Faith v. Sight

Posted on by Jole Miller

Second Corinthians 5:7 says that Christians are to live by faith, not by sight. One thing this means is that we are to judge our circumstances by what is true about God, rather than judge God based on our circumstances.

The bible describes a God who is infinitely wise, infinitely powerful, and unbelievably patient and merciful. He is also a God who loves truth and justice. But this world is broken. It can be incredibly hard and disappointing. Sometimes God feels distant and indifferent. What do you trust in those situations?

Below are some examples from the bible where people experienced a disconnect between God’s promises (faith) and their lived experience (sight):

Abraham and Isaac

  • Promise– God promised Abraham that his descendents would outnumber the stars (Genesis 15:5).
  • Circumstance– Abraham and Sarah were old, well beyond the age of childbearing. Also, it had been almost 25 years since God first promised offspring to Abraham.
  • By Sight– Sarah laughed when she heard that she would have a son in one year saying, “After I am worn out and my [husband] is old, will I have this pleasure [of having a child]?” (Genesis 18:12).
  • By Faith– “Is anything too hard for the LORD?” (Genesis 18:14).

As he promised, God provided a son for Abraham and Sarah in their old age. He turned their sorrow into laughter (Genesis 21:1-7).

Red Sea

  • Promise– “I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgement. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians” (Exodus 6:6-7).
  • Circumstance– The army of Pharoah pursued the Israelites as they fled Egypt. There was an army behind them and a sea before them. There was nowhere for them to go (Exodus 14).
  • By Sight– The Israelites were terrified and said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert” (Exodus 14:10-12).
  • By Faith– Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD with fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:13-14).
God used Moses to part the Red Sea, allowing the Hebrews to escape from captivity in Egypt.

Promised Land (Numbers 13-14)

  • Promise– God promised to give the Israelites land.
  • Circumstance– The land was occupied by the Amalekites, Hittites, Jebusites, Amorites, and Canaanites.
  • By Sight– “The people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large . . .We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are” (Numbers 13).
  • By Faith– Caleb said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we certainly can do it” (Numbers 13:30). Joshua said, “If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them” (Numbers 14:8-9).

Unfortunately, they gave into their fear and refused to enter the promised land. Because of their disobedience and lack of faith, God caused them to wander in the wilderness for 40 years.

Goliath (1 Samuel 17)

  • Promise– God does not promise the Israelites that they will be successful in this battle.
  • Circumstance– The Philistines control one hill and the Israelites another, with a valley in between them. The Philistines’ champion was a man named Goliath. Goliath stood 9 feet tall and was a skilled warrior. Whoever was victorious in 1-on-1 combat, Goliath or Israel’s champion, would win victory for their nation (1 Samuel 17:9).
  • By Sight– Upon hearing Goliath’s challenge, King Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified (17:11). Everyday for 40 days, Goliath issued his challenge to Israel. Whenever the Israelites saw him, they fled in great fear (17:24). David, however, believed he could defeat the giant. King Saul told him, “You can’t go fight this Philistine. You’re just a youth, and he’s been a warrior since he was young.”
  • By Faith– David told King Saul, “[I have] killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine” (17:36-37).
  • He then told Goliath, “You come against me with a sword, spear, and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord of Armies, the God of the ranks of Israel—you have defied him. Today, the Lord will hand you over to me. Today, I’ll strike you down, remove your head, and give the corpses of the Philistine camp to the birds of the sky and the wild creatures of the earth. Then all the world will know that Israel has a God, and this whole assembly will know that it is not by sword or by spear that the Lord saves, for the battle is the Lord’s. He will hand you over to us” (17:45-47).

David slew Goliath and secured a great victory for Israel.

Walking on Water (Matthew 14)

The disciples were alone in the boat and the wind and waves were beating against them. Jesus walked to them upon the water. When they saw him walking on the water, they were afraid, thinking he was a ghost.

  • Promise– Jesus said to them, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (Matthew 14:27).
  • Circumstance– Peter replied, “Lord, if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water” (14:28).
  • By Faith- Jesus told Peter to come and he got out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus (14:29).
  • By Sight– “But when [Peter] saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!'” (14:30)

Jesus reached out his hand to save him. He asked Peter, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Crucifixion

  • Promise– Jesus predicted his death and resurrection at least three times. Jesus told his disciples, “The Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise” (Mark 10:33-34).
  • Circumstance– Jesus was arrested. His disciples flee. Peter denied Jesus.
  • By Sight– As Jesus hung on the cross, the crowd mocked him, “He saved others, but he can’t save himself. Let this Messiah come down from the cross, that we may see and believe” (Mark 15:31-32).
  • By Faith– Jesus rose from the dead and encountered two disciples who were distraught about Jesus’ death. Jesus responded to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” (Luke 24:25-26).

Jesus endured the worst injustice in world history to justify many before God. He turned dark clouds into sunshine. He turned sadness into joy. When all hope appeared to be lost, Christ rose victorious.

What about You?

What is your situation? Are you in a season of waiting? Do you feel stuck? What giant stands before you? Where are you placing your hopes?

God doesn’t promise worldly success. He does promise that following him will lead to a life of eternal significance.

God doesn’t promise healing. He does promise to give glorified bodies after we are resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:53).

God doesn’t promise to provide a spouse or children. He does promise that his Church will be a new type of family.

God doesn’t promise that things will be easy or fair. He does promise that he will never leave nor forsake us.

I’ll conclude with a story from 2 Kings 6:15-17. The prophet Elisha was being pursued by the king of Aram. One morning Elisha’s servant went out and saw that the army of the Arameans completely surrounded the city. Terrified, he cried out, “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?”

Elisha answered, “Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

Elisha then prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

The servant could only see with his natural eyes, and things looked hopeless. Elisha, however, had spiritual eyes to see the big picture. On the surface it looked liked they were surrounded by enemies. In reality, they were surrounded by God’s protecting angels.

In the same way, our eyes can never see the full picture. We are limited by our perspective. We are limited by time. We can’t predict the future.

May God give us the spiritual eyes to trust him when things don’t make sense. In the end, God will make all things well.

