An Invasion of Locusts

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Text: Joel 1:1-12

Joel 1:4

What the cutting locust left,
    the swarming locust has eaten.
What the swarming locust left,
    the hopping locust has eaten,
and what the hopping locust left,
    the destroying locust has eaten.

(ESV)

When most students of the Bible hear about locusts, their thoughts usually go to the eighth plague of Egypt, the plague of Locusts (Exodus 10:1-20).  So devastating was the destruction in Egypt due to the locusts that Pharaoh’s servants urged Pharaoh to let the Israelites go because Egypt was ruined (Exodus 10:7).  Click on this video link to see how destructive a swarm of locusts can be. 

During the annual celebration of Passover, the people of Judah would have remembered the plagues God brought upon Egypt, including the plague of locusts, as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God.  They would have also been reminded of the blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience contained in Deuteronomy 28, including the destruction of their crops by locusts.  Joel uses this imagery as a warning in Joel 1:1-12 that their continued disobedience has led to a powerful nation coming up against them and that this army will, like a swarm of locusts bring destruction. 

However, instead of heeding the warning of Joel and avoiding exile from the Promised Land, Judah goes into exile (2 Kings 25:1-21), coming to repentance for their disobedience from exile (Ezra 2).  Had Judah instead heeded Joel’s warning and call to repentance, they could have avoided having to go into exile (2 Chronicles 7:14).  The call to repentance must be quick and part of the normal reaction of believers to revealed sin in their lives in order to avoid the consequences and destruction of the locusts of unrepented sin (1 John 1:9). 

While the destruction of a swarm of locusts is not something most reading this will experience other than watching a video, there are other ways to symbolize the destruction of disobedience in one’s life.  One of these is a comparison of disobedience to God to one suffering from diabetes.  Anyone with diabetes or who is borderline diabetic knows that the disease requires obedience to changing one’s eating habits.  The first step, however, to making these changes is changing one’s diet.  Those choosing to make these changes can experience lower blood sugar and A1C through obedience.  Those choosing not to make these changes will experience a progression of the disease with its dire physical consequences.  This is like unrepented sin or disobedience to God which requires repentance or one changing their behavior.  Failure to make this change relegates one to suffering consequences of condemnation from God and not eternal life (John 3:16-18). 

As we continue in our study of Joel, we will see that the main theme of the book is a call to repentance for disobedience to avoid its consequences which for Israel involved going into exile.  The nation of Israel is a picture of the life of believers in Christ who are blessed when obedient to God but suffer consequences for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28).  This is Labor Day weekend in the United States with many enjoying an extra day off from work.  This extra leisure time is a time to spend with family and friends having fun but I encourage everyone reading this to also take time to reflect on their relationship with God by asking God to reveal any unrepentant sin that stands between them and God.  1 John 1:9 is what I like to call God’s 911 verse for believers for it promises complete forgiveness for sins if we repent and confess them to God. 

The world in which we live is in dire need of revival or a returning to Godly principles revealed in the Word of God, the Bible.  This revival begins with the Children of God repenting of any sin hindering their relationship with God.  My prayer as we continue the study of Joel is that God’s people will free themselves of the weight of sin in their lives so they are not destroyed by the locust of sin and instead are lighthouses shining bright (Matthew 5:14-16).  May God grant everyone reading this a blessed and safe Labor Day weekend and may we all grow closer to God as we shed the weight of sin so our light shines brightly in a dark world. 

Restoring Godly Vision

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Text:  Mark 8:22-26

Mark 8:23b-24

“Do you see anything?” ²⁴ And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” 

(ESV)

Back in 2008, my family and I had the privilege of traveling to Israel with a group from our church.  It was one of those momentous life-changing events that my family and I will never forget.  The reason for this is while in Israel, we visited places I had previously only read about changing my vision of these places from something I would imagine to something I could clearly see.  While many reading this may never have the privilege to travel to Israel, all believers in Jesus as savior have the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives to provide clarity of vision as they study the Word of God and live their lives for Christ. 

The text of Mark 8:22-26 once again records Jesus performance of a miracle, this time in Bethsaida.  Similar to Jesus’ healing of the deaf man in Mark 7:31-37, Jesus does not just lay His hands upon the man and restore his sight but takes him aside.  In both events, Jesus is illustrating that the method with which He brings a miracle may differ, but Jesus still shows compassion through His willingness to minister to each individual.  However, the reason for Jesus’ healing this man in the manner in which He did, provides a figurative lesson of the ongoing transformation in a believer’s life that restores Godly vision (Romans 12:2).

The blind man’s healing occurs in two stages.  In the first stage, Jesus spits in the man's eyes and lays His hands on the blind man (Mark 8:23).  However, in the second stage, Jesus lays hands on the man’s eyes and he sees clearly (Mark 8:25).  Salvation is a three-stage process of justification, sanctification, and glorification.

