The Humility of Jesus

Referencing Matthew 11:28-30, Johnston Oatman, Jr. wrote the lyrics, “There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus” in 1895. In such, he was referring to the humility of Jesus as He described Himself:

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matt. 11:28-30)

Notice with me some instances of humility in the life of our Lord and some applications with which to conclude.

First, we note the humility of Christ in His Incarnation. The Hebrew writer wrote that He left heavenly glory to come to this world (Heb. 2:9), and Paul penned, “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” (2 Cor. 8:9). Another lyricist, Henry Barraclough, quoted Psalm 45:8 with his lyrics in 1915, “Out of the ivory palaces; into a world of woe.” We see the humility of Christ in His Incarnation as He was born in a stable (Luke 2), clouded by a king’s threat of death (Matthew 2).

Second, we note the humility of Christ in His life and ministry. The Hebrew writer also wrote, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15). He who had never been hungry now longed for food (Matt. 4:2). He who had never been thirsty now thirsted (John 19:28). He who had been served by a host of angels was betrayed by His closest companions (Mark 14:50). All throughout His life and ministry, we see glimpses of His humility, such as His triumphant entry into Jerusalem as Zechariah prophesied,

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. (Zech. 9:9)

• He was humble with His regard—“…he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him” (Isa. 53:2).

• He was humble concerning His renown—“He is despised and rejected of men…” (Isa. 53:3).

• He was humble in His reputation—“He shall be called a Nazarene” (Matt. 2:23), demonstrated by Nathanael’s question, “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46).

• He was humble in His riches—“The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head” (Matt. 8:20).

• He was humble in His rank—“Is not this the carpenter’s son?” (Matt. 13:55).

• He was humble In His royalty—“Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28).

Third, we note the humility of Christ in His teaching. He proclaimed, “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matt. 23:12). During His final night before death, which should have been all about Him, He made it all about His disciples by picking up the towel and washing their feet (John 13), and Peter struggled with learning this lesson of humility. In fact, humility quickly conquered Peter when he replied to the rebuke of His Lord, “Not only my feet, but also my hands and my head” (John 13:9). Jesus taught His disciples about humility.

Fourth, we note the humility of Christ at Calvary. Isaiah beautifully portrayed His humility in Isaiah 53, and Philip teaches the Ethiopian eunuch about this very thing (cf. Acts 8:32-34). Thus, the words of the apostle Paul ring true:

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Phil. 2:6-8)

In conclusion, the humility demonstrated by Jesus in His Incarnation, His life and ministry, His teachings and His death at Calvary all prompt us to develop such in our lives.

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (Phil. 2:3)

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think…. (Rom. 12:3)

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering…. (Col. 3:12)

James succinctly states, “… God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6).

Have we learned humility? Shimei cursed David, throwing rocks at him; his soldiers wanted to kill him, but David replied, “Let him alone” (2 Sam. 16:5-11). The wife of Hosea became a harlot, but he bought her back on the public square (Hos. 3:1-2). Have you been hurt? Have you been mistreated? Have you been misunderstood? Have you been disappointed? Welcome to the club! You are not alone. Yet, in identifying these unfortunate circumstances in our lives, we can still face and overcome them with humility. Humility overcomes absenteeism, stinginess, lack of dedication, holding grudges and an unwillingness to forgive, speaking evil of others, talking when we should be listening, never considering the opinions of others, always wanting our way, being inconsiderate and expecting others to serve us rather than serving. May we all strive to learn from the humility of our Lord Jesus Christ!

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Good Things Happen

God Does Not Use “Bribery” to Gain Followers

It is remarkable that some ignorantly try to deny the existence of God by saying, “If there is a God, why do bad things happen to good people?” This question has been answered often and is not the focus of this article. A far greater question to be considered is, “If there is a God why do good things happen to bad people.”

It is not because they acknowledge God’s existence. Unlike godly people who willingly submit to their Creator, our world refuses to acknowledge Him and stubbornly rebels against Him. Yet every breath they take is from Him. Job said that God held in His hand “. . . the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind” (Job 12:9). Paul reminded the atheists of His day of this fundamental truth. “He gives to all life, breath and all things . . . For in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:25, 28). Yet, in spite of such rebellion, good things still happen to evil men!