Psalm 62: Stability in an Unstable World

Posted on by Jole Miller

Saint Thomas Aquinas taught that the four main idols are power, fame, pleasure, and wealth. An idol is anything that we trust apart from God. It is a created thing that we elevate above the Creator. They are good things that we turn into god things. They are the things we look to for our worth, security, and purpose. Idols always let us down. In Psalm 62, King David shows us why these idols can’t give us the stability that we crave:

For God alone my soul waits in silence;

from him comes my salvation.

He alone is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

How long will all of you attack a man

to batter him,

like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?

They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.

They take pleasure in falsehood.

They bless with their mouths,

but inwardly they curse. Selah

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,

for my hope is from him.

He only is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

On God rests my salvation and my glory;

my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

Trust in him at all times, O people;

pour out your heart before him;

God is a refuge for us. Selah

Those of low estate are but a breath;

those of high estate are a delusion;

in the balances they go up;

they are together lighter than a breath.

Put no trust in extortion;

set no vain hopes on robbery;

if riches increase, set not your heart on them.

Once God has spoken;

twice have I heard this:

that power belongs to God,

and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.

For you will render to a man

according to his work.

Power is Shaky

David writes, “How long will you threaten a man? Will all of you attack as if he were a leaning wall or a tottering fence? They only plan to topple him from his high position” (vv. 3-4).

The imagery of a leaning wall, tottering fence, and being toppled paint the picture of something that is unstable. It doesn’t take much force to push over a leaning wall since gravity is working with you. King David would have known how precarious it is to be a leader. He worried about other nations who wanted to conquer Israel, and his own son attempted to usurp his throne. He saw how God ripped the kingdom away from King Saul. He knew better than most impermanence of power.

Consider US presidents. For a certain amount of time they are among the most powerful people in the world, but how long does it last? Presidents have died of illness (William Harrison died of pneumonia one month into his presidency). Nixon resigned in disgrace. Presidents can be impeached and removed from office. They can be assassinated. Indeed, many have served a full term or two, but after they must leave the White House and make room for the incoming president. Most return to a life of relative political obscurity. Maybe they make an appearance on a news network or campaign trail, but their political power is the same as any other citizen.

Power never lasts. We grow old and weak. We become forgetful. Someone younger, stronger, and more determined is constantly trying to take our position. Rival companies want to win over your existing customers and put you out of business. Death comes for us all.

In verse 11, David reminds us that “Power belongs to you, God.” Every person is dependent on God for their strength. He can give and take away at any time. Paul writes about worldly authorities, “There is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God” (Romans 13:1). God is sovereign over nature. He is sovereign over human institutions. He is sovereign over the spiritual realm. Human power is shaky, but God’s power is eternal and unfailing.

People are Duplicitous

David also knows better than to put too much stock people. He writes, “They take pleasure in lying; they bless with their mouths, but they curse inwardly” (v. 4).

After David returned victorious in battle, women danced and sang, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” They greatly rejoiced when he became king. They celebrated his successes. But after a while they turned on him. His son Absalom “stole the hearts of the people of Israel.” They rebelled. They cursed him when he walked by. Their love turned to hatred.

The bible teaches that it is not good for us to be alone (Genesis 2:18). God created us to be in community. At birth we are completely dependent on others for survival. As we mature, others depend on us too. We are commanded to love our neighbor as ourselves (Luke 10:27). All people are made in the image of God and are worthy of dignity and respect. God values humans so highly that he entrusted the entire earth to us (Psalm 8). Love and acceptance is what our souls crave. But fame and approval are terrible gods.

People are fickle. We get bored easily and move on to the next thing. People are finite. We have limited time, money, energy, and mental capacities. People are flawed. We can be cruel, selfish, and deceitful, putting our wants before the needs of others. Despite this, people-pleasing remains a strong temptation. We crave acceptance. We want others to like us. We want someone to validate our existence.

David tells us how to break the chains of approval. “With you, Lord, is unfailing love” (Psalm 62:12). Every humans’ love will fail. They will fall short of what you want and need from them. Even if they loved you perfectly, one day they will die. God’s love is different. It lasts forever. He loved us so much that he sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. His love isn’t dependent on our righteousness, but on Christ’s perfect righteousness.

When we understand the love and acceptance that we have with God, the temptation to look for acceptance and worth in other people diminishes.

Life is Short

God created Adam and Eve with bodies that weren’t meant to die. However, when they ate the forbidden fruit, disease and death became a reality for us all (see Genesis 3). We exist in time, but were created for and long for eternity. Mathematically, there is no difference between 1 year and 100 years in light of eternity.

David writes, “Common people are only a vapor; important people, an illusion. Together on a scale, they weigh less than a vapor” (v. 9). Notice that death shows no favoritism— rich or poor, wise or foolish, righteous or wicked— death comes for us all. The Teacher in Ecclesiastes laments, “‘The fate of the fool will overtake me also. What then do I gain by being wise?’ For the wise, like the fool will not be long remembered; the days have already come when both have been forgotten. Like the fool, the wise too must die!”

Not only will we all die and be forgotten, there were also come a day when life doesn’t bring us the joy it once did. Ecclesiastes 12:1 states, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them.'”

Life and the pleasures of life are fleeting. They are a mist, a vapor that is here one minute and gone the next. But God is a rock. Strong. Solid. Unchanging. Immovable. If a strong wind is hitting you, you can find shelter behind a rock. You can’t build a house on air, but you can build it on a rock.

Wealth is Vain

Lastly, we will consider wealth and possessions. Jesus tells us that it is impossible to serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24) and that the deceitfulness of wealth keep us from living fruitful lives (Mark 4:19). Paul teaches, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:10). Money is not evil. We all need money to survive, and God has filled the world with good things to enjoy. However, wealth can lead us away from God.

David writes, “Place no trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods. Though your riches increase, do not set your hearts on them” (v. 10). Extortion and stealing are ways in which people harm others to enrich themselves. Rather than using money to love and serve others, they use others to attain more wealth.

While earthly wealth is fleeting, God offers eternal rewards (v. 12). Jesus tells us to store up for ourselves treasures in heaven where they cannot be stolen or destroyed (Matthew 6:19-21). A missionary named Jim Elliot once said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Our wealth is only valuable to us on this earth. We have no use for it when we die. We have the opportunity to transform earthly treasure into heavenly treasure by stewarding it wisely and generously.

