Slow and Steady

The words, “Slow and Steady” give us that mind picture of the tortoise and the hare. The two are always pitted against one another in the race of a lifetime. The hare goes as fast as possible, believing that the lead is sufficient enough for a rest. The tortoise goes at the pace of ‘slow and steady’ and eventually surpasses the would be winner. The surprise of the hare is unquestionably obvious. How could something so slow, so steady, so true, so sure, and so ugly, win? The hare was the sure bet for the victory no doubt. Yet, it is funny how things work out when we consider pride and our own strengths. The hare was no exception to the fate of “pride goeth before the fall”; further, he was no exception to the embarrassment of self deception (Ref. Proverbs 16:18 and Matthew 7:21-23).

Let us not have such a haughty spirit as we ascend to the task of preaching the Gospel. We are surely not up to the task considering our own strengths and tactic. While it may seem that the responses of others affirm our prose, along with exegetical interpretation; we need to be cautious in how we handle and deliver the very Word of God. The souls of men, women, boys and girls are at stake here.

I have heard Brother Paul Washer exclaim, “Preach the Gospel long enough, true enough, and somebody is coming out of there saved!”

I hear in that to be slow and steady. And so true that is. We are men and women of the word. We are messengers who are tasked with the wonderful burden of delivering what saith the Lord to the hearts and minds of all people. We should be in this endeavor for he long haul.

Sure great big revivals that spring up out of nowhere are grand, but we must ascertain whether it was by the strength of our efforts or from the power of God working through His people? The tactic may be quite beautiful, but the outcome will make itself clear in the end. We are not called to manipulate people into coming to Christ, but rather we are to have them see the holiness of God, to realize the ramifications of their sin, consider the cost, and come to Christ for salvation. We are to do this time and time again. Slow and steady. How shameful will it be on that great day to lift up your head to realize your napping cost you the prize? Let it not be so dear friend. Rely only on the Gospel to do the work of converting men and women for it is the power of God unto salvation (ref. Romans 1:16).

Take heart even if you do not see results of your faithful preaching of the Word. The results are not up to the preacher, but the grace of our great God. He gives both the increase and the peace we do need as His servants. Brothers, let us preach the Gospel true, slow, and steady. Soli Deo Gloria.

References:

Featured image: Google search.

July 23, 2018 0

King Solomon and King Jesus

2 Samuel 12:24-25 “Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and went in to her and lay with her; and she gave birth to a son, and he named him Solomon. Now the Lord loved him and sent word through Nathan the prophet, and he named him Jedidiah for the Lord’s sake.” NASB

These two verses follow the death of the first born son of David and Bathsheba. David fasted and prayed while the child lived in hopes the Lord might would be merciful to him. Once the child passed David stopped his fasting, changed his clothes, anointed himself, and went to the house of the Lord to worship. Afterward, David knew his wife and comforted her during this loss. The result being their second son Solomon.

Solomon in the Hebrew means “Peace.” The verses above indicate that the Lord loves Solomon and sent word of him to Nathan. Promptly, Nathan gives Solomon the name Jedidiah for the Lord’s sake.

The name Jedidiah means “Loved by Jehovah.” A confirmation of verse 24, and an indication of the steadfast love of God toward the house of David. Solomon would go on to sit on the throne and know a kingdom marked in peace.

Solomon could have easily been mistaken as the promised King who would rule on David’s throne forever. Yet, Solomon was a shadow and a finger pointing to the promised King, Jesus Christ.

“Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights.” Isaiah 42:1 NASB (ref. Matthew 12:18).

Jesus is the Son begotten of God. He is loved by the Father and is the true Prince of Peace. He is the one true Jedidiah and the one true Solomon.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Where Solomon was unfaithful and wavering, Christ is faithful and unchanging. Where Solomon’s time of peace ends, Christ’s peace is never ending. Where Solomon’s riches are turned to dust, Christ’s riches are ever abundant. Solomon built the temple of God using cedars and hewn stone from afar; Christ destroyed the temple and rose again in three days gathering those who are a far off into His body the church. Where Solomon’s wisdom faints, Christ’s wisdom is unsearchable. Where the wells of Solomon are dry, the fountain of Christ is ever flowing.

