A.T. Robertson, among other scholars, believed that the word “newborn” likely meant that Peter was writing to those who were new in the faith, “that they were recent converts.” I think Burton Coffman comes closer to the real meaning when he suggests that Peter is addressing “the appetite which all (emphasis mine, GCK) Christians should have in order to grow.” Why, then, did Peter, by inspiration, choose to illustrate the desire of the Christian for God’s word with a “newborn babe” and that babies’ longing for milk?

I must confess that I am, in almost every way, a “junkfood junkie!” I admit with some embarrassment that I am not always careful about my daily diet, and as a result I have struggled with my weight off and on for many years. I have to battle various “food cravings” from time to time, like I’m sure most everyone does. I can’t ever remember, however, fighting a craving for broccoli! Never one time have I, late at night, made my way to the kitchen because I just couldn’t stop thinking about that bowl of Brussels sprouts in the refrigerator left over from supper! What about you? Do you ever find yourself struggling to find ways to help you overcome an intense craving for salad with nonfat dressing? I didn’t think so.

My problem—and I suspect that it is pretty much a universal one—is that my cravings in the food world are almost always directed toward things which aren’t good for me, things which have no real nutritional value at all.

The same problem can exist among those of us who, as Christians, know what is really good for us, but who end up giving in to cravings for “junk food” instead. What I mean by that is that we find ourselves “longing for” the wrong things (i.e., TV, movies, sports, games, etc.) – not necessarily “bad” things, but things that have no real nutritional value in the realm of spiritual things that are really good for us.

Genuine godliness always has been marked by a love for and a delight in God’s Word.

• John 8:47 – “He who is of God hears the words of God.”
• Job 23:12 – “I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.”
• Psalm 19:10 – “They [referring to the teachings of God’s Word] are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.”
• Psalm 40:8 – “I delight to do Thy will, O my God; Thy Law is within my heart.”

It has always been characteristic of believers to rejoice in the Word of God. Let me ask you a question. Do the words in these verses reflect the way you feel? Is the law of God more desirable to you than gold? Is it sweeter to you than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb? The word in our text translated “long for” carries with it the idea of desire, to have a yearning for, or longing after.

It is the same word used in the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament in Psalm 42:1, where David describes the deer who “pants for the water brooks.” Paul uses the word seven times in his writings: twice to refer for his longing for an effective ministry (Romans 1:11; Phil. 1:8); four times to refer to the intense longing that believers should have for one another (2 Cor. 9:14; Phil. 2:26; 1 Thess. 3:6; 2 Tim. 1:4); and once to describe his longing for heaven (2 Cor. 9:14).

I become concerned when we, as God’s children, do not elevate God’s Word to its proper place. We must have a “newborn’s” craving for the Word of God, unadulterated and uncontaminated. Have we somehow misplaced that love for God’s Word? If you are hungering for the pure milk of the Word then praise God. But if this is not true of you right now, but rather you have seen a gradual diminishing of your interest in God’s word, then you need to be working diligently on renewing that “newborn” longing.

As Christians, we must remain aware that we are all being tested from without and within. Let us not in the midst of these tests forget the power of God’s Word. It was through the Word of God that the physical world came into existence. And it is through the Word of God that any of us will achieve salvation. If we know its power we will not going to allow ourselves to be distracted by all the “junk food” of this world. May we be resolved to cling to God’s word with a “newborn” passion that will be pleasing to the Lord.

One thing, however, is clear: When we see misery overshadowed by worship in a person of faith, we stand in wonder. We admire those, who while their world is caving in, continue to look upward and whisper, “I will continue to praise my God for His goodness and grace!”

Job certainly comes to mind. Godly man. Conscientious father. Successful businessman. Then in rapid succession he loses his fortune and his family—but not his faith! In the midst of unimaginable darkness, Job continued to worship (1:21). Though slumped to the ground in tears, he simultaneously moved to his knees in worship.

Another Man’s “Why?” Question

But Job is not the only one to wrestle with hard questions and painful circumstances, yet continue to cling to God. Another is seen in a man we call a minor prophet who came to God with a major question. In the small book bearing his name, Habakkuk has looked upon his world in Judah and witnessed wickedness, violence and injustice (1:3-4). His opening question, “How long, O Lord, will I call for help, and You not hear” (1:2) indicates he’s been struggling with God’s apparent inaction for some time. However, as the Lord answers the prophet’s concerns, Habakkuk will not like the response.

Even if God had told him, he wouldn’t have believed it (1:5). The Lord promises to rectify the problem of Judah’s sin by using the Chaldeans as a divine tool of judgment. The Chaldeans? The same nation who butchered their enemies? The same folks who worshiped idols and sacrificed their infants? The people who exhibited no conscience, no remorse, and no reluctance to overrun and destroy any nation that stood in its way? Habakkuk’s question is no longer, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”, but “How can God allow horrible things to be inflicted on sinful people by even more sinful people?” The prophet doubts God’s wisdom—and His justice.