The Rock

King David shows us in Psalm 62 that power, people, wealth, and even our lives are fleeting. Everyone and everything in life will let you down because they were never meant to hold you up. God, on the other hand, is secure. He is unchanging. The only place where our souls can find rest. He is our rock, our salvation, our fortress and refuge. The classic hymn “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” starts:

My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand:
all other ground is sinking sand;
all other ground is sinking sand.

David reminds us to “Trust in him at all times, people. For God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8). Anything else in life will fail us, but God is always our refuge and firm foundation. Turn to him. Trust in him. Hope in him.

17 Lessons from 1 Peter on Suffering

Posted on by Jole Miller

I am studying 1 Peter and have been blown away by how often he addresses suffering. In just 5 chapters, Peter mentions suffering roughly twenty times. The Bible has much more to say about suffering. Books like Job and Ecclesiastes, Psalms 13 & 18, Genesis 37-45, and 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 are other great places to explore suffering. The focus of this post will be the 17 things Peter teaches us about suffering. We will explore Christ’s suffering, general truths about suffering, and what suffering accomplishes in us.

1. Christ’s Suffering Was Foretold

“The prophets . . . searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah . . .” (1 Peter 1:10-11).

Peter likely has Isaiah 53 in mind. Isaiah 53 describes a suffering servant who was despised and rejected, was pierced for our transgressions, and heals us by his wounds. Jesus’ crucifixion was man’s attempt to thwart God’s plan, but it all happened to fulfill the Scriptures (John 19:24).

2. Christ Suffered in Front of His Friends

“I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings . . .” (1 Peter 5:1).

Many friends and family (including his mother) witnessed Jesus being tortured and killed. Peter denied Jesus, witnessed his death, and was restored to leadership after Jesus rose from the dead. Imagine how seeing both the suffering and the resurrected glory would have shaped Peter’s outlook on life.

3. Christ Suffered to Bring Us to God

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit” (1 Peter 3:18).

Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages of sin is death. Our sin brings separation from a holy God, but God provided his righteous Son to die so that we might have our sins paid for and be reconciled to him.

4. Christ’s Sufferings Bring Glory

“He predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow” (1 Peter 1:11).

“But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:13).

There is no Easter without Good Friday. There is no resurrection without the crucifixion. Paul tells us in Romans 8:17 sharing in Christ’s suffering is necessary for sharing in his glory. The cross always comes before the crown.

5. Christ Teaches Us How to Suffer

“Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’ When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to Him who judges justly. ‘He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’ For ‘you were like sheep going astray,’ but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (1 Peter 2:22-25).

Jesus does so much more for us than provide an example of how to live. He died in our place so that we could be welcomed by the Father. Yet, the way he lived, loved, and sacrificed points us to the best way to live. Jesus was falsely accused, but he didn’t defend himself. He was doubted, betrayed, mocked, abandoned, and mercilessly beaten. In all this he said, “Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.” Maybe I don’t need to defend and justify myself so much when I receive criticism. Maybe I can trust that God will make things right when I experience the rejections and disappointments of life.

6. Some Suffering is Just

“How is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it?” (1 Peter 2:20).

“If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler . . .” (1 Peter 4:15).

There are times when suffering comes from our foolish and sinful actions. A painful punishment or consequence is what we deserve for our actions. If you park illegally, you get a ticket. If you commit a crime, you go to jail. These are examples of suffering that are just. There are also times when our sinful actions result in pain in grief. There are times when we reap what we sow, but our sin isn’t the only reason for our suffering.

7. Some Suffering is Unjust

“For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God . . . if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God” (1 Peter 2:19-20).

There are also instances when you do the right thing and are still punished. Imagine an employee who gets fired for refusing to lie about the amount of inventory they sold. They did the right thing, and lost their livelihood. That is unjust. There are other examples of people who are wrongfully accused or wrongfully imprisoned for crimes they didn’t commit. Others are victims of the cruelty of others. Bad things happen to good people. The guilty prey on the innocent.

8. Some Suffering is From the Devil

“Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him . . . because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

It is unclear how much power the devil has to cause suffering. Perhaps Peter attributed the persecution he was facing from the pagan emperor to the devil’s influence? It is also the case that the entirety of creation has been groaning since Satan tempted Adam and Eve to disobey God. Satan inflicted Job with sores that covered his entire body. Not all suffering comes from the devil, but we would be foolish to deny the impact evil forces have on the world.

9. Some Suffering is God’s Will

“For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:17).

“So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good” (1 Peter 4:19)

There is a sense in which everything happens because of the will of God. God is sovereign over the good and bad, the big and the small. Humans are also free to make to make our own choices, whether good or bad. It is not God’s will that people sin against him. He hates our sin and is grieved by it, yet God uses sinful choices to accomplish his purposes. For example, Judas made the choice to betray Jesus. The religious leaders made the choice to condemn him. Pilate choose convenience instead of justice. And yet, Christ died on the cross to fulfill God’s plan of redemption and restoration. I don’t know why God allows suffering, but I know he is not indifferent to the cries of his people.

10. You are Blessed When You Suffer for Doing Right

“Even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed” (1 Peter 3:14).

“If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed . . .” (1 Peter 4:14).

In the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) Jesus turns our idea of blessedness on its head. He describes as blessed those who are poor in spirit, mourners, meek, merciful, peacemakers, persecuted, and insulted. Jesus speaks of a reward in heaven for those who endure (Matthew 5:12). Perhaps there are other spiritual blessings we experience when we suffer for doing right. Maybe there is an awareness of God’s character that we can’t experience any other way.

11. Suffering for Christ is an Honor

“If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name” (1 Peter 4:16).

There is no shame in suffering as a Christian. It is a miracle whenever anybody becomes a Christian. When someone becomes a Christian, God brings dead faith to life. We are transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. From the kingdom of hell to the kingdom of heaven. God made a way for us to be saved from an eternity apart from Him. Jesus suffered an infinite cost to bring us to the Father. God deems us worthy to join in his redemption plan for the world. To suffer for his sake is an honor.

12. Suffering Refines Our Faith

“Though now for little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith– of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire— may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:6-7).

Gold is refined when it is placed in extreme heat. At a high enough temperature the dross and impurities are burned away, leaving only the pure gold. Similarly, suffering refines our faith. Our faith is always imperfect. It is mixed with doubts, fears, and self interests. Suffering is a means by which God “burns” away our doubts and idols so we can trust him more deeply.

