Chapter 44 - He dwelt among us

Freedom from Captivity 

Chapter 44 

He Dwelt Among Us 

We read in John 1:14, And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. And we beheld His glory, glory as of an only begotten from the Father, full of grace and of truth. (LITV) 

The above mentioned verse expounds how the Word became flesh, and made his dwelling or tabernacle among us. If we are wondering who this Word refers to, we receive a vivid comprehension of the same from John 1:1, In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. (NLT)

Genesis 1:1, the very first verse in the Bible begins this way, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (NLT) and John as he begins his gospel, begins in a similar way with the words in John 1:1 that, “In the beginning the Word already existed”. As we compare these two verse, we will get the right understanding of who Jesus really is. He was the Word that was at the beginning, the Word that was God, the Word that was heard, who became flesh, in order that this Word who was proclaimed was now evident, and seen by the world.

We observe in John 1:1 that the words, Word and Godhave the first letters in capitals, and so also in John 1:14, we notice that Word, His and Father have their first letters in capitals. There are many today who have not fully comprehended the divinity of Jesus, and therefore are unable to receive the gift of salvation that He offers to them. This Word refers to Jesus, who being full of grace and truth, became flesh, and made His dwelling among us. The word used alternatively for dwelling, is the word tabernacle which implies that God set up tent to live amongst us.

Immanuel, God with us

We read in Matthew 1:23,"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). (ESV)

The name that was given to Jesus was the name Immanuel which means, ‘God with us.’ Our God is one who desires to come, and make His abode with us. There are so many who are going in search of God, trying to find him in all kinds of places, perform various rituals, hoping that they can somehow get to know who God really is, find Him, and appease Him so that He can change their difficult situations in their lives. However, the God of the Bible in complete contrast is one who comes seeking after man. That’s what makes Him unique, for He is a God who comes searching for lost mankind.

The Tent of the Tabernacle

Almost 1500 years before Jesus came down to this earth, here are the words that God spoke to Moses.

It is recorded in Exodus 25:8, “The people must make a sacred Tent for me, so that I may live among them.” (GNB)

The Lord instructed Moses to raise a sacred tent so that that God could come, and dwell amongst His people. Though God desired to reside among men, sin separated a holy God from sinful man, and therefore God made a way for sinful man to approach Him, by abiding in the sacred tent. God also instructed Moses, and gave him the exact dimensions and design as to what this sacred tent should look like.

The length of the tent was to be 150 feet, and its breadth 75 feet. The tent was to be covered with white curtains all around, and no man could enter through these curtains. The white curtains symbolized the fact that God is a holy God, and sinful man had no permission to enter into God’s holy presence. Though there were white curtains all around, there was just one place of entrance for the tent whereby people could enter this sacred tent.

When sinful man was searching for a way to approach a holy God, the Lord has already in His divine plan made a way for that to happen. God’s plan to save fallen man was revealed in the Garden of Eden itself. God’s redemptive plan was to restore sinful man, back to the place of being in fellowship and communion with Him. Everything therefore that God did in the Old Testament was a pointer towards the great plan of salvation that God wanted to reveal to us through His son Jesus Christ.

· The entrance to the tent

We read in Exodus 25:4 ... blue, purple, and red wool; (CEV)

There are 3 colors mentioned in this verse as woven on the entrance to the tent. The first color was blue. Most often when we see blue, the first thought that comes to our mind is the sky. The blue signifies the fact that Jesus was the Son of God who was to come from the heavens, sent down by the heavenly Father above. The color on the other end of the entrance was red, signifying blood, revealing to us that though Jesus was the Son of God, he took on human form to become the Son of Man. When the blue and red mix the color that is displayed is purple, which usually substantiates royalty. This purple signifies the reality that because Jesus, the Son of God became the Son of Man, He is now exalted above all kings and now reigns as the King of Kings.

For one to enter the sacred tent there was only one entrance and simply no other way which was why Jesus said in John 14:6, I am the Way… and that without Him no one can come into the presence of the Father in heaven. No man on earth, no saint on earth has the authority to lead us into the presence of God except Jesus.

John’s Gospel portrays that Jesus was the Son of God, Son of Man and the King of Kings

Let us read in John 19:7,The Jewish leaders replied, “By our law he ought to die because he called himself the Son of God.” (NLT)

We also read in John 19:5, So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” (ESV)

We also read in John 19:2, ….and they put a purple robe on him. (NLT)

The accusation that was brought against Jesus was that He claimed to be the ‘son of God’. In John 19:5 Pilate brought Jesus out to them and then declared to them ‘Behold the man’. When they brought Jesus out to trial they put on him a purple robe, which actually signified his kingship. We see the three colors blue, red and purple woven into the gospel of John, as he presented Jesus as the Son of God, Son of Man and the King of Kings who is the only Way to the Father.

· The brazen altar

When one enter the sacred tent the first thing that met their eyes near the gate, was the brazen altar. The altar signified that no man who is sinful could approach a holy God without a sacrifice. When a man sinned in the Old Testament he was required to bring a lamb or goat without blemish and offer it to the priest, and the priest would place all of the sins of the man on the lamb or goat and then slaughter it, so that the blood of the animal was shed on the altar. It was specified that the altar was to be made of bronze which signified the judgement of God. For anyone to enter the presence of God, they needed forgiveness of sins, and that was done symbolically by the shed blood of the animal that was sacrificed.

Many people today chose to live in deliberate sin only because they do not comprehend the fact that though God is loving, merciful and forgiving, He is also a God of justice, who will judge and condemn sin.

We read in Leviticus 17:11, “The life of every living thing is in the blood, and that is why the LORD has commanded that all blood be poured out on the altar to take away the people's sins. Blood, which is life, takes away sins.” (GNT)

It is only the shedding of blood that can take away the sins of mankind. The lamb or goat that was brought had to be spotless, without blemish, and it was only when the blood of the lamb was shed, could the person find propitiation for their sins.In the Old Testament, all that man could do was offer a sacrifice of a lamb or a goat, and his sins were placed on the animal. The shedding of the blood of the lamb was to symbolize that his sins were covered or set aside.

When John the Baptist introduced Jesus, this is what he declared about Him in John 1:29, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (ESV)

No man can get rid of his sins on his own, only the blood of Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God can do that for us. If our sins are not forgiven, we have no access to draw near to the presence of God. The brazen altar was a symbol of Jesus the Lamb of God who sacrificed His life on the cross, by shedding His precious blood for the redemption of all mankind.

That is why we read in 1 John 1:7,... And the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin (ESV)

· The brazen laver of water

The next thing that was kept in the tabernacle was the brazen laver of water that symbolized the waters of baptism that one must go through as an act of obedience to God, as a confession of one’s faith and salvation that they have received. Salvation is received only by faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross, whereby we are justified before God. But, the next step that is required of us, is that we go through the waters of obedience.

We can recall the incidence of Jesus and His disciples seated at an evening meal in John 13 just before the Passover festival, when Jesus took a basin of water, and began to wash the feet of all his disciples. Peter was overwhelmed, and told Jesus that He could not wash his feet, to which Jesus replied Peter that he would have no part with Him if He did not wash him. Peter immediately requested Jesus to wash his hands and head as well to which Jesus said for one who has bathed needs to only wash his feet.