Shock Waves

As he looks to navigate through these serious questions, he seeks to reestablish some safe and comfortable “footing” by stating what he knows (1:12-13). “Are you not from everlasting?” God is not ignorant of what the Chaldeans might do to Judah (“My Holy One”). He is not like other gods, but is seated far above humanity, immune from its whims and ideas. God has “appointed” and “established.” Habakkuk confesses that he serves an all-powerful God that is in control. “Your eyes are too pure to approve evil.” Where men might turn a blind eye to injustice or give an approving nod to sin, God can do neither! It’s what he knows about God that brings him to the question, “Why are You silent when the wicked swallow up those more righteous than they?”

This is no theoretical issue. Habakkuk’s conclusions aren’t based on economic projections or military intelligence. God has spoken! Therefore, the suffering looming in Judah’s future is very real. The Chaldeans will seize dwellings (1:6). They will come for the purpose of violence and collect captives “like sand” (v. 9). They laugh at fortresses (v. 10) and will sweep through “like the wind” (v. 11). It’s these divine declarations that send the prophet reeling in shock!

Waiting is the Hardest Part

It’s a wise man who takes his questions about God to God; it’s an even wiser man who listens for the answers. Most men in this situation prefer talking and doing in an attempt to “fix” ‘things. Habakkuk chooses to watch, wait and listen (2:1). In marked contrast to our impatient and instant generation, Habakkuk knows what we typically ignore—watching and waiting are fundamental steps to seeing things from a divine perspective. He chooses to hand the matter over to God—and patiently awaits His response.

It is here he is reminded that the “righteous will live by his faith” (2:4). He is shown the evil existing among the Chaldeans and in a series of “woes” is assured they would ultimately pay the price (2:6-19). Their iniquity has not escaped heaven’s eye and God remains in His holy temple (2:20). Though the Chaldeans might wreak havoc with Judah, they are not more powerful than God, nor can they remove Him from His throne.

Living by Faith

It’s in the third chapter that Habakkuk reaches the pinnacle of his spiritual experience. God’s message has not just entered his mind, it has invaded his heart. He has heard the word of God and seen a vision of the work of God—and it has changed him. Living by faith is no longer a theoretical concept—it has become a spiritual reality! God’s prophet is moved to worship. Habakkuk 3 reads more like a psalm of confidence than a prophetic declaration. Three times we find the Hebrew word, “Selah” (3:3,9,13). It’s the only time in the Bible where this word is found outside of the Psalms. Though the future seems dark, Habakkuk’s worship takes the shape of three affirmations of faith.

• I will rest in the Lord (3:16). Though this short book began with an agonizing and impatient prophet in Judah, it ends with a calm and expectant servant of God! God has spoken; Habakkuk has listened. Jehovah has promised; Habakkuk has believed. God has declared; Habakkuk has accepted. He comprehends that whatever the future might hold for Judah, it is in keeping with God’s perfect wisdom and justice. He looked around and saw horrible sin among his people. He looked out and envisioned a brutal army poised to destroy. But more significantly, he looked up and trusted that the hand of God was at work in it all.
• I will rejoice in the Lord (3:17-18). If we lived in an agrarian society, we would more fully appreciate the scenario he paints in these verses. What he describes is disaster on a total scale. Blossomless figs, fruitless vines, failing olives, cut off flocks and cattle-less stalls describe not just failures in agriculture, but the ravages of war. There will be nothing to eat, nothing to drink and nothing to wear. And such poverty is not due to “natural” causes, but a ruthless enemy who is in control of the land. Still, the prophet declares: “I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.”
• I will rely on the Lord (3:19). Here is faith’s peak. The reason for his hope in the midst of such a dark situation is not any inherent strength he’s developed on his own. There has been no spiritual technique that’s been mastered. No magic formula applied. He proclaims that God is the one who not only provides stability in his life now, but who also enables him to climb higher in the future—even in the face of immense adversity. He’s not just “holding his ground,” he’s advancing like a sure-footed deer amid some of the most dangerous terrain!

Times may be good or they may be bad. Circumstances may waver and fluctuate. But those things need not affect our adoration of the One who remains constant through it all. In three brief chapters, Habakkuk teaches us much about worship—even when it must occur in the dark.

…the Lord has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth,
Against whom you have dealt treacherously,
Though she is your companion and wife by covenant.
—Malachi 2:14

“Oh, what a feeling!” –was for several years the slogan of the Toyota car company. Sadly, many go into marriage thinking that love is defined the same way. It isn’t. Love, from God’s perspective, is about doing, not feeling. Life is about commitment and the choices we make daily to honor that commitment. It’s the opposite of selfishness.

“You don’t know my mate…” True. But that doesn’t change your love commitment and the vows you spoke on your wedding day. No place in Scripture do we find God’s commandments to love our mate conditioned on anything they do or don’t do. Our words on the day we married said that we would cherish and remain committed to this person “for better or for worse” and “until death do we part.” Do you remember saying that?

To my knowledge I’ve never heard the wedding vows read like this: “As long as we both shall feel like it.” On the contrary, you spoke words of verba solemnia (a solemn vow) that entered you into a covenant—not a contract. Your covenant was witnessed and sealed by God.

Read the Malachi passage again (2:14). How seriously do you think God regards the vows of your marriage covenant?

Contrasting Contracts with Covenants

Contracts and their accompanying paperwork are everywhere. By definition, a contract is an agreement between two parties in which both sides agree to certain conditions. Most contracts state that if one side violates the terms of the agreement, the other party has a measured recourse. For example, if you finance a car with a bank, the bank, in turn, can repossess the vehicle if payment is not made. We understand how that works.

