Andy Bonikowsky's Blog, page 21
July 13, 2015
Good Soldier; Bad Man (JAM 158)
“And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief . . . Do thou therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace. (1 Chr 11:6/1 Kings 2:6)
These two statements of David were separated by forty years. The first paved the way for Joab to become his general commander. The second was spoken to Solomon, advising him to kill Joab.
What in the world had happened? Why was David now encouraging his son to get rid of the man who had successfully led his armies for so many years?
There are, perhaps, a number of reasons, but I think these two are key. First, and concerning Solomon himself, David was obviously trying to save him a ton of grief. He knew that if Joab stayed on the scene, Solomon would suffer hugely. The man was dangerous and bad.
But how had it come to this? How had David chosen such a man?
Part of the answer surely lies in a very early decision of David, just as he was setting up his government. He had done many good things, but here he made a serious leadership mistake. Every leader has blind spots and David was no exception. I think he blew it in his method of delegating responsibilities and authority.
The setting was Jerusalem, before it was ever the City of David. The Jebusite inhabitants had taunted David, saying that even their blind and lame men could ward off his attack. Perhaps distracted by the sting of pride, the young king hurled a challenge to his men: “Whoever is the first to take him will be my chief and captain!"
And Joab, his very own cousin, did just that. He gathered a group of fighters and proved himself one of the best warriors in the land.
So began one of David’s nightmares.
He had found a great fighter but a vicious man. Joab had a strong personal agenda and would ruthlessly and deceitfully assassinate anyone who got in his way. First to fall was Abner, stabbed in the stomach when he expected a peaceful conversation. Then came Absalom, David’s own son, butchered as he hung from the tree by his hair, against the wishes of the emotionally distraught king. Finally it was Amasa, also reconciled to David, whom Joab gutted after tricking him with a fallen dagger.
No wonder dying David wanted him out of Solomon’s life.
How sad that David did not remember the words God had spoken through Samuel when he himself was selected for the position of king: “the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
When seeking leaders, he had focused on the outside skill, not the heart inside.
It is even sadder when we don’t learn the lesson. How often churches have split and pain has flooded a congregation because someone was chosen for leadership simply because they had talent. They could sing, they could speak, they could write . . .
but they were not good.
Faithfulness is more important in ministry than talent. The problem is, faithfulness, by definition, requires a certain amount of time to be proven.
And we are often in too much of a hurry.
Dear Father, help me realize that you do not need my talent unless it comes with a faithful heart. And as I deal with others and serve your flock, give me discernment to know who is loyal and true to you. Amen.
Andy
These two statements of David were separated by forty years. The first paved the way for Joab to become his general commander. The second was spoken to Solomon, advising him to kill Joab.
What in the world had happened? Why was David now encouraging his son to get rid of the man who had successfully led his armies for so many years?
There are, perhaps, a number of reasons, but I think these two are key. First, and concerning Solomon himself, David was obviously trying to save him a ton of grief. He knew that if Joab stayed on the scene, Solomon would suffer hugely. The man was dangerous and bad.
But how had it come to this? How had David chosen such a man?
Part of the answer surely lies in a very early decision of David, just as he was setting up his government. He had done many good things, but here he made a serious leadership mistake. Every leader has blind spots and David was no exception. I think he blew it in his method of delegating responsibilities and authority.
The setting was Jerusalem, before it was ever the City of David. The Jebusite inhabitants had taunted David, saying that even their blind and lame men could ward off his attack. Perhaps distracted by the sting of pride, the young king hurled a challenge to his men: “Whoever is the first to take him will be my chief and captain!"
And Joab, his very own cousin, did just that. He gathered a group of fighters and proved himself one of the best warriors in the land.
So began one of David’s nightmares.
He had found a great fighter but a vicious man. Joab had a strong personal agenda and would ruthlessly and deceitfully assassinate anyone who got in his way. First to fall was Abner, stabbed in the stomach when he expected a peaceful conversation. Then came Absalom, David’s own son, butchered as he hung from the tree by his hair, against the wishes of the emotionally distraught king. Finally it was Amasa, also reconciled to David, whom Joab gutted after tricking him with a fallen dagger.
No wonder dying David wanted him out of Solomon’s life.
