All fall short…

But they would not listen, but were stubborn, as their fathers had been, who did not believe in the Lord their God. They despised his statutes and his covenant that he made with their fathers and the warnings that he gave them. They went after false idols and became false, and they followed the nations that were around them, concerning whom the Lord had commanded them that they should not do like them. And they abandoned all the commandments of the Lord their God, and made for themselves metal images of two calves; and they made an Asherah and worshiped all the host of heaven and served Baal. And they burned their sons and their daughters as offerings and used divination and omens and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger. Therefore the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them out of his sight. None was left but the tribe of Judah only. (2 Kings 17:14–18)

When reading passages like this one, a question comes into my head that would horrify most Christians. Did God “remove” Israel out of His sight for rejecting Jesus by using the horror of the holocaust? 

This question is considered a theological interpretation rather than a widely accepted scriptural doctrine because there is no evidence in the NT that God would deal with His people that way. His desire was that the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ would go out to the world, to the Jew first and then the Gentiles. When the first disciples followed that pattern, eventually the people of Israel rejected it, so they turned to the Gentiles.
And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “ ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ” And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed." (Acts 13:46–48)

Many see the holocaust as only about the Jews. But besides, the six million Jews who were murdered, others were also put to death who had no historical involvement with the crucifixion. The only commonality is that all are sinners just as I am even though Roma and Sinti were targeted on racial grounds, people with disabilities were considered "unworthy of life" and a threat to genetic health, Polish and Soviet Civilians, Soviet Prisoners of War, political opponents such as Communists, Socialists, and Social Democrats, Jehovah’s Witnesses, homosexuals, “Asocials" and Social Outsiders including the homeless, prostitutes, alcoholics, and those deemed to be "professional criminals” as well as black people, and anyone else considered "racial enemies," "biological threats," or "enemies of the state” were targeted. 

As for all being sinners, the NT says, “the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ is for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. . . .” (Romans 3:22–24) 

Another issue is that the OT speaks of unbelieving people who prosper in this life, yet will not have eternal life, yet their ‘punishment’ for rejecting God is not mass execution, but an eternity in  torment.

Not everyone thinks this was a horrible event. A Jehovah Witness (a cult that imitates Christian without faith in Christ) told me that they feel honored to have been “persecuted for their beliefs.” While that seems weird, it is a NT truth that those who believe in Christ (which excludes cults) are to rejoice when others persecute them:

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:11–12)

Certainly the ways of God are above our normal ways of thinking. Yes, it is horrible that millions of people were put to death by others who hated them for various reasons, yet thinking God allowed this to happen to punish them does not make it right. I tend to agree with those who say that we ask the wrong question. Instead of trying to figure out why some are being punished and others receive eternal life, we should wonder why anyone is saved. 

Jesus, when Christians decry the evil that others do, it is best that I respond with, “Yes, yet I am a sinner too” and praise You for Your mercy in forgiving me and giving me life. I don’t want to use the sins of others in an effort to make me look more righteous than they are. Except for Your amazing grace, all deserve to die.

 

Humbled by the truth…

 

Last night at our home study group, we had to face the truth about ourselves: apart from Christ, this is what we would be like: 

As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one. Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive. The venom of asps is under their lips. Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes.” 
Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:10–20)

One person said he had never cursed or been bitter. Others likely thought they were never quick to shed blood, but this misses the point. God says is our human sinfulness is a matter of the heart where all this sin comes from, and that Jew or not, we are all guilty. If left to our own, we would do whatever our selfish and proud thoughts prompted.

Who has not ever thought a mean thought, or ignored God's plain instructions because our own ideas are more appealing? We choose comfort over the suffering and loss that often comes with obedience. Without Jesus, I know I would run my own life contrary to the way that God tells me to live.

As this passage suggests, why then have a law if no one obeys it? As we studied the passage, the answer came easily; the law shows us what is wrong with us. By it we realize our sinfulness, just as the passage says. This is like being told my house is on fire — get out! If no one told me, I would die in that fire.

The wages of sin is death. Christ paid that price for me. But if I insist on ‘doing it my way’ then I am taking that payment on myself. When I think of Jesus dying for my sin, I weep. When I think of Him bearing the sin of the world, I am totally undone. Every evil thought, every deceptive and unkind word, every mean and hurtful action — He bore all sin, paid for every sin ever committed with His own blood. 