A wedding covenant is different. To some, marriages vows are interpreted to mean that I will do my part as long as my spouse does his part. That is not what you promised.

Sometimes a spouse presents a laundry list of violations and failures by his/her mate as if such represents a breech of contract. The truth is, neither signed a contract that gives them an “out” if the other party fails to perform to their specifications.

What they entered into was a covenant. It was a vow before God that said I am sticking with this person for the rest of my life. Regardless. Period. We were specifically asked, “Do you promise to live with _______ for better or worse, in sickness and health, in good times and bad?” etc. And what did you say? Two words: “I do.” You made a covenant before God. “What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate” (Matt.19:6).

A covenant is an agreement by choice (no one forced you!) and is in no way dependent upon what the other party may do. It’s not about loving and honoring your mate as long as your mate loves and honors you. Like the parents adopting a child make a commitment to the child’s nurture and care, the adoption is not dependent upon what the baby gives them in return. It’s the same with the marriage covenant sealed before God. That’s why it’s called Holy matrimony. There is something very special, life-changing, and life-lasting happening here.

Committed Love

We’re not into commitment much these days. In the past two years I have bounced from one cell phone company to the next in search for the best coverage, lowest cost, and shortest contract. And while that works with cell phone leases (“No long-term commitment required”), it doesn’t work with marriage. Here’s why: We are not called to commit to the institution of marriage as much as we are called to commit to Him! God says, You commit to me and honor Me by fulfilling your marriage vows!

Sadly, few take this seriously (even among Christians). Nonetheless, it is a proactive decision that says I am going to serve my mate in the way God directs regardless of what I get in return. You may argue that no one does that, but you would be wrong.

When a couple brings a baby home from the hospital, they have a God directed obligation to care for that newborn. And guess what? It won’t always be convenient—especially at 3:00 in the morning when it’s feeding time. And so you feed and rock and rock and feed and…what do you get in return? She spits up all over you! Yet you get up and do it again and again. Why? Because you enjoy losing sleep and smelling like spit-up? Hardly. You do it because you love that child and love is spelled C*O*M*M*I*T*M*E*N*T.

God gives all of us the ability to choose the right thing even when we don’t feel like it. If your spouse says something unkind to you, no one forces you to return evil for evil. If he/she is hurtful or fails to follow through on a promise, God gives you a choice of response—including grace-filled forgiveness. It comes down to a question of choice. And in the end, all excuses aside, people pretty much do what they want to do.

Lucky Marriages

“They are so lucky to have a good marriage!” Really? Hard truth lesson #1: There is nothing lucky about good marriages. That makes as much sense as telling someone that has worked for hours cleaning her house: “You are so lucky to live in a clean house.” Lucky? Are you kidding?

Houses don’t clean themselves and neither do marriages. It takes two people dedicated to God along with the daily grind of hard work and commitment. And a big dose of patience and forgiveness, too!

I don’t know about you, but Mr. Selfish rears his ugly head around our place way too often. Sometimes my old self come creeping back into our marriage. And that’s when I have to remember my covenant with my wife and with God. It’s not about me. It’s about putting her first and doing whatever it takes to honor her. For when I honor her, I honor Him. After all, she is God’s daughter and that makes God my Father-in-law. It’s best I remember that.

Remembering Our First Love

When Christ saw that the Ephesians had left their first love, He urged them to repent and “do the deeds you did at first” (Rev.2:5-6a). That’s great marital advice, too. Are you struggling with love, commitment, and intimacy in marriage? “Do the deeds you did at first.” Be proactive and the feelings will return. God expects no less.

God doesn’t want you to have a mediocre marriage. He wants you to find out the real meaning of words like “love,” “commitment,” “covenant,” and “forgiveness.” He enables you to make good choices and keep your promises. And while you cannot control others, you can control self. Our God can move mountains and save marriages! And…He can make the good ones even better.

—Condensed from the book, Marriage Matters.

• We’re not going to understand everything from the start. The Hebrew writer makes a point regarding the things he is discussing (Melchizedek’s relationship to Christ), that they are difficult for his readers to understand. True, the Hebrew Christians were to blame for their inability to understand, but the same could legitimately be said of someone new in the faith. Everything in the Bible is understandable at some point. However, we shouldn’t assume that we will suddenly know the meaning of all those things or get discouraged when we don’t. That’s what growth is all about.
• We can’t learn if we aren’t listening. Many claim to not get anything out of sermons or Bible classes. Often the people who cry most vocally about the lack of deep teaching are the ones in the deepest sleep on the pew or in the chair. The Hebrew writer said that he was having difficulty explaining things to them because they had become “dull of hearing.” The NIV put it differently when it rendered that phrase, “you no longer try to understand.”
• God has a plan for us to progress from students to teachers. The writer said that his audience “ought to be teachers.” He wasn’t just talking to the preacher or the elders. There is an absolute imperative that every Christian strives to reach the point where they can teach others, even if it isn’t in a public setting. In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul told Timothy that he was to take the things that he had learned and teach them to faithful men who would be able to teach others also. There is a cycle of learning and teaching that has to go on. We don’t wait until we know everything to teach, but we need to start teaching once we know.
• To progress from milk to meat, we have to “accustom” ourselves to the word. Good teaching will consist of a mix of milk and meat. The only way for a Christian to break through the milk and get to the meat is to become familiar with God’s word. This is more than just sitting in the pew two or three times a week and letting God’s word wash over you as it comes out of the preacher’s mouth. This is a matter of getting in God’s word and understanding what it says and trying to come to grips with what it means. This is not a matter of reading your Bible; it’s a matter of studying your Bible to the best of your ability each and every day.
• Maturity comes from use of what has been learned. How do children learn to ride a bicycle? They ride them! A father can explain to his son about the mechanics of pedaling and braking until he’s blue in the face, but that child will never learn how to balance on a bike until he has actually tried to ride it. It’s no different with Christians. For us to truly understand God’s word in a practical way, we have to get out each day and live by God’s word. That means making each decision by asking the question, “What would God want me to do?”

