The Promise of Peace

During the Christmas season, we hear wishes for "Peace on Earth". We sing carols with words like "sleep in Heavenly peace". Yet is there anything more elusive than the notion of peace? Throughout the history of mankind, peace has always been a desire of most, but the presence of evil brings on greed, war, strife and a slew of other things that keep peace from happening.

When the multitudes (literally thousands) of angels announced the birth of Jesus Christ, they proclaimed "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" (Luke 2:14). Notice the promise of peace is made but there is a qualifier. It is reserved for those with whom God is pleased. Now before we run off and compile a good works "to-do" list to help us secure peace, remember that no one is righteous on their own merit (Romans 3:10). We become righteous only through Christ's sacrificial death on our behalf (2 Corinthians 5:21).

As believers, we trust in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Our Lord provides us the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Christ himself declared, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33). There is an inseparable connection between Jesus Christ and peace. Now notice how Jesus was pleasing to the Father. At the moment of his baptism, God's audible voice declared "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17). His obedience to God's will--in this case through baptism--made Jesus pleasing to the Father.

As the Christmas season ends and proclamations of peace on earth cease, remember that the promise of peace is ours to claim; first by trusting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and next by being obedient to God's revealed will.

On Our Behalf

Amidst the flurry of activity that surrounds Christmas, most of us--even for at least a brief time--ponder the birth of Jesus Christ and what it means to us. Many call it the greatest gift ever given and rightfully so. Even worn-out sayings like "Jesus is the reason for the season" still ring true if heard over the mayhem of securing last-minute gifts for under the tree.

What came to mind for me as Christmas approaches actually had nothing to do with Jesus birth. Rather, it was what happened after his death, burial and resurrection. Hebrews 9:24 says: For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.

Not only did Jesus leave his place in heaven to come into the world as a baby born in a manger and spend time here meeting human need with divine resources, but he returned to the Father to continue interceding for believers. From the moment the angel of the Lord announced: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11) to Jesus assuming his current place seated at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 12:2), everything our Lord has done, is currently doing and will continue to do throughout eternity is on our behalf. John 3:17 reminds us that God didn't send Jesus into the world to condemn us but rather that the world would be saved through Him.

Just as priests entered into the holy place of the temple to offer sacrifices to God for sin, Jesus the High Priest entered into the holiest of places and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for all. On our behalf. Where will you find a more prefect Christmas gift than that?

The Bible in the Nightstand

Although I'm basically a homebody, I do enjoy getting away on vacation with my wife Cheryl and my daughter Amanda. Because of extended family, Walt Disney World and a certain university in Gainesville, my vacations almost always take me to the state of Florida. And believe me, giving up mid-70s weather in Florida for near freezing temperatures in Delaware should prove that I really am a homebody.

Traveling and vacations do allow us an opportunity to take a break from our routines and hopefully relax and recharge from the everyday grind of work, school, home, etc. This applies to pastors and ministry leaders as well. The challenge for me (and I'm sure others) is continuing to carve out daily time with the Lord while on vacation. I am grateful for the Gideon Bibles that are found in hotel nightstands; a remaining bastion of light that has touched millions of lives and hasn't been squelched in the name of political correctness.

Even though I travel with my own Bible, I always leaf through the Gideon Bible in my hotel room to see if anyone wrote in any interesting comments. Almost always someone does. I've seen comments from hardcore atheists, doubting agnostics, uncertain inquisitors, rock-solid believers and everything in-between. What I don't see are torn out pages; as if even the non-believers fear what would happen if they damaged a copy of God's Word.

My most recent vacation led me to these words found written in the Bible in the nightstand: "I passed this way on my earthly journey. I believe that Jesus is 'the' answer. He has helped me through the good times and the bad times. He loves you." Words plainly said, yet powerfully true. Words that may have already encouraged someone to dig in a little deeper and learn about this man named Jesus who died so that we may live.

The Bible in the nightstand is a reminder to me that God is always right there with us; even when we ignore Him. Even when we are too busy to stop and spend time with Him. He waits for us patiently and desires to speak to us and encourage us; both home and away because he never leaves us or forsakes us.

Lesson From Joshua 1 (Part 2)

Previously, we saw how God had prepared Joshua for the seemingly impossible task of taking down the heavily fortified city of Jericho to lead the people into the Promised Land (Joshua 6:3-5). We saw in Chapter 1 how God gave Joshua his divine appointment and commanded him to be courageous, strong, careful and focused. Just as the Lord prepared him for battle, we can also prepare for the spiritual battles we face by focusing on some more amazing truths in this chapter.

Here we see that God rewards those who follow him in obedience. Joshua was one of the twelve men who went to explore the land of Canaan and only he and Caleb exhorted the people to trust God for victory (Numbers 13-14). Thus, only he and Caleb of the twelve were allowed to enter into the Promised Land. We also see that God uses others to set the right example. He charged Joshua to follow the example that he saw lived out in Moses' life (v.7). God expects us as well to seek out relationships with other godly men who can help us, guide us and encourage us. God also expects us to follow his commands and not mold them to fit our own plans and desires. He specifically told Joshua that he would have good success if he didn't turn to the right or the left (v.7). We always run into difficulty when we deviate from God's plan.

