Four images of forgiveness

March 19, 2021 (Friday)

 

Throughout the Psalms we constantly read about God’s “steadfast love.” When we move into the New Testament our focus tends to be on God’s grace. In some ways, these are similar. I’ll get back to that.

 

Maybe the best example trusting God’s steadfast love can be found in Psalm 51. Realizing his sin and its cost, David throws himself on the mercy of God. It begins, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.” [Psalm 51:1 ESV] If you have listened to my sermons you know a “meme” (item transmitted by repetition) I regularly use is “Grace is getting what we do not deserve. Mercy is NOT getting what we do deserve.”

 

David deserved death on several accounts according to the Old Testament Law. He had committed adultery with Bathsheba and he conspired to kill her husband, one of his close friends. David cries out for mercy. This cry is based on two things: steadfast love and abundant mercy. He asks God to “blot out” his transgressions (“rebellion”).

 

David is going to pray several images, requests he wants God to do with those sins. The first is “blot out.” It is thought this image is one of erasing, like erasing a mistake when writing. The second image is “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!” [Psalm 51:2 ESV] Notice the “double cure” (Rock of Ages) David seeks.

 

In 1 John 1:19 we see this double cure, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [ESV] John was writing to the church. Christian theology features forgiveness of sins. But what good is forgiveness if the pollution continues to haunt us? Forgiveness is like removing the refrigerator, but that only exposes the mess underneath. Cleansing of the mess is necessary.

 

David continues to express his utter helplessness against sin. “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.” [Psalm 51:3 ESV] So far we have transgression (rebellion), iniquity (perversity, depravity) [verse 2], and now we have “sin” (offense with a penalty). Sometimes I wonder if we deal with sin like it was a mistake. These images for sin give strong impression of willfulness.

 

The third image David uses for what he wants God to do with his sin and guilt is, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” [Psalm 51:7 ESV] Hyssop was used to put the blood on the doorposts at Passover. It was also used to sprinkle people healed from leprosy, or defiled by a corpse, allowing them to return to society. It was also the stick the sponge was attached to when the Roman solders offered Jesus vinegar on the cross.

 

The act of purging is a violent image. In fact, the word is closely related to “sin.” It’s a s if David is asking God to meet his sin with an “equal and opposite reaction.” The image of wash is equally violent. The idea here is that of “trampling.”

 

Image number four: While David admitted his sins were always in his life and memory (see verse 3), He pleads for God to “Hide your face from my sins.” [Psalm 51:9a ESV] Let’s take another word picture to get a handle on just how completely God forgiveness.

 

“As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” [Psalm 103:12 ESV] Think about this one: if you travel north there will be a point where you start traveling south (and vice versa). However, if you travel east (or west) you will never arrive at a point where you begin to travel the other direction. The east/west image is that of infinity.

 

When we genuinely repent (change our mind and behavior) of our sin, God’s forgiveness is infinite. What are the chances God’s steadfast love and abundant mercy are infinite?

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 4

April 7, 2020

This is Tuesday on our trip through the Holy Week. What I want to cover is a follow up on what happened on Monday.

Mark 11:12 – 14 records this happening on Monday. “The next day, after leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. From far away, he noticed a fig tree in leaf, so he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing except leaves, since it wasn’t the season for figs. So he said to it, “No one will ever again eat your fruit!” His disciples heard this.” [CEB]

On Tuesday, this is noted, “Early in the morning, as Jesus and his disciples were walking along, they saw the fig tree withered from the root up. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look how the fig tree you cursed has dried up.”” [Mark 11:20 – 21 CEB]

Jesus cursing (pronouncement of judgement) the fig tree does not seem “fair.” Mark 11:13 clearly states it was not the season for figs. It seems unreasonable to expect figs out of season. What Jesus was looking for is called a “breba.” This is fruit that grows early (out of season) off the previous year’s shoot growth. In essence this is a bonus crop and is not unusual. Considering the tree had leaves, it was reasonable to expect it to have fruit.