These last two points present the keys to spiritual maturity. Maturity doesn’t come from faithful attendance in Bible classes and at the worship assembly, though those things are important. As mentioned above, it doesn’t come from “daily Bible reading,” though that is a worthwhile endeavor. Maturity comes from regular study of God’s word and regular use of it.

When we seek to understand Scripture, it should of necessity force us to read beyond just the passage at hand. If I want to understand Jesus’ statement, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me,” I need to look back to Psalm 22 and see how David used it in his psalm. If I want to understand Paul’s point in 1 Timothy 2 about the role of women, I need to go back to Genesis 3 to see what happened when Adam and Eve sinned. I need to go to passages like Proverbs 31 to see God’s “worthy woman.” I need to look ahead to chapter 5 where he talks about the treatment of widows and see how that connects with Paul’s statement about “saved through childbearing.”

When we make every decision according to God’s will, we will force ourselves to get in God’s word. After all, how else will we know what His will is? That means that we might just have to crack open our Bibles and see if the decisions we did make were the right ones. We might just need to look at a few pages of Scripture so that we can prepare ourselves for a long-term decision that has to be made.

Whatever the cause of our lack of maturity, one message is clear from this passage: God doesn’t want us to stay immature. Our daily goal should be to become more spiritually mature. If that isn’t our goal, maybe we need to re-evaluate our priorities.

I ask you to consider one other wonderful trait of God. Peter affirmed to the household of Cornelius, “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him” (Acts 10:34-35, emphasis mine). It was in God’s good will that the gospel of peace be preached to “all creation” (Mark 16:15-16); that the doors of His great spiritual house be open for “all the nations (to) stream to it” (Isa.2:2). In this process we see a demonstration of the impartial nature of God.

1. All men suffer a common problem—sin. “There is none righteous, not even one” (Rom. 3:10), “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (3:23). Even most of our favorite Bible characters yielded to temptation: Abraham (Gen.12:11-13), David (2 Sam.11:3-4), and Peter (Gal.2:11).
2. All are under the same condemnation—death. “For the wages of sin is death…” (Rom. 6:23). “You were dead in your trespasses and sins…” (Eph.2:1). This is a stark reality that every man must face no matter whose blood courses through his veins: God hates sin and the penalty for sin is serious business.
3. All are loved with a common love. John 3:16 remains the most wonderful statement ever penned. I share the sentiments of Charles Wesley (1739) when he wrote, “Amazing love, how can it be that You, my God, would die for me.” The message of the gospel is that you are the object of God’s great love.
4. The same sacrifice was offered for all. The writer of Hebrews teaches that Jesus tasted death for everyone (2:9) and, further, that “we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (10:10). John said that “He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world” (John 2:2).
5. A common message is to be preached to all. The gospel was to be preached to all creation (Mark 16:16). It is “the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints” (Jude 3). Paul asserted that he taught the same message in every church (1 Cor.4:17) and the curse of God was to rest upon anyone who taught a different or distorted message (Gal.1:8-9). What do you think are the consequences today when people teach different and often conflicting messages? Does God feel any differently today than He did then?
6. The same invitation was offered to all. “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden…” (Matt.11:28), is offered by Jesus. “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come… let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost” (Rev.22:17).
7. The same terms of salvation are offered to all. “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mk. 16:16). “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…” (Acts 2:38). Jesus is Lord and salvation is offered upon His terms, not ours. He sets the conditions.
8. All the saved belong to the same church. There was no confusion in the New Testament regarding to which church one needed to belong. There was but one (Eph.1:22-23; 4:4) and the Lord did the adding as people responded to His terms (Acts 2:47; 1 Cor.12:13).
9. All were directed to walk by a common standard of conduct (Phil. 3:16). Jesus is our pattern for holy living (1 Pet.2:21-22). We are to live by His authority (Col.3:17), expressed in His word, in order to become a partaker of His nature (2 Pet.1:3-11).
10. All will face the same judgment. There is an inevitable interview with God which we must all face (Rom.14:12). The standard of judgment will be the words of the Lord (John 12:48) based upon how we have conducted our lives (2 Cor.5:10). Don’t think you will be the exception.
11. All are offered the same incentives to obey. For the obedient and faithful there remains a dwelling with God, eternal in the heavens (John 14:1-3; 2 Cor.5:1). For the disobedient, there awaits “eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord…” (2 Thess.1:9).