Verse 8 reminds us that staying in God's Word is our best chance for success. We need to be in the Word every day and allow it to shape the way we think, what we say and what we do. Obedience to His Word enables us to prosper and have good success. And finally, verses 5 and 9 remind us that wherever God leads us, He will stay right with us. The Lord reminded Joshua of his faithfulness to Moses and that he should not be afraid or discouraged because He promises to never leave us or forsake us.

Joshua 1 for the most part is a lesson on courage, obedience and the faithfulness of God. The promises made there to Joshua are ours to claim today as well.

Lesson From Joshua 1 (Part 1)

There is a one word expression used in my house when someone makes a statement that sounds completely and totally unbelievable. A word that is uttered when the received statement is judged to be impossible, ludicrous or devoid of merit. The response to such statements that you will hear is, "Really?"

When Joshua was about to lead the people into the Promised Land, God presented him with one of these "Really?" moments. The Lord tells Joshua that his men will march around the heavily fortified city of Jericho once a day for six days. Then on day seven, they are to march around the city seven times and the priests will then blow their trumpets. Then the people will shout and the walls of Jericho will come tumbling down (Joshua 6:3-5). What kept this from becoming a "Really?" moment for Joshua was the preparation he was given from God in Joshua 1. Here we find a treasure of life lessons that will help us navigate as well through seemingly impossible situations we may face.

First, God knows exactly what we need to accomplish what he wants us to do. Three times (v. 6, 7, 9) God commands Joshua to be courageous. First by saying be strong and courageous, then by saying be strong and very courageous and then as if to anticipate doubt, says "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous...for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." God knows our limitations and he prepares us accordingly. He knew Joshua needed to be courageous, strong, careful and focused.

God also determines who is fit for what He plans to accomplish. In verse 2, we see that God directly gave Joshua the command to go and lead the people after Moses' death. Once God provides clear direction, there is no need to doubt our qualifications or ability to perform the task.

Saying Merry Christmas

The month of December once again brings us to an annual dilemma. No, I'm not referring to navigating through crowded shopping malls to find something for everyone on your gift list. I'm not referring to the flurry of parties and over-indulgence in treats that prompt countless soon-to-be unkept New Year's resolutions to lose weight. I'm referring to our yearly fight against the political correctness of people saying "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas".

We as believers in the person of Jesus Christ who are grateful for the sacrifice He made on the cross at Calvary have every right to feel anger that the reason for the season is being further and further de-emphasized so as to not offend people with differing beliefs. We certainly should not blow off this societal trend by viewing it as anything less than a spiritual attack on our Christian beliefs. But as representatives of the One whose birth we celebrate who are called to lead others to him, we must be careful as to how we handle this issue.

I refuse to use the term "Happy Holidays" and yes, I do say "Merry Christmas" to others without apology. But just like I don't walk around beating non-believers over the head with Bibles in order to share the Gospel, I don't use Christmas greetings in a way that would represent Jesus as anything but a loving merciful Savior who came to seek and save the lost. For example, I know some people who are Jehovah's Witnesses and while I know that many of their core beliefs are wrong, I also know that they don't celebrate Christmas. Accordingly, I am not going to wish them a Merry Christmas in the hopes that they will suddenly see the divinity of Christ.

We should celebrate Christmas recognizing that a baby was born to us in the city of David; a Savior who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11). And because we celebrate Jesus, let us be sure that we celebrate Him as the embodiment of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfullness, gentleness and self-control. Let us share Him in a way that demonsrates who he is and gives him glory.

Listen to Him

I'm probably going to step on a few toes (mine included!) with what I'm about to say. I believe one of the biggest challenges that men face involves the art of listening. Often our minds are preoccupied with solving problems, planning the next event or mentally reviewing our never-ending "To Do" lists that listening and paying attention becomes difficult at best. Even during one-on-one conversation, we find ourselves thinking about what we're going to say next rather than what the other person is saying to us. How often do our wives call us out when they sense (often correctly) that we aren't paying attention or listening to what they have to say?

Mark 9 records the miraculous transfiguration of Jesus. Peter, James and John went up a high mountain with Jesus where they saw a glimpse of his divine glory as his clothes became radiantly white and he appeared with Moses and Elijah (v. 2-4). They got a brief view of the way we will also see Jesus someday in Heaven. Yet rather than silent awe in seeing the Lord in all of his greatness, purity and splendor; Peter chose to speak out (perhaps in fear) and offer to build tents for these heavenly beings (v. 5-6). Then, the voice of God came out from the clouds and said, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." (v. 7)

Yes, we know from Scripture that Peter was impulsive and often spoke before listening. We know that even when he was at a loss for words, he'd often say something anyway. We know that on several occasions, he missed seeing and hearing the Lord; focusing instead on his own image of what the Messiah should be. But before we unload on the one who denied Christ three times before he was crucified (Luke 22:57-60), let us do a little self examination.

How well do we hear the still small voice and obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit within us? How often to we fail to listen to what Jesus has taught us in Scripture? How often do we fail to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger? How often do we try to create Him in our image rather than see Him in his glory? My toes are all sore now. How about yours?