MasterTruth

Be a Piece of the Building

Remember this old hymn? 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. The guy who wrote that, Edward Mote, was born in 1797. I wish I could write songs like that—or that any Christian song writer that deep could rise to the top with his or her songs.

Anyway, the topic is Christ as the solid rock. He was referred to as a rock, or stone, for ages—before He was even born. In 1 Peter 2, Peter said, Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.  Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,  And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. (1 Peter 2:6-8)

Where, further back in Scripture, does it talk about the cornerstone and rock of offence? Interestingly, it’s three places: Ps. 118:22; Isa. 8:14-15; and Isa. 28:16. Christ as a firm foundation and stumbling stone was known and planned all along.

And it is so true. I was talking to a group of teenage girls about spiritual things earlier this week, and they were listening and participating in the conversation until I got to the part about Jesus dying for their sins and their need to accept Him as savior. Every one of them turned away, and one even started quietly singing a song so she couldn’t hear me. That instance turned Christ from wonderful savior to Christ, a rock of offence and a stumbling stone.

And guess what… you are a little stone (Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house… 1 Pet. 2:5a) You are a little stone, just like you are a little Christ (a Christian). If they stumbled when Christ spoke, they will stumble when you speak.

But it’s interesting that as a little stone, you don’t stand alone. You are one of many little stones built into a spiritual house. This speaks to the need and plan for the body. A little stone off to the side isn’t going to be useful. But a bunch of little stones built up together with Christ as the cornerstone is a pretty powerful force and the way God chooses to work with us. All together, we are a body. We are a building. We work together. We are an organism—a power to be reckoned with.

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Eph. 2:19-22)

It’s not God’s plan for you to live your Christian life alone. Realize your place in the church, universal and local, and plug in. The rest of the body/building needs you, and you need it.

Trade Poison for Purity

Unfortunately, even if you know the Lord as Savior, you can still be swishing venomous poison around in your heart. The manifestation of the inner cocktail is ill-will toward others, deceit, play-acting, envying and backbiting.

You may wish it wasn’t so, but those qualities don’t just disappear on their own. Fortunately, all that’s required to get rid of them is trading that liquid for a better one, working on a new inner desire. Here’s the way Peter puts it in 1Pe 2:1-3  Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking,  (2)  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:  (3)  If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

Notice how Peter says to handle those qualities. He doesn’t say to pray that they will go away. He also doesn’t say that if you have those qualities, you aren’t really saved. He says to lay them aside. First you have to look at the print on your poison bottle and decide to dump it out. Perhaps you don’t like people, you are deceitful, hypocritical and such. You set those things aside. You don’t have to think and say bad things about others, all the while smiling at them and acting like they are your best friends.

Instead, like a newborn baby, you desire the sincere milk of the word, if you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. (The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Exodus 34:6b)

I really love the comparison. You have all this deceitfulness you think you are hiding from others, but it’s not hidden from you or God. You set it aside and you desire the sincere milk of the word. You replace the poison with purity.

And now I have something radical to propose. That sincere milk of the word is Christ. I know, you’ve been taught that the milk is the Bible. I can see that, especially when compared with Heb. 5:12-13. So perhaps our verse refers to both Christ and the Bible, because after all, they are used interchangeably in John 1:1,14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Jesus was physically manifested when he was on the earth. Then he died on the cross, and we have Him today in the Holy Spirit, and in the Bible. The Bible is our physical manifestation of Christ today. That’s just something to think on.

But back to our 1 Pet 2:1-3 verses. Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking,  (2)  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:  (3)  If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

You have tasted the poison of deceit and hypocrisy, but as a saved person, you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. And now the chapter turns to just how awesome Christ is (and that’s why I think the sincere milk of the word is Christ, because Christ is the emphasis of this passage). (4)  To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,  (5)  Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.  (6)  Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.  (7)  Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,  (8)  And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

You want to trade poison for purity because Christ is worthy and because you are part of Christ as a piece in his building. He’s looking for you to offer up spiritual sacrifices. Give up the poison and desire Him. He is sincere and pure. You be sincere and pure.

