Responding in the Flesh?

Sometimes people’s response to God is disappointing. That was so with Abraham’s grandson Jacob. While sleeping at Bethel, Jacob saw a ladder extending from earth to heaven with angels moving up and down. God spoke to Jacob in the dream—and blessed him by repeating the promises of Abraham. The land would be home for Jacob’s descendants—and they would be as numerous as the dust of the earth. . . . (Gen. 28:14b NKJV) Furthermore, God said, I am with you and will keep you. . . . (v. 15a)

Jacob knew the message came from God. He should have responded with gratitude and joy, but he didn’t. Although he set up an altar, his prayer was a bargain rather than a response of faith. He said, If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God. (v. 20,21)

The interesting aspect of this is that God didn’t get angry. He understood. Jacob responded in the flesh because that was where he lived his daily life. It took years of God’s dealings with him before he would finally respond in obedience and faith.

Originally published May 8, 1992.

Civil Disobedience?

Groups of people were killed in Europe during World War II and few rose to defend or rescue them. Doing so would have been dangerous, because that would mean disobeying evil laws established by an evil government. After the war, some defended their lack of Christian love by claiming the Bible teaches people to support their government.

The Bible does teach that people are to support their government. But would it surprise you to know the Bible also directs people to participate in civil disobedience at times? When Peter and John were imprisoned, God sent an angel to open to the prison doors and lead them outside. Then the angel said, Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people the words of this life. (Acts 5:18-20 NKJV)

The disciples obeyed the angel. The enraged authorities asked, Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name [of Jesus] And look you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine. . . .

Peter and the other apostles answered with a truth we cannot forget: We ought to obey God rather than men. God’s Word instructs us to obey leadership when it provides protection and order. When that is lost, our duty is to obey God—and to change the law if possible.

Originally published August 30, 1991.

The Miraculous and the Mundane

Peter had more than one brush with a prison break. At one point he lay bound between two guards because Herod planned to kill him. Then an angel visited him in the night. The angel came with light and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands (Acts. 12:7b NKJV)

Peter and the angel passed through two guard posts and doors opened without a visible source of power. Soldiers slept through it all, and he was miraculously restored to the church that had been praying for his release.

But in spite of the surreal scene, God did not let Peter lose touch with mundane reality. The only additional recorded words of the angel: Gird yourself and tie on your sandals . . . Put on your garment and follow me. (v. 8)

The power of God released chains, opened doors, and kept soldiers asleep. Surely God could help the fellow get dressed when overwhelmed by so much excitement. But no, Peter was told to dress himself. He could not lose his connection to everyday life.

Originally published January 9, 1987.

Come, See the Place

The concept of a resurrection seemed impossible to the women who visited the tomb on Easter morning. Then, they found the stone rolled away . . . but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. (Lk. 24:2a,3 NIV)

To make matters worse, when they tried to tell the disciples what had happened, the disciples did not understand them; their words seemed to them like nonsense. (v. 11b)

There are many who still think the story is nonsense. And truthfully, it goes against our understanding of reality. But God was not deterred by the disciples questions and He is not deterred by our questions. He does not defend Himself, He invites people to examine His Son Jesus—His life and His ministry—the works He did—the Word He spoke—His crucifixion—and His claim of victory over death and the grave.

On that first Easter morning, when the angel invited the women to inspect the tomb, the angel said, “Do not be afraid, for I know you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” (Mt. 28:5b,6 NKJV)

Originally published April 20, 1984.
Picture: Floral plant arrangement, 2006. Photo by Ken.

His Time in the Tomb

Jesus’ time in the tomb is a mystery. How were His graveclothes removed? How long was He there before He descended into hell? How long was He in hell? Did the angels greet Him after He had already come back to life—or did He come back to life after they rolled the stone away?

We know that on Friday afternoon Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate to request the dead body of Jesus. Pilate checked to make sure Jesus was actually dead. Then Joseph, when he had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb. . . . (Mt. 27:59-60a NKJV). One of the other Gospels mentions that Nicodemus helped Joseph.

On Sunday morning, Jesus left the grave alive.

The impossible happened. A man rose from the dead. He rose victorious over the grave and death. And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. (I Cor. 15:45)

Originally published April 12, 1993.

Clothed with White Robes

The book of Revelation is hard to understand, but some passages are so exciting we thrill to them anyway.

For example, “ beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindred, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes. . . . (Rev. 7:9 KJV)

The multitude worshipped with a loud voice. Angels worshipped, too. Then an elder approached and asked John, “What are these which are arrayed in white robes? And whence came they?” (vs. 13b)

At John’s request, the elder answered his own question: “These are they which came out of the great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (v. 14b)

Originally published September 30, 1983.
Picture: Flowers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008. Photo by Solveig

Satan, the Accuser

It’s difficult for the human mind to accept Jesus as non-condemning. Yet He made that clear when He said, “If any one hears my saying, and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.” (Jn. 12:47 ASB)

Someone else is eager to point out people's sin. Scripture identifies Satan as the one who accuses Christians and non-Christians alike: Satan, who deceives the whole world . . . accuses them before our God day and night. (Rev. 12:9b,10b) He functions like a dreaded prosecuting attorney whose total purpose is bringing men to destruction.

There is an Old Testament illustration: A high priest named Joshua stood between the Angel of the Lord and Satan. The Lord rebuked Satan—not Joshua—and replaced Joshua’s filthy garments (sin) with festal robes (God’s righteousness). (Zech. 3:4b)

Originally published February 12, 1982.
Picture: Flowers in the courtyard, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008. Photo by Solveig.