God is not partial. He is no respecter of persons. He offers the same salvation to you that He offers to everyone. Salvation is on His terms. What is your response?

I recently came across this “rolling forward” idea in a well-respected commentary: “…The blood of bulls and goats could never take away sin, but only rolled them forward and suspended the condemnation of the law from year to year until Christ came and suffered under the law and to finally take away their sins” (David Lipscomb, A Commentary on the New Testament Epistles, vol.3, p.226). But I must ask, “How does this work, exactly?”

• First, people read that “It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Heb.10:4). From this, many have assumed that since animal blood cannot take away sins, therefore no sins were forgiven under that sacrificial system. This is an unjustified leap of reasoning. This is like saying, “It is impossible for my two-year-old child to drive from Seattle to Boston,” and then assume that, because the two-year-old cannot actually do the driving, he never traveled to Boston. This assumes much, but proves little.
• Second, people read that “in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed” until Christ’s death on the cross (Rom.3:25). From this, many have assumed that “passing over” these sins means that God did not deal with them immediately or in a legal manner. This rationale, too, is unjustified.
• Third, since Jesus’ blood is the ultimate and universal cleansing agent for the human soul, many have concluded that until this blood was shed, no soul could be cleansed of its sins. Does the Bible teach this? Are we sure about this? Are you?

It is true that animal blood served as a type, not the substance, of atonement. The blood of a mere animal cannot remove human sin (Acts 13:38-39). Everything in the Law of Moses—including the Law itself—served as a “shadow” or sign of what was to come (Heb.10:1). The fact that the Law (or “law”) could not atone for sins once and for all indicates that it was insufficient for what was actually needed. This does not mean God gave Israel an incomplete or defective law; it was ideal for the purpose it served (Rom.7:7-13). But everything in the Law pointed forward to a perfect, complete, “once for all” sacrifice that would never be duplicated or superseded.

Thus, the “blood of bulls and goats” served as a type of what was to come. Yet because God knew with certainty what was to come, He could forgive people even before this “once for all” sacrifice had been offered. At least ten times in Leviticus (4:20, 26, 31, 35; 5:10, 13, 16, 18; 6:7; and 19:22) it declares that the priest, upon receiving a proper sin offering, was to pronounce the offerer “forgiven.” Did God just pretend to forgive sins at that time? Did He roll their sins forward? Absolutely not. He did exactly what He declared would be done: He forgave the sinner of his sins.

This forgiveness was contingent upon what was to come; this fact is not disputed. Yet since it was God (in Christ) who would perform the deed required, the deed was as good as done. Thus, David was forgiven by God (2 Sam.12:13; Ps.25:18; 32; 51; and others). David wrote by inspiration, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (103:12). Think of the several times that Jesus pronounced, “Your sins are forgiven”—and remember that He (and they) were all under the Law of Moses. In all of these cases, sins are never said to be “rolled forward,” but are indeed forgiven.

If we teach that God did not forgive anyone until Christ’s crucifixion, we inadvertently call into question these Old Testament Scriptures, and doubt (or do not understand) the absolute surety in which God’s promises are made. The fact that God made these promises (of forgiveness) demonstrates that He knew long before it ever happened that His Son would not fail in His mission. Otherwise, we imply that God could not forgive sins until He knew for certain that His Son would succeed in His mission as our Redeemer. Imagine: God waiting to see if His Son would fail!

On the contrary, God’s promises are fulfilled in the historical event of the cross, but the cross is founded upon the infallible work of God Himself. The Father knew His Son would not fail; He knew Christ would be the world’s sin offering (1 John 2:2). Because of this, He also knew that He could pronounce absolute forgiveness to those who called upon His name centuries before this ever happened.

We cannot have it both ways. We cannot say, “God forgave them” and at the same time “God rolled their sins forward.” The one statement contradicts the other. Furthermore, the “rolling forward” concept leads to serious implications: If Israelites died in their sins (since their sins were “rolled forward” and not truly forgiven on the spot), what was the disposition of their souls until the time of Christ? Were they in torment—but after the cross, they were led into glory? Were they in some spiritual limbo until Christ’s blood was shed? Could God bring them into Paradise without having truly forgiven them—and if so, how does this impact our understanding of divine forgiveness and “no partiality”? In any case, we end up hammering a round peg into a square hole: it just does not work.

The “rolled forward” concept makes unwarranted leaps in our teaching on God, His infallibility, and forgiveness. While promoted with good intentions, it actually contradicts what God prophesied long ago: “He says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth’” (Isa.49:6). In light of His absolute confidence in His Son, God did not roll men’s sins forward until the cross, but forgave them entirely.

What’s so special about Sunday? Many ask this question today. For this reason, worship is forsaken, Bible Study is ignored, and fellowship is minimized on Sunday. Why? It is because we fail to see the significance of the first day of the week. Take a moment and observe the end of the Savior’s work week and learn from Him so that His passion becomes our passion.

