THE LORD SPOKE (January 06)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Genesis 15-17

It’s very painful to see how our sin affects the lives of others. When we do wrong, others may hurt for it - sometimes for generations to come.

Such was the case of Abraham. Though he had just heard the Lord speak to him (Gen. 15) in startling ways, he listened to his wife’s unwise counsel (Gen. 16) and brought about untold suffering that, to this day, has affected billions of other people! God Himself had appeared to Abram and reaffirmed His covenant. The terms were not unclear - they were just too much to believe. How could such a thing be? That was Abram’s question exactly (Gen. 15:8).

Every time God answered Abram’s question, He added to the marvel of the Promise. In him (Abram) all the families of the earth would be blessed (Gen. 12). His descendants would outnumber the stars of the sky (Gen. 15). They would possess the Land forever (Gen. 17). God puts His own name on the line in this promise (Gen. 22).

To his eternal credit (literally!), Abram believed God (Gen. 15:6). His faith was counted as righteousness and his example has been made the standard by which we too are evaluated:

What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." ...Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness - for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. (Rom. 4:3,20-24)

At age 86 Abram stumbled. For the next 13 years he probably thought he was pulling things together pretty well. But then at age 99 God straightened him out again and corrected his thinking in no uncertain terms. No more bailing twine repairs. No more patch-up jobs with duct tape. No more jerry-rigged fixes. It was God’s way or the highway. Abraham was told clearly that the Promise would apply through Isaac alone (Gen. 17:19-21). Abram (“exalted father”) became Abraham (“father of a multitude”) and God made a major course correction in his life.

Abraham went up from that moment a different man. He had heard the Lord speak again and he believed.

How about it? Do you believe God? Do you have the faith of Abraham?


New Testament: Matthew 6

Private religion! You’d think most people would prefer to keep their inner faith more-or-less private. And they do. Some people are very uncomfortable talking about their faith. But the crazy fact of religious life is that in some areas we sort of like to flaunt it. We’re tempted to show off our religion at times. Somehow, we want someone to take notice of our piety in certain areas.

Jesus hits three such areas hard in His sermon: our giving, praying, and fasting. For some reason, we’re tempted to show off in these three categories.

Giving (6:1-4): Our Lord warns us to do this in secret. If we trumpet our generosity it becomes worthless. The shallow praise of men is all we’re going to get for there is “no reward from [our] Father in heaven”.

Praying (6:5-15): Vain repetitions won’t get higher than the ceiling. God listens to the inner heart. Long and elaborate prayers may impress some (usually they don’t!) but you’ll go home again carrying your load of sin.

Fasting (6:16-18): What is it about suffering that makes it more bearable if only someone else knows what we’re going through and will empathize with us? But who says fasting is about suffering? Is not the purpose to sharpen our spirit and senses so we can commune with God? Again, if we concern ourselves with impressing others by our fasting, that’s all we’ll ever get out of it.

Ultimately, the objective of all such private religion is to increase our stock in eternity. The Father rewards genuine piety and we “lay up treasure in heaven” when our motivation is found in God alone. Indeed, He will share that space with nothing and no one else. Being proud of our religious duties is like putting money in a sack with holes - it all leaks out before we get it to the bank. The only currency God recognizes is genuine, humble, quiet piety.

Full allegiance brings full assurance. And, it has the promise of His bountiful supply. There is no need or purpose in worrying about tomorrow. The Master of the Universe takes note of our every want - both needs and desires - and He has promised to care for us. So, Jesus asks repeatedly (6:25-34), “Why do your worry?” Indeed.

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart,
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
Thou my best thought by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance now and always;
Thou and Thou only first in my heart,
Sovereign of heaven, my treasure Thou art.

High king of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.