challenge to be used by God for His glory and not my own. Elisha is doing things I can only dream about doing. I'm scared to think how proud I would become if I could perform miracles! My struggle lies in that last statement. My problem is that I would focus on my ability to perform miracles which in reality is nonexistent. Elisha couldn't perform miracles, God could. Elisha did not multiply oil or heal leprosy, God did. Elisha was humble enough and wise enough to realize this. I am afraid I would not be so humble and wise. Even now, in the little things, I must follow Elisha's example and give all the glory to the Lord. My talents and abilities are from God. The blessings in my life are not from anything I have done, but from God. The ability to take my next breath is a gift from above. When I keep this in perspective, the Creator of the universe is able to perform miracles through me. When I lose focus, I will quickly be reminded of just how powerless I really am. May Elisha always be a humble hero I strive to emulate.

"Wash, and be clean."

 ⁹ Then Naaman went with his horses and chariot, and he stood at the door of Elisha’s house. ¹⁰ And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.” ¹¹ But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, “Indeed, I said to myself, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.’ ¹² Are not the Abanah and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. ¹³ And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” - 2 Kings 5:9-13

     "Wash, and be clean." Such simple instructions for Naaman to follow. A great leader, struck with leprosy and desperate for a way to be healed. Naaman has trusted the word of a young slave and traveled through Israel to find Elisha. Now that he has completed his quest, Elisha sends his servant to tell Naaman to wash in the Jordan river. Such an easy remedy, yet Naaman is furious. He was expecting a face to face meeting with Elisha, followed by an exciting, miraculous event. Being greeted by a servant and told to wash in a dirty river was a slap in the face to such an important man. What a mockery! Could he not just wash in one of his own rivers which are much cleaner? Naaman obviously struggled with his pride and a need to be impressed. Sadly, I must admit that I often mirror Naaman's faults. When I serve God I want to see marvelous miracles. I want to spend a day sharing the Gospel and then see them all show up at church and receive salvation the next day. I want to feel important. I want to feel a sense of accomplishment. And what about my way? My plan? Aren't my "rivers" cleaner and better? Isn't my way just as good as what God says? None of this works in the life of a Christian. We are commanded to faithfully serve God even without any earthly reward. We have a great commission to share Jesus with the world whether they respond or not. I am required to serve, even if my service goes unnoticed. Serving God is not about seeing amazing miracles every day. Serving God is not about my feelings of importance and pride. Serving God is about bringing glory to my Creator and Savior. And just like Naaman, the problem is often because the plan seems so simple. Religions around the world will deny pleasantries and put themselves through torture to attain heaven, yet the refuse to accept the free gift of salvation. Surely God's plan can't be so simple! I will ignore the simple truth in my life and choose the hard way, my way. It can't be as simple as "Wash, and be clean." God is looking for simple, child-like faith. He wants our faithful service even when we see no results. He has promised a reward in heaven and He has already given the reward of a sanctified life. What greater reward is there? Naaman overcame his pride and obeyed. Am I man enough to do the same?

A Servant Girl

 ¹ Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the LORD had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper. ² And the Syrians had gone out on raids, and had brought back captive a young girl from the land of Israel. She waited on Naaman’s wife. ³ Then she said to her mistress, “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.” ⁴ And Naaman went in and told his master, saying, “Thus and thus said the girl who is from the land of Israel.”⁵ Then the king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” - 2 Kings 5:1-5