Baptism is that washing, which does not in any way imply that a person will remain sinless after being baptized, but we can go to the Lord Jesus time, and again to experience the cleansing that He offers for all of our sins. Baptism is not a tradition, but is an acknowledgement before men that we are sinners, who need a savior. It is the knowledge we receive, and profess that Jesus bore our sins on the cross, died and rose again the third day. Baptism is that act of obedience that testifies to others that we are united with Christ in His death, to be resurrected to a new life in Jesus Christ. Baptism is not a guarantee that we are free from sin for all of us need that daily cleansing from the Lord.

In Romans 6:3-5 portrays this most vividly, “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection” (NKJV)

· The Golden lamp stand

Beyond the Laver of water was the Holy place where the priest would enter. Inside this was the
golden lamp stand.

We read in Exodus 25:31, “You shall make a lampstand of pure gold. The lampstand shall be made of hammered work: its base, its stem, its cups, its calyxes, and its flowers shall be of one piece with it. (ESV)

Having received the gift of salvation, and after being baptized we become members of the body of Christ which is the church, where Jesus Himself is a representation of the golden lamp stand. Gold always refers to the divine, and we find here that the gold had to be hammered to be fashioned into the lamp stand. It was only because Jesus, the divine Son of God was nailed and hammered to the cross did we receive the true light into our lives. Just as the lamp stand lighted up the holy place, and gave access to God’s presence, it is only Jesus who is the true light of this world who can dispel all the darkness in our lives and give us access into the most holy presence of God.

Jesus himself said in John 9:5,As long as I'm in the world, I'm light for the world."(GW)

The table of showbread

We read in Exodus 25:23-24, “You shall make a table of acacia wood. Two cubits shall be its length, a cubit its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height.You shall overlay it with pure gold and make a molding of gold around it.” (ESV)

Also in Exodus 25:30, “Place the Bread of the Presence on the table to remain before me at all times.” (NLT)

The table of the showbread was placed opposite the lampstand. This table was made of acacia wood, and was overlaid with pure gold. While wood reveals the humanness of Jesus, the gold refers to his divinity. On the table was placed the showbread which was to remain for all times.

The assurance we receive from the Lord is that once we become members of His body, the Lord desires to give us His word, which is our daily manna. That is why Jesus reiterated that ‘man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.’Matthew 4:4

In John 6:35, Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. (ESV)

When Jesus said to the Jewish leaders and Pharisees‘I am the bread of life’ they were confused and could not comprehend the truth that Jesus was the Word of God, the Word who was made flesh, and the one will could truly satisfy their soul’s hunger and thirst. Jesus is the only one who can satisfy both our physical hunger as well as our spiritual hunger. The table of showbread was also a representation of Jesus who was, the true and life giving Word of God. The one who believes in Jesus is guaranteed that springs of living water will flow out from him, which implies that not only will our soul’s thirst be satisfied, it will also overflow from us, and be a blessing to others to quench their thirst as well.

· The altar of incense

We read in Exodus 30:1“You shall make an altar on which to burn incense; you shall make it of acacia wood.” (ESV)

Also in Exodus 30:7And Aaron shall burn fragrant incense on it. Every morning when he dresses the lamps he shall burn it, (ESV)

There are still those who follow this tradition of burning incense, not realizing the fact that when Jesus the reality came into this world, everything else which was a shadow was nullified. It was required in the Old Testament that every morning Aaron or the priests in his order were to burn these fragrant incenses. If we are wondering what these incenses signify let us read what the Psalmist says in Psalms 141:2, “Let my prayer be accepted as sweet-smelling incense in your presence. Let the lifting up of my hands in prayer be accepted as an evening sacrifice.”(GW)

Here the Psalmist refers to our prayers as the sweet smelling incense. If we were to understand how the altar of incense, which refers to prayer can be related to Jesus let us read Hebrews 7:25, And so he is able, now and always, to save those who come to God through him, because he lives forever to plead with God for them. (GNT)

Jesus is the one who is our mediator, praying and pleading always on our behalf to God the Father in order that we might be saved. Many desire for Jesus, but the question is how many are willing to commit their lives to Jesus so that He can be the Lord and Master of their lives? We need the assurance that our sins are forgiven, and for this to happen all we got to do is believe that the Lord Jesus indeed died for our sins on the cross of Calvary, and that His blood can cleanse us from all our sins. If we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ we will have the joy of being justified before God.

The next step is to take baptism where we with this knowledge that God has imparted to us, we are united with Jesus in His death, burial and resurrection. We are now in the process of being transformed into the image of our Lord Jesus Christ, and when we fail and sin, we can go boldly to the mercy seat of God seeking His grace and forgiveness. The word of God cautions us in Proverbs 28:13, He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. (NKJV)

When we have saved and baptized we become a part of the church, which is the body of Christ. Jesus the Truth and Light will fill our hearts and minds, so that our lives will be transformed. When the Light of Jesus shines in our hearts we will be able to assess ourselves the right way in the light of His presence. Also our real hunger and thirst will be satisfied with the eternal word of God. We also have the certainty that even if we do stumble and fall sometimes, we have Jesus, who is our mediator who will plead to the Father on our behalf.

When Jesus died on the cross, the final word that he uttered on the cross was ‘it is finished’. What was a tabernacle or sacred tent in the time of Moses, was a temple in the time of Jesus. The veil of the temple that separated the holy place from the most holy place was torn in two from top to bottom. As the body of Christ was broken on our behalf, the curtain in the temple, which also was a shadow of Christ was torn in two. Jesus came and dwelt among us. He did all that He should do on our behalf, but the question is are we ready to do all that we are required to do? Adam lost his life at the Garden of Eden by his disobedience, but, Jesus came to restore that life back to us. That is why Jesus said in John 10:10, I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (ESV) May we invite Jesus to come into our lives, to dwell with us so that we too can enjoy the abundantly joyful life that He offers to each one of us.

Br. Dixon

Transcribed by Sis. Esther Collins

www.goodnewsfriends.net

You can listen to the message in tamil : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqs4EuVFBmg

Chapter 43 - Good news for all

Freedom from Captivity 

Chapter 43 

Good News for All 

Here’s what is recorded in Luke 2:10, but the angel said to them, "Don't be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people. (GNB)

From the above mentioned verse, the word that I would like to highlight for our meditation is the word ‘good news’. Everybody irrespective of who they are, look forward to, and earnestly are expecting some kind of good news. For example for those without jobs, finding a job is good news, for those who lie sick in hospital, the fact that there is a cure for their ailment is good news, and for those who are in turmoil, the announcement that peace is close at hand is good news, for the ones in bondage to sorcery and the occult, the fact that there is deliverance is good news, and for the one who are entangled with sin, the truth that they can be set free is good news.

Strangely what is good news for one may not be as such to someone else. Let me explain it this way. To someone who is hungry the fact that there is food is good news, but if the same person has had his fill, the thought of having more food may not be good news.