1)      Justification (Galatians 2:8) – The initial stage of salvation is one receiving forgiveness of sins through acceptance of Jesus as their savior.  Romans 3:23 reminds us that every one of us has sinned with the penalty for that sin being death (Romans 6:23a).  However, Romans 6:23b tells us of the free gift of eternal life offered by the sacrifice of Jesus through His death on the cross (Romans 5:8).  Receiving this free Gift from God only requires our believing and acknowledging Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10).  By doing this, one receives total forgiveness and justification before a righteous God, escaping the condemnation of God (John 3:17). 

2)      Sanctification (Romans 12:2) – Justification is the easy part, for the work was already done on our behalf through Jesus.  However, the Christian walk comes with its share of struggles that require one developing a closer relationship with God beyond justification from sin.  This process is ongoing and continues until we go home to be with the Lord for eternity.  Prior to our praying for forgiveness from sin and justification, we were living in conformity to the world and not at odds with Satan.  However, once we received justification from sin, we changed sides with the thief changing tactics and now seeking to kill and destroy us (John 10:10).  Through the transformation of the mind by the study of the Word of God we gain wisdom and power to resist the thief’s attempts to kill and destroy us and begin enjoying abundant life in Christ.  However, this does not mean our lives are free of trouble, just that we now have a closer relationship with Jesus who overcame the world (John 16:33). 

3)      Glorification (2 Thessalonians 1:10) – The aspect of glorification is not present in this text for it does not occur until we meet the Lord face-to-face at our death or are caught up to meet the Lord at his return.  Until then, we must be diligent in continuing the transformation from thinking as the world does and learning to think as Christ does (Romans 12:2).  The request to Timothy by the Apostle Paul for his books and parchments indicates his desire to continue the sanctification process right up to the time of execution for his faith (2 Timothy 4:13).  Glorification is not something one reaches in this life but the hope of all believers in eternity. 

The process of restoration of sight illustrated in the account of Jesus healing a blind man in Mark 8:22-26 provides a picture of the restoration of Godly vision and a biblical worldview in the life of a believer in Jesus Christ.  People are blind spiritually until they meet Jesus and have him cleanse their spiritual eyes through acceptance of Jesus as Savior.  This allows them to begin seeing the world differently, but the vision is blurry, a picture of one’s justification.  As a believer continues in study of the Bible and communication with God through prayer, their vision becomes clearer and they experience a mental transformation from thinking as the world does to having a Godly worldview based upon the truth of the Bible.  While going through the sanctification process, a believer has hope of glorification which will occur when they meet Jesus face-to-face.  However, one must first experience justification to move on to sanctification and glorification when they meet Jesus.  Otherwise, their eternal state will be separation from Christ and eternal condemnation (2 Thessalonians 1:5-9; John 3:18).  The choice all people face is a hope of eternal glorification with Christ or the affliction of eternal separation from Christ.  If you choose glorification and have never accepted Jesus as your Savior, I encourage you to do so now by praying with me,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

You now have justification and a right standing with God.  However, while you have now received restoration of your spiritual vision, that vision is blurry as it was with the blind man Jesus healed.  The healing process of your spiritual vision is not complete and requires continued interaction with God through the study of the Bible individually and as part of a church or Bible study, prayer, and association with other people also going through the sanctification process.  There will still be challenges and problems in life (John 16:33) with the difference now being we have justification from God and a connection with the one that overcame the world and a hope of eternal glorification with Christ. 

Graceful and Forgiving to the End

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Text:  2 Timothy 4:9-22

2 Timothy 4:16-17

At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! ¹⁷ But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth.

(ESV)

In the account of creation, God declared His creation good and seemingly contradicts Himself by saying, it is not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18).  After not finding a suitable helper for Adam among the animals God had created, God creates Eve to be Adam’s helper (Genesis 2:19-25).  There is no biblical conflict here for God’s creation of man was good, but God knew that for man to thrive, they need interaction and community with others. 

Paul has reached the end of his life with his martyrdom for the Lord eminent.  He could have spent these last few days complaining or pleading with his Roman captors for his release but instead gives his protégé final instructions.  In these instructions we see,

1)      A sense of urgency (2 Timothy 4:9-12) – Everyone except for Luke has deserted Paul in his time of greatest need.  Demas has fallen in love with the world and gone to Thessalonica.  Crescens and Titus have also abandoned Paul, but Paul gives us no insight as to why.  Luke remains faithful perhaps dedicated to addressing the health issues Paul alluded to earlier as his thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).  Timothy is about to carry on the work of the ministry Paul began and with his death imminent, Paul has a sense of urgency to meet with him.  This is also a test to determine if Timothy will join the others in the abandonment of Paul or come to him.

2)      Paul’s desire to continue his study of God’s Word till his death (2 Timothy 4:13) – Paul is about to die so why does he need his cloak, books, and the parchments.  Paul’s Roman prison cell would have been cold and damp, so the cloak is for Paul’s physical comfort.  However, his request for the books and especially the parchments indicate a heart desire to continue the study of Scripture until the time of his death and coming into the presence of the Lord.  The Apostle Paul wrote about the ongoing process of spiritual renewal (Romans 12:2) and has a desire to finish his race strong (2 Timothy 4:6-8). 

