When Knowledge Falls Short
What happens when I bumble through the day versus surrender to and seek God first? I’m well-versed in the Bible, so it’s pretty normal to go on what I generally know God likes and expects of me for the day.
Let’s take three days from the life of Joshua to answer what happens when we bumble vs. humble ourselves and seek God. God’s stated will for Joshua is to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land and defeat all the inhabitants (Joshua 1).
Day 1: After entering the Promised Land, the first wicked city in the way is Jericho. God tells Joshua that He has given the city into his hands. Then He gives Joshua instructions on how to do it, which involves marching around the city seven days, and seven times on the seventh day. Joshua follows all the unorthodox instructions, and Jericho is defeated (Joshua 6). What a great, victorious, cloud-9 day for Joshua. It turns out that way because Joshua trusts God’s plan and obeys it. No rebellion there.
Day 2: In grief, Joshua wails before the Lord because the Israelite army just got whipped by a small group of warriors from the next enemy city, Ai (Joshua 7). Two things lead to this. One of the Israelites took something they were told not to from Jericho when they defeated that first city. So there was sin in the camp. God hates sin. He expects obedience. The second miss-step is that before the battle with Ai, Joshua just relies on what he generally knows to be God’s plan… defeat the enemies. I don’t see him asking God any questions about this battle with Ai. Perhaps if he had, God would have told him that there was sin in the camp they better take care of first. The point is, I may know God’s general will, but am I aware of my own standing before God? Is there sin I need to deal with before moving on with the day? I know how God is. Do I know how I am with regards to obedience to everything I know to be His will?
Day 3: Joshua makes a league with the next enemy that comes across his path, the Hivites from Gibeon who were included in the list of people God expected to deliver into the Israelites hand, according to Deut. 20:17. Instead, Joshua promises protection for them (Joshua 9). What? He is clearly supposed to defeat rather than protect the enemy. Turns out, the enemy is wily (vs. 4, like Wily Coyote). They dress up like they have traveled hundreds of miles. In explanation of their mission, the imposters say they heard how awesome God is to the Israelites, and they want to be on their team—as servants. They butter up Joshua, and he goes for it, not knowing that they are actually enemy neighbors. The point of this bumbling mistake is that I’m just as likely to do something like that if I don’t consider and put on the full armor of God pretty regularly (Eph. 6:13). Satan is a deceiver, and no matter how much of the Bible and God’s will I know, Satan knows it just as well, but he has ways around it that he will whisper in my ear, and it will sound pretty reasonable.
May today be a day where I pay attention and submit to God. I want more Day 1 instances in my life.
Jody
What Does it Mean to Wholly Follow the Lord?
Does wholly following the Lord mean to sell everything you have, give up all your possessions and go wherever a whim perceived from God takes you? I’m sure there are some inspiring and convicting sermons out there that would conclude that. But two and only two someones in the Bible are said to have wholly followed the Lord. Let’s learn what it means from the single instance in their lives about which they are said to have wholly followed the Lord.
Surely none of the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob; because they have not wholly followed me: Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD. (Num 32:11-12)
Now we know, it was Joshua and Caleb. Here’s another reference that Caleb made years later concerning his own life: Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart. Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God. And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children’s for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God.” (Josh 14:7-9 AV)
You may recall the events in Israel’s history. A leader from each of the 12 tribes was sent by God and Moses to spy out the Promised Land to get the answers to some important questions. They all saw the same thing, but 10 spies couldn’t get past how hard it looked. They were afraid, and they made the people fear.
“And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.” (Num 13:30 AV)
Want to know how a person who wholly follows the Lord thinks?
“And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.” (Num 14:6-9 AV)
We can conclude that wholly following the Lord means knowing God’s word and thus His desire and not being afraid to follow it and not rebelling at God’s command. It means trusting that God will make His promises work out. It means standing alone against the worldly tide sometimes. Once you know God’s will on a matter, you go for it and you don’t look back.
Those who wholly follow the Lord will be successful—perhaps the envy of others—because they’ve learned to live above the fray. They don’t live on skittish street. Notice Caleb and Joshua outlived every single person who left Egypt for the Promised Land. That’s because they wholly followed the Lord and were rewarded with the promise that they alone of their comrades would enter the Promised Land. Not even Moses was allowed in.
Wholly following the Lord can be boiled down to three words. Trust and obey. Others in the Bible did that, but only Joshua and Caleb are immortalized for it. They are the example to follow. Any of us can wholly follow the Lord. All of us should. In the book of Numbers, only two of 12 did.
The Secret to Accomplishing God's Work
Has anyone ever heard of Bezaleel? He is the kind of guy you’d like to know when you want to finish your basement or remodel a room. He was the best of the best when it came time to build the tabernacle. If we were making it today, we’d go to Home Depot and Hobby Lobby to get materials and decorations, including the fabric required to make the tent. But in Exodus, they didn’t have stores. The furniture, pots, candlesticks and utensils had to be handmade and hand engraved. The fabric had to be hand woven and embroidered. Someone had to do that.
