Immediately following the great Messianic prophecy in Isaiah 61, we find one of those beautiful and poetic passages which at once conveys hope in God’s plans while comforting those who have suffered loss and also calling us to action.
Then they will rebuild the ancient ruins, they will raise up the former devastations, and they will repair the ruined cities. (61:4)
Throughout our study of Isaiah 40-66 I have used a “word study” method to explore significant themes of the book. This passage motivated me to develop a study on the theme of the related words: build, raise, repair, restore, and revive. This concordance based word study method is my favorite way to explore a biblical writer’s treatment of specific themes. The passages below indicate almost every use of these five words in chapters 40-66.
In this list, my favorite is 57:14-15 - “Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstacle out of the way of My people. For thus says the high and exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy, I dwell on a high and holy place, an also with the contrite and lowly of spirit in order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.” This is reminiscent of Isaiah 40:3 and the message of John the Baptist – “Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness,”
Here the prophet exhorts us to make a path and remove the obstacles that hinder people from knowing God and experiencing his plans for us; he inspires hope based on God’s desire that we be revived, reminding us that God’s agenda is one of restoring, repairing, and rebuilding.
42:22 But this is a people plundered and despoiled; all of them are trapped in caves, or are hidden away in prisons; they have become a prey with none to deliver them, and a spoil, with none to say, “Give them back”! (Hebrew – “restore”)
44:26, 28 It is I who says of Jerusalem, “She shall be inhabited!” And the cities of Judah, “they shall be built.” And I will raise up her ruins again. … It is I who says of Cyrus, “He is My shepherd! And he will perform all My desire.” And he declares of Jerusalem, “She will be built.”
45:13 “I have aroused him (Cyrus) in righteousness, and I will make all his ways smooth; he will build My city, and will let My exiles go free, without any payment or reward,” says the Lord of hosts.
49:6 It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.
54:11 O afflicted one, storm tossed and not comforted, behold, I will set (build) your stones in antimony, and your foundations I will lay in sapphires.
57:18 I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and to his mourners.
58:12 And those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will raise up the age-old foundations; and you will be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets in which to dwell.
61:4 Then they will rebuild the ancient ruins, they will raise up the former devastations, and they will repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations.
62:10 Go through, go through the gates; clear the way for the people; build up, build up the highway; remove the stones, lift up a standard over the peoples.
65:21-22 And they shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall also plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit, they shall not plant, and another eat; for as the lifetime of a tree, so shall be the days of My people, and My chosen ones shall wear out the work of their hands.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Hero of the Faith – Watchman Nee and the “Little Flock” Church
One of my favorite authors is Watchman Nee, a hero of the Christian faith who spent the last 20 years of his life in prison in China. Nee’s last written words were found at his side at his death…“Christ is the Son of God who died for the redemption of sinners and resurrected after three days. This is the greatest truth in the universe. I die because of my belief in Christ.”
Watchman Nee (Ni Shu-tsu or Ni To-sheng, 1903 – 1972) was a Chinese Christian pastor and author who is said to have started approximately 400 local churches throughout China before his arrest by the Communist authorities in 1952. As a Christian pastor who refused to adopt the official Communist version of the church, he remained in prison for 20 years until his death. His writings have inspired many Christians around the world. The following excerpt from Against the Tide: The Story of Watchman Nee by Angus I. Kinnear (p. 152-153), describes circumstances in his primary ministry home, the “Little Flock” meeting at Assembly Hall on Hardoon Road, Shanghai, around 1940.
Bible teaching was seriously constricted by the inadequate premises. Many wooden pillars of the three-property space (later extended to five properties) compelled various adaptations of the ground floor area for tight packed meetings. The hall had no heating and the floor squeaked atrociously when walked on. On Sunday morning crowds gather quietly at 9:30 to hear the preaching of the Word. On backless benches all must sit as close as possible to make the maximum use of the space, for outside the building on three sides more people sit at the windows and the big double doors or listen to the loudspeakers, and there is even an overflow upstairs. As well as the poor the educated and rich are here: doctors mingle with labourers, lawyers and teachers with rickshaw men and cooks. … Children run about, dogs wander in, hawkers enter the lane, cars honk in the road outside, and the P.A. system is erratic. But each Sunday the word of the Cross is faithfully preached. Sin and salvation, the new life in Christ and the eternal purpose of God, service and spiritual warfare – all are expounded and nothing is held back. They are given the strongest food and the straightest challenge.
Watchman held their attention with his gentle manner, his simple but thorough reasoning and his apt analogies. No one ever saw him use any notes for he remembered and could reproduce anything he read. To illustrate a thing visually he would drat a swift imaginary sketch in the air (which a young worker might reproduce on poster paper afterwards) and if to illumine some point he told a personal anecdote it was nearly always a story against himself. His keen sense of humor sent frequent ripples of laughter round the hall and ‘you never got sleepy in his meetings.’ But from start to finish he never strayed from his subject. ‘What matters’ he used to say, ‘is the effectiveness of the word proclaimed,’ and unfailingly at the end he had left a clear and deep impression on the minds and hearts of his hearers.
Watchman Nee (Ni Shu-tsu or Ni To-sheng, 1903 – 1972) was a Chinese Christian pastor and author who is said to have started approximately 400 local churches throughout China before his arrest by the Communist authorities in 1952. As a Christian pastor who refused to adopt the official Communist version of the church, he remained in prison for 20 years until his death. His writings have inspired many Christians around the world. The following excerpt from Against the Tide: The Story of Watchman Nee by Angus I. Kinnear (p. 152-153), describes circumstances in his primary ministry home, the “Little Flock” meeting at Assembly Hall on Hardoon Road, Shanghai, around 1940.