But why would Jesus pronounce judgement on the fig tree? I’m glad you asked!!!

Let me hit the delete button on one poisons idea that is commonly circulated.  Some think the fig tree represents Israel. There is no possible explanation for this idea other than unholy imagination. On top of that it is bad “hermeneutics” (the science of interpretation). The idea that one thing represents another, unrelated and not in the context, should be discarded, dismissed, and dissed.

In Mark, Jesus explains to Peter the interaction between faith and prayer. On faith, “Jesus responded to them, “Have faith in God! I assure you that whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea’—and doesn’t waver but believes that what is said will really happen—it will happen.” [Mark 11:22 – 23 CEB] Wow, I have yet to see a mountain be thrown into the sea. But I think Jesus teaches us, this is the power of faith.

On prayer Jesus continues to teach us, “Therefore I say to you, whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you will receive it, and it will be so for you. And whenever you stand up to pray, if you have something against anyone, forgive so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your wrongdoings.” [Mark 11:24 – 25 CEB]  Wait, how did we go from a cursed tree, to faith, to prayer, to forgiving someone else?

Jesus' typical story telling method was to use an attention getting device, teach on it, then in a surprising twist give a “moral of the story.” In this case Jesus does something seemingly out of character to get the disciple’s attention. It’s about faith, faith is activated and realized in prayer. Yet there is a deep problem Jesus addresses. It is literally a “got ya” moment. It’s a sudden twist that seems to be unconnected.

What is about to happen on Friday, might plant a very deep seed of unforgiveness into the souls of the followers of Jesus. The unwillingness to forgive is at the core of bitterness. Bitterness kills relationships. Bitterness robs us of peace. Bitterness destroys joy. We become unfruitful and die from the roots, like the fig tree, because we disconnect from the love of God. Just as prayer is the conduit for faith to work; forgiveness is the road to being forgiven, to being free, to faithfully walking with God.

Forgiving others is necessary to be forgiven by God. People who have been forgiven by God will forgive others.

Appropriate Reaction

James 5:13 – 20

Appropriate Reaction

A difficult and wonderful text. Difficult because it has been so misunderstood and twisted. Wonderful because it offers so much hope and direction.

 

I.         There is an appropriate time for the right action.

 

            A.        Those suffering hardship and trouble pray.

 

                        1.         Find that prayer brings comfort.

 

                        2.         Prayer connects us with the presence of God. (Ill. A crying baby...)

 

            B.        Those who are happy sing praises.

 

                        1.         Singing is a form of prayer.

 

                        2.         Singing praises does two things:

 

                                    a.         It gives WITNESS to each other the things God has done.

 

                                    b.         It gives WORSHIP in exalting God.

 

            C.        Those who are sick call for prayer.

 

                        1.         This prayer is public. Private prayer does not put us or God “on the line.”

 

                        2.         There is the anointing with oil. This does not allow us to pass on the responsibility of praying for the individual.

 

                                    a.         Oil was the one of the main medical treatments of the day. Thus, recognizing the roll of legitimate medicine as an aid to healing.

 

                                    b.         Oil was the symbol of the Holy Spirit.

 

                        3.         When the sickness is connected with sin, it is an opportunity to make things right among believers.

 

                                    a.         This is the public apology that is often necessary when one persons sin affects the group.

 

                                    b.         Remember that sin brought sickness into the world. Not all sickness is a direct result of a specific sin (caus and effect).

 

            D.        Those who are stray are restored.

 

                        1.         There are two ways to “wander.” “Creed and Conduct”

 

                                    a.         Some things are necessary to believe:

 

                                    b.         When our conduct does not match the redeeming gospel of Jesus or is not under the controlling influence of the Holy Spirit, it is sin.

 

                                                1.)       Sin is a desperate condition of the heart of humanity which causes all sorts of problems.