Bezaleel was the guy God picked to oversee all this made-from-scratch work. For me, any of the required work to make the tabernacle would have been like climbing a mountain. Not one thought of how to accomplish it would have entered my head. Fortunately, there was Bezaleel who was gifted in those areas. How did that happen, anyway?
“And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship; And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, And in the cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of wood, to make any manner of cunning work. And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.” (Ex 35:31-35)
This was a case of God equipping a man to do God’s work. How fulfilling do you suppose it was for Bezaleel to have this talent and to get to use it for a divine purpose?
I’m thinking of my verse for the year and how this story sheds more light on it. “A man’s heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps.” (Prov. 16:9) God not only directed Bezaleel’s hands and feet, He directed his mind by giving him the thought processes and the ability to teach others how to help him. He had a whole package of ability from God that went well beyond just his steps.
But God directs me and you, too, with steps, thoughts, ideas, skills, communication abilities—everything we need to do the job He has in mind for us. We fit in God’s great work, the church—His body in motion. It’s a spiritual building He uses to equip the saints for the work of ministry. And He put in His people different sets of abilities to help build it. This is what Eph. 4 is all about. It makes me look at my place in the church (local and universal) in a new light. God wants to use me in the area in which He has gifted me. How am I doing? How are you doing?
Yesterday we looked at For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Phil. 2:13) Today we see For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Jody
God's Will, God's Way
The children of Israel are in the midst of their wilderness wandering in Ex. 35 (That’s where I’m at today in reading through the Bible in a year. You can jump in any time. It’s time to start building the tabernacle. Hmmm. Who should participate in that and how should Moses encourage the Israelites to participate? After all, he has been given some pretty specific instructions on how it should be done, and it’s going to take a lot of work and money.
Do you suppose that if this were happening in our day, there would be a sermon on how everyone better pitch in and do their fair share, and a capital campaign would be in the works to fund it, and everyone would feel shamed and guilted into participating? I know of no other way. How about you?
So I’m positively captivated by how this elaborately planned and designed tabernacle actually came about, starting in Ex. 35. My fascination centers on the word willing used in four verses. Here they are. Bask in them with me.
Ex 35:5 Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass,
Ex 35:21-22 And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD’S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments. And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the LORD.
Ex 35:29 The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.
How refreshing! I see a lot of freedom in these verses. God stirred the people’s hearts without any harassing or brow-beating from Moses. And there was enough stirring going on that in chapter 36, Moses had to announce that the people could stop giving. There was more than enough to accomplish the task.
I would love to see this more in our day. Let Him stir. Then He gets the glory. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Phil. 2:13) Let’s give God room and credit for making His desire happen His way.
And that brings me to my verse for 2015. A man’s heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps. (Prov. 16:9) The account in Ex. 35 shows another angle of this verse. Sometimes God directs our steps by making His desires our desires. When that happens, we are delighted, and He is delighted. We are fulfilled, and He is glorified. It’s a rewarding, pure proposition. Read the bulleted verses above again and see if the honesty and simplicity of it doesn’t just make you want to praise God for how He works. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! (Psa. 107:8)
Tell me what you think.
Jody
Who Directs Your Steps?
My verse for 2015 is Prov. 16:9: A man’s heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps. I shared my “verse for the year” with a friend, and she found it peculiar.What does it mean? Does it mean we are simply puppets? That’s a question a person would be tempted to ask. But I don’t plan to examine it as much on an intellectual level as on a Bible-example level. I’m reading through the Bible this year with that verse as my overlay or my lens.
So, in the book of Genesis, I read about Joseph, his father Jacob’s favorite of 12 boys. I read about the dreams Joseph had and shared with his brothers that they would bow down to him someday. If I had a dream like that, I’m not sure I’d share it with my siblings, knowing that they just might get jealous and hate me. But Joseph shares it, and they get jealous and hate him.
His brothers toy with the idea of killing him after they throw him in a pit. While they sit there eating lunch, with Joseph stuck in the hole, they decide the better deal is to sell him as a slave and make some money off of him. (And you thought your siblings were bad!) Before they finish lunch, a group of Midianite merchantmen pass by, find Joseph in the hole, and decide to sell him. The brothers miss their chance to make money, not knowing what happened to him (Genesis 37).
Let’s take a look at Prov. 16:9 again. A man’s heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps. Hmmm. According to that verse, was God in control of Joseph and his brothers’ situation? I’ll bet none of them thought so that day. Joseph ends up in Egypt as a slave in the home of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s.Joseph’s scheming brothers, who don’t know what happened to him, have to make up a story to tell their father and choose to tell him a wild animal killed him.
