Today’s reading is 2 Corinthians 4:1-5:21.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 really struck me. Sometimes I like to go into pity party mode about how awful I have it. Maybe people aren’t being nice to me. Maybe someone has hurt me. Maybe I’m sick (like this past weekend). These verses remind me that I don’t have it so bad. Further, they remind that when I really do have it bad, God is still with me.

Paul said, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecute, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.”

Paul is specifically speaking about the suffering he endured because he was a minister of the gospel. As he looked at his hardships, he didn’t complain that God allowed the hardships, he took comfort that God did not allow the hardships to become overwhelming. Yes, they were afflicted, but God did not allow them to be crushed. Sure, God let them be persecuted, but He never forsook them.

Sin entered the world through Adam, because of that suffering also entered the world. But God has been gracious to me. Sure, I was sick this past weekend, but it didn’t kill me. Of course, if it had, I would then be saying, “Sure, God let me die, but He preserved my soul from eternal torment.” God has not promised us a rose garden. He promised to stick with us wherever we went, as long as we kept walking with Him.

***Question: What do you do to make sure you’re walking with God today?

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

Today’s reading is Revelation 5:1-6:17.

In Revelation 6:9-11, the souls of martyred saints are seen beneath the altar of God. They want to know when God is going to take vengeance. They, no doubt, remember that God said, “Vengeance is mine.” They wonder when it will happen. God’s answer was, “Wait.” 

I struggle with that answer. Usually, if I pray and something doesn’t happen immediately, I think He just said, “No!” I need to learn patience. I need to learn that God’s timetable is not my timetable.

However, there is a deeper part of this “Wait.” God not only told them to wait, but during that period of waiting, some pretty dreadful things were going to happen. In fact, God was waiting until the dreadful things happened. He wasn’t going to take vengeance until more Christians died at the hands of their persecutors. 

This, of course, leads us into the questions about suffering and God. We have a tendency to think that if a loving God existed no one would suffer, especially not His followers. However, what we learn is life is not about our pleasure. Rather, God in His time is going to do what is best for us and what glorifies Him the most. Sadly, we have bought into the the temporal, materialistic, worldly mentality that what is best for us is a long life. That is only true if there is no resurrection. Once we accept the resurrection, we recognize there are better things than a long life. A resurrection that provides eternal joy and contentment tops that list. But that list may also include a death that glorifies God. 

I’m not saying we should go about seeking martyrdom in some sort of masochistic spirituality. I’m simply saying if that happens, it is not as bad as the world thinks it is. As Paul said in Philippians 1:19-26, death means to go be with Christ. What could be better than that when the time comes?

I have to learn, sometimes God says, “Wait.” Sometimes that means waiting through some very difficult trials. However, God will always do what is best. I need to trust Him.

Keep the faith and pass the word along,

ELC

P.S. What did you get out of today’s reading?

Today’s reading is Ephesians 3:1-4:32.

I think it is ironic that I’m reading this today. On Saturday, I am scheduled to preach at the First Street congregation in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. Their series is about unity and comes from Ephesians 4:4-6. My topic is “The One Body.” If you are in the Middle Tennessee area, drop down to Lawrenceburg on Saturday at 6 PM and let’s get to know one another.

However, because of my prep for that lesson, the issues of unity really stood out to me while reading today. While Paul speaks of some broad aspects of the universal church, he applies those principles to the practical unity of the local church. Instead of looking at all the religious division “out there,” we should each look at how we are living within the local congregation. In Ephesians 4, Paul provides the keys to maintaining unity within the local congregation. If we will all follow these keys, then the local congregation will be internally united in Christ.

Key #1: The unity must be based in Christ and His word–Ephesians 4:15.

No matter what else we do, if the unity is not based on growing up into Christ, who is our head, then our unity is pointless. We may all be united, but if we are all united in going the wrong direction, it won’t help us. Colossians 3:16, part of a parallel passage, points out that we must let Christ’s word richly dwell within us. That is the basis and foundation for positive unity. Therefore, individually, we must make sure the Word of Christ is our standard. This way, as Ephesians 4:14 says, we will not be tossed about by every wind of doctrine.

Key #2: We must each work and provide what we can–Ephesians 4:16.

Sadly, for many, unity merely means getting along. For Paul, unity meant working together, growing together, progressing together. Unity does us no good if we are not going somewhere with it. This only happens when we are working, when each member is providing what he or she can. We can’t all do the same things. We don’t all have the same skill levels. However, we can all do something. To have positive, progressing unity, we must all be using our strengths to further the growth of the congregation.

Key #3: We must walk with humility–Ephesians 4:2.