What God the Author Knew

There’s one aspect of the gospel story that is little talked about. So little, in fact, I’ll bet you’ve never even thought about it. It’s seven words in 1 Peter 1, which is what we’re studying, so it’s coming front and center today. Let’s read these words in context: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, (1 Pet.1:18-20)

The word foreordained means “knew ahead of time.” We looked at the context because I want to first get rid of the idea that Jesus himself was foreordained. He always existed. He’s part of the eternal Godhead. Notice what is foreordained before the foundation of the world. Look at the words ahead of that…. “the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot…” Christ as our perfect bloody sacrifice was foreordained before the foundation of the world.

Think of the ramifications of that. God knew before He created the world that we would sin. He knew there would be no way to absolve that sin. He preknew that He would send Christ to pay our penalty.

So, God knew all this way back when. That means when He created the world, He had a little secret. Think of it as writing a book. He’s the author. He knew the end from the beginning of this thrilling mystery. As soon as He made the earth, He began working out the mystery.  

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,  But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: (Rom. 16:25-26)

God had the plot all figured out before the world began. It was a mystery to everyone who participated in bringing it about, but it wasn’t a mystery to God. Now in our day, we understand the mystery because we’ve reached the part where these things have unfolded.

The fact that this mystery was in place before the world began is not just a random teaching here in 1 Peter 1. If it was, plenty of people would doubt or explain it away. But read these verses, that testify of this idea “in the mouth of two or three witnesses.” We just read the witness of Peter.

Here’s the witness of Timothy: Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,  But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (2 Tim. 1:9-10)

And now the witness of Paul: Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;  And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: (Eph. 3:8-9)

I guess the point we can take from this is that God is unfathomable. He really is the author of life… your life too. Let’s get with His program today.

Peter Inspires Quality

When was the last time you visited a museum? I don’t go often, but when I do, I certainly absorb and appreciate the fine art. The museum gives me an astute feeling, because I am in the presence of superior quality. It’s the kind of place you want to dress up a little for and be on your best behavior. You don’t want to talk too loudly or draw attention to yourself. You don’t want to yell across the room or let your phone ring.  You want to appreciate the scene you are there to see, not create a scene of your own. It’s the same when going to the opera or ballet. Refinement inspires refinement. Just for that reason, it’s good to go to one of those places now and then.

Let’s visit one of those places together right now. In 1 Peter 1, Peter describes the superior quality of God, Christ and the Bible. Look at the following passage as if you are strolling inconspicuously through the museum wearing your finest clothes and on your best behavior. Notice the adjectives that denote quality and then the resulting responses Peter suggests. While I’m tempted to point them out by underlining, I’ll be a respectful companion and let you observe on your own.

            But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.  And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,  Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.  Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.  For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:  But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. (1 Peter 1:15-25)

You might want to read it again, and we can discuss what we saw together.

• Did you notice God is holy? You’re in His presence, so you want to be holy.
• You were redeemed from your vain life with something more precious than metal—the blood of Christ.
• Since your soul is purified now with the blood of Christ, you want to love others with a pure heart.
• You were born again of incorruptible seed—by the word of God that lives and abides forever. By the way, as you walked by that part, did you marvel that the incorruptible seed didn’t refer to Christ (He was the promised seed, after all) but it referred to the word of God that lives forever? Hmmm. Jesus was the word (John 1:1 & 14). So that part could be a dual reference with emphasis on the word. Quite interesting.

Let’s ponder these things today as we leave the museum and head back to our normal lives. We’ve been in the presence of quality. Let’s keep that in our hearts today.

What Does God Notice?

I have to admit that the way God looks at people is fairly foreign to me. I like to admire personalities, talents, interests and looks in all their varieties and combinations. People are like snowflakes. Even with twins, no two are alike.

But God doesn’t look at us that way. When you think about it, why would He? He made us. Our personalities, talents, interests and looks were crafted by Him and don’t impress Him the way they impress us. So when He people-watches, what does God notice? The answer is in 1 Peter: And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: (1 Pet. 1:17)

When God looks at you, He’s looking at your work, and He does it “without respect of persons.” That means He totally disregards your personality, talents, interests and looks. He’s looking at your works now and will continue to do so to the end. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. (Rev. 20:12-13)

Let’s go back to our 1 Peter verse. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: (1 Pet. 1:17)  What kind of work should you focus on? Well, not your job or vocation. Look at the verses prior. Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:  But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. (1 Pet. 1:13-16) I think it’s the works of the Spirit that allows us to live holy lives versus the works of the flesh, which make us displeasing, discussed quite a bit in Galatians.

