The Surpeise of the Ages

Because surprises can be negative or positive, people either dislike them or thoroughly enjoy them. A surprise suggests both the unexpected and the unanticipated.  If a surprise is negative it is disliked, hated, or detested.  When the surprise is positive it usually brings a smile to the face and joy to the heart.

After Jesus died and was buried, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to his tomb. There they were given a wonderful surprise that was explained this way: “The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you” (Matthew 28:5-7).  What a wonderful surprise this must have been.  Not only was Jesus not in the tomb but an angel of the Lord told them that he had in fact risen from the dead and they should quickly go and tell the disciples this wonderful news.

We celebrate this great surprise today and commemorate it as Resurrection Sunday.  The Bible tells us that Jesus “Himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness” (I Peter 2:24).  Jesus’ death satisfied the penalty for our sin which he voluntarily paid for all mankind.  By faith and trust in Him we can enjoy and experience everlasting life – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).  By believing in Jesus and receiving him by faith we become part of God’s forever family. “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

No wonder the songwriter (Alfred Henry Ackley, 1933) wrote the music and these words that express that Jesus is a living Savior. “I serve a risen savoir, he’s in the world today.  I know that He is living whatever men may say.  I see his hand of mercy; I hear his voice of cheer. And just the time I need him, he’s always near.  He lives.  He lives.  Christ Jesus lives today.  He walks with me and talks with me, along life’s narrow way.  He lives.  He lives.  Salvation to impart.  You ask me how I know he lives; He lives within my heart.”

Any individual can personally apply this surprise of the ages to their own life by simply believing in Jesus and putting complete trust in Him.  All of this takes place because of God’s grace.  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).  The part we play is to simply believe and receive this wonderful gift.  “Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life” (I John 5:10-12).  Allow Jesus’ resurrection, the surprise of the ages, to impact your life.

Two Perspectives

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Most likely you have had a friend or coworker ask for your perspective about a particular situation.  That person may have asked you what you think about a world problem, a certain kind of music, the strategy of a sports team, or a decision made by an employer or a work associate.  The questioner probably wants to know your point of view or how your thinking compares to his or hers.

Since people think differently, a perspective about how any situation is viewed can change dramatically. Here is an example from a Bible story.  After securing freedom from bondage in Egypt, the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years and finally stood across the river from the land of Israel which God had promised them.  Before entering this “new” land Moses decided that spies should be sent into the territory to see what it was like (Numbers 13:2). 

Twelve men were chosen and after forty days in the land they returned with a report.  They said, “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit” (Numbers 13:27).  Sounds good so far, doesn’t it?  But ten of the men continued with a negative report. They said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are…The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size…We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them” (Numbers 13:31-33).  The bold words in the above verses indicate that they thought a “stop” should be put on any plans to enter the land.

However, two spies – Caleb and Nun – gave the following positive report. “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them” (Numbers 14:7-9). Notice the bold words in the above verses which identify why entering the land should be given a “go”

Wow!  Two different perspectives from two groups of people who had obviously observed identical things.  One perspective was “we just can’t do it.” The other perspective was “with God’s help we can do it.”  What made the difference in the perspective involving these two reports?  From a human perspective, the ten looked at the barriers that might hinder.  From God’s perspective the two looked at the blessings that would be theirs through the eyes of faith.  What a difference having a godly perspective makes.

Maybe you are going through a difficult situation and find it hard to see things in a positive light.  Why not begin looking at your situation through the eyes of faith?  Seeing things from God’s perspective is a challenge and will involve faith.  However, this is the perspective that we all need and it will be blessed by God.

Freedom in Christ

Freedom is important for many people as it was for two United States Presidents whose birthdays take place in the month of February – George Washington (February 22) and Abraham Lincoln (February 12).  As you know, Washington was the first president of the United States (1789-1797), but he was also an important military and political leader in America.  He is known as the one who gained independence for the American colonies and later unified them under the new U.S. federal government.  Lincoln was a lawyer and became the sixteenth president of the U.S. (1861-1865).  He led the nation through the Civil War and was successful in preserving the Union, abolishing slavery, strengthening the federal government, and updating the U.S. economy.  He was also a dynamic spokesman for antislavery, eventually issuing the Proclamation of Emancipation which was later accepted in the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution.  It is interesting that the Bible speaks about freedom.  However, the freedom which the scripture points to is a different kind of freedom – spiritual freedom.  Notice these truths about spiritual freedom identified in the Bible.