How sad that David did not remember the words God had spoken through Samuel when he himself was selected for the position of king: “the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
When seeking leaders, he had focused on the outside skill, not the heart inside.
It is even sadder when we don’t learn the lesson. How often churches have split and pain has flooded a congregation because someone was chosen for leadership simply because they had talent. They could sing, they could speak, they could write . . .
but they were not good.
Faithfulness is more important in ministry than talent. The problem is, faithfulness, by definition, requires a certain amount of time to be proven.
And we are often in too much of a hurry.
Dear Father, help me realize that you do not need my talent unless it comes with a faithful heart. And as I deal with others and serve your flock, give me discernment to know who is loyal and true to you. Amen.
Andy
July 3, 2015
Masterpiece Overhead (JAM157)
And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the Lord thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven. Deut. 4:19
There are over a thousand places on the globe labeled as World Heritage Sites. These may be natural or man made, and are so designated because of their cultural or physical significance. The basic idea is that they be protected and preserved so "humanity" can enjoy them in as pristine a condition as possible, and for as long as possible.
Of course, there are none in outer space . . . at least not yet.
Now, when God spoke the sun, moon, and stars into existence, one fact was automatically established. They were not Him. They were separate entities, by the most basic logic. No creation can occupy the same space as its creator. Though the first two heavenly bodies were given specific responsibilities, the rest were not. And as we read how they came to be, a shocking truth becomes obvious: that huge expanse, teeming with what seems like an infinite variety of objects, all of which completely dwarfs the earth, was added to the scene with one tiny little phrase. The sense of ease with which it all occurred should draw a gasp all by itself, but when the implications begin to sink in, well, our minds simply reel in wonder.
And that is exactly what God wanted; at least, as a first step.
The next Biblical mention of the great miracle above comes in the Lord's command to Abraham, telling him to gaze up in obedient worship. Sadly though, the attitude of mankind towards the stars and planets has mostly been perverse. By the time Deuteronomy was written, the scene was already pretty ugly. The nations had looked up and were amazed, but their depraved hearts refused to discern. They would not use common sense to look past the gifts to the Giver. Instead, they stopped at the first level and started building altars, sewing robes, and compiling rituals. They decided to adore what had been made instead of the Maker.
This verse describes the heavens as a universal, global heritage; something God has divided out for the benefit of every person on earth. He has wrapped it all around the planet so that every country can see a portion of it. The constellations are free for anyone to admire on a clear night and nobody is taxed for staring at them or enjoying their beauty.
However, usually we rush around too much to pay this kind of attention. We do not stop to consider the masterpiece overhead nor relish the privilege we have to admire it. What a shame, because a few minutes of serious contemplation will go a long way towards bringing closer matters into better focus. Our things, our accomplishments, our plans, will all seem a lot smaller and not quite so impressive.
And that's a good thing.
So there are two entirely different errors man can fall into concerning the heavens, the second being more of an issue for the believer. The first is for man to look up and worship what he sees. The second is for God’s children to hardly look up at all, to not even consider or appreciate what He has given.
Next time you can see the stars, thank the Lord for them. Praise Him for the wisdom and power they display.
They are a work of art for you to enjoy, and include a personal challenge, as Abraham proved.
Dear Father, I am very inclined to look at life as revolving around my schedule and goals. Thank you for placing over my head a majestic reminder that I, and everything I ever do, are mere specks in your world. Their only significance comes as they relate to your will. Amen.
There are over a thousand places on the globe labeled as World Heritage Sites. These may be natural or man made, and are so designated because of their cultural or physical significance. The basic idea is that they be protected and preserved so "humanity" can enjoy them in as pristine a condition as possible, and for as long as possible.
Of course, there are none in outer space . . . at least not yet.
Now, when God spoke the sun, moon, and stars into existence, one fact was automatically established. They were not Him. They were separate entities, by the most basic logic. No creation can occupy the same space as its creator. Though the first two heavenly bodies were given specific responsibilities, the rest were not. And as we read how they came to be, a shocking truth becomes obvious: that huge expanse, teeming with what seems like an infinite variety of objects, all of which completely dwarfs the earth, was added to the scene with one tiny little phrase. The sense of ease with which it all occurred should draw a gasp all by itself, but when the implications begin to sink in, well, our minds simply reel in wonder.