God refers to our works as fruit. That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; (Col. 1:10)

For perspective today, consider the ways you are being fruitful with good works. That is God’s focus for you. What can you do to advance His Kingdom and make an eternal mark?

What it Means to "Be Kept"

Have you ever heard (or spoken) of a woman who doesn’t have to work because her husband supports her as being “kept?” That word in that context intrigues me. It’s never used in a positive tone. It’s as though the wife should fend for herself or hold up her half. Some think of a “kept woman” as a mistress. But in some contexts, it means to live off of a rich husband, and it’s an idea that offends feminists.

But here’s another way to look at this. The husband and wife relationship is a picture of Christ and the church, is it not?Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (Eph. 5:25) Here’s the question. Does Christ keep us? Absolutely.  We see this in 1 Peter, which we are studying.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Pet. 1:3-5)

Christ is rich, and he has an inheritance for you reserved in heaven. It’s for you, who are kept by the power of God.

The word kept in the Greek means “to guard, protect by a military guard.” God keeps you, and He doesn’t expect you to fend for yourself and keep up your half. He keeps you because that’s what he does. Let’s go on a New Testament journey on this idea:

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed….And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.  While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. …And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.  My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.  I and my Father are one…. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord….Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ…Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. (Galatians 3:23; John 17:11-12; John 10:28-30; Romans 8:38-39; Philippians 1:6; Jude 1:24) 

Jesus keeps you in God. It’s what he does. He rose again and makes intercession for you to this day. He will continue to do so, and He doesn’t expect you to work for your keep. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee…Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.  Isa 26:3; Prov. 3:5-6

Faith Moves God

There is something about our faith that touches God. There’s hardly another quality we can have that moves Him emotionally so much. He just hast to know if we have faith in Him, and it matters desperately to Him that we do.

If you want to please God today, then, demonstrate faith in Him. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Heb. 11:6)

Because your faith matters so much to God, He orchestrates, or at least allows, trials so He can test it out. When you do have faith, there’s a reward for it, not only now, but in the future. So it’s a quality to work on. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations (trials, proving):  That the trial (proving, trying) of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (1 Pet. 1:6-7)

Faith has always been important to God as far back as Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He gave them everything they wanted, with only one thing to avoid… the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in Genesis 2. In Genesis 3, you see the first trial of faith. Did Eve believe and trust God and His word? No. She failed, and there were eternal consequences. God got His answer on whether the first people on earth had faith. He was displeased.

Who else had their faith tested? Noah. In his day, they had never seen rain. God tried his faith. He told him it would rain, and he better build an arch. Noah built it and pleased God.

Remember when the Israelites crossed the Jordan into the promised land and the first city God wanted them to overtake was Jericho? He promised them they would take the city. But he tried their faith. He had them march around the city once for each of six days, and seven times on the seventh day. Why? Would they believe, and thus obey God? Yes, they did. And God was pleased.

God loves faith because when we believe, we obey. When we disbelieve, we rebel. Faith and obedience mean the world to God.

Think of other characters in the Bible who had a command from God to obey. Did they believe God? You can find examples that go both ways. It’s an interesting study.

Remember, faith is an exercise, and God likes to test it. Pass the test today for His pleasure.

What is Hope Based On?

One day as a little kid, I was sitting at the kitchen table with a sibling or two minding my own business eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and pretzels, when my mom piped up and asked us what we were living for. I suddenly felt like a deer in the headlights. I didn’t even know I was supposed to be living for something, let alone what it might be.

I have an answer now, but I’ve often wondered where that question came from. I wonder if the thought behind it was what kind of hope did I have. That’s a rather deep concept for a kid. But as a full-grown adult, let me ask you, what are you hoping in? Do you have something you’re hoping in that keeps you going and gives you a reason to live? I did not until I was 15 years old and learned about and accepted Jesus Christ as my savior.