1)      Christ gives us spiritual freedom. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). If there ever was a guarantee, this is it.  There is no question that God wants us to enjoy spiritual freedom and we can be confident that freedom is ours through God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.  This verse notes that the spiritual freedom we obtain through Christ is a freedom that is assured.

2)      Spiritual freedom separates us from sin and death. “Because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2). We have been freed from sin.  That means that we do not have to sin because Jesus provides strength for us to live godly lives.  We also have been freed from spiritual death.  We can conquer death because God gives us eternal life through His son.  “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life” (I John 5:12)

The Bible reminds us that “The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23a).  This death is spiritual separation from God.  Spiritual freedom is a gift that is ours when we receive the Lord Jesus Christ “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23b). Spiritual freedom is fantastic!  It is sad that many people do not enjoy this kind of freedom.  What about you?  Do you enjoy the spiritual freedom about which the Bible speaks?  According to the Bible you can enjoy that freedom today.  John 1:12 says, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”  We become a part of God’s family (becoming children of God) when we believe in him and personally receive Him into our lives as Savior and Lord.

Change in the Works

Innovation is a process that discovers new and better ways of doing things, or just doing things differently. Many innovations take place quite regularly.  For example: TV programs change; Logos of companies receive upgrades; Long-standing food menus are revised; Styles of worship vary. When personal things become mundane or feel like they do not meet needs, we may want to innovate.  Consider personal innovation from the spiritual realm.  Are you satisfied with the direction your spiritual life is heading? Are you pleased with your devotional life?  Are you happy with your prayer life?  What about your Bible reading or Bible study regimen?  We need to have a willingness to change the way we do things if the innovation will provide personal improvement.  However, as we innovate, we need to make sure that the message of love, grace, and hope in Jesus Christ remains constant.

Scripture reminds us that each of us should conduct our lives in an excellent way.  Why?  Because God is aware of everything we do.  The text says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for me, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24). Notice four aspects of these verses.

(1)   “Whatever you do” suggests Activity.  We ought to be concerned about any and every activity in which we are involved.

(2)   “Work at it with all your heart” implies Action.  The things that we do ought to be carried out with a willingness to be fully engaged with all the effort we can exert.

(3)   “As working for the Lord” entails Method.  We need to realize that there should be a spiritual dimension to the actions or activities that we undertake.

(4)   “An inheritance from the Lord as a reward” points to Motive.  As we work for the Lord, we should do so because of our love for Him.  However, when the work is rewarded, that becomes an additional blessing.

Nothing but the best is required for any activity in which we participate.  The degree to which we put forth effort to do our work should be no less than one hundred percent.  So, innovate and make changes which will help you be your best for the Lord.

The Promise of Christmas

All of us have had someone make a promise to us.  It may have been the promise of a gift, a visit, or to complete a task.  Promises are fun to receive, especially if the person who makes the promise follows through with what they promised they would do.  However, there is great disappointment if the promise is broken. In the book of Acts we are told of a promise that God made to us.  Since the promise is about Jesus, we’ll call this a Christmas promise.  The Bible verse says, “From this man’s descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised” (Acts 13:23).  Notice three things about this special Christmas promise.

1)      The Christmas Promise comes from God.  The text says, “as He promised.”  We can always be assured that when God makes a promise, He will fulfill it.  It will come to pass.  The Bible says, “The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does” (Psalm 145:13). God always does what He says He will do.  That is the Christmas story.

2)      The Christmas Promise involves God’s Action.  Scripture reminds us that Jesus was born in a stable in the little town of Bethlehem.  But His birth in that town, at that specific time, did not just happen.  The text says, “God has brought.”  It was God’s activity.  He sent His one and only Son demonstrating His great love for us.  That is the Christmas story.

3)      The Christmas Promise Intent is Salvation through God’s Son.  The text tells us that God brought to Israel “the Savior Jesus.”  Why do you and I, and all mankind, need a Savior?  It is because all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (or His holy standard) – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  The penalty of our sin is death – spiritual separation from God – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Jesus came to die on the cross for us to pay the death penalty that we owed. That is the Christmas story.