3)      Remain diligent and alert (2 Timothy 4:14-15) – Paul specifically mentions Alexander the Coppersmith and warns Timothy about him.  This could be the same Alexander mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20 whom Paul, along with Hymenaeus, handed over to Satan.  The full context of 1 Timothy 1:12-20 tells us that Paul handed these two men over to Satan for their failure to believe in the truth of God’s Word leading to the shipwreck and not the growth of their faith in God.  This additional mention of Alexander as one bringing harm to Paul alludes to the possibility Alexander’s opposition to Paul became vile and violent.  Paul uses this as an example of why Timothy must be diligent and alert because he is engaged in spiritual warfare (1 Timothy 1:18).

4)      Extend grace and forgiveness to those that wrong us (2 Timothy 4:16) – Paul continues by telling Timothy that no one came to his defense or stood by him when imprisoned for his faith.  Once again Paul could have lashed out at this lack of support but instead extends grace and forgives them.  It is possible that Paul remembers standing in the crowd that stoned Stephen for his faith when he asked the Lord to forgive those stoning him (Acts 7:59-60).  Or possibly he remembered witnesses telling him about how Jesus forgave those that called for his crucifixion (Luke 23:34).  Whatever the reason for Paul forgiving his accusers, he wants his protégé to also forgive those that will desert or wrong him during his ministry.  We too must learn to extend grace and forgiveness to any rejecting or deserting us for our faith, even if it is on social media where it is easy to lash out from the anonymity of the keyboard. 

5)      Rely on strength from the Lord (2 Timothy 4:17-18) – Paul is about to face death, something that would make most people weak but, in his weakness, he relies on strength from the Lord.  Unlike Daniel in the lion’s den, Paul will die for his faith but finds strength in knowing his death means being with the Lord for eternity (2 Corinthians 5:8).  Once again Paul’s thoughts may have returned to Stephen and his strength in the Lord while the crowd stoned him to death (Acts 7:54-60).  The Apostle Paul may have also found strength in knowing that like Stephen, he will have the opportunity to share the Gospel with his executioners (Acts 7:1-53).  Paul may be weak physically, but his spirit is strong because he has the Holy Spirit living in him.  This is the strength all believers in Jesus Christ must rely on in the last days.

6)      Maintain connections with other believers (2 Timothy 4:19-22) – Since creation, God has understood the human need for connection with others.  In large churches, one can connect through regular attendance each week but the connections at this level are more like godly acquaintances where we know each other but do not know much about each other.  This is why many large churches have small groups meeting regularly where individuals can develop a closer connection with each other.  It is in these smaller groups that individuals connect at a level where they feel free to share their needs, pray for each other, and learn from each other's experience.  In these small groups, new believers also can connect with more spiritually mature believers and gain strength and wisdom in their walk with the Lord.  These small group connections are where the Romans 12:2 transformation occurs.  Paul’s final instructions to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:19-22 are a reminder to Timothy of the connections he must maintain to remain strong.

The many sports references by Paul in the epistles indicate he must have been a sports fan.  He most likely saw a relay race and had a deep desire to cleanly pass the baton on to his protégé, Timothy.  Those of us that are mature in our walk with the Lord carry the baton of the Gospel and must not hesitate to pass it on as the Lord directs. While many reading this may not be ministers, we all have a ministry to those God has placed around us.  My prayer is that each of us will cleanly pass our baton of the Gospel to those God places in our path. 

Jesus is the Sign

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Text:  Mark 8:11-21

Mark 8:12

And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”

(ESV)

Once again the Pharisees approach Jesus, this time asking for a sign.  As with the other times, they approached Jesus, but they are not really seeking a sign demonstrating who Jesus was but testing Jesus (Mark 8:11).  This account recorded in Mark 8:11-21 says that Jesus tells the Pharisees they will not receive a sign and then walks away.  In Luke 11:29 Jesus does provide a sign, the sign of Jonah.  This was not the sign the Pharisee’s sought and why Jesus simply walked away refusing to provide a sign.  The Pharisees sought some miraculous sign demonstrating God’s power and proving Jesus was the Messiah as He claimed.  Instead, Jesus gives a sign illustrating His purpose for coming, His death, burial, and resurrection. 

However, we must ask how the account of Jonah provides a sign pointing to Jesus.  We find the account of Jonah in the Book of Jonah 1-4.  A quick summary of the story is God asks Jonah to go to Nineveh and call out their evil against Him (Jonah 1:1-6).  Most men and women of God would be pleased to have God use them in this manner but not Jonah who flees to Tarshish.  To get Jonah’s attention, God brings a great storm that threatens to sink the boat (Jonah 1:4-6).  After determining the cause of the storm was Jonah’s rebellion against the Lord, the others on the ship throw Jonah overboard, but God provides a great fish to swallow up Jonah (Jonah 1:7-17).  This saves Jonah for after three days the fish vomits him safely up (Jonah 2:1-10).  Once again God calls Jonah to go to Nineveh and, to Jonah’s surprise, the people repent of their sins and turn to God.  Unfortunately, Jonah is even angry at God moving the people of Nineveh to repentance with the book ending with God reminding Jonah that the 120,000 persons in Nineveh are important and loved by Him (Jonah 3-4). 