Thursday

Matthew 26:17-25… Jesus knew He was going to die and be raised to life again. Therefore, He made preparations for His weekend on Thursday (vv.17-19). Jesus revealed the truth that everyone who follows Him will not always stay with Him on Thursday (vv.20-25). Jesus proved there is no such thing as praying too much on Thursday (vv.36-44). Jesus was betrayed by friends on Thursday (vv.47-50). Jesus was forsaken and left alone on Thursday (v.56). Jesus was lied about and led away on Thursday (vv.57-65). Jesus was found guilty on Thursday (v.66). Jesus was spit on, buffeted, smitten, and teased on Thursday (vv.67-68). Jesus was denied by a close friend on Thursday (vv.69-75). This was the Thursday our Lord experienced. He could have given up, but He kept moving forward because He knew…Sunday was coming!

Friday

Matthew 27:1-60… After Thursday passed and before He experienced Sunday, He had to go through a Friday. Jesus saw His enemies, nemesis, antagonists, and adversaries call for assistance to destroy Him on Friday (vv.1-2). Jesus saw firsthand how foolishness and ignorance prevailed on Friday (vv.15-21). Jesus witnessed how boldly cowards speak on Friday (vv.22-25). Jesus was scourged, stripped naked, mocked, spit on, humiliated, and crucified on Friday (vv.26-49). Jesus was left for dead on Friday (v.50). Jesus was buried and put away on Friday (vv.57-60). This was the Friday our Lord experienced. He could have given up, but His soul continued to believe in God because He knew…Sunday was coming!

Saturday

Matthew 27:62-66… After Friday passed and before He could get to Sunday, He had to first go through a Saturday. Jesus’ enemies made preparations to keep Him down on Saturday (vv.62-66). Jesus’ body laid in a dark, cold, sealed, and guarded tomb on Saturday. Saturday was the Lord’s darkest day. There was no light at the end of the tomb on Saturday; no sign of a silver lining in the cloud on Saturday; there was complete and utter silence on Saturday; there was no word from God on Saturday; there was no sign of hope on Saturday. This was the Saturday our Lord experienced. He was dead to the world. But Jesus knew He would rise again because he knew…Sunday was coming!

Sunday

Matthew 28:1-8… On Sunday, God shook things up (vv.1-2). On Sunday, God sent divine help to remove every obstacle, stumbling block, and person in Jesus’ way (v.2). On Sunday, the enemies of Christ trembled in fear (v.4). On Sunday, God raised Him up (v.7). On Sunday, joy becomes the theme of the redeemed (v.8).

You may be experiencing a Thursday in which you are prayed out, betrayed, led away, lied on, forsaken, accused falsely, spit on, beat down, slapped around, teased, and denied. Or you may be experiencing a Friday in which you are picked on, ganged on, talked about, scourged, stripped, mocked, spit on, humiliated, crucified, left for dead, and buried. Or you may be experiencing a Saturday in which you are cold, alone, stumbling in the dark, hopeless, sealed up, locked in and can’t escape.

Whatever you are experiencing, don’t give up or give in because…Sunday is coming! God promises to make our wrongs right on Sunday. God will pick us up, turn us around, dust us off, and plant us on solid ground on Sunday. He will raise our spirit on Sunday. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes early on Sunday morning (Ps.30:5). No matter what people may put us through, always remember, “At least they are not putting nails through my hands.”

Sunday’s coming, my friend!

Spiritual or Secular?

While our objective is to be conformed to Christ’s image (Rom.8:29), we often take a much different approach. It’s a dualistic one in which our lives are separated into two main categories: spiritual and secular. Evidence of this compartmentalization is often revealed in our speech about preaching. For example, when a man begins to preach full time we typically say, “he left secular work.” If he gets out of preaching, we speak of him getting a “secular” job (secular meaning “of or relating to the worldly or temporal, not overtly or specifically religious). Intentional or not, we leave the impression that preaching is a spiritual work while teaching school or being a salesman is only secular. But in light of passages such as Ephesians 6:5-9 and Colossians 3:22-25, can a faithful Christian ever have a truly secular job? Preaching is important, but it’s simply not true that God is disinterested in what you do if you happen to be a lawyer, accountant or secretary.

The dualistic approach to life results in our functioning in two different worlds—and wearing out the path between them. Each world (spiritual and secular) seems very separate, thus it becomes easy to think that what transpires in one has little to do with what goes on in the other. Prayer is spiritual; work is secular. Bible study is spiritual; going on a date with my mate is secular. Teaching a Bible class is spiritual; reading a book to my child is secular. But for the saint, aren’t both worlds inseparably tied together? Isn’t that what Jesus demonstrated in His life?

Obviously, on those occasions when Jesus was teaching and healing He was engaged in spiritual activity. But what about when He was eating a meal with friends or asleep in the stern of a fishing boat? Was He only involved in secular pursuits? Are the activities different? Certainly. Was it a case of Jesus looking to glorify the Father in one set of activities, but not the others? Certainly not.

God’s desire for this same level of “presence” with us is manifested in a number of images, such as the vine and the branches (John 15:1ff). The branch must “abide” in the vine; that is, to dwell, reside, inhabit, continue. Though there are distinct differences between the vine and the branch, the connection between them is such that no definitive line can be drawn where one begins and the other ends. It’s this connection that brings the branch life and causes growth and development.

