Tag: hope

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Prophecy VII

The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!  This is He on behalf of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’  I did not recognize Him, but so that He might be manifested to Israel, I came baptizing in water.”  John testified saying, “I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him.  I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’  I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.”  (John 1:29-34, NASB)

The Apostle John writes in this passage about John the Baptizer’s encounter with Jesus Christ.  There’s a whole lot of prophecy connected to this segment.  First, John the Baptist understands that he is the fulfillment of prophecy to prepare for the Messiah’s coming to earth.  Second, John has plainly stated that he is not Messiah, but One would follow him “who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.”  And third, his declaration “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” is prophetic in that it predicts how Jesus would die. 

John says that he didn’t immediately recognize Jesus as Messiah, but he saw “the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained on Him.”  It was God Who completed the picture:  “He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.”  It’s then that John proclaims “that this is the Son of God.”

Behold, the Lamb of God
“Behold the Lamb of God” found at Good Salt, https://www.goodsalt.com/details/lfwas1578.html

John’s declaration “Behold, the Lamb of God . . . ” was prophetic for the manner of Jesus’ purpose for coming to His earth:  He would end up being a sacrifice.  The Law of Moses prescribed animal sacrifices as a way for sinners to receive forgiveness.  When a lamb was presented, it had to be perfect–spotless, no blemishes, no diseases.  Jesus was required by God the Father to be perfect as well.  He lived a perfect life, free from sin.  Thus He was an acceptable sacrifice to the Father. 
John also says that Jesus would “[take] away the sin of the world.”  The only acceptable way for remission of sins is by blood sacrifice.  God requires blood for forgiveness of sins.  So for Jesus to take our sin away, He would have to be presented as a sacrifice, and shed His blood. 

Of course, Jesus did just that.  The animal sacrifices performed by the priests in the Temple had to be done over and over again, whenever there was sin.  The chief priests were required to enter the Holy of Holies once each year to atone for the sins of the people.  But Jesus’ sacrifice was good once and for all time.  God requires us to acknowledge His sacrifice, and pray to make Jesus the Lord of our lives.  Have you done so?  As we approach Easter, now would be a great time to ask Jesus into your heart! 


Worship:  “I am Yours,” by Darlene Zschech and Michael W. Smith

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Prophecy VI

For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, And like a root out of parched ground; He has no stately form or majesty That we should look upon Him, Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him. He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.  (Isaiah 53:2-3, NASB)

The Lord God has opened My ear; And I was not disobedient Nor did I turn back. I gave My back to those who strike Me, And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard; I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting.For the Lord God helps Me, Therefore, I am not disgraced; Therefore, I have set My face like flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed.He who vindicates Me is near; Who will contend with Me?  (Isaiah 50:5-8, NASB)

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.  The Lenten Season is meant to prepare our hearts to remember the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who came to the earth He created, with the intent to offer Himself as a sacrifice.  If we acknowledge that sacrifice, and turn to Him for forgiveness of our sins, then we will be made right with God the Father, and enjoy fellowship with Him in heaven for eternity. 

The Old Testament prophets not only foretold of the advent of Messiah, but prophesied of the way He would live and die.  Let’s look at the passages above from Isaiah. 

Isaiah 53 passage:  This excerpt is part of Isaiah’s description of “The Suffering Servant.”  As part of God’s plan, Jesus left the majesty and comfort of His heavenly home and humbly came to His earth on the greatest rescue mission in history, to save you and me.  He took the form of a man (“He has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon Him . . . “).  There was nothing visibly different about Him.  Humans would have expected God to appear in a much more stately (Godly) form.  Jesus was “despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief . . . ”  Most people, and certainly the ruling elites, rejected His message.  They tortured, then crucified Him.  In His humanity, He must have been brokenhearted.  “We did not esteem Him.”

