The Lord's Good Plan

"He was oppressed and treated harshly,

yet he never said a word.

He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.

And as a sheep is silent before the shearers,

he did not open his mouth.

Unjustly condemned,

he was led away.

No one cared that he died without descendants,

that his life was cut short in midstream.

But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people.

He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone.

But he was buried like a criminal;

he was put in a rich man's grave.

But it was the LORD's good plan to crush him

and cause him grief.

Yet when his life is made an offering for sin,

he will have many descendants.

He will enjoy a long life,

and the LORD's good plan will prosper in his hands."

Isaiah 53:7-10 NLT

There are at least a hundred cases in the United States of innocent people who have been wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to death row.  It's heartbreaking to see how their lives have been stolen from them and it's equally as infuriating to think that the justice system failed them so outrageously.  With all the checks and balances in place, this kind of injustice should never occur in a free country, yet it does more often than can be imagined.

Such wrongful death suits are nothing new, however.  Over two thousand years ago a similar case involving a humble Jewish teacher occurred in Roman-occupied Israel.  By all accounts this man spent his time helping others, giving them a new lease on life and showing them wonders never before seen.  He turned the religious system on its head, shaking up the status quo and calling out the hypocrisy found deep within the hearts of its leaders.  With all the good this carpenter's son from Galilee accomplished, he stepped on the wrong toes and thus was sentenced to death, death on a cross.

As infuriating as it is to see that an innocent man gave His life in such a brutal way, it amazes me to realize it was all a part of the Lord's good plan.

Offering.  The once perfect world is now tainted, corrupted and broken by the sin that came through Adam's disobedience (Romans 5:12).  Because of the wickedness of man, relationship with God is impossible.  His holiness cannot abide with such immorality as is found in His image bearers.  Thus He instituted the offering as a way to find forgiveness (Exodus 29:10-14).  So His people continuously laid their animal sacrifices on the altar as a way to find pardon for their transgressions (Leviticus 17:11).  But it was a temporary clemency at best, and only lasted until the next offense was committed, perhaps on the way home from the temple (Hebrews 10:1-3).  

Then came the permanent and eternal solution to this problem of sin.  Jesus Christ agreed to enter into the realm of men, becoming one Himself and presenting His own life as an offering for the transgressions committed by all for all time (Hebrews 7:27, 1 Peter 2:24).  His one perfect sacrifice proved to be enough to satisfy the justice of His Father, and His blood secured the forgiveness for all who repent and believe (Hebrews 10:10-12, 9:22).  Now I can be made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ and His sin offering given on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21).  I can now find forgiveness from God for as many times as needed (1 John 1:9)!

The brutal, unjust death of an innocent Man on the cross of Calvary was all a part of the Lord's good plan to deliver permanent forgiveness to those who turn away from sin and trust in Jesus.

Gateway.  The town I grew up in was dubbed "The Gateway to Mt Rainier" since visitors to the scenic national park must travel through the small village before heading up into the hills to enjoy the recreation found there.   While this designation may have had a small influence on the local economy, the description made more of a sentimental impact on the hearts of those who took pride in the looming mountain's visual impact on the surrounding area.  The presence of the snow-covered peak made quite an impression and appeared on many logos and signs as the town's defining landmark.

Similarly, Jesus described Himself as a gateway of sorts, but not to a scenic park.  Instead, He is the only way through which one can enter into eternal life.  He is the door that leads to an everlasting kingdom with wonders untold (John 10:9-10).  By turning away from my desire to control my life my way and instead placing it all in His hands, I can discover what it is to have peace with God and hope for tomorrow.  No longer do I fear death, failure, or the future, for my destiny is secure.  By faith I have entered into the family of God and look forward to a place in His heavenly home (John 14:2-3).

The unspeakable death of an innocent Man transformed Him into a gateway through which all who repent and believe can find an eternal, satisfying life.

Victory.  The air itself is oppressive in this world, filled with particles that send the respiratory system into revolt.  Pain and suffering mark it's boundaries and all taste the agony of living in this broken world.  At the end of it all, each man must face death, and the inevitable looms as a dark and unwelcome phantom, striking dread in the hearts of mankind.  I live in a world marked by fear and oppression.