Bible teaching was seriously constricted by the inadequate premises. Many wooden pillars of the three-property space (later extended to five properties) compelled various adaptations of the ground floor area for tight packed meetings. The hall had no heating and the floor squeaked atrociously when walked on. On Sunday morning crowds gather quietly at 9:30 to hear the preaching of the Word. On backless benches all must sit as close as possible to make the maximum use of the space, for outside the building on three sides more people sit at the windows and the big double doors or listen to the loudspeakers, and there is even an overflow upstairs. As well as the poor the educated and rich are here: doctors mingle with labourers, lawyers and teachers with rickshaw men and cooks. … Children run about, dogs wander in, hawkers enter the lane, cars honk in the road outside, and the P.A. system is erratic. But each Sunday the word of the Cross is faithfully preached. Sin and salvation, the new life in Christ and the eternal purpose of God, service and spiritual warfare – all are expounded and nothing is held back. They are given the strongest food and the straightest challenge.
Watchman held their attention with his gentle manner, his simple but thorough reasoning and his apt analogies. No one ever saw him use any notes for he remembered and could reproduce anything he read. To illustrate a thing visually he would drat a swift imaginary sketch in the air (which a young worker might reproduce on poster paper afterwards) and if to illumine some point he told a personal anecdote it was nearly always a story against himself. His keen sense of humor sent frequent ripples of laughter round the hall and ‘you never got sleepy in his meetings.’ But from start to finish he never strayed from his subject. ‘What matters’ he used to say, ‘is the effectiveness of the word proclaimed,’ and unfailingly at the end he had left a clear and deep impression on the minds and hearts of his hearers.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Breakfast Club Devotion #26 - Isaiah 61: Bible Time Machine
Have you ever considered if you had the opportunity to go back in time and witness any single event in history, what event would you choose? Of the many times and places in history that I would like to be a “fly on the wall,” the one I would choose is Jesus first public ministry in his childhood home of Nazareth.
As Jesus the young rabbi stood up to read in the synagogue, the book of Isaiah was handed to him. “And he opened the book and found the place where it was written : ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are downtrodden, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.’” (Luke 4:18-19)
Jesus quoted from Isaiah 61:1-2a. Then he closed the book and sat down, and everyone in the synagogue looked at him. He further explained, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” In other words, for those in attendance, Jesus had just read the prophet’s words about the future messiah, and announced to the people that he was the fulfillment of those words.
While his announcement was remarkable, equally remarkable was the content. Jesus essentially stated that a primary focus of his ministry is to bring good news to the poor, the captives, the blind, and downtrodden, and to proclaim a time of God’s favor, a phrase that many interpreters take to be a reference to the Levitical Year of Jubilee. Clearly these statements have multiple layers of literal and spiritual meaning, for multiple stages of historical fulfillment. But at the very least we can conclude that Jesus is concerned about the groups mentioned, and the literal and figurative, spiritual, emotional, social, or other forms of poverty, blindness, captivity and down-trodden-ness.
Many times it is not clear to us what God would have us do with our time on this earth. But this passage - similar to Matthew 5:3-11 or Matthew 25:35-36 or Matthew 28:19-20 or John 15:12-13 or others - is a case in which the directive is clear and unavoidable – take God’s good news to those who are downtrodden.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
BC Devotion #25 Isaiah 60: Your Light Has Come
In ministry to the downtrodden, there is a tendency to notice biblical passages which speak of a glorious future, a time of relief from present troubles, hope for a better day. Isaiah 60 conveys such a hope .. “Arise shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” Later in the chapter we find a collection of phrases that portray a contrast between a painful past and a joyous future. “Whereas you have been forsaken and hated … I will make you an everlasting pride, a joy from generation to generation. Instead of bronze, I will bring gold, instead of iron I will bring silver… Your sun will set no more, neither will your moon wane; for you will have the Lord for an everlasting light, and the days of your mourning will be finished.”
In the middle of this chapter is a hidden gem, like many other treasures I have found in this study of Isaiah. “I will make peace your administrators, and righteousness your overseers. Violence will not be heard again in your land, nor devastation or destruction within your borders; but you will call your walls salvation, and your gates praise.” From my perspective, living out a vocation under God’s calling as a jail administrator, these words are particularly inspiring, as I walk among gates and walls working to foster peace and righteousness in a subculture often characterized by violence and devastation.
I have found that a message of hope and promise is comforting, inspiring, and motivating. The Lord desires to speak into the life of every person, and the words of Isaiah give people hope that their time will come. The chapter closes … “I, the Lord will hasten it in its time.”
In the middle of this chapter is a hidden gem, like many other treasures I have found in this study of Isaiah. “I will make peace your administrators, and righteousness your overseers. Violence will not be heard again in your land, nor devastation or destruction within your borders; but you will call your walls salvation, and your gates praise.” From my perspective, living out a vocation under God’s calling as a jail administrator, these words are particularly inspiring, as I walk among gates and walls working to foster peace and righteousness in a subculture often characterized by violence and devastation.
I have found that a message of hope and promise is comforting, inspiring, and motivating. The Lord desires to speak into the life of every person, and the words of Isaiah give people hope that their time will come. The chapter closes … “I, the Lord will hasten it in its time.”
Thursday, September 29, 2011
BC Devotion #24 - Have You Discovered Isaiah 58?
Isaiah 58 is one of the most inspiring chapters in the Bible, but for much of my life I don’t recall being aware of it at all. Around 1996, Janet and I were pursuing special needs adoption. We had done everything to be eligible, and were considering several special needs children. Seeking God for direction, Janet “discovered” Isaiah 58 in her personal devotional time, and the passage helped us gain confidence to aggressively pursue the adoption of a particular little boy. In the end, God did not open that door for us; another family that was probably better suited to his needs became his family. But soon thereafter, Janet and I became immersed in children’s ministry at Timothy Baptist Church, and it seemed like we had dozens of new children. Over the years, we have encountered a steady stream of special ministry opportunities with special people that we met at Timothy, then later at the Bread of Life Church, ChristWalk Ministries and Jubilee House for men, and more recently at The Sparrow’s Nest Mission Church. (Over the years and through these adventures, our "home base" has been Watkinsville FBC.)
