Timely moments – fitting words

Timely moments – fitting words

For everything, there is an appointed time and an appropriate time for every activity on earth. – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

 1 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.

 2 A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.

 3 A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up.

 4 A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.

 5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.

 6 A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away.

 7 A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak.

 8 A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.

 11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time.

Throughout history, at appropriate times, the Father has raised up ideally suited, capable, seemingly tailor-made individuals to utter memorable, heartfelt, appropriate words.

“In war, resolution

In defeat, defiance

In victory, magnanimity

In peace, goodwill” (Churchill).

“Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”

“Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.”

“But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate – we cannot consecrate – we cannot hallow – this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.

It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth” (Lincoln).

“Not only are there times and seasons in this world, but there is also an overruling providence in our lives. From before our birth to the moment of our death, God is accomplishing His divine purposes, even though we may not always understand what He is doing” (Wiersbe).

As there are ebbs and flows to times and seasons, our personal experiences also have their fluctuations and swings.

The Father is at work, and He is at work all the time. As we interact with His assignments for our lives, the use of the right words and actions can significantly impact outcomes. Good word choice conveys empathy, understanding, respect, and clarity, enhancing effective communication. Similarly, aligning our actions with our words and intentions demonstrates integrity and nurtures trust.

The rub comes when we speak ill-timed words or take inappropriate actions. Sometimes, we act out of defiance and stubbornness instead of peace and goodwill; we may ultimately find ourselves opposing the will of the Father.

REFLECT & PRAY

Psalms 13:5 But I have placed my trust in Your lovingkindness; my heart will rejoice in Your salvation.

Father, thank You for making everything beautiful in its own time.

INSIGHT

Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.

The Hebrew word translated as “season” or “appointed time” is zeman. This term does not refer to a general period but rather to a specific moment in time. It is forward-looking, gazing into the future and suggesting there is an exact time for something to occur. Its focus is not on the concept of time itself but on the succession of events within the space-time continuum.

Consider the fairy tale Cinderella. In the story, she is mistreated by her jealous stepsisters and stepmother, living a life of drudgery and misery as a maid in her own home. A kindly Fairy Godmother comes to her aid, providing her with a beautiful silver gown and a unique pair of glass slippers so that she may attend Prince Charming’s ball. However, there is one condition: the magic spell will be broken at a specific moment in time, midnight. At that moment, the coach and horses, the footmen and driver, and the dress all revert to their original forms. This perfectly illustrates the concept of an “appointed time.”

Appointed times, seasons, and every event under heaven are planned and actualized through the Father’s grace and peace. Regardless of the circumstances, grace and peace are always the present possessions of every child of the King.

What are grace and peace?

“These are two things you can always have, no matter what your circumstances. Grace is all God’s power, all his love, all his beauty available to you. It is a marvelous term that wraps up all that God is and offers to us. It comes from the same Greek word from which we get our English word charm. Grace is charming, lovely, and pleasant. It is something which pleases, which imparts charm and loveliness to a life.”

“Peace is freedom from anxiety, fear, and worry. These are the two characteristics which ought to mark Christians all the time: Grace – God at work in their life; and peace – a sense of security, of trust” (Stedman).

Understanding grace enables one to place great trust in the Father. Trusting in the Father allows one to experience tremendous peace and rest, knowing that the Father is gracious and kind. The Father reveals His personality, character, and ways through His words.

Psalms 33:13-22

 13 The LORD looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race.

 14 From his throne, he observes all who live on the earth.

 15 He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do.

 18 But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.

 19 He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.

 20 We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield.

 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.

 22 Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.

 

From His unlimited and eternal perspective, the Father sees and knows all. Because He is omniscient, He is aware of our innermost motives and intentions. Because He created us, He has a perfect understanding of how we feel, think, and act. There is no misunderstanding; He knows us thoroughly. Yet, remarkably, He still calls us into His love, His fellowship, and His life!