This is the wonder of the gospel. Jesus offers us not only forgiveness but Himself. We are set free from guilt, but also given the means to change, to live by His power, to stop committing all that sin and live like Him. This means to have worth, do good, speak truth, praise and thank God, be kind, create beauty and comfort others, be peacemakers, and have a strong and sustaining respect and love for our God. It also means being glad that His law remains to show us when we stray and help us understand His wisdom. I cannot live a godly life without Jesus Christ and His law shows me what that looks like.

PRAY: How can I say thanks? Jesus, You are the One who saves, who rescues sinners and changes our hearts. May my life reveal Your goodness and my words praise and glorify You. 

Judging — in front of a mirror. . . .

 

Christians have a saying about judging others. It goes something like this: Don’t point fingers at others without remembering that three other fingers are pointing back at you. It comes from this passage:

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? (Romans 2:1–4)

I’ve said it. I’ve thought it. I’ve sometimes noticed it is true — for others, but not often for myself. Our small group study is going to look at Romans 2 tonight and in preparing for it, I note the first four questions asked are about the above passage. God is telling me to give this much more consideration than usual.

For instance, think about the people or actions those people do that annoy me. God suggests that I do the same things? Actually, that makes sense. How would I even be aware of these annoying things if I didn’t recognize them when I look in the mirror? And if I made a list, would it take up far many pages than I’d like to admit? Another thought: if I’m seeing my sin in others, this could be part of the reason Jesus isn’t focusing on my sin (that’s the Holy Spirit’s job) because He is not guilty of the same sin!

In the past year, I have met some Christians who talk (and laugh) more about their mistakes than their accomplishments. They hardly speak of successes and when they do, credit is never taken. Instead, they thank others and God for whatever worked out goodness in their own lives often the mistakes. These people are wonderful to be around. No judging in their conversations. If they have any bad habits, I don’t see them which is a relief because if I did, this passage from Romans says I only see it because I do the same things. It is good to associate with those who are humble.

This reminds me of yesterday’s post about a person who has lied to herself. I’ve wondered if this is a constant issue, or is God telling me that I’m frustrated because I am also slow or reluctant to admit my own mistakes? I know when I err in minor chores or in sewing a quilt, I often say, “Oh, you dummy” and yet that is about as far as it goes. My new friends would say that about their mistakes and then laugh. They have learned from God what Paul learned after he asked God to remove a problem . . . .  

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9–10)

I tend to keep wanting the problem removed instead of glorying in the weakness it displays. I might even point my finger at someone with a stronger problem so mine doesn’t get noticed. This is why God says not to assume that I will escape God's correction (a form of judgment) for in His rich kindness and forbearance and patience He intends to lead me to repentance. He wants all my finger pointing done in front of a mirror. 

PRAY: Father, I feel the sting of being so proud of me without realizing how that produces behaviors that are nothing to be proud about. I can make excuses, even call myself a dummy, but that kind of talk is not the same as repentance. You now remind me that my own father  disciplined me for a short time, but always for my good, and You do the same that I may share Your holiness. Yes, for now it seems painful rather than pleasant, but You promise that this means later it will yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness when I have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:10–11) For this I am thankful.

God’s holiness vs. sin’s vileness

 

When God gave His law to His people, the violation of each required restitution, a blood sacrifice, and often the death of the perpetrator. As I read it, the multitude of them as well as the detailed descriptions give me a deeper sense of the sacrifice Jesus made for all sin for all time. Mind-numbing.

Equally mind-numbing is sin itself. Charnock’s book of the attributes of God have a long section on His holiness, and also gives me a deeper understanding why Jesus had to die. The blood of bulls and goats and lambs appeased the wrath of God against sin for a time, but the death of a sinless man must happen for that sin to be fully covered and for sinners to be set free from its power.

Sin is defined as going our own way, ignoring or abandoning God’s way. We all fall short. Some “Christian” groups say some sins deserve eternal death, but some sins are lighter and should only receive temporal punishment. This is contrary to Scripture. The Word of God says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) and also “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” (Galatians 3:10) 

There is no such thing as big sins and little sins in the mind of God. Sin is sin and violates the holiness of God. Charnock says, “To charge the law with rigidness, either in language or practice, is the highest contempt of God’s holiness; for it is an implicit wish, that God were as defiled, polluted, disorderly, as our corrupted selves.”

The Bible is clear that all sins are transgressions of His eternal law, and in every one His infinite holiness is slighted and ignored. As the psalmist says, “For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you.” (Psalm 5:4) For that reason, everyone is called to lament our fall into our sinful state and our distance from God.

