Who are the “cloud of witnesses” of Hebrews 12:1 and what are they doing?

Hebrews 12:1-2

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.  And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.  We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.  Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.  Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.  NLT[i]

Hebrews 12:1-2 is a call for us to run with endurance the race God has set before us.  The Christian is to keep his or her eyes on Jesus.  This is where we get our endurance.  This thought is a continuation of the thought expressed at the end of chapter 10 where it says, “Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will.  Then you will receive all that he has promised.”  (Hebrews 10:36, NLT)  “But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction.  We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.”  (Hebrews 10:39, NLT)

Between chapter 10 and chapter 12, Hebrews 11 gives us example after example of those who lived and conquered by faith, those who had run the race with endurance.  Hebrews 11:4 speaks of Abel whose offering gave evidence and who being dead still speaks to us by his example of faith.  Hebrews 11:5 speaks of Enoch who was known as a person who pleased God.

Hebrews 11:2 says, “Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.” Then after recounting the stories of many who pleased God by their faith, Hebrews 11:39-40 says:

All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised.  For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us. 

Chapter 12 begins with the word “Therefore” and it refers back to all of these examples.  These people bear witness to the necessity of endurance and the benefit of finishing well.  Therefore, an obvious and clear meaning of witnesses is that of ones who give  testimony.  However, this does not give an explanation of  the analogy of the text comparing the life of faith to a race.

A race has observers.  Hebrews 11:40 says that those who are our examples would not reach perfection without us.  Compare this to the statement of Hebrews 12:23 that says:

You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven.  You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things.  You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect.

The author has drawn in the testimony of those who have lived the life of faith, and also referenced the fact that they are our observers.  Jesus said, “Your father Abraham rejoiced as he looked forward to my coming. He saw it and was glad.”  (John 8:56, NLT)   Apparently, those who have gone before are aware of what is happening on earth.  Examples of this awareness are:  1) the story of the rich man and Lazarus, 2) the story of Job and the sons of God mentioned in Job 1 and 3) The souls of the martyred dead of Revelation 6:9 who appear to have an interest in what is happening on earth.

Those who have gone before are not only observers but they also rejoice in the work that God is doing in us and through us.  The praise for God and the Lamb in Revelation is great as events leading to the completion of the Age unfold.

Paul wrote to the Philippians that they were his joy and crown (Philippians 4:1), and to the Galatians that he was suffering labor pains a second time for them (Galatians 4:19).  If these churches were the fruit of his labor, we are as well.  He has a vested interest in what is happening to us.  I would dare to say that your grandmother has an interest in what happens to you.

The Bible does not tell us all that those who have gone before are doing, but they are interested in what God is doing on earth.  They are interested in the fruits of the labor that they have done, and they are apparently aware of what is going on.

---

[i] Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation.  Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Steam, Illinois 60188.  All rights reserved.

What is meant by “filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions?

Colossians 1:24

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church… ESV[i]

The Lord Jesus left us with a commission.  He said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)

This is our job until He returns.  He left us His Holy Spirit to empower us for the work.  (Acts 1:8)  We are His ambassadors.  2 Corinthians 5:20 says, “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.  We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”  This is remarkable!  God is making His appeal through us.  The fact that God makes His appeal through us is part of the mystery of godliness that 1 Timothy 3:16 speaks of.  1 Timothy 3:15 describes the church as “the pillar and foundation of the truth.” 

The word translated “foundation” in this verse could be translated “base.”  The ESV translates it “buttress.” The actual meaning is the ground or base established to support the foundation.  The Church is established by Christ to support the truth, to proclaim the truth and to preserve the truth until He returns.  Another analogy used to describe the Church is the body.  We are His Body, His hands and feet on Earth. 

His work on the Cross is sufficient to the salvation of all, and it is complete and perfect.  What remains to be filled or is “lacking” in His work or suffering is the personal presentation of that work to each individual.  When we do our job of making disciples, we “fill up” what remains to be done in regard to the work of Christ.  There is nothing lacking or insufficient in the work that Jesus did.  However, He has given us a part, a part to “fill up.” 