And that is exactly what God wanted; at least, as a first step.
The next Biblical mention of the great miracle above comes in the Lord's command to Abraham, telling him to gaze up in obedient worship. Sadly though, the attitude of mankind towards the stars and planets has mostly been perverse. By the time Deuteronomy was written, the scene was already pretty ugly. The nations had looked up and were amazed, but their depraved hearts refused to discern. They would not use common sense to look past the gifts to the Giver. Instead, they stopped at the first level and started building altars, sewing robes, and compiling rituals. They decided to adore what had been made instead of the Maker.
This verse describes the heavens as a universal, global heritage; something God has divided out for the benefit of every person on earth. He has wrapped it all around the planet so that every country can see a portion of it. The constellations are free for anyone to admire on a clear night and nobody is taxed for staring at them or enjoying their beauty.
However, usually we rush around too much to pay this kind of attention. We do not stop to consider the masterpiece overhead nor relish the privilege we have to admire it. What a shame, because a few minutes of serious contemplation will go a long way towards bringing closer matters into better focus. Our things, our accomplishments, our plans, will all seem a lot smaller and not quite so impressive.
And that's a good thing.
So there are two entirely different errors man can fall into concerning the heavens, the second being more of an issue for the believer. The first is for man to look up and worship what he sees. The second is for God’s children to hardly look up at all, to not even consider or appreciate what He has given.
Next time you can see the stars, thank the Lord for them. Praise Him for the wisdom and power they display.
They are a work of art for you to enjoy, and include a personal challenge, as Abraham proved.
Dear Father, I am very inclined to look at life as revolving around my schedule and goals. Thank you for placing over my head a majestic reminder that I, and everything I ever do, are mere specks in your world. Their only significance comes as they relate to your will. Amen.
May 29, 2015
Philosophy over plans
Our philosophy of life is what matters, not so much our plans.
The Lord very commonly changes our plans, for He loves to surprise. Think Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, etc... Are you doing what you thought you'd be doing five years ago? Are you where you thought you would be? In most cases probably not. Why? God moved in and your plans had to go.
What IS important in the day by day is why and how I go about life. These two answers will describe much of who I am and what others see me as. Is knowing God at the top of my interests? Is glorifying Him my first goal? Is drawing close to His secret place my highest priority?
And I mean literally.
If so, my attitudes and actions will be what they ought to be. I can pursue my plans, within reason, but if they are moved aside by the divine hand, my philosophy will keep me perfectly on track for God's blessing.
You know why? In part, because those plans won't dominate my horizon nor will the selfish drive to accomplish them be there to hurt others along the way. "Seek ye first ..." (Mt. 6:33) is a simple, safe, and sure way to satisfaction and contentment.
The Lord very commonly changes our plans, for He loves to surprise. Think Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, etc... Are you doing what you thought you'd be doing five years ago? Are you where you thought you would be? In most cases probably not. Why? God moved in and your plans had to go.
What IS important in the day by day is why and how I go about life. These two answers will describe much of who I am and what others see me as. Is knowing God at the top of my interests? Is glorifying Him my first goal? Is drawing close to His secret place my highest priority?
And I mean literally.
If so, my attitudes and actions will be what they ought to be. I can pursue my plans, within reason, but if they are moved aside by the divine hand, my philosophy will keep me perfectly on track for God's blessing.
You know why? In part, because those plans won't dominate my horizon nor will the selfish drive to accomplish them be there to hurt others along the way. "Seek ye first ..." (Mt. 6:33) is a simple, safe, and sure way to satisfaction and contentment.
May 20, 2015
No More Pain
I'm writing this now because it is live, here on the couch. After a relatively quiet afternoon, night, and morning, I was beginning to think intermittent discomfort and mild pain was all I would have after yesterday's lithotripsy.
But about two hours ago the light throb in my gut shot to a new level and I had 85 minutes of an agony I'll never forget. Mimi's comment when she arrived was, "You are really pale". Fighting the urge to throw up, and feeling beads of perspiration on my forehead, about all I could manage was a whisper.
And then it began to ease. I started getting drowsy, so I came to the couch. In a few minutes the kidney pain was gone. Entirely. I lay there for about 15 minutes, enjoying the delicious relief, second by second. There was no pain, none whatsoever -- it felt so good. I said, "Thank you, Lord", and Rev. 21:4 came to mind. The thought woke me up completely and I reached for the laptop to write, and that's what I'm doing . . .