It is not because they have no need of Him. In the Old Testament the Jews failed miserably to reflect the light of God to the pagan nations around them, yet even then God manifested His existence to evil men. Paul described how God allowed them to ignore Him, yet “. . . He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons” (Acts 14:17). Evil men, then and now, need Him, yet ignore Him. There is not one drop of rain which falls on evil men nor one beacon of light and warmth from the sun which does not show His existence (Matt. 5:45). Evil men deny this, yet still good things happen to bad people.

It is not because evil men have earned good things and therefore deserve them. Had they earned them, then God would be indebted to give blessings as payment to them as rewards. In this sense, they would be even greater than God. Yet we are not the creator of God, but He is our Creator, and His holiness is our objective. In spite of the fact that evil men “deserve” only evil things to come to them, He gives good things to them.

It is because of His nature and not ours. He is the Almighty God and His actions are sovereign. His blessings are proof of His existence, but they are also proof of His love for His us. Consider this. If while the world was filled with wickedness Christ died for it (Rom. 5:8), should we be surprised that our loving God sends physical blessings on His creation?  His nature also is not to use “bribery” to get men to serve Him. If good things only happened to good men, then all would serve Him for the wrong reasons.

God is great; He is sovereign; He is good! It is so tragic that evil men ignore the source of the good in their lives.

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Silence and Your Wife

“Darling, does this outfit make me look fat?”

When one of my wife’s friends got married my mind drifted back to when my relationship was young. If I had only been given a list of what not to say in certain situations, when to keep silence, my life would probably have been a lot easier. The ailment is often called, “Foot in mouth disease” and a scripture explains: “…no one can tame the tongue, it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.” Well, while it’s true, that no one can control the tongue perfectly, I suggest trying duct tape and keep it quiet as frequently as possible.

Oh if we could take back words which have left our mouths. Sometimes, these words are said in jest, sometimes seriously, however, regardless of how they were sent, it doesn’t mean they will be received in the same manner.  Silence would have been the more successful route.  Here are some words I have heard over time and I myself won’t admit to having said:

“[insert here] is woman’s work.”
Any sound imitating a truck backing up…
“Is your mother coming over again?”
“Oink Oink”
“Get those bare feet back in the kitchen where they belong…”
“My mom could teach you how to cook better.”
“You never miss a meal do you?”
“I had a girlfriend who wore something like that…”
“Does your family tree have any branches?”
“Having a bad hair day?”
“I’m the man that is why…”
“Did you do anything around here today?”
“I bought a book on dieting for you.”
“It took you an hour to look like that?”

These are phrases guys just say sometimes without thinking. It isn’t something said in anger, it’s insanity. Keep a handle on what you say men. There are going to be times when you are angry and during that time insanity will try to multiply. You think you are going to one up anything your wife says or that you are going to put her in “her place”? Nooooooo! Don’t ever let those words escape your lips. The Bible says: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;” Listen to what your wife has to say. Be patient, considerate, and deliberate.  Seize silence for a few moments and consider what will come out of your mouth afterward.

There is a reason women like the strong, silent type. When we aren’t silent, we tend to get ourselves in a heap of trouble. Consider the great battles that have raged over time because rash words were spoken. Ask yourself if having the last word is really worth the pain it will cause. I guarantee she will deal better with your silence than you will when she gives you the silent treatment. The best advice I can give a young man entering into the marriage covenant comes from an inspired source:

Psalms 141:3 – Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!

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Noah Movie Sinks

“I thought the movie really filled in some details for me that the Bible didn’t cover.” That was one of the first comments I received after attending the movie Noah with a group of about 100 public-school students. These were high-school students who had elected to take a course in Bible, and now were watching the movie Noah as a part of their class. Several weeks earlier I had been approached and asked if I would watch the movie with them and then spend an hour or two discussing the scientific truths regarding the Flood. Not being one to turn down an invitation to speak in public schools (they don’t come often for guys like me who like to defend the accuracy of the Bible) I quickly agreed to join them.

For those atheists reading this who are getting your pens ready to file a lawsuit regarding the separation of church and state, you can put those pens back in your desk drawer. The school did not pay me (although a kind teacher did pay my admission into the movie—which I’m thankful for, as the thought of paying money for this movie makes my stomach churn) as I volunteered my time and travel expenses.