“Despised and Rejected of Men,” by Sigismund Goetze (1866-1939).  Found at Cassandra’s  Musings, http://cassandramusing.blogspot.com/2017/03/despised-and-rejected-of-men.html

Isaiah 50 passage:  Jesus was entirely obedient to His Father’s plan.  Even as He was preparing for the horrific torture that was about to happen, He asked God to “remove this cup” from Himself; but just as quickly, “not My will, but Thine be done.”  Jesus submitted Himself to the horrible abuse He suffered.  He knew that His Father had His back.  Therefore He wasn’t worried about what men could do to Him.  That’s a great lesson for all of us who have trusted in Him for our salvation! 

“Messiah,” by George Frideric Handel, is traditionally a Christmas piece.  But the piece covers the prophecies of Messiah’s birth, life, death, resurrection (“Hallelujah”), and beyond.  Below is a movement based on the passages above. 

Worship: “He Was Despised,” from “Messiah,” by G.F. Handel. Performed by Laura McAlpine, mezzo soprano; and David Briggs, organ.

It’s a tradition during Lent to give up something one loves as a manner of sacrifice.  ALS has left me with not much left to sacrifice.  So . . . I think I’m going to give up playing golf.  

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Heirs

. . . for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.  For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.  For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”  The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God . . .   (Romans 8:13-16, NASB)

In his letter to the church at Rome, Apostle Paul writes about fear versus love in the spirit of adoption as children of God.  

In this passage, he starts by contrasting “living according to the flesh” with living “by the Spirit.”  The former leads to death (“you must die”), while with the latter, “you are putting to death the deeds of the body, [and] you will live.”  This is another way of discussing the “deeds of the flesh” vs. the fruit of the Spirit (see “Fruit,” February 21, 2022, below).  Paul goes on to explain that “all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”  It’s far better to be called a son or daughter of the living God, than to be outside the family! 

Next, Paul says that those who are led by the Holy Spirit “have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba!  Father!'”  Sons and daughters of God have been adopted into the family; therefore there is no reason to fear.  Anything.  Not anyone, not circumstances, not death. 

Romans 8:15 poster.  Found at Women in the Word, https://t2womenintheword.blogspot.com/2017/06/he-is-our-abba-father-romans-8.html

According to Bible Gateway, the term “Abba” referring to God as Father is found three times in the New Testament.  Here’s a discussion on the meaning of the word: 

“The spoken language of Jews in Israel in Jesus’ day was Aramaic, and abba is an Aramaic word for father that indicates an intimate relationship. One way to render this term in English could be “Dad.” Although the Old Testament refers to God as a father in several passages, it was highly unusual for Jews to use the term of endearment Abba to refer to God. The term reveals Jesus’ close, personal relationship with God the Father, and following Jesus, Paul used it to represent believers’ relationship with the Father as well.”  (Reese, Christopher.  “What Does “Abba” Mean in the Bible?”  February 21, 2022, Bible Gateway Blog, found at https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/02/what-does-abba-mean-in-the-bible/?utm_source=bg&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weeklybrief)

Last, Paul tells us how we know we’re adopted into God’s family:  “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.”  The Holy Spirit Himself tells us that we are sons and daughters of the One Who created the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in it.  One word:  Awesome!  Are you a son or daughter of God?  The way to make sure is to ask Jesus to come into your heart. 

Jack and Jan Catton came to visit us recently.  Jack was one of my roommates at the Air Force Academy, and Jack and Jan are among our closest friends.  Jan’s parting words to me were, “No fear.  No fear.”  No fear, Jan.  I’m a son of God Most High!  As an adopted son, I can call Him “Dad!”

The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted.  (Proverbs 29:25)

Worship:  “Freedom Hymn,” by Austin French


triple ace robin olds in front of an aircraftColonel Robin Olds in Vietnam.  Found at Sandboxx, https://www.sandboxx.us/blog/the-man-behind-the-stache-why-mustache-march-matters-to-airmen/

Tuesday begins the month of March, also known as “Mustache March” in the United States Air Force.  It’s an unofficial tribute to Colonel Robin Olds, who was a wing commander in Vietnam.  He had a mustache that definitely exceeded Air Force standards, and was thus a hero to his troops.  He was later the Commandant of Cadets at the Air Force Academy (before my time there), and he was a hero to the Cadet Wing  Across the Air Force, Airmen will grow mustaches and have contests in their units at the end of March to see who grew the best ‘stache.  I’ll be participating g in Mustache March this year.  Why?  Because even with ALS, I can.  Growing facial hair is one of the few things I can still do! 