When Jesus gave His life on the cross, He proclaimed victory over sin and death.  While the world remains in a broken state, there is now a way to live in it without becoming tainted by it.  Through repentance and faith in Jesus, I can find peace despite the fact that there is so much to fear.  I can be freed from the shackles that bind me to my flesh that always leads me to destruction and instead walk in liberty as I find the new way of living in tandem with His indwelling Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26).  And as I do, I find victory over sin and the end of my life no longer is thought of with great dread (1 Corinthians 15:57, Romans 8:37).  Instead, I look forward to the reward that lies beyond as I stand firm on the promises of God.

The horrible death of an innocent Man delivered by faith victory for me over sin and death.

It seemed wrong, unjust and harsh: This Man, wrongly accused and condemned to death on a cursed cross.  Yet if I look a little closer, I discover it was all a part of God's good plan.  And as such, the sacrifice of Jesus became a sin offering that was permanent and eternal, delivering forgiveness to all who repent and believe, and served as a gateway to an everlasting, satisfying life, showing itself as the mark of victory over sin and death.  In these ways, the worst-ever scenario was revealed as the Lord's good plan.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to put my life in His hands.

When do I trust more in my own effort instead of in what Jesus has already done?

How do I doubt my complete forgiveness found in Christ?

     

God of All

"But Zerabbabel, Jeshua, and the other leaders of Israel replied, 'You may have no part in this work.

We alone will build the Temple for the LORD,

the God of Israel,

just as King Cyrus of Persia commanded us.'"

Ezra 4:3 NLT

In refusing their help, the Jewish leaders either acted wisely in protecting their mission, or they embittered their adversaries against them.  While it is apparent that their enemy's offer of help was a ploy to undermine their mission, the leaders' response reveals a common belief that runs counter to God's true character.  Even though they belonged to God, as do I through faith in Jesus Christ, He did not belong to them.  In other words, no one owns God.  Sometimes, though, I behave as if I do.

Gospel.  Everyone needs Jesus.  All have a sin problem that separates mankind from the God who loves them (Isaiah 59:2).  Each human was created for relationship with their Maker.  None can reach Him in their own strength or based on their own standard.  All fall short of God's perfect expectation(Romans 3:23).  This is why God sent Jesus, to save the world through Him (John 3:17).

Even though God is gracious, wanting none to be lost (2 Peter 3:9), I can be stingy with His saving gospel message.  I know a little about someone and their background and assume they wouldn't be interested.  Since when does an atheist care about Jesus? I reason to myself.  Or I observe the hardness of heart exhibited by a coworker and jump to the conclusion that she's the last person who would want to discuss spiritual things.  Or I choose who I share the Gospel with based on how open I think they will be.

In truth, only God knows what He has been doing in the heart of each (John 6:44).  I might be surprised who responds and who doesn't.  The confessed atheist might really be at a point where he is searching for meaning and a sense of his own worth.  The coworker could be hardened in an effort to protect the hurt Jesus longs to carry.  The narrow-minded among me might actually be ready to hear something new.

I act as if God can be owned

when I refuse the Gospel to those who seem like they'd reject its life-giving message (Romans 1:16).

Judge.  I wouldn't think a tattooed leader of a Metalcore band would be a follower of Christ, but I'd be wrong (Austin Carlile).  It would seem that a rough-looking truck-driver is up to no good, but appearances can be deceiving.  While I expect the clean-cut young man is the Believer, it's actually the leather-clad biker who loves Jesus.  In each case, I am guilty of judging based on appearances, something God never does (1 Samuel 16:7).

God has His people everywhere, spread out in all walks of life as salt sprinkled throughout the world (Matthew 5:13).  In this way, each person has a chance to hear the Gospel, to witness the Light, and to experience God's love.  As it is said, sometimes I am the only Jesus others will see.  It is God's desire that each of His image bearers gets the chance to see His love in action.  What better way than to distribute His followers in all places, from the lowliest to the highest?  

I act as if God can be owned when I judge others as non-believers based on their appearance.

Indiscriminate.  I swallow the message whole without chewing.  I feel secure as I listen to the trusted leader so I believe every word that comes from his mouth.  Instead of relying on the still, small Voice warning me of deception, I take the speaker at his word.