13. Suffering Sanctifies Us

“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin” (1 Peter 4:1).

Depending on your heart posture, suffering can either lead you deeper into sin, or it can break sin’s power in your life. There are times when suffering makes us bitter, resentful, or leads us to pursue sinful escapist behaviors. There are other times when suffering allows us to see that the pleasures of this world are fleeting, and causes us to yearn with greater intensity for eternity.

14. Suffering Tests Us

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come to test you . . .” (1 Peter 4:12).

We find out who we really are through suffering. Suffering doesn’t so much build character, but reveal it. Suffering exposes our hearts in ways little else can. No matter the cause of suffering, we can see the ways we actually trusting in God, and the ways we are putting our hope in other things.

15. Suffering is Normal

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12)

In this verse Peter tells his readers not to be surprised, and that the fiery ordeal is not something strange. Suffering is common. We should expect it. Our surprise at suffering often hurts as much as the suffering itself. We think, “How could something like this happen to me?!” Life in general, and a life of love in particular always brings suffering. Suffering is normal.

16. Suffering is Communal

“Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him . . . because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

We can stand firm in the faith because we know that believers around the world are facing the same kind of sufferings. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 Paul writes, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.” The word “temptation” can also be translated “trial.” We are not alone in our suffering. Others have also experienced suffering. Moreover, Jesus himself was tested in every way that we were, yet he did not sin (Hebrews 4:15). Your suffering is unique to you, but you are not alone in your suffering.

17. God Will Restore Us After We Suffer

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10).

No suffering lasts forever. It is generally true that the suffering we experience now will one day subside. Grief eventually turns to joy. Mourning eventually turns to dancing. However, there are some exceptions. Maybe you have a chronic illness or some other “thorn in the flesh” that will remain with you until you die. In that case, keep in mind the hope of eternity with Christ. There will be a day when Jesus will wipe away every tear. There will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. One day he will heal every wound and right every wrong. Stand firm. Restoration is coming!

Struggling to Pray? Remember THIS

Posted on by Jole Miller

One thing I love about being a dad is teaching my son about God in a way that he will understand. After following Christ for a while we tend to take things for granted or make things needlessly complicated. But it’s impossible to do this with small children.

Prayer is one area that we make needlessly complicated. You might wonder if you are saying the right thing or praying enough or if your prayers are “working.” The good news is that God already knows what we need (Matthew 6:8), cares deeply for us (1 Peter 5:7), and is never annoyed by our prayers (Luke 18:1).

Here are three types of prayers to get you started:

  • Thank You
  • Help
  • I‘m Sorry

You just have to remember THIS!

Thank You

A frequent dinner question my wife and I ask our son is, “What made you happy today?” We take what he tells us and turn it into a prayer. “God, thank you for friends. Thank you for scooters. Thank you for the park.”

Even when things are bad, there is at least one thing you can thank God for. “Thank you for breath in my lungs. Thank you that you care about me. Thank you that I have a bed, even though I don’t have it in me to get out of it today.”

We can give thanks for who God is and for what he has done.

Help

“Helper” is a frequently used to describe God in the Old Testament. “We wait for the LORD; he is our help and shield” (Psalm 33:20). In John’s Gospel, Jesus uses the word paraclete to describe the Holy Spirit. It is translated “Counselor,” “Comforter,” “Advocate,” and “Helper” (John 14:16, 14:26, 15:26, 16:7). Jesus also tells us that we can do nothing apart from him (John 15:5).

God wants us to acknowledge our need for his help. He is a good Father who knows how to give good gifts to his children. We pray for ourselves and intercede on behalf of others. You can pray things like:

“Help me to be loving and kind today. Give me wisdom and strength to do your will. Please help my friend who has cancer. Help them to know you are near.”

“Lord, help me!” (Matthew 14:30)

I’m Sorry

Confession and repentance is perhaps the most important aspect of the Christian life. Martin Luther penned in his 95 Theses that the entire life of a believer is to be one of repentance. Both Jesus and John the Baptist preached to “Repent and believe the good news!” John (not John the Baptist) tells us “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us” (1 John 1:9-10).

Jesus paid the penalty for all of our sins when he died on the cross. That is why John says that God is just, not merciful, to forgive our sins when we confess them. It is just of God to forgive that which has already been paid. We can be honest with God about our sin without fear of rejection. It’s not like he will be surprised by what we say. These prayers can look something like:

“Father, I’m sorry that I lashed out in anger today. I’m sorry for the ways that I live like I don’t need you. I’m sorry that I’m so often inconsiderate of others. I’m sorry for the good things that I didn’t do today. I’m sorry that I so often forget to spend time with you.”

Concluding Thoughts

Theses prayers are not rigid categories. There will often be overlap. For example, “Father, thank you for blessing me with children. Help me to love, protect, and steward them well. I’m sorry for when I forget that they are a gift from you and get frustrated with them. Thank you that you are the true Father that they need. Help them to put their faith in you.”

“Thank you . . .”

“Help . . .”

“I’m Sorry . . .”

Remember THIS. Change your life.

Life Direction Questions: Knowing and Finding What You Seek

Posted on by Jole Miller

What are you looking for? What are you looking at?

These two vision questions can tell you almost everything you need to know about the direction and quality of your life. “What are you looking for?” tells you what you hope for in the future. “What are you looking at?” tells you how you are living in the present. Let’s dive in.

What Are You Looking For?

This is the first question Jesus asked his would-be disciples (John 1:38). Were they looking for a magician? A job? A meal for the night? A teacher? A Messiah? Jesus’ question went straight to their heart.

Psalm 121 declares, “I lift my eyes towards the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2). Notice how the Psalmist connects vision and hope. He lifts his eyes and waits for a Savior.

Jesus tells us to seek (look for) first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) rather than chasing trivial things like food, clothing, and shelter.

What do you hope for? What is your telos, the thing that pulls you forward in life? What do you think will make everything better? When you picture “the good life,” what do you see? What goals are you pursuing?

If my vision of the good life is that everyone thinks that I am smart, how might that impact my life? I will probably stay up to date on topics of conversation. I might have some quotes in mind from reputable people. Maybe I keep my mouth shut when I don’t know the answer, rather than risk seeming foolish. I’ll probably be hesitant to enter into unknown areas. I hope you can see that this good life vision is seriously lacking. I need to look higher.

