Detox for the soul #4

April 23, 2020

Today is Thursday. That’s the day after Wednesday and the day before Friday, if anyone is still tracking time.

We know the toxin and can set our guard. John summarized it, “For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.” [1 John 2:16 NLT] But how to we detox from all the guilt, judgement, and condemnation we have earned? I am so glad you asked!!!

Let’s start with a promise. The verse has been called the “proto-evangelical.” God promised, “And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” [Genesis 3:15 NLT] Notice the hostility is between the devil and the woman and their respective offspring. There has been only one offspring of a woman, Jesus born of a virgin. When Jesus died on the cross, it seemed as if the snake had struck its blow. When Jesus rose from the dead, He crushed Satan. The devil no longer has power over those he enslaves through sin. There is no more fear of death for those who are in Christ.

Let’s look at a sacrifice. Adam and Eve tried, unsuccessfully, to cover the cause of their shame. In other words, humans can never cover their guilt. “And the Lord God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife.” [Genesis 3:21 NLT] This is the first time they saw death. This sacrifice of one life to cover for another set the legal precedent for the “blood sacrifice.”   The need for a blood sacrifice is stated, “…and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” [Hebrews 9:22b ESV] BECAUSE the consequence of sin is death (physical and spiritual) then the forgiveness of sin would also be death (the blood of Jesus).

Let’s consider a blessing. Adam and Eve were then driven out of the garden. This is were the story of forgiveness and redemption begins, “So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden…” [Genesis 3:23a NLT, NIV, etc.] It seem strange to think of being banished from paradise as a mercy intended to set our feet on the right path. Yet there is one special detail to note in the next verse, “He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.” [Genesis 3:24 ESV] Death provides a buffer to the unhindered expansion of evil.

The good news is, in Christ, this tree is not permanently lost to humanity. We are invited to have access, “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God.” [Revelation 2:7 NLT] The need for such a tree (or trees, see Revelation 22:2) indicates the believer’s life, health, and healing comes from the continual provision of God. This is foreshadowed by the grace given to us on another tree where Jesus died. This grace is continual nourishment to the soul.

Victory over death part 8

What did Jesus do today?

April 11, 2020

Today is Saturday. The day after Jesus died on the cross. Imagine the death, decay, and despair the followers of Jesus felt today.

But what did Jesus do? His earthly body was dead, but we know that He was busy accomplishing and completing the action started when He gave up His spirit.

Let me take a second to "put down" a poisonous idea. There are people who think Jesus was killed by the Jews. This is a lie, straight from the tongue of the devil. Jesus was very clear, “This is why the Father loves me: I give up my life so that I can take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I give it up because I want to. I have the right to give it up, and I have the right to take it up again. I received this commandment from my Father.” [John 10:18 CEB] This is a key idea of the crucifixion: Jesus WANTED to give up His life. This is love in action.

So what was Jesus doing today? I am so glad you asked!!!

One possible explanation to Jesus’ activity on this day may start with, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5 NIV] Jesus demonstrated the true cost of sin. This was a legal exchange, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.” [1 Peter 3:18 NIV] Paul put it this way, “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.” [Romans 3:25a NIV]

Rather than focusing on the legal theory, I want to point to a simple and stunning truth. Paul claims in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” [NIV] In other words, Jesus took the place we have earned and deserved. In exchange Jesus offers us His place. All because Jesus WANTED to substitute Himself for us by accepting the punishment and suffering our sins deserve. This is what theologians call “vicarious death.” In other word, Jesus suffered the whole of the right judgement against us in every way.

But wait, there is more! In the “Apostles’ Creed” most Christians confess that Jesus “descended into hell” (or “descended to the dead”). We read about this in Acts 2:24, “But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.” [NIV] Notice the “agony of death” part.

Paul testifies, “But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” [Romans 10:6 – 7 NIV] The “deep” in this verse is properly translated “the abyss” (The Greek says “tis katabesetai eis abusson”) In Hebrews 2:14 – 16 we learn Jesus shared fully in every human experience, except sin.

I am fond of the idea that Jesus substituted Himself for me. He took my deserved punishment for sin on the cross. Jesus literally went to Hell for me. SPOILER ALERT: When Jesus raises from the dead, literally and physically; He shatters the power of sin and death. Jesus crushes the power of Satan (see Hebrews 2:14).

Are you afraid of death? This COVID-19 pandemic is like a splash of ice cold water in the tepid reality of existence. The question is: do you want to exist or do you want to live? Many of us are existing. We eat, sleep, breath, work, and take up space just existing. God calls us to an abundant and eternal life in Jesus. 