If I don't know God's Word for myself, I'll fall for a lot of false teaching, misinterpretation or just plain foolishness packaged as truth.  When I assume a teacher knows what she's talking about because of her image as a follower of Christ, I am ignoring the discernment of the Holy Spirit.  Instead, I must follow the example of the Berean Jews who tested everything Paul taught against the truth of scripture (Acts 17:11).  It's nothing against those who teach but simply a responsibility given to each believer, no matter their background.

I act as if God can be owned when I think I am unable to examine the Scriptures for myself to test a message from a well-known speaker.

It's easy to attempt to contain God, sharing the Gospel sparingly, judging others based on their appearance, and assuming God teaches only through man.  In reality, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone, people from all walks of life follow Jesus, and anyone can discern truth from falsehood no matter their background or education level.  In these ways, the Lord shows He is the God of all.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I not limit God by who I interact with, being stingy with His love.

How do I withhold the truth from some because I assume they won't listen?

When am I guilty of accepting a message without discrimination simply because of the speaker's reputation?

Promises Kept

Today I am publishing another excerpt from my new book, 52 Days of Grace, available now on Amazon:

Promises Kept

“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures.”  (Romans 1:1-2)

“But Mom, you promised!”  I don’t know how many times I’ve heard that desperate cry from the mouths of disappointed children.  As parents, it’s common to break a promise.  We may have every intention of keeping our pledge, but, life happens, circumstances change, and our ability to fulfill that guarantee falls through.

God, however, does not have that problem!

The promise of our salvation through Jesus Christ was given all the way back in Abraham’s time when God said, “All nations will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:2-3 and Galatians 3:8) What a God of planning and forethought we worship!

Since we know the One True God is a God who keeps promises, we can trust Him with our very lives.  If He can fulfill prophecies made thousands of years before the birth of the Messiah, can He not free us from the bondage of worry, or the desire to control, or the pit of despair?  Yes, He can.  He has more than shown His trustworthiness.  Now it’s time to show our trust in Him by surrendering all to Him.

“Faith is two empty hands held open to receive all of the Lord Jesus.”  --Alan Redpath

How do you place God in the same category as man, assuming He will let you down?

What area of your life do you struggle with surrendering to the One who loves you unconditionally?

Have you sometimes said, “It’s not God I don’t trust, it’s me!  I’m the one who will mess it all up.”  How is this attitude showing a lack of respect for the Sovereignty and Power of God?

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being the One who I can trust completely.  You will never let me down.  Help me to forget all the bad experiences I’ve had with people and judge You completely based on Your own merits as a loving, Promise-Keeper.  When I am tempted to use my own frailties as an excuse for not trusting You, remind me of Moses who also let his pride get in the way of following You without reserve.  You are a God who is in control and I place my life in Your hands.

In Jesus’ Name I pray,

Amen.


Click on the picture of the book to learn how to order your own copy!

Christ and Him Crucified

"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting

the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ

and are turning to a different gospel--

which is really no gospel at all.

Evidently some people are throwing you

into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.

. . .As we have already said,

so now I say again:

If anybody is preaching to you a gospel

other than what you accepted,

let them be under God's curse!

Galatians 1:6,7,9

The flyer attached to my mailbox with the telltale fish sign drew my eye as it fluttered in the wind.  Curious, I walked over and plucked it off the post.  "Now is a good time to return to the Catholic Church."  The flyer gave an invitation to Catholics to come back to the flock and gave ten reasons why people decide to return to a Catholic congregation after a prolonged absence.  Reading through the pamphlet, I discerned a different kind of gospel than what I've been taught.

Followers were encouraged to come back so they can receive true forgiveness by confessing their sins to a priest where they will receive absolution, that only the Catholic Church has the fullness of grace and truth, and that the communion ceremony holds some kind of special power and gives spiritual nourishment.

While it is true that the Catholic Church boasts millions of members, the message they preach is not consistent with the Gospel I have learned through scripture. Staying true to the Gospel as I've been taught is an issue of life and death.

Blood

It was a necessary act, this spilling of innocent blood.  As this life-giving fluid flowed from the body of the Son of God, He gave up His own life while simultaneously giving millions of the guilty a chance to live. (2 Corinthians 5:21)  This spilling of innocent blood became the ultimate sacrifice.

