“You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north.” Deuteronomy 2:3 NASB
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Life has a way of having us going in circles. We find ourselves engaged in several tasks at the same time. So many things to do and not enough time. Some things are left undone or put on the shelf until a more convenient time which almost never comes. Failing to reach the goals we have set for ourselves is on-going. We start over and repeat the process again and again. Like a dog chasing its tail, we run around in circles. That’s life!
But perhaps going in circles is your own doing. Perhaps you’re running around in circles due to disobedience to God. Most of our troubles stem from the bad choices we make in life. God gives us free will to make choices, but He also expects and desires us to make choices that please Him. Now, there is a difference between a deliberate sinful choice and an honest miscalculation in a choice we made. Unfortunately, we need to deal with the consequences just the same, and the Lord is aware of the circumstances. He will see us through them with grace and a lesson learned. But there are times when the Lord will allow us to wander for a while due to our bad choices.
The children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years for their choice in not obeying God to go forward into the Promised Land. This too was for a season, a long one, but it did come to end by God’s grace. The Lord told them, “You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north.” (Dt.2:3 nasb) So too, however long you’ve been going in circles for whatever reason it will come to an end. You can count on it. Trust God. You’ll soon hear, turn north!
Some tasks are so overwhelming they would never be accomplished without divine help from above. Moses had firsthand knowledge of this as he led the Israelite through the wilderness. Moses was reminded of the Lord’s unlimited power when faced with 600,000 angry, hungry people demanding meat to eat. Moses had a problem. The Lord told Moses the people would have meat to eat, to which Moses responded, “Should flocks and herds be slaughtered for them, to be sufficient for them? Or should all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to be sufficient for them?” (Num.11:22 nasb) Moses had an impossible task in front of him and questioned God in his frustration where he would get enough of meat to satisfy the entire bunch.
God already knew His intentions. He would supply the meat as only He can, but he was going to do so to teach the people a lesson for rejecting the Lord by crying out, “Why did we ever leave Egypt?” (Num.11:20 nasb) They grumbled against the Lord not being satisfied with the daily mana He provided. He gave them what they wanted. The Lord provided quail for an entire month until they became sick of it, and due to their sinful craving, and complaining against the Lord, a plague broke out before they finished the last bite.
We have two lessons here, first, the Lord’s power is not limited in any way. He is all powerful and He can supply our needs whatever our circumstances. The Israelites failed to realize God’s provision in the mana and craved for something more. Secondly, the Lord will give us what we want at times to teach us valuable lessons. Can the Lord do this, yes. He can supply all our needs, and yes, He will teach us the lessons we need to learn even if it’s in something we ask for.
Simply put, the art of persuasion is to convince someone or a group of people to change their thinking. There have been books published, classes taught, and videos produced explaining the techniques available to enhance your ability to master the art of persuasion. Persuading others can have both positive and negative effects. People can be persuaded to do good or bad, even Christians.
Some of our best friends practice the art of persuasion. They may have the best of intentions in what they are trying to convince us to do or be part of, but it may not be the best thing, or worse contrary to Scripture. As Jesus says we are to ‘be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.’ (Mt.10:16) There has been a blending of the modern-day culture with the church and Christianity in general for the last few decades. Activities we would have never considered engaging in some time ago, we now accept and participate with a little persuasion.
Solomon says in the book of Proverbs, “My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them!” (Pr.1:10 nlt) It may be difficult referring to our friends as sinners, but the Bible says all are sinners, and that includes you and me. (Ro.3:23) Christians need to pray for discernment when tempted to participation in something the Lord would disapprove of. An old anti-drug slogan simply said, ‘just say no.’ An anti-enticement slogan could be ‘it’s OK to turn your back on them.’
There are many resources to teach us the art of persuasion including the Word of God. The Holy Spirit guiding us through the Bible will teach us the art of knowing right from wrong, convicting us of our sin and our need of a savior showing us the way of salvation. Then we too can use the art of persuasion on our friends.