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Brothers

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity!  It is like the precious oil upon the head, Coming down upon the beard, Even Aaron’s beard, Coming down upon the edge of his robes.  It is like the dew of Hermon Coming down upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing—life forever. (Psalm 133, NASB)

Psalm 133 is attributed to King David.  The title is “The Excellency of Brotherly Unity.”  It’s a Song of Ascents, which means it’s a song pilgrims would sing as they went up to the Temple Mount to worship.  The theme of this psalm is unity among the faithful, and has implications for Jesus’ Church today. 

King David says that it’s good and pleasant “for brothers to dwell together in unity!”  How good is it?  He compares it to the feeling of anointing oil being poured over one’s head; and to the dew on Mt. Hermon rolling down on the other mountains of Israel. 

Oil was used to anoint people and things, to consecrate, or set them apart for service to the LORD.  The oil was composed of a specific recipe that God gave Moses as part of His detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle.  Moses poured the oil over his brother Aaron’s head to consecrate him for service as the first High Priest.  According to Free Messianic Bible, “Anointing oil represents the Ruach of God, His Spirit, which was poured over Aaron the High Priest (Kohen Gadol) and other priests to set them apart as holy and fit for His Temple service.

“When we worship the Lord together in action by loving each other, we are clothed with His Ruach (Spirit) in unity.”

Moses anoints Aaron as High Priest by pouring specially prepared oil over his head.  Found at Free Messianic Bible, https://free.messianicbible.com/feature/hinei-mah-tov-behold-how-good-and-pleasant-it-is-for-brethren-to-dwell-together-in-unity/

Free Messianic Bible also explains “the dew of Hermon”:  “Most of Israel receives virtually no rain from May through September, yet during these months the coastal lands are blessed with life-giving moisture as the night breezes carry mist from the Mediterranean Sea, spreading it over the parched ground, nourishing and reviving plants and foliage.
“The mountains of the snow-covered Mount Hermon at the most northern point of Israel are also known for spreading abundant mist throughout the night to the hills below and the land beyond.”

According to King David, it was in Zion that “the LORD commanded the blessing–live forever.”  God provided Messiah, Jesus Christ His Son, King David’s descendant, so that if we believe in Him, we will “live forever.”  As for brothers dwelling “together in unity,” we’re commanded to love one another.  Paul wrote that this is one way for people to know we belong to Jesus, that brothers and sisters in Christ love one another. 

The Grim Reapers of ’76 show off our class rings in the spring of 1975.  I’m standing, third from the left. 

Speaking of brothers, I’d like to pay tribute to my brothers from the Air Force Academy.  Specifically, Cadet Squadron 31, the Grim Reapers, Class of 1976.  God put us all together in the fall of 1973.  Twenty two of us started our sophomore year together, and we all graduated on 2 June 1976.  While we didn’t always “dwell together in unity,” for the most part we got along pretty well.  I think when we graduated, we parted as friends.  Most of us keep in touch to this day.  These guys had a profound impact on my life.  I can’t begin to say how much I learned from them.  Of all the fighter squadrons and organizations of which I’ve been a part, I’m most proud to be a ’76 Grim Reaper!  I love them all. 

Worship:  “Hinei Ma Tov (Behold How Good),” by Paul Wilbur

Source:  “Hinei Mah Tov – Behold! How Good and Pleasant It Is for Brethren to Dwell Together in Unity.”  Free Messianic Bible, https://free.messianicbible.com/feature/hinei-mah-tov-behold-how-good-and-pleasant-it-is-for-brethren-to-dwell-together-in-unity/

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Kyiv

If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.  (Romans 12:18, NASB)

The Bible tells us to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.”  (Psalm 122:6)  Indeed we should.  This is God’s Town.  This is the site where God chose for King Solomon to build His Temple, His dwelling place among His people, Israel.  We’re also called to seek justice and peace wherever and however we can. 