     This week I have been studying the story of Naaman. There are some truly great lessons to learn from his life. His story begins with the revelation that he is an honorable and valiant man, and a successful commander. However, it is also revealed that he is a leper. Perhaps you haven't heard, but being a leper in this day and age was a serious dilemma. I'll get back to the leper part tomorrow, but today I don't even want to talk about Naaman. Verse two tells us that the Syrians had gone on raids and collected captives from Israel. The young slave girl mentioned here is often overlooked. Take a moment to think about what it must have been like to have the Syrians ride into your town, come into your home, rip you away from your family, and then force you to be a slave. Personally, I think I would be pretty upset and I'm sure I would be harboring bitterness and hatred toward the Syrians. Yet, when Naaman's leprosy problem arises, this young girl shows concern and compassion. She wishes that he could meet the prophet of God and be healed from his disease. Would you want the man who forced you into slavery to be healed from a terrible illness? I'm not sure that I would. Not only did this girl show a love well beyond her years, but she was apparently well-respected by Naaman and his wife. Naaman is an important and powerful man. He is perhaps second only to the king, a king with whom he is close friends. He could receive the best care in the country. He could seek the advice of anyone. He could afford any treatment. However, when a young slave girl speaks, Naaman's wife listens and shares the information with her husband. When his wife speaks, Naaman listens and believes the slave girl. He immediately goes to the king and asks for some time off to go find this prophet. The great Naaman is listening and trusting a young slave girl from a foreign nation! Not only is he trusting her, but he is willing to tell the king his plans. Can you imagine asking the king of Syria for some time off because some kid told you of a way to be healed? I believe this girl had an amazing testimony. I believe that the unsaved around her respected her. I believe that her willingness to see Naaman healed did not go unrecognized. I have to ask myself, am I as faithful as this young servant girl? Do I show love and compassion to those who have hurt me and wronged me? Do I have a strong enough testimony that people will heed my advice and seek the Lord? No matter how insignificant my life may seem, I always have the ability to be used by God in a mighty way. Am I willing?

Community

 ¹ A certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, saying, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And the creditor is coming to take my two sons to be his slaves.” ² So Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” And she said, “Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.” ³ Then he said, “Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors—empty vessels; do not gather just a few. ⁴ And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels, and set aside the full ones.” ⁵ So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured it out. ⁶ Now it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another vessel.” So the oil ceased. ⁷ Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest.” - 2 Kings 4:1-7

     For anyone following this blog closely, I apologize for the delay in blogging. There have been technical problems with the site the past two days and I have not been able to create a post. Things seem back to normal today!

     God put this passage in my life right when He knew I needed it. For me, it solidifies a passion and burden that the Lord has had on my heart recently. In this story, the Lord performs a great miracle through Elisha. This poor widow has reached the bottom of the barrel (figuratively and literally!) and cannot bear the thought of giving up her children to slavery. She has no solution or source of income. When asked what she has in her house she has only a jar with some oil in it. Can you imagine? She is not being dramatic or looking for free handouts, she truly has nothing left. The following events are truly miraculous as the oil continues to flow and flow until they run out of places to put it. I am not interested in the oil or in the obvious picture of God's provision this story offers. I'm interested in the details.This was not a public miracle. Elisha did not stand in the street and call down oil from heaven. He did not tell the woman to go share what the Lord had done in her life. He actually tells her to work with the oil behind closed doors. This miracle was simply a way to help someone in great need. I am not discounting the wonder of the miracle, I am just focusing on the purpose of it. This is not a public miracle of Jesus that brings people to faith. This was a private event used to change the lives of three people and show them that there is a God Who cares. What's my point? My point is that we need to show our community that there is a God Who cares about them as well. I have been personally convicted by the Spirit to be more active in my community in a non-spiritual way. Sure, we go soul-winning and we invite co-workers to church and invite kids to vacation Bible school. We knock on doors and share the Gospel and do all kinds of outreach ministries. There is nothing wrong with these ministries and I support them fully, but what about the everyday needs of those around us? Are we taking care of the widows and orphans in our neighborhood? Are we volunteering with local organizations that help the needy? Do we raise money for catastrophes like the tsunami in Japan? The world does a pretty good job in a lot of these areas. Where is the Church? Where are the people of God? I'm embarrassed sometimes when I look at what unsaved, "pagan" people are doing to serve their fellow man and realize I am far behind. How can we expect our community to be open to the Gospel if the only time they see us is when we knock on their door and stick a tract in their face? Where were we when they were struggling? Where were we when they lost their job or went to the hospital or couldn't pay the rent? If we want our neighbors to respect us we must be active and visible in our community. If we want those around us to see Christ we must become servants like Christ. It's time we stopped hiding in our churches and became an active beacon of God's love.