There are some Christian friends reading this who are in pain, or know somebody who is. The agony may be much longer term than mine appears to be, even life threatening. They are the ones I hope to encourage.
There is a moment coming, that will arrive in the blinking of an eye, when "neither shall there be any more pain" (Rev 21:4) will become a reality. That freedom will feel so very good, so wonderfully sweet. It will swallow up the nasty memories and take away all their ugliness--not for a little while, or even for a long time, but forever!
Intense pain is horrible, for the Christian as well, but we can thank the Lord Jesus even as we shut our eyes and clench our teeth, because of the blessed hope.
Gotta quit, I think I feel something coming on again. Thanks for praying.
But about two hours ago the light throb in my gut shot to a new level and I had 85 minutes of an agony I'll never forget. Mimi's comment when she arrived was, "You are really pale". Fighting the urge to throw up, and feeling beads of perspiration on my forehead, about all I could manage was a whisper.
And then it began to ease. I started getting drowsy, so I came to the couch. In a few minutes the kidney pain was gone. Entirely. I lay there for about 15 minutes, enjoying the delicious relief, second by second. There was no pain, none whatsoever -- it felt so good. I said, "Thank you, Lord", and Rev. 21:4 came to mind. The thought woke me up completely and I reached for the laptop to write, and that's what I'm doing . . .
There are some Christian friends reading this who are in pain, or know somebody who is. The agony may be much longer term than mine appears to be, even life threatening. They are the ones I hope to encourage.
There is a moment coming, that will arrive in the blinking of an eye, when "neither shall there be any more pain" (Rev 21:4) will become a reality. That freedom will feel so very good, so wonderfully sweet. It will swallow up the nasty memories and take away all their ugliness--not for a little while, or even for a long time, but forever!
Intense pain is horrible, for the Christian as well, but we can thank the Lord Jesus even as we shut our eyes and clench our teeth, because of the blessed hope.
Gotta quit, I think I feel something coming on again. Thanks for praying.
February 18, 2015
Never too late
Abram was almost 100 years old, which was well over half what he could expect to live. Though many years before God had spoken to him directly, positively, and generously, there had been some issues. He had made some serious mistakes along the way and it seemed like his usefulness for the Lord had expired. Apparently the son of Terah had blown it one too many times.
But he was wrong. God gave him another chance.
And as long as God keeps you and me alive, it means there is hope.
(Genesis 17:1--And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram)
But he was wrong. God gave him another chance.
And as long as God keeps you and me alive, it means there is hope.
(Genesis 17:1--And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram)
February 15, 2015
Kill that Spark
Whenever the tiniest spark of self-confidence or self-importance is kindled in our thoughts, we do well to extinguish it quickly by remembering who God chooses: the Foolish and the Weak. (1 Cor. 1:27)
February 7, 2015
Hard to Wait?
Our heroes did it. Abraham waited for Isaac; Joseph waited an extra two years in prison; Moses grew old waiting in the desert; David waited on the run from Saul for years; Even Jeremiah sometimes waited (42) for God's answer. So, rather than fret, fuss, complain, and generally be miserable over it, let's embrace it and grow through it, because it's His Perfect Will at the moment! Ps. 27:14
January 9, 2015
Giant Talk
Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. (1 Samuel 17:45)
We all face giants.
The question is, "How do we face them?"
As we walk into the future and the challenges it brings, what is our attitude?
The importance of the matter was highlighted for me recently as I listened to a lay preacher make some observations from this beloved scene in 1 SAMUEL 17.
But let’s first look at the context.
Notice what David did not have--the story of his victory over Goliath! That's obvious, of course, but my point is that this young man's challenge was unique. As in every other heroic, spiritual, victory in the Bible, God's believer had to walk into the battle without knowing exactly how the outcome would happen.
Sure, David had heroes, like Abel, Enoch, Abraham, Joseph . . . but none of them had gone into anything quite like this before, and besides, they weren't around to help him anyway. He would have to face his enemy without them. Like you and me, the chapter in front of him was new. Time alone would show how God would preserve his life.
But he did have one powerful asset from the past.