While Christians have heard the call of God and delight in His redemption, it seems always a good idea to think often of who we were and what God has done. I need to always remember how much the holiness of God loathes sin, not only because it is against Him but because of what it does to us, and even more, what it did to our dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Some say there are many ways to God. If that were the case, why then did God send His only Son, beloved and sinless, to die a horrid death? If God could have hated sin without punishing it, his Son might never experienced death on the cross. the fullness of his wrath. But could love for His Son make Him inflict a punishment according to its seriousness in our eyes rather than according to His hatred of sin and His holiness?

Sin, in every part of it, is an opposition to the holiness of God. It denies His nature and His glory, and consequently His power to punish sin. No wonder He says:

The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face. (Psalm 11:5–7)

But Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the Lord, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. (Joshua 24:19)

However, grace and mercy are also true of this holy God. He sent Jesus to cover our sin, and give to all who believe a new life in Him that we might be His holy people. He invites all to:
Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21)

PRAY: I review the gospel good news as I also lament the sad truth that without Jesus, sin puts me in the guilty seat. Without You Jesus, I have no hope, but because of Your mercy, my eternal home is secure. I am horrified by the bloodshed, yet but because of Your grace, can rejoice in all that You have done to set me free from the power of sin and the wrath of my Holy God.

Our only hope . . .

 

READ Jeremiah 13–17

Just as Jeremiah was told to hide a garment in the cleft of a rock until it was spoiled and good for nothing, the Spirit of God hides me in Christ, my Rock, that I fully realize my pride and efforts are good for nothing. Instead, I must cling to Him that I might be a praise and glory for Him. Just as God filled His people with wine so they clashed with one another, God allows me to see my fumbling and uselessness without Him. (13:1–14)

Hear and give ear; be not proud, for the Lord has spoken. Give glory to the Lord your God before he brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the twilight mountains, and while you look for light he turns it into gloom and makes it deep darkness. But if you will not listen, my soul will weep in secret for your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly and run down with tears, because the Lord’s flock has been taken captive. (Jeremiah 13:15–17)

And if you say in your heart, ‘Why have these things come upon me?’ it is for the greatness of your iniquity that your skirts are lifted up and you suffer violence. Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to do evil. (Jeremiah 13:22–23)

This is why we need a Savior. It isn’t that all of us are murderers and thieves. It isn’t that all of us are ruining lives with gross sin — for sin is not defined so much by degrees, even though some sins seem more deadly than others. Sin is as the Bible defines it: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way” and for that, God sent Jesus and “laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6) As the NT declares:

The righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith . . . . (Romans 3:21–25)

We cannot change our spots. This is why Jeremiah cried, “Though our iniquities testify against us, act, O Lord, for your name’s sake; for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against you. O you hope of Israel, its savior in time of trouble, why should you be like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who turns aside to tarry for a night? Why should you be like a man confused, like a mighty warrior who cannot save? Yet you, O Lord, are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name; do not leave us.” (Jeremiah 14:7–9)

This passage says God will remember their iniquity and punish their sins; He would send destroyers and have no pity on them because they rejected Him. He was “weary of relenting” so He turned them over to their enemies, took His peace from them. Sickness and death ruled. When they asked what they had done to deserve this, God said:

Because your fathers have forsaken me . . . and have gone after other gods and have served and worshiped them . . . and have not kept my law, and because you have done worse than your fathers, for behold, every one of you follows his stubborn, evil will, refusing to listen to me. Therefore I will hurl you out of this land into a land that neither you nor your fathers have known, and there you shall serve other gods day and night, for I will show you no favor. (11–13)

God saw their ways. Nothing is hidden from Him. He doubly repaid their iniquity and sin of idolatry and yet He also promised He would deliver them “out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.” (15:21) Such is the grace of God. We can agree:

O Lord, my strength and my stronghold, my refuge in the day of trouble, to you shall the nations come from the ends of the earth and say: “Our fathers have inherited nothing but lies, worthless things in which there is no profit. Can man make for himself gods? Such are not gods!” “Therefore, behold, I will make them know, this once I will make them know my power and my might, and they shall know that my name is the Lord.” (19–21)

Even though the human heart is “deceitful and desperately sick,” God says, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord.” (17:7) He made that possible by sending Jesus who died for all sin. And we can cry with the prophet: “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.” (17:14)

Thank You, Jesus. Praise to Your Name! Amen.