God, Our Defender

 

For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe. He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. (Deuteronomy 10:17–19 ESV).

 

God is portrayed in Scripture as a powerful defender, shield, and refuge who protects believers from spiritual and physical harm, often fighting on their behalf. Relying on God as a defender means trusting in His timing and justice rather than relying on self-defense, allowing for peace in the face of opposition. He is called a shield and fortress (cf. Psalm 18:1-6). He is described God as a rock, fortress, and shield, delivering believers from enemies. Further, God is not passive; He defends reputations, acts as a lawyer for His children, and works on their behalf. He is also shown as a Promise-Keeping Defender (cf. Isaiah 54:17). The prophet promises that no weapon formed against believers will succeed, which is a theme seen throughout the Bible. Perhaps the promise I depend on most is how God is described as a "very present help in trouble" who does not sleep or slumber while watching over his people. I find I need Him in the most inopportune moments of life.

 

You may be one of those people who have a strong relational safety net. This has been your means of protection when you face a sudden tragedy or unexpected loss. Parents or guardians and other family members are often seen in this way. When we know we have access to that kind of security, everyday life can seem easier and less stressful. I have found that my family is such a strength to me in times of difficulty.

 

But some people do not have those types of relationships. What’s more, there may be several reasons why a person might face unfortunate circumstances. We can imagine a person who, after the death of a spouse or partner, is experiencing loneliness or the fear of having an increasingly isolated life. Or perhaps we can imagine the trauma of a teenage child who loses a parent—and their life is suddenly changed forever. Maybe you know someone with a story like that—or maybe something like that has happened to you.

 

Wherever you are and whoever you are, God is your rock. And no matter what you’re going through, God sees you. God is there to defend you, protect you, clothe you in righteousness, and nourish you with the bread of life, which is Christ Jesus.

 

God, Our Advocate

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. [The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.] The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. (Psalm 145:13–18 ESV).

 

The concept of God as an Advocate on our behalf is very prominent in the Scripture. In our reading today the psalmist describes the immeasurable size and scope of God’s kingdom. There is no beginning or end to the Lord’s reign or to his ruling power. With the coming of Jesus and His work on the cross He has assumed the principal position of advocate on our behalf.

 

According to the New Testament, Jesus Christ acts as our advocate (parakletos) with God the Father, pleading our case and defending us against accusations when we sin. As the "righteous" intercessor, he uses his own sacrificial death as justification for our forgiveness. This role provides assurance that believers have direct access to mercy. John Calvin’s quote (attached here) is one we would do well to both understand and apply in our lives. The Scripture has several essential applications.

 

It speaks of legal defense. Just as an attorney defends a client, the Apostle John describes Jesus as the one who speaks in our defense, arguing that the penalty for sin has already been paid (cf. 1 John 2:1). It also speaks of intercession. Jesus continuously lives to make intercession for believers, repairing relationships between humanity and God.

 

We have also been given a "Helper" at our side. The Greek word parakletos often translates as comforter or helper, indicating Jesus serves as our counselor. His advocacy is not based on our innocence but on his own righteousness and the proof of his sacrifice. This helps us in every moment when we feel as if we have failed beyond the possibility of hope. Thus, the concept of Christ as our Advocate is meant to encourage believers to turn from sin, knowing they have a defender in heaven, and to bring confidence in God's forgiveness. The psalmist in our reding today also points out that the Lord picks us up when we fall and builds us up when we feel unworthy.

  

God Is Our Friend

 

The LORD Will Be Gracious. Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. For a people shall dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as he hears it, he answers you. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:18–21 ESV).

 

It is easy to picture God sitting on an ornate throne made of rare metals, adorned with priceless jewels, and upholstered in the finest fabric. In fact, there are some references in the Bible that portray God in a similar way.

 

But, what if, for a moment, we close our eyes, quiet our souls, and imagine God differently? What if God—still in all his glory and splendor—isn’t sitting in lavishness associated with royalty but instead is sitting at the corner booth in a local coffee shop, or on the couch in your family room, eagerly waiting for you? What if God, who is so excited to see you, leaps from his seated position and embraces you like a friend who longs to hear how you are doing and what you have been up to? What if God, in both his divine and human nature, gives you his undivided attention as you share with him your life, your story, your joys, and your concerns?