It’s good to assess where we have been as we continue going forward in life. This is particularly true for the Christian who now has a renewed life. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2Cor.5:17 esv) We thank the Lord that He has given us a new nature in Christ, a renewed mind, and a place in heaven. But we still carry with us the old nature while we walk on this earth.
The Puritan writers realized this and embraced it as a reminder of where they had been, and what is the true character of their nature. ‘Keep me mindful of my natural state.’ We do not need to worry about our old sin nature showing up reminding us of where we have been, it’s automatic. And I’m sure, the Puritans experienced the same thing, but they strived to keep it from happening by remembering where they had been. They knew it took only a thought in the wrong direction to land them back in that sin pile that caused their saviors death.
Although they wanted to be reminded of their natural state, they did not want to forget who they really were in Christ. They wanted to remember their heavenly title, where they were going, and the grace and forgiveness that is bestowed on them while on earth in the flesh.
The Puritans had a way of keeping it real. They were aware of their sin, and desired to be reminded of it to keep it at bay. It wouldn’t be a bad idea for us to do the same in our day. Being constantly aware of our sin nature will help us in our walk with Christ going forward, and when we do sin may we remember that God forgets and will remember our sins no more.
(1) Bennett, Arthur The Valley of Vision. East Peoria: Versa Press Inc. 2023. Pg. 74
I’ve heard it said, and it is true, that those desiring to read through the Bible never make it past the book of Leviticus. It is understandable seeing that the specific sacrifices made do not apply today. The religious ceremonies and offerings required by God do not apply either. The slaughtering of animals for the sacrifices is also a turnoff for some people. But there is much we can learn about the holiness of God in Leviticus, and maybe a thing or two about ourselves.
A sacrifice had to be made in the event of a sin even if one sinned unintentionally. The Lord required an animal sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin. “When they become aware of their sin, they must bring as an offering for their sin a female goat with no defects. They must lay a hand on the head of the sin offering and slaughter it at the place where burnt offerings are slaughtered.” (Lev.4:28-29 nlt) You may have heard the saying ‘our sin affects more people than just ourselves.’ The sinful actions we engage in have a ripple effect hurting people around us. Sin has its consequences.
The effects of sin by the people in Old Testament Israel caused the death of a blemish free animal. What was striking to me as I read our passage was that the one bringing the animal for sacrifice had to put their hand on the head of the one about to die and have their blood poured out on the altar. Because of their sin, that blameless animal was about to die. This should resonate with each one of us when we think of our own sin. Our Lord Jesus shed His blood on the cross at Calvary to satisfy the Father’s required payment for sin. Our hands were on Him as He was in our place about to sacrifice His life for our sin.
Today marks the 216th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday here in the United States. Born in a backwoods cabin in rural Kentucky, Lincoln became the 16th President of the United States during this country’s most turbulent times. Two months before Lincoln’s inauguration the first state to withdraw from the union took place paving the way for the start of the Civil War. Although Lincoln never joined a church or proclaimed association with any religion, he relied heavily on the truths of Scripture especially during his presidential years. Many of his quotes recorded for us in history stem from these truths.
Abraham Lincoln was not one to remain silent on the ills that plagued America during the mid-19th century. He is noted for saying, ‘It is a sin to be silent when it is your duty to protest.’ James wrote something similar, “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” (Ja.4:17 nlt) President Lincoln’s greatest accomplishment was the Emancipation Proclamation that eventually ended the horror of slavery in the United States and put an end to the Civil War.
The United States still has horrors today that are afflicting the nation. Sadly, many Christians are standing on the sidelines and not engaging in the protest over evil by remaining silent. Our silence could be considered by some as agreeing with the current anti-God secular worldview. We could be considered as agreeing with the majority. Remember the majority accepted slavery in Lincoln’s time. Today, the majority accepts all kinds of evil as spelled out in God’s Word. Let us not be silent but confront the evils in our society knowing it is a sin not to do what we ought to do.
