Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-50-the-king-is-at-the-door
Youtube:
Showing posts with label #Bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Bible. Show all posts
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 50 - The King is at the Door
This week's Come Follow Me reading is Revelation 1-11. We look at a famous passage about the Lord standing at the door and knocking, and also analyze the book with seven seals. Study with me!
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-50-the-king-is-at-the-door
Youtube:
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-50-the-king-is-at-the-door
Youtube:
Sunday, June 16, 2019
Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 025 - Ultimate Sacrifice
This week, the Come Follow Me curriculum takes us through Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19. We take a look at the trial and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Study with me!
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-025-ultimate-sacrifice
Youtube:
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-025-ultimate-sacrifice
Youtube:
Sunday, May 19, 2019
Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 021 - Jesus Curses a Tree
This week the Come Follow Me curriculum covers Matthew 21-23, Mark 11, Luke 19-20, and John 12. We focus on the Matthew chapters, discussing Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the time that Jesus curses a fig tree, failed attempts to trap Jesus, and hypocrisy. Come study with me!
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-021-jesus-curses-a-tree
Youtube:
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-021-jesus-curses-a-tree
Youtube:
Sunday, May 5, 2019
Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 19 - The Compassion of the Christ
This week's Come Follow Me curriculum covers Luke 12-17 and John 11. We discuss the Prodigal Son, the rich man and Lazarus, and the raising of Lazarus from the dead.
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-019-compassion-of-the-christ
Youtube:
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-019-compassion-of-the-christ
Youtube:
Sunday, March 31, 2019
Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 14 - The Signs that Count
This week, the Come Follow Me Curriculum brings us to Matthew 16-17, Mark 8-9, and Luke 9.
We emphasize the Matthew passages, discussing sign-seekers, Peter and the rock upon which Christ will build his church, and the Mount of Transfiguration.
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-14-the-signs-that-count
Youtube:
We emphasize the Matthew passages, discussing sign-seekers, Peter and the rock upon which Christ will build his church, and the Mount of Transfiguration.
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-14-the-signs-that-count
Youtube:
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Jesus Opposes Equality
Equality
For many, this is the most important ideal to which a society can ascend. Even before the Constitution was written, the Declaration of Independence boldly asserted that the fact that all men are created equal is self-evident.
Since then, many people have fought, and even died, so that all people, regardless of race, gender, station, or faith, would enjoy equal protection under the law in the United States.
Of course, the idea of equality is not new. Even in Biblical times, it was accepted that God was "no respecter of persons." (Acts 10:34) When it came to the atonement money collected by Moses, the standard was half a shekel whether rich or poor. (Exodus 30:15)
These facts make it easy for some to believe that equality is always a good thing. It is not.
The book of proverbs spends a great deal of time highlighting the inequality of the wise and the foolish. Consider this passage that explains the inequality between the slothful and the industrious: "He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich." (Proverbs 10:4)
The inequality between God's treatment of Israel and Egypt is a critical theme in the Exodus. Ten devastating plagues came upon the Egyptians, but they were not had in the land of Goshen where the Hebrews dwelt. The city of Jericho was leveled to support the invading forces of Israel.
Even among the house of Israel, not all were equal. The priests had the authority to bear the Ark of the Covenant, and when Uzza put forth his hand to steady it, God killed him. (1 Chronicles 13:7-10) Korah pointed to equality as a justification for protesting the rule of Moses over Israel in the wilderness, but God opened the earth up and swallowed him and his followers. (Numbers 16)
Of course, some people who, like Korah, are overzealous in their love of equality, would suggest that the Old Testament does not count, and that Christians should get a better understanding of how to live from Christ himself.
What these individuals fail to understand is that Jesus seems to oppose equality.
Consider the explanation Jesus gave for why he taught in parables:
"He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath." (Matthew 13:11-12)
In his parables, he emphasized inequality. Consider the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:24-30), the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46), the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). In his parable of the sower, Jesus compared different kinds of people to different kinds of ground... and even the good ground produced various amounts of fruit. (Matthew 13:3-9)
While he had power to do miracles wherever he went, access to his power was restricted by faith. (Matthew 13:57-58) To a Canaanite woman who plead for his help, Jesus declared "It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs." (Matthew 15:26)
Even the most zealous proponents of equality in all things will note the differences in how he evaluated the rich and the poor. Consider the statement "Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." (Matthew 19:23-24) The parable of the rich man and Lazarus echoes the same sentiment. (Luke 16:20-31)
For someone who is lauded by some as the champion of equality, Jesus certainly seemed to oppose it.
How can a person reconcile the inherent goodness that can be perceived by correcting the injustices in society, with the source of all goodness seeming to perpetuate inequality?
A large part of the issue comes from the ambiguity in the term equality.
There is a huge difference between equality of outcome and equality of opportunity. A favorite example that has been used by multiple sources, including Ben Shapiro, is seen in the salaries of professional athletes. I do not have the abilities of a Lebron James, so even if I put in the same amount of practice, I should not expect the same outcome in terms of income for my basketball performance.
A similar distinction can be seen in conversations about gender equality. There is absolutely a sense in which men and women are equal. The Family: A Proclamation to the World clearly states
The sense in which men and women are equal partners obviously does not mean they have the same primary roles... since primary roles were described just above the affirmation of equality. In this sense, equality has more to do with accountability for the well being of their children. No mother should withhold from her children because "it's their father's job to do that," anymore than a father should neglect his obligations because "their mom isn't doing enough." Both parents must ensure that their children are raised in love and righteousness, and that their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met. This sort of equality may mean that a wife needs to help her husband emotionally so that he can be productive, or that a man might need to reinforce his wife's guidance in the home.
This sort of equality does not try and deny gender roles. It is perfectly appropriate if female models make more money than male models, or if male athletes make more money than female athletes... because in a large number of important qualities, men and women are different, and it is prudent for men and women to play to their strengths.
Another sort of equality that seems to confuse some people is equality of access to God. While it is true that Jesus loves every person, and that each of us is a beloved son or daughter of God, he speaks to us in different ways, and gives us different strengths and weaknesses.
Even in the New Testament, Paul compared the different types of individuals to various parts of the body:
This is not to say that true injustice should be accepted. Cases of criminal behavior... theft, fraud, murder, etc, should be criminal for all individuals. People with greater affluence should be held to the same standards of conduct as those who have none. It is wrong to falsely accuse a poor man who is unable to defend himself or to falsely accuse a wealthy man who many be more likely to settle financially. This is the sort of equality that is self-evident... and that is the kind of equality that persuaded great men to declare independence from European monarchs in past centuries.
This is not the same as the equality touted by some contemporary zealots. The quest to make people "equal" in the French Revolution robbed many of life and liberty. The same can be said for socialist movements in Russia, China, and Venezuela. Societies should extend equal protection under the law, because this equality is compatible with freedom, but societies cannot force equal outcomes for individuals without robbing people of their freedom.
Ultimately, Jesus did not even preach equality. He preached humility. A humble man is less concerned with the success or position of others... a humble man is grateful for what he has, and does his best to do what is right and help those around him. A humble man lays up treasure in heaven, regardless of how many around him revel in treasures on earth:
"But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." (Matthew 23:11-12)
For many, this is the most important ideal to which a society can ascend. Even before the Constitution was written, the Declaration of Independence boldly asserted that the fact that all men are created equal is self-evident.
Since then, many people have fought, and even died, so that all people, regardless of race, gender, station, or faith, would enjoy equal protection under the law in the United States.
Of course, the idea of equality is not new. Even in Biblical times, it was accepted that God was "no respecter of persons." (Acts 10:34) When it came to the atonement money collected by Moses, the standard was half a shekel whether rich or poor. (Exodus 30:15)
These facts make it easy for some to believe that equality is always a good thing. It is not.
The book of proverbs spends a great deal of time highlighting the inequality of the wise and the foolish. Consider this passage that explains the inequality between the slothful and the industrious: "He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich." (Proverbs 10:4)
The inequality between God's treatment of Israel and Egypt is a critical theme in the Exodus. Ten devastating plagues came upon the Egyptians, but they were not had in the land of Goshen where the Hebrews dwelt. The city of Jericho was leveled to support the invading forces of Israel.