Many believe they can get right with God through effort or good intentions.  Others think confession in itself can save them.  The truth is that no one can reach God's standards on their own and that He cannot forgive my sins, no matter how repentant I am, without the blood of Jesus to cover over my transgressions.  (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:7-9, Hebrews 9:22)

The Gospel I've been taught includes the importance of the blood of Jesus to the forgiveness of my sins.

Law

He held the stones in his hand, aware of the gravity of the words God had personally engraved into the tablets.  Moses had just spent 40 days with God on the mountain, receiving the specific rules and instructions He wanted His people to follow.  As he prepared to present the word of the Lord to those who awaited his return, Moses could hear the sounds of revelry.  (Exodus 32)  This man, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, knew deep down inside that the holy tablets he carried in his hands could do nothing to change the wicked heart of man.

I can try my best to obey the law as found in the Bible, but my best will never be good enough.  If I follow a gospel that tells me I must obey the rules as a way to become righteous, I will set myself up to be judged according to the Law.  (James 2:10)  God will then condemn me as a law breaker and send me to eternal death.  (Romans 6:23a)

If it were possible to become righteous by following the law, then why would God go through such heartache and pain in sending His Son to die on the cross?  If I was able to live righteously on my own, then Christ died for naught!  (Galatians 2:21)

Instead, I must remember that the law is powerless to save me, but can only show me where I fall short and need a Savior. (Romans 4:15)  Thus, the law draws attention to my need for Jesus!

The Gospel I've been taught includes the powerlessness of the law to save me.

Grace

The very one who made her life a living Hell lay on his deathbed.  Here was her chance for revenge, for some kind of retribution.  He's only getting what he deserved, she thought as she remembered all the hurt he had caused her.  

Then, she did the extraordinary.  This victim who had suffered at the hand of evil, forgave.  Instead of exacting vengeance, she offered grace, and shared the saving message of the Gospel to the man she wanted to kill for so many years.

It is not easy to offer grace to those who hurt me.  Sure, for the ones I love I would gladly lay down my life.  For those whose evil intent is obvious, though, I could not imagine doing anything nice for them, let alone giving my life so they might live.  Yet, that is exactly what Jesus did for me!

While I was still a sinner, bent on living my life my way and unwilling to even acknowledge my Creator as Lord, He loved me enough to send Jesus to die for me.  My uncovered sin made me an enemy of God!  (Colossians 1:21)  Even so, Jesus paid the ultimate price to cover a debt I couldn't pay: the death penalty my sin deserves for breaking His law.  (Colossians 2:13-14)

The Gospel I've been taught includes the gift of grace God offers through faith in Jesus Christ.

While some messages I hear may sound good or may be a part of a tradition I grew up with, I must be careful to stay true to the Gospel as I've been taught.  Only the Gospel of Christ and Him crucified can save me from eternal condemnation. (1 Corinthians 2:2)

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep the truth of the Gospel at the forefront of my mind.

When am I easily swayed by a message that sounds good but may not be true?

How do I try to earn grace by what I do, forgetting that Jesus already did everything required to earn me God's favor?

Beautiful Feet

"I am not ashamed of the gospel,

because it is the power of God

for the salvation of everyone who believes:

first for the Jew,

then for the Gentile."

Romans 1:16

An institute of higher learning that sets itself apart in many ways is Cornell University.  One of the most interesting differences is that it does not affiliate itself with or endorse any particular religious beliefs. While most Ivy League schools were founded by a particular church, this institution of higher learning prides itself on its culture of inclusiveness which welcomes and embraces many religious views including Buddhism, Hinduism, Humanism, Islam, as well as several denominations of Christianity.

In its quest to provide a diverse and welcoming environment, this university has chosen to stand for nothing, instead accepting all beliefs as truth.  It seems this attitude is a common one found in our modern culture.  Everyone is very supportive of alternative lifestyles, a variety of faiths and the right to think freely, but if I were to make a statement of fact that betrays my belief in an ultimate truth and a single, distinct Truth-giver, I am labeled as a narrow-minded extremist.