He could recall some very real and personal experiences with God. He had been dramatically kept from the deadly paws of a lion and a bear, and from these memories he deduced that the giant's paw was nothing to worry about either.
However, what has my attention now is his speech to the giant.
We do not see him crying out to God for help, describing the height of his opponent, the weight of his spearhead, or the makeup of his gear. The narrator does that for us. David doesn't seem to be perturbed in the least, nor really paying much attention to the giant's armor.
Rather, in six staccato statements, he tells Goliath just WHO he is dealing with.
In other words, David talks to the giant about his God, not to God about his giant.
He spoke of Jehovah's authority as Commander and Chief. He told Goliath how the Lord would hand his carcass over to him, and he wouldn't even get a proper burial! He presented the whole event as an opportunity God was making to prove to Israel just how powerful and sovereign He was.
This is not usually our approach.
Most of our attention tends to be on the size of our problem, its complexity, or its devastating potential. Our focus is on the obstacle. It looms before us larger than life and all we can think about is the crushing effects it can have on us. We plead to others for prayer, more out of desperation than of expectation.
And so, we talk to God about our challenge instead of telling our challenge just WHO God is.
It's a different mindset. A different way of heading into the battle.
Dear Father, very seldom do I take David's approach. I too quickly run to you about my giants instead of looking to them with Your glories in mind. Help me learn from this young lad, and then, please use my life to inspire others to do the same. Amen.
Andy
We all face giants.
The question is, "How do we face them?"
As we walk into the future and the challenges it brings, what is our attitude?
The importance of the matter was highlighted for me recently as I listened to a lay preacher make some observations from this beloved scene in 1 SAMUEL 17.
But let’s first look at the context.
Notice what David did not have--the story of his victory over Goliath! That's obvious, of course, but my point is that this young man's challenge was unique. As in every other heroic, spiritual, victory in the Bible, God's believer had to walk into the battle without knowing exactly how the outcome would happen.
Sure, David had heroes, like Abel, Enoch, Abraham, Joseph . . . but none of them had gone into anything quite like this before, and besides, they weren't around to help him anyway. He would have to face his enemy without them. Like you and me, the chapter in front of him was new. Time alone would show how God would preserve his life.
But he did have one powerful asset from the past.
He could recall some very real and personal experiences with God. He had been dramatically kept from the deadly paws of a lion and a bear, and from these memories he deduced that the giant's paw was nothing to worry about either.
However, what has my attention now is his speech to the giant.
We do not see him crying out to God for help, describing the height of his opponent, the weight of his spearhead, or the makeup of his gear. The narrator does that for us. David doesn't seem to be perturbed in the least, nor really paying much attention to the giant's armor.
Rather, in six staccato statements, he tells Goliath just WHO he is dealing with.
In other words, David talks to the giant about his God, not to God about his giant.
He spoke of Jehovah's authority as Commander and Chief. He told Goliath how the Lord would hand his carcass over to him, and he wouldn't even get a proper burial! He presented the whole event as an opportunity God was making to prove to Israel just how powerful and sovereign He was.
This is not usually our approach.
Most of our attention tends to be on the size of our problem, its complexity, or its devastating potential. Our focus is on the obstacle. It looms before us larger than life and all we can think about is the crushing effects it can have on us. We plead to others for prayer, more out of desperation than of expectation.
And so, we talk to God about our challenge instead of telling our challenge just WHO God is.
It's a different mindset. A different way of heading into the battle.
Dear Father, very seldom do I take David's approach. I too quickly run to you about my giants instead of looking to them with Your glories in mind. Help me learn from this young lad, and then, please use my life to inspire others to do the same. Amen.
Andy
December 25, 2014
Simeon's Light
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. (Luke 2:29-32)
Thirty years before the Lord Jesus ever told those conniving Pharisees that He was "the light of the world", a pious, elderly gentleman had already said it.
This patient fellow had been waiting for the Messiah to enter the temple. We don't know how long he waited, but the impression is that it had been for years. Whatever the case, his understanding seems nothing short of astounding, as he shows no surprise at the "salvation of God" being an eight day old infant!
Then again, maybe it shouldn't shock us too much. For in three consecutive sentences the passage affirms an unusually close relationship between the Holy Spirit and Simeon. He had received a direct promise and I t was just a matter of time.
Imagine the scene.