Everyone has a greatest good that they are striving for. It is impossible not to. The quality of your life is largely determined by what good you pursue. According to Henry David Thoreau, “In the long run men only hit what they aim at. Therefore, though they should fail immediately, they had better aim at something high.” What should we aim at?

The Westminster Catechism teaches that the chief [purpose] of humanity is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. People were created to make much of God. To love him, trust him, obey him, and treasure him. We are to find our ultimate identity in God alone.We commit idolatry when we build our lives on anything other than Christ.

I previously wrote that the one either builds their life on God, or they find their worth in their performance, possessions, or reputation. You are what you do, you are what you have, you are what others think of you. If you look for ultimate value in created things you will always be disappointed.

What might our lives look like if we continually ask ourselves, “Will this glorify God?”

What Are You Looking At?

Vision is a big factor in most areas of life. It was crucial in every sport that I played.

In baseball, whether in the field or at bat, you always have to keep your eye on the ball. “See ball, hit ball.”

In basketball, you need to have your eyes up when you’re dribbling to make the correct pass. On defense, you need to see ball and see man.

Defensive backs, get in trouble when their eyes are in the backfield. They get fooled by play-action or don’t see the receivers because they get stuck watching the quarterback. Quarterbacks need a good tackle to protect their blind side. Defensive lineman watch the football and don’t move until it does.

Almost 30% of car crashes are caused by distracted driving. Their eyes were not on the road.

We live in an attention economy where companies profit off of our attention. The more time you spend on a given app or website, the more money the company makes off of you.

What we look at also impacts mental health. Research has shown a correlation between increased screen time and increased levels of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. One study found that adolescents who spend more than five hours per day on digital devices are 70% more likely to have suicidal thoughts or actions than those who spend less than an hour a day.

The quality of your life is determined by how you invest your time and attention. The quality of your relationship goes down if you are looking at your phone instead of your loved ones. Am I looking at the bible or social media? Am I looking at good books or the TV? Am I looking at my work or scrolling news sites?

In The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, John Mark Comer writes, “What you give your attention to is the person you become. Put another way: the mind is the portal to the soul, and what you fill your mind with will shape the trajectory of your character. In the end, your life is no more than the sum of what you gave your attention to.” What we look at is an indication of what we most value. I give my attention to news sites because I want to be knowledgeable (or feel morally superior by seeing what the other side just did). I end up binge-watching TV shows because I desire entertainment and closure. I look up sports scores because I emotionally share in the successes and failures of my favorite teams.

What we look at gives us a clue to what we are looking for. We must be diligent to train our eyes to focus on the right thing at the right time. Our lives depend on it.

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

Between Grace and Glory: Examining Titus 2:11-14

Posted on by Jole Miller

Paul uses the word “appear” twice in Titus 2:11-14. “The grace of God has appeared” is written in the past tense. God’s grace has already manifested itself in the world. At the same time, “we wait . . . for the appearing of the glory of God.” The appearing of his glory will come in the future. The past appearance of grace and the future appearance of glory are two realities that anchor a Christian through the trials, temptations, and uncertainties of this world. This hope is a firm and secure anchor for our souls when the wind and the waves and currents of this life seek to move us off our charted course. God’s grace has appeared. God’s glory will appear. How should we live in between? Let’s consider the passage:

11 “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. 14 He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness, and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works.”

Paul’s letter to Titus

Two questions that come to mind from verses 11-12 are: What does it mean that the grace of God has appeared? and what does this grace do?

God’s Grace Has Appeared

I think the best explanation is that Jesus himself is the “grace of God.” John tells us that out of the fullness of Christ, we have received grace upon grace, and that Jesus came to earth full of grace and truth (John 1: 16-18). Jesus is the perfect embodiment of God’s undeserved kindness towards sinners.

Jesus lived a perfect life. He taught. He healed. He cast out demons. He inaugurated his heavenly kingdom. He died on the cross for our sins. Jesus “gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness, and to cleanse” us from our sin (v.14). After dying he rose from the dead in power. He has also given us his Holy Spirit, an unimaginably good gift, so we will never be without God’s presence and power in our lives.

Jesus washing his disciples’ feet.

This passage lists two things that grace does: brings salvation and instructs.

God’s Grace Brings Salvation

Being saved by grace is synonymous with being saved by Jesus. “This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners'” (1 Timothy 1:15). Ephesians 2:8 states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith.” Nobody can live a good enough life or do enough good deeds to earn their place in heaven.

We are loved and accepted by the Father by grace alone. Not because of our morality. Not because of our knowledge. Not because of our eloquent prayers. Not based on how we voted in the last election. Salvation is a gift to be received, not a prize to earn. Why is this so important?

If you don’t believe that you are accepted by grace alone, you will fluctuate between pride and fear. When you are behaving well (however you define it) you will feel good about yourself and superior to others. When you fall into sin, you might doubt that God really loves you. The phrase, “You call yourself a Christian, but . . .” grows louder in your mind. Believing that we are saved by grace keeps us humble and secure because salvation is wholly dependent on God, not ourselves.

Believing you are accepted by grace alone also transforms how you face trials and suffering. To be saved by grace we must first own our badness. All of it. God sees the very worst of us and accepts us because Christ died for our sins. If that is true, no hardship we face can be punishment for the wrong we’ve done (a just judge can’t punish the same crime twice). We usually don’t know why God allows us to suffer, but if it is true that we are saved by grace, we know that suffering is not because he is indifferent towards us or displeased with us.

God’s Grace Teaches Us How to Live

God’s grace first instructs us to “deny godlessness and worldly lusts.” Jesus tells us that one function of the Holy Spirit is to convict the world of sin (John 16:8). The Spirit reveals the ways in which we are falling short. Start with your own conscience. What are things that you do that you feel bad about? Things that you know are holding you back? Things that nobody else needs to tell you are wrong? Deal with these first.

You can then considering the works of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:19-21, “Sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar.” Which of these are present in your life?

A shorter list is the “Seven Deadly Sins”:

  1. Pride
  2. Greed
  3. Lust
  4. Envy
  5. Gluttony
  6. Wrath
  7. Sloth

A sick person cannot get better without an accurate diagnosis. Similarly, we cannot grow into the people God is calling us to be without addressing our sin. The sin inside us will poison everything we do if left unchecked.

