"Teach us to number our days"

Have you noticed how there seems to be a major focus today on trying to extend our lives?  Just do an Internet search on this idea and you’ll find countless articles.  For example, I saw one website that said if you simply laugh more often you will live longer.  The reason I’ve been thinking about this is because I recently saw a TV commercial advertising that if you simply take their pill you will allegedly prolong your life. 

My reaction to all this is that it is absolute baloney that you can extend your life.  Some of you may disagree with me and that’s fine.  But I think the Bible is clear on this topic.  Psalm 139:16 says, “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”  God has ordained and predetermined the exact number days I’m going to live. 

To be clear: I certainly believe I can do things to affect the quality of my life, just not the quantity.  I’m not at all suggesting that we shouldn’t eat right, exercise, or take medicine.  Furthermore, I love to laugh; I think it’s highly therapeutic to laugh early and often.  All of this stuff has an important place; I’m simply stating that none of this will actually make your life on this Earth a day longer than what God ordained.  The length of our days on Earth is up to God, not a pill advertised on TV.

Even if this idea of prolonging life is true, this still does not taking into account how fragile and delicate life is.  There are countless examples that could be given here; the horrific bombing at the Boston Marathon comes to mind.  But I think we can look no further than driving from point A to point B every day.  I think about my own time behind the wheel.  Every day I travel on an interstate to go to my job.  The speed limit on that interstate is 55 miles an hour.  I think we take for granted just how fast that is.  Think about it.  At that speed, one wrong move and there can easily be a fatal accident (even if one doesn’t choose to exceed the posted speed limit).   Or consider driving in snow.  This is something that people who live in Colorado as I do contend with regularly.  The chance for fatalities in snowy weather is great. 

James says, “Now, listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on in business, and make money.”  Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.  What is your life?  You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that” (verses 13-15). 

Kevin

“So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” – Psalm 90:12

Remembering a special day

As my regular readers know, it was on this day, back in 1982, that God healed me from seizures!  On that April day, I was in the hospital, and for some reason, I flat-lined.  Three minutes later, God intervened, and breathed life into me.  After all this, the seizures stopped and, after all these decades, they have not returned.  Praise the Lord! 

Some may respond to what I’ve said by saying, “People flat-line all the time and return to the land of the living.  Why do you credit this to God?”  Because the Bible says that it is God who gives life and breath to the inhabitants of the Earth (Isaiah 42:5).  The Bible teaches us that life itself is a gift from the benevolent hand of God.  I just wanted to take a moment to record (as I do every year), my thanks and praise to God for what He did for me.

But as grateful as I am for my healing as a baby, I’m even more grateful that Jesus Christ died on the cross for me (and for all of humanity).  I’m grateful that, at age 6, I was able to accept the simple message that every man and woman is a sinner in need of a Savior.  We cannot atone for our sin; but Jesus – fully God and fully man – atoned for the sin of mankind on the cross.  Through faith and trust in Him alone, we can actually have a personal relationship with the God of the universe.  I became a Christian that day and it is the best decision that I’ve ever made. 

One of my favorite verses is 2 Corinthians 5:15: “And he [Jesus] died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”  I want to live the rest of my life for God, not just because He spared my life as a baby, but primarily because He died on the cross for my vile, repugnant sin.

Kevin

The broken vase

Recently, I purchased the video game “Super Paper Mario” for a good price.  I have to say it: this is a fantastic game.  In one level, Mario accidentally breaks an expensive vase in a mysterious castle.  He is forced to remain there and work as a slave until he has accumulated enough currency to pay the owner back.  I had never seen Mario in such a predicament before.  But don’t worry: Mario is able to escape the clutches of his debt by the end of the level.

It struck me that this is what many people try to do with God.  The Bible says that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  I think many people can see the undeniable reality of their sin, and so they try to build up a credit of good works and hope that this will be enough to earn forgiveness from God.  In the game, Mario converses with other people who were also forced to work in the castle.  One person expresses a sentiment of hopelessness to Mario.  He states that he will never see his girlfriend again.  Indicating that he can never work long enough or hard enough to pay off the massive amount of debt he owes.

This speaks to the absolute futility of trying to pay God off with good works.  To put it bluntly: it’s not going to happen.  The book of Isaiah tells us that our good works are as filthy rags in God’s sight.  Please don’t misunderstand me: I’m not for a moment suggesting that good works are not important.  Adrian Rogers once stated that we aren’t saved by good works but for good works.  Doing good works are quite important; but the reality is, no one can ever do enough good works, no one can ever earn enough spiritual brownie points to procure salvation and forgiveness from our sins.

This is where the good news of the gospel comes in.  Like Mario, we all have broken the expensive vase.  We are all, in a sense, in debt to God because of our sin.  But out of His great love, God sent Jesus Christ to us.  Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty and the price for all of humanity’s sin.  I once heard the late D. James Kennedy say that all the world religions say “do” to get rid of sin; but only Christianity says “done.”  Christ has already done the work on the cross.  Acts 10:43 says, “Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”  All one has to do is simply believe in Jesus; that is, choose to put their faith, reliance, and trust in Jesus alone to save them. 