Fast-forward, if you know the story, Joseph ends up being 2nd in charge, just below Pharaoh, and he’s in charge of the food supply during a wide-spread drought. His father and brothers are about to starve, so the brothers come to Egypt for food and bow down to Joseph, just like Joseph dreamed would happen. Only the brothers don’t know it’s Joseph. They probably assume he’s dead.
In Gen. 45, Joseph finally makes himself known to his brothers after toying with them for a while. His brothers are shocked speechless—after bowing down to him for the 3rd time since they meet him as governor of Egypt. And here is the Prov. 16:9 perspective that Joseph appears to have as he talks to his brothers, who are sure Joseph is going to take revenge. “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)
The brothers and their father Jacob get to come live near Joseph where he provides for them. Then Jacob dies. The brothers fear. Perhaps Joseph has been nice to them all this time for their father’s sake. Now that he is dead, Joseph might just turn on them. They bow down again. Wow. This is the 4th time. And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. 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. (Gen. 50:18-20)
What I learn is that in the moment, I might not see God anywhere near my circumstances, but He is weaving His tapestry with my life for His glory. And here’s my verse again: A man’s heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps.
Tell me what you think.
Jody
That's a Good Question
“Don’t ask why.” Were you ever squelched with that comment when you were growing up? I heard that. And true. It was pointless to ask why because the answer was, “because I said.” But God is not like our parents. It’s actually OK to ask Him why—but with an honest seeking heart and not selfish anger (Read James 1:5.)
In fact, it’s a good practice when you read the Bible to ask, “Why did it happen like that?” I’m learning to do that, and when I do, I find that the answer shows a bigger picture than what I see on the surface.
Here’s one example. When the Israelites, under Joshua’s rule, went to enter the Promised Land, why did God choose to have them cross the Jordan River? Why didn’t He choose some other way to bring them into the land?
He tells you the reason why. In fact, there are several reasons you can find in the context of the early chapters of Joshua, and they all have to do with reputation.
- God wanted to establish Joshua’s reputation as His chosen national leader. “And the Lord said unto Joshua. This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.” (Josh. 3:7) It was important that the people not be inclined to ask, “Who does this guy think he is?” Remember that earlier Moses had caused the Israelites to cross the Red Sea on dry ground. God used Joshua to do the same miracle, different body of water.
- God wanted to establish His own personal reputation that the Israelites could pass on to their children. That’s why God had them gather 12 stones from the river bed and set them up on the bank as a visual reminder of the miracle that would last for generations. (See Josh 4:20-24)
- God wanted to affirm His reputation and put His fear in the hearts of the enemy. “And it came to pass when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the side of Jordan westward… heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel until we were passed over that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more because of the children of Israel.” (Josh 5:1) This is an especially important point. The enemy folks across the Jordan River already had an image of God etched in their minds. We catch a glimpse of it a few chapters earlier when the spies to Jericho talked to Rahab. There she said: “For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.” (Josh. 2:10-11) This new water crossing was an “uh oh” moment for the enemy.
So you see the answer to the why question is broader than might appear on the surface. It has to do with something bigger than the Israelites. It was God’s reputation-building method. The answer is about God and His sovereign plans.
As you read the Bible, start asking why God did things the way He did. When you see the answer, you will feel much smaller, and God will be much bigger. There are more examples in coming days.
Let me know what you think.
Jody
Keep Your Story Alive
Do you have any stories in your life, maybe from the past year, in which God did something remarkable in your life? Maybe He came through for you in a way you never thought possible. Have you thought of a way you can keep that memory alive? It’s important to think of some way not to lose that wonderful testimony. What God did for you is not only for your benefit, but for the benefit of those who come after you—children, friends or those you disciple or mentor. Let’s call it oral tradition. God thinks it’s important to keep the flame alive. He deserves glory from you recounting what He did, not only in the early hours after He did it, but at each memory and retelling of it.
Before the children of Israel were done crossing the Jordan River on dry ground in Joshua 4, God told Joshua to call on 12 leaders to go back to the dry river bed and each gather a huge stone and take it to the place where they were lodging that night. After this was accomplished, God caused the waters to return to the river, and all that remained of that miracle was the 12 stones and the memories of those who crossed the river on dry ground.
Here were God’s thoughts spoken through Joshua. “And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel: That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.” (Josh. 4:5-7)
This time, the memorial was a pile of large rocks. After God led the Israelites out of the bondage of Egypt, God had them set up an annual passover feast, that is kept to this day. “And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD’S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.” (Ex 12:26-27)
A pile of rocks, an annual feast… what about you? If you’re artistic, you could paint a picture depicting what God did. I’m a writer, and more than 30 years ago, I started a notebook to record the amazing things God does in my life. I like to re-read stories from that book, and many awesome works of God written in there I would have otherwise forgotten. The stories are also for those I read them to, sometimes at the Juvenile Detention Center, where the teenage girls need to know there is a God who loves them.