Whenever we turn from sin, we must turn towards God. This is the definition of repentance. God’s grace teaches us to deny godlessness, then teaches us to live in a “sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age.”

  • Sensible- We are to be of sound mind, sober, and self-controlled. This is the opposite of being enslaved to worldly lusts. Luke 15:17 describes the prodigal son “coming to his senses.” He realized he was a fool and going home was the sensible thing to do.
  • Righteous- Christians are to do what is right and just. We are to do the proper thing at the proper time. We are to use honest and fair measures and apply them equally to all people, including ourselves (Matthew 7:1-2). We are not to show favoritism or treat people as less than.
  • Godly- This word, eusebos, come from “eu” meaning “good” and “sebo” meaning worship or reverence. Christians are to have appropriate reverence for Christ and to reflect that in all that we say and do. This is directly opposite of the godlessness listed above (asebeian).

God’s grace appeared (past tense) bringing salvation to all people (v.11). It instructs us how to live in the present age (v.12). It also gives the Christian hope for the future (v.13).

The Glory of God Will Appear

The Christian life is one of waiting and groaning. The world is not how it should be. The pain, frustrations, and tragedies at times feel like an unbearable weight. But there is more to the story. Christians have a “blessed hope” that God’s glory will appear and transform everything.

Jesus said that after a time of great suffering, “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other” (Matthew 24:30-31). Jesus will return with power and glory and gather his people to himself.

“He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.”

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, “So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.” In Christ, death becomes a doorway to an unimaginably spectacular life with God.

The good news of the bible is that God will restore all things. The culmination of the Christian story is the new heavens and new earth. It promises more than a disembodied eternity, but a physical world as it was always meant to be. A world where “all that was sad becomes untrue.”

Christ will return to rid the world of all evil, pain, and sickness. He will fully bring his heavenly kingdom to earth and he will be with his people. If this is true, how should those who have received his grace and hope in his coming glory live?

How Shall We Live?

In Titus 2:14, Paul first reminds Titus of what Christ did for us. “He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness . . .” Christ’s death bought us back from the land of sin and death, and adopted us as sons and daughters of God (Romans 8:15). His blood has cleansed us from our sin (justified), and his Holy Spirit is continually cleansing us from our sin (sanctifies). We belong wholly to Christ.

Paul tells us that this makes us people who are “eager to do good works.” Paul is inescapably clear that we are saved by grace, not by our good works. Yet, good works is the reason God created us. We were “created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

God made Adam to work and watch over the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15), to actualize the potential of his creation. God made trees, but humans make tables and chairs. God created seeds, but humans plant, water, and cultivate them so that they can grow. God created sound waves, but humans rearrange them to compose music.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Work is how we live out the two greatest commands of loving God and loving our neighbor. God provides our daily bread through farmers. He brings healing through doctors. He instructs and disciplines through parents and teachers. He encourages through the words of loved ones.

Because we are saved by grace, our work no longer defines our worth. We have God’s approval by grace, so we no longer strive for the approval of others. We have hope in the new heavens and new earth which means that none of our work is wasted. Because of the fall, work is frustrating and more difficult than it should be (Genesis 3:17-19). Because of the resurrection, “our labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). This frees us to do our work wholeheartedly. We aren’t Sisyphus endlessly pushing a boulder up a mountain, nor are we people who need work to justify our existence. We are free to do our work for the glory of God alone. As these truths become more real to our lived experience, we will live more freely and effectively and better embody Christ in the world.

Let Us Pray

Father, help us to grasp the richness of your grace. Help us to rest in the hope of your resurrection. Make us a people who are eager to do good works. Give us eyes to see how you use our ordinary efforts to bring about extraordinary results. May the good work we do today echo in eternity. Amen.

Lessons on Repentance from The Greatest Showman

Posted on by Jole Miller

The Greatest Showman is a classic “rags to riches” story in which a poor boy named P.T Barnum falls in love with a rich girl. Her father does not approve of the relationship because he doesn’t believe P.T. will be able to give her the life she deserves.

Against her father’s wishes, they get married and have two daughters. Despite Barnum’s dreams for a better life, he and his family struggle financially.

After a lot of luck and a little fraud, Barnum was able to secure a loan from the bank to open the circus.

The circus became a massive success, enabling Barnum to afford the mansion of his dreams. Barnum was wealthy, but he wasn’t respected by high society. The circus was too low-brow and blue-collar for the “swells.”

As he chased the acceptance of the elite, he lost everything: his family when he was caught in a romantic scandal, his friends when he was ashamed to invite them to a party, and his business when rioters burned it down. Barnum hit rock bottom. He gained the whole world and lost his soul. Then he lost the world too.

We find P.T. where many who hit rock bottom find themselves: drinking in a bar alone. When his circus friends show up, he has an epiphany.

A Picture of Repentance

The following song is one of the best depictions of what the bible calls repentance:

“I saw the sun begin to dim
And felt that winter wind
Blow cold
A man learns who is there for him
When the glitter fades and the walls won’t hold
‘Cause from then, rubble
What remains
Can only be what’s true
If all was lost
Is more I gain
‘Cause it led me back
To you”

Barnum describes what it was like to lose everything. He went from a place that was warm and full of glitter and lights to a dim and cold place. He thought his dwelling was secure, but it became rubble.

By losing everything he realized that his family was more important than any fame or fortune he acquired.

“From now on
These eyes will not be blinded by the lights
From now on
What’s waited ’til tomorrow starts tonight, tonight
Let this promise in me start
Like an anthem in my heart
From now on
From now on”

“From now on” implies an immediate change. The things that once “blinded” him will do so no longer. He will no longer procrastinate the things he put off (like spending time with his kids). He resolved in his heart to change his priorities.

“I drank champagne with kings and queens
The politicians praised my name
But those were someone else’s dreams
The pitfalls of the man I became
For years and years, I chased their cheers
A crazy speed of always needin’ more
But when I stop and see you here
I remember who all this was for”

He spent so much time clamoring for the approval of the elite that he became addicted to their praise. He wore himself out chasing their cheers, never pausing to consider his ways. He sacrificed the greater (family) for the lesser (approval). When life circumstances forced him to slow down, he remembered that he started the circus to provide a good life for his family. He saw that the things he chased were not his true desires. It was like he was living someone else’s life and pursuing their dreams.

