A Future and a Hope

Jeremiah is usually called the weeping prophet. He wept and mourned because his countrymen—the Israelites—only pretended to worship God. In private, they worshipped idols and did evil deeds. Jeremiah preached against their sin and warned them to repent—and then he told them to accept the invading Babylonian army as a judgment from God.

Not a popular message. The people were enraged. There were even false prophets who accused Jeremiah of treason and who spearheaded his persecution. But eventually, just as Jeremiah had stated, the Babylonians came, entered the city, and carried the King and others into captivity.

Jeremiah could have gloated. Instead, he continued to mourn for his people—the wayward Israelites. God’s concern were his concerns, and he sent another message from God to the transplanted captives: Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. Take wives . . . that you may be increased there, and not diminished. (Jer. 29:5,6a & c NKJV)

Jeremiah let the people know that God’s hand was still upon them. He told them they would return to Jerusalem in 70 years. Then, I [God] know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (v. 11)

Originally published February 20, 1987.

It Leaves a Mark

Few stories in the Bible are as difficult to deal with as the story of David’s adultery with Bathsheba. To make matters worse, David arranged for the death of Bathsheba’s husband Uriah, a detail many choose to ignore because the facts are just too gruesome.

We learn through this story that even if we repent—confess and forsake sin—and even if we receive God’s grace and forgiveness—the aftereffects of sin can remain. Sin can change the sinner’s life history—and the past impacts the present and future. It—sin—leaves a mark.

Although the Bible tells us about David’s pure heart—a heart that longed for fellowship with God—David could not escape the effect his sin against Bathsheba and Uriah would have on the future of his family and his nation.

The prophet Nathan confronted David’s sin indirectly by sharing a story that revealed the horror of his actions. David did not even recognize himself in the story until Nathan confronted him directly: Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? (II Sam 12:9a) Then Nathan prophesied events that would happen because David had sinned: Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. (v. 11)

When David broke down in full repentance, Nathan continued with a statement of forgiveness. But some things cannot be changed after they have been set in motion. The prophet adds, The Lord has taken away your sin . . . But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the Lord show utter contempt, the son born to you will die.”(v. 13a.14)

David’s fellowship with God was restored, but the seeds of discord laid a foundation for spiritual and physical battles throughout his sphere of influence. Of course, that included his family. They would be impacted first. And because he was king, David's sin would affect the entire nation.

Originally published September 5, 1986.
Picture: Wild sunflowers, scenic overlook of Theodore Rosevelt National Park, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

God's Displeasure

King David brought the loosely-knit tribes of Israel together and formed them into a world power. During his reign, enemies on every side were subdued and humbled. Wealth poured into the nation's coffers.

But God never stopped dealing with David as an individual. In spite of all his accomplishments, David was still a human being and a sinner.

Psalm 39 reveals the inner struggles of a man who had to deal with the reality of sin and its consequences. David was weighed down by God’s displeasure. He said, You rebuke and discipline men for their sin . . . I dwell with you as an alien, a stranger. . . . (Ps. 39:11,12 NIV)

Is it possible that, at some point, David thought his position as king placed him on a pedestal of sorts? Perhaps he felt he no longer needed to face his sin. When God began to deal with him, his first thought was to hide his wrongdoing. He said, I will watch my ways. . . . (v. 1)

But it did not work. He describes what happened: My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned. . . . (v. 3) Those of us who have tried to walk this road can only smile ruefully in recognition. The pain is real.

Out of pure desperation, David changed his direction. He turned his thoughts toward God and he opened up his heart for scrutiny by this God who offered salvation. He prayed, But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. Save me. . . . (v. 7)

Originally published September 9, 1983 and September 5, 1986.

Picture: Palm trees, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008. Photo by Solveig.

If King Saul Had Repented

Saul began his reign as a good king. He was humble because he was insecure. During the early days of his reign he listened to Samuel and accepted direction from the prophet. Then, as Samuel had foretold, Saul’s focus changed from God to himself. After a victory over the Amalekites—an occasion when he did not obey God—Saul built a monument to himself. (I Sam. 15:12)

God spoke to His prophet Samuel about the event and told Samuel that He regretted making Saul king: he has turned back from following Me. . . . (v. 11 NKJV)

Samuel felt the weight, and sought God all through the night. (v. 11) The next day he confronted Saul with God’s message.

If Saul had repented—and maintained a repentant heart—he could have remained king. But he did not. Instead, he blamed others. But the people. . . . he said. (v. 21)

At that point a devastated Samuel responded with a hard word: Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king. (vs. 22,23) Saul lost his kingdom because he refused to repent. Samuel anointed David to replace him.

