Saved from…

But this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart; they have turned aside and gone away. They do not say in their hearts, ‘Let us fear the Lord our God, who gives the rain in its season, the autumn rain and the spring rain, and keeps for us the weeks appointed for the harvest.’ Your iniquities have turned these away, and your sins have kept good from you. For wicked men are found among my people; they lurk like fowlers lying in wait. They set a trap; they catch men. Like a cage full of birds, their houses are full of deceit; therefore they have become great and rich; they have grown fat and sleek. They know no bounds in deeds of evil; they judge not with justice the cause of the fatherless, to make it prosper, and they do not defend the rights of the needy. Shall I not punish them for these things? declares the Lord, and shall I not avenge myself on a nation such as this?” An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land: the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes? Flee for safety, O people of Benjamin, from the midst of Jerusalem! Blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and raise a signal on Beth-haccherem, for disaster looms out of the north, and great destruction. (Jeremiah 5:23–6:1)

A pastor says we can choose whatever we want, but we cannot choose the consequences. This remark was made to encourage listeners to choose faith in Jesus Christ because sitting on the fence is the same as saying NO to Him and the consequences for doing that are eternal condemnation.

The OT prophets wrote the same message to those with that same attitude and God said, “Shall I not punish them for these things?” He had every right to do so because His law says, “The soul that sins shall die” with death meaning separation from God forever. Very likely this is the consequence referred to by His statement, “But what will you do when the end comes?” Yet the above passage speaks of other consequences, such as withholding rain and other disasters in their lives.

Not all current affairs are the result of the sins of those who suffer in this life, but that final separation from God is certain for those who say NO to Jesus Christ. That is the bad news. The good news is:

Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

And for those who take that seriously, the Word of God says: 

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)

And this is very good news!

Jesus, You don’t promise comfort and a perfect life here as a consequence, but You do promise an abundant life, and the peace that passes understanding, and the assurance of eternal life. You walk with me and hear my prayers. Death is no longer a dreaded separation but a changed life now and assurance of eternity with You. 

Survivor’s Guilt

 

READ Luke 21-24

This morning’s news piles on a host of emotions. Our Christmas was wonderful, but the news is not. People are dying in severe weather. Where I live, deep snow is normal but not so in those places where snow and below zero temperatures are taking lives. I am praying for those who experience this time of year with broken relationships and all sorts of difficulties, those who lost loved ones and stare at empty chairs, and those who are alone. One family member spent Christmas day in bed — her expected guests were all sick.

Today’s reading begins with the simplicity of giving — Jesus praised a woman because she trusted God for her needs and put all she had in the offering box. Then He begins a description of “the end” with wars, great earthquakes, famines, pestilences, terrors, great signs from heaven, and increased persecution for those who believe in Him with hatred even from relatives and friends. These things are already in the news. He also talks of severe weather and the powers of heaven shaken just before He comes again:

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:33–36)

The people came to hear Him as the chief priests and scribes tried to figure out how to destroy Him without causing a riot. Satan helped by entering Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus when the crowds were not around.

As His disciples prepared the Passover and they ate together:

He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” (22:19–22)

The eleven were still oblivious to what was about to happen and argued who would be the greatest. Jesus told them that being great was about serving others and greatness was a gift from God, not about their leadership qualities (or lack thereof).

Jesus knew Peter would deny Him and what was going to happen. He prayed earnestly that God would remove this fate from Him, sweating blood yet saying: “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (22:42)

God’s will was done. Jesus was betrayed by Judas, arrested, denied by Peter, abandoned by the others, mocked, beaten and blasphemed. His trial was a farce. Pilate considered Him not guilty but gave in to political pressure and delivered Him to the will of those who cried, “Crucify, crucify Him.” Simon carried His cross. A great multitude lamented. His garments were divided. One of the two crucified beside Him asked for mercy as the other thief rebuked him.

And Jesus died.

He was buried in a borrowed tomb, the first hint that His stay would not last long. The women came to anoint His body, but it was not there. They told the eleven but were not believed. Peter ran to the tomb and saw it was empty, yet he went home — too amazed to do much else.

That same day, two disciples were walking away from the scene, discussing the events. A man appeared and asked about their conversation. Then he said to them,

“O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. (24:25–27)

He stayed and ate with Him, and as He took bread, blessed it and gave it to them, they realized this was Jesus. He vanished and they went back to tell the others. At that, Jesus appeared again, ate with them and then “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (24:45), something Jesus must do so for all of us.

He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God. (24:50–53)

Again, this incredible news triumphs over my angst at the news and sadness in this world. Jesus is alive. He will return. Someday, all will be right. Jesus has done and always will do everything He promises to those who love Him.