Encountering a holy God. Isaiah was a prophet of God. What we consider a holy man. But when Isaiah encountered the holiness of God in a vision, his reaction said something different.
Encountering a holy God. You recognize your sinful condition
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (ESV, Isaiah 6:3)
Isaiah chapter six describes a prophetic vision. In the vision, the prophet observes a majestic God, seated on his throne, surrounded by angels who proclaimed the holiness and glory of God. And immediately, Isaiah is overcome with a sense of unworthiness. In other words, he recognizes his sinful condition before a holy God.
Scripture pictures a similar scene when everyone appears before the judgment seat of God.
Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books. (ESV, Revelation 20:11-12)
It’s impossible for our minds to grasp the magnitude of this event. All humanity appearing one by one before a perfectly holy God. I imagine two possible responses. Those who immediately recognizes their sinful condition, kneel before the throne, and cry out to Jesus for his grace. And those who make excuses.
Encountering a holy God. You confess your sin to God
Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” (ESV, Isaiah 6:5)
Why was Isaiah unworthy? He confesses as “a man of unclean lips.” Recognizing your sinful condition before a holy God is the first step toward reconcilliation with him. But that’s not the end to it. Because…
Christ-followers are to pursue holiness.
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. (ESV, 2 Corinthians 7:1)
The Greek word for “holy” is hagios, which means set apart. It indicates completeness and spiritual maturity rather that perfection. Even though Christ-followers are to imitate Jesus, we won’t attain moral perfection because of sin. Nevertheless, we should demonstrate lives set apart from this world.
Christ-followers are made holy by God
It is poignant the angel purified Isaiah’s lips. The source of his unholiness. In other words, although he was unworthy, God made him so. And he does the same for us. The apostle Paul put it this way:
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (ESV, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
What does this mean? That we should confess our unholiness before God. He will purify and makes us holy through Jesus Christ. And when we encounter him, he will make our holiness and righteousness perfect. And we’ll live with him in heaven forever.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Carrying out God’s specific purpose. Esther was a beautiful, young, Jewish girl. And God used her for a specific purpose. To save the people of Israel from annihilation
Carrying out God’s specific purpose. He positions us to represent him.
The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. (ESV, Esther 2:17)
Between 483 to 473 BC, King Ahasuerus ruled Persia where the Jews lived in exile. And when his queen, Vashti, refused to appear before him as requested for an occasion, he recruited a harem of young, beautiful replacements. The one that captured his heart and he crowned as his new queen was Esther, a beautiful young jewish girl who was raised by her uncle Mordecai.
The Hebrew word translated “grace” and “favor” is chen which means favor, grace, charm, acceptance, and elegance. In other words, Esther was more than physically beautiful. There was a sense of class in her demeanor and carriage that set her apart. What we might call today, the “X” factor. But the appointment to that influential position was more than coincidence. God put her there for a special purpose.
As Christ-followers indwelled by the Holy Spirit, we too, should positively influence our culture for Christ.
For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, (ESV, 2 Corinthians 2:15)
The message of the gospel is powerfully life changing. And as God’s ambassadors to a lost world, Christ-followers should present a faith that is attractive and hope-filled. Sure. Only God’s Spirit moves people to conviction and repentance. But we should strive to influence others for his kingdom, knowing it is part of our purpose.
Carrying out God’s specific purpose. He makes his will known to you.
Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus. (ESV, Esther 3:6)
Haman was the king’s second in command and demanded that everyone bow down to him. But as a Jew who bowed only to God, Mordecia refused. Infuriated at this disrespect, Haman convinced the king to issue a decree to kill all Jews on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month.
So, Mordecia met with queen Esther and urged her to disuade the king from carrying out the decree. But she hesitated. Because a law limited access to the king. Anyone who approached him uninvited was executed unless the king raised his golden sceptor to indicate his favor. For Esther to appeal to the king uninvited could mean her death.
And who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (ESV, Esther 4:14)
But Mordecia presented a convincing argument. Perhaps, her rise to the throne served a specific purpose. The salvation of God’s people.
It poses a question every Christ-follower should consider: “What skills and abilities has God given me? And what areas of influence can I leverage for God’s glory?