Our sins can put us into very uncomfortable situations. For instance, it is an embarrassment when one is caught in sin. The results of that sin can lead to life changing circumstances where there is a constant reminder of it. Our lives will have an empty, punch in the gut feeling, for having sinned against God and bringing this condition on ourselves. Perhaps this condition is worsened by God Himself in punishment for our sins. Yes, God will leave us to stew in the consequences of our sins for a time. But it is possible to be restored, when we reach out to Him in confession and repentance asking Him to forgive us our sins.
The writer of Psalm 80 notes that Israel is a vine that God planted in the Promised Land after bringing them safely out of Egypt. “You removed a vine from Egypt; You drove out the nations and planted it.” (Ps.80:8 nasb) The vine took shape and grew and filled the land. However, Israel’s on-going sins against the Lord led to this vine being ravaged by man and beast. (Ps.80:12-13) Israel cries out to the Lord in prayer, “O God of hosts, turn again now, we beseech You; Look down from heaven and see, and take care of this vine.” (Ps.80:14 nasb) It was God’s wrath against them for their sin that destroyed and burned the vine. Since God planted the vine (Israel), he can restore it. They ask the Lord “Revive us, and we will call upon Your name. O LORD God of hosts, restore us; Cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved.” (Ps.80:18b-19 nasb)
Whenever we find ourselves in a similar situation as ancient Israel, may we be reminded God is the restoring business. We may feel the hand of God upon us due to our sins, but He will revive us as we cry out to Him. And then we can say with Israel, “O LORD God of hosts, restore us; Cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved.” (Ps.80:19 nasb)
“For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:9 NLT
Every Christian has come to faith in the same way. The Lord calls us by the nudging of His Spirit leading us to realize our sin before Him. Sin that needs to be confessed and repented of, leading us to accept Christ’s payment for our sins, for there is nothing we can do to save ourselves. When we accept Christ as our savior, our sins are forgiven. God declares us righteous through Christ’s righteousness. Paul says, God saved us and called us to a holy life, and Peter writes, “But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, ‘You must be holy because I am holy.’” (1Pt.1:15-16 nlt) But do we always feel holy. No! In fact, far from it most of the time.
Not feeling holy is not an indication you are not saved. Your salvation does not depend on how you feel. If we monitored our feelings every day to see where we stand on the holiness scale, we would do nothing but continually doubt if our salvation is real and try to make sure that it was. Scripture is clear, we have been saved by grace through faith in Christ. (Eph.2:8) We did nothing to earn it. We did not make ourselves holy, God made us holy in Christ.
Understanding the biblical definition of ‘holy’ or ‘holiness’ may help us to see this in a better light. In the Old Testament, ‘The Hebrew word for holy is “qodesh” which means “apartness, sacredness,” or “separateness” showing that God is altogether holy, sacred, set apart or separate from His creation.” In the New Testament, “The Greek word used for holy or holiness is “hagios” and means much the same thing that the Old Testament word “godesh” means, which is “pure, morally blameless” or “set apart” as in set apart for holy use, which is what the saints of God have been called to.” (1) Having been ‘set apart’ for God’s use, we are to be separate from the things of the world.
This helps explain why at times we don’t feel holy. We don’t always set ourselves apart from the world and unto God. But that feeling is not the status of your salvation. The Holy Spirit is working in us to become more like Christ (holy) overtime. That process is called sanctification, being set apart for holy use. It is a journey every Christian goes through and none of have arrived yet, but one day we will. So, keep striving to be holy as God is holy and enjoy the journey.
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Galatians 5:24-25 NLT
The apostle Paul was not one to mince words in his writings. He gives it to us straight and doesn’t hold back. Writing to the churches in Galatia Paul writes, “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” (Gal.5:19-21 nlt) Anyone who is consistently living in one or more of these ways seriously needs to consider if they are truly a child of God. Paul gives this warning, not to lord it over anybody, but to warn them of the serious consequences of living such a lifestyle.