The Pharisees are concerned about Jesus coming on the scene and having so much attention from the common people of Galilee.  Therefore they believe they must test Jesus by asking for a sign.  The sign of Jonah is not what they are looking for but illustrates the purpose of Jesus’ coming.  The throwing of Jonah overboard is symbolic of Jesus’ death with the fish symbolic of Jesus in the grave for three days.  The fish vomiting Jonah up on the beach symbolizes Jesus’ resurrection.  Confession of one’s belief in Jesus, the one symbolized by the sign of Jonah is all that one needs to receive salvation (Romans 10:9-10).  If you are reading this and have not made a profession of faith in Jesus as your savior, I encourage you to do so now by praying with me,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

Those that just prayed with me are encouraged to find a church or Bible study teaching the Bible so they can establish a deeper relationship with God and begin the transformation from one dominated by the world’s thinking and worldview to a biblical and Godly worldview (Romans 12:2).  The church is not a building but a gathering of believers in Jesus Christ as the one symbolized in the sign of Jonah.  If you just prayed to make Jesus your savior that includes you for God has forgiven all your sins because of your belief, giving you eternal life (John 3:16).  Since Romans 10:9-10 speaks of one confessing with their mouth what has just occurred spiritually in their life, believers in Jesus as their savior are also encouraged to tell someone about what has just happened in their life just as Jonah did in Nineveh (Jonah 3).  Salvation through believing in God’s Son, Jesus, is not something to keep hidden, but something to let all within our community know about (Matthew 6:16).

After Jesus’ gets in the boat and leaves for the other side, he tells the Disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod.  Jesus is still speaking symbolically about the false teaching of the Pharisees and the unbelief of Herod, but the Disciples equate leaven with bread and believe Jesus is speaking of the fact they only have one loaf of bread left (Mark 8:14-16).  The error of interpretation by the Disciples is something every student of the Bible must guard against, the error of assigning literal belief to what Scripture symbolically says.  Jesus use of the word leaven was not about bread but the hypocrisy of the teaching of the Pharisees (Luke 12:1). 

Growth as a Christian involves an ongoing mental transformation from conformity to the worlds way of thinking to a renewed mind with a Christ-like worldview.  This involves first accepting Jesus as savior and study of the Bible guided by someone that teaches the Bible.  Believers must also converse with God through prayer on a regular basis for relationships fail due to a lack of communication.  We must also guard against a wrong interpretation of what Scripture says by always determining if the text requires a literal or symbolic interpretation.  May God bless all reading this post. 

The Reward of Steadfast Faith

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Text:  2 Timothy 4:1-8

2 Timothy 4:8

Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.

(ESV)

The main ingredient missing in modern culture is faith.  Instead of one living by faith, people live by their feelings.  Since feelings constantly change based upon external circumstances, living according to one’s feelings provides no foundation upon which to build stability in one’s life.  This leads to the philosophy of following one’s heart, something that is deceitful and full of evil, (Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21).  Those with faith in Jesus Christ endure suffering and persecution for they are not governed by their feelings and instead like a runner, have their eyes on the price of a crown of righteousness (1 Corinthians 9:25; Philippians 3:14; Colossians 1:5; Revelation 2:10).  Therefore, the children of God must learn to live by faith and not their ever-changing feelings.  However, feelings are powerful as they trigger emotional reactions. 

As the Apostle Paul brings his teaching to Timothy to a close, he is most likely full of emotion.  He is about to face death for his faith and even though he knows this means being with the Lord and receiving the imperishable reward of the crown of righteousness,  he is also aware there will be great pain and suffering (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Revelation 2:10).  The Apostle Paul has learned to be content in Christ despite his external circumstances (Philippians 4:11-13).  His instructions to Timothy are not just for Timothy but apply to every believer for we all have a calling from Christ to spread the Gospel and make disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20).  Paul’s final instructions to Timothy include,

1)      Preaching the truth when it is popular and when it is dangerous to do so (2 Timothy 4:2; Acts 10:42) – Paul charges Timothy with the responsibility to preach the Word of God in season and out or season.  Paul is not referring to winter, spring, summer, and fall, but instead symbolically using the seasons to illustrate preaching the Word of God at all times, even when not in favorable circumstances.  Living in Phoenix Arizona, the summer is not a time when one thinks of going outside and being active, especially in the middle of the afternoon when it can typically be 110 degrees.  Likewise, preaching the Word of God in the last days may require doing so where the government forbids it or where it is unpopular.  In this season, our feelings may cause it to resist declaring the truth of God’s Word because it could lead to pain, rejection, arrest, or in extreme cases even one’s death.  However, one living by faith will resist what their feelings tell them and do what their faith directs which is to live according to the Word of God. 