God made everything good and all will be good when the end comes

In Genesis 1:31, we read, And God saw everything that he had made and that it was very good. (GW)

Have you noticed students when they receive the corrected answer sheets from their teachers, if the teacher commented and said ‘good’ the student is happy, but when the teacher remarked ‘very good’ the student is elated. When God created the world and everything in it, he beheld all of it and said, ‘it was very good’. This was God’s will from the beginning of creation for that is how the Lord intended for the world, and all of us to be, very good.

Let us read in Revelations 22:3, There will no longer be any curse. The throne of God and the lamb will be in the city. His servants will worship him (GW)

When we read the last book of the Bible namely Revelation, taking note of the above mentioned verse, which describes the end of the age, we understand that on that final day God will remove every curse, God will be exalted on His throne and his servants will worship him continually. Therefore, when the end comes, it will once again be very good and glorious for the children of God.

However, to those of us who are living right now, we are caught in this period of time between the beginning and the end. No wonder then that as we struggle through this time we realize that there is so much of chaos and confusion; conflict between husband and wife, parents and children, financial crisis, and hardships of various sort that oppress us. The Lord assures us that as we plod along this difficult path, He is with us and can certainly change everything that is imperfect or bad to become perfect and good.

The testimony that we should desire to receive from the Lord is that each one of us is very good. It is therefore good to analyze ourselves to see if this is so, or if we are still struggling with sickness, poverty, bondages and sin. It is the will and longing of God that each one of us should prosper in every way, and lead the life of fullness that He intended for us to live.

As human beings the first emotion that grips us when faced with adversity of various kinds is that of fear. The word of assurance from the Lord is ‘don’t be afraid,’ and this declaration is not just for a few select people, but for all men, and most certainly envelops any hardship that may confront us, be it sickness, division, sorrow or any other hardship that we may encounter. When the Lord begins to work in our lives, the good news is that everyone around us will be filled with joy.

What is this Good News?

We read in Luke 2:11, For to you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Webster)

The good news that the angels declared that day was the wonderful announcement that a Savior has been born. The word ‘Savior’ implies that He is someone who is born to save us from all of our troubles, struggles, emptiness, conflict, bondage or sin.

Sadly the world today is more ready to accept bad news, rather than the good news. So many are living empty lives, in debt, not realizing that if they could believe in this Savior and accept Him as Lord of their lives, he can transform any and every appalling situation.

1. The good news that Jesus can turn our emptiness to fullness

This is what Peter told Jesus in Luke 5:5 a"Master," Simon answered, "We worked hard all night long and caught nothing. (GNB)

We read in Luke 5:5-6, But if you say so, I will let down the nets." They let them down and caught such a large number of fish that the nets were about to break. (GNB)

Peter and his partners had fished all night, worked real hard but had caught nothing. The Lord did not condemn Peter, but was willing to intervene in his desperate situation. When Jesus instructed Peter to go to the deep to cast his nets again, though he had labored hard, and had also washed his nets, putting them out to dry, he obeyed only because the Lord asked him to do so. The outcome was that his nets were so full of fish that the nets were about to break. Not only were his nets full, he had to call his partners to share this bountiful catch. The good news that Peter received that day was that his empty nets were now brimming with fish, for the Lord had turned his emptiness to overflowing fullness.

There are those who are working so hard, but are unable to enjoy the fruit of their labor. The Lord can come in, and do the impossible if we allow Him to. Some resign themselves to the lie that their life is on a downward spiral because of their fate. When encountered with difficult situations, instead of turning to God, there are many who are running after men, who offer temporary solutions. May we like the Psalmist David seek the Lord to undo our emptiness so as to make our cups full and overflowing. The secret to the miracle Peter received was his willingness to obey unquestioningly, and if we too obey the Lord implicitly, He is sure to do the astounding deeds in our lives.

2. The good news that Jesus can change our sickness to health

We read in Mark 5:25-26, There was a woman who had suffered terribly from severe bleeding for twelve years, even though she had been treated by many doctors. She had spent all her money, but instead of getting better she got worse all the time. (GNB)

We also read in Mark 5:27-29,She had heard about Jesus, so she came in the crowd behind him, saying to herself, “If I just touch his clothes, I will get well.”She touched his cloak, and her bleeding stopped at once; and she had the feeling inside herself that she was healed of her trouble. (GNB)

Here was a woman who had been suffering from severe bleeding for twelve long years, and had become weary of going to doctors as they could offer no cure. All that happened to her at the end of all her ordeal was that she only got worse, and in addition had to spend all her money on looking for healing.

Having been a recipient of bad news from physicians for twelve years, suddenly she heard the good news that she could go to Jesus, who she believed could do the impossible for her. Though society had laid several restrictions on her, she still went ahead anyway, not expecting Jesus to touch her or notice her, but to by faith touch the hem of His garment. There was a huge crowd that thronged Jesus, but this woman’s touch of faith, made her completely well, and she was healed instantly.

The Lord Jesus gives good news to those who are struggling with sickness and ailments that by His stripes we are healed. Jesus alone can make the good news a reality in our lives, irrespective of what our situation might be. The good news that the birth of Jesus brought to this world is that we don’t need to linger in our emptiness, sickness, failure or sin for He came to deliver us, and set us free from all that burdens us to keeps us down. Jesus came to put back in order all that Satan destroyed at the beginning of creation. If we allow Him to take over our lives, and are willing to obey His word unreservedly, He will come in to set everything in order.

3. The good news that Jesus can bring peace when there is turmoil

We read in Mark 6:48a, And He saw them being distressed in the rowing, for the wind was contrary to them. (LITV)

It is recorded in Mark 6:51, Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped. (TLV)

The disciples and Jesus were travelling by boat from one place to the other, and were challenged by a fierce storm. The disciples were distressed with the rowing, and were filled with fear and dread. However, the Lord was with them, and He was able to take them safely to the other shore. For the disciples who were caught in the midst of an intense storm, the good news was that the Lord was able to rebuke the winds and the waves to bring a calm so they could reach their destination safely.

There are some who got married expecting a smooth ride, and are faced with conflict that almost prompts them to quit or give up. Here’s a word of encouragement, regardless of what difficulties pile up in our lives, when the Lord is with us, He will steer us on through all of it to the place of peace and safety.

4. The good news that Jesus can forgive our sins and set us free from guilt

We read in John 8:5, In our Law Moses commanded that such a woman must be stoned to death. Now, what do you say?" (GNB)

The woman who was brought to Jesus that day was caught in adultery, and the ones who brought her to Jesus were the teachers of the law and the Pharisees. As they came they also brought stones with which they had decided to put her to death, for that was what the law required. When the woman was first brought to Jesus everyone’s eyes were turned towards her with the one intention to do away with her, but the Lord directed their attention towards him, and away from her by writing on the ground. He later guided their attention to themselves, and challenged them that the one who was without any sin should be the first one to throw a stone at the woman. The only one who had the right to stone her was the Lord Jesus who was sinless, and yet He forgave her, setting her free from her guilt and sin. The good news that this woman received from Jesus was the truth that He is able to forgive her, with no condemnation and hence can walk away free from guilt or shame.

