Is Jesus Really Lord of My Life?

A significant event occurred in the life of Jesus as Matthew would record in Matthew 17. Jesus took his three closest disciples (Peter and the two sons of Zebedee) with him up to the top of a particularly high mountain. When they ascended to the peak, Matthew records the image of Jesus being transfigured into that which was brighter than the Palestinian sun. Then, two impressive individuals from the history of the Jews appeared and began talking with Jesus—the magnificent leader, Moses, and one of the greatest of all the prophets, Elijah, to which Peter witnesses. Please note his reply (one of his “open mouth and insert foot” moments—“not knowing what he said” [cf. Luke 9:33]) to Jesus: “Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias” (Matt. 17:4). It is true that the term “tabernacle” simply may refer to a temporary place of shelter (cf. Heb. 11:9), but denoting the implicit act of a dwelling place, its connotation goes back with reference to a place of exaltation and worship (cf. Acts 7:43), such as the Israelites first built in the wilderness wanderings. In fact, the context of this account reveals such, for the very next thing that happened is the voice of God speaking from the overshadowed cloud, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” It is almost as if Jesus (and God, the Father, for that matter) knew that such would happen from Peter—an event that I am sure he would never forget. What I find interesting is that Peter would refer to Jesus as “Lord” (kurios, “Master”), but then immediately devalue such a term with his ignorant request. It reminds me of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) who may try to refer to Jesus as Lord of their lives, but then proclaim and elevate Joseph Smith as their Savior. Are we guilty of doing the same thing when with tongue we pronounce Jesus as the Lord of our lives, but then fail to obey Him completely (cf. Luke 6:46)? Jesus plainly declared in the Sermon on the Mount, “No man can serve two masters [same word—kurios, cf. “lords”]: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matt. 6:24). In this account, Peter learned first-hand that Jesus, and Jesus alone, is to be Lord of our lives!

The growth process to accepting and believing Jesus to be Lord of our lives is an interesting process. One of the best places to see this from the Bible is in John 9. In the account of Jesus healing a man who was blind from birth and the subsequent harassment that he and his parents received from the Pharisees, we see the growth that took place in the life of this man. It is quite evident that this blind man had no idea who Jesus was, because the first time his neighbors and friends questioned him as to the origination of the miracle of sight, he responded, “A man that is called Jesus…” (John 9:11). Later, after enough time has passed for him to ponder and contemplate just what great thing has occurred in his life, the Pharisees interrogate him, “What sayest thou of him that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, ‘He is a prophet’” (John 9:17). Finally, when Jesus took the time and effort to find him after the Pharisees prevented him from all synagogue privileges (cf. John 9:22, 34), he refers to Him as “Lord” (John 9:35-38). Thus, his conception of Jesus grew from a man to a prophet to Lord! What a marvelous example for all who come to know Jesus!

Finally, we conclude in Acts 2 with Peter and the apostles preaching to the gathered Jews from “every nation under heaven” (Acts 2:5) who gathered on the Day of Pentecost, which was just fifty days since these same Jews, who gathered in Jerusalem for the Passover Week, led in their cries to crucify the Son of God. Peter powerfully proclaims that the crucified Lord had arisen from the dead, and he ignites the penitence within three thousand Jews (cf. Acts 2:41) with his conclusion: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). The crucified Jesus was not only the Christ/Messiah of whom the Old Testament fathers and prophets had foretold, but He is also to be Lord of our lives!

Therefore, it is imperative to my soul to ponder the question, “Is Jesus really Lord of my life?”

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Marriage, Deuteronomy 24, and Can Women Divorce?

From the beginning, God ordained one man to stay with one woman and one woman with one man (Genesis 2:24).  The two joined together becoming one flesh, one body.

Man in his sinfulness began to be involved in polygamy, adultery, and a host of other improprieties (Malachi 2:14).  Man’s heart was hardened against God’s commands and he chose to follow his own desires.

Deuteronomy 24, (only for usage by Israel under the Law of Moses until the coming of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31-34, Colossians 2:14, Galatians 3:24-25), dealt with the marital atrocities.  In an environment where man, contrary to God’s intention for marriage, divorced his wife for any number of unauthorized reasons, God, through Moses, regulated divorce.  A writ of divorcement became required so that the woman could clearly demonstrate freedom from the bond of her previous husband.  Additionally, when the woman joined herself to another man in marriage, the original husband would not be authorized to take her as a wife again at any point thereafter.  Deuteronomy 24 caused a man to more cautiously consider his decision to divorce his wife and it put the guilt of divorce upon the husband, enabling the wife to remarry.  Yet, this passage of the Law of Moses did not represent an eternal principle of God and only represented a temporary ordinance.

Jesus states in Matthew 19:8 that Moses suffered (allowed) the children of Israel to put away their wives, but that was not God’s original intent.  His intent was that they stay together until death.  However, Jesus does provide information in Matthew 5:32/Matthew 19:3-12 not previously written.  He states that putting away one’s spouse was acceptable (though not desired) if fornication (adultery when in a marriage) had been committed by the other party.