Kevin

Easter musings

I’ve been thinking about John 20:24-29 a lot lately.  To set up what has been happening in context, Jesus has literally and bodily risen from the grave (hallelujah!).  He has been appearing to people in His sphere of influence showing them that He is truly alive.  He appeared to Mary Magdalene (John 20:10-18), and then He appeared to His disciples (verses 19-23).  In verse 24, the text states that Thomas was not with the disciples when Jesus showed Himself to be alive.  Thomas essentially says, “I won’t believe what you are telling me about this resurrection stuff unless I see it with my own eyes.”  The text says that a week passes (verse 26) and the disciples and Thomas were together again in a house.  Jesus enters and quickly singles out Thomas.  He says, “Put your finger here; see my hands.  Reach out your hand and put it in my side.  Stop doubting and believe” (verse 27).

I want to underscore that last sentence because I think it applies to some who will read these words. You don’t believe that Jesus literally arose from the grave.  You think it’s all a hoax or a myth.  Jesus said to Thomas, “Stop doubting and believe.”  Dear reader, with love I repeat the same thing to you: stop doubting and believe.  By all means, don’t take my word for it.  Do your homework on this.  May I recommend a wonderful book by Lee Strobel?  It’s entitled “The Case for Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus.”  Part three of the book is “Researching the Resurrection.”  This is a fabulous book that I hope you’ll check out.

Back to the text in John 20, Thomas sees that Jesus still bears the marks of the nails from the crucifixion.  Seeing with his eyes, he believes.  He declares, “My Lord and my God” (verse 28).  Incidentally, it’s interesting to me that at this point Jesus doesn’t say to Thomas, “Thomas, you’re a little mixed up.  I’m not God.  I’m just a man like you.”  Jesus doesn’t say that, of course, because that’s not the truth.  Jesus is both fully God and He is fully man.  This is something that Jesus made clear in His Earthly ministry.

In John 20:29, Jesus says to Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”  You can put me in that verse, I have not seen Jesus with my physical eyes, and yet I believe.

But what about you?  I haven’t heard the phrase as much lately, but I used to constantly hear the phrase, ‘Seeing is believing.’  It always used to bother me a little bit because, in some cases, we don’t have the opportunity to see something in order to believe it.  In this matter that is certainly the case.  We don’t get the opportunity to see Jesus with our physical eyes before believing in Him.  For us, the phrase is the other way around: not ‘seeing is believing,’ but rather ‘believing is seeing.’  Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”  Does that describe you?

Kevin

The last chapter

By way of review, I have been sharing sections of an allegory that I recently wrote for a school assignment.  The instructions for the allegory stated that the student needed to compose an ideal ending to their spiritual journey.  So this is how I concluded my allegory.

“Decades and decades passed.  Believer had fought many battles with many foes, victorious only because of the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:16-17).  It came time for Believer to live in “a better country – a heavenly one” (Hebrews 11:16).  Upon arriving, Believer could hardly take in the incredible beauty of this new country in contrast with his old one.

“Welcome, Believer” said a familiar voice.  It was the Faithful and True One (Revelation 19:11), Jesus Christ, the Lord.  “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).  Believer’s eyes filled with tears, “I have waited my whole life to hear you say those words.  The Almighty One smiled, put his arm around Believer and said, “Come, there is much to show you.”

 

He went on to take Believer to the hundreds of people that he had influenced while he was in the previous country.  Several said that they would never even be in this country had it not been for Believer.  “I had absolutely no idea,” Believer responded.  “I’m grateful that my life made such a difference for the Lord, but the truth is I’m not the hero of this story; our Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6) is.  I give all the honor, credit, glory, and praise to Him alone.”

   

Before moving on to something else in this blog, I wanted to present a few final thoughts about the allegory that I’ve been sharing with you.

First of all, remember that in chapter 2 of my allegory, Unbeliever’s name was changed to Believer when he embraced the Christian faith.  I wanted to remind you of this because at the end of the allegory, Believer goes to Heaven.  He does so only because of the grace and mercy of God.  There’s a popular erroneous notion that ultimately everyone will go to Heaven when they die.  This is not something that the Bible teaches anywhere.

In that same section of the allegory, Believer asked the man what his name was; his response: “For today, call me the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”  That is, of course, a citation of John 14:6.  The verse in its entirety reads, “Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me” (NKJV).  If you want to go to Heaven, you have to choose to put your faith, confidence, and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Secondly, note that I stated that many people came up to Believer and said that they never would have been in the new country, or Heaven, if it hadn’t been for Believer.  Once again, the guidelines specified that this was to be my ideal ending.  I would love it if my life had an eternal impact on others.  I love the idea of their being other people in Heaven who are there because I shared the gospel with them.  Ultimately, only God saves, through the conviction and illumination of the Holy Spirit, but what a privilege to be used by God to be the human instrument to lead someone else to becoming a Christian.  