More Than An Occasional Visitor

What about the image of the temple in 1 Corinthians 6:19? Was God merely an occasional visitor who only showed up on Sabbaths and other feast days—or was the temple His permanent residence? God didn’t come and go. He didn’t appear, disappear and reappear. Instead, the temple proclaimed God’s continual presence and availability to the people of Israel—and that presence should have altered their conduct. And because it didn’t, the sin of Israel became too great for Him to dwell there any longer.

Perhaps the best image to convey the divine desire in this realm is that of a bride (Rev. 21:2). The church is described with a variety of terms, each indicating a unique element. (1) “Kingdom” speaks of rule; (2) “priesthood” speaks of service; (3) “household” portrays the family connection; and (4) “bride” communicates intimacy. Healthy marriages have a sense of “remaining” with each other. Though I may be separated from my wife by geographical distance, she remains a part of me and therefore routine decisions frequently are made with her in mind.

What we take away from each of these images is the fact that we are never “away” from God and He is never “away” from us—and it ought to change who we are and how we act. God doesn’t show up first thing Sunday morning only to depart after the closing prayer Sunday night. He is just as present in our lives Monday through Saturday and desires that we recognize His presence in every aspect of our existence. In Psalm 139 David forever answered the question, “Does God know what is happening in my life and does He care?” The question that remains is, will we embrace the perspectives inherent in those truths?

What changes would occur in our lives if we acknowledged God’s very real presence in every sphere of our existence—and not just those realms we deem “spiritual”? Let’s “translate” that into some practical terms as we seek to glorify God in our lives.

Our Work, Marriages, and Daily Situations

No one doubts that God is both present and very much interested in our gathering on Sunday to worship. But do we understand that God is just as present and just as interested in how we conduct ourselves on the job? Therefore, how we behave at work either brings Him glory or dishonor. Isn’t that what Paul is teaching in Ephesians 6:5-9 and Colossians 3:22-25? Yet, the Lord’s cause is often hindered and His good name disgraced because a slothful, tardy, stubborn employee who refuses to flesh out the principles contained in the previously mentioned passages. The connection between our Christianity and our employment is inseparable.

Or what about our marriages? Do we know that poor conduct with our mates is sinful and can fracture our relationship with God (Mal.2:13f; 1 Pet.3:7)? We’re deluded if we think that God cares how I worship in a church building, but is indifferent when it comes to how I treat my mate at home. A Christian’s marriage is to provide a powerful image to the world of the wonderful relationship that exists between Christ and His church—and thus brings glory to Him. Yet, how often do Christian marriages cast a dark cloud over this magnificent parallel and thereby bring dishonor to Him?

Wouldn’t seeing God more clearly at home change my approach in raising my children? Would it alter the way I treat people if I was as keenly aware of His presence in the Wal-Mart check-out line as I am when I’m engaged in worship on a Sunday morning? And wouldn’t abandoning our dualistic approach to daily life improve the meaning and depth of my worship when I did gather on the Lord’s Day—and thus bring Him greater glory?

“Whatever You do…”

“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). Friends, even the most mundane things in a saint’s life can be used to bring glory to our God if they’re viewed with the proper perspective. God is too small if our relationship with Him is confined to a church building, for He desires the totality of our lives to be genuinely spiritual. Not just things like prayer, Bible study and collective worship, but that every aspect of our lives is done to His glory and honor.

Conversations usually go like this: “Hey John, guess what? Remember that tool you were looking for? Yeah, I found it on sale for $19.99 at the hardware store—that’s twenty dollars cheaper than anywhere else! You want me to pick one up for you? Great!”

How many conversations like this have we had? Okay, maybe it wasn’t tools, instead it was clothing or shoes, but you most likely at some point have found an unbelievable bargain at the store. What is the first thing you do? You think of a friend or family member that you have to tell about it right away! Are you worried about how he or she will receive it? Are you concerned if you “know enough” about the sale? Does it cross your mind that someone else would be better suited to inform your mom about this two-for-one sale on shoes? No, without delay, you grab your cell phone and start calling or texting. It’s pure excitement.

Even the most introverted person has overcome the fear of talking when he has found something about which he is truly passionate. I once had a person tell me, “Aaron, I’m not emotional like you are.” Well, then I watched a football game with him and found out quite the opposite. We are all passionate about something. What is it for you?

It is not my intention to trivialize the gospel by comparing it to a sale at the store, but please consider this, what kind of “deal” is Jesus offering? He is offering the “water of eternal life.” Not shoes or a cute outfit. No sliding compound miter saw. He is offering eternal life in heaven with God. What’s the cost? Well the last page of the Bible says, “And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev.22:17). Did you hear the word—“freely?” Can you get a better deal than that? It’s no wonder the same verse tells the bride of Christ to join with the Spirit in saying, “Come!”

In John four, we see a powerful demonstration. When the woman at the well had her moment with Jesus, she left her water pot and hurried into the city. An entire city of Samaritans was led to faith in Jesus as a result of her simple message, “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” (John 4:29). Think of the excuses she could have provided for not telling the story of Jesus. “I don’t know enough,” or, “I’m a woman,” or “I’ve been with five different men.” Her passion for Jesus as the Messiah overcame any barrier.