When children of the King respond to His call to know, worship, and choose to serve Him, several remarkable things often occur in the innermost parts of our being. We experience inner peace, joy, increased hope, and confidence. The Father designed worship to develop a deep love for Him and His people.

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© Dr. H 2024

The myth of impartiality ∙∙

The myth of impartiality ∙∙

Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth and defer to no one, for You are not partial to any. – Matthew 22:16

John 2:24-25

 24 But Jesus didn’t trust them because he knew human nature.

 25 No one needed to tell him what mankind is really like.

There is a widespread myth that actual impartiality is achievable. However, everyone possesses their own personal opinions, preferences, or biases. Consider a simple scenario: when you go to buy doughnuts, which kind do you choose? How do you perceive those who prefer different types than you do? Such choices reflect individuality, diversity, and personal preferences, which are ingrained in our fallen DNA.

Humanity, at its core, is tribal. We tend to favor our own groups, whether these are based on shared interests, cultural backgrounds, or other commonalities. This tribalism manifests in many aspects of life. For instance, football fans often exhibit intense loyalty towards their favorite teams. This loyalty can lead to a strong dislike for rival teams and their supporters.

The same principle applies to many other areas of life, from political affiliations to brand loyalties. People inherently align themselves with certain groups and develop preferences that may sometimes lead to biases against others. Such biases are an intrinsic part of human psychology.

What is bias?

Bias consists of attitudes, behaviors, and actions that are prejudiced in favor of or against one person or group compared to another.

What is implicit bias?

Implicit bias occurs automatically and unintentionally, yet it significantly impacts judgments, decisions, and behaviors. This type of bias refers to unconscious associations, beliefs, or attitudes toward social groups. Often, implicit bias leads to stereotyping, where certain qualities or characteristics are attributed to all members of a particular group (www.verywellmind.com).

Despite its pervasive influence, we are generally unaware of the presence of implicit bias. The proverbial 500-pound gorilla in the room is that everyone harbors implicit bias, even those who criticize others for having it.

Implicit bias is analogous to the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS acts unconsciously and regulates bodily functions. It oversees and controls heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, etc. It is there, but we are generally unaware of its presence.

The line between personal preference and diversity is crossed when it becomes disdain, prejudice, and outright hatred. Recognizing this, we should strive to understand and respect the perspectives of others, even if they differ from our own. While total impartiality might be a myth, empathy, and open-mindedness are within our reach.

In the 21st century, recognizing implicit bias has become a catalyst for social and cultural change. However, people often feel bewildered by the accusation because it strikes so close to home. While many can recognize and acknowledge their conscious biases, insidious implicit biases usually lurk beneath the surface. Moreover, most individuals who consider themselves morally upright acknowledge the evil of blind, hateful prejudice and genuinely wish to see it eradicated.

Who decides which groups are favored and which are not? When wrongs are committed, what actions can be taken to right these wrongs, if any? Perhaps the most profound question is: if someone controls this process, then “Who controls the controllers?”

Implicit bias is part of the collateral damage of the Fall; it taints the entire human race. Is there any way to escape this condition? The Father has shown the way.

Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then, you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Has anyone ever lived without bias toward any individual or group? There has only been one: The Lord Jesus Christ. Although his enemies spoke these words, they were undeniably correct.

Matthew 22:16 Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any.

REFLECT & PRAY

Our fallen soulishness, combined with the pressures of the current sinful world, compel us to conform. We must resist and undergo a complete change and renewal in our hearts and minds. 

Father, please help me overcome the harmful effects of bias and prejudice by transforming my inner self and changing my thought patterns. Guide me to understand and fulfill Your will, and help me to act in a way that is pleasing to You.

INSIGHT

The Father God is genuinely impartial. The Scriptures make it quite clear.

Romans 2:11 For there is no partiality with God.

The Greek word translated as “partiality” is prosopolempsia. This term derives from prosopon– meaning “face” – and lambanein – meaning “to lift up.” This word appears exclusively in Christian literature and literally means “to receive the face,” implying acceptance of someone based on their appearance or other external considerations. In addition to Romans 2:11, it is found in Ephesians 6:9, Colossians 3:25, and James 2:1. There is no “face-receiving” with the Father, and there should not be among the children of the King.