It is easy to see how I could feel reluctant to share the gospel of Jesus Christ which runs counter to the accepting nature of the society in which I live.  When I come to terms with the fact that the gospel is offensive in it's exclusive nature yet holds the power to save, I will no longer be ashamed.

Sin

As twenty-first century humans, we like to think of ourselves as basically good.  Nowhere is this more evident than in the work of Ray Comfort who has created a video called "180"  in which he talks with people on the street, leading them into a discussion about their need for Jesus.

    As people answer his questions, they realize they are not as good as they think they are.   Human nature dictates that we hold a higher opinion of ourselves than we ought, scoring ourselves pretty high on a "good/bad" scale.  As Ray vividly portrays, our judgement does not stand compared to God's, and its ultimately His that matters.

The Bible is clear when I read in Romans 3:23 that everyone sins and not one of us meets God's standard of perfection that is necessary to gain eternal life.  If I want to make it into heaven based on my own merits, I am helpless to succeed.

If I continue on in Paul's letter to the believers living in Rome, I find that my sin earns death.  The consequence of me breaking any one of God's rules and falling short of His benchmark is death. (Romans 6:23)  The payment that is required for me offending God by not perfectly following His law is my life.  Because of my sin, I am on death row.

The world teaches me, however, that I am basically good.  I remember an effective demonstration my pastor used during a sermon when I was a new believer.  He held up two pieces of paper; one creme-colored and the other grey.  In comparison to the darker paper, the lighter one looked pure white.  This is how it is when I compare myself to others or to my own standard: I come out looking pretty pure. 

God, however, holds His own set of criteria.  When I compare myself to His holy, perfect standard, which my pastor portrayed by holding my creme-colored paper against a pure white one, I look dinghy and unclean.  Next to God, I'm not good enough. (Psalm 130:3)

Without a clear understanding of my sinful nature, I will not see my need for a Savior.

Justice

It's easy to talk about God's love nature: He loves me, He desires for me to live in relationship with Him, there is nothing I can do to lose His love.  Love is a beautiful thing.

This, however, is not the only side of God to consider.  While it is the most pleasant and popular, love is only part of who God is.  He is also a perfectly just God. (Psalm 7:11)  He demands blood to be spilled in order for grace to be given through the atonement of my sins.  (Leviticus 17:11)

I have a friend who is of the Muslim faith who couldn't understand why I wouldn't charge for an afterschool program we offered in our home.  When I explained that God had led us to offer it for free, she replied, "Well, with all the good you do in the community I'm sure He would overlook your doing it your way just this once."  This is a common way of thinking, but it goes against God's holy nature. 

God cannot arbitrarily dismiss my sins anymore than a judge sitting on a bench can let a murderer go free simply because he wants to extend grace and give the man another chance.  There must be some sort of punishment according to the law of the land. Even more so with God, there must be a penalty paid for my sin according to His just nature.  He doesn't pass judgement out of spite, bitterness or disappointment.  Instead, a sentence is handed down simply due to God's sense of justice.

Grace, therefore, is not possible without blood being spilled to account for each sin.  Scripture reveals that, "the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." (Hebrews 9:22)  Just as the angel of death only passed over the homes in Egypt whose doorways were covered by the blood of a lamb without blemish, so I can only avoid the death my sins deserve because of the blood of the Perfect Lamb; Jesus. (Exodus 12:23)

Each sin must be accounted for with blood according to God's holy nature: Either my blood, or Jesus' blood.

Jesus

The girl kicked her feet with all her might, but still her head kept sinking down below the surface of the murky lake.  She had gone there with her family to escape the summer heat, but had ventured too far from the shallow area.  Suddenly, the ten-year-old found herself in water that was above her head.  Without the knowledge that comes from taking a swimming lesson, she thrashed her arms and legs, hoping to stay afloat.  Unfortunately, all her efforts accomplished was to fatigue her muscles and panic her heart.

This girl needed a savior.  There was no way for her to save herself.  Thankfully, a nearby swimmer was paying attention and came to her rescue, saving the girl from certain death.  In the same way, I am completely incapable of solving the dilemma my sin and God's sense of justice creates.  I can't be good enough, no matter how hard I try, and God is unable to go against His just nature.  Who will save me from this body of death?  (Romans 7:24)

Thanks be to God for Jesus Christ my Lord! (v 25)  He took the punishment for my sins so that I have the hope of eternal life with Him!  (Romans 5:8, John 3:16)  In fact, salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)  My good effort cannot save me, Buddha cannot save me, Muhammad cannot save me, meditation and a quest for peace cannot save me.  Jesus is my only hope for salvation against God's wrath.

