More than these Week 17, 2017

This isn’t what was initially planned as the write up. But it is a burden right now. After Jesus had risen from the dead, within the 40 days of His appearing and teaching, Peter decides to go fishing. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." Jn 21:3(ESV). Could it be there was no food at the moment? So he wanted to do the honourable thing to provide? Was it that since Jesus had died it was all over? “Let’s get back to ordinary living”? We are not told (does it really matter?) but as happens with Peter some go along with him. It was fishing he left to follow Jesus; now he is going back to it. Immediately they left their nets and followed him. Mt 4:20(ESV). 

Beloved what will make you go back to what you left to follow Jesus? Hunger, disillusionment, or protracted recurring unanswered prayers? Jesus handled Peter and the erring apostles with great tact and gentleness. Not with harshness but great love. I am fully convinced it is God’s pattern for handling similarly affected saints. Jesus said to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread Jn 21:5, 6, 9(ESV). Jesus repeats the miraculous great catch of fish with extras: the net doesn’t break this time, and breakfast is already waiting (Have you noticed how God gives sufficient food to erring men of God and then rebukes and redirects them? Remember Elijah?). It is after the meal that Jesus asks Peter questions. "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" Jn 21:15(ESV). More than these: more than what? The Greek word is applicable to persons or things. "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these others do?"(GNB) I see Jesus in this also asking Peter if he loved Jesus more than fishing and fish. More than profit, more than abundance of food, “food security”. Put your name there and hear the question directed to you by the Lord. “.... lovest thou me more than these?”

Is this not why we compromise, why I turn my back on age long teachings and callings? Is not this the root of struggles? Yet I see Jesus quietly saying “I give you this and even more”. Think of the patriarch Abraham. God came to him and offers him Himself. Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward Gen 15:1(ASV)  And Abraham’s response? And Abram said, O Lord Jehovah, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless Gen 15:2(ASV)    Well we know God did give Abraham that child by Sarah, but we also see God asking Abraham “Do you love Me more than these?” in asking years after for the sacrifice of the same Isaac. "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." Gen 22:2(ESV).  We know Abraham’s answer. I know God is listening to your heart for your own answer.

The Panacea Week 16, 2017

We have different drugs and strategies to cure diverse diseases and disorders of the human body. Long ago men sought the one remedy for all diseases without success. The idea of a panacea, a one-stop cure all, has been confined to myth. Ask what a panacea is today, you will be told it is a non-existent magic potion meant for children’s tales and unlikely research.

In life we recognise different answers for different challenges. That is why in advanced learning we have different faculties, departments and units organised to help human endeavour. “No single answer to life’s multifaceted needs” we teach. We have several devices to accomplish many tasks; and despite the utility of the smart phone it falls far short of the one device which answers every need. Another issue is that what is effective in one country may fail in another; therefore we have devices that are tropicalised to make them fit for climes such as Nigeria. Apart from the variableness of weather, such matters as deep rooted cultural differences make diversity an attractive and “progressive” approach. Inclusivity is a more recent term touted as true modernism.

But there is such a thing as a panacea, such a one actually. The answer to all challenges and every need exists. The answer in North Korea and the answer in Ukraine; the same answer tested and true in North America and in all of Africa. In every culture and language, in every clime and society this is tested and proven effective. He answers all sickness, all travails of mankind, and every need.

“Such a solution can only be divine” you say. I agree. He is the answer to sickness. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed1Pt 2:24(ESV). He is the answer to law and justice. The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son Jn 5:22(ESV)  He is the answer to nature and natural disasters. And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" Mk 4:41 (ESV).  He is the answer to life and death. Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?"Jn 11:25, 26 (ESV). Every mystery is answered by Him, and divinity fully dwells in him: See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodilyCol 2:8, 9(ESV). Jesus Christ is that panacea. And He proved it by rising again from the dead: as to his divine holiness, he was shown with great power to be the Son of God by being raised from death. Rom 1:4(GNB)  .

Look no further, any who hold to Him testify I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me Phil4:13 (KJV) .

From the earth’s foundations Week 15, 2017

In telling the story of Jesus Christ coming to die for our sins it has at times been said that God tried several routes to get Mankind saved; all without success. Then at the last came Jesus. It has been said God sent the law, which didn’t work, sent prophets and holy men, and finally sent Jesus. It sounds like the parable Jesus told: When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit.  And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.' Mat 21:34-37 

But there’s something we need to bear in mind: God was not trying out ways of salvation to see what would work. Not in the least. Like when Jesus asked Phillip what to do about the 5, 000 men needing food, He knew exactly what to do from the very beginning - ever before He created the earth: it was the costly sacrifice of Christ, who was like a lamb without defect or flaw. He had been chosen by God before the creation of the world and was revealed in these last days for your sake1Pt 1:19, 20(GNB).