Thirdly, in the end, Believer directed any praise and glory back to God.  I decided to end it this way because #1: I thought this only fitting because, if you look back, you’ll see that Believer isn’t really the main character; God is.  #2: I really believe that this is the right way to convey the Christian life.  I love this quote from Max Lucado in his fabulous book “It’s Not About Me.”  He said, “God does not exist to make a big deal out of us.  We exist to make a big deal out of him.”

Kevin

Surprising words

The late Rick Ferguson once wrote a book entitled “The Servant Principle.”  It is a fabulous work.  Although it is out of print and difficult to find, I would still strongly encourage you to try to obtain a copy of it (Amazon.com may have a few copies).

At one point in the book, Dr. Ferguson writes, “The Bible does not deny that sin is fun and pleasurable for a season.  However, the ultimate results of sin are deadly.  Sexual promiscuity, the party life, making money at all costs, sacrificing ethics and morals – in each case, the long-term consequences are deadly.  Whenever you choose sin, it is always a shortsighted decision.  Don’t sell out your long-term future for a short-term pleasure.  Take the long look” (page 126).

The passage Rick is referring to is in Hebrews 11, where we read, “By faith, Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt;; for he looked to the reward” (verses 24-26, NKJV, italics added for emphasis).  It is true that there is brief enjoyment when we sin, but the consequences afterwards are what linger.

Interestingly, a character named Penny, from the TV show “The Big Bang Theory” all but confirms this notion with her own mouth.  Penny, and her friends Bernadette and Amy are discussing what Penny should do since her ex-boyfriend, Leonard, has started a new romantic relationship with someone else. 

Eventually, in the course of the conversation, Penny says, “Let’s go through this one more time: just because Leonard has a new girlfriend does not mean that I should go out and hook up with some guy.”  “But you could if you wanted to, right?”  Bernadette asks her.  “Yeah, I guess.”  Penny answers.  “What’s that like?”  Amy inquires.  Penny’s response is the money quote: “It’s fun while you’re doing it, then it’s mostly embarrassment, self-loathing and regret.”  She’s on to something.  Sin is fun only for a fleeting moment, and then one has to deal with the enduring consequences.

Kevin

“Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him” – Charles Stanley

My allegory (part 4)

Today’s section of the allegory captures the fights that I have with the temptation to go the world’s way and pursue sexual gratification with anyone and everyone.  To the glory of God, I testify to you that I am a virgin and I will be staying that way until I get married.

“Years passed, the boy Believer was now a man.  His story wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the many battles he had with his nemesis, Temptation.  You see, Believer lived near the land of Sexual Gratification.  However, Believer’s father had once challenged him to choose a different way.  “Son,” he had said.  “Abstinence is your great ally.  Choose him always and he will never let you down.”  Here is one example of the many fights Believer had with Temptation.

“Well, if it isn’t my dear friend, Believer,” the conniving Temptation greeted.  “You are no friend of mine, Temptation.”  “Why would you say that?  I’m only asking you to do what you know you want to do: join the many others over on Sexual Gratification.  Has God really said that Abstinence is the only path for you?”  Temptation asked.  Whenever Temptation spoke a word, flaming arrows shot out of his mouth.  “Yes, God knows that Sexual Gratification isn’t meant to be inhabited by those who are unmarried as I am,” Believer replied, while simultaneously raising his shield to block and extinguish the flaming arrows.

“That is utter nonsense,” Temptation countered.  “Many unmarried people would claim that it is fun in Sexual Gratification.  Besides, how long have you been waiting for a spouse anyway?  What has it been, ten or fifteen years now?”  “The fun you speak of, Temptation,” Believer responded, “is brief and fleeting.  I have heard from others who have been there that after the temporary fun of Sexual Gratification, there is nothing but shame and regret.  Thus, they chose to leave and go to another land.  And yes, I have been waiting for a spouse for a long while,” Believer answered.  “But I don’t care how long I have to wait.  I’m going to choose the road prescribed to me by my King, Hero, and Lord,” Believer answered.

Temptation shook his head and retorted, “No one is ever going to marry you anyway.  Why not give it up and join us on Sexual Gratification?  After all, you only live once.  Surely you can see deep down that what I’m saying is the truth.”  “The Lord’s will is that I remain where I am,” Believer said.  “I will cling to my ally Abstinence.  If I am not called to be married, then to my Savior I cry out, “Not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36).  Why don’t you just leave me alone, Temptation?  I’ve extinguished multiple amounts of your deadly arrows with the shield given to me by my Lord as a gift (Ephesians 6:16-17).”

Temptation began to walk away, but added, “Very well.  But, this isn’t over.”  Believer knew the drill by now.  He knew that Temptation would indeed be back again “at an opportune time” (Luke 4:13).

Kevin