There are some who are in a similar situation, where there are people all around looking for reasons to hurl stones to hurt and destroy. If the Lord is with us, not one of these stones that are aimed at us, will be able to cause us any harm. People can accuse or scheme to distress us, but if like the woman we are close to the feet of Jesus, He will not allow any of these things to come near to us. There are many, who are guilt ridden for many long years, not aware that when the Lord chooses to forgive us, Satan thrives on condemning us, for He is the accuser of the brethren. He is constantly confusing us with the lies that some situations in our lives are a result or consequence of our sins. Let us boldly say that we have confessed our sins to the Lord, He has forgiven us, we are made righteous by the blood of Jesus, and therefore none of the devil’s accusations holds good any more.

The good news that the angels declared was that the Jesus the Savior was born, and He alone is able to forgive us of all our sins, which is the root cause for most of our problems. Let us give room for Jesus to come into our hearts, and take complete control of our lives. All one has to do is believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, confess their sins, repent, get baptized, be filled with the Holy Spirit and receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, so we can be His witnesses. When we do so our names will be written in the Lamb’s book of life, and no one can snatch us out of the Father’s hand. Jesus is the Lamb of God who came to bear the sins of the whole world, and that includes each one of us personally. We are the children of God, and therefore there is no condemnation for us but victory for the Lord is able to bring good news, to every situation where things are looking bad.

All of us irrespective of who we are have received this good news from the Lord, but, like the disciples of Jesus may we allow Jesus to come into the boat of our lives to bring peace in the midst of our storms. Like the woman who suffered for twelve years, may we have faith on the Lord Jesus, to change our infirmities to wholeness and health. Like Peter, may we decide to leave behind our emptiness, and follow Jesus to a life of overflowing fullness and like the woman caught in sin, may we come and surrender at the feet of Jesus, to receive forgiveness and be clothed with His righteousness.

Br. Dixon

Transcribed by Sis. Esther Collins

www.goodnewsfriends.net

You can listen to the tamil message here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1x56H4LTpw

Chapter 42 - Let go and God will take over

Freedom from Captivity 

Chapter 42 

Let go and God will take over 

It is recorded in Exodus 2:1-2, During this time a man from the tribe of Levi married a woman of his own tribe, and she bore him a son. When she saw what a fine baby he was, she hid him for three months. (GNB)

There are three things we note in the above mentioned verses; firstly there was a married couple from the tribe of Levi, (the husband’s name was Amram and his wife’s name Jochebed), they had a son (Moses), and they were challenged with a problem, which prompted them to hide their baby boy. When the mother realized that the baby boy was a fine child, she hid him for three months.

The reason she had to hide her new born son is mentioned in Exodus 1:22, Finally the king issued a command to all his people: "Take every newborn Hebrew boy and throw him into the Nile, but let all the girls live." (GNB)

Pharaoh, King of Egypt recognized that the people of Israel though in bondage and slavery to the Egyptians, were increasing rapidly in numbers. Pharaoh who was seated securely on his throne, had much pomp, power and a mighty army. But, somehow this situation of the speedy increase of the Israelites worried him a great deal. Pharaoh’s worry turned to panic, and made him lose his humaneness, when he decided to implement more brutal laws to repress the growth of the Israelites. He issued a cruel edict that every male child that was born to the Hebrew families should be thrown into the river Nile, while the girl babies alone should be spared, and allowed to live. It is indeed ironical that Pharaoh who was a mighty king with tremendous power, began to fear a group of people who were just his slaves. This was only because the Lord of hosts was with the people of Israel.

Pharaoh’s intent in killing the male children was so he could prevent the growth of the male population, who could become too strong for him to contend with. The female children he let live with the assumption that they could overpower, and subdue them. What Pharaoh did not realize was that the secret to their tremendous growth and blessing of the Hebrew people was the reality that they belonged to the living God, who had made a covenant with them and promised them this increase.

Worry did not evade the king on his throne, and worry is a reality for many of us in the various situations that confront us. When we are absorbed with worry, it inevitably leads to anxiety and panic, which often makes us do the unpredictable. Children of God may encounter predicaments of all sorts, but if the Lord is with us, He will give the increase, and bless us even in the midst of these difficult situations. The reason for this, is that the blessings of the Lord are not dependent on our circumstances, or on the people around us, but rests entirely on the Lord.

As the people of God increase there is rejoicing in the family of God, but contrarily there is worry, fear and anxiety in the enemy camp. If instead of feeling joyful when people worship God, are being blessed by Him, and are added in great numbers we feel threatened, we must be cautioned as this is the spirit that prevailed in Pharaoh, one of insecurity which if left unchecked will work out for our own detriment. We must instead rejoice when people repent, and are added into the kingdom of God, for the word of God declares that there is great rejoicing in heaven even over one sinner who repents, more so when there are a great many who turn to the Lord.

Pharaoh was anxious, but Jochebed trusted in the Lord

The one who should have been worried most should have been Moses’ mother Jochebed, who might have regretted that she had a boy child, and was now in dilemma as to what would become of her baby. Instead Jochebed decided to trust in the Lord, and place her child under His care.

We read in Exodus 2:3,But when she could not hide him any longer, she took a basket made of reeds and covered it with tar to make it watertight. She put the baby in it and then placed it in the tall grass at the edge of the river. (GNB)

For three months Jochebed managed to hide the baby, which we realize must have been an ordeal, considering the fact that being slaves their houses would have been small, and also that it is an unimaginable feat to keep a new born silent. However, she believed that this child was her God given gift, and so she treasured the baby, not letting Pharaoh’s command deter her in any way. While Pharaoh who did not know the Lord fretted and panicked, Moses’ mother had complete confidence in the Lord for she knew whom she believed, and had her entire faith fixed on God alone.

Jochebed took care of the baby as long as she could, and when it went beyond her to do so she left him in God’s hands. Pharaoh’s order was to throw the baby boys into the river. While everyone did so, Jochebed, made a basket, covered it with tar, making it watertight, put her baby boy inside and then by faith placed it among the reeds, leaving him under the watchful eye of his older sister Miriam. She was still obeying the king’s command, but with a little twist, as she trusted in God who is King over all kings, who could take care of, and deliver her baby boy.

When faced with complex situations, we can decide to let the situation overwhelm us, and bog us down with worry or like Jochebed present our circumstances into the Lord’s hand. If we are often prone to worry, we must realize that we have not come to that point where our trust is in God alone. Irrespective of what trials confront us, we have a God who specializes in changing everything that is evil for our good. Like Jochebed, we too must do all that is in our hands to do.

There are other great examples too for us in the Bible. Joseph’s brothers did evil to him and sold him, but God turned it out for his good when he took him to Egypt and made him a ruler in Egypt, who would later save his entire family. The Israelites were taunted by Goliath for many days, but God brought David to stand up against the giant and he reversed the situation, made David triumph over the giant, and later made him king of Israel.

We read in Job 5:9, He does great things that we cannot understand and miracles that we cannot count. (GW)

Our God is a God who does amazing things that we cannot comprehend or understand. His ways are always far beyond human understanding.