Come to the King of kings and Lord of lord’s to find true peace and true love. These are found nowhere else save the person of Jesus Christ. He is the Amen to the promises of God. Soli Deo Gloria.

References:

Image: Wikipedia.com

Bible Verses: NASB

July 12, 2018 0

Come Without Cost

In Acts, I came across the story of Simon of Samaria. The Bible says Simon believed, was baptized, and continued with Phillip in the ministry (reference Acts 8:13). Before hearing Phillip, Simon was a magician who astonished the people of Samaria. He did wonders in their eyes and so his name was great among them. Simon even claimed that he was great as we see in Acts 8:9. John Calvin explains in his commentary of Acts, “People of all ranks were deluded…They were intoxicated with this man’s doings.” Indeed, Simon’s influences were an obstacle to the proclamation of the Gospel because of his following and delusion over the people. What he had was not real power at all.

Once Simon of Samaria believed the gospel and followed Phillip, he became astonished at the miracles he saw. He was drawn by them and thus wanted to have the ability for himself. Since those who were following Phillip at the time had not yet received the Spirit, Peter and John came from Jerusalem to pray the Spirit would fall on those who believed the truth spoken (Acts 8:14-17). When Simon saw the Spirit was given to those who the Apostles Prayed over, he offered Peter money to have the Spirit as well. Not that he wanted the transforming power of God, rather, he wanted what the Apostles had that produced such miracles he witnessed. So he offered what he had, money, for the power they had, The Spirit of God.

The Apostle Peter immediately rebuked him. This man who everyone before thought to have already had the “Power of God” (vs 10), was now requesting to really have it by means of currency. Peter recognized his motive and called for him to repent of the wickedness in his heart and cry out to God to forgive him. Simon’s true intentions were then revealed. He only wanted the benefits of being a follower of Jesus and not Jesus Himself. Peter gave some hope in the urging to repent and turn from this wickedness, but Simon of Samaria asked for the Apostles to pray for him instead of going to Christ for repentance (reference vs 22).

The application here is abundant. So many can relate to Simon of Samaria. Being self deceived, deceiving others, and yet at the end the truth comes out. I like how John MacArthur puts it, “Time and Truth reveal all lies.” Simon only wanted what comes with Christianity, and not the Christ of Christianity. The Bible tells us in Isaiah 55:1, “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” Simon wanted to come and buy what is freely given to those who call out for it. God Himself. Salvation, peace, and joy all found in God our Savior. Not simply a knowledge of Him, or even a glow from the proximity, but God Himself. The Spirit does come to those who believe and indwells them in power. Yet, to those who only want the benefits of Him without submitting their lives totally to His Lordship, are found desolate.

Further, asking for prayer and not praying yourself is like asking for a drink from the cupped hand of a Believer instead of going to the well yourself and drinking deeply from the fountain of Christ. Drinking from the hand of the believer (speaking metaphorically) is only enough to whet the appetite for more or to cause one to be deceived in thinking they have had enough to sustain. This is preaching in a nutshell, but just the beginning for the hearer of truth. There is room for you in Christ. Go drink deeply and have your fill of the Bread of Life. His grace is sufficient for you and even me. You can go to Him without money or price and buy what you cannot. It is given freely from His hand, you must simply come.

Dear reader, do you only know of Christ or do you know Christ? Does your life show evidence of the grace you have received so freely, or are you trying to gain the power, love, and joy of God by something you can give to Him? Abandon the notion of coming and buying with price and taking by giving. Only come to Christ. Come and be saved by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus. Soli Deo Gloria.

References:

Calvin, John. The Crossway Classic Commentaries Acts. Editors Alister McGrath and J. I. Packer. Crossway Books 1995.

NASB Bible translation.

July 10, 2018 2