If you are not familiar with this special chapter, take some time to consider its message. “…and the Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a well watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail …”
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
BC Devotion #23 Isaiah 59: There Was No One to Intercede
My favorite Old Testament word occurs five times in Isaiah 59, but the report is not good. “They do not know the way of peace, and there is no justice in their tracks (8) ... Justice is far from us (9) … We hope for justice, but there is none (11) … Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away; For truth has stumbled in the street, and uprightness cannot enter. (14)” Individual and corporate sin, dishonesty, schemes of mischief and iniquity, turning away from God, oppression and revolt, lead to confusion, violence, and destruction. “We grope along the wall like blind men … we growl like bears and moan sadly like doves.”
Connected to this sentiment is a theme which is expressed several times in Isaiah - God’s disappointment in a lack of human leadership ... “Now the Lord saw, and it was displeasing in His sight that there was no justice. And he saw that there was no man, and was astonished that there was no one to intercede.” Isaiah 59:15-16
Is it the case that men and women never step up to the challenge? Scripture and history indicates that there are many examples to the contrary. We could even say that one of the main purposes of life on earth is to give us the opportunity to answer God’s call in the face of ungodly and unjust circumstances. For many that will become a leadership opportunity.
The lack of human leadership often noted by the prophet stands in contrast to cases in which a man or woman is used by God for divine purposes. Consider how God used Cyrus .. “Whom I have taken by the right hand, to subdue nations before him, to loose the loins of kings; to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut.” Further, God indicates “I have aroused him in righteousness, and I will make all his ways smooth; He will build My city and will let My exiles go free.” (Isaiah 45:1,2,13) If we are available like Cyrus, Perhaps God will take us by the hand and use us as an agent of deliverance.
If, however, there is no man or woman to be that leader in the circumstance of oppression, God promises “I will answer them myself.” (see 41:17). God’s consistent response to human failure is to intervene himself. Here in chapter 59, the prophet expresses ..“Then his own arm brought salvation to Him. And he but on righteousness like a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head.”
May we exhibit in our own life and ministry God’s zeal for justice, righteousness, and truth.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Breakfast Club Devotion #20 - Isaiah 51: The Law of the Lord
“Pay attention to Me, My people .. for a law will go forth from Me, and I will set My justice for a light of the peoples.” (Isaiah 51:4) The Hebrew word for “law” is “Torah,” which we usually take to mean the laws of God beginning with the law of Moses in the first five books of the Bible. Though the law of Moses had been given hundreds of years earlier, the Lord indicates through the prophet that “a law will go forth from me.” This “law” is a part of God’s promises to the people, along with “justice” that will be a light for the people, “righteousness” that draws near, “salvation” which will also go forth.
51:5 “My righteousness is near, My salvation has gone forth. And My arms will judge the peoples; The coastlands will wait for Me, And for My arm they will wait expectantly.”
While the law of God includes God’s commands, precepts, and statutes, the prophet’s words indicate that the law of God represents something bigger than the system of rules that became the highly refined system of 613 specific commands that was a central part of religious devotion by the time of Jesus.
As referenced in BC #19, the arm of God represents the activity of God in the world. Likewise, the law of God represents the ways of God in our life and in our community that create God’s justice, righteousness, and salvation. Ultimately, this way of life, this light of the people, is Jesus Christ, our example, our teacher, and our savior.
Isaiah 42:2 “He will faithfully bring forth justice, He will not be disheartened or crushed until He has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands will wait expectantly for His law.” Jesus showed us that the law of God is not fundamentally a set of rules that we fear to break, or that we aspire to as a means to piety. Rather, the law of God is a way of life in which we place our hope; the kingdom influence in our communities for which, in faith, we work and wait expectantly; a way of life that embodies God’s justice and righteousness in all of its fullness. This law is in the heart of God’s people. (51:7)
Of the law, Jesus said ..
“However you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (7:12)
“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment.’ The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” (22:37-40)
“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17)
51:5 “My righteousness is near, My salvation has gone forth. And My arms will judge the peoples; The coastlands will wait for Me, And for My arm they will wait expectantly.”
While the law of God includes God’s commands, precepts, and statutes, the prophet’s words indicate that the law of God represents something bigger than the system of rules that became the highly refined system of 613 specific commands that was a central part of religious devotion by the time of Jesus.
As referenced in BC #19, the arm of God represents the activity of God in the world. Likewise, the law of God represents the ways of God in our life and in our community that create God’s justice, righteousness, and salvation. Ultimately, this way of life, this light of the people, is Jesus Christ, our example, our teacher, and our savior.
Isaiah 42:2 “He will faithfully bring forth justice, He will not be disheartened or crushed until He has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands will wait expectantly for His law.” Jesus showed us that the law of God is not fundamentally a set of rules that we fear to break, or that we aspire to as a means to piety. Rather, the law of God is a way of life in which we place our hope; the kingdom influence in our communities for which, in faith, we work and wait expectantly; a way of life that embodies God’s justice and righteousness in all of its fullness. This law is in the heart of God’s people. (51:7)
Of the law, Jesus said ..
“However you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (7:12)
“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment.’ The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” (22:37-40)
“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17)
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
BC Devotion #21 - Hebrew Poetry
Isaiah 52:7
How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him
who brings good news,
who announces peace
and brings good news of happiness,
who announces salvation,
and says to Zion, Your God reigns.
Basar shema shalom - Who brings good news, Who announces peace,
Basar shema tob yeshua - Who brings good news of happiness, Who announces salvation.