God’s amazing way to save baby Moses

In Exodus 2:6, The princess opened it and saw a baby boy. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. "This is one of the Hebrew babies," she said. (GNB)

Pharaoh’s daughter the princess noticed the basket, she opened it, and there inside was a baby boy. At just the right time the baby cried, and the princess was filled with compassion, and felt sorry for the baby. God used the cry of a little baby to melt the heart of Pharaoh’s daughter. She knew that this baby was a Hebrew baby, and she also knew that her father had given orders that all the boy babies be thrown into the Nile. When the princess decided to take the baby to bring him up as her own, there was a sudden turn of events for now the child of a slave was elevated to the palace of a king.

The one who closely followed the baby was his sister Miriam. When the princess took the baby immediately Miriam spoke up to the princess, and offered the services of a mother who could take care of the child till he was weaned. When the princess agreed the baby boy was brought back to his own home to his own mother who had trusted God, and willingly released him.

Pharaoh did not realize that this baby Moses, was the one God had chosen to challenge him one day, and bring deliverance to the people of Israel. The cruel edict of Pharaoh was used by God, to take baby Moses to the very palace of Pharaoh, and be groomed as a leader who will deliver God’s people.

When we put our faith in God not only does He bless us, but our children’s children. If Moses’ mother held on to the child, she might have lost the baby, but when she put her faith in God and let go of the baby the Lord took over to do the unimaginable.

Parents must release their children

Many parents are so possessive of their children that they do not let go of them no matter how old they are. God wants us to release our children into His care, so He can take over. When we do so, he will do all the necessary pruning, and return our children back to us in all their beauty. There are some parents who even got their children married, but are still clinging onto their children emotionally. Once our children are married it is so vital that we should never interfere in their lives.

We read in Genesis 2:23-24, and the man exclaimed, "Here is someone like me! She is part of my body, my own flesh and bones. She came from me, a man. So I will name her Woman!" That's why a man will leave his own father and mother. He marries a woman, and the two of them become like one person. (GNB)

We read in Matthew 19:4-5, Jesus answered, "Haven't you read the scripture that says that in the beginning the Creator made people male and female? And God said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and unite with his wife, and the two will become one.' (GNB)

Genesis 2:23-24 were not the words of Adam, as Adam did not have father or mother, and had no such issues. These are God’s instruction to Adam and Eve, and every other couple as mentioned in Matthew 19:4-5. The Lord’s admonition is explicit that once married, a man will leave his father and mother to be united with his wife. Many married men, for every small decision in the family go seeking their parents’ advice, and so also parents interfere in the affairs of their married children, thereby creating much trouble in their children’s lives.

Children also have a responsibility toward their parents

We read inMark 7: 10-13, He went on, “Well, good for you. You get rid of God’s command so you won’t be inconvenienced in following the religious fashions! Moses said, ‘Respect your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone denouncing father or mother should be killed.’ But you weasel out of that by saying that it’s perfectly acceptable to say to father or mother, ‘Gift! What I owed you I’ve given as a gift to God,’ thus relieving yourselves of obligation to father or mother.(MSG)

Some have taken the commandment in Genesis 2:23-24 to the extreme, and feel no sense of obligation towards their parents, and also dishonor or disregard them. Wistfully there are some children who even chase their parents out of their homes. When God spoke to Moses He clearly instructed that children should honor their father and mother. There are certain duties and responsibilities that God expects us to carry out for our parents, and if instead we replace it with any other tradition or obligation, and these even if it is done as unto God, it will not be acceptable to God.

There is an important balance that needs to be maintained here. As long as the parents are alive it is the duty of children to honor and support their parents, but it is also mandatory that a married man should be united to his wife in every way, and they must both function as one, not letting either parents become a source of interference to the family.

Release and God will give it back · Naomi let go of her daughters-in-law

We read in Ruth 1:11, But Naomi was firm: "Go back, my dear daughters. (MSG)

Naomi was a widow who lost her husband, and also her two sons. However, she had two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah. Naomi had a good heart, and did not intend to hold on to the two young ladies, but decided to let go of them as she planned to return to the land of Israel. She told her daughters-in-law to go back to their families, and find a new life for themselves. While Orpah left, Ruth considered Naomi like her own mother, and decided to go along with her, to worship the God Naomi worshipped, and live with the people who belonged to Naomi. It was only when Naomi released both of them that Ruth decided to stay on with her. Naomi had the blessed priviledge of become a grandmother because of Ruth which she might have otherwise never had.

· The woman who let go of her baby

We read in 1 Kings 3:26 ...Give it to her!" and in 1Kings 3:27, Then Solomon said, "Don't kill the child! Give it to the first woman---she is its real mother." (GNB)

Two women gave birth to two babies at the same time, and they lived in the same house. One of them in her sleep rolled over the new born, and the baby died. She then quickly took her baby, and placed it near the other woman whose baby was alive, and exchanged her dead baby for the one that was alive. Sure enough the next day there was a big dispute, and the two women took the living baby to King Solomon, and explained their predicament, seeking justice.

As the women argued in the presence of King Solomon, he being a man full of God’s wisdom called for a soldier to bring him a sword. He then commanded that the baby be cut in two so each of the women could have a part of the baby. On hearing this verdict, the woman who lost her baby, readily agreed while the real mother begged the king to have the baby be give wholly to the other woman. King Solomon immediately perceived that the second woman who was willing to let go was the real mother and therefore handed over the baby to her. Here too it was only when the woman was willing to release her baby, did the Lord gave the baby back to her.

It is a sad situation that there are parents who for their own selfish reasons, are holding on to their children, so that they will be there to take care of them when they are old. There are also those who have messed up their children’s lives, by getting them married just for the sake of society, and then have separated them to keep them with themselves. It is important that as parents we should always desire the welfare of our children, and must sincerely pray for the same. Let us be willing to let go of our children, and hand them over to the watchful eyes of the Lord, for we can be certain that He will bring them back to us.

When Moses’ mother handed over her baby boy to the Lord, God took him from being a slave and raised him up to be a prince, who would grow in Pharaoh’s palace. Moses was renowned in all the ways of Egypt, and therefore he was the ideal man who could stand before Pharaoh to lead the Israelites out of bondage to the Promised Land. Let’s be assured that we have a God who is above every problem, every king, all authority, and there is nothing that is beyond His control. May the Lord grant us His grace to let go of all our worries and submit everything to His Lordship and control, so He can do the unfathomable in our lives.

Br. Dixon

Transcribed by Sis. Esther Collins

www.goodnewsfriends.net

You can listen to the tamil message : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIhkS0SWCEA&t=916s

Chapter 41 - Root out the bitterness

Freedom from Captivity 

Chapter 41 

Root out the Bitterness 

In Hebrew 12:15,See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; (ESV)

The Holy Spirit of God cautions us through the word of God, that if we allow the root of bitterness to get embedded in our hearts, we are in peril of failing to obtain the grace of God which He has lavishly bestowed on us. It is the grace of God that protects us, preserves us and we are well and alive, only because of that unfathomable grace of God.

We will study in detail on the basis of the word of God, these two important aspects mentioned in Hebrews 12:15 namely; obtaining the grace of God and uprooting bitterness from our hearts.

The Grace of God  · Noah found grace in the eyes of God

We read in Genesis 6:8, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” (KJV)

The times in which Noah lived was one where wickedness filled the earth. People in Noah’s day, sought after their own affairs, and had no inclination to seek after God. It was in such a chaotic period that Noah found grace in the sight of the Lord.