What about that gives me hope? The answer is in 1 Peter 1. I have hope, not because Jesus died for my sins. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (1 Pet 1:3)

Jesus rising from the dead is the part of the gospel that is often left out, or tacked on in passing. But it’s the active ingredient in the gospel that saved me and you. Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. (Rom 4:25)  I would not be declared righteous if Jesus just died for my sins. I’m declared righteous because he rose again.

Further, when my life is over, I’m not going to lay in a grave forever and ever, like I thought I would as a kid. No. I’m going to be raised up. And the only way that could happen is because Jesus raised from the dead first. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (Rom 8:11) 

You see, when Jesus died for my sins, I was reconciled to God. But I am actually saved by his risen life. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (Rom 5:10) 

The benefit to me of Jesus rising from the dead extends beyond a promise to also rise again when I die. It also gives me hope for while I’m still alive. Why? Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. (Rom 8:34) Jesus is alive in heaven making intercession for me.

I have power to live this life right now because Jesus raised from the dead and is still active on my behalf. Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1 Pet 1:13) Someday, I’ll see him face to face—because he rose again.

Hope starts with the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

Let's Study 1 Peter Together

Sometimes you get out of the habit of reading the Bible, and then when you decide to start making it a part of your daily schedule, it’s like climbing a mountain to decide where to begin. So I’d like to make a suggestion. If you’re looking for a rich, practical book of the Bible to read and study, I think 1 Peter hits the mark. I’ve always thought that. Let me give an overview to get you going. It’s written by Peter to the Jewish Christians who were dispersed by the persecution that erupted in the early church. Remember that in the early church in Jerusalem the Christians  continued daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,  Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:46-47) It wasn’t long, and being a Christian was a reason to be killed, so the Christians had to run away.

So Peter is writing a letter to these scattered Jewish Christians. (Remember, he was the apostle to the Jews, according to Gal. 2:7-8.)

How should these scattered Jewish Christians live? Peter was keenly aware that they had suffered greatly, and 1 Peter talks a lot about suffering (some form of the word is used 15 times in this book).  But overall, Peter’s purpose was to encourage them in godly, humble, submissive, righteous living with a willingness to suffer for the sake of Christ and have a good godly testimony in the midst of an ungodly world. It applied to them where they were, and it sure applies to us living in the last days when Christian thinking is at odds with the ungodly world view evolving around us.

Chapter 1 is an overview of time—past, present and future—from a godly perspective. It starts out talking about your future. That’s a great place to start to set an eternal perspective. Whatever you’re doing right now, stop and think… you have an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Pet. 1:4-5)

That perspective should help you live in the present, which is challenging with its trials. Currently, God is trying your faith. While all this goes on, you are believing in and trusting Christ and you will continue to do so up until the end. Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (1 Pet. 1:9)

In the past, the prophets who wrote the Scriptures that you are hanging onto, wondered what they were writing about. All they knew from God was that they weren’t writing about the time they were living in. They were writing about Gospel things we now know fully.

In your past, you lived an ungodly life according to your lusts. But now you are striving to live a holy life. It’s because of Christ’s past that you can live the way you should. He redeemed you with his precious blood. Then he rose again, setting your hope.

You were born again of incorruptible seed by the word of God that lives and abides forever. (Remember, Jesus was the word of God, according to John 1:1, 14.) Everything else is going to fade away, but the word of the Lord lives forever. That word is Jesus and the gospel.

There you have the overview of the book of 1 Peter and the first chapter. Now start reading it. For the next few days, we will look at aspects in 1 Peter 1, and then move on to chapter 2. Let’s dive in together and see some awesome things.

The Tapestry of Life

If you know the Lord, you may not see it now, but all the things that happen in your life are like works on a tapestry that you only see from the underside. God sees the right side from up above where he is weaving people, events and circumstances together. Remember, all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Rom. 8:28) A few stitches at a time, it might not make sense, but over time, you will see how those stitches fit with the larger pattern. You will see how relationships, jobs, locations and other circumstances were meant to prepare you for something that was obviously of God—something that only you would be uniquely prepared to do.