2)      Speak biblical truth,  Remain sober-minded, endure suffering, and evangelize even if rejected (2 Timothy 4:3-5) – Those in ministry seeking to have people like them so they can feel successful are tempted to scratch the itchy ears of the congregation rather than declaring the truth that changes the heart.  Instead of having the goal of feeling good because what they teach makes others feel good, one teaching the Word of God must be sober-minded or exercise clear judgment that is not intoxicated by sins like selfish passion or greed.  When speaking biblical truth to people, it may cut as it exposes sin in one's life.  This may cause some to lash out at the messenger but the messenger must not allow him or herself to be swayed and remain clear-minded in speaking biblical truth to evangelize or point people to Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20). 

3)      Follow the example of those steadfast in their faith (2 Timothy 4:6-8) – This text ends with the Apostle Paul saying that he knows his time is short.  He seems to brag about his fighting the good fight and successfully finishing the race of his life and having a crown of righteousness awaiting him.  However, the suffering that accompanied the Apostle Paul’s coming to the brink of martyrdom for his faith is hardly bragging but instead an example for Timothy, and us, to follow.  The Apostle Paul could spend these last few days of his life emotionally lashing out at his captors but remains content in his faith in Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:11-13).  The Apostle provides an example to Timothy and us of one living by faith and not emotions or feelings. 

Staying steadfast in one’s faith is not an easy task for it comes with persecution.  For some this persecution is hard persecution like that suffered by the Apostle Paul that led to his arrest and eventual death for preaching the Gospel.  For others, it is soft persecution that does not come with the threat of arrest or loss of life but instead comes with rejection and alienation by friends.  A culture where people allow their feelings and not faith in God to govern their lives will ignore teaching that brings reproof, rebuke, or correction and instead seek out teaching that makes them feel good.  Those called to teach the Word of God must not only teach what exhorts and encourages others but also that which reproves or rebukes.  All Christians have a calling to spread the Gospel and make disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20), which includes pointing out how sin has broken the relationship we were intended to have with God and pointing them to Jesus, the mender of this broken relationship.  If you have never asked Jesus to mend your broken relationship with God, I invite you to do so now by praying with me,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

Congratulations, Jesus has broken down the wall of sin that once separated your relationship with God.  However, this is not the end but the beginning for all relationships develop through spending time together. God has given us His son to die in our place, giving us eternal life and restoration of our relationship with God (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).  God has also given us His Word, the Bible, to communicate with us on an ongoing basis.  However, this requires effort on our part as we must open the book to read it and find a church or Bible study to help us understand what we read.  We also have prayer where we can approach God in worship, making our requests known to him which is an act of faith that God hears and answers our prayers (Matthew 6:5-15; James 5:16).  I encourage all reading this to follow the example of the Apostle Paul and live by faith and not by feelings so the world can discover the vital missing ingredient necessary for survival in an evil world, faith in God. 

Little is Much in the Hands of the Lord

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Text:  Mark 8:1-10

Mark 8:6-8

And he directed the crowd to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd. ⁷ And they had a few small fish. And having blessed them, he said that these also should be set before them. ⁸ And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full.

(ESV)

When we take time to reflect on what God did for us in sending His Son to die for our sins, we realize that none of us has much to offer to the Lord.  Thankfully, God is a gracious God and only asks people to believe in Jesus and enjoy eternal life (John 3:16).  Since John 3:16 is a verse many can recite from memory, we typically recite it without taking time to consider what the verse means.  Therefore, let us take a moment to look closely at the meaning of John 3:16.

God so loved the world, a world that would welcome His Son as long as they received a miracle but that would turn on Him calling for His crucifixion.  John 6 begins with the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:1-15) but ends with many turning away due to the hard teaching of Jesus (John 6:60, 66).  Yet, God still loves them and sent His Son to die for them.  That He gave His only begotten Son, letting us know of the generosity of God, even towards them that might reject Him when the going gets tough.  That whosoever believes, the only requirement is to believe, but those choosing not to believe are not saved but condemned.  (John 3:18).  Jesus death on the cross means everyone has the opportunity for salvation and reconciliation to God but to receive it, they must believe.  Shall not perish but have everlasting life.  This is the reward for those that believe with those choosing not to believe incurring condemnation and judgment from God. 

The text of Mark 8:1-10 records Jesus feeding of the four thousand.  This account resembles Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand recorded in Mark 6:30-44.  While we do not know how much time transpired between these two miracles, we do know they happened during the three and one-half years of Jesus’ ministry and most likely occurred closely together.  Both miracles illustrate Jesus’ compassion for those in need and demonstrate His ability to take what little people have to offer and multiplying it to meet their needs (John 6:11-13; Mark 8:6-8).  However, both accounts also show doubt with the Disciples focus on the apparent impossibility of feeding such a large crowd (John 6:4-9; Mark 8:4).  Both accounts also show obedience with the Disciples obediently doing what the Lord commands in both accounts despite their doubts (John 6:10; Mark 8:6-7).   