Jehoshaphat's Initiative

 ¹ Then Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place, and strengthened himself against Israel. ² And he placed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim which Asa his father had taken. ³ Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the former ways of his father David; he did not seek the Baals, ⁴ but sought the God of his father, and walked in His commandments and not according to the acts of Israel. ⁵ Therefore the LORD established the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah gave presents to Jehoshaphat, and he had riches and honor in abundance. ⁶ And his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD; moreover he removed the high places and wooden images from Judah.⁷ Also in the third year of his reign he sent his leaders, Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. ⁸ And with them he sent Levites: Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah—the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests. ⁹ So they taught in Judah, and had the Book of the Law of the LORD with them; they went throughout all the cities of Judah and taught the people.  - 2 Chronicles 17:1-9

     Jehoshaphat is an amazing king and a great example of godly leadership. It seems he is often overlooked when studying the Bible. I don't remember too many lessons on Jehoshaphat through the years. He took control in Judah when he was only thirty-five, and he led the nation in the ways of the Lord like Asa and David before him. We see that he took delight in the ways of the Lord, he did not worship Baal and he continued to clean up the idols and the altars throughout Judah. It also interestingly states that he did not follow in the ways of Israel. His fellow Jews were in a spiritually dark time under the reign of the infamous Ahab and Jezebel tag-team. Jehoshaphat chose to lead the people in what he knew to be the Truth. Today's thought, and one of the first signs of good leadership, is Jehoshaphat's desire to instruct and educate his people. He sent trusted leaders along with Levites and priests to take the Scripture to the citizens and teach them. He wanted his followers to be versed in the truth and taught about their God and their heritage. I believe that this is absolutely necessary for successful leadership and I also feel that it is an area I personally need to improve. God has placed a desire in my heart to educate the youth around me. Plans are in the works to start a new youth group associated with our school so that we may teach young Christians and strengthen them in the Lord. I feel like the Church of God is often leaving new converts to the wolves. We witness and visit homes and bring people into the fold, but then once they receive Christ they are often left to pick truths out of confusing sermons. We often fail to instruct them as the spiritually uneducated. When I finished kindergarten I didn't move to high school. How can we expect new believers to grow when they can't process the food? The same is true with many of our teenagers. Not only are they young spiritually, they are young physically. Their minds and hearts are not the same as the middle-aged and older generations. They need instruction that is suited for them. How can we expect our followers to be educated if we don't educate them? How can we expect new converts to spread the Gospel if they don't fully understand it yet? It's time we took Jehoshaphat's initiative and started educating our people in the ways of the Lord. I feel there is probably little else that Satan loves more than an uneducated follower of Christ.

Holy Fire

³⁷ Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that You are the LORD God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.” ³⁸ Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. ³⁹ Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!” - 1 Kings 18:37-39

     Elijah's Mount Carmel showdown has now reached the climax. After the prophets of Baal have screamed and yelled and cut themselves all day with no results, Elijah calmly prays to the Lord. The point I want to emphasize today is another very simple truth. In verse thirty-seven, Elijah prays for the Lord to hear his prayer and show Himself mighty to the people of Israel. The next phrase is humbling, a little bit shocking, and amazing, all at the same time. Elijah also asks God to answer his prayer so that the people may know that the Lord has turned their hearts back to Him. It is through the grace and power of the Lord that we worship and serve. It is not from any special effort on our part. We are constantly drawn away by our fleshly desires. God often needs to send some fire from heaven to wake us up. We fail to see Him and follow Him in the daily monotony. We want signs and wonders before we follow Him. Israel was sidetracked and blinded by idols. God had to work a miracle in their lives. It was not from Israel's desire to turn back to God. It was not from the effort or prophesying of Elijah. The thing that turned Israel back to God, was God himself. It is mind-boggling to think that God not only pursued me and saved me while I was reveling in sin, but He also continues to pursue me and turn me back to Him. May I keep my heart more in tune with God and His will so that He does not have to send the Holy fire to get me back on track.