It’s a fact that amazed Joseph. His tapestry was dramatic—starting with brothers who had jealous, murderous hatred for him. But they were even bigger bozos than that. They decided they could make money off of him by selling him as a slave. Isn’t that a form of human trafficking? He ended up separated from all that was familiar and living in a foreign land. The stitches of his tapestry must have looked especially ugly at that time. But Joseph found grace in his Egyptian master’s eyes, and he put Joseph in charge of his house. The weave didn’t look so bad. But ah. His master’s wife unjustly accused him of taking advantage of her, and Joseph was thrown in prison. Once again, bummer, and what an ugly weaving from the underside. He sat in that jail for two years, and though he found grace in the jail-keeper’s eyes and was put in charge of things, it was little consolation. What he didn’t realize was that being in prison put him in touch with someone of influence, though the guy wasn’t influential at the moment. He was a fellow prisoner—Pharoh’s former  butler. In rubbing shoulder’s, Joseph was able to do butler-man a favor and interpret a dream he had. The dream indicated he would be back in favor with the Pharoah. It provided hope for the butler, but nothing for Joseph. He asked his new friend for a favor… to mention him to Pharoah when he got out of jail. Maybe Pharoah would let Joseph out too. It was a promise unkept. And Joseph plodded along in prison with a senseless life tapestry. But alas, Pharoah had a dream that needed to be interpreted, and his butler suddenly remembered his gifted prison friend.

Here the tapestry started to look better from the underside as pieces started to fit into place. Joseph was called out of prison, and he interpreted Pharoah’s dream. There would be seven years of plentiful harvest in the land, followed by seven years of famine. Joseph had some advice to go with the dream. Put someone in charge of storing up food during the plentiful years in preparation for the famine. Pharoah himself decided Joseph should be just the man. Can you see? He was the right person in the right place at the right time with the right vision, words and talents. He was put in charge and became second only to Pharoah.

Did Joseph put it all together like that? Yes he did. We can tell by the words he spoke to his brothers when they came to the land during the famine to get food from the man in charge—Joseph—whom they didn’t recognize.

Of interest, his brothers had just bowed down to him, as Joseph had dreamed would happen years earlier. Over time, Joseph revealed to his brothers who he—the leader in Egypt—really was. While they stood stunned, probably unable to process anything he said after that, Joseph blurted out his summary of his life tapestry: And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.  So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. (Gen. 45:7-8)

I don’t think his brothers quite caught that. Maybe they didn’t even hear it. Because later, after Jacob their father died, who had loved Joseph more than them, they were afraid that now Joseph was going to “take it out on them.”

But no. Again, Joseph had processed his life and purpose. There was no revenge in him. No ill will. He saw God’s sovereignty, not their severity. And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?  But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.  Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them. (Gen. 50:19-21)

Proper perspective will deliver you from bitterness and depression, just like it did Joseph. He was faithful throughout his life, a pliable vessel in God’s hand. He didn’t rebel against the tapestry God was weaving, and neither should you.

Does Time Heal All Wounds?

As you look back through your life, aren’t you amazed at how the hard times have faded, and you have forgotten what it was like “back then?” I kept a diary for 30-plus years, and when I go back through, I can hardly relate to the emotion I felt during some of the catastrophic episodes I recounted. It actually makes me think I must have been so emotionally immature back then. But maybe it just proves that old saying, “time heals all wounds.”

I think Joseph experienced the same thing. Forgetting may be a God-given coping mechanism. Remember, his brothers hated him; they plotted murder, but instead threw him in a pit, and he ended up getting sold as a slave to an Egyptian officer. It was unlikely he would ever see his family again. But he stayed close to the Lord and God had mercy on him. His master was impressed and put him in charge of his household. But his master’s wife was also impressed, in a different way, and scandal erupted. Joseph’s good fortune ended abruptly as the guy’s wife unjustly accused Joseph of indiscretions, and he ended up in prison for at least two years. If you’re keeping track, first he was up, then he was down (literally), then he was up, and now he was down. Through an act of providence, he got out of prison and became something of a world leader. He was put in charge of feeding people during a world-wide famine. If he kept a diary, I wonder what he would have felt and thought reading back through all that. Did time heal his wounds?

