Christ’s Mind (Philippians 2:1-11)

Paul explains why we continue to rejoice in the midst of trials and sufferings in Chapter 1. The Epistle to the Philippians is one of Apostle’s prison letters. He was in chains, waiting for his trial before the Emperor. Yet this epistle is not at all gloomy, depressing, dank, resentful, but competent, full of encouragement and rejoice. Why does he say again and again to the saints in Philippi and all over the world, “Rejoice, and again rejoice?” It is because to live is Christ even in all kinds of sufferings and tribulations. “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) Even though he was imprisoned in a rented house the gospel of Christ couldn’t be locked up. Rather, it spread more powerfully even among the palace elite guards who were chained together with the apostle every six hours. Apostle Paul described what every Christian’s life would look like in the Letter to the Corinthians. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.” (2 Corinthians 2:14) All Christians have been called and made as Christ’s captives to follow his triumphal procession and be used to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. Christ is our life, so we are guaranteed to win this spiritual battle on earth for which we’ve been called to fight. How do we win this fierce battle against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms? Our Lord Jesus set the example how to win. He is our example to follow. He fought the battle with his utter humility and overcome the world. Jesus says to his disciples, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:1-4)

Here “therefore” means that we not only believe in Christ but also suffer for him. It’s not unusual or strange for being afflicted and persecuted by the world, the stronghold of the devil. So, Apostle Paul says to all believers in the first century and throughout the centuries, “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.” (Philippians 1:29-30) We’ve been made righteous and united with Christ in the grace and mercy, long patience and suffering. God so loved the world that he gave his begotten Son and whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. God is just and faithful and unfailing in love that he forgives all our sins and even purifies us from all unrighteous if we confess. God promised Abraham and his descendants to give the gift of the Spirit who has come on the Day of Pentecost with the blowing of a violent wind and tongues of fire (Galatians 3:14; Acts 2:1-3). God made humanity in his image and likeness and now restored to be like him in fullness of Christ through the reconciliation of the Son Jesus’ blood which has fully met and satisfied with God, the Creator of heavens and the earth. Since born again in Christ, there is not only a sense of joy within but a new discovery of being persecuted and alienated from the world. This is not a strange thing at all as Apostle Peter tells, saying “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)

Is there any reason for Christians to rejoice in sufferings? Yes, ample, powerful, and overflowing reasons and motivations to rejoice in the midst of trials and difficulties. It’s Jesus Christ our Lord. He is “I am what I am.” Apostle Paul says in the Epistle to the Colossians that he is God in fullness and the owner of all things created by him and for him and through him. “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” (Colossians 1:15-18) He is in all respect, honor, majesty, glory, power, and might forever. He created all things through his word and for him. This mighty God did the most unexpected and striking thing that he himself became a human and did something unimaginable in man’s mind.

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

by becoming obedient to death—

even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:5-8)

This is the mindset of Jesus Christ. Though he was being in very nature God, he did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, making himself nothing, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. It’s called God’s incarnation. He was conceived by the Spirit and born of a woman at the little town of Bethlehem in the first century. When the incarnate God was coming, no one in the world knew except the magi from the east and a handful shepherds out in the field to whom an angel of the Lord told the birth of the Messiah, the Lord. No one offered him a room to lie down, so he was born and laid in an animal’s manger. John the Baptist well said of the incarnation of Christ the Lord in one statement, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) God has prepared a lamb that is the Son of God Jesus Christ to be offered as the sacrifice for the sin of man even before the creation of the universe. It’s been long anticipated and expected in heaven and on earth through generations and generations. The Law and the Prophets announced the coming of the Messiah over and over again. This is how a great company of the heavenly host reacted to the fulfillment of the law and prophecy of the Messiah.

“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’” (Luke 2:9-14)

The incarnation of Christ is glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. God emptied himself, made himself nothing, and took the form of a bond-servant, being made in the likeness of man. It is the way to glory to God and peace on earth. It is glory to God because the Son has come to fulfill the promise to redeem the elect whom his favor rests. Without God’s intervening redemptive work, man is bound to death and judgment. No man can escape from the Law of God. The Scripture tells, “The wags of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23a) And it tells, “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27) What is glory, God’s glory? Glory is what God is manifested and displayed as he is. He is loving and compassionate, just and faithful. He is the gracious and merciful God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Exodus 34:6). God is in glory all time and eternity. Elizabeth Barrett Browning writes a poem, describing so aptly omnipresence of the glory of God on earth.

“Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God,
But only he who sees takes off his shoes;
The rest sit round and pluck blackberries.”

God broke time and space and sent his Son to bring peace on earth to those whom his favor rests. What is peace? The owner of peace is God. So, peace is the state of tranquility in the midst of tumult and violence. Our Lord Jesus Christ slept in the midst of violent winds and storms. God is peace and gives peace to those whom he wants to give. Christ is peace. But how he has brought peace among the peoples is truly mind blowing, beyond human’s understanding and wisdom. He not only emptied himself and became a human, but also he humbled himself in obedience to the Father, even death on a cross. In this way, he brought peace on earth by breaking up his body unto the world. He was punished and afflicted and ashamed and mocked, and shed his blood for the sin of the world. Through the atoning blood of Christ, God demonstrated his righteousness because he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished (Romans 3:25).