At Sophia Square in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Tuesday.Image from Kyiv.  Victor, Daniel.  “How do You Pronounce ‘Kyiv’?”  From The New York Times, 25 January 2022.  Found at https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/25/world/europe/kyiv-pronunciation.html

As I write, Russia is poised to invade Ukraine.  Please join me in praying for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.  Let’s pray for the peace of Kyiv. 


“The Great Gate of Kiev,” from “Pictures at an Exhibition,” by Modest  Mussorgsky.  Performed by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. 

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Fruit

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.  Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.  (Galatians 5:22-26, NASB)

In his letter to the Galatian church, the Apostle Paul speaks of the “fruit of the Spirit.”  At a Bible study years ago, someone pointed out that it’s not the “fruits” of the Spirit, but rather the singular, “fruit” of the Spirit.  This means that the Jesus-follower is to display ALL the traits listed, not just some.  I can’t practice patience and kindness and yet hold back love and joy.  I have to practice the whole package. 

The text above is part of a discussion on walking “in the Spirit.”  I think to walk in the Spirit means that I not forget that I’m carrying the Holy Spirit with me everywhere I go.  My body is the Tabernacle of a member of the Holy Trinity, and I should act accordingly so as not to defile this Temple.  But Paul says if we walk in the Spirit, then we “will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”  He explains that the flesh is at war with the Spirit.  Paul lists the “deeds of the flesh”:  “immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these.”  He warns us that “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”


Join us for a 9 part series on the fruit of the Spirit at DoNotDepart.com“Fruit of the Spirit.”  Found at Do Not Depart, https://donotdepart.com/tag/fruit-of-the-spirit

On the other hand, Paul contrasts the deeds of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit:  “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and ] self-control.”  He further explains that people who’ve decided to follow Jesus have “crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”  In other words, they have put all the deeds of the flesh in the past.  There is no turning back.  When we say we walk in the Spirit, we must walk the talk.  One final warning from Paul:  “Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.”  More deeds of the flesh!

Walking in the Spirit, practicing and displaying the fruit of the Spirit, is one way people will know we have Jesus.  We have to put the deeds of the flesh in the past.  By these, followers of Jesus will demonstrate to Whom we belong (Remember:  It’s not who you are, but Whose you are!)! 

Worship: “Evidence” by Josh Baldwin
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Awesome!

For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe.  He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing.  So show your love for the alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.  You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him and cling to Him, and you shall swear by His name.  He is your praise and He is your God, who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen.  (Deuteronomy 10:17-21, NASB)

In this chapter of Deuteronomy, Moses is talking to his people.  He continues recounting the events from leaving Egypt through their wandering in the desert.  They’re poised to cross the Jordan River to enter the land that God had promised them.  Now Moses is reminding them to serve God and God alone. 

Moses reminds the Israelites just Who God is:  He’s “the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God.”  Moses also describes Him:  He’s fair (“does not show partiality”); God is completely honest (” . . . nor take a bribe”); He is just to the downtrodden (“He executes justice for the orphan and the widow”); and God loves everyone (” . . . and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing”).  In other words, God is not like us.  He is God.  And He is worthy of our praise. 

God, Memes, and Awesome: FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD IS GOD of GODs A N D LORD of LORDS, T H E GREAT GOD, MIGHTY AND AWESOME DEUTERONOMY 10:17 TBNOur God is an awesome God!