In Egypt, he had a new life. He was given a wife, and they had two children. It’s in the naming of the two kids that we have a glimpse into his mind and his heart. Back then, the naming of children was like a diary entry. He named his first child Manasseh, which meant God hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.  And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction. (Gen. 41:51-52)

Very interesting. Time didn’t erase his wounds. God did. God made him forget all his troubles and all his father’s house. His wounds were healed. As for his troubles after he entered Egypt, God caused him to be fruitful in spite of it. He gave God glory, didn’t he? He held no bitterness. He saw God’s hand in it all. He might be the best example of And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Rom. 8:28)

Follow his example. Thank God for delivering you from your past. It doesn’t have to be a part of who you are now. Your past just moved you along to where you are now. See God’s hand in your life right now and give Him glory. There’s more to come.

From Prisoner to Prince

How many times have you counted on something, and then it didn’t happen? The experience is deflating, and common, starting as a kid when a parent promises something, and then doesn’t follow through. Even a bad promise unfulfilled has an effect. I remember once as a senseless kid, I scratched my initials into a piece of marble on our beautiful antique marble table. My mom was as mad as ever at me and put me in my room and said, “Wait until your father gets home.” I sat and stewed in my room for hours knowing that a spanking was on its way. But my dad came home, and nothing happened. To a normal kid, that would be a huge relief. For me… I just kept wondering when the promised paddling was going to start. The anticipation wouldn’t stop. I don’t think my mom even told him. I’m still waiting!

I wonder if that’s how Joseph felt oppositely in prison when he saw clear hope of getting out. He interpreted the dreams of two fellow inmates, and one of the guys’ (Pharaoh’s butler’s) interpretation was that he was getting out of prison soon. Joseph jumped on that opportunity and said, But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house:  For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon. (Gen. 40:14-15) I can imagine the conversation and the likely promise. Verse 23: Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.

How long after the butler was released did Joseph sit and wait to hear the key turn and the door to freedom to open? Disappointment could have turned to depression. We know it was at least two years, according to 41:1.

Joseph had ample time to learn that It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.  It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. (Ps. 118:8-9) People and circumstances are unpredictable. You have to do something else with your mind rather than count on something that is unsure. Learn to hold your desires loosely, but hold on to God and His word tightly. I’m sure Joseph didn’t wring his hands for two years. He had to have moved on and found something else to occupy his mind.

But God’s reward was in the making. Remember and pray… The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. (Prov. 21:1) The Pharaoh had a dream that no one could interpret, and then the butler remembered Joseph and told Pharaoh about him and how he had interpreted his dream. Of course Pharaoh called for Joseph to come talk to him. Joseph interpreted his dream and then gave him some wise advice on how to handle the results of what was about to happen. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:  Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. (Gen. 41:39-40) Joseph went from prisoner to prince just like that. God had full and complete mercy on him. Joseph was faithful in a little, and God gave him much.

Just remember, God is sovereign, and He can change circumstances in an instant. Make it your aim to stay as close to Him as possible. Don’t turn to the right hand or the left. Keep your eyes fixed on Him. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (Ps. 37:4)

Don't Ask Why

Why do bad things happen to good people? Folks who don’t know the Lord ask that, but sometimes bad things happen to those who do know the Lord, and that raises the question again. We’re looking at Joseph again today, who was sold as a slave to one of Pharaoh’s officers. God blessed everything Joseph did, and this man put him in charge of his household. Joseph prospered. All would have been well, but for the officer’s wife, who was a piece of work. She tried to seduce Joseph, and he would have none of it. He ran away from her, leaving a piece of clothes in her hand. It was blackmail material. She lied about the situation, and Joseph ended up in prison.

Now why did that have to happen? He was doing so well, and then his world was turned upside-down. He was treated unfairly. Why? Here is the lesson. When bad things happen, you may never understand why. So stop focusing on the question, and keep close to the Lord.

If not for God, all of life would be hopeless. But you have a God who watches and knows. Look what happened when Joseph landed in prison. But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.  And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. (Gen. 39:21-22)

In Joseph’s depressing circumstance, the Lord showed him mercy. And the Lord gave him favor in the sight of the prison keeper. Don’t ever forget that God is not limited in what He can and will do. He works in people’s hearts around you to show us mercy. You might think that’s a nice person, but look behind that to God.

