22 November 2009

There Is None Like Him

(Kent Heaton)

“The prophets emphasized the sole deity of Jehovah, pointed out His majesty, holiness, righteousness, and justice, and made known the principles on which He would act toward people – both His own and the heathen” (Homer Hailey, “A Commentary on the Minor Prophets; page 12). The richness and fullness of Jehovah is vividly painted upon the canvas of the Old Testament prophets. During a time of moral degradation and national ruin, great men rose up to preach the needed message of repentance to God’s people. Influenced by the carnal influence of a sin oppressed world, the nation of Abraham’s seed spiraled headlong into a dark chasm of idolatry, pride and sensual immorality. The people had forgotten Jehovah God.

From the pen of the prophets comes the recurring theme of what happens to every nation that forgets God. "So you shall say to them, 'This is a nation that does not obey the voice of the LORD their God nor receive correction. Truth has perished and has been cut off from their mouth” (Jeremiah 7:28). The psalmist admonished, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalms 9:17). As a nation, Israel had removed the holy being of Jehovah from their lips and their hearts. They no longer desired to serve the Creator but rather to worship the creation (Romans 1:18-25). The prophets sought to stir the hearts of the people back to God and back to a holy devotion to the Law.

Isaiah is rich in his descriptions of the majesty of the Lord. How could man find anything to compare to Jehovah? What in the wisdom and power of man could match the awesomeness of the Lord God Almighty? “All nations before Him are as nothing, and they are counted by Him less than nothing and worthless. To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare to Him” (Isaiah 40:17-18)? Immediately we see the insignificance of man before the one who calls Himself the “Holy One” (Isaiah 40:25). Consider the might and power of the Holy One: “Lift up your eyes on high, and see who has created these things, who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, by the greatness of His might and the strength of His power; Not one is missing” (Isaiah 40:26). The greatest minds of men could never match the hem of Jehovah’s garment in comparison to His majesty and power – not even Solomon in all his glory (Matthew 6:28-29).

Isaiah declares the infinite wisdom of God. “Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure'” (Isaiah 46:9-10). Nations are nothing more than a “drop in a bucket and are counted as the small dust on the balance” (Isaiah 40:15). Jehovah knows all things whether good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:14). How can man stand before such an awesome God (Psalm 111:9)?

Nehemiah prayed, “Lord God of heaven, O great and awesome God, You who keep Your covenant and mercy with those who love You and observe Your commandments” (Nehemiah 1:5). Donald M. Alexander wrote in that wonderful hymn, “There is none like Him none can compare; no god His equal, no prince His heir! Lift up your eyes and see His great might! Soar like an eagle, on wings of flight” (Saints Lift Your Voice). Soar with the Almighty, the Lord God – the Holy One.

Bodily Ornamentation

(Bryan Matthew Dockens)

With the rise in popularity of tattoos and piercing comes concern about the potential moral implications relative to such bodily ornamentation. It merits attention to study whether such affects one's approval by God.

Tattoos were very specifically forbidden in the Old Testament, wherein it is written, "You shall not tattoo any marks on you" (Leviticus 19:28). However, the people of God are no longer subject to the Old Law (Hebrews 8:13; 10:9). Therefore, the prohibition against tattoos is obsolete.

Even while in force, the ancient restriction appears to have had less to do with God's displeasure with tattoos themselves and more to do with avoiding paganism. In the text cited, tattooing was coupled with cutting oneself in mourning for the dead, and other obscure rituals were similarly forbidden: "You shall not shave around the sides of your head, nor shall you disfigure the edges of your beard. You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord" (Leviticus 19:27-28). Elsewhere, Moses commanded, "You are the children of the Lord your God; you shall not cut yourselves nor shave the front of your head for the dead" (Deuteronomy 14:1).

Our God is not now concerned with the style of our beards, but was then concerned with Israel being swept up in the worship of false gods. For the same reason, tattoos are not presently forbidden by God, as they are not at all associated with idolatrous funerary rites.

Although tattoos are not explicitly disallowed any longer, one should give pause before marking the skin indelibly. Of primary concern is whether the content is moral. Many tattoos depict despicable images a Christian should be ashamed to display, images promoting sexual immorality, drunkenness, and drug use for examples.

If not immoral, per se, a tattoo may not communicate a message worth sharing. The Scripture says, "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers" (Ephesians 4:29). Applying this principle to other forms of communication, not every tattoo is corrupt, but few are edifying. Be cautious.

Body piercing is not directly prohibited in God's word. In fact, it seems to have been more common and accepted long ago than it is now. When Abraham's servant selected a wife for Isaac, he "took a golden nose ring weighing half a shekel, and two bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels of gold" (Genesis 24:22), and "put the nose ring on her nose and the bracelets on her wrists" (47). What some upstanding people disapprove of today was then regarded as an honorable dowry. Speaking figuratively, God Himself told Jerusalem, "I put a jewel in your nose, earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head" (Ezekiel 16:12).

Both men and women wore such jewelry. When offerings were accepted for the construction of the tabernacle, "They came, both men and women, as many as had a willing heart, and brought earrings and nose rings, rings and necklaces, all jewelry of gold, that is, every man who made an offering of gold to the Lord" (Exodus 35:22). Apparently, Israelites of both sexes were in possession of these ornaments.

Earlier, at the golden calf incident, "Aaron said to them, 'Break off the golden earrings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.' So all the people broke off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron" (Exodus 32:2-3). While that was certainly an occasion of sin, it is worth noting that the people, male and female alike, transgressed not when they donned their golden accessories, but when they removed them. Under limited conditions, certain men were even required to have an ear pierced (Exodus 21:6).

