Monday, July 25, 2011

North South East West

I have often encountered people asking for advice; seeking God's direction for their life. Key to discovering God's will is to first have your bearings right. Proverbs 11:3 says-
"3 The integrity of the upright will guide them,
But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them."

First I will address the need for having an accurate "compass." Integrity in the Hebrew is תּמּה{tûmmâh/H8538}. More than moral character, which is subject to varying opinion depending upon cultures; this word implies an innocense- not just in actions but conscience as well. It is possible to commit an act that many may view as acceptable; but the conscience having been illuminated by the Holy Spirit may be unsettled. Several Scriptures come to mind that may clarify decision making in moments of uncertainty:
1) just because "the many" may agree does not make an act right- Proverbs 11:21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
2) if you are unsettled in spirit about an action then wait until you are certain before making a decision to do it. Scripture teaches that beyond being "right or wrong"; whatsoever is not done in faith is sin- Romans 14:23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
Just like metal interferes with the accuracy of a compass; in seeking God's will we must be sure that our heart is clear of sin. Scripture teaches that if we are conscientious of unconfessed sin then God will not hear even our earnest pleas for guidance-
Psalm 66:18 If I had not confessed the sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened.
When seeking God's guidance we have to be confident that He will give it-
-->James 1:5-7
5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.6 But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
-and-
-->Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Now, once we have made sure that there are no problems potentially affecting our "compass," we need to get a bearing- that is to say a direction. Hebrews 11:3 indicates that the innocent conscience{integrity} will guide the upright. "Upright" is the founding block of the verse. "Upright" in the Hebrew is ישׁר{yâshâr/H3477} and means:
1) straight, upright, correct, right
1a) straight, level
1b) right, pleasing, correct
1c) straightforward, just, upright, fitting, proper
1d) uprightness, righteous, upright
1e) that which is upright
In Orienteering it is necessary to orient a map before charting a course. This is done by placing the arrow on the top/front of a compass upon the arrow on a map designating North and turning the map together with the compass until the compass needle aligns with the arrow on the map both pointing North. The symbolism is this: Unless our bearing is straight and has been first oriented by that which is right and pleasing to God{upright}, then any direction we travel will only lead us away from God's will.

In closing, let us take pains that whether we are lead North, South, East, or West; we will stay straight on the narrow way and follow what's upright- then we'll be assured of never being left.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Let's Get Strait

(49) I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
(50) But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
-Luke 12:49-50 KJV

Some commentaries and certain translations suggest, in short, that this verse indicates distress felt by Jesus over the suffering that He must face. The verb that raises the question is in verse 50; the verb translated as "straitened."
The Greek word is συνεχω{sunecho/G4912}. While sunecho can be interpreted to indicate distress/pressing; this translation does not fit the context. Jesus had just indicated in verse 49 that part of His mission was to bring fire{purification} upon the earth. It makes no sense for Jesus to follow-up saying that He is distressed over His impending suffering{"baptism" (vs 50a)}.
Sunecho can also be interpreted to indicate maintaining an unswervable direction; as a ship caught in a strait being driven into a narrow channel. Sunecho is also the same verb translated "stopped their ears" in Acts 7:57.
The message of Luke 12:49-50 is that Jesus has come to teach the judgement of God and admonish all to repent{which will also bring division(vs.51)}; He knows what his mission entails and will accomplish, therefore He will be not be swayed or delayed from performing God's purpose for Himself. He has stopped His ears, so to speak, from all distraction; and as a ship being directed by a strait- nothing would alter His course toward the cross.
The lesson we should take from Luke 12:49-50 is that no matter the hardship and suffering we may face; we need to face our responsibilities as though we were on a one-way course and have an earnest zeal to complete them.