The Joy of Life

 

And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. (Nehemiah 8:8-12 ESV).

 

How long should we feel sorry for our sins? If we move on too fast, does that show we aren’t really sorry? Are we doing some injustice to God or to others we have sinned against? Or, if we hold on to being sorry too long, does that mean we do not trust enough in God’s power to forgive?

 

Guilt can be hard to get over. The feelings can last a long time. And, while this may be what we deserve, grace has changed that. Since all sins are against God, even when a sin is also against others, God’s situation is totally opposite to ours. He could demand that we wallow in our sorrow. But that’s not who God is. God loves us and is overjoyed when we want to be in a good relationship with him again. In fact, God has so much joy when we repent of our sin that his joy provides the strength we need to forgive ourselves.

 

Nehemiah urged the people to experience that joy. He called for a feast so that the people could enjoy fine foods and drinks and share with others. This wasn’t about just going through motions; it was about recognizing that God’s law calls for a relationship with us. And as far as God is concerned, if we are ready to stop moving away from him and start moving toward him, that brings him the most joy.

 

The life Jesus came to give us is one where we recognize that He paid the price we could never pay, and died the death we deserve!

 

The Call to Endurance

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (Revelation 3:7-13 ESV).

 

I know we have visited this passage of Scripture recently; however, it is perfect for us today as we examine the need for endurance in our pursuit of a peaceful, joyful life. There is no denying that Jesus suffered terribly because of how sinful our world is. After suffering, Jesus even died because of our sins. He endured suffering and died so that our sins would be paid for and our deaths could be overcome. Then, on the third day, Jesus rose from the dead in triumph, yet we must not lose sight of his suffering.

 

The believers who made up the church in ancient Philadelphia, in Greece, held tightly to the story of Jesus’ suffering. It inspired them enough to face their own suffering and persecution. And Jesus said they would be rewarded for their steadfast endurance.

 

In this passage, what is called “patience” is more like extreme patience. It’s the kind of patience that is required to endure doing the right thing and living the right way even when you can’t see any benefit in doing so. It is the virtue of holding on even when the reward might not come in this life. Jesus’ reward was that his death opened up a door to allow us to spend eternity with him. And our reward is that being devoted to Jesus allows us to step through that door and spend eternity with him. That is our clear call!

  

The Dangers of Greed

 

Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:13-21 ESV).

 

Greed is an intense, selfish, and unending desire for more wealth, possessions, or other forms of gain, often beyond one's needs or what is fair. It can manifest as excessive covetousness, a lack of self-control, or a rapacious yearning for material or social advantages, and is Scripturally listed as one of the seven deadly sins. Jesus warns us to watch out for all kinds of greed. Many believe the kind of greed most often seen has to do with very wealthy people wanting more. But Jesus doesn’t focus on that kind of greed in our reading today.

 

In the context of this passage, a man is arguing with his brother over their inheritance. The family has enough to hand down, but Jesus sees that this man is still worried if he will truly have enough. He is greedy not for luxury but for security. Many people don’t even know that kind of greed exists. But many of us have it. We want a little bit more so that we don’t have to worry.

 

Jesus points us away from greed based on worry. So long as we aim to live God’s way, aligning ourselves with God’s purpose for us in this world (seeking his kingdom), and so long as it is not yet time for our heavenly inheritance, God will give us what we need to live for him each day. Wanting more than that is a type of greed. And that will distract us from fully living the life of joy and peace we are created for. So, let’s repent and learn to let go of our worry-based greed.

 

The Benefit of Humility

 

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all. The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. (Proverbs 22:1-4 ESV).

 

Yesterday we explored the destructive nature of pride; today, I want to look at the benefit of humility. The rewards promised in our reading are detailed clearly. Avoiding pride is not enough. We need to lean away from it in favor of humility. C.S. Lewis put it aptly: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”

 

Look at the second verse of our reading again. God makes both the rich and the poor. In this context, “rich” does not refer to having an extravagant life. Having riches, or wealth, means that when we are doing God’s work—that is, living God’s way—we can count on receiving everything we truly need to keep going.

 

And wealth isn’t the most important reward. Honor, a good name, is more desirable than great riches (v. 1). By humbly following God, we gain the respect of other good people, and we probably gain some respect from some not-so-great people also.

 

The most reliable reward of humbly following God is life itself. When we are humble enough to rely on God’s direction, it is amazing how many pitfalls we avoid. We avoid the problems that pride falsely convinces us that we can handle them ourselves.

 

When we are humble, we are amazed how often God helps us steer clear of trouble that we didn’t even see coming. When we are humble and we see or hear of someone’s folly leading to ruin, we learn to say, “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” That’s because the unwise keep going right into trouble; they don’t have God to guide them (v. 3).

 

The Prequel to a Fall

 

The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. (Proverbs 16:17-20 ESV).

