A Call to Compassion (Part: 1)

"You shall love your neighbor as yourself"

(Matthew 22: 39) 

 

One of the Churches' greatest weaknesses is in the area of showing love and compassion toward others. The very first fruit of the Spirit is "love" (See Gal. 5: 22). Not to detract from the importance of the other fruits of the Spirit, but this first fruit, "love," ought to be the primary fruit to be cultivated in our lives. Though we cannot master love, however love can master us through the resurrection power of Christ. 

I like what D. L. Moody (1837-1899) said about the Churches' responsibility to love our neighbor: 

"The churches would soon be filled if outsiders could find that people in them loved them when they came in. This...draws sinners! We must win them to us first, then we can win them to Christ. We must get the people to love us, and then turn them over to Christ."[1] 

I don't know about you, but I find Moody's words thought provoking, convicting, challenging as well as inspirational. This is how Christians are to behave towards those both outside and inside the church.  

This topic on showing love and compassion towards others is one of the most dearest to my heart. This is one of the deep convictions in my life. As you read on, I hope it will become yours as well. Now let us consider three points on being more compassionate and loving. 

1. Compassionate Christians Listen. 

If there is one thing I have come to learn through the years in my walk with Christ, is what it means to be a compassionate listener. It is hard, I know. However, through the Lord Jesus Christ we can do all things (see Phil. 4: 13). It is when we learn to listen to others that others will begin to listen to us. If we pretend to listen to another person's problems, believe me they will most certainly let you know.  

Let's face it, we would rather have others listen to us rather than us listening to them. Sometimes we even get irritated and impatient when listening to another person in conversation. We often can't wait to be heard! We are selfish in that we want to be the center of attention. We want to be heard by others, but not to hear what others have to say. we need to heed the words of James: "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath" (James 1: 19). we especially don't like to listen when being rebuked for a wrong. 

Oh may the Lord of listeners help us become better compassionate listeners toward our neighbors. Who knows what wealth we could learn by listening to other people? Who knows what person's heart could begin to heal, because someone cared enough to take the time to listen. 

2. Compassionate Christians Learn. 

Compassionate Christians should never be afraid to learn from their mistakes. There is always a lesson or two to be learned from a mistake. For example, I will never forget a moving story I read in an old Our Daily Bread devotional booklet. The story is entitled, "Held By Love." 

"Sociology professor Anthony Campolo recalls a deeply moving incident that happened in a Christian junior high camp where he served. One of the campers, a boy with spastic paralysis, was the object of heartless ridicule. When he would ask a question, the boys would deliberately answer in a halting, mimicking way. One night his cabin group chose him to lead the devotions before the entire camp. It was one more effort to have some "fun" at his expense. Unashamedly the spastic boy stood up, and in his strained, slurred manner--each word coming with enormous effort--he said simply, "Jesus loves me--and I love Jesus." That was all. Conviction fell  upon those junior-highers. Many began to cry. Revival gripped the camp. Years afterward, Campolo still meets men in the ministry who came to Christ because of that testimony." 

I am certain that the Junior High boys, who were already Christians, must have really learned a valuable lesson that day on showing a little love and compassion towards a boy who desparately was in need of it. I am sure they were ashamed of themselves. May we also learn from this example as well.

(NOTE: "A Call To Compassion" is written and edited from my original article dated Monday April 23, 2001).

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[1] George Sweeting, How to Continue the Christian Life, pg. 108.

Tears of Blessings?

"As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a spring; the rain also covers it with pools."

(Psalm 84: 6, NKJV)

 

In the lives of most of God's precious children, hardships do come. They come in many forms. Whether the difficulty be in seeking employment or in the heartach of losing a loved one. Trials will come into our lives, either out of our own volition or outside circumstances beyond our control. They will come uninvited and unwanted. And they will cause tears due to some form of sorrow.  

What we need to remember is, though the Lord has not promised to help us "out" of our fiery trials. However, He has promised to help us "through" our trials. Listen to what He says: "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (see Josh. 1: 5; Heb. 13: 5). What comfort this should bring to a weary saint.  