This verse uses some of the most important Hebrew words in a poetic verse that certainly sounds more beautiful in Hebrew than we can hear in English.
“Shema” is one of the most important Hebrew words. Found in Deuteronomy 6:4, this single word "Hear!" became a signifier of the message of the entire passage beginning, “Hear, O Israel, The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Jesus cited this passage as the greatest commandment. (See Mt. 22:35-40, Mk. 12:28-32)
In Isaiah 52:7, the same root word is used to mean “to announce.” The good news that is announced is first “peace” (shalom) and then “salvation" (yeshua). "Yeshua" was both the name of Joshua and the Hebrew name of Jesus. So, this brief poem, which is part of a much larger poem, expresses the awesome thought that the beautiful messenger of God brings the message of God’s peace/shalom and God’s salvation/Yeshua.
How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him
who brings good news,
who announces peace
and brings good news of happiness,
who announces salvation,
and says to Zion, Your God reigns.
Basar shema shalom - Who brings good news, Who announces peace,
Basar shema tob yeshua - Who brings good news of happiness, Who announces salvation.
This verse uses some of the most important Hebrew words in a poetic verse that certainly sounds more beautiful in Hebrew than we can hear in English.
“Shema” is one of the most important Hebrew words. Found in Deuteronomy 6:4, this single word "Hear!" became a signifier of the message of the entire passage beginning, “Hear, O Israel, The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Jesus cited this passage as the greatest commandment. (See Mt. 22:35-40, Mk. 12:28-32)
In Isaiah 52:7, the same root word is used to mean “to announce.” The good news that is announced is first “peace” (shalom) and then “salvation" (yeshua). "Yeshua" was both the name of Joshua and the Hebrew name of Jesus. So, this brief poem, which is part of a much larger poem, expresses the awesome thought that the beautiful messenger of God brings the message of God’s peace/shalom and God’s salvation/Yeshua.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Breakfast Club Devotion #19 - Isaiah 51, 52, 53: The Arm of the Lord
Isaiah 53:1 Who has believed our message, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
There is a song by Rich Mullins which contains only line, and that line comes from a single verse of the Bible, Isaiah 52:10. It is on the 1993 album “A Liturgy, a Legacy, & a Ragamuffin Band.” “The Lord has bared his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, that all the ends of the earth may see the Lord’s salvation.” The image of the arm of the Lord is a powerful concept which expresses God’s activity in the world. The first two references in our passage of study indicate a contrast of different aspects of God’s presence in consecutive verses: (40:10) “See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him and his recompense accompanies him. Like a shepherd He will tend his flock. In His arm He will gather the lambs, and carry them in His bosom (close to his heart); He will gently lead the nursing ewes.” (40:11)
The arm of the Lord carries the lamb next to his heart; the arm of the Lord judges the peoples and rules the nations; the coastlands wait expectantly for the arm of the Lord.
It is a beautiful and powerful image. Note that 51:5 combines many of the concepts we have studied …”My righteousness is near, My salvation has gone forth, and My arms will judge the peoples; the coastlands will wait for Me, and for My arm they will wait expectantly.”
I am pondering why the prophet used this image to open Isaiah 53, what some have called “The Mount Everest of Old Testament Prophecy.” As the prophet begins the awesome passage in which we learn that the future Messiah will be “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief … pierced through for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities,” he opens with the question “ Who has believed our message, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”
I pray that we can live in light of the truth that to us the arm of the Lord has been revealed.
There is a song by Rich Mullins which contains only line, and that line comes from a single verse of the Bible, Isaiah 52:10. It is on the 1993 album “A Liturgy, a Legacy, & a Ragamuffin Band.” “The Lord has bared his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, that all the ends of the earth may see the Lord’s salvation.” The image of the arm of the Lord is a powerful concept which expresses God’s activity in the world. The first two references in our passage of study indicate a contrast of different aspects of God’s presence in consecutive verses: (40:10) “See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him and his recompense accompanies him. Like a shepherd He will tend his flock. In His arm He will gather the lambs, and carry them in His bosom (close to his heart); He will gently lead the nursing ewes.” (40:11)
The arm of the Lord carries the lamb next to his heart; the arm of the Lord judges the peoples and rules the nations; the coastlands wait expectantly for the arm of the Lord.
It is a beautiful and powerful image. Note that 51:5 combines many of the concepts we have studied …”My righteousness is near, My salvation has gone forth, and My arms will judge the peoples; the coastlands will wait for Me, and for My arm they will wait expectantly.”
I am pondering why the prophet used this image to open Isaiah 53, what some have called “The Mount Everest of Old Testament Prophecy.” As the prophet begins the awesome passage in which we learn that the future Messiah will be “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief … pierced through for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities,” he opens with the question “ Who has believed our message, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”
I pray that we can live in light of the truth that to us the arm of the Lord has been revealed.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
BC Devotion #18 - Freedom to Captives
In Isaiah 40-66, at least fifteen different Hebrew words are used to express the concepts related to the captives, the prisoners, and the oppressed, in at least twenty-three different Scripture references, including prophetic references to Jesus himself. Apparently, the captive is on God’s heart. In the historical context, these passages deal with the return of the displaced exiles of Israel back to their homes and communities. But here as elsewhere, Scripture speaks to universal human experiences. Nowhere is this more evident than in Jesus appropriation of Isaiah 61:1 … “He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, freedom to prisoners” in his first public preaching in Luke 4:18. The first reference to prisoners and captives in our passage of study (Isaiah 42:6-7) immediately follows the passage that Matthew cited in reference to the ministry of Jesus (Matthew 12). “I will appoint you as a covenant to the people, and as a light to the nations, to open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon, and those who dwell in darkness from the prison.” Note the combination of images of light/darkness and freedom/captivity.