Again, let’s think of ways to keep the oral tradition alive. And while we are thinking of it, why don’t we stop and thank God right now for choosing to keep much of His testimony alive through the Bible. He orchestrated the writing and preserving of the 66 books with 40 authors written over a span of 1,600 years from three continents using three languages. We can still read and rejoice over what He did hundreds of years ago. But there are more stories to be told…the story of your life with God. I hope you have some stories to tell.
God Thinks Multi-dimensionally
After 40 years of wilderness wandering, the day came for the Israelites to make their grand entrance into the Promised Land. God’s method of bringing them into that first city across the Jordan River was divinely strategic in a few ways.
The story of the plan and execution of crossing the Jordan on dry ground is found in Joshua 3 and 4. Rather than lead the Israelites around the river, God chose the river-crossing miracle, knowing it would build the nation’s esteem for their new leader Joshua (3:7); It would scare the pants off the enemy Canaanites (5:1); and it would be fodder for the Israelites’ conversations with their children for years to come (4:21-22).
That is how awesome God is. He doesn’t think like we do. The Israelites thought in only one dimension. “How are we going to get across this river?” God thought three things at once.
First, there was Joshua. God told him the grand river-crossing plan by first saying to him, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. (Josh. 3:7) The Israelites needed to see his leadership as they saw Moses’, similar to when Moses led them across the Red Sea on dry ground.
Second, let’s look at the enemy nation they were going to enter. In Josh. 2, before the grand crossing, Joshua dispatched two spies to Jericho on the other side of the river. They stayed in the house of Rahab the harlot. When the Jericho rulers heard of the spies, they knocked on Rahab’s door demanding that she hand them over. She lied and said they were gone. After the rulers left, she told the spies she was on their side, because she knew God was on their side. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. (Josh. 2:10-11)
So we know the inside story. The enemy became fearful of the Israelites years earlier after Moses led them across the Red Sea on dry ground. Wouldn’t you know… God chose that same intimidating miraculous circumstance to keep the enemy fearful. And it worked, we learn after the fact. And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel.
Finally, that crossing served as a testimony for the Israelites to pass on to their children. More about that next time.
But for now, let’s be amazed at the mind of God. In His all-knowingness, He orchestrates people and events on many levels for many benefits. Here are the conclusions we must come to:
Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way? (Prov. 20:24)
O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. (Jer. 10:23)
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. (Psa. 37:23)
Who Will Win the Big Game Today?
It was football game day for Joshua. He was the new quarterback. Moses was gone, and Joshua took his position. Israel had the ball. This was Joshua’s first play ever as quarterback. He went to the huddle—made up of just him and God.
Did you ever wonder what they say in huddles? In this one, God did all the talking. We read about it in Joshua 1:1-9.
First, God had Joshua envision winning. In fact, He assured Joshua of victory, simply because God was going to be with him. The Promised Land was the end zone they were aiming for. God told Joshua how big that zone was “From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (Josh. 1:4-5)
From there, God had one thing He wanted to convey to Joshua. It was important, because He stated it three times in the next four verses: “Be strong and of good courage.” God knew the apposing team would be intimidating. Imagine playing your first game against a scary bunch of men. Simple survival might become your goal. But really, the objective was bigger than that. The goal was to win.
For us, isn’t every day a new game? The sun rises to a new field with new, as-yet-unseen challenges. It’s a good idea to start the day in a huddle with God. Let Him speak to you through His word and His Spirit. He wants to encourage you, and He has the same promise for you as He had for Joshua. “There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. I will not fail thee nor forsake thee.”
God knows the challengers you will face, and some might be scary. He would tell you three times, “Only be thou strong and very courageous.”
The requirement of you (and of Joshua) is in verses 7-8. “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (Josh. 1:7-8)
In summary, God’s advice in your morning huddle is to trust and obey. Trust your loving, victorious God, and obey His word.
Joshua had a huge team of Israelites to lead to the Promised Land. God knew it would be tough. Joshua’s team would not always work together. And the opposing team would be sly and brutal at times. But he had God with him. So there was no need to fear, even though it would seem there was plenty to be afraid of.
God has the same message for you today. Be strong and courageous, no matter what comes up. God is with you. Keep your heart on God and His word. Apply what you know from the playbook. Your goal is not to just survive. Your goal is to win. That means you have to be courageous.
How? Read Eph. 6:11-18. Three times in Eph. 6:11-14, Paul tells his readers to stand. As you are courageous today, don’t shrink. Don’t fall down. Stand.
Mutual Delight Society
One of my favorite verses is Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (Psa. 37:4) It offers hope that I can have what I really want if I’ll just delight in Him. So, how do you delight in Him? I would combine that verse with Matt. 6:33, and hope soars (But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.)
I’m sure I could learn more about how to delight in the Lord, and I may study that, because there’s a reward attached to it. But what about God delighting in me? Does God delight in people? If so, what kind of person delights God? After all, isn’t life supposed to be about pleasing God rather than God pleasing me? (Oh yeah, I forgot.)