This is the question mark of the cross. Will you have faith, the kind that changes the way you think and behave, in Jesus’ shed blood for your soul?  

Hebrews 9 Who’s life?

Hebrews 9 Who’s life?

1.         [1 – 7] The first covenant was earthly… a copy of the heavenly/eternal.

            a.         The copies were impressive. [vv 3 – 4] BUT there was no direct access to God. [v 8]

            b.         RESULT: The old covenant had no direct access to God. [v 9]

            c.         Why?  BECAUSE the eternal is powerless [v 10]

2.         The internal (symbolized by the “Most Holy Place”).

            a.         The heavenly reality is seen in the copy [v 12]

            b.         The presence of God was denied in the old covenant by the curtain (veil) [vv 7, 15]

***** Never a sacrifice for willful sin. *****

           

3.         Christ is there now… [v 24]

            a.         What does that mean? [v 15]

                        1.)        Jesus died for us.

                        2.)        Jesus paid the ransom.

                        3.)        Jesus set us free.

            b.         RESULT [v 14]

                        1.)        Conscience cleared…

                        2.)        We are now free to serve the living God…

4.         The legal proof… a “will” [vv 16 – 17]

            a.         The death of the owner must be proved.

                        1.)        The first covenant is established by a living person.

                        2.)        The death of that person releases the will.

                        3.)        When Jesus died He ended the first covenant.

            b.         [v 18] Death was symbolized (proved) by the blood.

                        1.)        [v 19] Moses sprinkled the blood to sanctify everything.

                        2.)        [v 23] This blood was symbolic of the heavenly reality.

                        3.)        [v 22] Blood cleansed and provided forgiveness.

***** The old looked forward toward the real, eternal, heavenly… Jesus. *****

            c.         [v 24] Jesus is alive.

                        1.)        NOW there is a new covenant in place.

                                    a.)        There is direct access to God (curtain torn at the crucifixion).

                                    b.)        We have direct access through Jesus.

                        2.)        [v 28] RESULT: Jesus will one day return.

                                    a.)        Jesus died… ransomed us… set us free: conscious is cleared and we can now serve the living God.

                                    b.)        Jesus will one day return… verifies and enforces the new covenant.

***** FACT: You are alive spiritually BECAUSE Jesus blood now runs in your veins. *****

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” [Galatians 2:20]

"Words for Living" part 5 (published January 9, 2008 in "The Coummunity Voice.")

Many thanks go to the Community Voice and thoughtful readers who have given me the chance to express a few “Words for Living.”

The story is told of a newspaper editor who painted a truthful picture of a wedding. He described the bride as ugly beyond reason. The groom was depicted as a good-for-nothing that belonged in jail. The reason for this brutal commentary was the editor wanted to tell the truth, once before he left town the next day. Unfortunately, telling the truth once is about all anyone can get away with... maybe. At least listen once.

There is only one way to be “saved,” “go to heaven,” or whatever you want to call it. Paul put it this way, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [Romans 6:23] Read that verse again. What do you see?

Notice the word “wage” is plural. In other words, “death” (spiritual not just physical) results in eternal separation from God. The old fashion word is “hell.” It is the ultimate and final payout. Fact is, before you get there, you go through pain and misery. They are a severe mercy, intended to get your attention and turn you around.

Another thing that you should see when you read Romans 6:23, is that “sin” is singular. How many guys have looked at a woman and thought “thoughts?” How many ladies have told or listened to a juicy story about someone? Anyone ever tweak the truth ? Remember its one sin not many sins that earns us our payment.

God does something that is unfair. Rather than punishing us, God offers a gift. This is not a “good-God bad-God” act. This is God taking the hit for us. This is God knowing that we cannot earn or deserve “eternal life” (salvation). He offers it to us as a gift through the unfair suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. Jesus did not do anything wrong. It is our sin that Jesus paid for on the cross. That’s what we celebrate on Easter.

After a morning of hunting in northern Minnesota, I made it back to the lodge for lunch. The police were organizing a search for an experienced hunter that had not returned the night before. He was one of my friends and I didn’t even realize he was lost. After lunch I trudge back out to help save him. Just before sundown he walked past me. He was so confused it took him awhile to recognize a friend. He insisted, like any sensible man, he was not lost. I walked with him, letting him lead, until after dark. At this point, he turned and asked, “Got anything to eat?” I suggested we head for the lodge, he agreed. They packed him in an ambulance when we got back. He was dehydrated, frost bitten but safe.

At some point, my friend had to recognize his need and accept help. How about you?

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