Category: Christmas

For February 12, 2023
The veracity, reliability, and relevance of God’s Word are beyond question. In today’s ever-changing world, there is one constant: God is faithful, and we can trust Him to keep His Word regardless of the circumstances we face.

The Old Testament narrative of Micaiah, presented in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 18, illustrates how we can trust God and His Word in ways that are most astounding.

One-hundred and fifty years before this story unfolds, (a thousand years before the birth of Christ), as David reigned over a united Hebrew monarchy at Jerusalem. David was succeeded by his son, Solomon, who was later succeeded by his son, Rehoboam.

Under Rehoboam’s reign, the kingdom was divided, with Jeroboam I controlling the Northern Kingdom (Israel) with Samaria as the capital city, while Rehoboam remained king over the Southern Kingdom (Judah) at Jerusalem.

One-hundred and twenty years pass before Ahab and Jezebel become king and queen of the Northern Kingdom in Samaria. Known for their despicable wickedness and ruthlessness, they surreptitiously cause the unjust killing of Naboth, an innocent man, so that they can take his vineyard, which was situated next to the palace.

After Naboth was stoned to death, King Ahab took immediate possession of the vineyard. God, who was not happy with their treachery, sent Elijah the Prophet to the vineyard to confront Ahab with His Word of judgement,

Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite: “Go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who rules in Samaria. He is now in Naboth’s vineyard, where he has gone to take possession of it. Say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Have you not murdered a man and seized his property?’ Then say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: In the place where dogs licked up Naboth’s blood, dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!’ ” 1 Kings 21:17-19 (NIV)

Sometimes evildoers may think they can “get by” with their misdeeds, but they will never get away. Numbers 32:23 warns, “Be sure your sin will find you out.“

Three years pass before Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, visits Ahab in an effort to reclaim Ramoth, a city that fell under Syrian domination.

Before the battle, Jehoshaphat asked Ahab to ascertain God’s Word about their endeavors. Ahab gathered his 400 prophets, who predicted that God would undoubtedly give them a victorious conquest.

Their claims of victory troubled Jehoshaphat, a godly king, who then requested to hear from a prophet of the Lord about the matter. Ahab identified Micaiah and summoned him immediately.

It must have been awe-inspiring to see Ahab and Jehoshaphat in full regalia sitting on thrones near the entrance of the gate of Samaria, with all the opulence and splendor befitting dual royalty.

Yet, when challenged to speak God’s Word, Micaiah replies,

I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the Lord said, “These have no master. Let each return to his house in peace.” 1 Kings 22:17 (NKJV)

Then he goes on to say,

Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by, on His right hand and on His left. And the Lord said, “Who will persuade Ahab to go up, that he may fall at Ramoth Gilead?” So one spoke in this manner, and another spoke in that manner. Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord, and said, “I will persuade him.” The Lord said to him, “In what way?” So he said, “I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.” And the Lord said, “You shall persuade him, and also prevail. Go out and do so.” Therefore look! The Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these prophets of yours, and the Lord has declared disaster against you. 1 Kings 22:19-23 (NKJV)

For his faith, courage, and tenacity, Micaiah was sent to prison, where they were to feed him bread and water until Ahab triumphantly returned to Samaria.

But God had other plans that He revealed trough Elijah and Micaiah. Although one revelation was during a private meeting and the other was in a public gathering, both foretold of God’s judgement against Ahab for his wickedness.

Subsequently, Ahab was mortally wounded in battle when an opposing archer “drew a bow at random,” and struck him between the joints of his armor.” (1 Kings 22:34) Further, when Ahab died, his chariot was washed that evening and “the dogs licked his blood” just as Elijah had foretold earlier. (1 Kings 22:38)

Ahab was dead, and a vindicated Micaiah left the prison, comforted by the sureness of God’s Word that is ever-inspiring for us today,

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. …I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalm 27:1-3, 13-14 (AKJV)

Twenty eight-hundred years have passed, and God’s Word is still absolutely true, dependable, and applicable. The New Living Translation of Proverbs 30:5 reaffirms that, “Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.” Amen!

In our vacillating world—full of its contradictions—it’s comforting to know that our faithful God will not change His mind about keeping His precious Word, despite the conflicting results of the latest opinion polls, its incompatibility with human reasoning, or when it is in contrast to godless societal expectations. Trust the Lord, and His Word, for He and it will be true, reliable, and consistent. Won’t you trust in Him and His Word today?

What a Wonderful Savior!

For August 14, 2022
Our God created the heavens and the earth, and He still maintains them. Yet, He is not too distant or too big to concern Himself about us individually or collectively. He wants the best for each of us, although it does not take a rocket scientist to see that our world is facing a pervasive “sin problem.” Strong delusion, bondage to sin, guilt, shame, hatred, and unforgiveness consume us.

To the casual observer, it’s as if the demographic for discovering new ways to harm the most innocent and vulnerable of our citizens is growing still younger by the minute. Mere “lip service” has replaced human compassion and common courtesy, while hatred and unforgiveness has replaced civility as those whom you’d never expect violence are committing heinous and atrocious acts against both their family and strangers indiscriminately.

Jesus spoke of such things happening just before His return,

Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold! Matthew 24:12 (NLT)

Our depravity prevents us from attaining moral and spiritual perfection. Although some falsely argue humans are not inherently hateful, self-serving, or prejudice, and that we can perform good deeds without malice consistently, we can perform good deeds, yet our tainted nature skews our moral compass to produce immoral outcomes consistently.

There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12 (NKJV)

We all sin, and as the Bible teaches, and “if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8) Moreover, “good people” suffer from sin’s collateral damage, (e.g., fear, doubt, guilt, shame, depression, cognitive failure, and death).

God sent His Son to transform depraved human hearts and establish eternal fellowship with Him, through a personal contact with His Son, the Living Christ. For only a sinless person could shed pristine blood that would satisfy God’s righteousness and remediate our sin problem. Thus God became that Perfect Man (Jesus Christ), and paid sin’s price forever,

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (NLT)

When we invite Jesus Christ into our lives by faith, we reveal how deep and wide God’s love and care is extended to us. His Spirit dwells within us to make us new creatures. (1 Corinthians 5:17) Our spiritually dead nature is quickened so that now we are free from sin’s bondage and our own selfish interest. Instead we now eschew worldly things and desire godly things so that we can truly give our all to Christ,

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

Our social profile and bank statements may not show the dramatic change, but we have been changed drastically nonetheless. The Lord cares for us and desires to transform human hearts, so He can have eternal fellowship with us. Once He performs this glorious work in us, everything else we have becomes His—forever.

With a new heart comes a new standing before God, and this is our greatest reward, Christ in us, the hope of glory! Won’t you give the Lord your life, and allow Him to transform you today?

What a Wonderful Savior!