In the life of Joshua, do you remember that he and 11 others went to spy out the Promised Land in order to bring a report back to the rest of the Israelites regarding what they saw? Ten of the spies came back with a sorry report. Mainly, they saw giants in the land and were positive those giants would kill them, so they insisted that the Promised Land wasn’t all it was cracked up to be and maybe they shouldn’t all go in.
Then there was Joshua and Caleb, who looked at it differently. Read their report with me from Numbers 14:6-9: And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: (7) And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. (8) If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. (9) Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.
Notice Joshua and Caleb’s perspective: If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us. It looks to me like not only is there a reward for me delighting in God, there’s a reward for Him delighting in me.
It begs the question, how can I know if God delights in me? Look at the next verse. Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land…
- Don’t rebel against the Lord and His desire (obey Him).
- Don’t fear (Trust).
If you’ve been around for awhile, you know the old hymn Trust and Obey. It has the best words: “When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey. Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”
It turns out, the Bible has other clues about God's delights. Before you launch into the rest of your day, read these verses and write down somewhere what God delights in and how you might be able to make the truths a part of you.:
And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. (1 Sam. 15:22)
They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight. (Proverbs 11:20)
Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. (Proverbs 12:22)
Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
Joshua’s Interesting First Opponent
We first see our guy, Joshua, in Exodus as the captain of the Israel army and Moses’ right-hand man. “And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.” (Ex 17:9)
What follows is the famous story of the battle with Amalek in which Moses held up his rod, and as long as his hands were up in the air, the Israelites under Joshua were winning the battle, and when his hands went down, Amalek was winning.
That’s a nice story, but an understanding of the main characters makes it more interesting. Who was Amalek? He was the grandson of Esau of Esau and Jacob fame. You know, the Bible says that the sins of the fathers carry on to their children’s children. (Ex. 34:7) If you recall, in Genesis 25, Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for some soup. He and Jacob were twins born to Isaac and Rebekah, but Esau came out of the womb first, making him older and therefore the one who was destined to receive the family blessing. But God knew Esau before he was born and chose Jacob to receive the blessing. It happened through the deception of Rebekah and Isaac’s poor eyesight (read about it in Gen. 27). In sin, Esau married the daughters of Canaan. The Israelites weren’t supposed to intermarry, because the pagans would turn their hearts to their false gods. God’s summary of Esau was this: As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. (Rom 9:13) How many people does God hate? That is a strong statement about God and about Esau. There’s something deeper there to pay attention to.
After all that, now we see the path of how Esau’s grandson, Amalek, could become an unsavory character. He was living the life and consequences of the sins of his grandfather.
Our first mention of Joshua is in connection with this famous battle to defeat Esau’s grandson Amalek. And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. (Ex. 17:13-14) That’s a pretty strong statement, too. Throwing out Amalek from under heaven? Who else will someday be thrown out from under heaven?
Joshua, who is a type of Christ, as we saw yesterday, fought Amalek, who was an evil force God opposed and planned to wipe out completely. Is it possible that if Joshua is a type of Christ, Amalek is a type of Satan, and this battle pictures the spiritual battle that continues and that will ultimately end with Jesus reigning and Satan defeated?
There are devotional applications to this story, for sure. But as we start our journey into the life of Joshua, it’s important to see his significance as a mighty warrior in the grand scheme of things past and future.
I promise, we will look at his life more devotionally in the days ahead.
Final Thoughts in 1 Peter
Among the unique things about 1 Peter is the prominence of the word suffering. It is used 15 times. But I don’t see that as the theme of the book. Peter was not inspired by the Holy Spirit to write a book to be so “poor me” centered. Yes, the scattered Christians he wrote to suffered persecution, and addressing it was necessary. If you look at it prophetically, future believers during the tribulation will also suffer greatly, and this book will come back to comfort them too. But as we close out our study through 1 Peter, it’s equally noteable that some form of the word glory is also used 15 times. As we saw in an earlier post, suffering and glory are related. Christ suffered and was glorified; we suffer and will participate in glory.
The last 1 Peter verses we will look at seal the idea: 1Pe 5:10-11 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (11) To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Suffering shines a spotlight on obedience and glorifies God. Remember, what I believe is the theme verse of 1 Peter is “Be ye holy, for I am holy.” (1 Pet 1:14-16) Whatever Christ did/was is what we are to do/be. (Heb. 5:8) Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered. (Isa 50:5-6) The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. (6) I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. (John 6:38) For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
- Christ suffered and was glorifed; we will suffer and be glorified.
- Christ was a living stone (2:4); we are living stones (2:5)
- Christ submitted to suffering (2:21-23); we are to submit to suffering (2:18-22)
- Christ died for us, a result of his suffering (3:18); we are to die to ourselves through suffering (4:1-2)
- Christ fed and led his sheep; church leaders are to feed and lead the sheep (5:2-4)
Christ was humble; we are to be humble. Again, Christ was holy, we are to be holy. It seems that the path to all this leads through suffering and ends with glory. Christ is the first-fruits of this concept. We follow. Buckle up!