Esther doesn’t get a clear answer from God. But she acts on faith. Prepared to die.
Carrying out God’s specific purpose. Lay out a careful plan.
And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the king and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for the king. (ESV, Esther 5:4)
Esther didn’t wing it, but devised a plan. It demonstrates that when God calls us to a purpose, he doesn’t do all the work. But expects us to use our God given gifts and abilities to participate in it. To plan. Organize. And actively engage in the work.
After successfully gaining audience with the king, Esther invites Ahasuerus and Haman to join her for a feast. And during the meal, the king asks her again what she wants. But she defers and invites the two men to another feast the next day.
It’s a familiar strategy. Build up the king’s anticipation and soften him up as she prepares for her big ask. Like a child buttering up parents before presenting a bad report card. Haman goes home elated. Excited to be invited to another feast. In fact, things were going so well he had gallows built with plans to hang Mordecai on them.
But during the next day’s feast, Esther appeals to the king for her life and the lives of her people. And she identifies Haman as the one behind the evil plot. Although the king cannot rescind the decree, he quickly issues a new one. The Jews can defend themselves against any attack. As a result, the Jews coordinate a defense and are saved, and king Ahasuerus orders Haman to be hung on the gallows he built for Mordecai.
The story demonstrates the importance of listening for and responding to God’s voice, acting on faith when called, and using your gifts to serve the Kingdom of God.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
God’s path to peace is a journey fraught with conflicts. A perplexity of perils. Some self-made. Others forced on us. Complicated by forks in the road leading nowhere. And anxious moments beyond our control. Yet, God provides a way.
God’s path to peace. It’s based on a right relationship with God
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. (ESV, Isaiah 53:5)
Contrary to popular belief, peace is not an absence of conflict. Because conflict surrounds us on planet earth. And the search for inner peace is a plunge into futility. Because there too, an internal conflict rages in an eternal fight for our souls. Therefore, peace is not found within, or uncovered as a hidden treasure in the world. But rather, a gift from above.
Sin fosters rebellious spirits against God. And we are powerless against. So, the storm rages on.
And yet, 2,000 years ago in the city of David, a savior was born. Christ the Lord. He died on a cross as a sacrifice for our sin to reconcile us to God. And in this restored relationship we find true peace.
God’s path to peace. It seeks a right relationships with others
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (ESV, Romans 12:18)
The Apostle Paul endured conflicts his entire ministry. Beaten, flogged, shipwreck, stoned, and thrown in prison multiple times. And he survived murder plots by the grace of God. Through it all, he proclaimed the name of Jesus Christ. And encouraged Christ-followers to live at peace with others.
Of course, the presence of sin makes complete peace impossible. Still, God’s word provides his rules and instructions on how to navigate the complexity of human relationships as smoothly as possible. Even advice on handling a slap to the face.
Obviously, we can’t control others. But we can control ourselves. And while that too, is not always a sure thing, God’s redeeming grace covers us when we totally blow it. Along with the assurance that his mercies are new every morning, and one day Christ will return to end the chaos. And God’s peace will reign.
God’s path to peace. Final peace is an eternal reward
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (ESV, Isaiah 9:6)
Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ who saves us from sin. He defeats the internal conflict that plagues every person. And heals the troubled soul with his soothing presence that rules the heart.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (ESV, Philippians 4:7)
So on Christmas we celebrate his first arrival and eagerly await the next. When he will end all conflict and establish a final reign of peace. And why we joyfully say…
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Why God allows pain. It’s not because he likes to see us hurt. But to remind us it’s a consequence of sin. To help us grow in character. And show us the way to a better life.
Why God allows pain. To remind us it’s a consequence of sin.
I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. (ESV, Genesis 3:16)
Cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. (ESV, Genesis 3:17)
Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. The first sinful act of humanity. And since then, it has multiplied into many forms of evil. Today, the depth and breadth of sin is extraordinary and the pain it causes often unbearable. Not just physically, but emotionally, pschologically, and spiritually.
After Adam and Eve confessed to eating the fruit, God told them it would change everything in the world. And it did. Today, it’s clear the world and all people in it are broken. Especially in our relationship with God. Sin caused it. And pain is a result. Although God offers a solution.