God was not trying out various alternatives of redemption and reserving Jesus to come if none of them worked, He never sent any to bring salvation but as forerunners to point men to Jesus the coming One. What is the use of the Law? It was given later to show that we sin. But it was only supposed to last until the coming of that descendant who was given the promise Gal 3:19(CEV).Even when it was reported God was asking for suggestions on how to lure Ahab to Ramoth Gilead to die the Almighty knew which would work ever before it was sanctioned to begin! "And the LORD asked him, 'How?' "'I will go,' he announced, 'and I will be a deceiving spirit in the mouth of all of his prophets!' "So the LORD said, 'You're just the one to deceive him. You will be successful. Go and do it.' 1Kgs 22:22(ISV).  Consider that the events of this day (Palm Sunday) were predicted so many years ahead of the event. And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!"Jn 12:14, 15(ESV).  Jesus has always been God’s only plan for salvation.

In fact right after our first parents sinned God clearly spoke concerning the redemption of Mankind by Jesus Christ: "I'll place hostility between you and the woman, between your offspring and her offspring. He'll strike you on the head, and you'll strike him on the heel." Gen 3:15(ISV).  The sacrifice of Jesus is not an afterthought or an alternative. It has been the long awaited plan of God ever before the worlds were made. He is the Lamb of God slain from the foundations of the earth. All those living on earth will worship it, everyone whose name is not written in the Book of Life belonging to the lamb that was slaughtered from the foundation of the world. Rev 13:8(ISV) 

Have you repented? Week 14, 2017

When anyone wants to have a new life in Jesus, before anyone can actually be born again, repentance must first happen. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that he will forgive your sins (Act 3:19). Is there anything you know in your life that is different from God’s standard? Any way you do not want God’s control? That needs to be repented of (Romans 3:23). Sin is anything outside God’s standard.

Sometimes people say “I regret what I did, so I have repented”. Someone else may say “I agree what I did was wrong, I am truly sorry”. That is good; but do you know none of these 2 attitudes equals to repentance? See how Jesus illustrates it in Luke 15:17-21'

“He came to himself…” Some people feel they just don’t know how to lie properly or sin properly, if they did, they would not be suffering. The repenting person sees sin for what it really is, “I perish here…” The repenting man realizes that sin cannot be managed, is not being unlucky, but has one, and only one consequence: to perish! Repentance involves a change in the way we see things.

The repentant man takes responsibility for his action. “I have sinned”. When you realise and accept you are responsible for what you do and not put the blame on anyone or anything you are on the road of repentance.

None of these would have made any difference if the man had not decided “I will arise and go to my father” .The repenting man returns to God.. Repentance has not happened if we simply feel sorry for what we have done, explain it away and remain there; or accept it is wrong and say “but what can I do?” It is no self pity: Repentance is a decision.

 The repentant man has no confidence in any good works to present before God. No “I am trying my best”. “I have sinned against Heaven and before you and am no more worthy to be called your son.” He depends on the mercy of God and mercy alone. This mercy comes through Jesus. Are you hoping God will accept you because of some good deeds you have done? He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour (Tit 3:5-6). I used to think God counts our good works, subtracts the bad ones, and sends us to hell or heaven depending on the difference: I needed repentance. For God justifies no one by good works but his mercy found in Jesus alone. Did you think like that too? Have you repented? Genuine repentance presents no good work before God but hopes in His mercy.

 A repentant man does not wish to use God for his own ends, and has no plans to return to sin. On the way the father embraced him and kissed him, implying acceptance. It was after this the son now said, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. He was not saying it to get his father’s acceptance; he’d already got it. God definitely embraces you, but are you here to stay? As you get your heart’s desire (God’s embrace) of financial prosperity or some other answer to prayer do you decide “I’ve got what I want; let’s get back to living (the old life)” or do you say from your heart “God it’s you I want, not these things.”

This is important: How do I show I have repented? Take note of his request before repentance: 'Father, give me the share… ‘ But when repenting it was NOT “Give me”; it was “Make me… make me your servant”: Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before you and am no more worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.  If you are really repenting the desire and prayer of your heart is not “God give me more.” But “God I want to serve you. I am unworthy, but can you please make me a servant, YOUR servant in Jesus’ name”.