 

This is the God who is our Father. He is Friend. How do you see God today? Or, maybe a better question: How do you need to see God today? The beauty of God is that he is not only the King of all creation but also the attentive friend who is always near. Trust in Him!

 

Thinking Is Hard!

 

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. (Philippians 3:12-16 ESV).

 

Tomorrow, May 8^th, we will be traveling with Kyle and Brandy to the “holy land,” better known to many as College Station, Texas, the home of Texas A&M University. In the evening we will be attending the graduation ceremony where Logan (their son and our oldest grandson) will receive his bachelor’s degree. His twin sister, Faith, earned her degree in December, which was a semester early. There is something very special about being a part of this time of transition. It is certainly a milestone for him to be proud about.

 

I have often spoken at baccalaureate ceremonies in the past, though this time I will merely be a very proud grandpa. He will graduate with honors with a business degree. We have had some conversation surrounding the rigorous academics necessary to achieve this degree, though he was always humbler about it than I. He did confess that he would be glad to take a little time off where he didn’t need to “think so hard.” And, perhaps there is some truth to the statement of “thinking is hard.” However, thinking is simply a way of life. I often find myself lost in thought especially about the past or the future. Inevitably those are the times when I am most tempted to lose sight of the incredible present God has given to me.

 

This important truth is embedded in our reading today from the Apostle Paul as he writes to the church at Philippi. Paul could have said a great deal about his adventuresome past; some of it would have been said with pride and others of it would have whispered with regret. No one of us, no matter how accomplished or successful can truly look back without some sense of failure or regret. It is a natural part of our lives. Paul could have looked forward into his life and recognized that the future was not nearly as bright as some of his past. In fact, at the time of his writing this epistle he is in prison at Rome awaiting final sentencing, which undoubtedly would be a gruesome execution for the entertainment of the crowds drawn to the Coliseum.

All of us have those kinds of moments where the past haunts us and the future terrifies us. So, let me lay this principle before you. It has served me well, especially in these latter decades of my life: Never let past failures or future fears rob you of present joy.

 

Remember how Paul put it… But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

 

There’s really not a lot of “thinking” in that statement. Of course, I would encourage you to learn from all your past experiences. Both those you have done well with and those that you wish you could do over are instructive. But once the lesson is learned… PRESS ON! This is how we remain a student in life. I like the way Paul commends his readers to press on toward a very specific goal. That finish line is the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. That insures us of present joy! Remember this above all… Thinking Is Hard. And, in Christ all things are possible. Enjoy your present!

 

Matthias, the Thirteenth Apostle

 

So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:21–26 ESV).

 

There were always times when I was vocationally in the ministry when we needed to search for another staff member. Rarely was that an easy task. Since we were congregationally controlled there was no “appointment” from district, state, or national leadership. A committee would be formed from within the church. The first step was to make contacts with friends and leadership who we trusted and ask for recommendations. We would begin by receiving resumes. They would be sorted according to experience and talent. Then the process of interviewing would begin. It was much the same as any other search for staff in a business or corporation. Often we would settle on two or three candidates. That was when the real work began. Meeting together we would pray over each candidate’s name and enter into discussion about what we felt the Lord would have us do.

 

This was the story of our reading today and the introduction of Matthias to the narrative. He was chosen over Joseph called Barsabbas to complete the apostolic group after Judas's betrayal. Tradition holds that he followed Jesus from the beginning, exemplifying quiet faithfulness. While not mentioned again in the Bible, early church traditions suggest he preached in Judea and later in areas like Cappadocia or Ethiopia. He is widely believed to have died as a martyr, with stories suggesting he was stoned and beheaded. He is most remembered for his quiet perseverance.