Jesus himself said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)  God teaches exclusiveness, not inclusiveness.  His compassion drives me to seek out those who are lost and share the reality of God's nature and the Good News of His plan of salvation that comes to those who believe.

Jesus is the only One who can save me from the sin to which I am bound and the punishment God's just nature requires.

Living in a world of inclusive diversity breeds trepidation and trembling within many-a-heart.  God, however, "has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)  With these gifts, I can impart the truth to those who are looking for it by sharing the reality of sin, the full nature of God that requires the shedding of blood, and the miracle of a Savior in Jesus Christ.  Then my feet will be considered beautiful as I bring this good news to those who seek it. (Isaiah 52:7)

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will let go of the fear that keeps me quiet and say the words that can set the captives free.

When do I let the harshness of the message of the gospel keep me from sharing it for fear of stepping on toes?

How does the culture of inclusiveness seem more loving than the true love Jesus demonstrated on the cross?

Heed the Warning

"When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia,

Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching,

testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.

But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive,

he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them,

'Your blood be on your own heads!

I am clear of my responsibility."

Acts 18:5-6

"If anyone hears the trumpet

but does not take warning

and the sword comes and takes his life,

his blood will be on his own head."

Ezekiel 33:4

I live in a country where the gospel of Jesus Christ is often proclaimed.  Most of us know the basics: Jesus came to the earth in the form of a tiny, helpless baby (Luke 2:11), grew into a man and gave His life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)  Never am I more exposed to Jesus than at Christmastime: churches host living nativity scenes, the truth of the gospel is declared in the form of songs on the radio and re-enactments of His birth play out in dramas and movies.  

The question I must ask myself is this: How do I respond to Jesus?  Scripture is clear that Jesus came to give me the gift of salvation. (Ephesians 2:8)  Do I simply accept, receiving eternal life as promised, or am I called to something more?

I am responsible for the path I choose in life.  If I do things my way, even though I saved from eternal damnation by the blood of Jesus, I will be walking the path that leads to destruction.  Little or no fruit will be the result, turmoil and confusion will rule.  If, however, I choose to follow Jesus, giving up my right to myself, He will lead me down paths of righteousness for His namesake. (Psalm 23:3)  Love and peace will then reign in my heart and I will bear much fruit. (Isaiah 9:7, John 15:5)

The Gospel is clear: Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." (John 11:25-26)  There is more to consider regarding Jesus, though.  If I truly love Him, not just desire to use Him as a means to gain eternal life, then I will choose to do as He commands.  (John 14:15)

I will love those who are unlovable.  I will forgive even though I'm hurt.  I will live in peace with others even when my rights have been violated.  I will seek to understand even when I don't agree.  I will refrain from judging those who are lost and living a life of destruction.  I will pray for those who hate me.

This Christmas, as I spending time celebrating the coming of Messiah, may His love rule in my heart.  May I decide to do more than just receive His love, but may I let down my defenses and allow His love to change me.  May the grace and mercy of a loving God spur me on to love Jesus in the way I love others.  

This Christmas will I pay attention to the truth of the gospel and make Him more than my Savior?  Will I make Him my Lord? (Romans 10:9)

Dangling Fruit

"(Jesus) also said, 'This is what the kingdom of God is like.

 A man scatters seed on the ground. 

Night and day,

whether he sleeps or gets up,

the seed sprouts and grows,

though he does not know how. 

All by itself the soil produces grain—

first the stalk,

then the head,

then the full kernel in the head. 

As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it,

because the harvest has come.'”

Mark 4:26-29

Carefully, I prepared the soil, working it with my hoe, incorporating the rich compost into the clay and sand.  Soon the earth became fine and loamy, ready to receive the seed.  As I dropped the seeds into the ground, carefully patting down the soil, I think of all the possible scenarios for each seed.  A bird could pluck it from the garden as a necessary morsel of nourishment, or it could be shielded from the needed amount of water, thus preventing the sprouting process, or it could push through the soil bed and grow into a fruit-giving plant.