The concept of “face-receiving” likely originates from the Old Testament, where a similar expression is used.

Deuteronomy 10:17 For the LORD, your God, is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe.

The Hebrew phrase translated as “you shall not be partial” or “do not show partiality” is nasa panim, which can be literally translated as “lift up the face.” This phrase means to show partiality and defer to someone based on their appearance or status.

Job 34:19 He doesn’t care how great a person may be, and he pays no more attention to the rich than to the poor. He made them all.

The Father is not concerned about a person’s appearance, wealth, social status, gender, or class. He is totally impartial. In the King James version, it is translated that God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). God does not show favoritism. He has no implicit bias or explicit bias.

What are the implications for the children of the King? We are to strive to be impartial as our Father is impartial.

2 Chronicles 19:7 Now, then, let the fear of the LORD be upon you; be very careful what you do, for the LORD our God will have no part in unrighteousness, partiality, or the taking of a bribe.

Romans 12:18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Children of the King are to strive to eliminate face-receiving partiality and instead draw all people to their King.

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© Dr. H 2024

It is never too soon to be kind ∙∙  

It is never too soon to be kind ∙∙  

Do not let kindness and truth leave you; tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. – Proverbs 3:3

Proverbs 20:27-29

 27 The LORD’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive.

 28 Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne is made secure through love.

 29 The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.

Proverbs 20:28 Loyalty and truth preserve the king, and he upholds his throne by righteousness.

Psalms 85:10 Lovingkindness and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Wise sages from various cultures have spoken of the value of kindness throughout the ages.

“Those who make compassion an essential part of their lives find the joy of life. Kindness deepens the spirit and produces rewards that cannot be completely explained in words. It is an experience more powerful than words. To become acquainted with kindness, one must be prepared to learn new things and feel new feelings. Kindness is more than a philosophy of the mind. It is a philosophy of the spirit” (Robert J. Furey).

“I have learned silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind; yet, strange, I am ungrateful to those teachers” (Khalil Gibran).

“That best portion of a man’s life, his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love” (William Wordsworth).

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love” (Lao Tzu).

“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late” (Ralph Waldo Emerson).

“Our culture is obsessed with external beauty, but as hard as we may try to improve our outward appearance, we all eventually experience the effects of aging. Far more important is inner character, which lasts into eternity. And one of the most attractive inward qualities is kindness” (Stanley).

“People characterized by kindness are considerate, loving, tenderhearted, helpful, and gentle. Those on the other end of the spectrum are quick-tempered, bitter, crude, and demanding. The difference is whether one’s focus is on self or others” (Stanley).

REFLECT & PRAY

“If your religion doesn’t help you, it is no religion for you; you had better be without it” (Rutherford).

Father, I am embarrassed to realize the importance of being kind so late in life. I never made the connection between Your lovingkindness and loyal love and my own lack thereof. Teach me and empower me to be kind.

INSIGHT

The wise counsel of the Father is far different from that of many human fathers. Human fathers tend to say, “Do this because I say so.” Our heavenly Father says, “do this because it will help you.” The Father is trying to guide, counsel, and urge us to do what is right and in our best eternal interest. By following His teachings and wisdom, we can experience a sense of completeness, tranquility, and peace (Proverbs 3:2).

Proverbs 3:3 exhorts us to work on our inner character diligently. We are to maintain love and faithfulness. It focuses on “inner integrity that manifests itself in all interactions with God and people” (Garrett). We must allow the Holy Spirit to write the Word of God on our hearts (Proverbs 7:3) (Wiersbe).

The very essence of the Father Himself is kindness and truth. When He appeared to Moses, Moses was allowed to see His back. As He passed by, He spoke, “The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with kindness and truth” (Exodus 34:6).