In ministry to the downtrodden, it is powerful share the prophets’ expression of God’s concern for those who are going through hard places in life. The prophet speaks to people who have been taken from their communities, their homes, and their way of life, people who have lost everything. The prophet rehearses God’s concern and offers hope “I know the plans that I have for you, plans for welfare and not calamity to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11, also expressed to the exiles).
Equally important is God’s expressed interest in stirring leaders to act on his concern. Through the prophet, God at once expresses his concern for the captive and his agenda of deliverance. “This is a people plundered and despoiled … hidden away in prison; they have become prey with none to deliver them, and a spoil with none to bring them back” (42:22), or similarly of Cyrus the deliverer, “I have aroused him in righteousness ... he will build my city and will let my exiles go free” (45:13). In Isaiah 58, the prophet speaks of the ministry of deliverance as a form of worship, “Is this not the fast (i.e. worship) which I choose ... to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free?” (v. 6)
Nor does God neglect to encourage the oppressed to fight for their own deliverance … “Shake yourself from the dust, rise up, O Jerusalem; loose yourself from the chains around your neck” (52:2).
Among these references, the one which I consider to be most powerful at once touches the deepest despair of imprisonment while expressing an unwavering hope in God’s faithfulness, while touching also on God’s concern for the most basic human needs ... “The exile will soon be set free, and will not die in the dungeon, nor will his bread be lacking (51:14).
Take a moment to consider that awesome promise. My prayer is that we can embrace even a glimmer of God’s heart for the captive, and somehow represent in our ministry his agenda of deliverance.
In ministry to the downtrodden, it is powerful share the prophets’ expression of God’s concern for those who are going through hard places in life. The prophet speaks to people who have been taken from their communities, their homes, and their way of life, people who have lost everything. The prophet rehearses God’s concern and offers hope “I know the plans that I have for you, plans for welfare and not calamity to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11, also expressed to the exiles).
Equally important is God’s expressed interest in stirring leaders to act on his concern. Through the prophet, God at once expresses his concern for the captive and his agenda of deliverance. “This is a people plundered and despoiled … hidden away in prison; they have become prey with none to deliver them, and a spoil with none to bring them back” (42:22), or similarly of Cyrus the deliverer, “I have aroused him in righteousness ... he will build my city and will let my exiles go free” (45:13). In Isaiah 58, the prophet speaks of the ministry of deliverance as a form of worship, “Is this not the fast (i.e. worship) which I choose ... to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free?” (v. 6)
Nor does God neglect to encourage the oppressed to fight for their own deliverance … “Shake yourself from the dust, rise up, O Jerusalem; loose yourself from the chains around your neck” (52:2).
Among these references, the one which I consider to be most powerful at once touches the deepest despair of imprisonment while expressing an unwavering hope in God’s faithfulness, while touching also on God’s concern for the most basic human needs ... “The exile will soon be set free, and will not die in the dungeon, nor will his bread be lacking (51:14).
Take a moment to consider that awesome promise. My prayer is that we can embrace even a glimmer of God’s heart for the captive, and somehow represent in our ministry his agenda of deliverance.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Rich Mullins on Waiting, Justice, and Faith
Possibly my all time favorite Christian CD / album is RICH MULLINS, "The World as Best as I Remember It, Volume Two," recorded in 1992. I recommend it to anyone. If you have not discovered Rich Mullins, he stands at the top when it comes to spiritually powerful and poetic Christian lyrics. Unfortunately, he died in 1997 in a car accident.
Lyrics to the two songs below connect strongly with our studies in Isaiah, the first on WAITING and the second on FAITH with a strong statement on JUSTICE. The lyrics express truth in poetic form, and the message is much more powerful if you can listen to the songs as performed by Rich. It would be well worth the price of download.
WAITING (with reference to Isaiah 40:31)
Stand on the corner, I watch my breath freeze in the air
See how it lifts and then vanishes
But I know You're still there
Well, I've got nowhere else to go
'Cause the only life that I know comes from You
And I can't walk away
Though the truth is that it can be so hard to wait
When a million voices whisper, and they tell me I should leave
Into the shadows that the moon casts
On these alleys and these streets
But I know that chasing shadows won't get me anywhere
'Cause I've been there
So I stand on the promise, 'cause I know that the promise is sure
That it comes from beyond us and tells us again
That there's a whole 'nother world
Well, the one I'm in keeps spinning 'round
But I want to stay right here 'cause I found You
And I can't walk away
Though the truth is that it can be so hard to wait
When a million voices whisper, and they tell me I should leave
Into the shadows that the moon casts
On these alleys and these streets
But I know that chasing shadows won't get me anywhere
'Cause I've been there
So I'm waiting for You Jesus
'Cause I know that those who wait
They will mount with wings like eagles
They will run and not grow faint
They will walk and not grow weary
Their strength will be renewed
Coming from You
So I wait
I'm waiting for You
Waiting for You
So come back soon
I'm waiting for You
THE JUST SHALL LIVE
I know the just shall live
I know the just shall live
I know the just shall live
By faith
'Cause You won't let Your Holy One
No, You won't let Your Holy One
You won't let Your Holy One
See corruption in the grave
Because He put His trust in You
Because He put His trust in You
Because He put His trust in You
Many shall be saved
And I know that You will raise them up
I know that You will raise them up
I know that You will raise them up
On the last day
For the Lord looks down on the sons of men
To hear the cries of the innocent
And the guilty will not stand
For the day of reckoning soon will come
And the whole world will see justice done
By the Lord's almighty hand
So I'm telling you the just shall live
I know the just shall live
I know the just shall live
By faith
And You will raise them up
I know that You will raise them up
That You will raise them up
On the last day
And the prayers stand where the fighters fell
And time testifies with the tale that it tells
That the meek shall inherit the earth
And the Church advances on the gates of hell
And she clings to a light that will not be quelled
By the kingdoms of this world
I'm telling you the just shall live
I know the just shall live
I know the just shall live
By faith
And You will raise them up
I know that You will raise them up
You will raise them up
On the last day
Lyrics to the two songs below connect strongly with our studies in Isaiah, the first on WAITING and the second on FAITH with a strong statement on JUSTICE. The lyrics express truth in poetic form, and the message is much more powerful if you can listen to the songs as performed by Rich. It would be well worth the price of download.