Now notice the words "the Valley of Baca" in today's Scripture text. The word "Baca" actually means "weeping." What child of God has not experienced weeping in his or her Valley of Baca due to some overwhelming trial? Days of Praise devotional writer, Norman P. Spotts gives us something to think about, when he wrote: 

"What causes the redeemed of God to shed tears? One reason why believers weep is due to repentance over sin, either their own sin or someone else's. David wept over his own sin; Jeremiah wept over Israel's sin and impending judgment. Others weep because of the intense physical pain and suffering that has become a part of their daily experience. Still others are brought to tears over the mental anguish of a situation that, through no fault of their own, has come upon them"[1] 

Some trials seem to be endless, because they have lasted for years, and seem to serve no purpose at all. Perhaps I am speaking to someone who can relate to this. Concerning such suffering the Apostle Paul says, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." (2 Cor. 4: 17). Does not the words, "pass through" in our text for the day hint at this wonderful truth! Our trials and tribulations are only transitory. This can be further confirmed in Psalm 30: 5, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." (NKJV). Though the night of affliction may rage on; yet, there has to be the first ray of the morning light. The sure promise of joy to come! The Amplified Bible beautifully translates Psalm 84: 6 to read: "Passing through the Valley of Weeping [Baca], they make it a place of springs; the early rain also fills [the pools] with blessings."  

The phrase, "they make it a spring" (see text) is interesting. This could very well speak of new abundant life resulting from a Christian's sore trials. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is not indifferent to our sorrows (see Heb. 4: 15). God takes careful note of each and every tear we cry. Why He even bottles them and labels them, then He writes them all down in His Book (see Psalm 56: 8). Only when the timing is right, does our Lord lovingly pour out the precious mysterious content into our lives from the bottle He has collected our tears in. Thus, causing the barrenness of our hearts to bubble and break forth in "springs" of new life! 

Now notice the word "rain" in our theme text. This little word has a hefty meaning. William MacDonald comments: "The rain is commonly taken as a type of the Holy Spirit, and here He is seen in His ministry of refreshment, providing pools of cool, clear water for the desert traveler."[2] Now the word "water speaks of the Word of God (as in Eph. 5: 26). 

Lastly, notice that the word "pools" is in the plural. Surely this speaks of more than one pool. Now what does the word pools simply speak to us of? The footnote in the margin of my Bible defines the word "pools" to mean "blessings." Yes, rich abundant blessings for the suffering saint! Note the source of our blessing. It comes from God the Holy Spirit (the rain). 

Remember, it is through such bitter experiences in life, that we are not the only ones blessed, we also become a blessing to others! Also, God has given us two specific promises from Psalm 84. The first promise in our text is, "As they pass through the Valley of Baca." The believer is promised that the dry valley is not forever. Refreshing rain will come. The second promise is in Psalm 84: 7. "They go from strength to strength." Not our own feeble strength, but the Lord's great strength. "Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee" (v. 5).  

Beloved brother and sister in Christ, I believe that our loving Lord has such deep compassion for the heartaches we go through , that allegorically speaking, He transforms each of our tears into precious jewels; then He gently strings them together and places them around His heart.  

In closing, let us ponder for a moment some encouraging lines from the pen of the Psalmist: "Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." (Psalm 126: 5-6, NKJV).

 

Shall God's saints linger long,

In the Valley of Weeping?

Shall God's saints lose their song,

For fear that He is sleeping?

 

Nay, He works His sovereign will,

Though the darkness may hide His Light!

He works with unrelenting skill,

What needs to be put right!

 

He never loses any sight

Of those in the Valley of Weeping!

He collects our every tear in a bottle,

For our safe keeping!

 

Though Baca's Valley remains dry,

Refreshing rains are on the way!

Because He hears our every moan and cry!

He comes with a new day!

(NOTE: "Tears of Blessings" is written and edited from the original article I wrote, dated Friday June 16, 2000.)

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[1] Norman P. Spotts, Days of Praise, (Fri. Apr. 28, 2000).

[2] William MacDonald,  The Believer's Bible Commentary: OT, (Thomas Nelson Publishers), pg. 678.

Our Thought Life

"As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he [or so he becomes]."