Can you and I do this? Of course we can! It is not often a matter of ability, but rather desire and choice. The Samaritan woman had her spiritual gaze fixed upon Jesus. Her knowledge was limited, her understanding on some matters was flawed, and her moral background was dark, but the light of Jesus shone in her heart and created a new person. As Paul wrote, “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor.4:6).

We sing about saving souls and spreading the Word, but are we serious about it? I heard a preacher ask once, “Has the church building become our bushel under which we have hidden our light?”

Whose Story Do We Tell?

Jesus’ words to the former demon-possessed man are words for us to consider as well. Jesus said, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you” (Mark 5:19). Although our personal story can and will connect with others, we must remember that it is His story, not ours, that will save lost souls (Rom.1:16). Remember, it is all for His glory.

Are We Excited About the Story?

Has the “fire” in our heart been quenched by complacency? If so, may we all fall to our knees and beg for forgiveness and revival. Let us “repent and do the first works” by getting our hearts (not just our intellect) back into Scripture. Associate with Christians that truly care for souls like Jesus does.

Are We Living the Story?

Always be mindful that we are telling a story in every place and at every moment. Hopefully it is His story. When we take the communion on Sunday (1 Cor.11:26), when we behave with integrity in the workplace (Titus 2:9-10), or when we have a good attitude in a long line at Wal-Mart, we tell the story of Jesus (Phil.2:14-15). In our homes, when families love and care for each other and live in unity and peace, Christ’s name is magnified and His story is proclaimed (Titus 2:5; 1 Tim.5:8). During those times of trial, when nothing makes sense, we tell the story of Jesus by praising Him no matter the outcome (Phil.1:20). As you take an elderly widow to a doctor’s appointment or help a stranger with daily needs, it is a testimony to the love of Christ and will lead to open doors (John 13:34-35).

There is no five-point plan to successful personal evangelism…let us simply live like Christ and draw people’s attention away from self and towards Him. As we live for Christ and serve others, God will provide opportunities (1 Pet.2:11-12).

“I love to tell the story of unseen things above, of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love…”

When we came to the chorus, the phrase that jumped off the page to me (and still does every time I sing it) was the line: “Praise the Lord, let the earth hear His voice.” We are used to making requests in our songs and prayers that the Lord listen to our praises and hear our petitions. But this song calls on the earth and all it contains to give attention to the divine voice of their Creator.

We certainly hear His voice with regard to salvation. In fact, “To God Be the Glory” was originally entitled “Praise for Redemption.” When we read the inspired word, we are in awe of the “great things He has done” to provide for our pardon from sin. We can hear with great clarity His voice from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, listen to Him” (Mark 9:7)!

But that’s not the only way God communicates His existence and expressions of love (Ps. 19:1; Rom.1:20). Fanny J. Crosby, the blind hymnist, wrote this beautiful song during one of her famous “night watches.” Her experience testifies to the fact that the earth can hear the Lord’s voice in the beauty of His creation.

We Hear His Voice of Power

Flooding along the Mississippi River… Tornadoes in Alabama and Missouri… Wildfires in Texas… These recent natural disasters remind us how helpless we are to control the forces of nature. We have made remarkable advancements in the fields of communication, science, and technology, but we will ever be at the mercy of Him who spoke it all into being. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen.1:1). And thousands of years later, this is still our Father’s world.

What this power demands is submission. In recognition of God’s power and might, we glorify Him when we revere His name and obey His will. The winds and waves do. How much more ought we who are anchored in hope and washed in the blood? Let the earth hear His voice and bow before Him.

We Hear His Voice of Provision

God not only created the heavens and the earth, He sustains their existence. I am reminded of this every morning when I take my coffee out on the front porch and watch the world wake up. We have a bird feeder, but it’s more for our enjoyment than the bird’s nourishment. The Lord carefully looks after them and over all His creatures, great and small. Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the Father” (Matt.10:29).

What this provision calls for is thanksgiving. Not only do we tend to blame God for things He does not do, we take credit for the great things He has done. When God provides, let Him hear our voices of thanksgiving. When we began to worry about food or drink or clothing, let us be reassured by His voice of provision in creation. He cares for the lilies of the field and the birds of the air. “So do not fear, you are more valuable than many sparrows” (10:31). Let the earth hear His voice and trust Him.

We Hear His Voice of Purpose

Sometimes, when looking at a breath-taking sunset or majestic mountainside, someone will say, “I don’t know how anyone could look at that and not believe in God.” That’s the point. We’re not supposed to. But what’s even more amazing is that the One who ordered and arranged the universe did so with you and me in mind. David marveled at the same truth. “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained; what is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him” (Ps.8:3-4)? God not only considered man, He crowned him.

What this purpose requires is fulfillment. Is there anything that has been created that does not have some function or use? When wolves were killed off in the Rocky Mountain National Park, the elk population reached dangerous levels and was deemed out of control. The solution? Reintroduce wolves back into the ecosystem. Let us not lose sight of our even greater purpose in the world. When we allow sin to cause us to fall short “of the glory of God” (Rom.3:23), we are not fulfilling what we were put here to do. Let the earth hear His voice and serve Him.

“Praise the Lord, let the earth hear His voice! …And give Him the glory, great things He hath done!” This we must do while we await the new heavens and the new earth.