WAITING (with reference to Isaiah 40:31)
Stand on the corner, I watch my breath freeze in the air
See how it lifts and then vanishes
But I know You're still there
Well, I've got nowhere else to go
'Cause the only life that I know comes from You
And I can't walk away
Though the truth is that it can be so hard to wait
When a million voices whisper, and they tell me I should leave
Into the shadows that the moon casts
On these alleys and these streets
But I know that chasing shadows won't get me anywhere
'Cause I've been there
So I stand on the promise, 'cause I know that the promise is sure
That it comes from beyond us and tells us again
That there's a whole 'nother world
Well, the one I'm in keeps spinning 'round
But I want to stay right here 'cause I found You
And I can't walk away
Though the truth is that it can be so hard to wait
When a million voices whisper, and they tell me I should leave
Into the shadows that the moon casts
On these alleys and these streets
But I know that chasing shadows won't get me anywhere
'Cause I've been there
So I'm waiting for You Jesus
'Cause I know that those who wait
They will mount with wings like eagles
They will run and not grow faint
They will walk and not grow weary
Their strength will be renewed
Coming from You
So I wait
I'm waiting for You
Waiting for You
So come back soon
I'm waiting for You
THE JUST SHALL LIVE
I know the just shall live
I know the just shall live
I know the just shall live
By faith
'Cause You won't let Your Holy One
No, You won't let Your Holy One
You won't let Your Holy One
See corruption in the grave
Because He put His trust in You
Because He put His trust in You
Because He put His trust in You
Many shall be saved
And I know that You will raise them up
I know that You will raise them up
I know that You will raise them up
On the last day
For the Lord looks down on the sons of men
To hear the cries of the innocent
And the guilty will not stand
For the day of reckoning soon will come
And the whole world will see justice done
By the Lord's almighty hand
So I'm telling you the just shall live
I know the just shall live
I know the just shall live
By faith
And You will raise them up
I know that You will raise them up
That You will raise them up
On the last day
And the prayers stand where the fighters fell
And time testifies with the tale that it tells
That the meek shall inherit the earth
And the Church advances on the gates of hell
And she clings to a light that will not be quelled
By the kingdoms of this world
I'm telling you the just shall live
I know the just shall live
I know the just shall live
By faith
And You will raise them up
I know that You will raise them up
You will raise them up
On the last day
Thursday, February 3, 2011
BC # 17 - Expecting God .. and Blue Skies - Isaiah 51:4-6
Expecting God – Isaiah 51
“Lord, the sky’s still blue, for my hope is in You, You’re my joy, You’re the dream that’s still alive … Like the wind at my back and the sun on my face; You are life You are grace You are blue skies.” The lyrics to this Point of Grace song connect with the theme of hope and expectancy in Isaiah, especially the familiar 40:28-31 .. “He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power … Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.”
Hope and expectancy is frequently connected with the “coastlands” or “islands” in these texts. One interpretation is that the islands refers to the Gentiles, and this is how the verse was carried over into the New Testament in Matthew 12:18-21 – “And in His name, the Gentiles will hope.” (See Isaiah 42:4 - “He will not be disheartened or crushed, until he has established justice in the earth, and the coastlands wait expectantly for His law.”)
In a general sense, the use of “coastlands” or “islands” our texts refers to those who wait for the law and the justice of God to come to their rescue. This turns a common human use of law and justice on its head, for often people use these concepts to beat down others. But here the prophet uses the imagery of God’s arm as means of rescue to those whose hope is in His deliverance.
What ties together the justice, righteousness, and the law of God by the arm of God, and the expectancy of the people? The justice and righteousness of God is worked out in human relationships. God will “judge the peoples” based in part on their relationships with others. And the expectancy of those who hope in God is that the arm of God will be the salvation of God’s own, the comfort and joy, gladness and thanksgiving of God’s people, and the destruction of evil and the evildoer.
Consider these reflections on human relations by Abraham J. Heschel:
“Righteousness is not just a value; it is God’s part of human life, God’s stake in human history. Perhaps it is because the suffering of man is a blot upon God’s conscience; because it is in relations between man and man that God is at stake. … the infamy of a wicked act is infinitely greater than we are able to imagine… People act as they please, doing what is vile, abusing the weak, not realizing that they are fighting God, affronting the divine, or that the oppression of man is a humiliation of God. “He who oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, He who is kind to the needy honors Him. Proverbs 14:31, 17:5”
The greater masterpiece (of God’s work) is still in the process of being created … history. For accomplishing His grand design, God needs the help of man. Man is and has the instrument of God … Life is clay, and righteousness the mold in which God wants history to be shaped. But humans deform the shape. … The world is full of iniquity, injustice, and idolatry … but God needs mercy, righteousness; His needs cannot be satisfied in temples … but in history. It is within the realm of history that man is charged with God’s mission.
Justice is a transcendent demand … It is not only a relationship between man and man, it is an act involving God … Justice is His line, righteousness His plummet. It is not one of His ways, but in all His ways.”