 

As we continue in this month’s theme of discovering a life of peace through virtue, today we look at the destructive nature of pride. Pride comes in two forms. The same two kinds of pride show up in many cultures. Both kinds have to do with being majestic or exalted in some way. One kind of pride is good. This is the pride that results from the moment when parents view the development of their children as remarkable. But the other kind of pride is very destructive. Throughout Proverbs we read about the good development that can happen when someone pursues wisdom. True wisdom is gained through God. And even though a wise person can go through many ups and downs in life, the wisdom they’ve gained will help to hold their life together.

 

However, we must beware of trying to keep it all together on our own. This is the result of the kind of pride that makes you think that anything you built on your own is worth more. Or that because you built it by yourself you won’t need anyone’s help to hold it together. Or, most dangerous of all, that because you have been self-sufficient, you are a greater person than people who have relied on others.

 

That kind of pride leads to destruction. Our reading today is saying that if you have built something without God, then it isn’t built very well. It’s not built to last. Sooner or later, the so-called majestic life you built without God will simply fall apart. This is how Jesus taught this principle:

 

[Jesus said] “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like aa wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:24-27 ESV).

What are you building your life on… only Jesus will insure a life that can withstand the ravages of the storms of life!

 

Contentment

 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:8-13 ESV).

 

Since Mary and I were married I have held many “jobs.” To be clear, there was never a doubt about the calling of God to be a vocational minister; however, as I finished my formal education I needed to “bring home the bacon.” I’ve done janitorial work, odd jobs like painting store windows with seasonal messages, assembly line work in a window and door factory, design drafting, painting and small construction, and a stint at Home Depot in the flooring department. I’ve been a consultant, salesman, and manager in secular positions. And, of course, I’ve been a college student minister, associate pastor, pastor, life coach and counselor. Some paid well, others only provided a meager compensation. However, in every circumstance God more than supplied our needs. In all our journey we have been content. Contentment should never be about how much stuff we possess!

 

Contentment was a powerful word to the Greek-speaking people of the Apostle Paul’s day. To be content literally means “to find everything you need within yourself.” Many teachers in that day believed that contentment was the greatest virtue. But their version of contentment was based on self-accomplishment. To become content, they taught, a person had to be able to provide completely for himself or herself.

 

Paul knew that it was a myth to think that a human being can be completely self-sustaining. And yet here he looks within himself and finds that everything he needs is there within him. God put it there. The Holy Spirit had begun living inside of Paul. This contentment provided by the Spirit of God gave Paul tremendous freedom. He goes on to say that sometimes his physical needs have been met, and sometimes they have not been met. But even when he has not had enough food, clothing, money, or other basic needs, he has still found that God’s peace and strength have been present within him. There is the secret to contentment… resting in the knowledge that God will never leave us alone to face difficulty!

 

This month we’ll explore more of the details in this kind of life. My prayer and hope for you is that you will find as much joy and peace as I have even when life doesn’t seem to make sense!

 

Rrest From Your Labor

 

So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. (Hebrews 4:9-14 ESV).

 

Happy Labor Day! AI says that Labor Day is “a federal holiday on the first Monday of September that celebrates the social and economic achievements of American workers and the labor movement. It originated in the late 19th century, a time of widespread strikes and protests for shorter workdays, better conditions, and fair wages. The holiday became official in 1894 to recognize the contributions of workers to the nation's strength and prosperity.” Well, for many people it will be just another day. It certainly won’t be a day of rest. Even if you are one of the folks that have the day off from your employment, my guess is that you will be spending it in some kind of “labor.” You may be planning to use the time for completing some put-off tasks around the house; or, perhaps you’re hosting a group of friends for a gathering. Regardless of your plans, I doubt you will be “resting from your labor”!

 

Though I’m writing this devotional on Friday before Labor Day, I can already anticipate that I will be doing much less than I would normally. I have been remanded to inactivity by the doctor and Mary is on full alert to keep me as inactive as possible. Perhaps it will be a good time to do some reading and contemplate where my concentration will lead us in the fall through Morning Devotionals (she seems to think that’s OK… LOL!).

 

In that spirit, let me draw your attention to our reading today. The writer of Hebrews indicates there is a time of “rest” for believers: So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his (v. 9). I certainly believe that will be a part of our eternal gift; however, I find it difficult to imagine what that will look like. One of the clues is found in Jesus’ invitation in the Gospel of Matthew:

 

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and m  I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 ESV).

 

Jesus is not talking about a cessation of activity, but a directed path serving the continued purpose we are created to achieve. When we try to achieve that purpose alone it becomes a burden too heavy to bear; however when we join with Jesus in that pursuit, it becomes an easy path forward.

 

Whatever, you “do” today, do it with Him! Then, you will truly rest from your labor!