Why allow the sinfulness under the Law of Moses?

Fact: the law was not meant to make anyone perfect; Christ fulfilled that function (Hebrews 7:19, Hebrews 10:1, Galatians 3:3-5, Philippians 3:12-16, Colossians 1:27-29, Colossians 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16-17).  Quite to the contrary, God ordained the Law of Moses that sin might abound (Romans 5:20).  The nation of Israel, through their abounding sin demonstrated the power, wisdom, and mercy of God, as well as the truth that men could not find eternal life through their own works (Romans 9:21-33).  The directives in Deuteronomy 24 did not approve of sin or establish an eternal principle.  They simply minimized the chaos that had been created, overlooking the sin for that time (Acts 17:30).  It was much like sweeping dust under the rug.  The problem still exists, but overlooking the dust provides a temporary adjustment until cleaned properly.

Some men declare, as a code of behavior applying today, that Deuteronomy 24 establishes that only the husband can put away his wife and not the wife her husband.  Can women divorce?

Deuteronomy 24 certainly provides marital guidelines from the point of view of a man wishing to divorce his wife under the Law of Moses.  No other guideline under the Law of Moses is given for the vantage point of the woman.  Yet, the Law of Moses does not provide authority for man’s actions today.  Furthermore, prior to the Law of Moses, no mention of situations authorizing divorce existed. Thus, authority for divorce cannot be found by going back to the beginning.  Following the establishment of the Law of Moses, written Jewish traditions did allow divorce by women under a different process from Deuteronomy 24, but neither the Law of Moses nor the traditions of men, represent God’s eternal commands as set forth in Genesis 2:24 and the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:32/Matthew 19:3-12.

At this point, it is important to consider Mark 10:2-12 and I Corinthians 7:10-11.  Verses 11 and 12 of Mark identify two incidents of divorce.  In the first, the man puts away his wife.  In the second, the woman puts away her husband.  Understand the following truths about scripture:  First, a permanent ordinance condemning a woman for divorcing her husband doesn’t exist.  Second, Jesus (in the context of being questioned about Deuteronomy 24) specifically identifies an occurrence where a woman does put away her husband and that action by itself is not condemned.  Now take into consideration also I Corinthians 7:10-11.  This passage clearly identifies that a wife may divorce her husband and explains the conditions on doing so.  From the two passages examined, the Bible establishes a woman may divorce a man.  Today men follow the commands under the New Covenant in Christ (Matthew 4:23) and the eternal principles of God (Romans 15:4).  The words of Jesus (by His mouth and the apostles) judge a man on the final day (John 12:48).  Consequently, by the authority of Christ, under proper circumstances, a wife can divorce her husband.

Many concerned individuals actually have an underlying concern when asking if a woman can divorce her husband.  They really want to know if she can remarry after divorcing.  Mark 10 establishes, if a man or a woman remarries after divorce, they commit adultery.  I Corinthians 7 only gives a woman the option of staying single or reconciling after divorce.  There are no verses in the Bible with a direct command or example approving of a woman remarrying following a divorce she has initiated.  Yet, command and example are not the only ways to demonstrate God’s authority.  Necessary inference can demonstrate authority.  Since God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), by necessary inference, it can be concluded that if He allows both the male and female to divorce, the same rules must apply for both sexes in remarriage.  Immediate objection might be raised stating that man has authority over woman so his rules for remarriage will be different.  However, man’s authority over woman applies to his duties, not to preferential treatment when it comes to sin.  If by Matthew 5 and 19 a man can divorce his wife scripturally and remarry because she has committed adultery, then it can be inferred that a wife certainly can do the same in a case where the husband has committed adultery.

When examining the topic of marriage, the student of scripture must always be aware of the context and purpose of the scripture written.  Deuteronomy 24 represents a passage with very specific purposes for a very specific dispensation.  Jesus identifies that the direction the Law of Moses gave man for marriage did not represent God’s will.  Thus, when considering authorization for marriage today, Deuteronomy 24 must be set aside.  Jesus and the apostles, under the New Covenant, reaffirm God’s Will for marriage and identify authority for both the husband and wife to properly act on their marriage status under the circumstances of fornication.  Because God is a just God, he applies the same rules for dealing with sin for woman as He does man. Those rules can be gleaned from the New Testament scriptures regarding marriage and divorce.

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The Church of the Lord

As we look back over the history of the church nearly 20 Centuries has passed since the Lord stated to those in Caesarea Philippi that he would build his church (cf. Matt 16:13-18).  We know that Christ’s Church came into existence shortly after He made this prediction to those assembled (cf. Acts 12:1-47). As we read through the 2nd chapter of the Book of Acts we are impressed with the power of events that transpired on the birthday of the church of Christ.