The Hebrew word translated as “kindness” is hesed. Hesed is one of the most beautiful and captivating words used in the Old Testament to describe the Father. Among His many appealing characteristics, personality traits, and attributes, His lovingkindness stands out as particularly delightful.

Hesed can be translated as loyal love, lovingkindness, mercy, or simply kindness. It encompasses “strength,” “steadfastness,” and “love, reflecting loyal love consistently expressed in relationships.

The Hebrew word for “truth” is emet. Its primary root implies firmness, surety, or certainty (TWOT). Emet connotes faithfulness and dependability.

Truthful words are trustworthy and reliable. An honest person can be depended on to fulfill their commitments and do what is right.

“Authentic kindness does not depend on how others treat us, nor is it a manipulation to get what we want. Kindness is a selfless quality that always considers what’s best for others whether they deserve it or not” (Stanley).

Kindness is more than occasional acts of kindness now and then. It is a continual attitude of the heart that consistently expresses itself through acts of kindness.

How do we become kind?

The answer is simple, but the execution is difficult. We must turn away from depending upon ourselves and walking in our flesh. We are to cultivate a way of life where we walk in the Spirit.

Walking in the Spirit means being constantly aware of and responsive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It involves depending on the Spirit, developing a keen sensitivity to His leading, and being attuned to His promptings and voice.

We are able to rise above our sinful passions and self-centeredness, the deeds of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). As we walk in the Spirit, the fruit of our relationship with Him is affirmed and revealed.

Galatians 5:16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.

Galatians 5:22-23

 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

 23 gentleness and self-control.

Kindness and goodness are closely related words. For kindness, the Greek word is chrestotes. It, too, is commonly translated as goodness. The Rheims version of 2 Corinthians 6:6 translates it as sweetness. It is a lovely word . . . Old wine is called chrestos, mellow. Christ’s yoke is called chrestos (Matthew 11:30); that is, it does not cause discomfort or irritation. The whole idea of the word is goodness, which is kind (Barclay).

As children of the King, we can make it our personal goal to be kind, good, and sweet.

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© Dr. H 2024

The Peace Child ∙

The Peace Child ∙

For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him, God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. This includes you, who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. – Colossians 1:19-22

Luke 2:9-14

 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified,

 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.”

 11 “The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!”

 13 “Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others – the armies of heaven – praising God and saying,”

 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

The Sawi people of Western New Guinea, now known as Irian Jaya, consisted of approximately 400 individual tribes. Each tribe had its own distinct worldview and belief system. Many were headhunters and cannibals, living in a manner utterly alien to the Western world.

The Sawi practiced a dreadful and horrifying cultural tradition: the worship of treachery. Betrayal, murder, and cannibalism were not only practiced but were revered as time-honored customs within their mythic traditions.

War and violent bloodshed were a way of life. Revenge was considered both manly and essential. Treachery was regarded as the highest virtue. They would feign friendship only to betray, murder, and eat their allies. Consequently, when they heard the story of Jesus Christ, they presumed Judas was the hero. The Sawi admired Judas because they themselves were a tribe that celebrated treachery. In a word, they were a tribe of Judases.

In 1962, Don Richardson, a Christian missionary from Canada, began working with the Sawi. A linguist and Bible translator, he developed an alphabet for the Sawi language and eventually translated the New Testament into Sawi. He dedicated 15 years of his life to living with and among them. Communicating the concept of redemption and the idea that one would die for another proved challenging. Sitting among the tribe, he prayed, “Lord, help me. I need a gift of wisdom.” The Father provided the perfect redemptive analogy: the Peace Child. This was the key Richardson needed to communicate his message.

The Peace Child was one person the Sawi would never betray. In an extraordinary gesture, a tribal leader gave his own child, the Peace Child, to an enemy tribe. According to custom, peace would be maintained between warring tribes as long as the child lived. War and betrayal were unthinkable; no one would betray the Peace Child. This concept became the perfect metaphor for the Sawi to understand what God the Father had done. It opened their hearts to the Gospel story.