Many years ago, at the World’s Fair, when electrical gadgets were new, an electrical building had a door with no door handles.  You could not enter the building unless you stepped on a mat outside the door.  When you made that step, the door would open.  That action is almost like the Promise of Christmas.  God’s promise of Christmas is for everyone; but the only way we can claim that promise is by faith.  We take a step of faith when we put our trust in what Jesus has done for us.  Believing in Jesus and receiving by faith will enable us to claim salvation as God’s Christmas promise to us.

The Wonder of Christmas

Wonder is part of Christmas.  The word “wonder” means “to marvel, to be amazed, or to stand in awe.”  So, what is it about Christmas that causes people to wonder?  Some people wonder at Christmas time because they see such things as: Christmas trees and brightly colored lights. Others have a sense of wonder when they see the snow glistening in the moonlight or hear the snow crunch under their feet as they walk.  Still others tend to wonder when they see beautiful Christmas decorations, hear or sing Christmas carols, or watch a church Christmas program.  These things, enjoyed by most everyone, are all part of the Christmas season.  However, there is something else about Christmas that causes people to wonder.  This wonder is found in the most famous verse in the Bible – John 3:16 – which says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  Let’s examine the wonder of Christmas from this biblical perspective.

1)      God’s Motive.  The wonder of Christmas begins with God’s motive which is one of love.  Why did God send the Christ-child to be born in a manger?  Why did God speak to the shepherds on the Bethlehem hillside telling them about the Savior’s birth?  Why did the wise men come to worship the newborn king?  God did these things to share His love for us.  The verse begins, “For God so loved the world,” means that He wrapped his love in the person of His one and only son, Jesus, and sent him to “The world” – to all people, including you and me.  “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

2)      God’s Method.  The wonder of Christmas continues with God’s method which is the act of giving.  The verse simply says that “He gave.”  At Christmas we give gifts to family members and friends to demonstrate our love for them.  God did the same for us.  He loved us so much that he gave us his son to show his great love for us.  “He [Jesus] himself bore our sins in his body on the tree [cross], so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed” (I Peter 2:24).

3)      God’s Miracle.  The wonder of Christmas is God’s miracle which is explained as eternal life.  When Jesus died on the cross he made it possible for us to have a right relationship with God and experience “eternal life.”  This miracle is available for everyone who “believes in Him.”  Belief in him is needed along with reception of him.  The Bible tells us, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

Maybe it is time for you and me to look at Christmas in a new light through this significant bible verse.  Think about it: God’s motive is love, God’s method is giving, and God’s miracle is eternal life.  “He who has the son has life; he who does not have the son of God does not have life” (I John 5:12). This Christmas wonder can be yours when you believe in Christ and receive him by faith.  Why not make the Christmas wonder part of your celebration this year?

Get Ready. Get Set. Give Thanks!

What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things in your possession that you thanked God for today?  If that were the case, what might you have to enjoy or share?  If you are honest with yourself, most likely you could count on one hand what you thanked God for yesterday and probably have some fingers left.  By human nature we are an ungrateful people.  We so easily fall into the rut of thinking that things will be much the same today as they were yesterday, so we get in the “lean back and relax” mode.  If it were not for the grace of God, we would be woefully lacking in many of the necessities of life.

Usually, the Thanksgiving season is the time of year when people express thanks in some manner.  It is good for us to give thanks.  The Bible helps express this importance when the Apostle Paul instructs people to give thanks.  Notice that along with thankfulness, joyfulness and prayer are also included.  He says, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18).   In another place he says, “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything” (Ephesians 5:20).  Look carefully at the qualifications for these three activities.

1)      Joyfulness is to constantly be a part of our lives

2)      Prayer should be made repeatedly

3)      Thanksgiving should be expressed in all situations

According to these verses the giving of thanks is not to be reserved for just one season of the year.  Thanks to God ought to overflow from our hearts and be expressed from our lips every day of the year.  Here are three questions to ask yourself as you work your way through the Thanksgiving season.

 1) Am I joyful always?

2) Do I Pray continually?

3) Do I Give thanks in all circumstances?

Giving thanks should be a daily activity.  Let’s make sure that the fruit of our lips express thanks to God and the actions of our hands and feet show our thankfulness to Him and to others.  Let’s not relegate the giving of thanks to Thanksgiving Day in November.  So, Get ready. Get set. Give thanks!  And – and give thanks again and again.