Because of the tremendous honor and privilege God has given to us to participate with Him in this way, Paul says, “I am glad when I suffer for you in my body.” (Colossians 1:24, NLT)[ii] 

Peter also says:

So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too.  For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin.  You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God.  (1 Peter 4:1-2, NLT)

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.  Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.  (1 Peter 4:12-13, NLT)

This “partnership with Christ” is what is meant by “filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.”

---

[i] Scripture quotations marked ESV are from The ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version) copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.

[ii] Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation.  Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Steam, Illinois 60188.  All rights reserved.

What does the Bible say about burying vs. cremation?

 Ecclesiastes 12:7 says, “The dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”  ESV[i]

The Scriptures do not address directly how the body of a deceased individual is to be treated.  The Scriptures do report history, and historically, the Jewish people practiced burial and the Egyptians practiced embalming.  These practices are reflected in both the historical accounts and the culture as it appears in Scripture.

When God created man, He formed him from the dust of the ground.  Therefore, when man sinned and God pronounced judgment on him, God said, “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”  (Genesis 3:19, ESV)

We know that the body returns to dust and the spirit returns to God who gave it.  Hebrews 9:27 adds to this the idea of judgment when it says, “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment . . .” ESV

As for the treatment of the dead, the Law was clear that Jews were not to mutilate themselves in mourning.  (Deuteronomy 14:1)  And, the Nazarite was not to break a vow to the Lord even for the sake of the dead.  (Numbers 6:7, Not even for his father or for his mother, for brother or sister, if they die, shall he make himself unclean, because his separation to God is on his head.  ESV)  These passages are indications of the principle that ceremonies for and the treatment of the dead need to honor God above the deceased.  While respect for and honor of the deceased is appropriate, they are people like us and it is inappropriate to pray to or seek their advice or to assume they are somehow deified for having passed on.

The Bible does tell us the dead will be raised.  1 Corinthians 15:42-44 says:

So is it with the resurrection of the dead.  What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable.  It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory.  It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.  It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.  If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.  ESV

We all look forward to this resurrection, and a resurrection body.  It is not dependent on the disposition of the earthly body.  The earthly body has presumably returned to the dust from where God took it. 

The treatment of the body after death varies with culture, and is not regulated by Scripture.  The spirit returns to God who gave it and faces judgment for the things done while in the body.  The believer in Jesus Christ looks forward to a resurrection body that will live forever.  Our concern should be to honor God in our ceremonies and respect the deceased.

---

[i]Scripture quotations marked ESV are from The ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version) copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved. 

Is it ever okay for a Christian to lie?

We are all familiar with the ninth commandment, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.” (Exodus 20:16, KJV)

This is a clear prohibition against fabrication, exaggeration or changing the truth in our speech.  It is in the company of commands such as “Thou shalt not kill,” “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” and “Thou shalt not steal.”  (Exodus 20:13-15, KJV) 

These commandments all point to the way in which we relate to our neighbor, our fellow human being.

The Bible is clear.  God hates dishonesty.  Proverbs 12:22 is one of those places where God speaks quite plainly, “The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.”[i] 

There is a principle of honesty, purity and truth that runs through Scripture and should rule our lives as children of God.  God, who never lies (Titus 1:2), has called us to be like Him (Ephesians 5:1).

Having established the principle that it is never appropriate to lie, it is not always necessary to tell everything one knows.

For example, when God instructed Samuel to anoint David as the next king of Israel, God provided the cover to satisfy Saul’s interest.  (1 Samuel 16)  If Samuel had announced, “I am going to anoint a new king,” Saul would have killed him.  Therefore, God instructed Samuel to take a heifer and go to Bethlehem to make a sacrifice.  Samuel was to invite Jesse and his family to the sacrifice.  Then, at the meal, Samuel was to anoint one of Jesse’s sons.  The plan was simple.  Without lying, when asked, Samuel could say he was going to Bethlehem to offer a sacrifice.  In this case, Saul was an enemy and a threat and it was necessary that he not know all the details.

It is not necessary to tell everything we know or to answer every question.  Does the person need to or have the right to know?

There are times, especially during times of persecution, that it is necessary to hide the truth from the persecutor in order to protect lives.  Even then, if we follow the Biblical example, it is better to tell the truth than a fabrication. 

Jesus said:

Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.  Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.  (Luke 12:2-3, ESV)[ii]

Jesus said this in answer to the hypocrisy of the Pharisees.  Too often, we cover or do not disclose the truth in order to look good to our peers or to avoid embarrassment. God is a God of truth and the truth will always come out.