Mary, a brand new mother, let a total stranger take her week old baby in his arms! Really? How could she do that? That isn't the way first time mothers usually act! Did some special look on the man's face tell her this was no ordinary event? Was there a glow in his eyes that spoke of wonder and mystery and glory? For some reason both she and Joseph were comfortable with it, and they watched him adore the little One.
And then he began to talk.
First he spoke of God's faithfulness to the promise, but soon Simeon focused on the baby Himself.
He was the Salvation of all people and the Light of revelation to the Gentiles.
What? A light? To the Gentiles? What in the world could that mean and how did he know about it?! Since when was the Anointed One of David's house going to be a blessing to the pagan world? Why would anyone want to bless the cruel, heathen Romans?
Why, that was something the disciples wouldn't grasp even after three years of intense training with the Master!
But Simeon did understand. The same Holy Spirit that was upon him and leading him, revealed to him the cosmic scope of the Life now cradled in his arms. That very Spirit would later fill the believers and thrust them out into the vast Gentile sea, to begin a Gospel advance that is still going on to this day.
This was the moment he had been longing for. Finally, the Light to the Gentiles and the Glory of Israel was right before his eyes!
He could die in peace.
Perhaps the most important responsibility we have at Christmastime is not so much to enjoy the luxuries our culture affords us, as it is to shine with the true message of the season. After all, we know nothing of Simeon's home, financial situation, or surroundings. The most important thing he ever did was what we've just read. Could it be that our life's significance will also be reduced to only that which was directly related to the One from Bethlehem?
Dear Father, this man's mission is also mine, to let the world know of Your Light, to shine with the message of Your Son. Help me, Lord, be this kind of instrument for those in darkness around me today. Amen.
Andy
Thirty years before the Lord Jesus ever told those conniving Pharisees that He was "the light of the world", a pious, elderly gentleman had already said it.
This patient fellow had been waiting for the Messiah to enter the temple. We don't know how long he waited, but the impression is that it had been for years. Whatever the case, his understanding seems nothing short of astounding, as he shows no surprise at the "salvation of God" being an eight day old infant!
Then again, maybe it shouldn't shock us too much. For in three consecutive sentences the passage affirms an unusually close relationship between the Holy Spirit and Simeon. He had received a direct promise and I t was just a matter of time.
Imagine the scene.
Mary, a brand new mother, let a total stranger take her week old baby in his arms! Really? How could she do that? That isn't the way first time mothers usually act! Did some special look on the man's face tell her this was no ordinary event? Was there a glow in his eyes that spoke of wonder and mystery and glory? For some reason both she and Joseph were comfortable with it, and they watched him adore the little One.
And then he began to talk.
First he spoke of God's faithfulness to the promise, but soon Simeon focused on the baby Himself.
He was the Salvation of all people and the Light of revelation to the Gentiles.
What? A light? To the Gentiles? What in the world could that mean and how did he know about it?! Since when was the Anointed One of David's house going to be a blessing to the pagan world? Why would anyone want to bless the cruel, heathen Romans?
Why, that was something the disciples wouldn't grasp even after three years of intense training with the Master!
But Simeon did understand. The same Holy Spirit that was upon him and leading him, revealed to him the cosmic scope of the Life now cradled in his arms. That very Spirit would later fill the believers and thrust them out into the vast Gentile sea, to begin a Gospel advance that is still going on to this day.
This was the moment he had been longing for. Finally, the Light to the Gentiles and the Glory of Israel was right before his eyes!
He could die in peace.
Perhaps the most important responsibility we have at Christmastime is not so much to enjoy the luxuries our culture affords us, as it is to shine with the true message of the season. After all, we know nothing of Simeon's home, financial situation, or surroundings. The most important thing he ever did was what we've just read. Could it be that our life's significance will also be reduced to only that which was directly related to the One from Bethlehem?
Dear Father, this man's mission is also mine, to let the world know of Your Light, to shine with the message of Your Son. Help me, Lord, be this kind of instrument for those in darkness around me today. Amen.
Andy
October 18, 2014
Eternal & infinite Word
When we say that God's Word is eternal and infinite, we are speaking the truth. However, we don't understand a fraction of what we are saying. Forever in Christ's presence we'll be learning what it means. (Ps. 119:160)