An Intriguing Correlation Explained
There’s a piece of the Christian life I’m not sure I understand, but I’m sure it’s real, because the Bible says it over and over. That is, there is glory in suffering/dying for Christ. There’s honor, magnificence, excellence and dignity. How could something so personally painful as persecution be all that?
Could it be because Christ’s suffering and death brought glory to God? (That brings us back to our 1 Peter theme, “be ye holy, for I am holy.”) Whatever Christ was, we are to be. If He suffered for his holiness and brought glory to God, we will too.
Some form of the words suffer and glory are used together in 11 verses in the Bible, and six of them are in 1 Peter. Here are some clues about Christ’s suffering and its relation to glory:
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. (Heb 2:9-10)
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Rom 8:17-18)
So, there will be glory later for suffering for Christ, but is there glory right now when we suffer persecution as Christians? Yes, now and later. Here’s our 1 Peter passage for today, which is all about suffering and the resulting glory. You’ll see the distinct connection, which I think is so intriguing. I’ll highlight the glory/glorified verses, but on your own, notice its connection to suffering, trials and hardship for Christ’s sake.
1Pe 4:12-19 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: (13) But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (14) If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. (15) But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. (16) Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. (17) For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? (18) And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? (19) Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
In our culture and time, we see trials and suffering for Christ as danger to be avoided or protected from. We pray suffering away. But Peter tells us to rejoice in suffering for Christ. Be happy. Glorify God for it. Peter actually had some unusual insight into this from the lips of Jesus. After Christ rose again and before He ascended to heaven, He had a cryptic message just for Peter, and Peter got it. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. (John 21:18-19)
Jesus’ words obviously had an impact on Peter, and he passed that on to us by inspiration of God. It’s something to keep in mind when suffering for Christ arises.
A New Focus for 2014
God has equipped us to be like Christ, which is the theme of 1 Peter (be ye holy for I am holy). Peter spends this whole book explaining how to be like Christ. As you look forward to 2014, don’t lose sight of the fact that, in this life, you are first of all a Christian—a little representation of a big Christ.
First, at the end of 2013, look back at the end of Christ’s life. He prayed a prayer to God that you get to listen in on. He discusses what his life was all about. Read it this time through the lens of you as a Christ representative. Whatever focus Jesus shared with the Father is also your focus. With those lenses firmly on, read this:
Joh 17:4-8 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. (5) And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. (6) I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. (7) Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. (8) For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
Now in 2014, it will be your turn to glorify God, finish His work, manifest His name and give out His words, all for God’s glory through Christ. How do you do it? Peter tells you how, and once again, keep on those lenses of you as a Christ representative: 1Pe 4:9-11 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. (10) As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (11) If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
It turns out, you have gifts, abilities and burdens that God has given you, not to use for yourself, but to channel Him to the world. Those are going to show up as either speaking or physically ministering to others, just like Christ did. He was always doing one or the other or both.
Together, let’s make that what 2014 is all about.
Love Hides Some Things
I remember in my teen years as a new believer in Christ, my greatest anguish was that I knew I didn’t love other people like I should. People. I could take them or leave them, and I feared that would be my downfall. Looking back, I know I mistakenly thought that I didn’t love others because I didn’t have warm fuzzy feelings for everyone. I couldn’t muster it when it looked like others could.
I have two points to make about loving others that I wish I would have known then.
First, love is something you do, not something you feel. It’s a commandment. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (John 13:34) It’s something you put on. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. (Col. 3:14) Again, it’s a decided action, not just a gushy feeling, so you actually can love someone you don’t particularly like.
Second, one of the intriguing evidences of putting on charity comes up in our study through 1 Peter. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (1 Pet. 4:8) The evidence of your love for someone is that you cover their sins. That means you hide or hinder others from knowing about that person’s mistakes or offenses. You don’t repeat them. You let them go. If you can decide to do that—overlook and be quiet about their faults—you are actively loving them. Here is the same idea, worded just a bit differently:
- Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. (Prov. 10:12) Don’t stir up contention or conflict over the failures and flaws you see and experience from others.
- A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. (Prov. 12:16) Not only are you showing love when you keep your mouth shut, you’re also behaving prudently.
- He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. (Prov. 17:9) If that person’s name comes up in a crowd, don’t rehearse the offense. Cover it.
But let’s not be naïve. The offense of that other person may be a signal that there is really something wrong going on inside of them. But still, you are required to love them. You still don’t repeat it to others. You still cover it. But you may need to talk to and reason with that person about the offense. Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. (Matt. 18:15) Hopefully, that will take care of the problem. And here comes love again…Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. (James 5:20)
Joy to the World, But First...