I love one of the definitions Strong’s gives this term for humility. “A deep sense of one’s (moral) littleness.” Sadly, too many Christians are like the Pharisee in the Luke 18 story of the Pharisee and the tax collector. With that mindset, we are just pushing division. We push others away with our arrogance and pride. Many Christians don’t even realize how puffed up they are. They simply think they are being spiritual while others aren’t quite making it. We need to recognize our own moral littleness. As Paul, who called himself “the very least of all the saints” (Ephesians 3:8), we should view ourselves this way. In that way, we won’t separate ourselves from our brothers and sisters thinking we are better.

Key #4: We must walk in gentleness–Ephesians 4:2.

This meekness or gentleness is not weakness. It is not submitting to others because we have no ability to do otherwise. Rather, this is strength under control. This term was used of a tamed horse, who clearly had the power to throw off its rider and then trample him into the ground. However, the horse did not. The horse submitted to the direction of the rider. In the same way, instead of throwing off our brethren and trampling them in the ground, we submit to their needs. We humble ourselves before them and gently submit. As Philippians 2:3-4 advises, we must view others and their desires as more important. This is especially important when we need to correct others. We should do so with gentleness (Galatians 6:1) lest we too be tempted and fall. We do not correct them to put them in their place, to show our superiority, or to vent our wrath. We do so to help them because they are more important than we are. I know–this is tough for us.

Key #5: Walk with patience–Ephesians 4:2.

The term for patience here specifically means having great restraint when it comes to responding to being wronged. Wow! That’s tough. But, if we want to have congregational unity, we have to learn to deal properly with the wrongs others do. No, this doesn’t mean sweeping them under the rug. However, it does mean not blowing up and taking vengeance. If someone wrongs us, we go back to the last principle and approach them with gentleness. Our goal should not be to see them grovel. Our goal should be to help them grow. This is easier if we have the humility mentioned above, remembering the times we have wronged others and wished they were patient with us.

Key #6: Walk with forbearance–Ephesians 4:2.

We must learn to bear with one another. As I Corinthians 13:7, when we love others, we will bear and endure anything. This means to hold up, to strengthen and stand firm. As Galatians 6:2 says, we should bear one another’s burdens. We hold each other up. Sadly, too often we keep asking the question, “When should I leave the congregation?” Perhaps this is the wrong question. Paul seems to suggest our question should really be, “How can I stay and help lift up those who are struggling?” Who knows how much unity we might maintain if we worked from this standpoint thus leaving division only for the extreme cases when others simply won’t submit to God.

Key #7: Walk in love–Ephesians 4:2.

This encompasses all the other keys and then stretches them. This is the “agape” love we’ve heard about in so many sermons. We know what it means. It means unconditional love. In other words, we don’t walk in any of these things as long as someone else does. We strive to walk in them regardless. No matter how we have been treated, no matter what has been done to us or what can be done for us, no matter how others are walking, we walk in these principles.

Key #8: Walk in peace–Ephesians 4:3.

We must be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Peace must bind us together. While we can certainly talk about the Christians as peacemakers (cf. Matthew 5:9), in the context of Ephesians, this is not simply talking about peace in general with others. This is specifically talking about the relationship between the Jews and Gentiles in Ephesus (Ephesians 2:11-22). Jesus Christ is the peace between Jews and Gentiles. Through Jesus, each group had peace with God and therefore should have peace with one another. They should work together and love one another. They should follow all these principles with each other. The Jew/Gentile division is not as big a plague for us today. But what about the other divisions we have, namely race. It is a sad tragedy that churches often continue to be divided along racial barriers, black churches and white churches. We should be ashamed. I am ashamed. Rick Warrens purpose driven marketing to a set group within our culture aside, each congregation should be for all. We should not market to one group but learn how to meld the cultures together. Paul would have thought the idea of having two congregations in town, one marketing to Jews and one to Gentiles was anathema. How can we take up that banner cry as if it is going to be beneficial for the congregation. Oh, I have no doubt we might get more numbers. But we won’t have the unity God wants us to have. Walking in peace means learning how to work together with people from a different culture and background.

No doubt, divisions will come (I Corinthians 11:18-19). Clearly there will be people who will leave us because they are not of us (I John 2:19). No doubt, there will be times when we must discipline the impenitent, removing the leaven from among the congregation (I Corinthians 5:1-13). However, these ought to be the exceptions, not the rule. Further, we should live by the principle of Romans 12:18. As much as it depends on us, be at peace with all. Let us make sure we are living by these principles. When the divisions come, let them be in spite of us and not because. Let them be laid at the feet of others.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

P.S. What did you get out of today’s reading?

Once again, with this past weekend on my mind, the prayer point stands out to me.