(Proverbs 23: 7, KJV)

What we are inwardly, or inside our secret world of thought will be eventually reflected outwardly, naked and exposed to the outside world around us to see. For our thoughts have a funny way of being expressed by our actions. It's like an orchestra. Your "thought life" is the conductor, while your words and actions are the orchestra. So what are your thoughts conducting the orchestra of your words and actions to say? "For of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks" (Luke 6: 45). Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" (Prov. 4: 23). Remember, whatever we think is what will be expressed in our body language to the orchestra to play out in our actions in life. Be sure your thoughts are in tune with the Master Conductor, only then will our thoughts be able to conduct the orchestra, and in turn the orchestra's instruments will be in tune to play the sweetest music of godly words and actions for all to observe and hear and for God to be glorified. For the thoughts we sow today, will be the actions we reap tomorrow. Consider Matthew Poole's comment on Proverbs 23: 7: 

"Ver. 7.  As he thinketh in his heart, so is he: you are not to judge of him by his words, for so he professeth kindness, as it follows; but by the constant temper of his mind, which he hath fully discovered to all that know him by the course of his life.   His heart is not with thee; he hath no sincere kindness to thee, but inwardly grudgeth thee that which he outwardly offers to thee."[1] 

A man's words may sometimes be able to hide his true thoughts and intentions of his heart, but a man's life is always the reflection of his inward thought life.  I believe the quote below expresses well the consequences our thought life can have, whether in a negative context or positive context. 

Watch your thoughts, they become words.

Watch your words, they become actions.

Watch your actions, they become habits.

Watch your habits, they become your character.

Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.

You are WHAT YOU THINK!

-Unkown

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[1] Matthew Poole, Matthew Poole's Commentary, (Power Bible CD, 5.2).

Who is the Angel of Revelation 20:1?

"And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand."

(Revelation 20: 1, KJV)

 

This above Scripture passage was brought up in conversation by a Jehovah's Witness friend who was insistent on defending the false Watchtower doctrine that teaches Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel. So is it true, does this above passage prove that Jesus is an "angel" called Michael? Now let us look at Revelations 20: 1 and see whether it really teaches that Jesus is an angel. 

Is the Angel in Revelation 20: 1 Jesus Christ? 

According to my friend Roy, he believes the "angel" mentioned in Revelations 20: 1 is the Lord Jesus Christ. However, a closer look at the passage disproves the notion that there is any connection to the angel in the said Scripture text ever referring to the Lord Jesus. The cross references are Revelation 1: 18; 9: 1; 10: 1. These references are not referring to the "angel" in this passage. It is referring to "the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand." For we read in the very next reference in Revelation 1: 18 that it is Jesus talking. He states that He has "the keys of hell and of death." Second, we read in chapter 9: 1 about "the fifth angel" which "was given the key of the bottomless pit." Are we to believe this "fifth angel" is the Lord Jesus. A simple reading of the entire chapter reveals that this "fifth angel" has no connection at all to Michael the archangel, let alone the Lord Jesus Christ! It is interesting to know that there are seven angels mentioned (see Rev. 8: 6-13; 9: 1, 13; 10: 7). Since it already has been mentioned in my "Christ Superiority over Angels" blogs that the Lord Jesus is the only unique Son of God distinct from any angel. Then how can He be "the only begotten Son" of the Father if He is being referred to here as an "angel" (20: 1) or "fifth angel" (9: 1)? It is plain nonsense to conclude from these passages in Revelation that the "angels" mentioned are the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the height of bad theology. (To be Continued…)

Shadows of the Almighty (Part: 2)

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

(Psalm 91: 1, JND)

 

Yesterday we looked at the "Shadow" in relation to a "Great Rock" and a "Great Eagle." Today we are going to look at the last two "Shadows" in relation to a "Great Hand" and "Great Delight." Now let's see what encouragment we can draw from these points below.

 

3. The SHADOW of my HAND. 

The Securing Shadow of His Presence: "I have covered you with the shadow of My hand,..." (Isa. 51: 16, NKJV). What security can be found for the child of God under the "shadow" of His mighty "hand." Here we have in part, the New Testament truth of Eternal Security. How comforting to know-"No one can restrain His hand..." (Dan. 4: 35, NKJV). Just listen to how beautifully the Lord's words reassures us of the truth of our Security in Him: "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand" (John 10: 28-29, NKJV). You see, not only are we secure in His hand, but we shall "never perish" either! What encouraging certainty this should bring to a discouraged believer's heart! Romans 8: 31 states, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" And in the same chapter, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" (v. 35). The answer to that question is quite obvious-"Nothing! No one!" (See verses 35-39). 