Even among the house of Israel, not all were equal. The priests had the authority to bear the Ark of the Covenant, and when Uzza put forth his hand to steady it, God killed him. (1 Chronicles 13:7-10) Korah pointed to equality as a justification for protesting the rule of Moses over Israel in the wilderness, but God opened the earth up and swallowed him and his followers. (Numbers 16)
Of course, some people who, like Korah, are overzealous in their love of equality, would suggest that the Old Testament does not count, and that Christians should get a better understanding of how to live from Christ himself.
What these individuals fail to understand is that Jesus seems to oppose equality.
Consider the explanation Jesus gave for why he taught in parables:
"He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath." (Matthew 13:11-12)
In his parables, he emphasized inequality. Consider the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:24-30), the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46), the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). In his parable of the sower, Jesus compared different kinds of people to different kinds of ground... and even the good ground produced various amounts of fruit. (Matthew 13:3-9)
While he had power to do miracles wherever he went, access to his power was restricted by faith. (Matthew 13:57-58) To a Canaanite woman who plead for his help, Jesus declared "It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs." (Matthew 15:26)
Even the most zealous proponents of equality in all things will note the differences in how he evaluated the rich and the poor. Consider the statement "Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." (Matthew 19:23-24) The parable of the rich man and Lazarus echoes the same sentiment. (Luke 16:20-31)
For someone who is lauded by some as the champion of equality, Jesus certainly seemed to oppose it.
How can a person reconcile the inherent goodness that can be perceived by correcting the injustices in society, with the source of all goodness seeming to perpetuate inequality?
A large part of the issue comes from the ambiguity in the term equality.
There is a huge difference between equality of outcome and equality of opportunity. A favorite example that has been used by multiple sources, including Ben Shapiro, is seen in the salaries of professional athletes. I do not have the abilities of a Lebron James, so even if I put in the same amount of practice, I should not expect the same outcome in terms of income for my basketball performance.
A similar distinction can be seen in conversations about gender equality. There is absolutely a sense in which men and women are equal. The Family: A Proclamation to the World clearly states
"By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners." (The Family: A Proclamation to the World, emphasis added)
The sense in which men and women are equal partners obviously does not mean they have the same primary roles... since primary roles were described just above the affirmation of equality. In this sense, equality has more to do with accountability for the well being of their children. No mother should withhold from her children because "it's their father's job to do that," anymore than a father should neglect his obligations because "their mom isn't doing enough." Both parents must ensure that their children are raised in love and righteousness, and that their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met. This sort of equality may mean that a wife needs to help her husband emotionally so that he can be productive, or that a man might need to reinforce his wife's guidance in the home.
This sort of equality does not try and deny gender roles. It is perfectly appropriate if female models make more money than male models, or if male athletes make more money than female athletes... because in a large number of important qualities, men and women are different, and it is prudent for men and women to play to their strengths.
Another sort of equality that seems to confuse some people is equality of access to God. While it is true that Jesus loves every person, and that each of us is a beloved son or daughter of God, he speaks to us in different ways, and gives us different strengths and weaknesses.
Even in the New Testament, Paul compared the different types of individuals to various parts of the body:
"For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way." (1 Corinthians 12:14-31)Rather than conflating legitimate inequality with injustice, people have an obligation to do the best they can with what they have been given. The man given five talents should work hard to gain five more. The man given two talents should work hard to gain two talents more. The man given one talent should not bury it or envy those that have more... he should work to do the best he can with what he has received.
This is not to say that true injustice should be accepted. Cases of criminal behavior... theft, fraud, murder, etc, should be criminal for all individuals. People with greater affluence should be held to the same standards of conduct as those who have none. It is wrong to falsely accuse a poor man who is unable to defend himself or to falsely accuse a wealthy man who many be more likely to settle financially. This is the sort of equality that is self-evident... and that is the kind of equality that persuaded great men to declare independence from European monarchs in past centuries.
This is not the same as the equality touted by some contemporary zealots. The quest to make people "equal" in the French Revolution robbed many of life and liberty. The same can be said for socialist movements in Russia, China, and Venezuela. Societies should extend equal protection under the law, because this equality is compatible with freedom, but societies cannot force equal outcomes for individuals without robbing people of their freedom.
Ultimately, Jesus did not even preach equality. He preached humility. A humble man is less concerned with the success or position of others... a humble man is grateful for what he has, and does his best to do what is right and help those around him. A humble man lays up treasure in heaven, regardless of how many around him revel in treasures on earth:
"But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." (Matthew 23:11-12)
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Satire: Democratic Socialist confident on Judgment Day that his voting record will get him into heaven
(Matthew 25:31-46)
<Satire>
Bleaty McBleat, a goat, was surprised to find himself isolated from all of his sheep friends on the day of judgment. Bleaty was placed on the left hand of the King, along with all the other goats.
As the King was praising the sheep on his right hand for the good that they had done for others, including feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick, Bleaty explained that he would be joining the sheep very soon.
"You see," said Bleaty. "I'm a Democratic Socialist. I voted for politicians to take money from people more wealthy than me, and put it in programs to help the hungry, the naked, and the sick. That means I probably deserve to be rewarded even more than those sheep... many of whom voted for greedy capitalists!"
A quick glance at the Book of Life did confirm that Bleaty voted for Democratic Socialists, and spent long hours calling anyone who did not subscribe to his political philosophy "racist, bigoted, and greedy" in the hopes that they would be inspired to stop giving their money to charities, and start giving it to politicians who promised "social justice."
"No, I don't think it's ironic that I bought new iPads every year and drank expensive coffee every day," explained Bleaty. "Those purchases aren't real capitalism because I used them to help me own the cons... which I do because I care about the poor."
As the King turned to the goats and began enumerating the opportunities to help people that they had squandered, Bleaty wore a confident smile. After all, as soon as he explained that he could not help those who were in need around him because he was attacking those who did not agree with him, Bleaty was sure that the King would see the mistake in his final judgment.
</Satire>
<Satire>
Bleaty McBleat, a goat, was surprised to find himself isolated from all of his sheep friends on the day of judgment. Bleaty was placed on the left hand of the King, along with all the other goats.
As the King was praising the sheep on his right hand for the good that they had done for others, including feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick, Bleaty explained that he would be joining the sheep very soon.
"You see," said Bleaty. "I'm a Democratic Socialist. I voted for politicians to take money from people more wealthy than me, and put it in programs to help the hungry, the naked, and the sick. That means I probably deserve to be rewarded even more than those sheep... many of whom voted for greedy capitalists!"
A quick glance at the Book of Life did confirm that Bleaty voted for Democratic Socialists, and spent long hours calling anyone who did not subscribe to his political philosophy "racist, bigoted, and greedy" in the hopes that they would be inspired to stop giving their money to charities, and start giving it to politicians who promised "social justice."
"No, I don't think it's ironic that I bought new iPads every year and drank expensive coffee every day," explained Bleaty. "Those purchases aren't real capitalism because I used them to help me own the cons... which I do because I care about the poor."
As the King turned to the goats and began enumerating the opportunities to help people that they had squandered, Bleaty wore a confident smile. After all, as soon as he explained that he could not help those who were in need around him because he was attacking those who did not agree with him, Bleaty was sure that the King would see the mistake in his final judgment.
</Satire>
Sunday, March 10, 2019
Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 11 - The Prince of Peace declares he is bringing a sword
This week's Come Follow Me curriculum covers Matthew 10-12, Mark 2, Luke 7, 11.
We emphasize the calling of Apostles, how the peace of Christ may not always be accompanied by peaceful circumstances, and why God rewards humble seekers of understanding.
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-11-the-prince-of-peace-declares-he-is-bringing-a-sword
Youtube:
We emphasize the calling of Apostles, how the peace of Christ may not always be accompanied by peaceful circumstances, and why God rewards humble seekers of understanding.
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-11-the-prince-of-peace-declares-he-is-bringing-a-sword
Youtube:
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Ward Preacher Podcast Episode 10 - The storms can't hurt Jesus
This week, the Come Follow Me curriculum covers Matthew 8-9 and Mark 2-5. We cover our shared obligation to work to come to Christ, that Jesus casts out a Legion of evil spirits, and that the storms can't hurt the Son of God.