 

I wonder how Matthias felt during this process. He had been following Jesus from the beginning. He had heard everything that Jesus had taught. He had seen all the miracles Jesus had done. He may have been one of the 72 followers Jesus had sent out during his ministry. Matthias must have had many stories to share about what he had seen and done while following Jesus. Certainly, he was a qualified and loyal follower of Jesus. But he wasn’t one of the original twelve apostles until his name came up and was drawn by lot. Prior to that moment he quietly waited for his time to serve by serving where he was.

 

Sometimes the message we get from Jesus is “Wait.” We may be ready to go where he sends us or to do what he wants us to do. But he tells us to wait. Wait for the opportunity and for the time to be right. Wait for Jesus to call on us. I imagine Matthias was excited to become part of the leading group of Christ-followers who would go out and change the world. I hope you are excited to be a part of that movement as well. Serve where you are and be willing to go where you are asked.

 

The Men on the Road to Emmaus

 

So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. (Luke 24:28–35 ESV).

 

The account of the men on the road to Emmaus, which is recorded in Luke 24:13–35, describes two disciples of Jesus walking from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus on the day of Jesus’ resurrection. We do not know their identities for sure. Luke mentions the name of one as being Cleopas. According to some early church traditions, he may have been the brother of Joseph (Jesus' earthly father). The other is not named in the biblical text. Various traditions and scholars have suggested several possibilities, including: Simon (Luke 24:34), possibly Cleopas' son or a different disciple; Mary, the wife of Clopas, suggesting the pair was a married couple; or, even Luke himself, acting as an anonymous witness.

 

The two men were traveling about seven miles from Jerusalem, discussing the recent crucifixion and reports of the empty tomb with deep sadness. The resurrected Jesus joined them on the road, but they were "kept from recognizing him". As they talked, the two exhibited a lack faith that Jesus had been resurrected. Jesus rebuked their lack of faith and, starting with Moses and the Prophets, explained how all the Scriptures pointed to the Messiah’s suffering and eventual glory.

 

The story has a very happy ending though. Upon arriving at Emmaus, they invited the stranger to stay for a meal. As Jesus "took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them," their eyes were opened, they recognized Him, and He immediately disappeared. Despite it being evening, they immediately raced back to Jerusalem to tell the Eleven apostles, "It is true! The Lord has risen!". In many ways they were like Thomas. They needed to “see” to believe.

 

I wonder how often we find ourselves in Christ’s presence and don’t realize it. Though he isn’t actually there in person, he can be present with us anywhere at any time because he promises, “I am with you always” (cf. Matthew 28:20). Maybe a conversation with a friend ushers us into Jesus’ presence. Or maybe a worship experience helps us connect with Christ in a new way. Or maybe someone shines the presence of Jesus in a selfless act of service. Whatever the case, let’s keep our eyes open for Jesus in our everyday living. No doubt he is walking with us each day.

 

Thomas, also known as Didymus

 

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:24–29 ESV).

 

I have a bit of difficulty with Thomas’s doubt. Perhaps that’s simply because I came to my faith later in life. I often wonder how he could have seen all that Jesus did and not believed. However, he didn’t. Further, for reasons we are not told, he wasn’t with the other disciples when Jesus first visited them after his resurrection, so he hadn’t seen Jesus firsthand. Maybe he should have taken the disciples’ word for it when they told him they had seen Jesus. Maybe he should have had more faith. Or maybe he was just an untrusting sort of person. Whatever the case, Thomas said he just couldn’t believe Jesus was alive until he saw Jesus for himself.

 

Jesus’ gentleness and kindness in dealing with Thomas’ doubt is so encouraging. When Jesus came again and Thomas could see him, Jesus was patient with Thomas. Jesus even showed Thomas what he said he needed to see to believe. But Jesus also noted that all who believe without seeing him will be blessed. Today that includes us. Belief without seeing is the nature of our faith much of the time. We probably won’t see Christ in person until we join him in eternity. Until then, though, we believe even though we have not seen.

 

We are called to have faith in Jesus for who he is, all he has done, and all he has promised. We believe because others have seen, because others have witnessed, and because their testimony is in God’s Word to us, along with all of God’s promises. We believe because the Spirit of God guides us into the truth of God’s Word and gives us faith (cf. John 16:7-15; Ephesians 2:6-10). And in believing we are blessed.