The very first line of the movie sets the tone—and is a stark reminder that an atheist (Darren Aronofsky) directed this film. “In the beginning there was nothing.” Aside from the water and the ark, there was little resemblance to the Biblical account of the flood. For those who had held out hope that this movie would be like “The Passion of the Christ” and put the Bible back in the public limelight or at least give Christians a good entertainment alternative—your hope was in vain. This movie does a lot more damage than it does good.

The movie begins with a bit of background about fallen angels who have become “watchers.” These watchers look very much like rock-transformers. The action begins with the killing of Lamech by the lineage of Cain, as Lamech is trying to give his young son Noah a blessing. The script then fast-forwards to a much older Noah (played by Russell Crowe) scolding his young son Ham for picking a flower. Ham was rebuked because man is to “only take what we can use.” (There is a strong environmental element throughout the film.)

Again massive armies of Cain’s descendants show up on the scene and try to kill Noah’s family forcing Noah to kill several men and begin a long journey to find his grandfather Methuselah, who he believes can help him interpret his dream about water. Cain’s descendants are meat eaters—and in one scene it is hinted at that they are taking newly delivered babies from woman by force in order to satisfy their desire for meat.

Throughout the movie the word “God” is not used. Instead He is called the creator. The director worked overtime to make sure God appeared silent and unresponsive. In fact, at one point in the movie the comment is made: “Nobody has heard from the creator since He put a mark on Cain.” As Noah prepares to build the ark he tells his wife that man is being “punished for what we’ve done to this world.” (Again, with the environmental agenda.) No real mention of sin and the wrath of God on sin.

So what were some of the deviations I noticed sitting in the theater with those high school students? Honestly, it would be easier to write down how many things they got right. The director obviously felt no need to consult the Biblical text, but rather he relied on eye-candy and the magic of Hollywood to see his movie. Below are a few observations:

•Rather than receiving instructions from God, Noah received his premonition to build a boat through a dream and through drinking of medicinal tea with his grandfather Methuselah.

•In order to have enough wood to build the ark Noah is given a seed from Methuselah that supposedly came from the Garden of Eden. A miraculous new garden appears that will provide the wood.

•Noah asks the “Walkers” to help build the ark.

•Shem falls in love with Illa (played by Emma Watson) who Noah and his wife had rescued from Cain’s descendants.

•Noah and his wife make a sleeping potion for all the animals coming onboard the ark, so that they instantly fall asleep.

•Noah closes the door of the ark.

•Tubal Cain sneaks aboard the ark.

•Shem’s wife delivers twins while on the ark.

•Japheth releases the birds from the ark.

•Noah recounts the history of man onboard the ark and it begins with a Big Bang explosion and creation of the universe, followed by an evolutionary progression of amoeba to ape.

The biggest discrepancy in the movie is that Noah believes the Creator wants a world without man. He believes that is a part of his mission. So when the door is closed to the ark the only individuals Noah allows onboard are his wife, his three boys, and Illa—who is Shem’s love interest. (They are never married in the movie so I hesitate calling her his wife.) [Note: “Evil” Tubal Cain is also onboard, but snuck onboard without Noah’s knowledge.]

Notice, Ham and Japheth do not have wives on the boat. This becomes a major premise throughout the movie that sets up most of the drama. They have no one to reproduce with! Illa is supposedly barren, and thus the human race is going to die out. In one scene Noah describes the order of their deaths and instructs his sons on who will bury whom. Ham is irate at his father throughout the movie for not getting him a wife on the boat.

In one of the most telling scenes, Noah’s wife is yelling at him about getting wives for the boys. She says she wants them “to be happy and not be alone”. Noah tries to explain he is only doing what he believes the Creator wants. The director does an effective job making Noah the bad guy—all because he won’t go against God. I couldn’t help but think about how many Christian parents act in a similar fashion. They just want their children happy and married—no matter what the spiritual cost.

Unbeknownst to Noah, right before the family got onto the boat Illa received a blessing from Methuselah, which opened her womb, and she quickly becomes pregnant with Shem’s child. However, Noah is determined that the Creator wants mankind to die out—so he tells his family if it is a male he will allow it to live and die out like the rest of them. But if it is a girl he will kill it at birth. The saddest part was the students were drinking it up like Kool-Aid.