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-10-the-storms-cant-hurt-jesus
Youtube:
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-10-the-storms-cant-hurt-jesus
Youtube:
Monday, February 25, 2019
Satire: New Progressive Version of the Bible contains only one verse: "Judge not that ye be not judged"
<Satire>
"Most versions of the Bible contain a lot of problematic text," states Julie Jones-Diaz, a professor of Feminist Ethics at UCLA. "And even though many Christians have dismissed the Old Testament, many left-leaning believers have a tough time with sexism and homophobia in the epistles of Paul."
Ms. Jones-Diaz has diligently worked with a team of other feminist scholars for the past six months on a new version of the Bible that will tackle these archaic and politically incorrect elements using a progressive approach.
"At first, we thought we might want to just tweak some of the passages," says Jones-Diaz. "We wanted to make the two witnesses in Revelation 11 homosexuals, but we found that most progressive Christians aren't familiar enough with the Bible to ever find that. So we just focused on the verse that they know..."
That verse is Matthew 7:1 - "Judge not that ye be not judged." The project has already been declared a huge success.
"I used to feel like there was a lot of scripture I didn't know," says Steve, a progressive Christian. "But with this version, I have everything I need to show those judgmental conservative Christians that they're going to hell."
"Other versions of the Bible are just trying to shame me," agreed Veronica. "All that 'repentance' talk made me feel like I wasn't good enough. But now, even if I auction my children to support my heroin addiction, the Bible supports me for who I am!"
"We had already pretended that the first chapter of Romans didn't exist," explain Greg and Paul, a homosexual couple. "But with this version of the Bible, it literally doesn't exist!"
Predictably, traditionalists were not excited about this new version of the Bible.
"You literally cut everything out of the Bible but a single verse..." says Eric, a conservative Christian. "You are missing so much of what Jesus and his prophets have given us..."
Julie Jones-Diaz responds to this claim by saying "You can't judge me! Checkmate you alt-right racist bigot!"
Obviously, this is a version of the Bible that everyone can support, because otherwise they would be judging it, and that would be wrong.
</Satire>
"Most versions of the Bible contain a lot of problematic text," states Julie Jones-Diaz, a professor of Feminist Ethics at UCLA. "And even though many Christians have dismissed the Old Testament, many left-leaning believers have a tough time with sexism and homophobia in the epistles of Paul."
Ms. Jones-Diaz has diligently worked with a team of other feminist scholars for the past six months on a new version of the Bible that will tackle these archaic and politically incorrect elements using a progressive approach.
"At first, we thought we might want to just tweak some of the passages," says Jones-Diaz. "We wanted to make the two witnesses in Revelation 11 homosexuals, but we found that most progressive Christians aren't familiar enough with the Bible to ever find that. So we just focused on the verse that they know..."
That verse is Matthew 7:1 - "Judge not that ye be not judged." The project has already been declared a huge success.
"I used to feel like there was a lot of scripture I didn't know," says Steve, a progressive Christian. "But with this version, I have everything I need to show those judgmental conservative Christians that they're going to hell."
"Other versions of the Bible are just trying to shame me," agreed Veronica. "All that 'repentance' talk made me feel like I wasn't good enough. But now, even if I auction my children to support my heroin addiction, the Bible supports me for who I am!"
"We had already pretended that the first chapter of Romans didn't exist," explain Greg and Paul, a homosexual couple. "But with this version of the Bible, it literally doesn't exist!"
Predictably, traditionalists were not excited about this new version of the Bible.
"You literally cut everything out of the Bible but a single verse..." says Eric, a conservative Christian. "You are missing so much of what Jesus and his prophets have given us..."
Julie Jones-Diaz responds to this claim by saying "You can't judge me! Checkmate you alt-right racist bigot!"
Obviously, this is a version of the Bible that everyone can support, because otherwise they would be judging it, and that would be wrong.
</Satire>
Sunday, February 17, 2019
Ward Preacher Podcast Episode 8 - Let your light so shine vs thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly
This week's Come Follow Me curriculum starts us in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5, Luke 6). How can we let our light shine, and also, do our good works in secret?
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-episode-8-let-your-light-so-shine-vs-thy-father-which-seeth-in-secret-shall-reward-thee-openly
Youtube:
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-episode-8-let-your-light-so-shine-vs-thy-father-which-seeth-in-secret-shall-reward-thee-openly
Youtube:
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Satire: Scandal hits religious leadership, church is doomed
<Satire>
Religious leaders in the temple have been caught in a huge scandal that rocks the very foundations of their faith...
The two leaders were not only ignoring the rules of temple ceremonies, but also seduced women into sleeping with them.
The abuse of power is made worse because of the way that the head of the church has handled the situation, giving them nothing more than a verbal reprimand, possibly because of their close relationship.
The scandal has undoubtedly damaged the credibility of the church in ways that have never before been seen, and it seems unlikely that the church can recover from it. How can faithful members ever trust in church leadership after such a blatant disregard for ethics?
"If God were in charge of this church, he would never have let these men do this..." said Katie, a concerned member.
"Even if God killed the two temple workers, and the prophet who ignored their behavior, I don't think I could continue being a member of the church," said Big Mike, who has left the church over the incident. "I mean, I thought they were supposed to be called of God to begin with..."
Inexplicably, some members of the church seem to defend their leaders.
"No I don't think that the actions of Phineas and Hophni in 1 Samuel 2 are the end of the faith... it's not even the end of 1 Samuel," said one apologist.
When pressed about the favoritism shown these leaders at the highest levels, they could only offer this weak excuse: "God literally removed and replaced Eli over this... did you read 1 Samuel 4?"
"This is the kind of cherry-picking that has soured many people toward the church," said Big Mike. "They want to answer a problem in one area of scripture using the stuff around it..."
We expect fair-minded individuals to flee from the hypocrisy of faith and throw their support behind those who truly serve others... government bureaucrats.
</Satire>
Religious leaders in the temple have been caught in a huge scandal that rocks the very foundations of their faith...
The two leaders were not only ignoring the rules of temple ceremonies, but also seduced women into sleeping with them.
The abuse of power is made worse because of the way that the head of the church has handled the situation, giving them nothing more than a verbal reprimand, possibly because of their close relationship.
The scandal has undoubtedly damaged the credibility of the church in ways that have never before been seen, and it seems unlikely that the church can recover from it. How can faithful members ever trust in church leadership after such a blatant disregard for ethics?
"If God were in charge of this church, he would never have let these men do this..." said Katie, a concerned member.
"Even if God killed the two temple workers, and the prophet who ignored their behavior, I don't think I could continue being a member of the church," said Big Mike, who has left the church over the incident. "I mean, I thought they were supposed to be called of God to begin with..."
Inexplicably, some members of the church seem to defend their leaders.
"No I don't think that the actions of Phineas and Hophni in 1 Samuel 2 are the end of the faith... it's not even the end of 1 Samuel," said one apologist.
When pressed about the favoritism shown these leaders at the highest levels, they could only offer this weak excuse: "God literally removed and replaced Eli over this... did you read 1 Samuel 4?"
"This is the kind of cherry-picking that has soured many people toward the church," said Big Mike. "They want to answer a problem in one area of scripture using the stuff around it..."
We expect fair-minded individuals to flee from the hypocrisy of faith and throw their support behind those who truly serve others... government bureaucrats.
</Satire>
Sunday, January 27, 2019
Ward Preacher Podcast Episode 5 - Making the path of the Lord Straight
In Episode 5 of the Ward Preacher Podcast, we emphasize the teaching of John the Baptist as well as talk about the baptism of Christ and some of his early miracles. This corresponds to the Come Follow Me curriculum for Matthew 3, Mark 1, and Luke 3.
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-005-making-the-path-of-the-lord-straight
Youtube:
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-005-making-the-path-of-the-lord-straight
Youtube:
Sunday, January 20, 2019
Ward Preacher Podcast Episode 4: The Word of God
This week's podcast focuses on the Come Follow Me curriculum for John 1
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-004-the-word-of-god
Youtube:
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-004-the-word-of-god
Youtube:
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Jesus didn't suffer for you
"Jesus suffered for me."
There is nothing technically wrong with this phrase. As a Christian, I believe it to be true for any human being who uses it... but it also feels off... like someone who says "your an idiot" on Facebook instead of "you're an idiot" or insists on driving a few miles per hour below the speed limit in the left lane on the freeway. Everyone kind of understands what is meant by these practices, but still... they irritate.
There is a valid place for understanding that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is not just a generic theological concept, but that individual faith and penitence can allow access to infinite grace, healing, and power. Certainly there are many concepts that show the importance of individual salvation. A man will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression. (A of F 2) The message given to the Apostle Peter.. "what God hath cleansed, that call not thou common" (Acts 10:15), or the teaching of John the Baptist "And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham." (Matthew 3:9)... all of these ideas tend to suggest that a person's family, circumstances, and background are not as important as the individual decisions each person makes relating to their faith.
On the other hand, groups of people are important to God.
Consider these passages:
The connection can be traced back to Abraham... who in a time of idolatry and wickedness insisted on seeking the Lord in everything he did. Abraham's son Isaac honored the covenant that God had made with his father. Rebekah, Isaac's wife, helped guide young Jacob to receive the blessings of the Lord. Genesis describes a wrestle in which Jacob proves his desire to obtain the favor of the Lord (Genesis 32:24-30). This experience shows something remarkable about the bond between God and Jacob.
Like Abraham, Jacob had been blessed of the Lord... but he was certain that he could do and be more. He worked diligently, believing that he could receive a greater blessing.
This desire is the one that Jesus tried to inspire in the children of Israel when he taught:
Though he acknowledges the blessings of God... Jacob's actions are not really centered on his personal relationship with the Lord. Israel realized that he was a link in a great chain. He had been guided to divine providence following in the footsteps of his grandfather Abraham... with the patriarchal blessing of his father Isaac... and by following the wise counsel of his mother Rebekah. His efforts were to secure these same blessings for his own family, and his last act before he died was to bless his children.
What guided Jacob to God? What made his children so important to the Lord? This statement by Bruce R. McConkie provides additional clarity:
What it does mean is that there is a tendency to recognize the divine. There is access to the holy priesthood. There is opportunity to learn the truths of the Lord.
For thousands of years, God has maintained his connection with Israel's children not because they were necessarily better than other people... but because he is showing that true salvation is never only about individuals. Salvation is about permanent bonds with families.
Modern prophets have affirmed this truth:
"Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God, and for families to be united eternally." (The Family: A Proclamation to the World, emphasis added)
Additionally, Israel will be literally gathered together, and every promise made with the ancient patriarchs will be fulfilled. Christ himself affirmed ancient prophecy when he recited this about the children of Israel:
"Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch not that which is unclean; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. For ye shall not go out with haste nor go by flight; for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel shall be your rearward." (3 Nephi 20:41-42)
If you are inspired to get up on Fast Sunday and share your testimony about how important Jesus is... that's fantastic! If you are inspired to talk about how the Lord has blessed you... great! If you want to talk about how the suffering of Christ has brought peace and happiness... Amen!
Just remember... It was never about just you. Though he individually knows you and individually loves you and individually suffered for you... it was never about just you. You are a link in a great chain. You have a part in curses, blessings, and covenants that were made when human civilization was in its infancy. You are connected to those who have gone before, and those who will come after you.
Your potential was never to return to the presence of God all alone... Jesus suffered for you to be united with your spouse, your parents, and your children. He suffered to purchase for you a place in the mansions (plural) of His Father. His commandments were given so that you could "be the children of your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:45) He atoned so that you could be a part of his family.
Jesus suffered for us.
There is nothing technically wrong with this phrase. As a Christian, I believe it to be true for any human being who uses it... but it also feels off... like someone who says "your an idiot" on Facebook instead of "you're an idiot" or insists on driving a few miles per hour below the speed limit in the left lane on the freeway. Everyone kind of understands what is meant by these practices, but still... they irritate.
There is a valid place for understanding that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is not just a generic theological concept, but that individual faith and penitence can allow access to infinite grace, healing, and power. Certainly there are many concepts that show the importance of individual salvation. A man will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression. (A of F 2) The message given to the Apostle Peter.. "what God hath cleansed, that call not thou common" (Acts 10:15), or the teaching of John the Baptist "And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham." (Matthew 3:9)... all of these ideas tend to suggest that a person's family, circumstances, and background are not as important as the individual decisions each person makes relating to their faith.
On the other hand, groups of people are important to God.
Consider these passages:
- "The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the Lord loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers..." (Deuteronomy 7:7-8)
- "Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God." (Genesis 17:5-8)
- "And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had... And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire..." (Joshua 7:24-25)
The impact of a few upon large numbers of people is notable. People have been blessed greatly or punished severely because of their association with others. The Egyptians unfortunate enough to have served in Pharaoh's army when he pursued Moses into the Red Sea seem as randomly placed as the lame man that Peter healed to prove that Christ's power had not ended at the crucifixion.
Jesus Christ himself declared his favoritism to the house of Israel to a woman who sought his help:
"And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour." (Matthew 15:22-28)Again when he appeared to the Nephites, he affirmed his connection with the covenants of Israel:
"And then will I remember my covenant which I have made unto my people, O house of Israel, and I will bring my gospel unto them. And I will show unto thee, O house of Israel, that the Gentiles shall not have power over you; but I will remember my covenant unto you, O house of Israel, and ye shall come unto the knowledge of the fulness of my gospel." (3 Nephi 16:11-12)God's promises to the house of Israel are notable. If Christ cares so much about individuals, (and not just certain people, but individuals from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people), how was it ever possible that he became so tightly coupled with the children of Jacob?
The connection can be traced back to Abraham... who in a time of idolatry and wickedness insisted on seeking the Lord in everything he did. Abraham's son Isaac honored the covenant that God had made with his father. Rebekah, Isaac's wife, helped guide young Jacob to receive the blessings of the Lord. Genesis describes a wrestle in which Jacob proves his desire to obtain the favor of the Lord (Genesis 32:24-30). This experience shows something remarkable about the bond between God and Jacob.
Like Abraham, Jacob had been blessed of the Lord... but he was certain that he could do and be more. He worked diligently, believing that he could receive a greater blessing.
This desire is the one that Jesus tried to inspire in the children of Israel when he taught:
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matthew 7:7-11)How did Jacob develop this desire to be blessed, and the faith to ask, seek, and knock? Surely he could have said that the power of Jesus enabled him. Though he lived thousands of years before the birth of Christ, because of the timeless and infinite power of the atonement, it would not have been inaccurate for him to proclaim that "Jesus suffered for me."
Though he acknowledges the blessings of God... Jacob's actions are not really centered on his personal relationship with the Lord. Israel realized that he was a link in a great chain. He had been guided to divine providence following in the footsteps of his grandfather Abraham... with the patriarchal blessing of his father Isaac... and by following the wise counsel of his mother Rebekah. His efforts were to secure these same blessings for his own family, and his last act before he died was to bless his children.
What guided Jacob to God? What made his children so important to the Lord? This statement by Bruce R. McConkie provides additional clarity:
"In general, the Lord sends to earth in the lineage of Jacob [Israel] those spirits who in pre-existence developed an especial talent for spirituality and for recognizing truth. Those born in this lineage, having the blood of Israel in their veins and finding it easy to accept the gospel, are said to have believing blood."Of course, this does not mean that people who are born into the house of Israel are guaranteed to receive divine favor... or even that they will be decent human beings. Israelites produced men as awful as King Ahab and King Manasseh. Even of his own children, Reuben, Levi, Simeon, and Judah were guilty of terrible sins.
What it does mean is that there is a tendency to recognize the divine. There is access to the holy priesthood. There is opportunity to learn the truths of the Lord.
For thousands of years, God has maintained his connection with Israel's children not because they were necessarily better than other people... but because he is showing that true salvation is never only about individuals. Salvation is about permanent bonds with families.
Modern prophets have affirmed this truth:
"Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God, and for families to be united eternally." (The Family: A Proclamation to the World, emphasis added)
Additionally, Israel will be literally gathered together, and every promise made with the ancient patriarchs will be fulfilled. Christ himself affirmed ancient prophecy when he recited this about the children of Israel:
"Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch not that which is unclean; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. For ye shall not go out with haste nor go by flight; for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel shall be your rearward." (3 Nephi 20:41-42)
If you are inspired to get up on Fast Sunday and share your testimony about how important Jesus is... that's fantastic! If you are inspired to talk about how the Lord has blessed you... great! If you want to talk about how the suffering of Christ has brought peace and happiness... Amen!
Just remember... It was never about just you. Though he individually knows you and individually loves you and individually suffered for you... it was never about just you. You are a link in a great chain. You have a part in curses, blessings, and covenants that were made when human civilization was in its infancy. You are connected to those who have gone before, and those who will come after you.
Your potential was never to return to the presence of God all alone... Jesus suffered for you to be united with your spouse, your parents, and your children. He suffered to purchase for you a place in the mansions (plural) of His Father. His commandments were given so that you could "be the children of your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:45) He atoned so that you could be a part of his family.
Jesus suffered for us.
Monday, May 23, 2016
Why was God so scary?
Many people view the God of the Old Testament as a vengeful and angry being who only softened after thousands of years to change his tune to one of "love thy neighbor as thyself."
I have already spoken somewhat on this topic, but I would like to explore another aspect of the question in this post.
A fundamental principle in Christianity is the omnipotence of God. God has the ability to portray himself in any way that he would like. Non-threatening features that made Baymax lovable in Big Hero 6, and an environment filled with rainbows, unicorns, and bacon might really demonstrate that God cares about us, and that he wants us to be comfortable, happy, and safe.
When there are accounts of encounters with God, even when they contain symbolic representations, comfort and bliss are rarely seen. Consider the experience of Isaiah:
"I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke." (Isaiah 6:1-4)
Six winged angels flying around a smoke-filled room as God sat on a lofty throne probably did not convey the idea that it was time to relax and discuss happy things. By what Isaiah said, we know that he was worried about being so close to the Lord.
"Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts." (Isaiah 6:5)
Naturally, God could have provided consolation and shown his prophet a sign of his love, mercy, and affection in this moment of fear. Instead, he sent one of the seraphim to place a hot coal on Isaiah's mouth to purge him of sins. Of course, this was not the end of the frightening aspects of Isaiah's vision. After Isaiah volunteered to speak to the people, he was given the message the Lord wished to deliver.
"Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed." (Isaiah 6:9-10)
God asked Isaiah to tell the people to stop listening to him so that he would not have to bless them. Of course, because we know that God is loving, and wants to heal us, we can infer that this must have been a temporary message to encourage people to return to him.
"Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, And the Lord have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land." (Isaiah 6:11-12)
So, maybe not just a short-term rebuke?
Even with knowledge of the fall of Judah to Babylon and the return to Judah under Persian rule, this situation still prompts a person to ask, "why was God so scary?"
There are several reasons for the manner of presentation that the Lord used:
1. God is trying to protect us from things that are actually scary. The idea of a devil is not just a metaphor representing negative aspects of human behavior... there are actual beings in the unseen world that seek to do us harm, and that are only vulnerable to divine power. (JSH 1:14-17) Pretending that everything is fine and that there are no problems is disingenuous.
2. Life requires dealing with difficult and painful issues. It is natural to seek comfort in times of difficulty, but the greatest heroes from humanity did not gain honor and respect by becoming comfortable in trying times, but by rising to meet the challenges that they faced. This is not to say that God wants people to be miserable, but that sometimes, it is more important to stand up for righteousness than to feel comfortable in wickedness. Dealing with frightening and uncomfortable truths can help people meet their potential.
3. Nobody is conceited when six-winged Seraphim put hot coals on their mouths. Jesus frequently encountered people who thought they were better than they actually were. Some of them were persuaded to be humble by gentle admonitions to repent, but some required harsher language. Jesus exposed the ignorance of those who tried to outsmart him, the weaknesses of those who pressed him for special guidance, and even to the leader of his chosen Apostles said "Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men." (Matthew 16:23) A bit more humility is probably the most effective thing that God can help us acquire by presenting himself in ways that are confusing or frightening. At some point, each person should realize that it is OK if they don't understand everything, or have worries, concerns, or troubles. The person who sticks with God allies themselves with someone who does understand everything, and has power to overcome obstacles we do not yet even comprehend.
Ultimately, the idea that God is frightening or confusing disappears from the hearts of those who persist in following his guidance. Consider how Isaiah later declared:
"For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer." (Isaiah 54:7-8)
In the end, God does love us, and wants what is best for us. Do not let anything sway you otherwise.
I have already spoken somewhat on this topic, but I would like to explore another aspect of the question in this post.
A fundamental principle in Christianity is the omnipotence of God. God has the ability to portray himself in any way that he would like. Non-threatening features that made Baymax lovable in Big Hero 6, and an environment filled with rainbows, unicorns, and bacon might really demonstrate that God cares about us, and that he wants us to be comfortable, happy, and safe.
When there are accounts of encounters with God, even when they contain symbolic representations, comfort and bliss are rarely seen. Consider the experience of Isaiah:
"I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke." (Isaiah 6:1-4)
Six winged angels flying around a smoke-filled room as God sat on a lofty throne probably did not convey the idea that it was time to relax and discuss happy things. By what Isaiah said, we know that he was worried about being so close to the Lord.
"Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts." (Isaiah 6:5)
Naturally, God could have provided consolation and shown his prophet a sign of his love, mercy, and affection in this moment of fear. Instead, he sent one of the seraphim to place a hot coal on Isaiah's mouth to purge him of sins. Of course, this was not the end of the frightening aspects of Isaiah's vision. After Isaiah volunteered to speak to the people, he was given the message the Lord wished to deliver.
"Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed." (Isaiah 6:9-10)
God asked Isaiah to tell the people to stop listening to him so that he would not have to bless them. Of course, because we know that God is loving, and wants to heal us, we can infer that this must have been a temporary message to encourage people to return to him.
"Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, And the Lord have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land." (Isaiah 6:11-12)
So, maybe not just a short-term rebuke?
Even with knowledge of the fall of Judah to Babylon and the return to Judah under Persian rule, this situation still prompts a person to ask, "why was God so scary?"
There are several reasons for the manner of presentation that the Lord used:
1. God is trying to protect us from things that are actually scary. The idea of a devil is not just a metaphor representing negative aspects of human behavior... there are actual beings in the unseen world that seek to do us harm, and that are only vulnerable to divine power. (JSH 1:14-17) Pretending that everything is fine and that there are no problems is disingenuous.
2. Life requires dealing with difficult and painful issues. It is natural to seek comfort in times of difficulty, but the greatest heroes from humanity did not gain honor and respect by becoming comfortable in trying times, but by rising to meet the challenges that they faced. This is not to say that God wants people to be miserable, but that sometimes, it is more important to stand up for righteousness than to feel comfortable in wickedness. Dealing with frightening and uncomfortable truths can help people meet their potential.
3. Nobody is conceited when six-winged Seraphim put hot coals on their mouths. Jesus frequently encountered people who thought they were better than they actually were. Some of them were persuaded to be humble by gentle admonitions to repent, but some required harsher language. Jesus exposed the ignorance of those who tried to outsmart him, the weaknesses of those who pressed him for special guidance, and even to the leader of his chosen Apostles said "Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men." (Matthew 16:23) A bit more humility is probably the most effective thing that God can help us acquire by presenting himself in ways that are confusing or frightening. At some point, each person should realize that it is OK if they don't understand everything, or have worries, concerns, or troubles. The person who sticks with God allies themselves with someone who does understand everything, and has power to overcome obstacles we do not yet even comprehend.
Ultimately, the idea that God is frightening or confusing disappears from the hearts of those who persist in following his guidance. Consider how Isaiah later declared:
"For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer." (Isaiah 54:7-8)
In the end, God does love us, and wants what is best for us. Do not let anything sway you otherwise.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
The point of pointless suffering
The story of Job is one of the most confusing stories in the Old Testament. God and Satan seem to make a bet on the faithfulness of a man being dependent upon his circumstances. In this seemingly cruel "experiment," Job was stripped of his possessions, many of his family were killed, and he was afflicted with terrible pain.
Modern Christians seem to be fond of platitudes such as "everything happens for a reason," or "he never said it would be easy, he only said it would be worth it."
These ideas initially seem to fall apart in the situation of Job. He just suffered for no apparent reason. His friends turned against him in accusation to add insult to injury. In the end, his problems all went away and he was blessed, but for what reason were these things done to begin with?
The same questions are frequently asked regarding modern tragedies. When children suffer from diseases beyond their control, or people are afflicted with poverty and hardship through no fault of their own, people wonder why God, who is supposed to love us, would allow these difficulties if he were truly omnipotent.
Toward the end of the story of Job, God asks him a set of rhetorical questions to illustrate the point that Job has relatively no power and but little understanding. In Job 38, the Lord asks the following:
"Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" (Job 38:4-7)
Instead of offering words of comfort and consolation, or reason and explanation, the Lord highlighted Job's ignorance. Why?
People get so involved in their current circumstances that they tend to forget the investment that God made when he forged the earth and sent humanity to live on its surface. He speaks with power because he is conveying the idea that the circumstances of life are not an accident, and there is no person whose birth or existence on this world is based on a whim. These questions allude to a truth that is fundamental to understanding the difficulties of mortality:
"When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?"
Combined with the understanding that we have from other prophets, that humans are the offspring of God (Acts 17:26-29), this means that there was a time in which we sang together before the foundations of the world... and that we shouted for joy. Contemporary prophesy teaches the cause of our joy was our Heavenly Father's grand plan of happiness: a course that could lead his children to become "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ." (Romans 8:16-17)
As we were, it would have been impossible for us to inherit the gift of eternal life. We needed to become more... to undergo a physical and spiritual rebirth (John 3:3-5). The challenges of life are specifically designed to alter us, and purge us from the ungodly (Malachi 3:2-3).
The details of how circumstances can help us prepare for the kingdom of God are frequently beyond our immediate comprehension, but a complete understanding is not necessary (1 Corinthians 13:12). What is necessary is having enough faith and desire to do what is right regardless of the circumstances (Hebrews 11:6).
The difficulties that came upon Job were not without purpose. In his extremity, he learned that he could hold to what was right and true even when it was excruciatingly difficult. He trusted that, no matter what, God would make things right in the end:
"Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. He also shall be my salvation" (Job 13:15-16)
Ultimately, the question for each Christian is "will I follow the Lord only when it is convenient?" If faith is conditional, it is not strong enough to bring the changing power of Jesus Christ. As he explained, only those who hear and do that which he taught will have a strong enough foundation to weather the tempests of life (Matthew 7:24-27).
In the end, the purposes of all things will be understood, and those who, like Job, keep faith regardless of circumstances, will be as they were before the foundations of the earth... they will sing together and shout for joy!
Modern Christians seem to be fond of platitudes such as "everything happens for a reason," or "he never said it would be easy, he only said it would be worth it."
These ideas initially seem to fall apart in the situation of Job. He just suffered for no apparent reason. His friends turned against him in accusation to add insult to injury. In the end, his problems all went away and he was blessed, but for what reason were these things done to begin with?
The same questions are frequently asked regarding modern tragedies. When children suffer from diseases beyond their control, or people are afflicted with poverty and hardship through no fault of their own, people wonder why God, who is supposed to love us, would allow these difficulties if he were truly omnipotent.
Toward the end of the story of Job, God asks him a set of rhetorical questions to illustrate the point that Job has relatively no power and but little understanding. In Job 38, the Lord asks the following:
"Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" (Job 38:4-7)
Instead of offering words of comfort and consolation, or reason and explanation, the Lord highlighted Job's ignorance. Why?
People get so involved in their current circumstances that they tend to forget the investment that God made when he forged the earth and sent humanity to live on its surface. He speaks with power because he is conveying the idea that the circumstances of life are not an accident, and there is no person whose birth or existence on this world is based on a whim. These questions allude to a truth that is fundamental to understanding the difficulties of mortality:
"When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?"
Combined with the understanding that we have from other prophets, that humans are the offspring of God (Acts 17:26-29), this means that there was a time in which we sang together before the foundations of the world... and that we shouted for joy. Contemporary prophesy teaches the cause of our joy was our Heavenly Father's grand plan of happiness: a course that could lead his children to become "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ." (Romans 8:16-17)
As we were, it would have been impossible for us to inherit the gift of eternal life. We needed to become more... to undergo a physical and spiritual rebirth (John 3:3-5). The challenges of life are specifically designed to alter us, and purge us from the ungodly (Malachi 3:2-3).
The details of how circumstances can help us prepare for the kingdom of God are frequently beyond our immediate comprehension, but a complete understanding is not necessary (1 Corinthians 13:12). What is necessary is having enough faith and desire to do what is right regardless of the circumstances (Hebrews 11:6).
The difficulties that came upon Job were not without purpose. In his extremity, he learned that he could hold to what was right and true even when it was excruciatingly difficult. He trusted that, no matter what, God would make things right in the end:
"Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. He also shall be my salvation" (Job 13:15-16)
Ultimately, the question for each Christian is "will I follow the Lord only when it is convenient?" If faith is conditional, it is not strong enough to bring the changing power of Jesus Christ. As he explained, only those who hear and do that which he taught will have a strong enough foundation to weather the tempests of life (Matthew 7:24-27).
In the end, the purposes of all things will be understood, and those who, like Job, keep faith regardless of circumstances, will be as they were before the foundations of the earth... they will sing together and shout for joy!
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
The Prophet said something I don't like... now what?
God has used prophets in nearly all his dealings with mankind. From Moses to John the Baptist, and from the Apostle Peter to the Apostle Paul, God has spoken words of counsel, comfort, and correction through his chosen servants.
Sometimes these messages are received, but frequently, these words are rejected. Prophets are asked to speak unpopular things. Who wants to hear that they are bad and in need of repentance, especially when there are those who will quote a couple scriptures and tell you about how much you deserve good things? Samuel, a Lamanite prophet, observed this tendency:
"Behold ye are worse than they; for as the Lord liveth, if a prophet come among you and declareth unto you the word of the Lord, which testifieth of your sins and iniquities, ye are angry with him, and cast him out and seek all manner of ways to destroy him; yea, you will say that he is a false prophet, and that he is a sinner, and of the devil, because he testifieth that your deeds are evil. But behold, if a man shall come among you and shall say: Do this, and there is no iniquity; do that and ye shall not suffer; yea, he will say: Walk after the pride of your own hearts; yea, walk after the pride of your eyes, and do whatsoever your heart desireth—and if a man shall come among you and say this, ye will receive him, and say that he is a prophet. Yea, ye will lift him up, and ye will give unto him of your substance; ye will give unto him of your gold, and of your silver, and ye will clothe him with costly apparel; and because he speaketh flattering words unto you, and he saith that all is well, then ye will not find fault with him." (Helaman 13:26-28)
In modern times, people have found fault with any number of policies. Prophets who have advocated for defending marriage between a man and a woman (The Family: A Proclamation to the World), or who have warned of the perils of socialism (Ezra Taft Benson), or who have counseled against civil disobedience (Kentucky County Clerk issue).
Of course, prophets are not infallible... they are men, and all men except Jesus Christ have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Jonah was swallowed by a whale, Moses was reprimanded for handling situations with his family and with Israel, the brother of Jared was chastised for hours because of the infrequency of his prayer, and Isaiah confessed that he was a man of unclean lips.
That having been said, when a prophet speaks as instructed by God, it is intended that their counsel be received and accepted. Jesus himself taught:
"He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward." (Matthew 10:41)
While there are false prophets, God tends to be a bit more careful about what his actual prophets are permitted to say. Consider this lesser known story from the book of Kings:
"And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the Lord unto Beth-el: and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense. And he cried against the altar in the word of the Lord, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the Lord; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men’s bones shall be burnt upon thee. And he gave a sign the same day, saying, This is the sign which the Lord hath spoken; Behold, the altar shall be rent, and the ashes that are upon it shall be poured out. And it came to pass, when king Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, which had cried against the altar in Beth-el, that he put forth his hand from the altar, saying, Lay hold on him. And his hand, which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him. The altar also was rent, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the Lord." (1 Kings 13:1-5)
At first, this story is fairly straightforward. Jeroboam the son of Nebat had forsaken the worship of the Lord for political reasons, and a prophet of Judah spoke the words that God had given him. He had been commanded not to eat or drink, and to travel in a particular way, and because he had done exactly as he had been commanded, the power of God was made manifest.
Recognizing the power of the Lord, Jeroboam asked that the prophet pray for his hand. When he had, Jeroboam's hand was restored. Unfortunately, Jeroboam's belief stopped when he had what he thought he needed. The prophet of Judah began his journey back, and here is where the story takes an unexpected turn:
"Now there dwelt an old prophet in Beth-el; and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Beth-el: the words which he had spoken unto the king, them they told also to their father...
"And went after the man of God, and found him sitting under an oak: and he said unto him, Art thou the man of God that camest from Judah? And he said, I am. Then he said unto him, Come home with me, and eat bread. And he said, I may not return with thee, nor go in with thee: neither will I eat bread nor drink water with thee in this place: For it was said to me by the word of the Lord, Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest.
"He said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the Lord, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him. So he went back with him, and did eat bread in his house, and drank water.
"And it came to pass, as they sat at the table, that the word of the Lord came unto the prophet that brought him back: And he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the Lord, and hast not kept the commandment which the Lord thy God commanded thee, But camest back, and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place, of the which the Lord did say to thee, Eat no bread, and drink no water; thy carcase shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers.
"And it came to pass, after he had eaten bread, and after he had drunk, that he saddled for him the ass, to wit, for the prophet whom he had brought back. And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his carcase was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcase." (1 Kings 13:11-24)
Because God expects his children to follow his prophets, he carefully ensures that they represent him properly. As Wilford Woodruff taught, "The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the programme. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so He will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty." This means you don't have to worry that the Prophet is leading you down the wrong path.
So if the Prophet of the Lord has said something that makes you feel uncomfortable, or suggested an idea that is not in harmony with your political or social beliefs, or has advocated for anything else that you don't like... it's a good bet that following the prophet is the best way to feel better about it.
God did not send you to earth only to hear pleasant things, or have a leisurely life, but to help you reach your ultimate potential. The path of Christ was never meant to be easy, why should the words of his prophets always be easy to hear? He himself said: "And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10:38)
Those who have heeded the counsel of Christ's prophets and apostles, whether they liked it or not, will be those who are prepared for his return.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
What if the worst should happen?
One of the most interesting mechanisms in great stories is when the protagonist(s) define the worst possible situation, and then, in spite of their best efforts to evade this situation, it happens.
Han Solo went to tremendous lengths to evade capture by Darth Vader in The Empire Strikes Back. After a lengthy pursuit with great obstacles, they mask their escape by floating away with the garbage of a Star Destroyer, and then make their way to Cloud City. The worst case scenario is clearly shown to be getting caught by Darth Vader. Then, the worst happens: it is revealed that Vader was there the whole time, and that they are completely powerless against him... even to the point that Han Solo is frozen and hauled away by a bounty hunter. Luke's efforts to save his friends fail, and the resolution of the story is ultimately left to the subsequent film, Return of the Jedi.
Some films portray this idea multiple times. Consider the risk that is taken by Indiana Jones to go back to Berlin and obtain the rest of his father's grail diary. Knowing the risk, Jones disguises himself as a German officer and obtains the diary from Doctor Elsa Schneider. Then, the worst imaginable thing occurs: he bumps into Adolf Hitler himself, who notices the diary clutched in Jones's hand. The dictator takes the book, and then, to the surprise of Jones (and the audience) he signs his name and returns it to him.
There are many other instances of this idea in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, but one that is particularly outstanding is when the perils of the trials that protect the grail are demonstrated. After witnessing a terrifying beheading, Jones, his father, Marcus Brody, and Sallah are discovered and captured by the Nazis. If it were not bad enough to know that Indiana would likely be forced to go through these dangerous trials, the Nazis make the situation even more desperate by putting a time limit on the task: they shoot Indiana's father in the gut. The worst possible situation is resolved in dramatic fashion as the divine power of the grail heals Henry's grievous injury.
The examples of this idea are not limited to action or adventure films. They are found in books, TV shows, manga, and numerous other types of media. More than its entertainment value, perhaps it is important for its thematic message... what if the worst should happen? Many worry about the future, and many are justified in their anxiety.
The reality of anxiety about the future is perhaps what makes actual events that describe these situations even more compelling. There is no situation that better exemplifies this idea than that of the Apostles at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
They believed that Jesus was not just a great prophet, and not just a worker of miracles... but that he was the literal Son of God... the promised Messiah. (Matthew 16:16) It was not a new thing for Jesus to be in danger... he had been threatened many times, but he always seemed to have power to escape. (Luke 4:29-30, John 10:39)
The question, what if the worst should happen? was something for which Peter seemed prepared. Even after Jesus prophesied that he would deny him, he protested: "Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples." (Matthew 26:35)
In the end, the machinations of the chief priests and scribes seemed to work. They had bought Judas Iscariot for thirty pieces of silver to prevent him from escaping again, and had a large number of men with swords and staves to take him from Gethsemane. Peter tried to keep to his word, and struck out at one of them, but Jesus forbade him, and even healed the ear of Malchus, the man who had been wounded. (Luke 22:51)
At the command of the Son of God, his disciples fled. There was no blending in with a crowd and escaping. He was taken before the Sanhedrin, and condemned by his enemies. They brought him to Pontius Pilate, but in spite of his desire to free Jesus, he gave in to the bloodthirsty mob who demanded his crucifixion.
Some of his disciples were there as they lifted him up on the cross. Perhaps there was still a bit of hope left as they watched.. after all... he was the Son of God. Perhaps they offered prayers and begged God to preserve his son... Perhaps they begged him not to let the worst happen... but it did.
How it must have broken their spirits to hear their Messiah cry out "My God, My God, why has thou forsaken me?" It must have been clear to his mother when he asked John to look after her, that the worst was about to happen. Finally, he cried with a loud voice, and died.
I can only imagine the pain and doubt that must have come to the disciples. Their champion had been taken, their master had been defeated, their King had been betrayed, their Messiah had been slain. The worst had happened.
What do you do when the basis of your faith is gone? What should you think when everything for which you have dedicated your life is taken away? As inspiring as Jesus had been, all that was left of him was in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. Though he had raised Lazarus from the dead, there was no one left to raise him.
Of course, the story did not end there. The women came to his tomb to honor him and anoint his body, but they found instead two angels. They stated, as though they should have known better, "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen..." (Luke 24:5-6)
Peter and John rushed to the tomb, and found that it was empty, but they did not yet understand.
At last, their slain master appeared to them, alive and well. He had a physical body; he was not just a spiritual manifestation. (Luke 24:39-43) While he had died, not even death was enough to defeat the Son of God. His enemies had mocked him, saying that he could not save himself... but he did save himself.
Nothing was ever the same after. There is much that could be said about the resurrection, and the power of Christ to deliver. The bold faith and leadership of the Apostles was completely renewed, and the world was changed as the teachings of Christ were spread throughout the world. But perhaps one of the most important elements of the story is the answer to the question what if the worst should happen? The answer is that nothing is beyond his power. Nothing is too hard for him to make right.
If the worst should happen,
Christ will heal every wound,
Christ will mend every broken heart,
Christ will purge every wrong,
Christ will revoke even death...
He will save us all.
Han Solo went to tremendous lengths to evade capture by Darth Vader in The Empire Strikes Back. After a lengthy pursuit with great obstacles, they mask their escape by floating away with the garbage of a Star Destroyer, and then make their way to Cloud City. The worst case scenario is clearly shown to be getting caught by Darth Vader. Then, the worst happens: it is revealed that Vader was there the whole time, and that they are completely powerless against him... even to the point that Han Solo is frozen and hauled away by a bounty hunter. Luke's efforts to save his friends fail, and the resolution of the story is ultimately left to the subsequent film, Return of the Jedi.
Some films portray this idea multiple times. Consider the risk that is taken by Indiana Jones to go back to Berlin and obtain the rest of his father's grail diary. Knowing the risk, Jones disguises himself as a German officer and obtains the diary from Doctor Elsa Schneider. Then, the worst imaginable thing occurs: he bumps into Adolf Hitler himself, who notices the diary clutched in Jones's hand. The dictator takes the book, and then, to the surprise of Jones (and the audience) he signs his name and returns it to him.
There are many other instances of this idea in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, but one that is particularly outstanding is when the perils of the trials that protect the grail are demonstrated. After witnessing a terrifying beheading, Jones, his father, Marcus Brody, and Sallah are discovered and captured by the Nazis. If it were not bad enough to know that Indiana would likely be forced to go through these dangerous trials, the Nazis make the situation even more desperate by putting a time limit on the task: they shoot Indiana's father in the gut. The worst possible situation is resolved in dramatic fashion as the divine power of the grail heals Henry's grievous injury.
The examples of this idea are not limited to action or adventure films. They are found in books, TV shows, manga, and numerous other types of media. More than its entertainment value, perhaps it is important for its thematic message... what if the worst should happen? Many worry about the future, and many are justified in their anxiety.
The reality of anxiety about the future is perhaps what makes actual events that describe these situations even more compelling. There is no situation that better exemplifies this idea than that of the Apostles at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
They believed that Jesus was not just a great prophet, and not just a worker of miracles... but that he was the literal Son of God... the promised Messiah. (Matthew 16:16) It was not a new thing for Jesus to be in danger... he had been threatened many times, but he always seemed to have power to escape. (Luke 4:29-30, John 10:39)
The question, what if the worst should happen? was something for which Peter seemed prepared. Even after Jesus prophesied that he would deny him, he protested: "Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples." (Matthew 26:35)
In the end, the machinations of the chief priests and scribes seemed to work. They had bought Judas Iscariot for thirty pieces of silver to prevent him from escaping again, and had a large number of men with swords and staves to take him from Gethsemane. Peter tried to keep to his word, and struck out at one of them, but Jesus forbade him, and even healed the ear of Malchus, the man who had been wounded. (Luke 22:51)
At the command of the Son of God, his disciples fled. There was no blending in with a crowd and escaping. He was taken before the Sanhedrin, and condemned by his enemies. They brought him to Pontius Pilate, but in spite of his desire to free Jesus, he gave in to the bloodthirsty mob who demanded his crucifixion.
Some of his disciples were there as they lifted him up on the cross. Perhaps there was still a bit of hope left as they watched.. after all... he was the Son of God. Perhaps they offered prayers and begged God to preserve his son... Perhaps they begged him not to let the worst happen... but it did.
How it must have broken their spirits to hear their Messiah cry out "My God, My God, why has thou forsaken me?" It must have been clear to his mother when he asked John to look after her, that the worst was about to happen. Finally, he cried with a loud voice, and died.
I can only imagine the pain and doubt that must have come to the disciples. Their champion had been taken, their master had been defeated, their King had been betrayed, their Messiah had been slain. The worst had happened.
What do you do when the basis of your faith is gone? What should you think when everything for which you have dedicated your life is taken away? As inspiring as Jesus had been, all that was left of him was in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. Though he had raised Lazarus from the dead, there was no one left to raise him.
Of course, the story did not end there. The women came to his tomb to honor him and anoint his body, but they found instead two angels. They stated, as though they should have known better, "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen..." (Luke 24:5-6)
Peter and John rushed to the tomb, and found that it was empty, but they did not yet understand.
At last, their slain master appeared to them, alive and well. He had a physical body; he was not just a spiritual manifestation. (Luke 24:39-43) While he had died, not even death was enough to defeat the Son of God. His enemies had mocked him, saying that he could not save himself... but he did save himself.
Nothing was ever the same after. There is much that could be said about the resurrection, and the power of Christ to deliver. The bold faith and leadership of the Apostles was completely renewed, and the world was changed as the teachings of Christ were spread throughout the world. But perhaps one of the most important elements of the story is the answer to the question what if the worst should happen? The answer is that nothing is beyond his power. Nothing is too hard for him to make right.
If the worst should happen,
Christ will heal every wound,
Christ will mend every broken heart,
Christ will purge every wrong,
Christ will revoke even death...
He will save us all.
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Humility and Confidence
Jesus was an enemy of pride. He was frequently approached by scribes and Pharisees who wanted to assert their superiority by trying to point out flaws in Jesus or his disciples. They were concerned about unwashed hands (Matthew 15:2) and Sabbath day rules adherence (Matthew 12:10), but only because they sought to elevate themselves above the followers of Christ. Jesus warned about this behavior by giving this parable:
"When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." (Luke 14:8-11, emphasis added)
Their are numerous examples of people who believed that they were better than they were being put down. Pharaoh, the King of Egypt, believed that he was entitled to the service of the Hebrew children, even after enduring great plagues. Only his complete defeat in the depths of the Red Sea stopped him. (Exodus 14) Saul believed he did not need to wait for Samuel to administer in priestly ordinances. (1 Samuel 13) Haman believed that the king wanted to bestow honors upon him rather than Mordecai, and ultimately found himself hanging on the gallows he had prepared for the man he hated. (Esther 6-7)
As much as God despises a proud heart (Proverbs 6:16-17), he is not desirous that his children be depressed or that they hate themselves or that they fail to believe they can be successful. Consider the story of Jonah. His disbelief that he could succeed in preaching the word of the Lord to the people of Nineveh led him to try to escape from God by boarding a ship to Tarshish. (Jonah 1:3) Even after being humbled in the belly of a big fish for three days, he did not believe that his preaching would be successful, and when they repented, he became angry. (Jonah 4:1-3) Though he had been humbled to the point that he recognized the power of God, he prayed for his own death. His self-loathing was answered by God with a lesson. The Lord explained that he had never wanted to destroy Nineveh, but that the people there were valuable to him.
Here is the dilemma with which many people struggle. On the one hand, people are reminded that they are nothing next to God. Consider the teachings of King Benjamin:
"And now I ask, can ye say aught of yourselves? I answer you, Nay. Ye cannot say that ye are even as much as the dust of the earth; yet ye were created of the dust of the earth; but behold, it belongeth to him who created you." (Mosiah 2:25)
On the other hand, people are reminded that they are loved and valued by God. Consider the teaching of Paul:
"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 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." (Romans 8:37-39)
In one case, we are asked not to glory in ourselves, and in the other case, we are reminded that we are the work and glory of God. It can seem as though God is simultaneously saying "you're worthless" and "you're priceless."
Is it possible to be humble, and to be confident? Is it possible to show faith and courage without developing pride?
One of the best examples of this very thing can be found in Gideon. He was called by God a "mighty man of valor" (Judges 6:12), but he described himself as being poor, and the least of his father's house. Notwithstanding his reservations, he acted with courage as the Lord directed him to destroy the altar of Baal. Though there were some who sought his life, the Lord protected him.
Gideon did not presume to think that he was infallible, even after being called by God, he wanted to ensure that he was doing the will of God. He prayed and asked the Lord to confirm that he was doing his will by two signs involving fleece and morning dew. One night, the fleece of wool was soaked with moisture and the land was dry, and the next night, the fleece was dry and the land was wet, just as he asked.
While seeking signs is typically a sign of wickedness and faithlessness (Matthew 12:39), Gideon was not demanding that God prove himself, he was seeking to know that he was following God. This is the type of request to which James referred when he said "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him." (James 1:5)
Humility can be demonstrated by seeking God's guidance through prayer. A humble person is one who recognizes the value of omniscience above their own wisdom.
Ultimately, Gideon's most famous victory came when he whittled his army down to 300 men, sending home any who were afraid, and then those who did not lap water as they drank like animals. (Judges 7:4-7) These three hundred men spread themselves in the camp of the Midianites, and then cried out "The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon!" (Judges 7:19-23) The enemies of Israel slew one another in the confusion, and Gideon prevailed.
Sneaking into an enemy camp is certainly not a plan for the faint of heart. Had they been discovered too soon, the Midianites would have slaughtered them. Even executing the plan correctly, they ran the risk that the Midianites would be disciplined enough to recognize friend from foe. The most important element of these 300 men was their faith that God would deliver them.
Humility can be demonstrated by faithful obedience to his counsel. This does not mean cowering or doubting, but rather, it means acting with confidence that God is able to protect and aid those who follow him.
There are certainly times in which good people are not protected. Innocents are hurt. Prophets have been mocked and thrown out. Jesus Christ himself was betrayed and murdered. In the end though, God will prevail.
This truth does not mean it is a good idea to go to others and assert superiority to them. It does not mean that one person's struggles make them inferior to those who seem not to have struggles. The idea is that everyone needs God. In spite of the miraculous victory of Gideon, after his death, the people returned to idolatry, and the protection of the Lord was withdrawn, and many died in a power struggle. (Judges 9) Those who set themselves up above others were put down.
Confidence is not the same as pride. It is possible to have confidence in the Lord, and in the words of his prophets and apostles without asserting superiority over others. Just as it was with Gideon, strength does not come from comparing oneself with others, it comes from ensuring that a person is doing the will of God, and then being confident that God will make everything right. That is the "sword of the Lord, and of Gideon!"... it is that those who exalt themselves shall be abased, and those who humble themselves shall be exalted.
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