“And we will come back home
And we will come back home
Home again”

We were created for God. He is meant to be our home. But we all go astray and look to make our home in the world. To repent is to come back home again. It is like the Prodigal Son who rejected his father, ran away from home, and lost everything. When he was at his lowest, he realized it was better to be back with his father. And his father accepted him with open arms and a place of honor.

We sin by sacrificing the greater to the lesser. We choose created things instead of the Creator and prioritize things that are less important. My sin is on display when I scroll on my phone instead of paying attention to my son. Lying prioritizes convenience over the truth. Sloth prioritizes comfort over good deeds done in love. Those who are workaholics prioritize money and success over family, health, and worshiping God. Giving into fear prioritizes emotional and physical safety over courageous acts of love.

To repent is to see our sin, own it, ask for forgiveness, and return to God and his ways, trusting that Jesus’ death covers all of our sin. Repentance is to change your mind. P.T. Barnum thought that he would feel satisfied when people like his father-in-law accepted him. His repentance was realizing that the love of his wife and daughters was what he really wanted, and he didn’t need to earn that.

Martin Luther declared in his 95 Theses that Jesus wills for the entire life of believers is to be one of repentance. God desires for us to move from sin to freedom, not just with our actions, but also in our thoughts and hearts.

Where are you making your home apart from God? Where are you sacrificing the greater for the lesser? May God give us eyes to see where we go astray and courage to come back home again.

Teach Us to Pray

Posted on by Jole Miller

Prayer is often difficult. It is hard to make time for it, hard to stay focused, and hard to know what to say. When Jesus’ disciples asked him to teach them how to pray, he gave them the Lord’s Prayer (Luke 11:1-4).

Another prayer tool I have learned is called the ACTS model. ACTS stands for:

  • Adoration: What is a characteristic of God that you appreciate?
  • Confession: In what ways are you falling short of God’s standard for you?
  • Thanksgiving: What good has God already done for you?
  • Supplication: What do you want/need God to do for you?

In the following, I will show how the Lord’s Prayer and ACTS prayer can be blended. The process involves meditating on each phrase of the Lord’s Prayer and reflecting on what it means for our lives. In each phrase I will state what is true about God, where I fall short, why I am thankful, and what I want God to do.

“Our Father in Heaven”

  • Adoration: “You have given us the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry ‘Abba! Father!’ You are a great and merciful Father. By your grace you have turned orphans, rebels, and enemies into sons and daughters and co-heirs with Christ.”
  • Confession: “But so often I don’t live like a son. I am the younger son who wants your stuff, but not a relationship with you. I am the older son who believes that I can earn your love if I do enough good things (Luke 15).
  • Thanksgiving: “I thank you for your grace. By your grace I can boldly approach your throne, completely accepted as your child. Thank you that I am yours and you are mine forever.”
  • Supplication: “There are many who do not call on you as Father. They are stuck in their sins and have no concept of your love and compassion. Would you open their eyes to see your goodness and receive you as their true Father?”

“Hallowed Be Your Name”

  • Adoration: “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty. There is no one like you. Let your name be honored as holy.”
  • Confession: “So often I treat you as common. I forget how holy and great you are. I try to make a name for myself rather than glorifying your name.”
  • Thanksgiving: “Thank you that through Jesus you made a way for sinners to be in your presence. You are unapproachable, yet in Christ you made it so we could approach you.”
  • Supplication: “I want to see more people worship you and lifting your name on high. Would you change hearts so they praise your holy name?”

“Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done”

  • Adoration: “Your kingdom is not of this world. It is pure, true, and just. Your kingdom is a priceless pearl. Your will is good, pleasing, and perfect. Your thoughts are not my thoughts and your ways are not my ways. Your plan is so much higher than I could ever comprehend.”
  • Confession: “I often don’t live according to your kingdom. I am selfish. I neglect the needy. I don’t speak the truth in love. I don’t seek your face as I should. I want my own will to be done. I don’t believe that your plans for me are good.”
  • Thanksgiving: “Thank you that you delight to give us the kingdom. Thank you that your will cannot be thwarted.”
  • Supplication: “Would your kingdom of light and love push against the kingdom of sin and darkness both in the world and in my heart? Would you help me to trust that your ways are better than mine? Let your will be done in and through me.”

“Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread”

  • Adoration: “You are a good Father who gives good gifts to your children. The earth is yours and everything in it. All things are dependent on you. You are the Creator of everyone and everything.”
  • Confession: “Forgive me when I live like I don’t need you. When I am ungrateful for the good gifts you provide. When I feel entitled to more than you’ve given. When I envy those with more than me.”
  • Thanksgiving: “Thank you for the good gifts you provide. You have provided jobs. You provided skilled workers to produce and serve food. Every day that I have enough to eat is a miracle, for which I am grateful.”
  • Supplication: “Please provide what I need. I also lift up those who are suffering and don’t know where their next meal is coming from. Give them their daily bread too.”

“Forgive Us, As We Also Have Forgiven Others”

  • Adoration: “You are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands of generations, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin. You know all things, yet you cast my sins into the sea of forgetfulness.”
  • Confession: “My sins are many and are ever before me. I haven’t loved you with my whole heart or loved my neighbor as myself. I also hold grudges even though love keeps no record of wrongs.”
  • Thanksgiving: “Thank you that because Jesus died on the cross, there is forgiveness of sins. ‘The wages of sin is death,’ and Jesus paid it all. Thank you for your priceless sacrifice.”
  • Supplication: “Bring to mind my sins and how I am falling short. Forgive me, Father. Give me the love and grace to forgive those who have wronged me. Help those who are far from you find forgiveness.”

Lead Us Not into Temptation, but Deliver Us from the Evil One

  • Adoration: “You are the good shepherd. You lead us beside still waters. You protect us in the valley of the shadow of death. You are stronger than evil. You are our shield, our fortress, and our deliverer. Lord, you are a mighty warrior.”
  • Confession: “I confess how often I lead myself into temptation. I get distracted from the path you called me to walk and befriend evil. I forsake your wisdom and the Spirit within me. I don’t live out the freedom you bought for me with Christ’s blood.”
  • Thanksgiving: “Thank you that you have given your Holy Spirit and your Word to lead us and guide us. Thank you that Jesus defeated sin and death when he rose from the dead. Thank you that by trusting in Jesus we share in your victory.”
  • Supplication: “Lead us, guide us, and protect us. Satan is like a roaring lion, seeking to devour. Help us to stand firm and trust in you. May we not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.”