At the climax of the movie Tubal Cain confronts Noah in the bottom of the ark and tries to kill him. (Ham ends up forgiving his father and killing Tubal Cain to save his father.) At the same time Illa is experiencing child-birth on an upper deck and delivers twin girls. So Shem and Illa quickly construct a raft/boat that they intend to launch out on by themselves. However, Noah burns their boat down and proceeds to then find the baby girls and grabs a knife to kill them. [Spoiler alert: He ends up kissing them instead of killing them.]

Ironically, having obeyed God throughout this entire ordeal we get to the end of the movie and Noah says: “I just cannot do this.” So apparently there are limits as to how much Noah is willing to follow the commands of God.

The ending of the movie is about what one would expect by this point. Noah gets off the boat and immediately we see him in a vineyard and then very drunk. In one of the last scenes he is passed out and naked on the beach as his two boys cover him up.

The visual effects of the movie were impressive, especially to the high school students. Several of them made comments about how “Cool” they thought the movie was and how they loved the visual effects.

I strongly do not recommend anyone watching this movie. Simply put, it was sacrilegious. It earned most of its PG-13 rating through violence. It is not the type of movie youth groups need to go watch. It is not the kind of movie Jr. High or middle school students need to watch. It is not the kind of movie Christians need to be wasting the Lord’s money to support.

I was scheduled to only talk to the high school students for about one hour following the movie. My PowerPoint slides were not nearly as impressive—but I had something that held their attention even better than a Hollywood movie. I had the Truth. The kids begged me to stay for an additional hour as they pummeled me with question after question. They were hungry for real answers.

I was thankful for the opportunity to undo some of the damage done by the visual scenes from Noah. But I’m left wondering how many young people will watch the movie and leave feeling like they have successfully “filled in missing details…”

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Anything Left We Love?

Is There Anything Left that We Love?

“And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death” (Revelation 12:11).

Not too long ago, my family and I went to see the second “Hunger Games” series movie, “Catching Fire.” The movie is based upon a series of books by author Suzanne Collins. The books have been major sellers, and the movies blockbusters. Set in a dystopian future where the United States has collapsed and is now under the dominion of a government known as The Capitol, Katniss Everdeen, the anti-heroine, is forced to fight for her life against other teenagers in a brutal game designed to remind the country of the evils of war.

The second movie pits Everdeen against the previous winners of the Hunger Games. Unbeknowst to her, however, about half of the participants are fighting to save her life. One of those characters is Johanna Mason, a belligerant woman who hates The Capitol to the point of angrily bombarding the President, Coriolanus Snow, on public television with rank obscenities. Teaming up with Everdeen, Johanna continues her rants against The Capitol threating Snow to burn down his own backyard. When the others look at her truculence in shock, she stares back at them and says, “What? He can’t hurt me. There’s nothing left that I love.”

As brazen as this character is, I found myself envious of her attitude in this particular scene. I recalled the words of Jesus to His apostles when he said, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). The world, and particularly the good ol’ U.S. of A., is deeply infected with coveteousness to the point that, beyond one’s immediate family, people have little or no meaning, and if they do, it is only to use them for the furtherance of some worldly end. James describes us well: “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts” (James 4:3).

Some do understand that people are more important than things, and they strive to foster benefocence to others. It is certainly better to love our friends and our neighbors, but even this lofty goal is not our ultimate end. History shows that when the doctrines of humanism are perpetrated upon mankind that humanity loses at the efforts of those who would exclude God from their lives whether the effort is made locally in a casual circle of family and friends or whether the effort is part of a formal program designed to publicly help humanity. Ultimately, even people do not come first. God alone reserves the place of ultimate honor and respect, and so Jesus taught when he said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment” (Matthew 22:38-39). We can’t truly love our fellow unless we love God first!

This truth, however, comes with some stark implications. There is absolutely nothing on earth that is worth sacrificing my relationship with God, including my family and friends, as much as I love them, and truly, the more I am disappointed by those I love, the stronger my desire is to live with The One who will never disappoint! Yes, I am envious of Johanna Mason because my life is dedicated to the proposition that there is nothing here in the earth for me to ultimately love, and with Abraham, I must confess that I am a stranger and pilgrim on the earth.
“For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city” (Hebrews 11:14-16).

Would to God that our attitude could be like Johanna Mason’s in that one moment of defiance to the powers of this earth: “What? He can’t hurt me. There’s nothing left that I love.” Consider in that vein, Hebrews 13:5-6: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” If only we could be so courageous. Who could stand before us?

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