While piercing clearly do not meet with direct disapproval from God, caution is, again, urged. The apostle Paul wrote, "That the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works" (1 Timothy 2:9-10). Likewise, the apostle Peter wrote, "Do not let your beauty be that outward adorning of arranging the hair, of wearing gold, or of putting on fine apparel; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God" (1 Peter 3:3-4).

Inward beauty, godliness, is of far greater concern to the Lord than outward appearance. Whether one chooses to adorn himself or herself with pierced ears or pierced noses, the time and effort expended on such ought to be minimal compared to the development of inward beauty, "for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).

The Deadly Danger Of Indecision

(Thomas Thornhill)

If someone were to ask me what is the most discouraging thing I have encountered as a preacher I would reply, “The deadly danger of indecision.” Not only preachers but also any person who has spent time trying to teach the word of God to a lost soul knows just what I am talking about. The teacher has presented the truth with sincerity and love to one that is lost, pleading for the lost one to purify his/her soul by obeying the truth, being born again (1 Peter 1:22-23; John 3:3,5). Then, at the conclusion the deadly danger of indecision pops up. The person who has been taught says, “I am undecided. I can’t make up my mind at this time.” Because of indecision, obedience is delayed until another time. 

I can only imagine how discouraged Paul felt with the response of Felix after he had reasoned with him “about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come.” Even though Felix was afraid he fell prey to the deadly danger of indecision. He said to Paul “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you” (Acts 24:25).

In the encounter of Elijah with the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel in 1 Kings 18 we see how this deadly danger of indecision affected Israel. Israel had turned away from Jehovah to serve idols. Isaiah opposed this and as a result was accused by King Ahab of being “a troubler of Israel.” Isaiah replied, “I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have in that you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and have followed the Baal’s” (v18). Ahab then gathered the prophets of Baal to meet Elijah on Mt. Carmel and Isaiah challenged the people, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him. But the people answered him not a word” (v21). They could not make up their minds what to do. They were undecided.

This brings me to the point of my lesson. The danger of indecision leads to the danger of delay, which will be fatal if not corrected in time. If you are standing today in the valley of indecision about becoming a Christian you are standing on dangerous ground. Let me issue the challenge of the prophet of old. How long will you falter between two opinions? If Jesus is the Savior then obey Him (Luke 6:46; Hebrews 5:9). At this time, you are partly for God and partly against Him. You are divided in your attentions. Your attitude is divided. Your affections are divided. You may not intend to be against Christianity, but you are, if you are not for it. If you have never become a Christian you are still lost. No matter what you think, your indecision means you are against Him. Jesus said, “He that is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad” (Matthew 12:30). Either you are for the Lord, obedient and active in His service or you are against Him. God and Jesus demand that we give them first place in our hearts or none at all.

One may say, “I am a good person. I don’t act like a wicked sinner. I live better than some who claim to be Christians.” But, how much of a recommendation is that to God? I don’t care how good you are, or how good I am, none of us are good enough to be saved without becoming a Christian. If salvation is based on goodness then no one can be saved. Period! “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

Think about this. Even if you are a good person outside the church of the living God, where is your influence? In your indecision you are a worse enemy to the cause of Christ than the out and out wicked sinner. Why? Because of your influence. The community knows the ungodly man and has little respect for him or his opinions. But, you, being a person of good character, but not a Christian, are seen as a respectable citizen and others (whether you aware of it or not) are following your lead in delaying obedience. Your indecision has an influence on them since they are following your life.

You might say, “But becoming a Christian will not make me a better person.” That is the purely human view. Salvation is offered based on accepting Christ and complying with His commands, not on moral goodness. No matter how good you think you are there is sin in your life that needs forgiveness and the only way to obtain forgiveness is through the atoning blood of Jesus’ blood (1 Peter 1:19; Ephesians1:7). To be saved you must obey, for Jesus only saves those who obey Him (Hebrews 5:9). Obedience to the gospel is not designed to make you a better person (though it will), it is designed to give you forgiveness of sins so you one day will be glorified before the throne of God.

Remember when Naaman came to Elisha to be cured of leprosy, he was eventually cleansed, but not until he obeyed Elisha’s command. But dipping seven times in the river Jordan didn’t make him a better man. He was a good man before he came to be healed and the cleansing of leprosy did not affect his moral standing. But, he would have remained a good man with leprosy if he had not done as he was commanded to do. In the same way God offers forgiveness of sins based on certain conditions. One must believe and be baptized to be saved (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). Obeying these conditions will not change the nature of man, but it does make one a Christian. The reformation of life (the fruits of repentance) comes after.

 Not only will indecision cause you to be lost in eternity, it has many side effects in this life. Indecision is a waste of energy. Have you ever got up some morning without any definite plans? There are several things to do, so you say I will do this – no, I will do this, and I think I will do this, but by the end of the day, you really have accomplished nothing. You started with indecision and ended with inactivity.

This inactivity leads to another danger, that of wrong action. Pilate’s indecisiveness about the innocence of Jesus finally led him to wash his hands and condemn Jesus to be crucified. His lack of courage to do right caused him to do wrong. So indecision leads one not only to inactivity, then wrong action which soils one’s character, it can eventually result in the wrong destiny. Indecision can eventually lead you so far away from God that you will find it impossible in your heart to have the courage to become a Christian and when you die to be lost forever. I hope you consider seriously the dangers of indecision.