It’s the time of year when we sing “Joy to the World.” I’ve sang it at Christmas since I was a kid. It refers to the day Jesus was born. God was bursting at the seams and sent an angel to some shepherds out in a field watching their sheep at night. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)
But for the whole world to experience that joy, there had to be sorrow, for this great Saviour came to die. In between His birth and His death, there were some dicey decades. As the Saviour of the world, Jesus was on a mission to explain this salvation. But not everyone agreed that they needed to be saved. This led to personal suffering for Jesus, the Christ.
Now fast-forward to day. As we study 1 Peter, if holiness is the theme, suffering is the sub-theme. But not just any suffering. Christ’s suffering for us and thus our suffering for him. “Be ye holy for I am holy,” and so by implication, “I suffered for you, leaving you an example to suffer for me.”
Let’s connect a few verses that show this to be true: For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: …and Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. (1 Peter 3:17-18 and 4:1-2)
Neither Christ nor we suffer for suffering’s sake. It’s not just an unfortunate consequence of sharing something that some people do not want to hear. It might look that way from the outside (Christ’s death looked pretty much like cause-and-effect regarding his message on the surface). Christ’s suffering for us, and our suffering for Christ is a part of the perfection that results from submitting to it. Here’s proof: Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience [compliance, submission] by the things which he suffered; (Heb. 5:8)
And back to our two verses for today: Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. (1 Peter 4:1-2)
Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. (Psalms 119:67)
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. (Psalms 119:71)
I don’t know why, but suffering leads to submission—a prime quality God wants to see in us. It has ramifications in our life both now and in the future. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Rom. 8:17-18)
So, what about that joy the angel promised? Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. (Psalms 30:5b)
Three Days in Prison
When Jesus was treated unjustly and was crucified, the plan of the ages unfolded. He, the just and righteous one, died for us, the unjust and unrighteous ones (1Pet 3:18).
But what about the unjust and unrighteous folks who lived and died before Christ came? For instance, in Noah’s day, the whole earth was filled with unrighteous people, who God decided to wipe off the face of the map all at once by a flood. Did Jesus die for those unjust people too?
I’m used to hearing that if those people would have gotten in that ark with Noah, they would have been spared. But I don’t think Noah was out encouraging them to get in the ark. Their unrepentant lives were solidly wicked, and their judgment was set.
Fast forward to Christ’s death. It was then that God enacted another part of His plan that we know very little of. Remember that Jesus was “dead” for three days. But it’s not as though he laid there still and lifeless for those three days.
He went deep into the earth, where there is a sort of prison, where dead souls are bound, and he preached to them. Wouldn’t you love to know what He said and how they responded. After all, these people were dead and experiencing anguish. Don’t you think everyone would have believed and accepted him? That, we don’t know. But we know He did preach to the under-earth prisoners:
1Pe 3:19-22 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; (20) Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. (21) The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: (22) Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
Though we don’t know Jesus’ exact words, we do know His purpose for going and preaching to them. Read these verses, and see if some don’t make a lot more sense now.
For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. (1Pet. 4:6 )
To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. (Isa 42:7)
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound. (Isa 61:1)
How to Suffer for Goodness Sake
Who could possibly hurt you if you’re following the Lord? Surely God will protect you from evil, because greater is He that is you than He that is in the world. Right? Sort of. Remember Job? He was hurt, even though he followed the Lord. Remember Jesus? He was hurt, even though he was the Lord.
It was Peter who raised the question, And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? (1 Pet. 3:13) As it turns out, it wasn’t a question that demanded the answer no one, because the next verse goes like this: But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled.
There are many verses that promise God’s protection and peace. But they have to be balanced with verses like this: Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (2 Tim. 3:12)
As you know by now, the theme of 1 Peter is Be ye holy; for I am holy (1:16) We aren’t holy alone. We follow the guide. If our guide suffered for righteousness’ sake, so will we. Peter tells us how to get through it. Note though that the suffering he discusses isn’t suffering for stupid things we do. It’s the suffering that happens because the world is dark, and the children of darkness don’t think and believe like we do. They expect us to, but we don’t. So they oppose us, and that’s the suffering Peter talks about in chapter 3. Follow his advice:
- Consider yourself happy or blessed instead of terrified or troubled if you get to suffer for righteousness sake. (3:14)
- The fact that you handle persecution this well may intrigue your tormentors, and they will wonder how you do it. Be ready to give a meek answer for the reason of the hope inside you. (3:15)
- Keep a good conscience, so their accusations against you don’t land on firm ground. If you are living a pure life, your accuser will end up looking stupid for being so petty or for lying about you. (3:16) Really, you’re suffering for their sins of maliciousness. Take it on the chin.
- It’s better that you suffer for doing well than for doing evil. (3:17)
And finally, Jesus is raised as the example: For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: (1 Pet. 3:18)
Jesus suffered for others’ sins to bring us to God. You are blessed if you get to suffer for other people saying unjust things about you. If you handle it in a godly way, it may be used to bring them to Jesus.