Honest reflection and assessment of our lives will reveal we have little to offer to the Lord.  Thankfully, all God requires of us is to believe that He loves fallen humanity so much that He did not hesitate to send His only Son, Jesus, to die for their sins (John 3:16).  There is also the ongoing process after giving one’s life to God of obedience and transformation of our thinking from secular conformity to the world to thinking according to what is contained in the Word of God (Romans 12:1-2). 

In both accounts of Jesus feeding a multitude, the Disciples had doubts.  However, despite these doubts, the Disciples also demonstrate obedience and belief through their obedience to what God told them to do.  Using the metaphor of one driving a car, living for Christ involves getting out of the driver’s seat and sitting in the passenger seat allowing Christ to drive the car of our lives.  I personally do not like being in the passenger seat of the car and feel more comfortable when driving and in control.  When in the passenger seat I can get nervous about how the other person is driving, but since I have never died or been injured in a traffic accident, these other drivers were good drivers even though I was nervous about how they drove the car.  Letting Jesus drive the car of our lives can be scary as we may not always like how he drives the car of our lives but the destination is for our good (Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28).  However, rather than taking control of the wheel ourselves, we must like the disciples, surrender in obedience and go along for the ride for like the outcome in both Mark 8:1-10 and Mark 6:30-44, the destination was good. 

However, the process of belief begins with one surrendering their life to Jesus through belief in the finished work of salvation provided by Jesus’ death on the cross.  One can look at this work as us giving Jesus control of the car of our lives and crashing the car, with us not in it, to take the death penalty for sin and providing a new car or life (Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:21; John 3:1-14).  The process begins with the initial surrender of one’s life to Christ through a profession of faith in Jesus as savior (Romans 10:9-10).  If you are reading this and have never made this profession of faith, I encourage you to do so now by praying with me,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

Congratulations, Jesus has destroyed the old wreck of your sinful life on the Cross (2 Corinthians 5:21) and you now have a new life in Christ.  You now have eternal life in Christ but to enjoy the abundance of life in Christ (John 10:10), it is necessary to begin the process of transformation (Romans 12:1-2).  This process is ongoing, occurring through regular prayer and study of the Bible both individually and as part of a church teaching the Bible or a bible study.  The important thing to remember is to allow Jesus to drive the car of our lives and even when it looks like He is an incompetent driver, obediently let Him drive knowing the destination is where he wants us to go. 

Struggle and trials are a part of life and something Jesus warned us would happen (John 16:33).  Therefore, when we give Jesus control of our lives, it does not mean our lives will be free of trouble, just that the driver of our lives, Jesus, knows the best way to navigate through these troubles.  Just like what the disciples did in Mark 6:30-44 and Mark 8:1-10, we must resist the temptation to allow doubt to take over in the driver's seat and obediently believe Jesus knows the best path through the troubles.  May God bless everyone reading this.  

A Foundation and Anchor of Truth

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Text:  2 Timothy 3:10-17

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God^[b]may be complete, equipped for every good work.

(ESV)

When one begins working in a profession or trade, the process begins with education where one acquires basic knowledge.  Then there may also be an internship for those going into a profession or an apprenticeship for those learning a trade that provides practical work experience.  Timothy has a background of education in Scripture since childhood and has served with the Apostle Paul as an apprentice or intern.  He is now ready to begin his ministry with these words serving as a reminder to continue serving God by remaining anchored to God’s Word, the foundation and anchor of truth.

These words of instruction begin with,

1)      Commending Timothy for following Paul’s example of Godly living (2 Timothy 3:10) – Paul begins this text by commending Timothy for his emulation of the godly qualities of biblical teaching, conduct, aim or purpose in life, faith, patience, love, and steadfastness.  These qualities resemble the fruits of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 which are the remedy to the wickedness earlier mentioned by Paul in 2 Timothy 3:1-9.  However, it is not just those in ministry that need to emulate these qualities but all believers in Christ so the world can see the fruits of the Spirit at work in the lives of God’s people. 

2)      Commendation for staying with Paul through his sufferings and persecutions (2 Timothy 3:11-13) – While no person knows the exact date of the return of Christ, the return of Christ is one day closer with each passing day.  While this brings hope to believers in Christ, as the day of Christ’s return draws nearer, the persecution and suffering directed at God’s people will also increase.  Paul’s reminder in 2 Timothy 3:12 is not a verse that brings comfort but does remind us of the need to remain prepared as the day of Christ’s return draws closer.  Paul’s commendation of Timothy is also thanks for staying steadfast with him during his persecution and suffering that have resulted in his imprisonment.  Sadly, if believers do not firmly anchor to the solid foundation of biblical truth, they will run away from God when persecution and suffering increase as the day of the Lord’s return draws nearer.  God’s people must be steadfast in their study of the Word, gathering together, and praying to prepare for increased persecution and suffering sure to come as Jesus’ return approaches. 