Christians may not be involved in living such a lifestyle, but occasionally those desires spring forth through temptations and our sinful nature. Paul instructs us if we walk by the Spirit, we will not carry out the desires of the flesh. (Gal.5:16) He then goes on to list what we should be desiring, the fruit of the Spirit, ‘love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.’ (Gal.5:22-23) This is the way we should be living consistently.
The cross of Christ is where all our sins were exposed and dealt with. Christ took on our sins and paid the price for them. Our passions and sinful desires have been nailed to the cross and crucified there. We should not be trying to resurrect what has been crucified. Our sins have been nailed to the cross. Let us leave them there.
This first Sunday of the new year in Biblical Insights we will start a study in the gospel of Mark. Mark, the second book in the New Testament and one of the four gospels, begins with a simple introduction, “This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.” (Mk.1:1 nlt) It may be simple, short and to the point, but that’s the point. So, there is no misunderstanding, this book is about the good news of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. The Zondervan NASB Study Bible notes, “The good news is that God has provided salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Mark is more concise than the other gospel writers and focuses more on Jesus’ actions than His teachings. Although through His actions there is much teaching to be learned. Mark’s gospel puts emphasis on His servanthood while confirming His deity. His humanity is detailed throughout the book, and He is presented as the suffering servant. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mk.10:45 nlt) It is the good news of Jesus Christ.
Mark skips over the genealogy of Jesus and story of His birth jumping right into the start of Jesus’ ministry with John the Baptist preparing the way. “He (John) is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the LORD’s coming! Clear the road for him!’” (Mk.1:3 nlt) John was the messenger who was prophesized would come ahead of the Messiah and prepare the way for Him. In ancient days king’s envoys were sent ahead to clear the roads for safe passage and to announce the arrival of the king. John was preparing the hearts and minds of the people of Jesus’ arrival to fulfill His Father’s plan of salvation for them. It is in this same manner that we prepare our hearts and minds by clearing the road of any debris or distractions that will prevent the Holy Spirit from teaching us the Biblical Insights He has for us in this study.
John the Baptist’s ministry of preparing the way for Jesus was a call to repentance. That’s a good place for us to start if we are serious about studying God’s Word and growing in Him. Confession of sin and turning away from it will clear and purify our hearts and minds, making us ready to receive His Word. John preached his message of ‘repentance baptism’, baptism accompanied by repentance, in the arid wilderness near the Dead Sea. People were coming out to him when they heard of his ministry. “All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.” (Mk.1:5 nlt) There hasn’t been a prophet in Israel for 400 years and you could imagine the interest of the Jews to see this prophet. John certainly looked the part with his clothing of camels’ hair and his diet, he was a replicate of the Old Testament prophets.
Meeting John in the wilderness was reminiscent of the Jewish wanderings in Exodus. The wilderness was the meeting place for God and His people in the Old Testament. We need to be reminded of that next time we find ourselves in a wilderness. God loves to meet His people in their wilderness. He will meet us when we are ready to meet Him after exhausting all our options. God will not leave us there but will draw us out as we turn to Him.
John’s announcement was, “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals.” (Mk.1:7 nlt) John could not forgive sin, nor was that his intention. His message was to lead people to the one who could forgive sin. John stated he only baptized people with water, clearly no saving value. Referring to Jesus he said, “…. but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!” (Mk.1:8b nlt) John the Baptist’s ministry was one of confession, repentance and righteous living, followed up by baptism. He heralded the Messiah’s coming and prepared people waiting for His arrival.
Jesus’ ministry was providing salvation by coming to earth, living a perfect life, dying on the cross for forgiveness of sin, and conquering death by rising from the dead to ensure eternal life for all who believe accepting Him as savior. No wonder John uttered that he wasn’t even worthy as a slave to untie His sandals. Next week we’ll see the one who John was preparing the way for. Have you cleared the road for Him?
Word for the Soul 