Originally published September 28, 1990.
Picture: Greater Twin City area, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Cut to the Heart

Of the many world religions, only Christianity teaches that repentance removes guilt. Other religions either deny sinful human nature—claim people are basically good—or they teach that people can pay the penalty for sin with a sacrifice or with good deeds.

But Christianity teaches that people can do nothing by themselves to save themselves from sin. Our only hope is to repent from sin (change our direction) and to receive Jesus Christ. When we repent, we can trust that His death paid—and still pays—the penalty for sin because He shed His blood on the cross. His sacrifice covers any penalty we might incur.

On Pentecost, the day the Christian church came into being, Peter preached a sermon centered on Jesus. Then he confronted people with their sin, and the people were cut to the heart. They said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do? (Acts 2:37b NKJV)

Peter replied, Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. . . . (v. 38b)

Originally published March 16, 1990.

God Is Good

Paul made a surprising statement: the goodness of God leads you to repentance. (Rom. 2:4b NKJV)

Sometimes we don’t think God is truly good. We don’t like to hear about people who suffer. When we hear stories about people who turn to God in the middle of a crisis, we might even think God arranged the problem in the first place. We blame Him for it—think He should have prevented it. We can even decide He doesn’t want people to be happy or to walk in blessing.

I don’t know what God does or does not arrange. Sin and Satan contribute greatly to the overall fabric of life. But one thing is certain. We cannot sincerely call upon God—whether in the middle of a crisis or whether enjoying pleasant circumstances—unless we believe He is good. If we cannot believe He is good, we will only go through the motions of asking Him to help. Our hearts will be hard and proud. We will not expect Him to answer.

If we believe God is good, however, we will be drawn to Him. We will dare confess our sins to Him. We will trust that He can strengthen us. Or even intervene in our behalf!

Originally published November 1, 1991.
Picture: Flowers in Thailand, 2007. Photo by Patty.

The Two Criminals

Two criminals were crucified with Jesus, one on His right and one on His left. One cried out with a bitter heart, “If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.” (Lk. 23:39b KJV) This bitter man ignored his own sin and challenged Jesus. He also ignored and rejected the sinless nature of Christ—placing himself outside of God’s blessing.

The second criminal responded differently. He said to his fellow criminal, “Do you not even fear God . . . we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” (Lk. 23:40b,41b NKJV) This man understood and acknowledged his personal guilt—and he recognized the sinless nature of Jesus. Because the man understood, he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” (v. 42 NKJV)

Everyone who hears the Gospel of Jesus Christ must respond the way one of these two criminals responded. We either reject or accept Christ and His righteousness. If we accept Jesus, we accept His ability to save us when we cannot save ourselves. Jesus said to the repentant criminal, “today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (v. 43b NKJV)

Originally published March 22, 1991.
Picture: Cross on Cathedral spire, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008. Photo by Solveig.

Out-of-Step

John the Baptist was out-of-step with society. He wore a garment of camel’s hair, ate locusts with wild honey, and called religious leaders a "brood of vipers." (Mt. 3:7) Yet he was God’s man of the hour because he was obedient to God’s call.

Jesus came as another teacher out-of-step. His message couched in parables revealed secret thoughts and desires. Like John the Baptist, his message required repentance. His lifestyle was an affront to self-sufficient people because He stressed dependence upon His Father. Furthermore, His claims set Him apart as the Messiah, the Anointed One. He obeyed God’s call, too.

Jesus and John the Baptist were out-of-step because they listened to different music than most people. Music that is, in fact, available to all. Isaiah prophesied, The Lord has given me the tongue of disciples . . . He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen . . . The Lord God has opened my ear; and I was not disobedient, Nor did I turn back. (Is. 50:4,5)

Originally published December 6, 1985.
Picture: Quilt and photo of quilt by Marlene, 2008.

I Shall Be Clean

Many people take personal inventory during the month of January. It’s a time for resolutions.

Desire to improve always requires admitting a need to improve, evaluating mistakes, perhaps acknowledging guilt. That can be painful.

How do we deal with failure or guilt? We can say we’re not really so bad—and justify guilt. We can say there is no guilt—and seek escape from those inner twinges by indulging in some kind of temporary pleasure.

But if we bring failure to God, He not only allows honesty, He encourages honesty. That why David could freely say, “Have mercy on me, O God. . . I acknowledge my transgressions—and my sin is ever before me.” (Ps. 51:1a,3 NKJV)

Then he was free to move toward a new beginning. “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean . . . Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (v. 7a,10)

Originally published January 10, 1986.
Picture: Flowers, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008. Photo by Solveig.