The "shadow" of God's "hand" relates in two specific ways: (1.) To the unsaved person, it speaks of judgment to come. (2.) But to the saved person, it speaks of abundant joy to come." (See also Isa. 49: 16, "God doesn't forget!"). 

4. The SHADOW of a DELIGHTFUL FRUIT TREE. 

The Satisfying Shadow of His Presence: "As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste" (Song of Solomon 2: 3, KJV). This text above is a very lovely picture of what Christ is to the Church [believers, His bride]; both collectively and individually. "The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food in due season. You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing" (Psalm 145: 15-16, NKJV). Truly, God is more than able to supply the needs for both plants and animals. How much more is He willing to abundantly provide for the needs of His beloved children. Again, the psalmist says... "For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness" (Psalm 107: 9). How encouraging are the words of our beloved Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 5: 6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled" (NKJV). Notice the words "shall be filled" in the verse above. This simply means "To be made full, filled full, complete satisfaction, not in want [or lack] of anything." (Mine). Only the Lord Jesus Christ can satisfy our needs. He alone is sufficient, whereas the things of this world are deficient. 

Now notice for a moment, that an apple tree is not only good for food to the weary traveler along life's way. It is also good for shade against the sweltering heat of the day. The apple tree carries a twofold truth: (1.) "Its Fruit" - Provision; (2.) "Its Shadow" - Protection. Is not Christ all that and more? Yeah, He is much more! Consider these magnificent words of David: "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" (Psalm 34: 8, NKJV). 

Why be so filled with worry?

Why are we so filled with doubt?

Cast all your anxieties on Him;

Rest in Christ, while He fights your bout! 

For the Christian, all these four precious promises that involves the word "Shadow," speaks to us of the certainty of His divine presence. Each one of these points has weight. For each one is Eternal in content. Now the four "Aspects" addressed in this devotional study, can be summed up in the Outline below in closing. 

1. Isaiah 32: 2: "Great Rock" - Eternal Foundation!

2. Deuteronomy 32: 11: "Great Eagle" - Eternal Preservation!

3. Isaiah 51: 16: "Great Hand" - Eternal Security!

4. Song of Solomon 2: 3: "Great Delight" - Eternal Satisfaction!

Shadows of the Almighty (Part: 1)

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

(Psalm 91: 1, JND) 

 

There is no safer place to dwell under for care and protection, than the Shadow of the Almighty. Oh, what surety and promises can be drawn from the beautiful truths of this lovely Psalm. God knows! There are four differing aspects found in the Scriptures concerning the word "Shadow" in our text above. All four describes some aspect of our precious Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Let us look at them together. 

1. The SHADOW of a GREAT ROCK. 

The Refreshing Shadow of His Presence: "As the shadow of a great rock in a weary land" (Isa. 32: 2, NKJV). Three truths this "great rock" is: (1.) It is a shelter from the storm (Judgment); (2.) It is a hiding place from the hostile howling wind (God's wrath). How fitting are the words in Colossians 3: 3 "...your life is hid with the Christ in God." (JND); (3.) Last of all, it is a Man. And this Man is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ! (See Psalm 46: 1-3; John 3: 36). Who better to flee to for refuge than Christ? As in our text fragment above, sometimes Christ is typified in the Scriptures as a "Rock" (See 1 Cor. 10: 4). Now how does a rock refresh an individual? The answer to that can be found in what characterizes a rock. The fact that the verse says "great rock," this would give us a mental picture of a huge rock with a dwelling place, a cleft or cave where one could take shelter from a fierce storm and rest for awhile. A large enough rock could also provide a refreshing shade from the scorching heat of the day. Such massive rocks are not easily moved. This would speak to us of a foundation. Still, there is a much greater foundational Rock. "For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 3: 11, NKJV). This greater Rock can also refresh by giving life sustaining water. (See Ex. 17: 1-7; Num. 20: 1-13; 1 Cor. 10: 4). No wonder the Psalmist David could write "Be my rock of refuge, a fortress of defense to save me" (Psalm 31: 2, NKJV). Yes, David was confident in this "Great Rock" (Isa. 32: 2). Augustus M. Toplady, a famous hymn writer shares David's confidence, when he wrote these exquisite words on a stormy day in 1775: 

Rock of ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in thee;

Let the water and the blood,

From Thy wounded side which flowed,

Be of sin the double cure,

Save from wrath and make me pure. 