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (ESV, Romans 5:8)
By accepting Jesus as Lord and savior our relationship with God is restored. We won’t escape pain on earth. But that too will end.
Why God allows pain. He uses it to grow our character
Though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. (ESV, Isaiah 30:20-21)
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (ESV, Romans 5:3-5)
Sin is too pervasive to completely escape pain on earth. But we can lessen it by following Jesus and obeying God’s word. Jesus does not over burden us and the Bible is not a rule book that eliminates all our fun. But an instruction manual for our benefit that shows us how to live purpose filled lives in healthy relationship with God and others.
God also uses pain to grow our character. Learn patience. And remind us we are not self-sufficient. Because pain encourages us to lean on God’s strength. See His care for us and the world with greater clarity. And gain new perspectives on life.
Furthermore, physical pain is a form of self-protection. A safety warning to avoid serious injury and even death. But perhaps we should consider life without pain. Would we recognize the extent of our sinful condition and brokeness without it? Or maybe settle for “this is as good as it gets” and simply accept it?
Why God allows pain. He uses it to show us a better life
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (ESV, Romans 8:28)
Pain makes us seek relief. And look to God for a better life. Because when you’re collapsed at the bottom of the pit of pain, the only direction to look is up.
It also reminds us that very little in life is actually in our control. We are vulnerable and dependent on God’s grace. But He generously extends it to those who seek Him and ask for it. And it’s in the times of our greatest weakness that God reveals His strength. Showers us with mercy. And demonstrates His love.
Of course, we don’t look for pain. Or welcome it. But by exercising our faith and leaning of God, we spiritually benefit from it. And there is a hope that fuels our perseverance through it. For those who place their faith and trust in Jesus, there is a final release from pain. Along with an everlasting life in heaven.
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. (ESV, Revelation 21:4)
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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When a people return to God. Israel has an on and off again history of following God. It’s recorded numerous times throughout the Old Testament. And the book of Haggai is one of those occassions. The prophet urges them to return to their God after a period of exile in Babylon. And their faithful response removes consequences and returns blessings.
When a people return to God. The leaders go first.
“Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? (ESV, Haggai 1:4)
It was around 520 B.C. A remnant population of Israel had returned home to Judah after years of exile in Babylon. They rebuilt their lives and their homes. But God’s temple still lay in ruins from its destruction when the city was conquered by Babylon. Now, a symbol of spiritual neglect.
Then and now, a population’s spiritual emptiness frays its moral fabric. More ominous than the surrounding presence of enemies on its borders, it weakens the nation’s character through complacency and indifference among the people. And represents a real, existential threat.
The prophet Haggai woke the people up from their spiritual slumber. Not with words of condemnation, but of encouragement with a challenge. God had not forgotten them. But while they had rebuilt their lives and now lived in comfortable homes, God’s house was still in ruins. Just like their faith in God. So it was time for them to return to their spiritual heritage.
National unity is always stronger when the leaders go first. In this story, that was Zerubbabel, the son of Jehozadak and governor of Judah, and Joshua, the son of Jehozadak and high priest who were first responders.
When a people return to God. There’s a coporate call for repentance.
Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord. (ESV, Haggai 1:8)
Repentance means to turn away from and turn to. And it can be individual or corporate in nature. But it begins with self examination and acknowledging your ways fall woefully short of God’s ways. The book of Haggai involves the corporate repentance and response of the entire nation of Israel. And the birth of spiritual renewal started with rebuilding God’s temple.
However, true repentance is not measured by merely an action. But a change of heart. And the people of Israel demonstrated a unity of spirit and purpose as they rebuilt the temple in four years.
It is the heart that matters most to God. Sure, he wants us to offer our best. Not warmed up left-overs. But always with a heart that desires to please Him.
When a people return to God. The people respond faithfully and God returns blessings.
Of course there are differences of spiritual fervor among a nation of people. Those who are spiritually on fire with a burning desire to worship, praise, and please God. While others lean towards lukewarm. Some that simply go with the flow and drop out at the first hardship. And always the obstinate. Firmly hardened hearts unwilling to submit before God.
In the story of Haggai, God removed the consequences of the people and returned blessings instead. It is a lesson Americans should consider too. The questions is, are enough people listening and willing to respond?
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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