Here are promises from God you can hang on to. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. (Isa. 43:2)  Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.  He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.  Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; (Ps. 91:3-5)

Remember not get hung up on “why.” That is a selfish view of your life. God is in control, and He doesn’t have to tell you why. Just know that He is merciful, and hang on to Him for dear life.

From Hero to Zero and Back Again

If anyone had a rough childhood that they could blame the rest of their warped life on, it would be Joseph. Though he didn’t turn out warped, and we’ll see why.

He was one of 12 sons and the white sheep of the family. His brothers often rolled their eyes at him, like when their dad made Joseph a coat of many colors, proving he was “special.” (Can’t you just see it?) Then there were the heavenly dreams Joseph shared with his brothers that someday they would bow down to him. Recounting those dreams didn’t go over so well. By then, his brothers hated him. It says so three times in Genesis 37. Maybe you can relate to that. Do you have family members (or coworkers) who just can’t stand you? Your situation probably isn’t as bad as Joseph’s, though. His brother gang decided to murder him, and would have, had not one of the brothers decided that wasn’t such a good idea. Rather, he thought they should throw him in a deep pit, where he’d never escape. Whew. But not so fast. Another brother had a “brilliant” idea. They could make some money off him by selling him as a slave to some passing Ishmaelites. Who could even think such a wicked, selfish thing?

Ah, but there were some others who thought the same thing. A group of passing Midianite traders saw Joseph in the pit. Buying and selling was their business, so when they found Joseph in the pit, they saw dollar signs, and they sold him to the Ishmaelites while the band of brothers weren’t looking. Bummer for the brothers when they found Joseph missing. Now what would they tell their father, who loved Joseph more than them? They were expert schemers. They killed a goat, dipped Joseph’s coat in its blood and planned to tell papa that a wild beast killed him.

Would you not agree that this situation was pretty bad for Joseph? It was a perfect excuse for despair. He ended up being sold to the captain of Pharoah’s bodyguard—a high official.

How do you triumph in a tragedy like this? You stay close to the Lord and keep living for Him. You stay on the path as your circumstances unfold. You apply Prov. 3:5-6  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

That’s what Joseph did. Here’s what happened: And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.  And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.  And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. (Genesis 39:2-4) Joseph eventually became a leader in Egypt.

The key is to walk with the Lord. Read and ponder His word every day. Apply what you know. Don’t give in to self pity, even if you know you have a good reason to feel sorry for yourself. The fact is, God is in control, even when you don’t understand. You abandon yourself to Him, and you say, “Lord, unless you do something, I’ll fail and fall miserably. I’m going to watch you today, and I’m going to take my hands off my own life. Please catch me, because I’m jumping into your arms.” Now the problem is God’s problem, not yours.

Anger Management is God's Business

Have you noticed that when you’re angry, people tend to run away from you? You end up sitting on an island by yourself. God doesn’t even want to be near you. That’s not where you want to be. Leave anger to God for His righteous judgment. For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. (James 1:20)

Remember in the Old Testament when the Israelites were dying of thirst, and they complained to Moses that they were thirsty? God told Moses to strike the rock and water would come out. Sure enough. Water came out, and the Israelites quenched their thirst. Then it happened again. This time God told Moses to speak to the rock and water would come out. But Moses was angry with the people and he hit the rock twice. Water came out again, and the Israelites drank. But God was angry at Moses for being angry and disobeying Him. The consequences of that were severe.

And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. (Num. 20:12) Moses, who was put on this earth to lead the Israelites into the promised land, didn’t get to enter the promised land himself because of his anger and resulting disobedience. Surely that was depressing.

Anger takes a matter into its own hands and executes a verbal or physical punishment. The toll it takes on the other person is one thing, but the consequences to your own life are another.

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: (Eph. 4:26) Learn to zip your lip. Give your flash fire or slow burn to God. He’s the one in control of whatever it is anyway. Let Him deal with the person or circumstance. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:  For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. (James 1:19-20) Only God works the righteousness of God.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. (Rom. 12:19)

It’s for your own good. Your emotional well-being depends on your ability to turn grievances over to the Lord.