For Yours Is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory Now & Forever. Amen

The Shape of the Gospel

Posted on by Jole Miller

A friend of mine once told me that the Christian life is a series of life, death, and resurrection stories.

Things start off well enough, then get really bad before ending up in a better place than when you started. The shape of life looks something like this:

This theme shows up again and again in Scripture.

Creation

  • Life: God created the world and it was very good (Genesis 1:31).
  • Death: Sin entered the world and now creation groans (Genesis 3:17-19 & Romans 8:18-22).
  • Resurrection: God will restore all things in the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1-4 & 22:1-5).

Abraham

  • Life: Abraham lived in his father’s house until he was 75 (Genesis 11:26-12:4).
  • Death: God called him to leave home, live as a nomad, and wait 25 years until God provided a son (Genesis 15:1-5, 16:1-5, & 17:1-2).
  • Resurrection: Abraham and Sarah rejoice in Isaac’s birth in their old age (Genesis 21:1-6).

Jacob

  • Life: Had a strained relationship with his father and brother Esau, but was favored by his mother (Genesis 25:23-34).
  • Death: Jacob fled from Esau after stealing his blessing, was cheated by his Uncle Laban for 15 years, and dislocated his hip wrestling with God (Genesis 27:1-32:32).
  • Resurrection: Had 12 sons, was renamed Israel, and reconciled with Esau (Genesis 32:27-33:20).

Joseph

  • Life: Was his father’s favorite son and had a beautiful coat (Genesis 37:1-11).
  • Death: Over a period of thirteen years Joseph was beaten by his brothers, thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, falsely accused of sexual misconduct, and was thrown into prison (Genesis 37:12-36, 39:1-41:40).
  • Resurrection: Joseph was freed from prison to be Pharaoh’s advisor. He was given a royal robe and saved his family (and millions more) from starvation (Genesis 41:41-45:28).

Moses

  • Life: Was raised by Pharaoh’s daughter (Exodus 2:1-10 & Acts 7:17-22).
  • Death: Killed a man then lived in the wilderness as a shepherd for 40 years (Exodus 2:11-22 & Acts 7:23-30).
  • Resurrection: Moses returned to Egypt to deliver his people from slavery and speaks face to face with God (Exodus 3-14).

Hebrews

  • Life: Were slaves in Egypt for 400 years.
  • Death: Wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.
  • Resurrection: Entered the promised land.

Job

  • Life: Was a righteous and wealthy man (Job 1:1-5).
  • Death: Job lost all of his children, his wealth, and his health. He was so depressed he cursed the day he was born (Job 1:6-3:26).
  • Resurrection: Job came to a deeper understanding of God’s character and received twice the amount of possessions (Job 42:1-17).

David

  • Life: Was anointed by Samuel to be the next king, won fame through his military exploits (1 Samuel 16-17).
  • Death: David ran from King Saul as the king sought to kill him (1 Samuel 18-31).
  • Resurrection: David became King in Jerusalem and brought peace and stability to the land (2 Samuel 5-6).

Psalm 23

  • Life: Lack nothing, green pastures, quiet waters, refreshed soul (Psalm 23:1-3).
  • Death: Valley of the Shadow of Death (Psalm 23:4).
  • Resurrection: Dwell in the house of the LORD forever (Psalm 23:6).

Jonah

  • Life: The word of the Lord came to Jonah (Jonah 1:1).
  • Death: Jonah ran from God and ended up in the belly of a fish for 3 days (Jonah 1:3-2:9).
  • Resurrection: The fish vomited up Jonah and he preached to the city of Nineveh leading to repentance (Jonah 2:10-3:10).

Jesus (Part 1)

  • Life: Jesus lived a sinless life.
  • Death: He was betrayed and rejected by his friends, was mocked, beaten, and crucified.
  • Resurrection: He rose from the dead on the third day.

Jesus (Part 2)

  • Life: Jesus was one with God in heaven (Philippians 2:6).
  • Death: Jesus was born of Mary, lived, and died on the cross (Philippians 2:7-8).
  • Resurrection: Jesus ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father (Philippians 2:9-11).

Saint Paul

  • Life: Advanced in Judaism beyond his contemporaries, was zealous for the traditions of his ancestors (Galatians 1:13-14).
  • Death: Paul encountered Jesus, fell off his high horse (literally), and was blind for 3 days (Acts 9:1-9).
  • Resurrection: “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:7-8).

God’s Promise to Those in Christ

As we see, almost every hero in the bible experienced a season in the wilderness or in the pit. The wilderness and pit are places of suffering, loneliness, and waiting. There is always a humbling before exaltation. Sometimes we humble ourselves. Other times life humbles us.

If things are going well for you now, praise God! But know that these times don’t last forever.

If you are in the pit, take heart! God promises, not only to bring you out of the pit, but to put you on higher ground. Although, sometimes we have to wait until the next life for God to do that.

Also, I admit that the image above is a bit too simple. It shows the overall trend of life, but fails to capture all of the highs and lows that we will experience. The Christian life looks more like the Dow Jones from the last 100 years:

We see many ups and downs, but the trajectory over the long run is up. Our problem is that we lack the perspective to see what the outcomes will be. In the chart, we see a massive decline from 1966-1983. But from 1983-1999 there was massive growth, ending with more than double the 1966 amount. I can imagine many people being so discouraged in the early 80’s that they took their money out of the stock market. But if they would have held on a little bit longer, they would have quadrupled their investment.

It is the same for us. Sometimes life feels so hard and disappointing that it takes everything in us to not give up. We might even resonate with Job’s wife when she told her husband to “Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9).

I don’t know how long your valley will last, but I promise that it won’t last forever. God also promises that he will never leave you or forsake you. He is with you, grieving and groaning on your behalf.

Because Jesus rose from the dead, those who believe in him will also be raised with him. “Where, oh death is your victory? Where, oh death, is your sting?” If you are in the valley, remember that a resurrection is coming.

A resurrection is coming.