Jacob - Pt. 2

 

When the boys grew up, Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents. Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. And Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!” (Therefore his name was called Edom.5) Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright now.” Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. When Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. (Genesis 25:27-34 ESV).

 

As Jacob grew up, his life began to take a very different course from that of his brother, Esau. Not only did Jacob and Esau have different interests and personalities, but their parents’ favoritism likely fueled their sibling rivalry. And in the back of Jacob’s mind, there was probably often a reminder of God’s response to Rebekah—a prophecy saying that “the older [brother] will serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23).

 

Have you ever been frustrated by the feeling that you were not getting what you deserved? Knowing that God intended to bless him, Jacob took steps to secure that blessing for himself. And Esau, whose hunger for soup overruled his common sense, cooperated by selling his birthright.

 

Perhaps like Jacob, we often see God’s blessing as something we should have—or maybe even deserve—and we think we need to seize it or secure it by making some kind of deal or bargain. But blessings from God are an undeserved gift. They cannot be purchased for any price other than the blood Christ gave for us on the cross. Yet as Jacob’s story will show us, it can take a lifetime to set aside our human tendency to struggle against the work of God and to receive his love as a gift.

 

That is one of the most difficult lessons to be learned from the Scripture. It is rooted in our belief that we deserve to be treated fairly, with favoritism or prejudice. The truth is we have been given much more than we deserve or earn. The Apostle Paul wrote that we all deserve death (cf. Romans 6:23). Our sin is without excuse. Yet, in our sin and death Jesus comes with grace and blessing. Until we recognize how great that gift is in comparison to what we “deserve” we will never truly feel blessed.

 

Jacob - Pt. 1

 

These are the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham fathered Isaac, and Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean of Paddan-aram, the sister of Laban the Aramean, to be his wife. And Isaac prayed to the LORD for his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived. The children struggled together within her, and she said, “If it is thus, why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the LORD. And the LORD said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.” When her days to give birth were completed, behold, there were twins in her womb. The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau. Afterward his brother came out with his hand holding Esau’s heel, so his name was called Jacob. (Genesis 25:19-26 ESV).

 

While I am writing this several days before it is published, I hope it will prove to be a useful insight into the wonderful mystery of God’s will and purpose in our lives. We will explore the life of Jacob. Our reading today is the beginning of his story. Even prior to his birth, sibling rivalry was evidenced. As a parent of three sons, I have seen my share of sibling rivalry. Thankfully, my children’s struggles have always been minor misunderstandings between kids who mostly love each other. But, as a pastor, I know that family conflict is a source of stress and deep pain for many people. This was the case between Jacob and his brother Esau. We see Jacob was born “grasping Esau’s heel.” His very name describes his tendency to nip at the heels of his brother.

 

But as we will see, Jacob’s relationship with Esau reflects his struggle with God as well. Though he might think his biggest struggle is with his brother, Jacob will eventually learn how much he “grasps at the heels” of whatever he thinks will bring him some advantage. Jacob spends a lot of time chasing God’s favor rather than simply receiving God’s mercy and blessing. We have much to learn from Jacob. Even when family relationships are healthy, we find ourselves jostled by the struggles of life. We tend to “grasp at the heels” of whatever we believe will fulfill us.

 

For this reason we need to ask Rebekah’s question: “Why is this happening . . . ?” And we need to listen for God’s invitation to see him at work, changing our hearts to receive his gift of mercy in Christ.

 

Anxiety - Pt. 2

To the choirmaster: according to The Dove on Far-off Terebinths. A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me; all day long an attacker oppresses me; my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? (Psalm 56:1-4 ESV).

 

A Disclaimer: The content of this article is meant to speak to the general worries and anxieties caused by regular life situations. Mental illness is a very real struggle for Christians and non-Christians alike and should be treated by qualified mental health professionals.

 

“What’s the worst that can happen?” That’s the question so many of us use to make our decisions about our thoughts and actions. Unfortunately, it is woefully inadequate to assist us in feeling free from anxiety or fear of the future. David must have felt this when he wrote our reading today. The sworn enemies of the Israelites had taken him captive. The plans they had for him were nothing short of terrifying. Yet, he comes to this conclusion: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” (v. 4). Even if others or circumstances drown us in pain and trial, what really is that in comparison to what awaits us as the children of God. Knowing that I can now begin to take some positive steps to control my anxieties and fears in the face of the future.  

 

We can present our anxieties to God (cf. Philippians 4:6). We can trust God despite fear (cf. Psalm 56:3). It is in God’s presence that we become the recipients of joy (cf. Psalm 94:19). God will care for us now and in the future (cf. Matthew 6:33-34). Ultimately we must realize that nothing can separate us from God’s love (cf. Romans 8:38-39). Once we place ourselves in the mindset of these truths we will be able to face the future knowing that whatever happens is merely a temporary inconvenience. By this time tomorrow morning I will have already checked into the hospital for the heart procedure. As is the case in any surgery there are always risks. In this case they are relatively rare. However, these “what if’s” cannot rule my thoughts. Nothing can compare with that which God has already provided for my life. So, though I will not be actually writing in the next few days, please know my thoughts are for your encouragement and hope. Jesus has already eternally secured us! Really… what can man do to us!

  

Anxiety - Pt. 1

 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7 ESV).

 

 

A Disclaimer: The content of this article is meant to speak to the general worries and anxieties caused by regular life situations. Mental illness is a very real struggle for Christians and non-Christians alike and should be treated by qualified mental health professionals.