Richardson explained that the Lord Jesus Christ was God’s Peace Child, given to remove the conflict between man’s sinfulness and God’s righteous judgment. The Father had surrendered His own Son, the ultimate Peace Child, to bring peace to all people. Cannibals were transformed into Christ-followers.

Over the years, most of the Sawi people accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior, with many becoming missionaries to neighboring tribes. As for the Peace Child, he became the first Sawi to graduate from higher education and went on to become a primary school principal.

REFLECT & PRAY

Paul’s approach to evangelism was adaptive and transcended cultural norms and religious boundaries. His primary concern was to do whatever it took to make disciples.

Father, I want to follow Your command to make disciples. Enable me to be adaptive, sensitive, aware, and willing to become whatever it takes.

INSIGHT

The Father sent His Peace Child, His very own Son, into the world.

Colossians 1:20 [Through the Lord Jesus Christ] God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.

The Lord Jesus Christ commands the children of the King to carry the message throughout the entire planet.

Matthew 28:19-20

 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.

While the meaning of this verse is clear, delving deeper and unpacking it a bit provides even greater insight. The sentence contains only one verb: “make disciples.” The Greek word for this is matheteuo. It is imperative, meaning it is a command, and it involves instructing others in the ways and teachings of a teacher. However, it goes beyond mere teaching; it encompasses the idea of becoming attached to the teacher, following them in both belief and conduct – in other words, becoming a disciple.

The words translated as go, baptizing, and teaching are participles, indicating the manner in which the primary command is to be fulfilled.

Going into all the world and making disciples necessitates effective communication. Communication requires mutual understanding between the sender and the receiver. Making disciples of all nations demands a sensitivity to the culture, beliefs, and value systems of the people being reached. With wisdom and discernment, ideal redemptive analogies often emerge.

Paul shows the way.

1 Corinthians 9:20-23

 20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law.

 21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.

 22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.

 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.

Paul became all things to all people so that he could save some. It’s a paradox: Paul was free from all men, yet he served all as a servant. Because of his freedom, Paul was free to serve others, putting aside his own rights for their sake.

“We are your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5).

The phrase “all things to all men” (1 Corinthians 9:22) is often misinterpreted to suggest that Paul changed his message to please others. In reality, Paul was consistent and unwavering. He was a herald, an ambassador, not a politico.

Paul was given the task of ministering to the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:8). He began preaching in synagogues and then reached out to Gentiles (Romans 15:20). Paul bridged cultural divides between Jews and Gentiles by respecting the customs of both groups. He didn’t flaunt his freedom before Jews or impose the Law on Gentiles.

Paul wasn’t inconsistent; he wisely adapted his approach. His sermons in Acts reflect this: he started with Old Testament patriarchs for Jews and the God of Creation for Gentiles. Paul tailored his message to his audience without compromising its truth.

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© Dr. H 2024

You ain’t seen nothing yet ∙∙

You ain’t seen nothing yet ∙∙

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. – Isaiah 43:19

Revelation 21:5-6 Behold, I am making everything new! It is finished!

On May 17, 1971, the musical Godspell opened off-Broadway. Composed by Stephen Schwartz, this modern-day song-and-dance production is based on the Gospel of St. Matthew. The 2011 revival ran on Broadway from October 13, 2011, to June 24, 2012.

Godspell presents a series of the Lord Jesus Christ’s parables, interspersed with music primarily set to lyrics from traditional hymns, culminating in the passion of Christ. The show features several remarkably entertaining and poignant songs.

Among them are Day by Day

Day by day, Day by day

Oh Dear Lord, Three things I pray

To see thee more clearly

Love thee more dearly

Follow thee more nearly

Day by day

Suppose a child of the King chooses to walk with the Father day by day; where do they begin? Where do spiritual renewal and formation start? The first step is to recognize that spiritual renewal comes from God. Our goal should not be to seek the experience of renewal itself but to seek the One who renews our spirit.