3)      Continuation of the study of scripture as ongoing education (2 Timothy 3:14-15) – Study of the Bible is more than just a one-time event that happens with one reading the book cover to cover.  Instead, the study of God’s Word is an ongoing process.  This is because the understanding of the Bible comes through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  This is why we may read a passage of scripture several times and understand something in the passage that we did not see before because we are now ready for that understanding.  Timothy understood this since his childhood, with Paul encouraging him to continue studying.  We must also heed this advice as the Lord’s return draws nearer. 

4)      Completeness and equipping of one for serving Christ from the foundation and anchor of God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17) – By anchoring in the Word and its firm foundation we can be like Jesus during the storms of suffering and persecution and not in panic as the Disciples were (Matthew 8:23-27).  With this firm anchoring to the rock, the children of God will remain anchored to the truth when the storms of persecution and suffering come and stand strong in faith, complete in the knowledge of the truth. 

God has placed each of us in our profession or job for a purpose and even if that is not one as an ordained minister; we have a ministry from wherever God has placed us.  In one’s personal ministry it is crucial that they follow Paul’s instructions to Timothy by living in a Godly manner, enduring persecutions and suffering, and most importantly, continuing to study Scripture as it provides the foundation and anchor of truth as one ministers. 

Our world is in dire need for revival and a return to the things of God.  While great evangelists and orators or the Bible serve as the spark that ignites a revival, lasting revival in the hearts of individuals occurs as they see ordinary people like ourselves enduring suffering and persecution in a godly manner due to anchoring their lives in a Biblical foundation of truth.  I pray everyone reading this will search their hearts and anchor their lives to the Biblical foundation of truth.  However, this process begins with one having faith in Jesus as his or her savior (2 Timothy 3:15).  If you have never taken this step, I encourage you to do so by praying with me,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

My prayer is that those reading this will stand firm and anchor their lives on the truth of the Bible.  Storms of persecution and suffering in the last days are coming and those not anchored firmly to the truth of the Bible will find themselves tossed around by the coming storms of persecution and suffering.  As Christians, we must be fruitful, studious, and gather together for strength to endure the storms coming in the last days.  May God bless everyone reading this post.    

Unexpected Ways of Answering Prayer

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Text:  Mark 7:31-37

Mark 7:33-34

And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. ³⁴ And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.”

(ESV)

James 5:16 reminds believers to pray for each other and reminds us that prayers are effective.  However, it is not the selection of words, the emotional manner with which one prays, or the eloquence of prayers that make them effective but the power of God that answers them.  There is, therefore, no need to be afraid of praying to God for he wants to hear from us.  Prayer is an immense privilege for it is how men and women who have sinned (Romans 3:23) communicate with their creator God with God promising to answer our prayers and share His wisdom with us (Jeremiah 33:2-3).  However, how God answers our prayer is not the same each time. 

After leaving Tyre where Jesus cast the demon out of the daughter of the Syrophoenician Woman, Jesus travels through Sidon to the Decapolis region of the Sea of Galilee.  Once again, the word of Jesus’ arrival spreads prompting people to bring a deaf and mute man to Jesus.  The people ask Jesus to lay His hand on the man so he can recover his hearing and ability to speak (Mark 7:31-32).  However, instead of laying His hand upon the man, Jesus takes him aside, puts his fingers in his ears, and after spitting, touches his tongue.  Jesus then looks up to heaven and says “be opened” and the man’s hearing and ability to speak are restored (Mark 7:33-35).  Jesus then charges the man to tell no one what has just happened, but the more Jesus tells him to be quiet, the more he zealously proclaims what as happened causing amazement by the people in the city (Mark 7:36-37). 

This text teaches us that,

1)      Jesus has compassion for the man (Mark 7:31-33) – Perhaps weary from ministering in Tyre, Jesus does not hesitate to stop and minister to the deaf man.  Jesus, the tireless servant does not back off from the need to minister to those in need. 

2)      Jesus does not minister to the man like the people expected Him to (Mark 7:33-35) – Jesus as God could have just laid hands on the man and restored his ability to hear and speak.  However, had he done this the crowd would have begun praising God and denied the man the opportunity to proclaim what God had done for Him.  By healing the man in private, any public proclamation of what God had done would come from the deaf man Jesus healed. 

3)      Even a charge by Jesus to remain silent could not prevent the man from proclaiming what Jesus did (Mark 7:36-37) – While Scripture does not tell us how long this man had been deaf and unable to speak, the man could not keep silent once Jesus heals him and he can speak.  While it looks like the man disobeyed Jesus by not remaining silent about the miracle Jesus did in his life, it is also possible that Jesus is testing the man to see if he will fearlessly proclaim what God has done in his life.  If the later is the case, the man passes the test by fearlessly proclaiming his testimony of healing knowing he may suffer opposition from the Romans and religious leaders opposing Jesus. 