 

This week I wanted to be a bit more personal than doctrinal. Last week, as some of you may be aware, I was in the hospital for two preparatory procedures that we hope will greatly reduce the chances of stroke or embolism because of my cardiovascular condition. My doctors have recommended an LAAC (Left Atrial Appendage Closure). It is a minimally invasive procedure where they will place a device inside my heart to close off the appendage where most of the blood clots form and therefore prevent stroke or clots from forming. Honestly I’m a bit “anxious” about it. Following Christ does not exempt us from the pain and struggle of everyday life. In fact, we may find our worry and anxiety amplified as we seek to meet the needs of those around us and take on their burdens. It’s easy to let the difficulties and unknowns of life overwhelm us. While our lives may never be free from worry, we can find hope in the promises God has given us through Scripture.

 

My hope is that you will find comfort and encouragement from my journey in working through some of the truths and promises of Scripture to encourage and remind you of God’s presence in and plan for your life. I’ll detail each of these in more detail tomorrow. However, today I wanted to focus on one of the most familiar and quoted verses of encouragement in the Scripture. Our reading simply says, “Don’t be anxious about anything” (v. 6). Well, I find that easier to say than do. Perhaps you are the same. The key is in the statement just prior to this one: “The Lord is at hand.” The apostle is simply saying that the Lord has not forgotten or abandoned us to our circumstances and He is overseeing each step working it to our good (cf. Romans 8:28). That is the beginning of conquering the fear of the unknown. He is holding me in His arms! He will hold you as well!

 

Soli Deo Gloria

 

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:33-36 ESV).

 

In the brief reflections over these past few days I’ve chosen to concentrate on an understanding of the five solae of the Reformation. I’ve attempted to cover a lot of material about Scripture alone, Christ alone, grace alone, and faith alone. And now, as we focus for a few days on glory to God alone, it’s important to note that this teaching is not in any way less significant because it comes last. Indeed, we might even say it is the most important of the five. Without a doubt, God’s glory is at the heart of the five core teachings about the truth of our salvation. With so many churches chasing after their own glory, I hope you can see the incredible danger a misunderstanding of this principle presents.

 

Scripture alone glorifies God’s unique revelation of himself and his plan for salvation. Christ alone glorifies God’s wisdom and love in sending his only begotten Son. Grace alone glorifies God’s mercy in reaching out to lost sinners. Faith alone glorifies God’s gift of faith to channel his love and mercy. So, all four of these key principles point to God’s glory alone. No one else can claim any credit. Let me be even clearer… the three “b’s” of most churches and denominations (buildings, budgets, and baptisms) do not give a clear picture of the work of God.

 

The apostle Paul has God’s glory in mind when, after a long explanation about God’s plan of salvation, he responds in awe and wonder in the passage we have read today, recognizing that salvation—and indeed all things—come from him, through him, and for him. As wonderful and amazing as salvation is for us, it is ultimately not about us. What God has done for us echoes his glory. “To [God] be the glory forever!”

 

This is not to say that growth is not good, whether it is in physical facilities or membership. It is to say that these are not the litmus test of success. The question must be directed toward how we are glorifying our great God!

 

What if...

 

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for fall have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:21-26 ESV).

 

Faith in Jesus comes as a gracious gift from God. Through faith imparted by the Holy Spirit, we are made right with God. In our reading today we learn what happens when we are given the faith to believe. The Apostle Paul lays out a tight argument on the movement from guilt to grace. He reminds his readers that the law revealed to God’s people since ancient times does cannot save. The law convicts us of our sin. And, then he exclaims, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” It is an honest but hopeless declaration. It removes all the “what if’s” from our argument. What if I keep all the commandments most of the time? What if I keep almost all of the commandments all of the time? What if I’m nearly perfect? Paul would simply say, “That’s not good enough. No one can be good enough. All have sinned and fallen short” (v. 23).

 

The good news, however, is that we can be made right with God (justified) through believing in Jesus Christ and being credited with his righteousness. Jesus stands in our place. His blood was shed for our sake, so when we believe (have faith) in him as the Savior, we are saved and made right with God.

 

Again Paul rejects any thoughts of bragging. We can’t take any credit for becoming right with God. We only receive the saving power of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice through God’s grace, grace that extends even to the very act of believing and trusting (having faith) in Jesus. God’s astounding love and mercy bring us to our knees in awe and wonder. Paul himself exuberantly exclaims later, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” (Romans 11:33).

 

There can be no other way. Jesus is the only way!

 

Sola Fide

 

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—  and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:4-8 ESV).

 

The next truth we come to is Sola Fide, “Only Faith.” It has been so subtly changed through the years that we have come to believe that it is a requirement for becoming a child of God. You may have heard someone say something like, “Just have faith and you will be saved.” And, while that sounds very close to what the Apostle Paul teaches in our reading today, it is dangerously close to great heresy. Understanding this is essential. If any part of our redemption can be attributed to our work, we are hopeless in view of the fact of our basic bent toward sin and rebellion.

 

Let’s start by understanding what faith is. The word faith can have several meanings. Sometimes it means simple assent to a fact or an idea as true. Sometimes it refers to a body of religious teaching. In the Bible it can sometimes refer to a special amount of faith, as in “a faith that can move mountains” (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:2). But the most common use of faith refers to an implicit trust or reliance on something or someone. For believers, that sense of trust or reliance points to saving faith in Jesus Christ. As our reading declares, we are saved by grace “through faith” (v. 8). In contrast to the church teaching of his time, Martin Luther asserted that salvation is by grace and is “received” through faith. Grace wrapped in faith is the gift of God.

 

Instead of seeing faith as something required in order to receive grace, Luther found that faith is a channel of God’s grace. In other words, even the faith we need in order to acknowledge Jesus as Lord comes graciously from God through the power of the Holy Spirit. If it were any other way, we could boast: “I found Jesus!” God finds us. Even the faith to accept Jesus comes through grace alone. Indeed, grace alone and faith alone are like two sides of the same coin. Nothing we do will gain eternal life for us. That is the foundation of our hope!