---

[i] Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation.  Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Steam, Illinois 60188.  All rights reserved.

[ii] Scripture quotations marked ESV are from The ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version) copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.

For Such a Time as This

God is our provider.  He is our sustainer and guide through life, and yet I have never heard His audible voice.  I have never seen Him.  However, I see His hand in all that He has made.  I hear His voice but only in the silence of my own heart.

God seems silent and distant during some seasons of life.  Yet, in retrospect, some of the silent seasons were the times when He was most present. 

At times, we question if God is present at all. 

Where was God when . . .?

Perhaps you, like me, have been angry with God at times.

The story of Esther is a good place to look to gain understanding.

The book of Esther does not talk about God.  Like in our lives, God is invisible, but  He is invincible.  His sovereign control is clear throughout the story of Esther and in  our lives.  His hand is visible in all that happens.  As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we can take courage in God’s sovereign control in all that happens.

Esther 1:1 tells us, “These events happened in the days of King Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia.”[i] 

The Hebrew name for Xerxes was “Ahasuerus.”[ii]  Xerxes reigned from 486 to 465 B.C.[iii]  Babylon fell in 539 B.C.  Therefore, this was just over 50 years after the Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple as is told about in the book of Ezra.  Not all the Jews returned to Judah, and, not unlike today, they lived widely scattered throughout the empire.

Before we get into the actual events of the story, let me say that there is a plot to destroy the people of God, the Chosen People.  When plots like this surface, we question, “Where is God?”  When we feel the effects of such plots, we get angry with God.

I am going to preface our look at this story by pointing out that there is a war going on.

Pharaoh tried to destroy the people of God, and chased them into the Red Sea.  Attacks like this have continued throughout history even to modern times.  For example, Hitler’s attempt to eradicate the Jews was just another battle in the war.

The target is the Lord and His anointed one.  1 John 4:3 says, “. . . every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God.  This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.”  (ESV)[iv]  This spirit of the antichrist has been working in the world since the Garden of Eden, and has continually been fighting against God, His people and His plan.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-7 says:

Let no one deceive you in any way.  For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.  Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?  And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time.  For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work.  Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way.  (ESV)

There is a day coming when the man of lawlessness will be revealed.  We know this one as the Antichrist.  However, notice it says, “the mystery of lawlessness is already at work!”  Esther is an example of the mystery of lawlessness at work in the world.  It is also an example of the restraining influence of the prayers of God’s people.  The One restraining the mystery of lawlessness is the Holy Spirit, who is present in the people of God.

In 486 B.C., when Xerxes was ruler over 127 provinces, the mystery of lawlessness was at work, but so was God.

The story of Esther starts out with the king throwing a huge, 6-month long party.  This party culminated in a 7-day feast, which was characterized by unlimited alcohol.  Nothing unusual here . . . everybody loves a good celebration.  The king decides to show off his very beautiful wife.  However, apparently his very beautiful wife decided she did not want to be shown off.

He fired her.

Time passes and the king decides he needs a new wife.

At this time in the story, we meet Esther.  She is, of course, the heroine of our story.  The celebration, the party and the firing explain how she became queen.  God is not mentioned in all of this, but we know His hand was in it.

Along with Esther, we are introduced to Mordecai.  Mordecai, an older cousin of Esther, adopted her as a young girl when her mother and father died.

During the process of selection for the queen, on a certain night, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, and he became aware of a plot to assassinate the king.  He relayed the details of the assassination plot to Esther, who, in turn, relayed these details to the king, giving credit to Mordecai for having discovered the plot.  An immediate investigation culminated in the execution of the conspirators, notes being made in the official records and then it was forgotten as everyone moved on with business.

In his time around the palace, Mordecai made an enemy.  Haman was the prime minister, second only to the king.  Mordecai refused to kneel before Haman or pay him honor.  Haman was unable to force Mordecai to kneel, so he hatched a plot to kill Mordecai and all the Jews along with him.

A decree went out in the king’s name that all the Jews in the kingdom were to be killed on a certain day.

At times like this, God seems absent.

Mordecai informed Esther of the plot, and persuaded her to ask the king for her life and the life of her people.  In persuading her, he says something profound.  He says, “Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”  (Esther 4:14) 

We are convinced that although God seems absent, He is very much present.