God, the almighty creator of the universe wants us to call out to Him (Jeremiah 33:2-3).  We must not take this privilege lightly for it is this calling out to God that helps us understand the wisdom of what God says through His Word (2 Peter 1:21).  However, how God answers our prayers is according to His will.  In the text of Mark 7:31-37, Jesus does not publicly lay hands on the man in front of the crowd but privately heals the man so he can speak and declare what God has done in his life. 

The greatest work God does in one’s life is restoring the relationship that was broken in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3).  This required God sacrificing His only son for our sins (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).  If you have not already done so, I invite you to pray with me now and restore your broken relationship with God,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

Now that your relationship with God is restored, God wants to hear from you and share His wisdom with you (Jeremiah 33:2-3).  This happens through prayer where we thank God for what he has done and make our concerns and problems know to Him.  Granted, God already knows our concerns and problems but He wants to hear us give these concerns to Him.  God shares His wisdom with us through the study of His Word.  Study of the Bible begins by opening the book and reading it and through finding a church or Bible study to help us understand what we are reading.  Finally, we must always remember that God hears our prayers and will answer them but maybe not when or in the manner we expect.  May God bless everyone reading this. 

Godlessness in the Last Days

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Text:  2 Timothy 3:1-9

2 Timothy 3:1

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.

(ESV)

In an age when many churches fear to preach difficult truth, 2 Timothy 3:1 may not be a popular topical verse for a Sunday sermon.  Pastors neglecting their calling to declare truth from Scripture are robbing their congregation of truth that sets people free (John 8:32).  Instead of refusing to preach difficult truth, pastors are to declare the truth and shepherd their flock through the difficulties of life.  This is what the Apostle Paul is doing with Timothy and provides an example for church leaders to follow. 

Paul begins with teaching Timothy that the last days will bring times of difficulty.  This leads to the biblical question of when the last days began.  According to Hebrews 1:2, the coming of Jesus ushered in the last days.  Therefore, the Apostle Paul, Timothy, and we are living in the last days.  This explains why the behaviors of people listed by Paul resemble much of what is prevalent in modern society, making it appear that 2 Timothy 3:2-5 is a prophetic passage.  Instead, this passage is instructional with Paul observing many of the same self-centered behaviors prevalent in society today.  We can break down the behaviors listed in 2 Timothy 3:2-5 into three categories. 

1)      Self-centered attitudes (2 Timothy 3:2) – People dominated by self-centeredness are in love with themselves, greedy or lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to parents or any authority, ungrateful, and unholy.  The divisiveness on modern society has its roots in these attitudes.  However, a Child of God is to be Christ-centered or one in love with Christ.  This leads to dependence on God financially, humility due to trust in God, not abusive but loving towards others even one’s enemies (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:35), submission to Godly authority, thankfulness, and holiness in Christ.  This is the attitude needed for one to get through the difficulties of the last days.

2)      Self-centered behaviors (2 Timothy 3:3) – A self-centered person is heartless for their heart centers only on what is best for them leaving no room for any compassionate behavior towards others unless it benefits them.  There is also no room for appeasement with enemies for they are a threat to their well-being and must suffer defeat.  They behave slanderously towards anyone daring to disagree with their self-centered interests.  When encountering someone threatening their self-interests, they can quickly lose control.  This loss of self-control can become vicious and brutal.  A self-centered person does not love good for the community but only what is good for them.  These behaviors are all contrary to the fruits of the Spirit which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).  As Christians, we must guard against self-centered behaviors for in the last days, the world needs more fruitful Christians.    

3)      Self-centered danger (2 Timothy 3:4) – Continued self-centeredness can progress to treacherous, reckless, conceited, and pleasure-seeking behaviors that are destructive to one’s life.  The prevalent post-modernistic philosophy of one doing whatever they believe is right is false teaching acting like a thief in one’s life leading to their destruction (John 10:10).  Instead of allowing self-centeredness to progress to destructive and dangerous behaviors, one must adopt the behaviors of the beatitudes as taught by Jesus (Matthew 5:2-12). 

The Christian life is not a life of self-centered attitudes and behaviors that left unchecked can progress into dangerous and destructive behaviors.  Instead, a life lived for Christ is a life centered on Christ that follows the principles of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:2-12) bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).  However, for one to enjoy a Christ-centered life, they must restore their relationship with God that sin has broken (Romans 3:23).  I invite those that have not done this to pray with me now,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

To bear the fruit of the Spirit and live in obedience to the Beatitudes, one must have nourishment from the Bible, the Word of God and connection with God through prayer.  One must also have a connection with other believers in Christ as Savior.  To accomplish this, I encourage those that just prayed to find a church or Bible study where they can begin learning the truth contained in the Bible.  This also provides a place for regular connection with others of like belief as well as connection with those that will pray for us.  A Godless world needs more fruit-bearing Christians living Christ-centered lives.  The challenge for each of us is will we be a fruit-bearing, Christ-centered Christian.