An Important Pill to Swallow
Did you hear the report all over the news the other day? Someone has determined we don’t need all the vitamin and mineral supplements we’ve been taking. They aren’t effective. I groaned. It’s yet another report about something I don’t really need that I really do need. Wasn’t it mammograms they decided we didn’t need a few years ago? I take about 8 pills of one sort or another every day because there is some benefit to them. I don’t believe it when someone gets hold of the national microphone and says it’s not important after all.
It’s the same way with Bible truths. There’s always someone out there trying to say the Bible doesn’t really mean what it says, and the verse for today would be near the top of that list. I touched on it the other day. It’s for women, and it says, But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. (1 Pet. 3:4)
Now, if the Bible says a meek and quiet spirit is of great price to God, then that’s a pill I want to take every day. I want to be pleasing to God, don’t you? I’m going to face Him someday, and I do not want my life to testify, “I’m sorry. You asked for a meek and quiet spirit, but that just wasn’t me.” Remember, a meek and quiet spirit means a mild and tranquil disposition, which is of great price in the sight of God. How do you get it? Let’s go for it! Well, it’s a submissive thing. Truly. The next verse after the meek and quiet spirit says, For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord… (1 Pet. 3:5-6a)
First of all, let’s look at this in light of the theme of 1 Peter, “Be ye holy for I am holy.” The whole book is a how-to and why-for on holiness. The first part, “be ye holy” is our challenge and command. The second part “for I am holy” is our example, and throughout 1 Peter, we see Jesus as the example of holiness. He’s calling us to be like himself. Jesus was submissive, as we looked at in chapter 2 and will see again in chapter 3. But now, we see another example of submissive in the context of a meek and quiet spirit.
Sarah is noted as the example, being in subjection to her husband Abraham, calling him lord. When did she do that? Actually, it was in the context of God telling her when she was likely in her 90s that she was going to have a baby. Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also? (Gen.18:12) That word lord means master or superintendent of household affairs. She must have been used to referring to Abraham that way, because it was a spontaneous response to the news she would have a baby.
In our passage, by that reference to her husband as lord, Peter holds Sarah up as an example of a woman who adorned herself with submissiveness as a holy woman. Holy = submissive to the husband. Is that a tough pill to swallow? Sometimes it is. It is something to work on.
Submission to the Lord means you set aside your desires and plans to go along with God’s desires and plans. Wouldn’t submission to the husband be the same thing? He’s the head of the household. I set aside my desires and plans to accomplish his. Combine that with the meek and quiet spirit (gentle and tranquil) that is of great price to God. Just imagine that for yourself and what kind of a wife your husband would have if you could follow Peter’s words and what kind of a daughter you would be to God.
Hairspray for the Soul
Women have always lingered in front of the mirror. I’ll just bet Eve asked Adam more than once if her fig leaf made her look fat. If television would have been invented back then, Eve would have envied the skinny beautiful women on the screen and pointed out their features to Adam.
I know it sounds like I’m stereotyping—or shall I say “gender profiling?” But I’m really just taking off on what Peter said in around 64 AD.
Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. (1 Pet. 3:1-4)
In the flesh, we’re in the closet switching out tops and scarves and sweaters, deciding which looks best with what. Then we go to the mirror and mess around with our hair, a spray bottle and a curling iron. Then we’re into the jewelry box picking out the right earrings.
Peter knew how women were (surely he was married). God inspired him to write a message to us. And remember, his theme in 1 Peter is “Be ye holy for I am holy.” Chapter 3 starts with what holiness looks like for women. It begins with submission to their husbands.
Read my last post, because the theme of much of chapter 2 is submission, and Christ is lifted up as the supreme example of submission. Chapter 3 just continues on with the theme, and in light of Christ’s submission, it should not be in the least bit unreasonable that God asks women to be in subjection to their husbands.
But let’s look at the jewel to be admired in these first few verses and its effect on everyone. The jewel is a woman with a gorgeous heart. It is described as:
- Chaste conversation, which means pure and modest conduct
- Coupled with fear or reverence for her husband (she’s in subjection to him in verse 1)
- Her heart is not corruptible
- She has an ornament of a meek and quiet spirit or mild and tranquil disposition.
What effect does this woman have? Interestingly, the way she is doesn’t draw attention to herself as much as it does to God. In verse 1, a disobedient husband is won over by watching this woman. He’s not looking at her scarf. He’s looking at her heart, and there’s something about it that wins him to Christ. It’s because her heart is like Christ, and He’s irresistible.
But this woman also has an effect on God. All these qualities together are of great price in God’s sight.
This leads to the type of mirror women should be looking at in the morning. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (James 1:23-25)
Time in the word is so valuable in renewing our perspective and setting us right for the day. It’s hairspray for the soul. We need it everyday.