One of the impressive things about the Lord’s Church is the number of Jews that heard, obeyed, and became the part of the church that day, some 3,000 (cf. Acts 2:36-42). The number of the disciples multiplied quickly as we are told in the early chapters of the Book of Acts (cf. Acts 2L41; 4:4). Today we wish to imitate this great growth against such great obstacles, yet, we must proceed with all the strength that we can muster to reach out to the lost and undone in this world and help them to see the right of the Lord’s church and her message. The first century disciples were busy, filled with zeal for God, and untiring in their efforts. It was stated about the early disciples that they “turn the world upside down” (Acts 17:6).

There are people today who believe that the Church of the Lord is withering and dying. To this philosophy I say :ridiculous”, the church is growing in many places and the only reason that it is not growing everywhere is that there are many disciples that are lazy and will not do their share of the work needed to keep sowing the good seed (i.e. getting our and evangelizing the lost all over the community). Indeed, the congregation will grow only if the elders, the preacher, and every member will do the personal work needed in the community (See Luke 8:11 – 1 Cor 3:6-7).

REMEMBER THIS: We are the sowers, are we sowing the good seed? Each of us should, to the extent of our ability go about our lives sowing the good seed.

Whenever a congregation is at peace, whenever the members of the congregation show love and concern about one another and their neighbors, whenever a congregation is busy doing the works of God (i.e. that which is revealed in the Bible). The church will grow and the congregation will be influential in the community in which it exists. Let us therefore involve ourselves in the effort to sow the good seed (i.e. spread the gospel message) Let us each do what we can! (NOTE – Matthew 5:13-16).

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Are You Stressed? (part 2)

Of course, getting enough rest, a proper diet, regular exercise and keeping a balanced life between work and family are always important. But, I believe the Bible gives Christians, from a spiritual point, three more basic disciplines. First, there is prayer. Consider the words of Peter, “ Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:6–‐7). Instead of worrying over our problems, turn those problems over to God. Let Him be in your corner to not only comfort you, but to relieve your anxiety and stress. Paul mentions to us to, “ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–‐7). This is such a wonderful and comforting promise in that, as we pray, our minds are protected by a peace that goes beyond our ability to understand. In our life, we ought to be praying often.

Second, meditating on the Word of God can call to your remembrance all the promises that God has given man throughout the years. In addition, Paul said, “. . . brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). The way to protect ourselves from the world is to focus on God’s Word, the Bible. For, His word is magnified above His name (Psalm 138:2). It is His special revelation (Psalm 19) and we are told how to obey it (Acts 15:7–‐11) because it instructs, corrects, rebukes, and teaches us (2 Timothy 3:16–‐17). Therefore, if we want to be sanctified or set apart from the world and dedicated to the Lord, we will reflect deeply and at great length, the Bible. We ought to be reflecting on the comforting words of Jesus, such as in Matthew 11:28–‐30, “ 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.” Jesus offers a comfort that only He can offer. That of knowing our sins are forgiven and how comforting it is to know that the eternal glory of Heaven awaits the faithful child of God at the end of the world. However, without reading the Bible, we would not know any of this. So, read your Bible.

(To Be Continued – Part 3)

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Labor Day

According to the United States Department of Labor’s website Labor Day, “is a creation
of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of
American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers
have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.” Simply put it is
intended to be a day of rest and recognition to the American workforce.

The Christian too has a Labor Day. One in which we will receive a rest and recognition
for the faithful work we have done. When God completed his grand creation (Genesis
1-2) he rested on the seventh day and blessed and sanctified it as a day of rest. The
Hebrew writer says that there remains a rest for the children of God. “For he who has
entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us
therefore be diligent to enter that rest…” (Hebrews 4.10-11a).

Jesus calls us to this rest! “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I
will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11.28-29). But the ultimate rest here has reference to the eternal “Labor Day” of God’s children in his home. Sure Jesus took time to rest and relax while here on earth, but never was it for a protracted period. No in fact he said, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4).

Notice what the voice from heaven said unto John, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who
die in the Lord from now on.’ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their
labors, and their works follow them” (Revelation 14.13). But also pay close attention to
qualifying statement here “…who die in the Lord…” Those outside of Christ when death
comes will not enter His rest nor will they ever know rest, no not for eternity!

So just how is this to be accomplished? You must hear the word of God for “faith
comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10.17). For we know that
without faith it is impossible to please Him…” (Hebrews 11.6). We must be willing to
repent of a sinful life because God “…now commands all men everywhere to repent
(Acts 17:30). We must be willing to confess that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son
of God (Matthew 10.32-33). But none of these things have yet to say, nor do they ever
say, that they put us into Christ. So how is it that we get into Christ so that we may “die
in the Lord?” Notice carefully the inspired scripture of Galatians 3.27, “For as many of
you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

If you’ve not yet done these things, will you not do it now? God loves you and sent His
Son to die for you so that you might have this opportunity. He wants you to rest with
Him. And for those of us who are in Christ and long for that day of rest…Be Faithful!

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