Esther called on all the Jews in Susa to fast and pray for three days before she went in to make her appeal to the king.

This is key. 

We, as Christians, are called to pray.  1 Timothy 2:1-4 says:

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people.  Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.  Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.  This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.

This is our part in holding back the mystery of lawlessness.  When God no longer wants us to do this, He will remove us.  It is called the rapture.  We will be “caught up,” raptured, to be with Christ.

Plots to destroy the people of God abound.  Hate speech, public displays of a religious nature and the Bible are just some of the issues by which the enemy attacks the people of God.

However, we have no reason to fear.  Nevertheless, we must pray.  We are commanded to pray.

Consider what happens when God’s people pray.

Haman is our example.  He hatched the plot to destroy God’s people.  He embodied the spirit of antichrist in his day, and it appeared he was having his way.

However, he hated Mordecai.  Killing the Jews was not enough.  He wanted personal satisfaction.  So, he decided to do something about it.

Executions in the Persian Empire were carried out by impaling a person on a pole, standing the pole up in public and leaving the body there for all to see.  Haman set up a pole 75 feet tall.  Then, first thing next morning, Haman went in to ask the king for permission to impale Mordecai on the pole.

Wouldn’t you know, that night the king could not sleep. 

So, he had the official records brought out and read to him, and he discovered he had never honored Mordecai for saving his life.  The king decided to rectify this oversight immediately, and who just happened to be in the court early in the morning, but Haman. The king charged Haman with leading the parade honoring Mordecai throughout the city of Susa.  And that night, it was Haman who was impaled on the pole he had set up to be used on Mordecai.

This is not clever story telling or just a fine example of irony.  This is how God works.

Remember Joseph?  His brothers sold him as a slave in Egypt, and at the end of his life he told them:

But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me.  Am I God, that I can punish you?  You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.  He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.  (Genesis 50:19-20)

Haman intended to destroy Mordecai and his people.  His plot backfired and ended up strengthening them.  The book of Esther ends with Mordecai as prime minister, second only to the king, working for the good and prosperity of the Jews.

In our personal lives, we are often confronted with what seems like plots to destroy us.  These plots seem like a 75-foot pole to us.

What might yours be?

Some horrible pain?

Some threat of illness or surgery?

A relationship broken beyond repair?

An insurmountable loss and overwhelming grief?

Uncertainty about your career or job?

Let me encourage you with the Words of Romans 8:28:

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

I want to close with words from Chuck Swindoll’s book titled, Esther.

Be still . . . deliberately pause and discover that God is God.  Stop reaching back into your own treasure of security.  Stop trying to pull the strings yourself.  Stop manipulating people and situations.  Stop making excuses for your irresponsiblities.  Stop ignoring reality.  Stop rationalizing your way through life.  Stop all that!  How?  You ask.

Initially:  Be quiet.  The immortal, invisible, all-wise God, hid from your eyes, is at work.  Be very still and, for a change, listen.

Ultimately: Be convinced.  Say to the Lord God, “I am convinced that you are at work amid the gallows of my life.  I can see them in the dawn of the morning sunrise, but I know You’re at work!  I cannot change the events, but I know you are there in the midst of them.  Rescue me.  I come to You through Christ.  I come to You alone.  I am quiet, and, finally, I am convinced.[v]

---

[i] Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation.  Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Steam, Illinois 60188.  All rights reserved.

[ii] NLT Bible marginal note for verse 1.

[iii] Ibid.

[iv] Scripture quotations marked ESV are from The ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version) copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.

[v] Swindoll, Charles R.  A Woman of Strength and Dignity Esther.  Word Publishing, Nashville, TN.  Copyright 1997. pg., 18.

According to Plan

Ezra 1[i]

The children of Israel were captive in Babylon for 70 years.

When God gave the law through Moses, he warned that if the people did not remain faithful to God, they would be removed from the land and subjected to their enemies.  Throughout their history, God continually warned through His prophets that judgment was coming as the people drifted farther and farther away from God.

Leviticus 26 is one place where God lays out some of the punishments the Israelites would suffer for their hostility toward Him. 