Sadly, we too are living in a day and age when so many are caught up with the busyness of the mundane, having no time whatsoever for things pertaining to God. Today the word ‘grace’ is widely misunderstood and misrepresented. Many refer to the term grace of God nonchalantly, not fully comprehending the meaning, and depth what it implies. The grace of God has become a license to many, to lead sinful, and unrepentant lives. If we can truly apprehend the meaning of the grace of God, only then will we live and do exactly as Noah did.

· Noah obeyed God implicitly

God’s commanded Noah to construct an ark, because of a great flood that was impending. Noah did not take the grace of God that was showered on him for granted, but immediately went forth to obey God, and began to build the ark.

In Genesis 6:22, we read, “Noah did everything that God commanded.” (GNB)

We read in Hebrews 11:7, “By faith Noah, being moved by the fear of God, made ready an ark for the salvation of his family, because God had given him news of things which were not seen at the time; and through it the world was judged by him, and he got for his heritage the righteousness which is by faith (BBE)

Noah not only had faith in God and revered him, he willingly obeyed all that God commanded him to do by building the ark, thereby saving himself and his family. Noah obeyed the Lord implicitly in every detail, just as God instructed him.

As believers we are all recipients of the grace of God, but the question is how many of us like Noah are walking in obedience to God in every area our lives? There are areas in our lives where the Spirit of God is constantly prompting us to change, but we turn a deaf ear, and continue in sin, simply because we have taken God’s grace for granted. Though salvation is the gift of God received by the grace of God, it is only when we walk in obedience, are we assured of entry into the kingdom of God.

Salvation is to be saved from the bondage of sin, death, grip of the devil, hell and destruction to be transferred into the kingdom of God. This salvation is experienced right here and now, while we are here on earth to help us live a life of freedom from every temptation and sin. However, if we continue in disobedience, and expect that we will be saved, we are deceiving ourselves.

Just like God warned Noah in his days, in these last days the Lord is cautioning us that His second coming is close at hand. He is coming again as the King of Kings to take with Him, those who by faith believe in Him, walk in obedience to His word, and lead lives that are pleasing to Him in every way.

Don’t shipwreck your faith

Just imagine if while Noah floated on the ark, after a month or so, he decided to make a hole at the bottom of the ark; sounds preposterous, but guess what would have happened? He and all who were with him would have drowned in the floods. But, there is a way that one can actually shipwreck their faith that Paul talks about.

We read in 1Timothy 1:19, “Some have refused to let their faith guide their conscience and their faith has been destroyed like a wrecked ship.” (GW)

In the above mentioned verse, Paul refers to those who by not letting their faith guide their conscience have ship wrecked their faith. Noah built to ark to save himself and his family, he entered the ark, kept up the faith and continued until the day the Lord brought him out onto dry land. Many people in have entered this faith ship, but have failed to walk in obedience to God thereby being in danger of wrecking this journey of faith that they have embarked on. Paul even goes on to mention a couple of names of those who ship wrecked their faith.

Lessons from the Israelites

We read in 1Corinthians 10:12, So, people who think they are standing firmly should be careful that they don't fall. (GW)

Paul is writing this letter to the believers in Corinth and exhorts them to take heed to stand firm in their faith, lest they fall. If we read the background to this verse, Paul is writing about the journey of the people of Israel through the wilderness, after their deliverance from slavery and the cruel hands of Pharaoh. The Israelites did nothing to gain their freedom, the only thing that they had to do was obey the Lord, observe the Passover, sacrifice the Passover lamb, smear the blood on the door posts and lentils of their homes. As the angel of the Lord passed by and struck all the first born in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh and all the people of Israel were so terrified that they willingly let go of the people of Israel, to their freedom. As the people of Israel journeyed towards their freedom, the first hindrance that they encountered was the Red Sea ahead of them and Pharaoh’s army behind them in hot pursuit. The Lord parted the Red Sea, and led the people through to the other side to triumphant victory, while all of the Egyptian army was destroyed at sea.

While the journey of the Israelites through wilderness is a picture of our faith walk, their deliverance from Egyptian bondage is an analogy to the salvation we received through Jesus, and the passing through the Red Sea signifies to the waters of baptism that we are instructed to go through as a sign of obedience and witness.

We read in 1Corinthians 10:5, But even then God was not pleased with most of them, and so their dead bodies were scattered over the desert. (GNB)

Paul gives an example of how the Israelites who after having been delivered from Egypt, having gone through the Red Sea, and experiencing all God’s mighty wonders, still led lives that were not pleasing to God. They displeased God with their idolatry, covetousness, immorality and murmuring that He destroyed them so that most of them died in the desert. They never got to see the promise land that God had prepared for them.

It is therefore possible that we can be those who have experienced salvation, gone through the waters of baptism, but are still not walking in obedience to God and His word. There are others who have been saved, but are hesitant to obey God, and take baptism. When Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, came to Jesus, He clearly admonished him in John 3:5, ‘that unless one is born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.’

By entering the waters of baptism it symbolizes that our old man is dead and buried with Christ and the coming out of the waters signifies that we are now a new person, rising up with the resurrected power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Baptism is not a tradition, but it is a decision to take a stand to live a life of obedience to the Lord Jesus. God has done everything we need for our salvation, but if after having received it, we do not obey but walk in rebellion like the Israelites, we too are in danger of death, and eternal separation from the presence of the Lord.

Paul exhorts the church at Rome in Romans 8:12-13, So then, my brothers, we are in debt, not to the flesh to be living in the way of the flesh: For if you go in the way of the flesh, death will come on you; but if by the Spirit you put to death the works of the body, you will have life. (BBE)

Here we are admonished by Paul that if we continue to live according to the way of the flesh, that death will be inevitable. However when the Holy Spirit of God indwells us, we will be able to put to death the works of the flesh, and be recipients of the eternal life that God has prepared for us. When Paul enlists the deeds of the flesh that one must be rid of in Ephesians, he mentions bitterness as one of them.

Uprooting Bitterness

Many will not want to accept the fact that they harbor bitterness in their hearts towards others. But the fact of the matter is that there are many struggling with bitterness, and we read in Hebrews 12:15 that the root of bitterness can cause us to lose out on obtaining the grace of God. Bitterness is associated with being angry or unhappy, because of unfair treatmentthat causes painful emotions felt or experienced in a strong and unpleasant way. When a person is bitter the thing that they tend to do is spread their thoughts and feelings of hate to others.

Saul’s bitterness towards David

Saul was searching for his father’s donkeys, when the Lord chose him, and anointed him to become the very first king over Israel. Saul was elated that the Lord chose an ordinary person like him for the extraordinary position of king. However, when God shunned Saul for his disobedience and chose David, He used David to win the mighty victory over Goliath and the Philistines.

When the people of Israel saw that the Lord was with David, we read in 1 Samuel 18:7-9, And the women sang to one another as they made merry, "Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands." Saul was very angry, for this saying displeased him. He said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands; what more can he have but the kingdom?" So Saul eyed David from that day on. (NRSV)

As Saul and David went in procession, the women sang songs comparing both of them and acclaimed David achievement over Saul’s, saying that Saul slain thousands, but David ten thousands. Saul was the king of Israel, and David just a commander in the army, but when Saul heard this refrain, he was displeased and turned bitter. Saul was still the king of Israel and had his position in place, but just the fact that he heard the women laud David over him, made Saul bitter and angry. He now presumed that the only thing that was withheld from David was the throne to the kingdom, and from that day on Saul started to eye David with envy and irritation.