2. The SHADOW of the WINGS of a GREAT EAGLE. 

The Protecting Shadow of His Presence: "He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge..." (Psalm 91: 4, NKJV). Truly, what better place to take "refuge" then under the "Shadow of His wings." Oh, what comfort a child of God can find under the protecting wings of that Majestic Bird, which typifies Christ. Two truths can be drawn from the mighty "wings" of this "Great Eagle." 

(1.) God's creation of this majestic eagle in its natural habitat would teach us that the same "Shadow" that comes from the wings of the eagle, both brings comfort and protection to the young eaglets on the cliff's ledge, yet, brings panic and terror to the small animals on the ground (see Deut. 32: 11-12).  

(2.) Now above the eagle's "wings" there is no shadow, only the open heavens and the Son! Again, nature would teach us that when it is time for the young eagles to leave their nest, the parent eagle would sustain or hold up the little eagles as they learn to fly. The Scriptures illustrate this truth beautifully: "You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself" (Ex. 19: 4, NKJV). What a lovely image this is of our beloved Lord Jesus Christ, and what He is to the Christian in relationship. 

So number one gives us our relationship to God under His wings. Number two gives us our relationship to God above His wings. Truly, His "wings" possess the power to both save and sustain. Oh, what wonderful assurance the Psalmist gives to those who abide under His majestic wings, they can be confident with the Psalmist..."Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice" (Psalm 63: 7, NKJV).

The Rapture: Is it Really Biblical? (Part: 4)

"But that which ye have already hold fast till I come."

(Revelation 2: 25, KJV)

 

Here in this concluding blog in this series of blogs on the Rapture, I will deal with the last two passages in Revelation 2: 25 and 3: 10 to see whether it refers to the Rapture or the Second Coming of the Lord.  In Part One of this series I listed all of the primary Scripture passages that Dispensationalists will use to support their view on the Rapture. And so far none of the passages in question even hints at the Rapture. The only passage that seems to support their view on the Rapture is 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18. For the Dispensationalist, this is their trump card, their strongest Scripture passage to support their view on the Rapture. So let us consider these verses in Revelations below. 

Revelation 2: 25; 3: 10. "But that which ye have already hold fast till I come...Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth." As usual, a simple reading of these verses makes clear that these verses have nothing to do with the Dispensational view of the Rapture. Commenting on these verses Matthew Poole says: 

"2: 25. But that which ye have already; than you already groan under. Or, no other precepts than what you have had from the apostles: the precepts of God are called burdens, Mt 11:30; Ac 15:28.  Hold fast till I come; hold fast your profession, your faith and holiness, till I come to judgment. 

3: 10. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience: the doctrine of the gospel is, unquestionably, the word here called the word of the Lord's patience, because it was that word, that doctrine, which (as those times went) could not he adhered to and observed without much patience in those that adhered to it; both actively, waiting for the promises revealed in it, and passively, enduring all manner of trials and crosses. To keep this word, was to keep close not only to the matters of faith revealed in it, but to the duty imposed by it upon ministers and others in the preaching and propagating of the gospel, and all the duties of a holy life.  

  I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world; for this faithfulness God promises to keep the ministers of this church from those persecutions which raged elsewhere, and were further, in Trajan's time, to come upon all Christians living under the Roman empire.  

  To try them that dwell upon the earth; to try those Christians that lived within that empire, how well they would adhere to Christ, and the profession of the gospel. This I take to be a more proper sense, than theirs who would interpret this hour of temptation of the day of judgment, which is never so called."[1] 

It is quite apparent from Mr. Poole's comments above that the Rapture is certainly not in view in these verses. Yet, our Dispensationalist friends would have us believe they do. This is a case for reading into the text what isn't there.

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[1] Matthew Poole, Matthew Poole's Commentary, (Power Bible CD, 5.2).