Abraham J. Heschel, The Prophets, p. 198
51:4-5 Pay attention to Me, O my people; and give ear to Me, O My nation; For a law will go forth from Me, And I will set My justice for a light of the peoples; My righteousness is near, My salvation has gone forth. And My arms will judge the peoples; The coastlands will wait for Me, And for My arm they will wait expectantly. Lift your eyes to the sky …”
The blue skies …
“Lord, the sky’s still blue, for my hope is in You, You’re my joy, You’re the dream that’s still alive … Like the wind at my back and the sun on my face; You are life You are grace You are blue skies.” The lyrics to this Point of Grace song connect with the theme of hope and expectancy in Isaiah, especially the familiar 40:28-31 .. “He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power … Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.”
Hope and expectancy is frequently connected with the “coastlands” or “islands” in these texts. One interpretation is that the islands refers to the Gentiles, and this is how the verse was carried over into the New Testament in Matthew 12:18-21 – “And in His name, the Gentiles will hope.” (See Isaiah 42:4 - “He will not be disheartened or crushed, until he has established justice in the earth, and the coastlands wait expectantly for His law.”)
In a general sense, the use of “coastlands” or “islands” our texts refers to those who wait for the law and the justice of God to come to their rescue. This turns a common human use of law and justice on its head, for often people use these concepts to beat down others. But here the prophet uses the imagery of God’s arm as means of rescue to those whose hope is in His deliverance.
What ties together the justice, righteousness, and the law of God by the arm of God, and the expectancy of the people? The justice and righteousness of God is worked out in human relationships. God will “judge the peoples” based in part on their relationships with others. And the expectancy of those who hope in God is that the arm of God will be the salvation of God’s own, the comfort and joy, gladness and thanksgiving of God’s people, and the destruction of evil and the evildoer.
Consider these reflections on human relations by Abraham J. Heschel:
“Righteousness is not just a value; it is God’s part of human life, God’s stake in human history. Perhaps it is because the suffering of man is a blot upon God’s conscience; because it is in relations between man and man that God is at stake. … the infamy of a wicked act is infinitely greater than we are able to imagine… People act as they please, doing what is vile, abusing the weak, not realizing that they are fighting God, affronting the divine, or that the oppression of man is a humiliation of God. “He who oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, He who is kind to the needy honors Him. Proverbs 14:31, 17:5”
The greater masterpiece (of God’s work) is still in the process of being created … history. For accomplishing His grand design, God needs the help of man. Man is and has the instrument of God … Life is clay, and righteousness the mold in which God wants history to be shaped. But humans deform the shape. … The world is full of iniquity, injustice, and idolatry … but God needs mercy, righteousness; His needs cannot be satisfied in temples … but in history. It is within the realm of history that man is charged with God’s mission.
Justice is a transcendent demand … It is not only a relationship between man and man, it is an act involving God … Justice is His line, righteousness His plummet. It is not one of His ways, but in all His ways.”
Abraham J. Heschel, The Prophets, p. 198
51:4-5 Pay attention to Me, O my people; and give ear to Me, O My nation; For a law will go forth from Me, And I will set My justice for a light of the peoples; My righteousness is near, My salvation has gone forth. And My arms will judge the peoples; The coastlands will wait for Me, And for My arm they will wait expectantly. Lift your eyes to the sky …”
The blue skies …
Friday, January 21, 2011
Breakfast Club Devotion #16 - Isaiah 45: To Be Like Cyrus
To Be Like Cyrus (Isaiah 45)
"Thus says the Lord to Cyrus His anointed, Whom I have taken by the right hand ..."
We have learned from Isaiah’s message of hope and comfort, his assurance that God draws near to those in the dry places and rough terrain, and that God is ever creating, doing new things in our lives. The story of Cyrus reminds us that God often uses human leaders to accomplish his purposes, to be that source of help.
The historical context is one of exile for the people. They had been conquered and driven from their homes, communities, and place of worship. They were exiles in a foreign land, oppressed and powerless. To the specific context of these terrible circumstances, the prophet Jeremiah expressed one of the most well known words of encouragement in the Bible .. “I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”
The specific plans that God had for the people at that time were to bring them back to their home. Cyrus, a human leader with vast political power, was the human instrument that God used to make this happen. Cyrus was not a Hebrew / Israelite worshipper of Yahweh, as far as we know, but God appointed him to have mercy on these people and make it possible for them to return to their homes. (Ref: Ezra 1:1-4, Jeremiah 29:10-14)
Isaiah 45 points out specific qualities that Cyrus had or attributes that God endowed him with in order to bring this about. He was anointed by God, and God “took him by the hand.” He was appointed to shatter doors and cut through iron bars, and make rough places smooth, to gain freedom for the exiles and build God’s city. He was called by God, given a title of honor, aroused in righteousness, and given strength. God promised to make his way smooth, yet Cyrus was not motivated by payment or reward, but by a righteous concern.
Whether we are in need of help, or in a position to help others, God wants to be involved in the process. Take note of the progression of this theme. The prophet states .. “let the rough ground become a plain, the rugged terrain a broad valley.” (40:4) Then God promises that he himself will be the source of help .. “I will make darkness into light .. rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, I will not leave them undone.” (42:16) Then the role of the leader used by God .. “I will go before you (Cyrus) and make the rough places smooth.” (45:2)
For these people, it was a path to return home. For us, the needs may be different, but within the purposes of God, we also can have hope.
Background & Scripture
Cyrus, a Persian King who ruled over most of the Middle East at that time – Assyria, Babylonia, Persia, Palestine, and later his son also ruled Egypt.
Jeremiah 29:10-14 “For thus says the Lord, ‘When seventy years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.’”
Ezra 1:1-4 “Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he sent a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, ‘Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and He hs appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be with him! Let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. And every survivor, at whatever place he may live, let the men of that place support him with silver and gold, with goods and cattle, together with a freewill offering for the house of God which is in Jerusalem.’”
"Thus says the Lord to Cyrus His anointed, Whom I have taken by the right hand ..."