Deuteronomy 10:17 image.  Found at MEME, https://me.me/i/for-the-lord-your-god-is-god-of-gods-a-14312403

Next, Moses gives instructions.  Since God provides for the alien, so should the Israelites.  After all, they were aliens in Egypt.  Next, they are to fear the Lord, serve Him, cling to Him, and swear by His name.  Finally, Moses reminds his people that God is their praise, and He is their God.  He reminds them of the miraculous wonders God performed for them to get them out of Egypt, and to sustain them on their journey through the desert. 

The descriptions of God, and the commands Moses gave to the Israelites still apply to us today.  They are timeless, as is God.  He never changes.  Indeed, we should fear God (“fear” means a healthy respect like no other).  We should serve Him wherever and however we can.  We should cling to Him, because He is fair, honest, just, and loving like no other.  While others will fail us God never will.  He is trustworthy.  Have you placed your trust in Him? 

My favorite description of my God:  Awesome! 


“My God is Awesome,” by Pastor Charles Jenkins

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V-Day

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.  So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, because we are members of His body.  For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.  (Ephesians 5:25-31, NASB)

Today is Valentines Day.  I’m told it’s all about love.  Paul has a lot to say about love in his letter to the church at Ephesus.  Specifically, he writes about how we should conduct ourselves in marriage. 

He tells us husbands that we should love our wives.  How much?  There are actually two comparisons to the answer:  First, we’re to love our wives “just as Christ also loved the church.”  And second, “as their own bodies.”

The first idea is that we should love our wives “just as Christ also loved the church.”  And how much does Christ love the church?  Paul answers that when he says that Christ “gave Himself up for her.”  Jesus submitted Himself to horrific torture and crucifixion for His church, and for you and me.  This is the kind of sacrifice we should be willing to make for our wives.  Further, Jesus sanctified the church, and cleansed her, so “that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.”  As far as the parallel with marriage, I think this means we’re to treat our wives with the utmost love, and  that they’re the most important blessing in our earthly life. 

“So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies.”  Paul explains that the husband who loves his wife also loves himself; that no one ever hated his own body, but takes care of it; and that Christ also takes the same care of the church, because we’re all “members of His body.”  “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”

Ephesians 5:25 image.  Found at Disciple CMC Blog, http://disciplecmcblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/husbands-love-your-wives.html

Fellow husbands, how do we apply all this?  Paul says we’re to do the impossible.  No mortal is capable of loving his wife “just as Christ also loved the church.”  His is a perfect love:  “Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”  (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)  Although impossible to emulate, this is the ideal for which we’re to strive. 

My pastor, Grant Etheridge, and his wife Tammy, put on a marriage seminar a few years ago.  It was on Wednesday nights and lasted several weeks.  Liberty Baptist Church was filled to the rafters each night for the duration.  There are two takeaways I remember especially from Pastor Grant:  The first is that your spouse should be your best friend.  The second, marriage is not a competition–but we should try and serve the other as best we can. 

Best friend:  Of course, this makes perfect sense.  Why else would you marry the other person?  This reminds me of how I should treat my wife.  “Is this how I should treat my best friend?”  Or, “I can’t believe I just did that to my best friend (followed by an apology!)!”

Service:  I’ll just give an example:  Sue loves to wake up with a cup of coffee.  I love Sue.  Therefore, I used to make coffee and bring it to her (I don’t drink coffee) until I could no longer climb the stairs. 

So husbands are to love their wives.  The ideal is to copy the way Christ loves His church.  I think St. Valentines Day and wedding anniversaries are good times to reflect on that.  So Sue, Happy Valentines Day.  God willing, for next Valentines Day, I will be here. 

“I Will Be Here,” by Steven Curtis Chapman

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Dilemma

. . . according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.  But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose.  But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.  (Philippians 1:20-24, NASB)

The Apostle Paul writes of a dilemma:  He doesn’t know whether it’s better to be alive, or to die.  For those of us who are terminal, it’s an interesting question to ponder. 

Paul, in another excerpt from his letter to the Philippian church, begins by stating that no matter what happens, he doesn’t want to be put to shame, but rather that Jesus would be glorified by everything he does.  This includes whether he lives or dies. 