Earlier when the Israelites and Saul ran and hid from the mighty Goliath, it was David who was willing to take the risk to challenge the giant. Saul had no issues then and rejoiced when David won the mighty victory over the Philistines, but now, when he heard the accolades of the women, he was unable to contain his emotions, and was filled with a deep sense of hatred towards David.

When there is a root of bitterness in our hearts, and we do not overcome it with thankfulness for all that the Lord has bestowed on us, it will begin to manifest itself in improper ways. The Bible warns against the root of bitterness, because like a root of a plant, bitterness is deep seated and not visible on the outside.

We also read in 1Samuel 26:2, Saul went at once with three thousand of the best soldiers in Israel to the wilderness of Ziph to look for David, (GNT)

Saul still had the kingdom, his palace and throne all intact, but when the root of bitterness took over, his only aim was to put an end to David. He left all that God had given to him, and took three thousand of his best soldiers just to pursue after David in the wilderness.

There are many who been bequeathed with so much from God, and yet are bitter and envious of others, who they think are doing better than they are. Let us be grateful to the Lord for all His blessings on our lives, and not lose out on what we have by coveting what others have.

We read in 1 Samuel 22:19, Saul also had all the other inhabitants of Nob, the city of priests, put to death: men and women, children and babies, cattle, donkeys, and sheep---they were all killed. (GNB)

Saul was so overcome with hatred and bitterness that in his pursuit of David, he also killed the inhabitants of Nob, which was a city of priests, just because he assumed that Ahimelech the priest had helped David escape from him. Saul was so overcome with bitterness, suspicion and anger that he not only killed the priests who were God’s chosen men, but also innocent, women, children, babies and all the livestock that was in that land.

We read in 1 Samuel 15:26"I will not go back with you," Samuel answered. "You rejected the LORD's command, and he has rejected you as king of Israel." (GNB)

It was indeed sad that God who chose Saul to be king, had to reject him because of his disobedience, and He chose David to rule in His stead.

It is a reality that when bitterness takes over, the outcome is that it will unnecessarily overflow onto others who are innocent, and not related to the issue in any way. Let us be cautious to not let the root of bitterness make us forfeit the grace of God that He has so lovingly showered on us. As long as we live on this earth, we will be the targets of unjust treatment, and assertion of people, but we should never allow those things to make us bitter on the inside.

Let us decide to consciously uproot every root of bitterness from our hearts. We are called to be like Jesus who taught us to bless those who curse us, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who despitefully use us and persecute us. Our example is the Lord Jesus who loved us, forgave us, and accepted us while we were still sinners and at enmity with Him. May God enable us to have a heart of love, and be rid of every kind of bitterness from deep within.

Br. Dixon

Transcribed by Sis. Esther Collins

www.goodnewsfriends.net

You can watch this message in tamil : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-L939lGNy80&t=3894s

Chapter 40 - Beware of hypocrisy

Freedom from Captivity 

Chapter 40 

Beware of Hypocrisy 

Jesus’ words to his disciples Luke 12:1, “Meanwhile the people had come streaming towards Him by tens of thousands, so that they were trampling one another under foot. And now He proceeded to say to His disciples first, "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, that is to say, beware of hypocrisy.” (WNT)

It is vital for us to understand that there are no members in Christianity, but only disciples of Jesus Christ. We may be members of a local church, but primarily we are disciples of Jesus, and that’s precisely why Jesus called each one of us. Though there were huge crowds that followed after Jesus, it was only a small group of twelve who became His disciples. The Lord used these twelve to take the message of the gospel to the ends of the world. That is why though there were thousands of people who thronged Jesus, in the above mentioned verse, He chose to first address his own disciples.

The warning that Jesus gave His disciples, was that they should take heed against the yeast of the Pharisees, which He elucidated was hypocrisy. We will study on the basis of the word of God, as to why Jesus referred to hypocrisy as the yeast of the Pharisees, and how we can be set free from this bondage to living a life of duplicity.

We live in a day where there are more artificial things, than there are natural. There is such a resemblance between the two that people find it is almost impossible to point out the difference. There are artificial flowers, artificial leather, artificial silk, artificial flavors, artificial intelligence, most of which may not be harmful to us. However, what could be perilous is when human beings put on artificial smiles (smile with their lips, but are upset and angry on the inside) or artificial talk (they say one thing and mean something else). Artificial and natural are in complete contrast, as they totally differ in their fundamental nature. Regrettably, we even have believers in the church who look genuine, but are not.

Though technology has advanced to make the artificial seem almost like the natural, yet one can easily decipher one from the other. For example, fragrance, growth and life of natural flowers can never be reproduced in artificial flowers. Unfortunately, this duplicity is affecting every aspect of our society. Many huge industries struggle to contest this kind of deceit, when other smaller companies use their brand names or packing styles, with minor changes, and fake them to appear a lot like the original brand.

So also in the church, we are encountered with two groups of people; ones who are genuinely following Jesus as His true disciples, and the other who are not. It is important that we search ourselves to comprehend, whether we are true disciples or false disciples of Jesus. Jesus said that in the last day everyone will have to stand before the judgement seat of Christ and He would separate them into two groups, one group which comprises of those who sincerely followed Jesus, and reflected His character, the other group who followed Jesus with wrong motives, not caring to live in obedience to His teaching, a false copy of the real ones. Paul mentions in his letter in 2 Corinthians 11:26 that he was in danger from false brothers. That is why Jesus also warned his disciples, that they should watch out against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy, as among the group of followers of Jesus, there were those who were not genuine.

One of the major reasons why our country has not been reached with the gospel of Jesus is because, among so called believers of Jesus, those who are counterfeit, almost cancel out those who are genuine.

How can we be sure that the faith that is in us is genuine, and not fake? Here are three ways in which we can assess ourselves, to see if we are true disciples of Jesus Christ.

1. Mismatch between words and deeds

When Jesus talked about the yeast of the Pharisees, he was referring to hypocrisy. The reason for this is, if one would want to leaven a whole bowl of dough, a little yeast would do the job perfectly. If we pour a little curd culture into a bowl of milk, we can turn the whole bowl into curds. So also we must firstly realize, that it is when one slips in those little things that they one day mount up to become huge issues.

We read in Matthew 23:3, “So obey everything they teach you, but don't do as they do. After all, they say one thing and do something else.”

Here Jesus was telling his disciples about the teachers of the law and the Pharisees, how they would teach one thing, but do the exact opposite. He therefore cautioned them to follow what they taught, but to refrain from following their actions, which was completely contradictory to their teachings.

It is good to analyze ourselves to see if what we think, and what we speak and do, are one and the same, or if there is some sort of insincerity in them. If we don’t watch it, these little deceptions like yeast, will begin to work their way in every other area of our lives.