We have learned from Isaiah’s message of hope and comfort, his assurance that God draws near to those in the dry places and rough terrain, and that God is ever creating, doing new things in our lives. The story of Cyrus reminds us that God often uses human leaders to accomplish his purposes, to be that source of help.
The historical context is one of exile for the people. They had been conquered and driven from their homes, communities, and place of worship. They were exiles in a foreign land, oppressed and powerless. To the specific context of these terrible circumstances, the prophet Jeremiah expressed one of the most well known words of encouragement in the Bible .. “I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”
The specific plans that God had for the people at that time were to bring them back to their home. Cyrus, a human leader with vast political power, was the human instrument that God used to make this happen. Cyrus was not a Hebrew / Israelite worshipper of Yahweh, as far as we know, but God appointed him to have mercy on these people and make it possible for them to return to their homes. (Ref: Ezra 1:1-4, Jeremiah 29:10-14)
Isaiah 45 points out specific qualities that Cyrus had or attributes that God endowed him with in order to bring this about. He was anointed by God, and God “took him by the hand.” He was appointed to shatter doors and cut through iron bars, and make rough places smooth, to gain freedom for the exiles and build God’s city. He was called by God, given a title of honor, aroused in righteousness, and given strength. God promised to make his way smooth, yet Cyrus was not motivated by payment or reward, but by a righteous concern.
Whether we are in need of help, or in a position to help others, God wants to be involved in the process. Take note of the progression of this theme. The prophet states .. “let the rough ground become a plain, the rugged terrain a broad valley.” (40:4) Then God promises that he himself will be the source of help .. “I will make darkness into light .. rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, I will not leave them undone.” (42:16) Then the role of the leader used by God .. “I will go before you (Cyrus) and make the rough places smooth.” (45:2)
For these people, it was a path to return home. For us, the needs may be different, but within the purposes of God, we also can have hope.
Background & Scripture
Cyrus, a Persian King who ruled over most of the Middle East at that time – Assyria, Babylonia, Persia, Palestine, and later his son also ruled Egypt.
Jeremiah 29:10-14 “For thus says the Lord, ‘When seventy years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.’”
Ezra 1:1-4 “Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he sent a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, ‘Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and He hs appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be with him! Let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. And every survivor, at whatever place he may live, let the men of that place support him with silver and gold, with goods and cattle, together with a freewill offering for the house of God which is in Jerusalem.’”
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Breakfast Club Devotion #15 - Purpose
Purposes of the Breakfast Club
(This is not a formal mission statement, but an informal reflection on some of our purposes and goals.)
1. To share the love of God through Christ, by walking in the helping ministry of Christ.
• The one who says he abides in Christ ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” 1 John 2:6
• When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then he will sit on His glorious throne.. He will say to those on His right, “Come you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited me in…” Matthew 25:31-35
• When it was evening, the disciples came to Jesus saying, “The place is desolate, and the time is already past; so send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat” And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.”And he said, “Bring them here to me.”..And looking up to heaven, He blessed the food, and breaking the loaves he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave to the multitudes, and they all ate and were satisfied. Matthew 14:14-20
2. To teach and demonstrate the character and the ways of Christ.
• Blessed are the gentle; blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; blessed are the merciful; blessed are the pure in heart; blessed are the peacemakers. Matthew 5:5-9
• A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35
• The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
3. To foster and cultivate a fellowship of believers and a community of concern for the homeless.
• And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own; but all things were common property to them. And with great power the apostles were giving witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. Acts 4:32-33
• For through the grace given to me I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly; if prophecy.. if service, in teaching, exhortation (encouraging), giving, leading, showing mercy. .. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence .. serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality .. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another, do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly .. Be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, but leave room for the wrath of God. If your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink. .. Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:3-21
4. To help and encourage people to overcome homelessness and other life controlling circumstances and behaviors.
• For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13
• The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, Because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, and freedom to prisoners; to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to grant those who mourn in Zion, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:1-3
• If you give yourself to the hungry, and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your gloom will become like midday. And the Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones. And you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. And those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; You will raise up the age-old foundations; and you will be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets in which to dwell. Isaiah 58:10-12
(This is not a formal mission statement, but an informal reflection on some of our purposes and goals.)
1. To share the love of God through Christ, by walking in the helping ministry of Christ.
• The one who says he abides in Christ ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” 1 John 2:6
• When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then he will sit on His glorious throne.. He will say to those on His right, “Come you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited me in…” Matthew 25:31-35
• When it was evening, the disciples came to Jesus saying, “The place is desolate, and the time is already past; so send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat” And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.”And he said, “Bring them here to me.”..And looking up to heaven, He blessed the food, and breaking the loaves he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave to the multitudes, and they all ate and were satisfied. Matthew 14:14-20
2. To teach and demonstrate the character and the ways of Christ.
• Blessed are the gentle; blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; blessed are the merciful; blessed are the pure in heart; blessed are the peacemakers. Matthew 5:5-9
• A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35
• The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
3. To foster and cultivate a fellowship of believers and a community of concern for the homeless.
• And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own; but all things were common property to them. And with great power the apostles were giving witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. Acts 4:32-33
• For through the grace given to me I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly; if prophecy.. if service, in teaching, exhortation (encouraging), giving, leading, showing mercy. .. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence .. serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality .. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another, do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly .. Be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, but leave room for the wrath of God. If your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink. .. Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:3-21
4. To help and encourage people to overcome homelessness and other life controlling circumstances and behaviors.
• For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13
• The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, Because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, and freedom to prisoners; to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to grant those who mourn in Zion, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:1-3
• If you give yourself to the hungry, and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your gloom will become like midday. And the Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones. And you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. And those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; You will raise up the age-old foundations; and you will be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets in which to dwell. Isaiah 58:10-12
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