Paul goes on and writes of his predicament:  ” . . . to live is Christ, to die is gain.”  Ponder this:  If Paul continues on in this world, he has Jesus.  But if he dies, his “gain” is that he has Jesus for eternity.  He says he doesn’t “know which to choose.”  

Philippians 1:21 image.  Found at heartlight, https://www.heartlight.org/gallery/7483.html 

Alive, he speaks of “fruitful labor.”  God commissioned him to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles, and that’s what he’s been doing, and will continue to do.  He stresses at the end of the passage that it’s better for the Philippians that he remain in this world.  He could continue to teach them.  But dead, and he could go to be physically with Jesus forever.  Hence the quandary. 

I often wonder which would be the better choice.  Here on earth, I’ve got Jesus.  When I die, I’ll be with Jesus for eternity.  Ultimately it’s up to God the Father.  He has numbered my days.  While I’m here, it’s up to me to love God and love other people.  As we used to say in the Air Force, I’m “present for duty.”  I don’t know how many more days I’ll be here, but every morning I ask God to help me make the most of my day, to give me the strength to do what He wants me to do, and that I’ll work for His glory. 

It’s great to have Jesus both here on earth, and there in heaven forever.  Do you have Him? 

Worship: “Know You More,” by Hillsong Worship

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Thorns

. . . Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!  Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.  And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”  Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.  Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.  (2 Corinthians 12:7-10,NASB)

Apostle Paul writes about a “thorn in the flesh” in his second letter to the church at Corinth.  Bible scholars don’t know for sure what the “thorn” was, but Paul explains why he got it:  To keep him humble. 

Earlier in the same chapter,  Paul explains that some time ago he’d been caught up to heaven.  During this trip to “Paradise [he] heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.”  He writes that he does not want to boast about himself, “so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.”  Not everyone gets to go to heaven, and it’s certainly a rarity for someone to get to do it while still alive.  It’s rare enough that such a traveler would be tempted to boast.  But Paul writes that he would rather boast in his weaknesses.  HUH? 

To keep him from exalting himself, Paul received “a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me.”  He writes that he asked the Lord to remove it, but Jesus replied, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”  Paul writes that he would prefer to boast in his weaknesses “so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”  He says he’s content with weaknesses and other negative things in his life, “for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

“Thorn in the Flesh.”  Found at Church Leaders, https://churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/265914-rethinking-pauls-thorn-in-the-flesh.html

The thorn in Paul’s flesh is interesting to me.  It teaches me that God doesn’t heal everyone.  God uses our situations for His purposes and for His glory.  I don’t know why He doesn’t heal my ALS.  He does.  As I wait for healing, it’s up to me to love God, and love other people.  Like Paul, I’ve asked God to remove the thorn in my flesh.  Like Paul, God has denied my request.  Perhaps the reason God rejected Paul’s plea was to teach us this lesson, and to teach us about strength through weakness. 

I identify with Paul about weakness.  I think today I’m physically as weak as ever, but tomorrow I’ll be even more so.  It’s the nature of my disease.  Before my diagnosis, my body was growing weaker.  I thought I needed to be more consistent going to the gym!  But it’s the gradual deterioration associated with ALS.  But Jesus told Paul that His grace is enough; that “power is perfected in weakness.”  Paul concludes this portion when he writes, “when I am weak, then I am strong.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 image.  Found at Living Bulwark, https://livingbulwark.net/a-thorn-in-the-flesh/

An Air Force Academy classmate, and one of my best friends, has consistently told me since my diagnosis, “Be strong!”  Very encouraging!  But more encouraging to me is knowing that Jesus’ power is perfected in my weakness.  And like Paul, I can say, “When I am weak, then I am strong!”

God, please give me the strength I need to do what You want me to do today.  I pray that everything I do will be acceptable in Your sight, would be a soothing aroma to You, and would be to Your glory.  When I am weak, then I am strong.  In Jesus’ name, Who perfects the power in my weakness, Amen. 

Worship:  “Your Grace is Enough,” by Matt Maher