Let me give you an example from our day to day life. A little child may get caught for stealing sugar, only because she did not know how to hide it from her mother. If left unchecked, and not disciplined for stealing, the child will grow up, do the same thing, but this time she will not get caught, as she has learnt to cover up her mistakes. Many parents are misinformed, and think they are doing a favor when they don’t discipline their children, and some even take pride in the fact that their children are so clever, to not get caught when they do wrong. When this continues, there comes a point where the child from lack of discipline, will do something drastic or rebellious, like getting married without their parent’s knowledge, causing them much heartache. What seemed so insignificant when they were young, now becomes an insurmountable problem for the entire family.

When Jesus taught, everyone was filled with awe and wonder, for the scripture says He spoke with authority, and not like the Pharisees, and the teachers of the law. The authority of Jesus was evident because what He spoke, and how he lived was in perfect unison. Like Jesus our lives must be such that there is no contradiction between what we profess, and how we live.

2. Doing deeds to be seen by others

We read in Matthew 23:5-6, “They do everything so that people will see them. Look at the straps with scripture verses on them which they wear on their foreheads and arms, and notice how large they are! Notice also how long are the tassels on their cloaks! They love the best places at feasts and the reserved seats in the synagogues;” (GNB)

Here Jesus is again referring to the Pharisees and teachers of the law who did lots of things just to get noticed by others, and to impress others.

There are many believers, who have no relationship with God, but involve in various activities just to win men’s favor and approval. The saddest place a believer can come to is one where man’s endorsement takes priority over God’s. Government vehicles have boards that specify designations of those in authority, but if the same thing is followed by a person who is a follower of Jesus, wherein they take pride in their educational qualifications and positions, it is indeed pitiful. God knows us for who we truly are, and if we labor to wins men’s approval, we will soon be caught in a snare, and that is why the word of God admonishes us in Proverbs 29:25, “fearing any human being is a trap..”(ISV).

The word of God is categorical in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people.” (GNB)

Irrespective of what we do, the word of God exhorts us to do it with all our heart as unto the Lord alone, and not for any human being. A great example of this is Joseph, who had opportunities to compromise and please people, but took a stand to please God alone. When Potiphar’s wife tempted him to have an affair with her, he refused and ran simply because his only thought was that, he could never do anything that would displease or dishonor God in anyway. Joseph had his eyes fixed on God, and on no one else.

Whatever be the work we perform, simple tasks like sweeping or cleaning, all of it should be done as unto the Lord with sincerity of heart. God observes everything we do, and when we are faithful in little things that God entrusts to us, He will bless us with more.

Colossians 3:24 reminds us that, “In fact, the Lord Christ is the one you are really serving, and you know that He will reward you.” (CEV)

Paul reminds us that irrespective of what we do, we are serving the Lord Jesus Christ. Every little thing we do, must be done as unto the Lord alone, for He will truly reward those who are faithful.

3. Majoring on minors

In Matthew 23:24, Jesus said, “Blind guides! You strain a fly out of your drink, but swallow a camel!” (GNB)

What the Lord meant was that the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, paid no attention to the important things that needed to be attended to, but instead concentrated on those insignificant things that did not need their consideration. The comparison Jesus made was between a fly (which is extremely small) that one has to strain to see, and a Camel (which is really huge), that one can see it from afar. They were so hooked up on the insignificant, that they let go of the consequential.

The passage describes of how the Pharisees were so meticulous about their tithing, but missed out on the weightier matters that the Lord required like justice, mercy and faithfulness. We too must be encouraged that when giving to God, it should never be out of compulsion, but from a heart full of love and gratitude for God. When our giving is rightly motivated, and given with a cheerful heart as unto the Lord, only then will it be acceptable in the sight of the Lord.

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

We read in Luke 18:10-12, He said, “Two men went into the temple courtyard to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed, ‘God, I thank you that I’m not like other people! I’m not a robber or a dishonest person. I haven’t committed adultery. I’m not even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my entire income.’ (GW)

In Luke 18:14, we read, "I can guarantee that this tax collector went home with God's approval, but the Pharisee didn't.” (GW)

Both the Pharisee and the Tax Collector went to the temple with the intention to pray, which was a good thing. The issue however was for the Pharisee his heart was not right with God. The Pharisee listed out to God all the things that he did not do, and also highlighted all that he did, like fasting and tithing. What he forgot to do was to not pass judgement on his neighbor, who had come into the temple seeking God’s mercy and forgiveness. The Pharisee went back home, just the way he came in, with no change whatsoever, for his prayers were unacceptable to God. It was the Tax Collector, who came with a penitent heart who went home justified, and with God’s stamp of approval on him.

We too should not go to church to please men, but with the sincere motive to seek after God. It is so important that we come prayerfully to church, and not carelessly. If we genuinely desire to hear the Lord speak to us, we will definitely hear Him minister to our point of need. We too must be cautioned that if we fast regularly, tithe precisely, but have no change of heart, it is of no value or worth in God’s sight.

So also, when Cain and Abel presented their offerings to the Lord, both of them did a good thing, but the Lord only accepted Abel’s sacrifice, but rejected what Cain offered. Let us not be misled and deceive ourselves to think that the Lord will accept anything, and everything we offer to him.

The obedience that the Lord expects from us is that which was evident in the disciples of Jesus. When they had the great catch of fish and Jesus commanded them to leave it all to follow Him, they did so with no hesitation whatsoever. That’s the kind of implicit obedience the Lord desires from each one of us, where we are willing to let go of all those things that are displeasing to the Lord, and not in keeping with His will.

Let us sincerely and genuinely seek the Lord from the depths of our heart with no deceit whatsoever. In the early church everyone recognized the disciples, though they were unschooled, as those who had been with Jesus, because the transformation they saw in them was so remarkable. May we come to the Lord with a repentant heart like the Tax Collector instead of a self-righteous attitude that the Pharisee had, that the Lord disapproved of.

When the Israelites crossed over the Jordan and encountered the mighty city of Jericho, all they were instructed to do was to follow the simple instruction of the Lord to walk around the city. Joshua who was a warrior himself, believed God, the result of which was the astounding destruction of the walls of Jericho, and a great victory to the people of Israel. On that very same wall of Jericho was Rahab and her family, who by faith obeyed the men of God, and tied the scarlet chord on her window, which kept her and her entire family safe from destruction.

Often the commands of the Lord seem elementary, and not rational, but all that He requires of us to do is to have the faith to obey, and we will surely experience triumph in every area of our lives. Instead of analyzing every situation, let us simply obey the Lord, and do what He says be it repenting of a sin, forgiving someone or whatever else He prompts us to do. Only then will our lives be a blessing to others, and we will become those who will lead people into the kingdom of God. It is those who truly follow the Lord Jesus, who will be transformed to becoming fishers of men.

May we be rid of every form of hypocrisy from our lives. There should be no room for mismatch between our thought and our deeds, our goal must be to please God and not people, and be those who will not major on minors thereby missing out on God’s great plans for our lives. Daily let us ask the Lord to grant us His grace, to live consistent lives, with no hint of hypocrisy or insincerity in any area of our lives.

Br. Dixon

Transcribed by Sis. Esther Collins

www.goodnewsfriends.net

You can watch this message in tamil : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz_3Uo-MYcE&t=7s