Leviticus 26:33-35 says:

I will scatter you among the nations and bring out my sword against you.  Your land will become desolate, and your cities will lie in ruins.  Then at last the land will enjoy its neglected Sabbath years as it lies desolate while you are in exile in the land of your enemies.  Then the land will finally rest and enjoy the Sabbaths it missed.  As long as the land lies in ruins, it will enjoy the rest you never allowed it to take every seventh year while you lived in it.

These verses explain why the Babylonian captivity lasted 70 years. 

According to the Law of Moses, every seventh year was to be a Sabbath year in which no crops were to be cultivated.  The land was to rest.  For 490 years, the Israelites had not observed the Sabbath year.  Consequently, the land had missed 70 Sabbath years.

Along with the prescribed Sabbath years, God foretold other difficulties.  Leviticus 26:36 says, “And for those of you who survive, I will demoralize you in the land of your enemies.”

This proved true among the captive Israelites.  Conditions varied among the captives.  However, they were allowed to settle into the communities in which they had been relocated.  Jeremiah encouraged them to buy land, plant gardens and settle in for the long-haul (Jeremiah 29:4-11).  Nevertheless, being captives away from home with no temple and no independence was disheartening.  Psalm 137 reflects the discouragement and pain in their hearts.

While God pleaded with His people not to take the path to captivity and chastisement, He also promised that His plans were for their good.  He told them that He disciplined them for their good as a father would discipline a son that he loved.  (Deuteronomy 8:5)  God promised their captivity would have an end and that He would return them to their home.  In Jeremiah 29:10-11 it says:

This is what the LORD says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years.  But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again.  For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD.  “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

This is where Ezra 1:1 picks up the story.  The 70 years of captivity are complete, and the Lord is bringing His people home.  Ezra 1:1 says, “In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, the LORD fulfilled the prophecy he had given through Jeremiah.”

God had spoken through Jeremiah at the beginning of the captivity that the captivity would be 70 years.  However, as the 70^th year approached, the people remained captives of Babylon, and nothing appeared to be changing.  Babylon did not have mercy on its captives.  Isaiah 14:17 describes the king of Babylon as having been the one who “demolished the world’s greatest cities and had no mercy on his prisoners.”

From a human point of view, there was no hope for God’s people.  Then in one night, Babylon was conquered, and the world scene changed.  Darius the Mede and Cyrus the Persian were now in charge.

This does not surprise the child of God.  God’s word is our sure foundation.  God’s word is more certain than the ground on which we stand.  150 years before the events of Ezra, God told the world that Cyrus the King would order the rebuilding of the temple and of Jerusalem.  Isaiah 44:28 was written 150 years before the events of Ezra 1 and it says, “When I say of Cyrus, 'He is my shepherd,' he will certainly do as I say.  He will command, 'Rebuild Jerusalem'; he will say, 'Restore the Temple.” 

It all came about exactly as God decreed.

This does not surprise us.

This same sort of foretelling is exactly what happened with the life of Jesus.  God foretold the events of His life in the prophets of the Old Testament so that Peter was able to say:

“People of Israel, listen!  God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know.  But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed.  With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him.  (Acts 2:22-23)

Peter said that God’s prearranged plan was carried out.

What happened to the people of Israel happened as examples to us.  1 Corinthians 10:11 says, “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.”  (ESV)[ii]

Notice, that this passage makes it clear that we are the ones on whom the end of the ages has come.

God pleaded with ancient Israel not to live in hostility toward Him and warned of the consequences.  God pleads with the world today not to live in hostility toward Him and warns of the consequences.

God foretold exactly what would happen even giving time frames, such as 70 years, as well as naming who would be king.

God has also told our world what is coming.  He has decreed a seven-year period known as the Great Tribulation, the rapture of the Church and numerous other end-time events. 

We can take three things away from Ezra 1 that will encourage us as believers as we live in the end of the ages.

Ezra 1:1 says, “In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, the LORD fulfilled the prophecy he had given through Jeremiah.  He stirred the heart of Cyrus to put this proclamation in writing and to send it throughout his kingdom.”

The first thing is that “God fulfills His word.”

Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God's law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.”  (Matthew 5:18)

We can have great confidence in what is revealed in the Bible.  The world may scoff at the promise of Jesus returning, but we know it will happen.

The second thing is God uses the political establishment to accomplish His purposes.  In this case, God used the King.  It says, “He stirred the heart of Cyrus.” 

All the unsettling political events in our world today are not beyond the control or knowledge of our God.  Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”  (John 14:27, ESV)

God’s foreknowledge and plan give us peace of mind.

Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king's heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; he guides it wherever he pleases.”

God moved the heart of Cyrus to make a decree to rebuild the temple.

Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken which resulted in Jesus being born in Bethlehem.

We have confidence in God’s word.  We have confidence in God’s sovereignty. 

The third thing we have confidence in is God’s purpose for His people. 

Through Jeremiah, God said, “I know the plans I have for you.”  (Jeremiah 29:11)

God’s plans showed themselves in God’s people during Ezra’s time by God working in and through His people.  Ezra 1:5 says, “Then God stirred the hearts of the priests and Levites and the leaders of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple of the LORD.”

God stirred the heart of the king, but He also stirred the hearts of His people.  God had a purpose and a part for His people.  The temple did not rebuild itself.  God provided.  Ezra 1 tells how people gave for the purpose; even the King gave for the building of the temple.  God provided money, materials and people to do the work.  God can do all things and does not need our help, but He chooses to work in us and through us.

At the time of Ezra, the Temple was to be built.  During our time, the Church is being built.

Jesus said, “And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.”  (Matthew 24:14)

God is doing this through us.  2 Corinthians 5 tells us we are His ambassadors.  God is providing money, materials and people to do the work.

We have confidence God’s word will be fulfilled.  We have confidence that God is in control.

How is God moving your heart to participate in His plan?

Are you part of providing money?

Are you part of providing materials?

Are you one to contribute skills?

---

[i] Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation.  Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Steam, Illinois 60188.  All rights reserved.

[ii] Scripture quotations marked ESV are from The ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version) copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.

When the Pressure's On

Daniel 6[i]

Daniel chapter 6 gives the famous account of Daniel and the Lions’ Den.  At the time of this incident, Daniel was over 80 years old.  He was a capable leader and administrator, and was in charge of an empire.

This chapter is about the faithfulness of a man to God, and about the faithfulness of God to a man. 

After a lifetime of faithfully serving God, Daniel is tested.

We are all tested.  There is no age limit.  There are no exemptions for position or authority.  There are no exceptions.

James 1:2-3 tells us:

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  (ESV)[ii]

From these verses, it should be clear that we can all expect to be tested.  The question is, “How will we come out of the test?”

I do not know what “Lions’ Den” you are facing or may be about to face, but doubtless you have one looming on the horizon.

It might be at work.  It might at home.

The Bible teaches us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the unseen forces of the evil one.  Daniel teaches us three lessons that will help us stand firm in face of the “Lions’ Dens” of our lives.  Daniel shows us what it looks like when a person has their spiritual armor on.

The first lesson Daniel teaches us is that we must establish our foundation.

At the close of Daniel 5, Darius the Mede took over the Babylonian Empire.  “Darius decided to divide the kingdom into 120 provinces, and he appointed a high officer to rule over each province.”  (Daniel 6:1)  These “high officers” were called “satraps.”  Then, according to Daniel 6:2, Darius appointed three “administrators” to supervise the 120 satraps.  Daniel was one of these administrators.

Daniel soon distinguished himself among the administrators so that the king was planning to put Daniel in charge of the whole kingdom.  Daniel 6:3 says this was so because “an excellent spirit was in him.”  (ESV)  Other translations have translated this word as “an extraordinary spirit was in him.”  On this point, the New Living Translation misses by interpreting this as: “because of Daniel’s great ability.” There is a difference between great ability and an exceptional spirit, and in the end, the exceptional spirit is far more valuable.  Great ability without character often spells disaster as Daniel’s fellow administrators demonstrate in Daniel 6.

The word the book of Daniel uses for “excellent” here in verse 3 is used in the Bible only in Daniel and it is instructive to note where it is used.  It is used in chapter 2 verse 21 where it describes the statue that Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream as having “exceeding brightness.”  (ESV)  It is used in chapter 3 verse 22 where it describes the furnace heated seven times its normal heat as being “extremely hot.”  (NASB, KJV “exceeding hot”)

Something about Daniel set him apart.  He was exceptional.  He was extraordinary.  It was his spirit, and the amazing, exciting thing is that what made Daniel extraordinary is available to each of us.

Let’s go back and consider how Daniel started.  In Daniel chapter 1, we meet Daniel as a young captive in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar.  He and three of his friends decide not to defile themselves with the King’s food.  From that point on, Daniel and his three friends were extraordinary.

They knew what they believed.  They knew whom they believed.  They had a solid foundation.  The same foundation is available to anyone and everyone, but few actually build on it. 

Jesus describes it like this:

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  (Matthew 7:24, ESV)

Psalm 119:1 says:

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!  (ESV)

Psalm 19:7 says:

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.  (ESV)

We must know what we believe.  Our modern education has taught us to be skeptical about everything.  We must not be unsure, wishy-washy or skeptical about our God and Father.  Daniel was extraordinary because he was sure about his God.  Notice, all the Scriptures I just quoted promise blessedness and solidity to the life built on the solid foundation of God’s word.  Confidence in God is the foundation.

Trust in God is the first lesson Daniel teaches us and it is the foundation for the remaining two.

The second lesson Daniel teaches us is we must keep our spiritual equilibrium.

In other words, we must keep our balance. 

Do not be perturbed or prodded into desperate action when the pressure is on.  Keep your cool.  Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled, believe in God.”   (John 14:1)

Daniel’s fellow administrators conspired against Daniel.

This reminds me of a quote I like by Joseph Heller, author of “Catch 22.”  He says, “Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you.”

Well, Daniel was not paranoid, but they were certainly after him.  When they could not find a fault in character, (refer back to lesson number 1) they decided to use Daniel’s relationship to God against him.

Let me say at this point, this will always happen. 

The enemy of our souls does not like us to trust in God and will always attack.  This is why 1 Peter 1:7 says that the tested genuineness of our faith is more precious than gold.  We will be asked to compromise our faith at work, in school and even at home, but do not do it.  In 2 Timothy 3:12 the Scriptures say, “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

This is where Daniel stood strong.  He would not defile himself with the king’s food, and he would not stop praying.  Not even the threat of the Lions’ Den could force Daniel to stop praying or alter his relationship with God one little bit.

Some things are more important than life, and prayer is one of them.  How many of us would choose to die rather than stop praying?  If not, we will never stand.  In Isaiah 7:9 God told Ahaz, “If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.”  (ESV) 

Equilibrium or balance means having our priorities right, keeping first things first.  Are you too busy to pray, or are you too busy not to pray?

What is the priority?

This is the second lesson, maintaining our spiritual equilibrium.  The third is similar to it and it is simply, give glory to God.

By “give glory to God,” I mean use your mouth to tell others where your confidence lies.  

Daniel’s testimony was consistent.

His enemies knew the only way to find anything against Daniel was in regard to his faith because Daniel’s life was consistent.

The King knew that Daniel served God faithfully.  Therefore, he told Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.”  (Daniel 6:16)

Since Daniel’s testimony was consistent, it was natural for the King and those around Daniel to accept that his deliverance came from God.

As a result, the King made a decree saying:

“I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel.  For he is the living God, and he will endure forever.  His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end.  He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth.  He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”  (Daniel 6:26-27)

This is the fruit of a life lived for God and a consistent testimony.

However, at this point, I need to attach a warning.  The nation of Israel did not always live consistent with the Word of God, and they earned this rebuke from God, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.”  (Romans 2:24)  Jesus also quoted Isaiah saying, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”  (Matthew 15:8)  We are quick to recognize that what a person does speaks louder than a person’s words.  In order to have a powerful testimony, a person must not only speak the truth, he or she must also walk with the Lord.

Corresponding to the necessity of words matching up with life, one must also live boldly.  Meekness and mildness are virtues, but cowardice is not.  Jesus said:

So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.  (Matthew 10:32-33, ESV)

Daniel serves as an example of a person whose life matched his words, and who was not ashamed to acknowledge his allegiance to God.

Daniel was faithful to God and God was faithful to Daniel.

                     

We are all tested.  When the pressure is on, we reveal what we are trusting in.  “Tested genuineness” of faith is more precious than gold.  (1 Peter 1:7)

What do the tests of life show us about ourselves?

---

[i] Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation.  Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Steam, Illinois 60188.  All rights reserved.

[ii] Scripture quotations marked ESV are from The ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version) copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.