The Father redirects our thinking, teaching us to shift our focus from the daily necessities of life to seeking God first.

Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

“Spiritual renewal doesn’t come from seeking spiritual renewal. That only results in a temporary emotional high lacking the true substance that God can provide. Instead, seek God and surrender your will to His. Let it be your first thought each morning when you start your day” (Steve Arterburn).

The Exodus from Egypt reveals the ways of the Father, presenting a repeatable pattern. “It is his standard modus operandi with us, through the finished work of Christ on the cross” (Ortlund and Hughes). The Exodus is a story of redemption, where the people of Israel were freed from slavery and given the freedom to worship the Father in a completely new way.

The Father continually echoes the spirit of the Exodus in the lives of His children, redeeming them from the bondage of sin so they may worship Him in increasingly profound and heartfelt ways.

As children of the King, walking with the Father renews us day by day. This renewal is not external; it takes place within.

2 Corinthians 4:16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed day by day.

REFLECT & PRAY

“God loves new things: new songs, new hearts, new heavens, new earth, new names. We should not always look for Him to do in our lives what He has done before, but should learn to expect the unexpected” (Stanley).

Father, thank You that You are always prepared to begin something new in our lives as we seek to walk with You day by day.

INSIGHT

Isaiah 43 concerns a not-too-distant future time when the Jewish people would be in Babylonian captivity. The Exodus from Egypt provides a pattern for future exodus-like redemption. The past provides an example of the Father’s miracle-working power. “God’s past actions provide the foundation for his present and future works because his nature is unchanging” (Briley). The Jewish exiles are to trust the Father and depend upon Him for redemption from Babylon.

Isaiah 43:19 For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.

The Father is about to do something new for Israel. From His eternal perspective, the Babylonian captivity is already over. It simply has to be worked out in time. This latest act will be both innovative and unexpected, much like a sprout emerging from barren soil. “He would do for the captives in Babylon what He had done for their ancestors in Egypt, namely, make a highway for them through the wilderness and provide them with water (Exodus 17). Instead of turning a sea into dry land, He would turn the dry land into waterways (cf. Isaiah 35:6-7)” (Constable).

As children of the King, we are called to actively apply the timeless principles of our faith to our present-day circumstances instead of solely dwelling on past memories and longing for the “good old days.”

“God never acts out of character, but a part of his character is that he never runs out of new ideas. And he is able in amazing new ways to reenact the exodus in your life and to lead you through some Red Sea barrier confronting you today” (Ortlund and Hughes).

2 Corinthians 5:17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

A whole new way of life is now open to every child of the King. However, this can only be realized through faith in the Father, the living God. Unfortunately, many children of the King have lost their sense of the presence and reality of the living God in their lives. How do we get it back? It starts with choosing to walk with Him day by day. We need to humble ourselves and ask the Father for help.

Just as the Father helped and promised to help Israel, He also helps every child of the King.

Isaiah 43:22-44:11

 22 But, dear family of Jacob, you refuse to ask for my help. You have grown tired of me, O Israel!

 25 I – yes, I alone – will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.

 6 This is what the LORD says – Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies: “I am the First and the Last; there is no other God.”

 8 Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses – is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock – not one!”

 22 I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.”

 23 Sing, O heavens, for the LORD has done this wondrous thing. Shout for joy, O depths of the earth! Break into song, O mountains, and forests and every tree! For the LORD has redeemed Jacob and is glorified in Israel.  

Renewal and spiritual formation begin within us. “Reformation is the recovery of God’s purpose for us. Revival is the recovery of God’s life in us. God loves to renew confused and tired people . . .. What, then, is reformation? Reformation is God renewing in our hearts a passionate clarity about his purpose for us. It is God reawakening in us a love for his truth and his standards. It is God preparing us for the display of his glorious salvation as we reshape every aspect of our lives . . ..” (Ortlund and Hughes).

We have only to seek the Father in our need and ask for help. A new beginning awaits. The best is yet to come! You ain’t seen nothing yet!

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© Dr. H 2024