The growth of a seed is a mystery.  No man can replicate the process, or force the progression of the procedure.  It happens all as a result of God's sovereign work, in His time and by His hand.  There is nothing I can do to speed it along, and I marvel at the miracle of a tiny seed turning into a meandering vine of watermelon, or a looming stalk of corn. 

The transformation of an ordinary soul into an extraordinary recipient of eternal life through simple faith in Christ as their Savior is a parallel mystery.  It is not accomplished through the labor of any man, but as a result of God's sovereign work, in His time and by His hand.

This truth should shape the way I approach non-believers.  It is of no work of my own that another come to Christ.  Consequently, my role as a farmer for God's Kingdom is limited. 

Scatter Seed 

During the growing season, a farmer's primary job is to plant the seeds.  He makes sure the conditions of the soil are favorable for growth, then scatters the kernels.  After that, his only responsibility is to maintain moisture levels and monitor weed growth. 

Likewise, I am free to lovingly share the truth with those God has placed around me, thus planting the seed.  I am not responsible for how the message is received any more than a farmer can prevent a bird from swiping the seed from the ground or ensure that every single seed will receive enough water and sprout.  Only God can change a heart and I must leave the mystery of growth in His hands. 

As a follower of Christ, I am called to scatter the seed of the gospel.

Harvest

The next busy time for a farmer is during the harvest when all the fruits of the plants that have grown throughout the season are gathered. 

I have heard it said that harvest time is simply a matter of plucking dangling fruit.  God has already accomplished the work of preparing the heart, growing the seed of the gospel in that heart, showing each one their sin and thus illuminating their need for Jesus.  All that is left for the worker to do is reap the harvest. 

CS Lewis, one of the great Christian intellectuals and writers of our time, spent his young adult years as an atheist.  But God was drawing Him to Himself through his readings and several friends who planted the seed of the gospel.  On a bus ride soon thereafter, he said he entered the bus as an atheist, and disembarked as a believer in the existence of God. God was working on his heart. 

In a series of steps, CS Lewis then was drawn irresistibly to Christ.  He finally relented and called on Christ as His Lord and Savior on September 22, 1931.  Through no work of his own or any man, he was courted by a God who loved him and had created him for relationship with Himself. 

For a man or woman who has been wooed by God, it is a simple task to carry out the final step of plucking the dangling fruit.

As a follower of Christ, I am called to be available to guide those God has cultivated into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Production

A farmer plays no role in the actual formation of an ear of corn, or a tomato, or a watermelon.  He can only hope and pray.  

It is the same with those around us who are chosen to belong to Jesus.  Either God is working in their heart, or He has hardened their heart.  I can do nothing to force the seed of the Good News of Jesus to grow and produce fruit.  It can only happen as a result of God's mysterious work in their heart.  

Thinking about my own conversion, I sensed a definite attraction to God from an early age.  When later presented with the Gospel at a Billy Graham Crusade, I could not stop myself from going forward, as if propelled by an unseen force.  I was drawn like the psalmist described in Psalm 42:1-2.  "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.   When can I go and meet with God?"

When I heard how to meet God, through faith in Jesus Christ, I eagerly made my way to the spring of living water, drinking from it's goodness.

As a follower of Christ, it is not my responsibility to draw people to Christ.  That is  a part of God's inexplicable work.

The mystery of the transformation of a seed into a beautiful flower or fruitful plant is one of life's greatest unknowns.  But even Tagore, a gifted Indian poet and recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature understood what a mystery we witness. 

"No, it is not yours to open buds into blossom. . .

He who can open the bud does it so simply. . .

At His breath the flower spreads its wings and flutters in the wind. 

Colors flash out like a heart longing,

the perfume betrays a sweet secret. 

He who can open the bud does it so simply."

God opens the bud of understanding and faith.  We simply scatter the seed and harvest the fruit.  God does the rest.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will let God do His work in the hearts of those around me, watching for the dangling fruit to ripen.

How do I try to force fruit to form, thus denying the sovereign work of God in drawing someone to Himself?

How will this truth change the way I approach others for Christ?  Does it relieve the pressure I have placed upon myself to win people to Christ?