In vs 2, we see Jesus as He rides forth conquering and to conquer. This is not the antichrist but the true Christ, for the true Christ is the one who rides forth on the white horse conquering (cf. Revelation 19:11ff). It is an apocalyptic picture of our Savior’s death and then victory over death. The next three seals are a bit odd. We expect to see this White Horse rider leading the battle charge and immediately conquering all others. However, it doesn’t work that way. This Rider leads a spiritual army and establishes a spiritual kingdom, not a physical one. In fact, in the physical realm, it looks like the White Rider’s enemies are winning.

The Red Rider goes forth and causes war. People are being slain…the White Rider’s people.

The Black Rider goes forth with famine. But not necessarily a complete famine. The price for wheat and barley are exorbitant. However, it is not as if they don’t have things like oil and wine. The point is the White Rider’s people are not being allowed to purchase the good stuff. They are being oppressed.

The Pale Rider goes forth bringing death. The White Rider’s people are being killed by sword, famine, pestilence and wild beasts. They are facing natural tragedy as well as persecution, but all of it is part of the overall spiritual battle the enemy wages against the people of the White Rider. 

Then the fifth seal is broken and we actually get our proof that all this bad stuff is happening not merely in general but in specific to Jesus’ people, the White Rider’s people. The martyrs, the ones who have died at the hands of the Red, Black and Pale Riders cry out for justice. We hear their prayer.

O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?

The question is essentially, “God, we know you are the winner. How long until you act like it? We know our leader, the White Rider, is conquering. How long until we actually see it?”

God’s response is phenomenal:

Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.

Here is the point about prayer we all need to see. How often do we think God has said, “No,” when what He has actually said is, “Wait.” In the moment, it may have appeared to the martyrs that God was denying their request. Rather, He was pointing out that He had a plan they could not fathom. He would grant their request when it best fit in with His plan.

I need to remember that. Sometimes God is not denying my request. He is telling me to wait, relying on Him and trusting His wisdom to know when the affirmative fits best in His plan for me, for all and for His own glory.

Of course, I know many will disagree with me. But I believe there is a representation of elapsed time between vs. 11 and vs. 12. I think we often miss that this is not a regular story book. It is an apocalyptic vision, giving flashes not detailed story. We actually get to see God granting the request of the martyrs. In vss. 12-16, as the sixth seal is opened, we witness God’s judgment on those who have oppressed and martyred the servants of the White Rider. It is the great day of the wrath of the Lamb and those who have been oppressing the people of the Lamb are now running for their lives and can’t get away. 

God told the martyrs to wait. They did wait and God’s judgment finally came. This chapter presents the number one message of the entire book of Revelation. It is the message we will repeat over and over again as we blog through this book over the next two weeks.

Sometimes it looks like Jesus is losing. However, in the end, He always wins. We need to stay on His side, trusting Him even when He tells us to wait.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

Mark 8:23-25 intrigues me. So, I did a little research. It says:

And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” And he looked up and said, “I see men, but they look like trees walking.” Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored and he saw everything clearly (ESV).

This two stage miracle is such a contrast to the rest of the book. Throughout Mark, I can’t help but notice how often the word “immediately” is used (”straightway” if you read the King James Version). 

In fact, my research indicates Mark uses words which can be translated “immediately” 43 times. That means almost 6.5% of the verses in the book say something happened immediately. Additionally, these words are only used 57 times in the rest of the New Testament. That means almost half of the times we find these terms used are in just this one book. Mark is a fast gospel. Everything is happening immediately. Everything is happening right away. You get a sense of urgency and speed as you read.

Then you get to Mark 8:23-25 and for a brief moment, everything comes to a screeching halt. Jesus did not heal the man immediately. He healed him in stages. It didn’t happen right away or right now, it happened over a period of time. What is up with that?

I can’t help but notice this story is told right after Jesus rebuked His disciples for slow understanding. They had seen the feeding of the five thousand and the feeding of the four thousand. However, when Jesus told them to beware the leaven of the Pharisees and Herodians, they just didn’t get it. You can hear the frustration or resignation in Jesus’ voice as Mark relates Him saying, “Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear?” (Mark 8:17-18, ESV).

Then we get the story of the two stage healing. Jesus is giving an object lesson about the walk of discipleship. There is a lot of urgency and immediacy in Jesus’ work. However, He is patient. He knows making disciples out of mere men takes time. After a whole bunch of time, we still only see the plan of God the way this man saw people. He could see a faint outline, but no details. However, as we keep on walking with Jesus and keep allowing Him to clear our vision, we actually begin to see those details and get the real picture and not just some general and vague idea that leaves us still wondering about what is really going on. It will take time, but we can grow as disciples. We will struggle along the way, but we will get there.

Three Applications

1. I need to be thankful that Jesus is patient with me and my baby steps as a disciple.

2. I need to be patient with myself and keep working when I know I don’t always get it immediately.

3. I need to be patient with others when they are only making baby steps in their discipleship.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC