Kenneth Winter's Blog, page 20

For Us or Against Us?

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There are big challenges ahead! As a matter of fact, you might be right in the middle of one of the biggest challenges you’ve ever faced. We have a number of friends who are walking through tough battles with cancer right now. Others who are scheduled for major surgeries. Still others who are battling serious cases of COVID-19.

Others of you are facing serious challenges at work with your boss, with a co-worker, or with a project you need to complete. Some of you are facing huge financial issues, or family challenges, or major life decisions – and the obstacles surrounding them seem insurmountable.

No matter what the challenge is, we would do well to take a page out of Joshua’s playbook. God had told him to lead the people to conquer the city of Jericho. God had already promised Joshua that He would go before him. He’d already promised Joshua and the people that He would never leave them nor forsake them. He had already given them assurance of victory.

And yet, as the march on Jericho drew closer, Joshua’s thoughts were preoccupied with the obstacles and challenges he was facing. He couldn’t sleep. He knew the promises he’d already received from God – and yet, at that moment, his circumstances had become overwhelming.

So what did he do? He got up and started to walk toward Jericho.(1) Right off the bat, that’s something for us to remember. He walked toward his obstacle, facing it full on … not away from it. He knew nothing good could come from trying to run away from it! The challenge wasn’t going to go away.

Did he walk to the outskirts of Jericho to pray and meditate on God’s promises? Did he go to survey the defenses of Jericho one more time in order to confirm the best approach to defeat the city? Or was it both? Was he at a loss as to the next steps he should take in leading the people? Had he gone seeking wisdom? Had he gone seeking God? Had he gone seeking both? 

Have you ever been there? Are you there now? Are you needing clarity and assurance in the direction you should take… and you’re still not sure? But you know that if God doesn’t come through, all will be lost! 

It was just that kind of morning for Joshua. As he drew closer to Jericho, he looked up and “saw a Man”. He was seeking wisdom from God. In many ways, he was seeking God Himself. But did he expect to encounter God? Probably not, because if he had, he wouldn’t have been startled. 

i think that’s a good question to ask ourselves right now. We’re needing clarity, direction and/or assurance from God. Are we expecting to look up and see Him? Or will we be startled when He graciously shows up?

As Joshua approached Him, he asked, “Are you friend or foe – are you for us or against us?” Stop and think about what it took for Joshua to approach that “Man” standing in front of him with a sword in hand. If it was the angel of the Lord, only an intimate relationship with the Lord Himself would permit him the boldness to do such a thing. On the other hand, if the Man before him was a foe, think of the God-given courage and boldness that Joshua displayed by approaching Him and making his demand. Whether it was intimacy or courage – or both – it was God-given. 

The One who stood before Joshua was none other than the Son of God(2) – the pre-incarnate Christ. And He stood before Joshua as a “man of war” with His sword drawn. Years earlier He had stood before Abraham as a traveler.(3) Our Lord stands before His servants in whatever way is needed in order to accomplish His purpose. The Lord’s reply to Joshua’s question was that He was neither friend nor foe. He was standing before Joshua in the way that would most clearly enable Joshua to see Him for who He was. He was standing before him as their Commander. 

By standing as a man of war, He affirmed to Joshua that He was there to review His troops, to call them to battle, and to give the necessary orders for the besieging of Jericho. In short, He would go before His people to lead them in victory. And He encouraged Joshua that they must follow Him with all diligence.

His presence was a reminder that their upcoming victory would not be accomplished by human might or power, but by the Lord of hosts! They would have victory over all their adversaries; as long as they walked in total dependence on Him alone. He knew their propensity toward pride and selfish ambition, and a proclivity to attribute any victory to their own good work or expertise. We have that same propensity and proclivity. As they entered into this first battle, of what would prove to be many battles in the Promised Land, He wanted them to be rightly oriented to Him as their Source and Reason for victory.

Then He told Joshua, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” That’s exactly what God said to Moses from the burning bush over forty years earlier.(4) That statement from God gives us great insight into the ultimate answer to our question – “are You for us or against us?” Because the answer in many ways will depend upon where we are standing, far more than where we think He is standing. Are we His servants, or are we acting as if He is our servant? Are we His soldiers, or do we pray as if He is under our command? Are we His people, or is it all about our kingdoms, our wants or our agendas?

The truth is He is neither for us nor against us. Because it’s not about us. It’s not about our plan. It’s not about how we think this should all end. It’s not about how we think He should act. He does not exist to advocate for our wishes. He is the sovereign, Almighty God. It is all about Him! The real question is – are we for Him or against Him? He is the Commander, not us! He is the Almighty, not us! Whatever challenge He is permitting us to walk through, He has promised to use for His purpose and His glory. No matter the enemy or challenge we face, He will grant us the strength to endure. He will defeat it … in His way … not ours! 

“Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy!”

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This post is adapted from Possessing The Promise, chapter 14, entitled “For Us or Against Us”. This third book in the Lessons Learned In The Wilderness series is available through Amazon in print and for your e-reader. Click HERE for more information on how you can obtain your copy.

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(1) Joshua 5:13-15 (NLT)

When Joshua was near the town of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to Him and demanded, “Are you friend or foe?” “Neither one,” He replied. “I am the commander of the LORD’s army.” At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. “I am at your command,” Joshua said. “What do you want your servant to do?” The commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did as he was told.

(2)  Joshua 6:2

(3)  Genesis 18

(4)  Exodus 3:5

Copyright © 2021 Kenneth A. Winter All rights reserved.

Photo by Marek Piwnicki on Unsplash

Grace-full

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Grace. Undeserved favor. Unmerited blessing. Grace extended to us by God. Grace extended by us toward one another. How often do we treat grace as if it is a right we deserve, but at the same time a possession that we choose to grudgingly grant – or not grant – to others? Our social media feeds bear witness to the fact that most frequently we are much quicker to receive grace than we are to extend it.

At the same time, we often confuse grace with license. We act as if we think we deserve grace; therefore, we can do or act in any way we desire, and still expect to receive it. 

And in many instances, the grace we extend is actually a counterfeit grace – a grace that expects something in return – more of a “quid pro quo.” But true grace – undeserved favor – meets us where we are, but doesn’t leave us where it found us. And it reaches out to those around us with the same intent.

So what does it look like to be someone who extends that kind of grace? First of all, we need to understand that we don’t possess it within ourselves. We can’t buy it. We can’t bottle it. And we sure can’t manufacture it. It can only come from God. So how do we live it out? 

Other than Jesus, there is only one other person mentioned in the Bible who is described as being “full of God’s grace,” and that is Stephen. He is described as “a man full of God’s grace and power”.(1) A few verses earlier, he is described as “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit.”(2) One statement is the cause, and the other is the effect. Stephen was “a man full of God’s grace and power” because he was “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit”. To be full of grace is the result of being full of faith. There are several expressions of grace, but all of them come as a result of faith. 

First, the apostle Paul wrote, “For by grace you have been saved through faith.”(3) That is the grace of God that leads to our salvation, and it comes by faith. 

Second, Paul wrote that he pleaded to the Lord to remove his thorn in the flesh, and in response the Lord said to him, “‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, [Paul went on to say], I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”(4) That is a grace that enables us to overcome, and it, too, comes by faith. 

Third, there is the grace of extending loving kindness toward others that also comes by faith. Paul wrote that “He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His loving kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”(6) i believe this is the kind of grace that was so clearly seen through Stephen’s life. He was full of grace toward others. He demonstrated the grace that we need to extend toward those around us.

The church chose him to be one of the men responsible for serving the Hellenist widows. His life reflected an unselfish willingness to serve others. But the greatest example of grace extended toward others was seen when he was surrounded by the men who were stoning him. The rocks were smashing against his head and shattering his body, and yet, he looked up to heaven and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!”(7) That is nothing short of graciousness and loving kindness. That is bestowing favor upon those who most definitely do not deserve it – those who would attack you – and perhaps, even kill you. How in the world could he possibly do that? How could he be so gracious and forgiving? Because he believed that God was sovereign, even over persecution and death. He wasn't busy trying to protect himself and stand up for his own rights. He was even willing to die if that is what God wanted him to do. Only by faith could he so completely trust God’s grace, and extend that grace and loving kindness, even to the point of his own death. 

But also, he was a man full of God’s power. Isn’t it interesting that power accompanied grace? It almost seems counter-intuitive. If you're full of the Holy Spirit then you are full of God’s grace and power! Jesus promised, just before He ascended to sit at the right hand of the Father, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.”(8) We will never truly understand grace toward others or experience the power of God working in and through us until we are filled with His Spirit. It is a simple spiritual principle … and promise. Luke records that Stephen “performed amazing miracles and signs among the people.”(9) The power of God and the grace of God were exhibited in his life because he believed God and obeyed the Spirit.

The same can be true of us today. If we are filled with the Holy Spirit, walking with Him by faith, our lives will be reflective of His grace and power. We will become a “grace-full” people, extending His love and kindness in truth to all those around us. 

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This post is adapted from Until He Returns, chapter 19, entitled “Grace-full”. This sixth book in the Lessons Learned In The Wilderness series is available through Amazon in print and for your e-reader. Click HERE for more information on how you can obtain your copy.

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(1)  Acts 6:8 NLT

(2)  Acts 6:5 NLT

(3)  Ephesians 2:8 ESV

(4)  2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV

(5)  1 Peter 3:14 ESV

(6)  Ephesians 2:7 NLT

(7)  Acts 7:60 NLT

(8)  Acts 1:8 NLT

(9)  Acts 6:8 NLT

(10) Acts 6:15 NLT

(11) Exodus 34:29-30

Copyright © 2021 Kenneth A. Winter All rights reserved.

Photo by Onur Binay on Unsplash

A Word of Comfort

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Jesus and the disciples were in the upper room. They had just finished eating their supper when Jesus announced that He must leave them, and they would not be able to come with Him – at least for now. Remember, they had given up everything to follow Him. He had been the center of their lives for the prior three years. And now He was going away?

They had no idea whatsoever as to what was going to happen in the next few hours. The idea that He would soon be arrested, by that time tomorrow His body would be laying in a tomb, and in three days He would arise from the dead, was not even a possibility in their minds. Instead, they were still all contemplating what position they would hold on His cabinet when He declared Himself to be the Messiah and established His earthly kingdom.

To make matters even worse, He had also just announced that one of them was going to betray Him. To put it mildly, they were troubled. They couldn’t understand what was happening. None of this looked anything like the way they thought their time with Jesus would end. They had been thinking about positions in the Kingdom – and now Jesus was telling them that He was leaving. Can you relate to their confusion and anxiety?

Have you ever expected Jesus to do one thing, but instead He did another? Have you ever expected Him to answer your prayer one way … but He didn’t? Often when that happens we say, “Jesus didn’t answer my prayer.” But the reality is He did answer – just not the way we thought He would. 

That’s where the disciples were. They were expecting Him to do one thing – and now He was telling them that He was going to do something else. He wouldn’t be there with them! Their hopes and dreams were crashing down around them!

Then He spoke these words: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me.”(1) In essence Jesus was saying, “You know Me. You know Me better than most everyone else knows Me. You know I am trustworthy. You know that the Father sent Me. And you know You can trust Him as well. So whatever happens, don’t be troubled. The Father and I have this. And We are worthy of your trust!”

“Besides, where I am going there is more than enough room for each one of you. I am going to make the way for your arrival. I am going to make preparations for you. If I don’t go, you won’t be able to follow. But if I go, then, after everything is ready, I will be able to come and get you when the time is right. And, from then on, we will always be together. You will be where I am. I will be where you are. We will never again be separated. And you know where that is. It’s the Father’s house. And you know the way!” Jesus was speaking words of assurance. He was speaking truth that they could hold onto in the midst of tumultuous times.

This passage is often quoted during funeral services. The loss of a loved one is a tumultuous time. We’re grieving the loss of one who has gone. We are experiencing sorrow, knowing we will not see them again on this side of eternity. We miss them. We ache for them. The certainty that their life brought to ours is gone. We can no longer call upon him or her for advice, for counsel, for encouragement, or for comfort. Our life has just been turned upside down. And in the midst of all that hurt, upheaval and uncertainty, we need an anchor. We need a truth we can hold onto. We need someone or something that we can hold onto with complete confidence and trust. So it was at that moment with the disciples.

At that point, Thomas spoke up. He may have been the one speaking, but i would venture that his question was also on the minds of everyone else in that room. Remember, they were all troubled and uncertain. They were all seeking certainty. They were all seeking truth they could understand, and truth they could hold onto. And i am so glad he asked. Because we too need an answer we can hold onto!

Thomas said, “Lord, we really don’t know where You are going. We have no idea! We’ve never been there. We’ve never seen it. So how can we possibly know the way?

Jesus said, “Thomas, you know the way. You know the way because you know Me – and I am the way! Whatever confusion you experience, whatever trouble you encounter, whatever sorrow or pain you are walking through – I am the way! My way leads through all the mess, all the pain and all the confusion. My way leads to the Father’s house. My way leads to the place where there is no pain and there is no suffering. My way leads to that place where we will forever and always be together”

“Thomas, I am THE Way. I am not a way; I am the only way. Don’t be duped into trying another way, or make the mistake of trying to follow your own way. I am the only way. Only my way leads to the Father’s house. Other ways may seem right in your own human thinking, but those ways will take you where you don’t want to go. Like you said, you’ve never seen the Father’s house. But I have! You don’t know the way there. But I do! And I’m the only one that does. Trust Me, Thomas, I am THE WAY!”

“And Thomas, I am THE TRUTH! I am not a truth. My word is absolute. My word is without error. My truth does not change based upon season or whim. It is not situational. It is not relative. It is absolute! You will never know the truth of any situation, or trial, or circumstance until you hear from Me. I existed before the beginning of time. My truth has been the same from before the beginning, and will remain beyond the end of time. My truth is ageless. My truth is matchless. And my truth is beyond reproach. If you need an answer, I am the One to ask. I am the only One to ask! Trust Me, Thomas, I am THE TRUTH!”

“Lastly, Thomas, I am THE LIFE! In Me, through Me and by Me have all things been created. All life comes from Me. Tomorrow on a cross and in three days from now when I step forth out of that tomb, I will carry the keys to death and hell. I will have conquered death once and for all. I am the Creator of life and the Defeater of death. Through Me – and Me alone – you can experience life – abundant life – life to the max! Only through Me can you escape the chains of sin and death. Only through Me can you experience unfettered life. I am the only One who can make that promise. Trust Me, Thomas, I am THE LIFE!”

And that word of comfort that He spoke to Thomas and everyone else who was gathered in that room, He speaks to us even now. No matter what you’re facing. Hold onto His promise. Wrap yourself in His comfort.

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This post is excerpted from Taking Up The Cross, chapter 35, entitled “A Word of Comfort”. This fifth book in the Lessons Learned In The Wilderness series is available through Amazon in print and for your e-reader. Click HERE for more information on how you can obtain your copy.

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(1)  John 14:1-6

Copyright © 2021 Kenneth A. Winter All rights reserved.

Photo by Johann Siemens on Unsplash

Hills and Valleys

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A few years ago, the Lord blessed my wife, LaVonne, and i with a “mountaintop” experience of a lifetime. He orchestrated events so we could enjoy ten days of extended quiet time with Him in an upper room in the city of Jerusalem. It was not “the” upper room where the apostles gathered; but for us personally, it was our “upper room”. It was a place where the Lord permitted us to wait before Him, to hear His voice, to experience His presence, and to be renewed through the filling of His Spirit. Though i know that He is able to do those things in my life wherever i am – whenever i am willing to be still before Him – it was an added blessing to do so there in Jerusalem where the Lord Himself says that He will one day make His home among His people.(1)

As we ate our meals on the rooftop overlooking the city, we could hear the joy of children laughing and playing in the near distance, mixed with the sounds of gentle breezes and the chirping of birds. i envisioned – as best i could – what that day will be like when our Lord returns to make His home there among His people.

As the time drew to a close, i knew that we could not tarry there – any more than Peter, James and John were able to tarry with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration.(2) The time quickly arrived for us to “come down from our mountain” or (if you will permit) from our “upper room”. Life awaited us down at the base of the mountain – the day-to-day stuff of life, with its many opportunities and challenges, and the activities that i so often allow to distract me. As it turned out, a valley awaited just two weeks later, when the Lord called my mother home to glory. But as i remember those days with Him in that upper room, i am also mindful that He walked down from the mountain with us and into that valley. As a matter of fact, He was – and is – true to His promise: He never left us nor forsook us.(3)

We read in the Gospel of Luke that there on the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus, Moses and Elijah “were speaking about Jesus’s {upcoming} exodus from this world, which was about to be fulfilled in Jerusalem.”(4)Jesus knew that in eight months’ time He would be crucified. He would be led up another hill – this time to be nailed to a cross. Think about it! The Father had sent Moses and Elijah to encourage Jesus in what He was about to walk through. But i think He had another purpose. The Father was bearing witness to His Son. Remember, Jesus doesn’t “do” random. He had taken Peter, James and John with Him for a purpose. They were there to bear witness ... to us! Peter would later write, “… we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw His majestic splendor with our own eyes when He received honor and glory from God the Father…. We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.”(5)      

And when the Father’s purpose was accomplished on the mountain, Jesus led the disciples back down to continue with the rest of their journey below. Ministry awaited them. Crowds were expecting them. The Cross was before Him. Suffering and death awaited in the path ahead. But the Master had given Peter, James and John a special opportunity – a day to remember – a day on the mountain to bear witness that God would accomplish His purpose through it all. He would use the valleys just as He uses the hilltops to bring glory to His name. And the greatest opportunities to bear witness would most often occur in those days in the valley. Those days, when everything seems to be falling apart, would be the days they – and we –  would need to be reminded of the hilltop. They – and we – would need to be reminded that the same One who is Lord over the hilltop is Lord over the valley.

His grace and strength are sufficient no matter where we find ourselves. His majestic splendor reigns over it all, and He will use it all for His glory.

As we walk with the Master, He will permit us to have days on the hilltop – opportunities to see His glory on display. His purpose will be to encourage us, but it will also be for us to bear witness to His goodness and His glory in the days that lie ahead. For some of us, that last hilltop day may feel like it was a lifetime ago. A lot of “life” has probably happened since then. It may only be a faint memory. And you may find yourself right now in the midst of a “valley”. If so, take a few moments to reflect on that day on the hilltop, consider His glory and His goodness, and be reminded that He’s Lord over it all. He’s there with you in the valley, just as He was on the mountain. And He will see you through it all!

Tauren Wells recorded a great worship song that expresses this truth. As a matter of fact, i borrowed the title of this post from that song.  Below are the lyrics and a link. Take a few minutes to listen to it, and be reminded that God is right there with you … no matter where you are.

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A portion of this post is excerpted from Walking With The Master, chapter 37 entitled “A Day To Remember”. This fourth book in the Lessons Learned In The Wilderness series is available through Amazon in print and for your e-reader. Click HERE for more information on how you can obtain your copy.

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(1)  Joel 3:21

(2)  Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36

(3)  Hebrews 13:5

(4)  Luke 9:31 (NLT)

(5)  2 Peter 1:16-18 (NLT)

Copyright © 2021 Kenneth A. Winter All rights reserved.

Photo by Steve Halama on Unsplash

Hills and Valleys  

I've walked among the shadows
You wiped my tears away
And I've felt the pain of heartbreak
And I've seen the brighter days
And I've prayed prayers to heaven from my lowest place
And I have held Your blessings
God, You give and take away

 

No matter what I have, Your grace is enough
No matter where I am, I'm standing in Your love

 

On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the One who set me there
In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the One who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain, I didn't get there on my own
When I'm walking through the valley, I know I am not alone!
You're God of the hills and valleys!
Hills and valleys!
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone!

 

I've watched my dreams get broken
In You I hope again!
No matter what, I know
I'm safe inside Your hand

 

On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the One who set me there
In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the One who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain, I didn't get there on my own
When I'm walking through the valley, I know I am not alone!
You're God of the hills and valleys!
Hills and valleys!
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone!

 

Father, You give and take away
Every joy and every pain
Through it all You will remain
Over it all!

(Repeat)

 

On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the One who set me there
In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the One who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain, I didn't get there on my own
When I'm walking through the valley, I know I am not alone!
You're God of the hills and valleys!
Hills and valleys!
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone! 

And I will choose to say "Blessed be Your name"

And I am not alone

Songwriters: Chuck Butler / Jonathan Lindley Smith / Tauren Wells

Hills and Valleys (Lyric Video) – Tauren Wells

God's Not Done With You

Before we get started … i’m trying something different this week for those of you who would prefer to listen to my weekly post instead of read it. i am also recording this post as a podcast. To listen to the podcast click HERE . i would love to hear what you think of the idea. You can message me back with your feedback HERE . Thanks so much!

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When was the last time you messed up? For most of us, we don’t have to think back very far. It was within the last ten minutes, or earlier today, or yesterday. i know it most certainly has been for me. If your answer is more than a week ago, i want to challenge you to rethink your answer, and reconsider all of your thoughts, attitudes and actions over the past week. I think you’ll find that it was more recent than you think.

As I said, for most of us, the answer will come more immediately to mind. We know we messed up. But some of us haven’t done anything about it. We’ve just continued to feel bad about it ever since. 

David, the shepherd king and psalmist, knew exactly how we feel when he wrote:

The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man,
    to see if there are any who understand,  
    who seek after God.

They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt;
    there is none who does good,
    not even one.(1)

As a matter of fact, he believed so strongly that we all have that propensity to do wrong that he wrote the exact same words in two of his Psalms.(2) And just in case we missed it in the Psalms, the apostle Paul repeated the same words to us in his letter to the Romans.(3) Then a few verses later, he said it again using these words:

… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.(4)

The question is not whether we have sinned; the question is what we have done in light of our sin. We can try to ignore it. But the truth is, sin is an unyielding taskmaster. Left unchecked, sin wants more. The news headlines are filled with the results of unchecked sins that have led to greed, hatred, bigotry, physical violence, and the like. As a matter of fact, Paul described it as a road that leads to death:

… the wages of sin is death.(5)

But God is gracious – He made the way for us to be cleansed of our sin! This past Easter weekend, we celebrated the great cost that He paid – the death of His Son – so that our sin can be forgiven. Jesus became the perfect sacrifice for our sin. And because He did, the apostle John tells us:

If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.(6)

The greatest news of Easter is that Jesus’ body did not remain in that tomb. He arose from the dead. If He had remained in the tomb, we would have been left to our own devices – and left without hope. But we have a living Savior. A Savior that defeated sin and death, and sent His Spirit to live within us and walk with us each and every step as we follow Him in our journey of life. 

Because the reality is that we don’t stop “messing up” once we confess our sin and surrender our lives to Him. The reality is that we continue to sin. And He graciously and mercifully continues to forgive us and cleanse us if we confess our sins. There is a continuing work He is doing in each of our lives. It begins at the point of our salvation when we enter into a relationship with Him … but, it doesn’t end there. God is at work in our lives conforming us into the image of Jesus,(7) just like clay in the hands of a potter. And if He is making us into the image of Jesus, He is making us into something beautiful … despite the dents, blemishes and chips we have placed into our image every time we have messed up.

He is working all of those out. He is removing them one by one, if we don’t try to ignore our sin, or try and hide it, or run from it, or deny it; but rather, if we confess our sin. So the question is not “if” we mess up; the question is what we do “when” we mess up. 

The fact is God’s not done with any of us. We’re all a work in process. The enemy would like to convince us that we can never be good enough. And that’s partially true – without Christ we can never be good enough. But with Christ, we are more than good enough – we’re cleansed from ALL unrighteousness. If we’ve confessed it, He’s forgiven us … and He has removed our sin from us as far as the east is from the west.(8)

So don’t run from Jesus, run to Him. Confess it to Him, leave it with Him and trust Him to finish the work He has begun in your life. God’s not done with you … or me.

i borrowed the title of this post from a worship song that expresses this same truth.  Below are the lyrics and a link. Take a few minutes to listen to it and be reminded of God’s faithfulness.

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(1)  Psalm 14:2-3 (ESV)

(2)  Psalm 14:2-3 and Psalm 53:2-3

(3)  Romans 3:10-12

(4)  Romans 3:23 (ESV)

(5)  Romans 6:23 (ESV)

(6)  1 John 1:9 (ESV)

(7)  Romans 8:29

(8)  Psalm 103:12

Copyright © 2021 Kenneth A. Winter All rights reserved.

Photo by Miah Oren on Lightstock

 * * * * * 

God’s Not Done With You  

Standing in your ruins feels a lot like the end
So used to losing, you're afraid to try again
Right now all you see are ashes
Where there was a flame
Truth is that you're not forgotten
'Cause Grace knows your name

 

God's not done with you
Even with your broken heart and your wounds and your scars
God's not done with you
Even when you're lost and it's hard and you're falling apart
God's not done with you
It's not over, it's only begun
So don't hide, don't run
'Cause God's not done with you

 

There's a light you don't notice
Until you're standing in the dark
And there's a strength that's growing
Inside your shattered heart

 

God's not done with you
Even with your broken heart and your wounds and your scars
God's not done with you
Even when you're lost and it's hard and you're falling apart
God's not done with you
It's not over, it's only begun
So don't hide, don't run
'Cause God's not done with you
He's not done with you

 

He's got a plan, this is part of it
He's gonna finish what He started
(Repeat)

 

He's not done
God's not done writing your story
No, He's not done
God's not done with you
God's not done with you

God's not done with you

Even when you're lost and it's hard and you're falling apart
God's not done with you
It's not over, it's only begun
So don't hide, don't run
'Cause God's not done with you

No, He's not done
God's not done with you 

Songwriters: Bernie Herms / Tauren Wells / Emily Weisband

God's Not Done With You lyrics © G650 Music, Thankful For This Music, Pure Note Music, Songs Of Universal Inc. 

God’s Not Done With You – Tauren Wells (Lyric Video)

Easter - The Brother

NOTE : My three-week series of short stories surrounding the ministry, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus concludes this week. These stories are fictional first-person accounts of three different men who encountered and responded to Jesus in very different ways. My prayer is that, through the stories, you will see Jesus and be reminded of the Good News of Easter. 

The Rich Young Ruler (Reuben’s Story) – March 17

The Servant (Malchus’s Story) – March 24

The Brother (Jude’s Story) – This week – March 31 

* * * * *

My name is Jude. I am my mother Mary’s fourth son, the third by her husband Joseph. I am six years younger than my half-brother Jesus, three years younger than my brother James and one year younger than my brother Joseph. I have one younger brother, Simon, and two younger sisters, Mary and Salome. My youngest sister was named in honor of a woman who befriended my mother as a young girl when she was pregnant with Jesus; she continues to be a life-long friend.

As you might guess, I am a carpenter, just like the rest of my father’s sons. I was fifteen when my father died, but I am grateful to Jehovah God for the years He gave me with him. My father was a righteous man, a loving husband, and a caring father. He and my mother stood strong when most everyone else doubted them, and he obeyed his God without hesitation, even in difficult moments. My father will always be my hero. I was allowed to see firsthand why Jehovah God chose him to be the earthly father to His Son. Of all the men who ever lived, God chose him for that honor, and my father wore the honor well!

I was six years old before I learned that Jesus was my half-brother. Until then, neither my brothers and sisters nor I knew any different. He was our big brother. We looked up to Him. He helped our father teach us to be godly men and hardworking carpenters. When our father died, He became the leader of our home for eight years until He said it was time for Him to be about His Heavenly Father’s business.

Two years ago, I saw the men in our village of Nazareth reject Jesus as the Son of God. Despite the wisdom He demonstrated and the miracles He had performed, they rejected Him. They scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the illegitimate son of Mary and Joseph. We know His brothers, and His sisters live right here among us.”(1) I overheard Jesus say, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his hometown and among his relatives and his own family.”(2)

I regret to this day that it wasn’t only the village that had rejected Him, my brothers and I rejected Him, as well. It’s difficult for me to explain what was going through our heads. From the time we learned of Jesus’s true parentage, a degree of separation entered into our relationship with Him. 

First, it’s hard to live with and live up to an older brother who never does anything wrong. Don’t misunderstand me, Jesus never lorded over us as our older brother, let alone as the Son of God. We knew He loved us. He was always humble and gracious. He treated us with compassion, concern, and camaraderie.

We all worked hard together, but we also played hard together. We had good times together. He taught me how to swim, how to carve like a craftsman, and how to play ball. He taught us all how to honor our parents, how to study the Scriptures, and how to treat one another with love and respect. But Jesus never sinned –not once! Our parents were always careful not to say, “Why can’t you be more like Jesus?” But we still placed that pressure on ourselves.

Second, He had a special relationship with our parents that we would never have. I’m not complaining, because we knew our parents loved each one of us equally. We knew they viewed us all as gifts from God. But we also came to know the stories surrounding Jesus’s birth. It’s hard to compete when you know that angels announced your brother’s birth and wise men brought Him gifts from the east. As I said, our parents loved all of us … but they marveled at Jesus.

Third, He knew all things. Again, please don’t misunderstand me – He never acted like a “know-it-all.” But the fact was, He did know it all. I will never forget going to the synagogue with Him and seeing how the rabbis were in awe of His ability to teach from the Scriptures. My brothers and I knew no one would ever be in awe of our ability to teach.

You might say it was jealousy on our part, but I don’t think it truly was. I think it was more a feeling of inadequacy. We would never measure up – not that Jesus or our parents ever expected it. 

I think there were times even our parents didn’t completely know what to do or think. One of those times was when Jesus had remained at the temple in Jerusalem after the rest of us had begun our journey back home to Nazareth. When they finally found Him four days later, He told them, “You should have known that I would be in My Father’s house.”(3) He was doing what His Heavenly Father had called Him to do. How were my parents supposed to react to that?

More recently, Jesus was in Capernaum teaching in the synagogue. My mother, my brothers, and I had just arrived in the city. We were helping our mother get settled in her new home. She was concerned that Jesus was not getting enough rest, and He was wearing Himself out with His teaching and the many miracles He was performing. She wanted Him to come to her home and rest.

The crowd was so large we could not get into the synagogue – so, my mother sent word to Jesus that she and His brothers were waiting outside to speak with Him. He responded with the question, “Who is My mother? Who are My brothers? Anyone who does the will of My Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”(4) What were we supposed to say to that?

Now, let me be clear – my brothers and I never once doubted that Jesus was the Messiah. We knew the stories. We had the proof. Our confusion was not over whether He was the Messiah; our confusion was over what it meant for Him to be the Messiah. Even in the midst of our sense of inadequacy and insecurity, we believed He had come to establish His kingdom. We believed He had come to rule over the world, but we did not understand that He had come to save the world.

Last fall, my brothers and I looked for Jesus in Galilee before we traveled to Jerusalem to observe the Festival of Tabernacles. We asked Him to come with us. We wanted Him to put His miracles on display for everyone to see. Jerusalem would be filled with pilgrims. We knew a large number of His followers had recently abandoned Him after He called them to a life of surrender rather than the life of prosperity they were seeking from Him. We told Him the festival would be an opportunity to attract many more followers.

We knew the religious leaders were plotting against Him, and we did not want any harm to come to Him. We reasoned that the more the crowd honored Him, the safer He would be. And soon, the crowd would have to rise up and crown Him as their rightful King. We wanted that for Jesus – but we also knew it wouldn’t do us any harm, either. Surely, the brothers of the Messiah would hold positions of importance within His kingdom!

A number of Jesus’s disciples encouraged Him to follow our advice and join us. They, too, thought it was time for Him to declare Himself – particularly His disciple Judas Iscariot. But Jesus told us He would not be joining us. We were offended that He did not heed our advice. Jesus no longer seemed to care what we thought. Our feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty were now turning into bitterness. 

Later we learned that Jesus did arrive at the festival halfway through the week, contrary to what we thought He was going to do. There was quite a stir when the priests attempted to entrap Him by bringing an adulterous woman before Him. Apparently, their plan had again failed, but we accused Him among ourselves of having misled us. We decided we would no longer try to help Him since He didn’t seem to want our help!

Our mother kept telling us to trust Him, that He knew exactly what He was doing. He was following His Heavenly Father’s plan. She was now traveling with Him as a part of His ever-growing number of followers. Truth be told, we probably resented that, as well. In our minds, our mother was showing Him partiality by following her favored son.

A few weeks ago, my brothers and I again traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. We were amazed as we watched the entry of Jesus and His disciples into Jerusalem. We had never seen anything like it. The crowd was overwhelmingly welcoming Him. It was quite a procession. We didn’t know what to make of it. Was Jesus finally going to follow our advice? But the next day, He created quite a disturbance in the temple, and it appeared that He was not going to do anything to declare Himself or establish His kingdom.

That Friday morning, we received word that Jesus had been arrested! Our fears for Him had come to pass. He had failed to do what needed to be done – and now, without the crowd behind Him, the religious leaders were going to destroy Him. We sincerely were afraid for Him. We took no pleasure in what was happening. But we also feared for ourselves. What would His arrest mean for us? The religious leaders would know we were His brothers. Would they now come for us, as well? Herod the Great had sought to kill all the boys born around His age when He was a baby. What would prevent the religious leaders from gathering up and murdering His brothers?

Though we decided to remain out of sight in the city, we still heard the passersby as they updated one another on the latest news about Jesus. He had been taken before Pilate. He had been taken before Herod Antipas. He had been brought back to Pilate. And now … He was carrying His cross to Golgotha. Our fear soon melted into sorrow over how we had abandoned our own brother. The darkness we felt inside prevented us from noticing the darkening skies outside.

A few hours later, we heard the news that we knew was coming. Jesus was dead! The religious leaders had won. They had defeated the Messiah. They had overcome the Promised One. Woe to them! Woe to our people! Woe to us – His brothers who had refused to stand with Him!

I cannot begin to describe our shame and our guilt. We thought of the grief our mother was experiencing. We should have gone to comfort her. But we were ashamed. When we, as a family, should have been consoling her, we abandoned her, as well.

Night fell and Sabbath began. We went through the motions, but we knew God was not answering our prayers. We had abandoned our brother. We had abandoned His Son!

The next night after Sabbath had concluded, there was a knock at our door. It was our uncle Clopas. Our mother had sent him to seek us out. She was staying in Bethany with Jesus’s other disciples. Clopas told us what had happened the day before while Jesus hung on the cross. He told us how in the midst of His own agony and pain, Jesus had consoled our mother. I don’t think he realized how his words added to the shame we were already feeling. Then he told us how Jesus had charged His disciple John with taking care of our mother as John stood there beside her at the foot of the cross.

He couldn’t have cut us any deeper if he had plunged a knife into our hearts. We had failed to come alongside our brother and our mother, so Jesus had given the one who stood there with her the responsibility to care for her. It should have passed to my older brother James, but neither he nor any of us had been there. Like I said, I don’t believe our uncle’s intention was to heap guilt on our heads, but his words had that effect, and we mourned even more after he left.

Late in the afternoon the next day, we received a message from our mother. It simply read, “Your brother is alive! Come quickly!” The messenger directed us to an upper room in the heart of the city. Though we could not believe that Jesus was truly alive, we were grateful that our mother wanted to see us, so we hurried to the meeting place. 

When we arrived, dozens of His followers were gathered in the room. In the midst of them was our mother, surrounded by the other women who had traveled with Jesus. A number of them were speaking excitedly about how Jesus had appeared before them earlier in the day. Several of the men also told us how they had seen Him, including our uncle Clopas.

Could it be true? Or were all of these people delirious? We knew that Jesus had reportedly raised others from the dead, but surely a dead man could not bring Himself back to life. We embraced our mother. She had not yet seen her son, but tears of joy were streaming down her face. As we gathered around her, suddenly her face brightened. She was looking at something behind us. We turned and followed her gaze. There, standing before us in the middle of the room, was Jesus! “Peace be with you!” He said.(5)

Suddenly our eyes, which had refused to see Jesus for who He truly is, were opened to the truth. The shell enveloping our hearts shattered. Our hearts of stone became flesh, and we believed. As I looked at my brother, tears began to stream down my cheeks. I fell to my knees and cried out, “Brother … Jesus … Master, forgive me.”

I soon realized that James, Joseph, and Simon were all kneeling beside me saying the same thing. Oh, the years we had wasted by refusing to believe. But no more! Jesus is risen and we will follow Him forevermore!

For the next forty days, my brothers and I saw Jesus on several occasions. One of those times it was only the five of us. It had been a long time since we had been together as brothers, and it would be the last time on this side of eternity. Jesus told us He would soon be leaving to sit at the right hand of His Heavenly Father. 

But He also told us that while His body had lain in the tomb, His spirit had entered into Hades and led all of the righteous to heaven. He told us that our father Joseph had been in that procession, walking right behind Him. Jesus would soon be with not only His Heavenly Father, but also His earthly father. And He told us that both of them were proud of us – the men we had become and the faith we now held tightly in our hearts.

Then He said, “Brothers, follow Me!”

I saw Him one last time. We all did. It was there on the hill outside of Bethany. Just before He ascended into the clouds, He told us He was going to send His Spirit to empower us. He said that through His Spirit, He would be with us always. He told us to go in His Spirit and make disciples from every language, people, tribe, and nation.

I looked at the One who stood before me – yes, my big brother – but forevermore my Master and my Savior! And I would forever be His servant. I knew I had been called to live in the love of God the Father and the care of Jesus Christ, for I truly am a recipient of His mercy … His peace … and His love.(6)

* * * * *

This story is excerpted from  The One Who Stood Before Us . The complete collection of forty short stories is now available through Amazon in standard print, large print, and for your e-reader. Click  HERE  for more information on how you can obtain your copy and read all of the stories.

* * * * * 

In multiple instances the dialogue in this story comes directly from Scripture. Whenever i am quoting Scripture, it has been italicized. The Scripture references are as follows:

(1)  Mark 6:3

(2)  Mark 6:4

(3)  Luke 2:49

(4)  Matthew 12:48, 50

(5)  Luke 24:36

(6)  Jude 1-2

Copyright © 2021 Kenneth A. Winter All rights reserved.

Photo by Lightstock

Easter - The Servant

NOTE : My three-week series of short stories surrounding the ministry, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus continues this week. These stories are fictional first-person accounts of three different men who encountered and responded to Jesus in very different ways. My prayer is that, through the stories, you will see Jesus and be reminded of the Good News of Easter. 

The Rich Young Ruler (Reuben’s Story) – March 17

The Servant (Malchus’s Story) – This week – March 24

The Brother (Jude’s Story) – March 31 

* * * * *

My name is Malchus. My father is a servant to the High Priest Ananus ben Seth, whom you know as Annas. He served Rabbi Annas from the days before he became high priest, and from the days before I was born. I was six years old when our family moved with Rabbi Annas and his family into the palace of the high priest. Of course, we lived in the servants’ quarters while they lived in the palace. 

Though there was never any question that I was the child of a servant – which also made me a servant – children in a palace tend to find one another. The high priest’s oldest daughter, Leah, was a year younger than I was. Though she and I were not the only two children in the palace, we were close in age so it was inevitable that we would play together.

We were both very inquisitive. Together, we would often explore the less frequented rooms in the palace, like the underground cells used to hold those who had been arrested and brought before the high priest for questioning. On rare occasions, we would escape and explore the nearby hills.

Though I never lost sight of her station in life – or mine – we developed a childhood friendship. As I reflect back, it would probably be more accurate to say a loyalty instead of a friendship. And truth be told, it was me extending my loyalty toward her in response to the kindness she extended to me. That unique relationship between us would end up setting the direction for much of my life as I grew into adulthood.

After serving as high priest for nine years, Annas was replaced by Ishmael ben Phabi. Since we were servants to the person and not the position, when Annas moved out of the palace into a large home nearby, our family moved with him. I was fifteen at the time.

Given my age, I now had responsibilities as a servant under my father’s charge. He was training me with the skills to one day become a household manager like himself. He rotated me through all of the positions of service within the household to give me a proper understanding of each servant’s responsibilities.

Though I had long known Leah for her kindness, I had also known her father for his sternness. He was one of the youngest men to ever become high priest. Annas had begun the climb for that position at an early age. He was an ambitious man who let little stand in his way.

It was a well-known fact that Annas resented the Roman prefect Valerius Gratus’s decision to remove him as high priest. The prefect feared that Annas’s power over the people could lead to insurrection, so he instituted a new law that a high priest could serve for only one year. Annas looked for ways he could continue to retain – and increase – his power, even under this new ruling. One of those ways was to influence the prefect to choose one of his sons to assume the role. But soon, he ran out of sons.

For several years, he had been mentoring Joseph ben Caiaphas for the role. Caiaphas was an ambitious man, just like Annas, and he was a diligent apprentice. Annas knew that his power was at risk if the prefect chose someone who was not under his control. He knew that the annual selection of a new high priest had to be stopped. He eventually convinced all of the members of the high council that the practice was detrimental to their rule.

And he also recommended that they encourage the prefect to choose Caiaphas as the next high priest. Since Caiaphas was not his relative, even those who were cautious of Annas’s motives agreed. As a unanimous body, they petitioned the prefect, who in turn acquiesced to their political pressure. Caiaphas was appointed to the role, and there was no longer a limitation as to the length of time which he could serve.

Though Caiaphas was already greatly influenced by Annas, the ever-crafty older man knew he still needed to strengthen their relationship even further. What better way than for Caiaphas to marry Leah? The fact that she was an attractive and desirable woman made the union even more enticing. So, Leah became Caiaphas’s wife, and Annas became his father-in-law, maintaining – and perhaps even increasing – his power and influence over the people of Israel.

When Caiaphas’s new bride moved into the high priest’s palace with him, he found that he needed to staff his household differently. He needed a more capable household manager. Leah quickly recommended me to her husband, and Annas further affirmed the choice. It gave Leah a friendly face in the palace, and it gave Annas another set of watchful eyes in the high priest’s home. Annas never questioned that my loyalty to him would be any less than my father’s.

It was a great honor for me to again be a servant of the high priest – and this time I wasn’t the household manager’s son, I was the household manager of the most powerful Jew in Israel, except perhaps his father-in-law. It was with great pride that I stepped into this role. I sought to please my master, his wife, my father, and the one to whom I believed I owed the most – Annas.

But another member of the family soon stole all of our hearts. During their fourth year of marriage, Leah gave birth to her baby daughter, Rachel. She soon became the apple of her father’s eye, and the only time I ever saw any tenderness in Annas’s demeanor was when his granddaughter was nearby.

My rule of the household, under the authority of my master, was without question. And as time went on, I became well-known throughout the city. The people afforded me respect. I eventually lost sight of the fact that their respect was out of fear and not because I had earned it. They knew I was the eyes and ears of the high priest. They also knew if I observed any disloyalty to him I would report it straightaway – and they knew his retaliation would be swift. As the years went by, that fear grew among the enemies of Caiaphas, as well as his friends.

In recent years, a Man from Nazareth named Jesus began to make quite a name for Himself. He came on the scene at the age of thirty. Up until then He lived an obscure life. He was quickly recognized as a gifted Teacher. Jesus had a command of the Scriptures that was said to surpass that of Hillel the Elder, not to mention my master or his father-in-law. But His notoriety went beyond even that. Numerous people said He was a Miracle Worker – able to make the blind to see, the deaf to hear, and the lame to walk.

Three years ago, He came to the temple to observe the Feast of Passover. When He entered the temple, He overturned the money-changers’ tables, drove out the merchants, and shouted, “Get these things out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!”(1)

That evening, my master and his father-in-law were discussing the Man’s actions and their ramifications. Annas was quick to point out that this Man had no authority within the temple. Who did He think He was to take such action? Caiaphas had placed Annas in charge of the merchants’ activities in the temple. Those merchants were acting under his authority! Who was this Man to question that?

What’s more, He had cost them quite a bit of money that day – between the damage and the disruption. But even more importantly, the high council had questioned whether Jesus’s actions were, in fact, correct. A number of the members had apparently spoken up saying they, too, questioned the practice but had been reluctant to say anything.

They all agreed that the merchants should conduct their trade out in the stoa – which had been built for that purpose – so the decision was made that the merchants would not return. That caused Caiaphas and Annas great chagrin, but both men knew they would look for a future opportunity to set this straight!

The discussion then turned to the Man Himself. Where did He come from? What did they know about Him? What was He planning to do? They decided to investigate Him further.

As I entered the hall where the two men were speaking, my master called to me. “Malchus, I have a job for you. You are more than a servant to me. You are a trusted ally. One on whom I know I can depend. There is a Man who threatens everything that we believe. He places Himself above the authorities that were established by the patriarchs Moses and Aaron themselves. He is a troublemaker.

“I am certain that He will remain in the city for the remainder of the festival. I want you to inconspicuously go to the temple and into the streets and listen to what this Man has to say. Listen for any statement He makes that is contrary to our laws – or to Roman laws. He is a threat to us and our way of life. He will make a mistake, and I will be grateful to you when you help us catch Him!”

I did as my master directed me. I was confident I would hear something that I could report back to him. But as the week continued, I heard no such thing. Everything He spoke appeared to be consistent with the Scriptures – at least from a servant’s point of view. I listened as He responded to questions from the scribes and Pharisees. Each question seemed to be designed to surface Jesus’s treachery.

But He appeared too smart to step into their traps. He responded to each one in a way that turned the question of who was truly following the Scriptures back on His questioners. However, I remained confident that it was just a matter of time before Jesus made a mistake.

Each day I also saw Him perform miracles. I was certain there were reasonable explanations for each one. I vowed I would discover what tricks He was using. But the week ended with nothing for me to report back to my master. Jesus left the city, and I turned my complete attention back to managing the household.

In the years that followed, whenever Jesus returned to Jerusalem, my master would send me to be his ear, listening for Jesus to make a mistake. The Passover is now upon us again. As usual, I have heard many hushed conversations about Jesus between my master and his father-in-law.

Recently, I heard them agree to bring the merchants back into the courtyard of the temple. They knew Jesus had returned to the city. As a matter of fact, everyone knew Jesus had returned. It was quite a spectacle when He rode into the city on the donkey’s colt the other day. The crowd seemed prepared to crown Him as king. My master and Annas were quite upset. They said if they didn’t do something now it would be too late. They would lose their positions. I feared for my master.

The two men decided that Jesus would unquestionably react to the merchants being back in the courtyard. When He did, they would charge Him with taking action in the temple without proper authority. Apparently, many of the members of the high council who had supported Jesus’s actions three years ago no longer felt the same way. A growing number were becoming concerned about their own survival. The high priest now had the votes in the high council to convict Jesus over the question of His authority.

I was in the temple on Monday morning. Jesus did not disappoint. He chased the merchants out of the temple. To be honest, He didn’t need to exert much force – they were all expecting Him to act this way! I saw my master and his father-in-law in a corner of the courtyard. They appeared quite pleased that their plan had succeeded. I was somewhat surprised that they chose not to confront Jesus there and then. 

It was Tuesday morning before they did so. But Jesus again slyly evaded their question by asking them, “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?”(2)

When the Pharisees refused to answer His question, He refused to answer theirs. They had been unsuccessful in closing the trap around their prey again! I saw my master’s look of disgust as he and his father-in-law turned and walked away.

I stayed and listened to Jesus for a while. But this time wasn’t any different. He didn’t say anything that would give my master what he needed to discredit Jesus. I left while He was still speaking to attend to other matters at the palace.

Later that night when my master returned home, I expected him to be in a foul mood. But surprisingly, he seemed quite beside himself. While the servants were serving him and Leah their dinner, I heard him explain to her that one of Jesus’s disciples had come to them that afternoon offering to deliver Jesus into their hands. They still weren’t sure how they would present charges against Him, but they were confident that once He was arrested some of His followers would turn against Him and testify against His treachery. My master seemed very pleased with himself – and I was pleased for him. 

Tonight is the eve of Passover. My master came to me earlier tonight and said, “Malchus, gather the other male servants. Take torches, swords, and clubs. Gather in the courtyard outside the palace and accompany the temple guards and Roman soldiers. Tonight, you all will arrest Jesus and bring Him to me! Our long wait is over. Just like always, you are my ear tonight. Go and report back to me all that happens!”

As we assembled in the courtyard, I approached the captain of the temple guard. There was another man standing with him. I did not know him, but I knew I had seen him before. “Malchus, “the captain said, “this is Judas. He will lead us to the place where we will arrest Jesus!” Yes, that’s where I had seen him. He is one of the followers of Jesus! I was surprised that he was willing to help us. Judas, the captain, and I led the soldiers and the servants as we set out on our mission.

We marched across the Kidron Valley toward the Mount of Olives. As we drew closer, it appeared we were headed to the Garden of Gethsemane. With each step, I grew conflicted. I was proud that my master had entrusted me with this responsibility. Tonight, I would finally defend my master and put an end to this interloper’s treachery against him. But somehow, Jesus had never seemed that treacherous to me!

Our torches were casting eerie shadows as we got near the garden. Suddenly, men who apparently were sleeping began to stir as they heard us approach. These were some of Jesus’s followers. Judas didn’t seem to be very interested in them. He had another prize in his sights. The captain told some of the guards to stay there and watch those men while the rest of us continued on.

My heart was pounding. I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins. I had my club ready to swing at anyone who made a move. We had no idea how His followers would react. Obviously, we had caught them by surprise, but now they were fully aware of our presence.

Then I saw Him! He was right there in front of us. As Judas walked up to Jesus, I heard him loudly say, “Rabbi!” and then he greeted Him with a kiss. Jesus responded by saying, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”(3) Immediately the captain of the guard told the soldiers and the temple guards to take hold of Jesus and arrest Him. 

Suddenly, one of the men with Jesus – a little older, a little bigger, and a little burlier than the rest – drew his sword. He was standing in front of me, just a little to my right. I raised my club to knock his sword out of his hand. But the man was quicker than I was. I felt his blade slice off my ear.

I dropped my club and clutched the right side of my head. My ear was no longer there. As blood poured down my neck, my knees buckled, and I dropped to the ground. I looked down and saw my cloak was already covered in blood. My severed ear was there on the ground. My head started to spin, and I knew at any moment I was going to black out.

I heard someone shout, “No more of this! Put away your sword. Don’t you realize that I could ask My Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and He would send them instantly?”(4)

Then I sensed someone kneeling in front of me. It was Jesus! He reached down and picked up my ear, then placed His hand on the side of my face. Instantly the pain stopped! What was Jesus doing? He took His hand away, and I immediately raised mine. My ear was back in place – right where it was supposed to be! I was no longer bleeding! Had I imagined my ear being cut off? I looked down again at my cloak soaked in blood. No, I had not imagined it.

Jesus was still there kneeling before me. I looked into His eyes. Here I was on a mission to arrest Him. But He wasn’t looking at me with hatred or contempt – all I saw in His eyes were gentleness and kindness. This Man I despised because of what I thought was His betrayal of my master was anything but treacherous. He had shown me mercy. He had shown me compassion. He had healed my pain. I mouthed the words, “Thank You.” But they were so inadequate. I began to tremble before Him.

It all lasted only seconds, but it left an indelible print on my heart and in my mind. As I looked at the faces of those around me, they, too, were looking on in disbelief. But then I saw the captain of the guard reach down, take Jesus by the hand, and jerk Him to His feet. As I knelt there, they tied ropes around Jesus’s wrists. The man who had cut off my ear, and all the rest of Jesus’s followers, had  run away. The guards looked conflicted over whether or not they should chase after them.

I heard Jesus say, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary that you come with swords and clubs to arrest Me? Why didn’t you arrest Me in the Temple? I was there every day. But this is your moment, the time when the power of darkness reigns. And since I am the One you want, let these others go.”(5)

Either the captain agreed with Him, or he didn’t have orders to arrest the others – so he commanded the soldiers and servants to take Jesus and go. In a few minutes I was left kneeling there all by myself. The chaos had vanished, and I was left alone in silence.

I was torn about what to do. My master had ordered me to return and report to him about the arrest of the treacherous One. But I now knew Jesus was not the one who was treacherous, my master was! And I now had a new Master. The wrong one had just been arrested. I wasn’t sure what to do next, but I knew I could not continue living my life as I had before. It was time to say goodbye to a childhood friend. It was time to say goodbye to my father. He would never understand what I was about to do. And, of course, it was time to say goodbye to my former master.

I am no longer the ear of Caiaphas; I now listen to the One who stood before me.

* * * * *

This story is excerpted from  The One Who Stood Before Us . The complete collection of forty short stories is now available through Amazon in standard print, large print, and for your e-reader. Click  HERE   for more information on how you can obtain your copy.

* * * * * 

In multiple instances the dialogue in this story comes directly from Scripture. Whenever i am quoting Scripture, it has been italicized. The Scripture references are as follows:

(1)  John 2:16

(2)  Mark 11:30

(3)  Luke 22:48

(4)  Matthew 26:52-53

(5)  Matthew 26:55-56

Copyright © 2021 Kenneth A. Winter All rights reserved.

Photo by Lightstock

Easter - The Rich Young Ruler

NOTE : Starting today and for the two weeks that follow, i will be posting a total of three short stories surrounding the ministry, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. These stories are fictional first-person accounts of three very different men who encountered and responded to Jesus in very different ways. My prayer is that, through the stories, you will see Jesus and be reminded of the Good News of Easter. 

The Rich Young Ruler (Reuben’s Story) – This week – March 17

The Servant (Malchus’s Story) – March 24

The Brother (Jude’s Story) – March 31

* * * * *

I am Reuben, the oldest of my father’s six sons, and I grew up in Jerusalem. My father is a member of the Great Sanhedrin – a position he has held since I was a mere boy. He serves that grand body as its treasurer, overseeing the finances of the temple. His position has not only provided him with great influence among our people, it has also brought him great wealth.

He is a contemporary and confidant of our former high priest, Annas, and together they crafted many ways to increase the temple treasury – which also brought them personal gain. Their relationship dates back to their early years in rabbinical school and blossomed into a strong, lifelong alliance. 

I was educated by the finest scholars among the most elite and brightest minds our people had to offer. I never knew “want,” as I always had whatever I desired. One of those desires was my wife, Rebekah. She is the eldest child of another one of the leaders of our Great Sanhedrin. Our fathers determined while Rebekah and I were young that we would wed. The marriage of their two eldest children would create a powerful alliance of two leading families!

When Rebekah grew up to become the most beautiful young woman in Jerusalem, there was no denying that Jehovah God had richly blessed me! Our families arranged for us to own one of the grandest homes in our city – located next door to the palace of the high priest. God had not yet blessed us with children, but we were still young and looked forward to those days. Truly, we were counted among those who were the most blessed by God!

Ever since I was a young boy, I studied the law and was considered to be one of the leading experts. Over the years, I was frequently called upon by the high priest Caiaphas to provide counsel to the Great Sanhedrin as they deliberated the weighty issues brought before them.

My desire, though, was not just to be an authority on the law but also to honor God through my obedience of His law. Rebekah and I always strived to be models of godly living before our friends and neighbors. I presented my gifts regularly into the treasury of the temple – not only because my father is the treasurer, but also because I knew it honors God and displays righteous living. I took great care to make certain others were watching me as I presented my gifts so they could be challenged by my example.

And I was equally attentive to the needs of the poor. As a matter of fact, there was a beggar who took up residence at the gate to my home. He suffered from open sores that covered his body. He was the most pathetic man I had ever seen. I instructed my servants to provide him with scraps from our table three times each week so he would not starve. After all, I knew that God would have me do no less. King Solomon himself wrote, “He that is gracious to the poor honors God.”(1) Rebekah told me not long ago that she had instructed our servants to give the man one of my cast-off robes to cover his body. Truly, we were seeking to live uprightly before the law.

Recently, I heard of a Teacher from Nazareth who is traveling throughout the hills of Galilee performing miracles and teaching from the Scriptures. I was told He teaches in a way that seems not only to be astounding the masses but also some of my more learned brethren. He has taught in the courtyard of the temple during some of the feast days, but each time I was prevented from hearing Him due to more pressing affairs.

A while back, two of the members of the Sanhedrin – Nicodemus of Capernaum and Joseph of Arimathea – were espousing some of this Teacher’s sayings to their brethren in the council. Though their words were not well received by the other members, I was intrigued. I felt this Man, whose name is Jesus, may have something worthy of consideration.

One of my favorite pastimes when I was together with other scholars and scribes was to debate questions such as, “Which is the greatest commandment?” or “What must we do to be certain that we have eternal life?” I had been debating questions like those since I was in school, but I had never heard a definitive or authoritative answer. As I listened to Nicodemus, it sounded like Jesus may have the answers I was seeking.

I knew Jesus would soon be returning to Jerusalem for the upcoming feast. Ironically, some of the priests were discussing ways they might entrap Him the next time He appeared in the temple. They were crafting questions in such a way that no matter how He answered them, He would either lose favor with the crowds or incriminate Himself before the Roman authority. Either way, they felt they would win. But I did not want to collaborate with that group. I also didn’t want to wait until the Teacher came to Jerusalem. If this Jesus had the answers I was seeking, I would go and find Him!

Rebekah did not want me to make the journey to see Jesus. She told me I should wait until He returned to Jerusalem. But she also knew my mind was made up. I told her I would only be gone for a few days. As I passed through the gate to leave my home, I noticed my dogs were licking the place where the beggar usually sat. They were known to lick his open sores each day. I asked one of my servants where the man had gone. He told me that he had died. I wasn’t truly saddened by the news, rather I received it matter-of-factly. I found myself thinking that upon my return home, I would instruct my servants to find another beggar to assist, so I could continue to honor my obligation to help the poor.

I learned that Jesus was currently teaching outside of Bethabara on the east side of the Jordan, so I set off in that direction to see Him. When I arrived, He was surrounded by children. Apparently, their parents had brought them to Him asking that He bless them. I heard Him say, “The Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”(2)

That was exactly what I had come to talk to Him about! As I approached Jesus, I knelt down. I was aware some of the other religious leaders had already come to see Jesus before me. Their purpose was to entrap Him. But mine was to sincerely seek out this Teacher with the hope He would give me some answers. 

“Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”(3) I said.

It took me by surprise when Jesus responded by saying, “Why do you call Me good?” Then He went on to say, “Only God is truly good.”(4)

In addressing Jesus as “Good Teacher,” I was using a title of respect. It was the same title I had always used to address other mentors and teachers whom I greatly admired. But this was the first time anyone questioned my motives!

Without waiting for a reply, Jesus went on to say, “You know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’”(5)

I will confess that I was relieved after hearing His answer. I was expecting something much greater. I confidently replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”(6)

But it was Jesus’s follow-up statement that radically altered the rest of our conversation. “Go and sell all your possessions,” He said, “and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”(7) 

“What!?!” I thought. “Sell all of my possessions!?!”

I quickly thought back through all of the law – starting with the Ten Commandments. Jesus had just asked me about each of the last six commandments – and I could honestly say I had honored those! And the first four commandments had nothing to do with selling all of my possessions, they simply had to do with loving and honoring God with our whole heart, soul, and mind. What does that have to do with selling all of my possessions?

Surely, Jesus didn’t understand how much I possessed! It’s one thing to say that to a poor man who has very little, but I possessed great wealth. And I was using that wealth to help others – like my offerings at the temple and my gifts to the man at my gate!

God had blessed me with great wealth. Apparently, I deserved it. Surely, He would not have me squander it by selling it all! And what would Rebekah say if I went home and told her I was going to sell our beautiful home? Or what would our parents say about this preposterous idea? They would certainly declare that I had lost all reason!

I came seeking a good answer from this Teacher, and He told me to do something that was impossible! He was asking too much! I was willing to do whatever was necessary – within reason. But how could Jesus possibly ask me to sell all that I possessed? Surely, a good and loving God would never ask that of me. I desired to honor God – but that was a price greater than I was willing to pay!

No one ever considered me to be a sinner. I was always considered to be a good man. I was confident my good works would be sufficient to merit favor with God. Sadly, I turned and walked away. I had come to Jesus for an answer, but He had given me one I could not accept. Perhaps He was not as good of a teacher as I had been led to believe. As I turned, I caught one last glimpse of Him. I saw sadness in His eyes as He looked at me. But He didn’t plead with me or say anything further. He had given me His answer and was leaving the response to me.

As I walked away, I decided I would return home through Jericho. At this time of year, the city was always a pleasant respite from the worries of life. Undoubtedly, I would encounter friends who were also there on holiday. It would give me time to recover from the emptiness I felt as a result of my conversation with Jesus.

But as I approached the city, I was stopped by bandits. The ringleader, who the others referred to as Barabbas, demanded all of my possessions. I couldn’t help but think that his request was somewhat ironic in light of what Jesus had just said. Everyone was telling me to surrender all I had!

But in this bandit’s case, he was threatening me with bodily harm if I did not heed his demand. At least Jesus had made no such threat. I emptied my pockets of all my coins. Then he told me to surrender the ring on my finger. My father had given me that ring – and it was one of my most prized possessions. I refused.

The blade in the bandit’s hand did its work quickly and silently. I was dead before my body hit the ground. Instantly, my soul was transported from my body to a place that was unfamiliar. I was surrounded by fire, listening to great wailing and gnashing of teeth. Despair and anguish were palpable. I realized I was not in a place of eternal reward. My greatest fear had been realized. I was in a place of eternal death and suffering, and hopelessness overtook me.

But in the midst of my torment, I looked into the distance and saw a much different place. I was sitting in complete darkness, but that place seemed to be surrounded by light. I squinted my eyes to see more clearly, and I recognized the beggar who had been by my gate. He was resting in the arms of another man. Though I had never seen that man, somehow, I knew he was our father Abraham – the patriarch of us all! Abraham was giving rest to the beggar!

I cried out, “Father Abraham, have some pity! Send the beggar over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.”(8)

But Abraham replied, “Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and this beggar had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.”(9)

I called back in desperation. “Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them, so they don’t end up in this place of torment.”(10)

Abraham responded, “Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.”(11)

But I knew my father and my brothers were unconvinced, just as I had been, so I said, “No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.”(12)

To my great sadness, Abraham replied, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’”(13)

At that moment, the words of Jesus came back to me. He had answered me, and I had refused to accept His answer. My good works would never be good enough. I could never do enough to inherit eternal life because human effort cannot please God. The beggar had entered into eternal life because He had believed in Jesus and trusted Him with all of his heart. I, however, had been unwilling to give Him the one possession He required of me – my heart!

I wished I could return to the One who stood before me that day and receive the promise of eternal life He extended. But there was no going back! I had chosen my riches over Jesus … and now the sadness in His eyes would remain with me forever.

* * * * * 

This story is excerpted from  The One Who Stood Before Us . The complete collection of forty short stories is now available through Amazon in standard print, large print, and for your e-reader. Click  HERE  for more information on how you can obtain your copy.

* * * * * 

In multiple instances the dialogue in this story comes directly from Scripture. Whenever i am quoting Scripture, it has been italicized. The Scripture references are as follows:

(1)  Proverbs 14:31

(2)  Luke 18:16-17

(3)  Luke 18:18

(4)  Luke 18:19

(5)  Luke 18:20

(6)  Luke 18:21

(7)  Luke 18:22

(8)  Luke 16:24

(9)  Luke 16:25-26

(10) Luke 16:27-28

(11) Luke 16:29

(12) Luke 16:30 

Copyright © 2021 Kenneth A. Winter All rights reserved.

Photo by Lightstock

The One Who Stays

Today you will KNOW that the Great I AM is the One who stays! Wherever you are standing … whatever you are walking through … and whatever you are facing in the path ahead … you will KNOW! 

If there has been any question or doubt that God is with you, today that will be settled – once and for all! Today your “hope” will no longer be a “wish”; it will become a confident assurance. It will no longer simply be a longing or desire; it will become the source of your longing and desire. Today your “faith” will no longer be based upon sincere intention; it will be founded on immutable truth. Your faith will no longer be based on an idea or an ideal; it will be firmly planted in the Person of the Almighty God.

The Israelites had seen God’s activity throughout their wanderings in the wilderness. Now they stood on the western bank of the Jordan River preparing to cross over into the promised land.(1) Those who were now adults, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, had either been children at the time of the exodus from Egypt, or had been born during the wilderness journey.  Most had no memory of the exodus, and the memories of those who were oldest were only faint. But they had all repeatedly heard the accounts of God’s deliverance – the plaques, the angel of death passing over, and the parting of the Red Sea – and how God had given Moses the Law written in His hand on the tablets of stone. All of them had experienced God’s daily provision of manna and heard of His miraculous provision of water and quail. But many of them only had a secondhand knowledge of who God was and the promises He had given. As they prepared to enter into the land that had been promised by God, Joshua told the people to draw close – to come and listen – so they might know.

Before you see His works, listen to His words. They were standing on the banks of a river they needed to cross over, and they had no means with which to do so. Upon entry into the land, their first encounter would be with a foe who was completely surrounded by impenetrable walls. They were about to see God order events and provide for their needs in very “unconventional” ways – ways that could only be described as supernatural. And God did not simply want the people to be amazed by His wonders; He wanted them to have such faith and trust in Him that they were expectant of His wonders. When scientific knowledge, military convention and human wisdom all indicated a different outcome, He wanted His people to have unwavering faith and rock-solid trust in Him, and what He was about to do. He wanted them to be able to look at the circumstances ahead through His lens – the lens of the One who had stayed with them throughout it all and would continue to do so.

God wanted His people to know Him, to know His voice and to know the fellowship of His presence. And that was not solely to be a “collective” knowing; He wanted each and every individual to have that personal knowledge and assurance. He wants each and every one of us to have that personal knowledge and assurance as well. He sacrificed His Son on a cross so that we might be able to have that intimate relationship with Him – and He might be able to have it with us. That’s how much He desired it with His people there at the Jordan. That’s how much He desires it with us here and now! And He did not want the people to know Him through secondhand knowledge. He wanted them – and each one of us – to know Him personally, to know His voice intimately, and to know the fellowship of His presence warmly.

Because once i truly know Him, Who He is and what He has said, i can then have the everlasting assurance of His presence and His promise. When the storm comes up (because it will!), i can have confidence that the One who is Sovereign over the storm is there in the boat with me(2) – or as Joshua says, “is among you”(1). When we come to that place of assurance, the storm is no longer the absolute reality; the absolute reality is the One who is sovereign over the storm. And i must be far more focused on Who He is and what He has said about the storm – or the river, or the walled city – than i am on the situation or the circumstance itself.

Yes, as His children, He will allow us to see and experience His works, but as we hear His words – as we meet Him face-to-face – we will experience something even more precious than His assurance, we will experience the intimacy of His presence.

After you have heard His words, see His works. “He will surely drive out the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites ahead of you.”(1) He will drive out the enemies ahead of you – or those that surround you. More often than not, our real enemy is not flesh and blood, it is principalities and powers(3) and apart from Him we are defenseless against them. Perhaps your enemy is spiritual strongholds that are causing your family to crumble, or backbiting by a coworker that is making your life at work unbearable, or the persecution you are receiving from your unbelieving family for your relationship with Christ. 

Only He can drive out the enemies, so i must walk in the intimacy of His presence. (And if there is ANYTHING in my life that is disrupting the intimacy of my walk with Him, i must immediately deal with it.(4)) Only He can drive out the enemies, so i must walk in the knowledge and assurance of His promise.(5) Only He can drive out the enemies, so i must walk confidently, steadfastly and unwaveringly in the reality of His Person.(6) He will give you possession of the promise He has made. His arm has not grown short; that which He has promised He will fulfill.(7)

And through it all, God was at work to make His Name known to all the nations so that His Name would be glorified among every tongue and tribe – through the works of His majesty and through the testimony of a people who were wholly His. So it wasn’t sufficient for them just to see His works; they must know His words, know His Person and know the intimacy of His presence. God is still at work through the lives of His people – through the works of His majesty and the testimony of our lives. He is at work to conform each of us more into the image of His Son so that He is glorified in and through us.(8)

So there is much more at stake. There is much more than the defeat of your enemies. There is much more than the possession of the promise He has given you. Come and listen to what the LORD your God says. Because today you will KNOW that God is the One who stays!

As i frequently do, i want to point you to a worship song that will encourage you today in the midst of whatever circumstance you are walking through. It’s entitled “The God Who Stays.” Below are the lyrics and a link so you can listen to it. Take the time to be encouraged and to be reminded – He is the One who stays!

* * * * *

This post is adapted from Possessing The Promise, chapter 7 entitled “By This You Shall Know”. This third book in the Lessons Learned In The Wilderness series is available through Amazon in print and for your e-reader. Click HERE for more information on how you can obtain your copy.

* * * * * 

(1) Joshua 3:9-10 (NLT)

So Joshua told the Israelites, “Come and listen to what the LORD your God says. Today you will know that the living God is among you. He will surely drive out the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites ahead of you.”

(2) Mark 4:35-41

(3) Ephesians 6:12-13

(4) 1 John 1:9

(5) John 15:7

(6) Philippians 1:6

(7) Deuteronomy 11:2 and Hebrews 10:23

(8) Romans 8:29

Copyright © 2021 Kenneth A. Winter All rights reserved.

Photo by Cristian Mercado on Unsplash

The God Who Stays  

If I were You I would've given up on me by now
I would've labeled me a lost cause
'Cause I feel just like a lost cause

 

If I were You I would've turned around and walked away
I would've labeled me beyond repair
'Cause I feel like I'm beyond repair

 

Oh, but somehow You don't see me like I do
Somehow You're still here

 

You're the God who stays
You're the God who stays
You're the one who runs in my direction
When the whole world walks away
You're the God who stands
With wide open arms
And You tell me nothing I have ever done can separate my heart
From the God who stays

 

I used to hide
Every time I thought I let You down
I always thought I had to earn my way
But I'm learning You don't work that way, no

 

'Cause somehow You don't see me like I do
Somehow You're still here

 

You're the God who stays
You're the God who stays
You're the one who runs in my direction
When the whole world walks away
You're the God who stands
With wide open arms
And You tell me nothing I have ever done can separate my heart
From the God who stays

 

My shame can't separate
My guilt can't separate
My past can't separate
I'm Yours forever

 

My sin can't separate
My scars can't separate
My failures can't separate
I'm Yours forever

 

No enemy can separate
No power of hell can take away
Your love for me will never change
I'm Yours forever

 

'Cause you're the God who stays
You're the God who stays
You're the one who runs in my direction
When the whole world walks away
You're the God who stands
With wide open arms
And You tell me nothing I have ever done can separate my heart
From the God who stays

You're the God who stays
You're the one who runs in my direction
When the whole world walks away
You're the God who stands
With wide open arms
And You tell me nothing I have ever done can separate my heart
From the God who stays

 

Songwriters: AJ Pruis / Jonathan Smith / Matthew West

The God Who Stays lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd. 

The God Who Stays – Matthew West (Lyric Video)

Here Again

[On an unrelated note before we begin: My friend Kyle Bullock has begun producing a weekly podcast. This week’s episode features one of the stories from my new short stories collection entitled The One Who Stood Before Us. It is an audio rendering of my short story about “Deborah” – the name i have given the woman with the issue of blood who encountered Jesus. The narrator, Marian Elizabeth, does a TREMENDOUS job of bringing the events and all of the emotions to life. On the podcast the story is entitled “I Wasn’t Always Alone”, but it’s the same story. i PROMISE (and i do not do so lightly) that it will be worth the investment of your time to listen to it ... and please feel free to share this story of hope with your friends!  Here’s the link: https://youtu.be/Q_qTOiEK_E0]

* * * * *

Often as we journey through the wilderness of our lives, we think we’re all by ourselves. We begin to think that there is no one else walking through a wilderness like ours, and no one else who understands what we are going through. We allow ourselves to become isolated and alone … and from there we fall headlong into despair.

During the years the Israelites were walking through their wilderness, a census was taken that indicated there were over 600,000 men.(1) It represented men who were able to go to war, aged twenty years and older. Estimating the number of women and children, as well as the tribe of the Levites that were not included in this count, the total number of Israelites easily approached or exceeded two million people, which equals or exceeds the population of ninety-four countries in our world today. This truly was the nation of Israel. This nation was prepared to mobilize an army in excess of 600,000 men if the need arose; that number would only be exceeded by the armies of seven nations in our world today. Are you getting the picture that this was not a small group of people?

And yet, they too, felt alone and isolated!

God was allowing His people – His nation – to wander in a journey through the wilderness. He had placed His earthly dwelling place – His tabernacle – in the midst of His people. It was a journey through which God intended to spread His Name throughout the world. All who saw or heard about this people were aware that His glorious presence dwelt among them, and He had led them this far.

And yet, here they were in the wilderness!

A wilderness can be a barren place. It can be a place absent of life or brimming with distractions; but a common denominator is always that it is a neglected place without a clear path and not easily traveled.  A wilderness is comprised of the unknown and the unusual. It can be a painful place. A wilderness always begins at the outer edge of that which was familiar. Sometimes the boundary that divides the wilderness from the familiar is obscure; sometimes it is very pointed. Sometimes we are surprised to find that our journey has led us into the wilderness; sometimes we know that we have very deliberately been led to cross that boundary into the wilderness. At other times, we know that we have driven ourselves to wander in the wilderness – just like the Israelites.

The wilderness is often, in fact, a proving ground and a testing place. It is a place where the mettle of which we are made will be tested and proven. Will we be found deficient, or will we be found adequate to the test? God allowed His people to wander – all two million of them - through just such a place for just such a purpose, until they were ready to enter the land of promise He had for them. 

Even in the wilderness, He wanted them to know they could encourage one another, they could help one another, and, if necessary, they could fight for one another. God wanted to teach the people to trust one another, to depend on one another and to love one another. It was His plan that they be interdependent – that they understand the unique way each of them was gifted. The journey through the wilderness would be accomplished as they learned to journey as a people and not as individuals.

But they could only journey as a people if they were all following the same Leader. That is why sometimes, even when we are in the midst of a crowd, we must come to a place where we are alone. Because it is when we are alone that we will make the personal choice as to whom we are going to follow. Will we follow ourselves or the crowd or the Leader? If we are going to follow the leader we must know and understand Who the Leader is. Moses was not the leader of the Israelites; he was the undershepherd placed there by the Leader. 

God was the Leader of His people – and He still is. If you have found yourself in the midst of a journey through the wilderness, take heart, God is your Leader! And He will not only lead you through the wilderness; He designed the wilderness, so that through it, His purpose can be accomplished. He knows every peak, every valley, and every obstacle ahead. He will use it to test and to prove you. He will use it to spread His Name. He will use it to allow His glorious presence to be seen.

Take heart, you are NOT alone on this wilderness journey either! 

He has placed many of His children on the journey with you. They are here to encourage you and help you, just as you are here to encourage and help them. We are interdependent with one another. Watch for His other children – they are all around you. But also, you are not alone, because your Heavenly Father is right here in your midst, leading you. And He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you.(2) Follow your Leader – He will lead you through this wilderness!

As i often do, i want to point you to a worship song that will encourage you as you walk through your wilderness. It’s entitled “Here Again.” Below are the lyrics and a link so you can listen to it. Take the time to be encouraged and to be reminded – you are not alone!

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This post is adapted from The Wandering Years, chapter 1 entitled “You’re Not Alone”. This second book in the Lessons Learned In The Wilderness series is available through Amazon in print and for your e-reader. Click HERE for more information on how you can obtain your copy.

 

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(1) Numbers 1:1-4, 45-46 (NLT)

One day in midspring, during the second year after Israel's departure from Egypt, the LORD spoke to Moses in the Tabernacle in the wilderness of Sinai. He said, "Take a census of the whole community of Israel by their clans and families. List the names of all the men twenty years old or older who are able to go to war. You and Aaron are to direct the project, assisted by one family leader from each tribe." …They were counted by families--all the men of Israel who were twenty years old or older and able to go to war. The total number was 603,550. 

(2)  Hebrews 13:5

Copyright © 2021 Kenneth A. Winter All rights reserved.

Photo by Stephen Leonardi on Unsplash

 

Here Again

Can't go back to the beginning
Can't control what tomorrow will bring
But I know here in the middle
Is the place where You promise to be

 

I'm not enough unless You come
Will You meet me here again
'Cause all I want is all You are
Will You meet me here again

 

As I walk now through the valley
Let Your love rise above every fear
Like the sun shaping the shadow
In my weakness Your glory appears

 

I'm not enough unless You come
Will You meet me here again
'Cause all I want is all You are
Will You meet me here again

(Repeat)

Not for a minute
Was I forsaken
The Lord is in this place
The Lord is in this place
Come Holy Spirit
Dry bones awaken
The Lord is in this place
The Lord is in this place

(Repeat)

I'm not enough unless You come
Will You meet me here again
'Cause all I want is all You are
Will You meet me here again

(Repeat)

Songwriter: Christopher Joel Brown

Here Again lyrics © Essential Music Publishing

Here Again (Lyrics) ~ Elevation Worship