 

                                                2.)       Left unchecked in the individual or institute (church) it has a killing effect.

 

II.       We tend to choose inappropriate responses for life conditions.

 

            A.        Examples of inappropriate responses:

 

                        1.         Suffering: Look for relief independent of seeking God.

 

                                    a.         Sometimes God wants us to learn something.

 

                                    b.         The real question is focus... where do we look in times of trouble?

 

                        2.         Happy: Celebrate instead of giving praise to God.

 

                                    a.         We can celebrate our happiness or turn people’s attention toward what God is doing.

 

                                    b.         The real question is focus... Do we want people to look at us or God?

“For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield my glory to another.” [Isaiah 48:11]

***** Stealing God’s glory may be the most serious common problem of the church in America today. It’s easy to do and seldom recognized. *****

 

                        3.         Sick: Do nothing.

 

                                    a.         James tells us to seek and depend on God.

 

                                    b.         Sometimes there is a deeper issue: sin.

 

 

                        4.         Sin: Ignored or encouraged.

 

                                    a.         “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. [11] You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” [Titus 3:10]

 

                                    b.         “Hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.” [1 Corinthians 5:5]

 

                                    c.         “If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. [15] Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.” [2 Thessalonians 3:14 – 15]

 

            B.        Why do we choose inappropriate responses?

 

                        1.         These issues are very personal.

 

                        2.         We tend to make things about us.

 

                        3.         Dealing with sin is a touchy issue. (“don’t judge” etc...)

 

                        4.         With most things we weigh “risk verses reward.” The need for healing and forgiveness against the potential public embarrassment and personal feelings.

 

III.      Why do we have this struggle?

 

            A.        We just don’t know.

 

                        1.         We’ve never been taught. (Remember the Bible is a “big” book with lots of subject matter. If the preacher doesn’t hit every subject every Sunday, its okay. That’s why consistent attendance is very helpful... over time you will get the full spectrum of Biblical teaching.)

 

                        2.         It’s not our custom and doesn’t fit local personality.

 

                                    a.         To some extent that’s not a problem... as long as we are not violating the clear teaching of Scripture.

 

                                    b.         For instance, a culture that does not express happiness or joy publically... then giving testimonies in the public service will naturally be rare.

[Caution: We can not judge ourselves or others by local customs and personality... God, thankfully, did not make us all the same. We should not try to imitate someone else or impose our ways on others.]

 

            B.        We place divine intervention against legitimate medical means.

 

                        1.         I think the Bible never discourages the uses of doctors or hospitals.

 

                        2.         Paul traveled with a doctor (Luke).

 

                        3.         Regardless what means are used, God is ultimately the giver of healing (or anything else for that matter).

 

            C.        Not everyone is healed.

 

                        1.         Correct! Sometimes God has something better.

 

                                    a.         Paul continued to struggle with his “thorn in the flesh.”

 

                                    b.         Paul’s physical illness served a bigger purpose.

 

                                    c.         What God does for one, He is not required to do for all in this issue.

 

                        2.         Sometimes “something better” is gaining heaven.

 

                                    a.         Christian perspective: this life is as bad as it gets for the believer (and as good as it gets for those who are not “in Christ.”)

 

                                    b.         “We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” [2 Corinthians 5:8] (“absent from the body... present with the Lord” KJV, NKJV)

(Ill. What’s the point of fishing? Hint: it is not catching the fish...)

***** The point of publically asking for prayer and the church taking time to do this is to place ourselves under the will and authority of Jesus Christ. *****

 

IV.      It is always appropriate to direct everything to God.

 

            A.        Suffering, praise, sickness, or sin.

 

                        1.         Only God is the source of comfort.

 

                        2.         Only God is the source for praise.

 

                        3.         Only God is the source for healing.

 

                        4.         Only God is the source for forgiveness.

 

            B.        Give careful thought to our actions.

 

                        1.         Communion service: We ask for mercy.

 

                        2.         Communion service: “and be thankful.”

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