“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:14-18)

What was impossible for the law could do has been done by the Son Christ Jesus the Lord, being the very ransom sacrifice offered in the heavenly temple and fully met the requirements of the law once for all. Christ Jesus is forever our high priest who is defending his children from all the accusations and slanders of the devil. Hebrews tells us this high priest has brought peace on earth by one sacrifice, making forever those who are being made holy. That’s right. By breaking his body and shedding his blood on that cross in Calvary, he set aside all the law requirements which were imposed upon the race who has never met otherwise. So now, the redeemed who have been washed and cleansed by the blood of Christ can freely come before the throne of grace, the holy of holies. “Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: ‘This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.’ Then he adds: ‘Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.’ And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.” (Hebrews 10:11-18)

That’s the mind of Christ. Although he was God in his fullness, he gave up all his rights to be respected, honored, glorified at all and humbled himself, obeying the Father even to the point of death, the death on a cross. Apostle Peter has seen the Lord, touched him, listened to him, dined with him, accompanied with him, walked with him, looked at him during his earthly life and witnessed his arrest, condemnation, death, and resurrection. He bitterly wept when he denied the Lord three times. In his letter to the saints scattered around the world he exactly wrote what was the mind of the Lord Jesus Christ. “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. ‘He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’ For ‘you were like sheep going astray,’ but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:23-25) Although he is only Person who can righteously and justly punish the wicked and the unrighteous, he did not exercise his power and authority but instead died for them who may repent their wrongdoings and evils to have the eternal life in Christ Jesus the Lord. Then, the Father has exalted the Son to the highest place in heaven.

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)

The Father God in heaven was so pleased with the Son that he exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Jesus Christ was raised from the dead on the third day and seated at the right hand of God until his enemies to be made his footstool. This is how Jesus Christ overcome the world by giving his life, shining the glory of God into the world and bringing peace on earth. And this is exactly how we live on earth by doing what he has done for us. That is to forgive one another and love one another. Jesus Christ is our motivation, our confidence, and our strength to rejoice in the sufferings and persecutions. Jesus Christ is our confidence to stand before the holy of holies, the throne of grace from where we drink the living water, welling up to eternal life. Christ’s mind is our strength to obey him. We have the mind of Christ, so we no longer live our old life, but the new life in Christ Jesus.

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

November 17, 2016.

 © 2015-2016 David Lee Ministries – All Rights Reserved.

God Teaches Job Beyond the Human Mind (Job)

Why is Job in the Scripture? Who is he? What is he? In this ancient book of Job, a man appears to be having a tremendous troubles and tribulations which come all of sudden without any warnings. He lives in the land of Uz and has a wife and seven children. He is very rich and has a lot of animals. He is devout and honor God as of his first priority. One day, he hears the news of one disaster after another. He has lost everything including seven children. Not long after that, he has been struck by terribly itching and painful boils all over his body. His three friends hear the unbelievable news about Job and have remained in silence for seven days and seven nights. No one says a word to him because they see how great his suffering is.

“Why is life given to a man

whose way is hidden,

whom God has hedged in?

For sighing has become my daily food;

my groans pour out like water.

What I feared has come upon me;

what I dreaded has happened to me.

I have no peace, no quietness;

I have no rest, but only turmoil.” (Job 3:23-26)

Job is completely bewildered and overwhelmed and confused. The iron hammering storms of calamity hit hard beyond his mind and comprehension. No wonder his three friends who have come to comfort him have gotten lost for seven days and seven nights without saying a word. No human language can describe what Job is going through now. It sounds very familiar when the news of rape, murder, human trafficking, drug violence, genocide, holocaust has reached our ears. Where is justice? Where is vindication? Where is righteousness? It seems no remedy, cure, and answer. No human mind can fathom the depth of evil and its height, width, and length. No human project is avail in resolving relentless injustice and unrighteousness down through generations and generations in this land. Job just wanted not to be born, saying “May the day of my birth perish, and the night that said, ‘A boy is conceived!’” (Job 3:3) Job has been destroyed whatever possible man to bear in physical level.

The sufferings has not ended in physical level but come in a more gradual and unrelenting way in soulish level by three friends who has come for comfort. This account stretches from Job Chapter 3 to Chapter 31. Then another young man, Elihu appears and rebukes Job’s three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar including Job. Elihu is right in saying mostly, but not quite accurately representing God. The three have taken the wrong position on the cause of evil that they keep on pressing Job to confess his sins which cause all these troubles. It is easy and common to believe that trouble comes from trespass and sin. It is true but not all, not even the least explaining the depth and height, width and length of evil. Look how has a noble man suddenly and formidably been destroyed, crumbled, and troubled in seconds. The devil has powerful force to destroy all the array of joyous and delightful moments of life with no time of warning at all. It seems the evils are going to destroy and wreck the whole land of the earth in the matter of minutes. That’s not true either. Look how the Nazis tried hard to eliminate the Jews from the face of the earth! A rabbi said that within months of the terrible war the holocaust survivors were getting married and having children after children. Look how the devil tried hard to destroy Jesus and was seemingly winning over him who died on a cross so powerlessly and helplessly. But the moment that the devil thinks that he is winning turns out exactly as the moment of complete failure. Jesus Christ did not stay in the cold tomb but rose again from the dead by the power of God, triumphing over death and scorning the last enemy of humanity.

The devil has formidable power to kill even the fourth of the earth by sword (Revelation 6:8). However, he is not almighty but one of creatures of the Creator. Although the devil has received some extent of freedom to use such a sinister force of darkness by destroying Job in seconds and torturing him with persistent and dire pressure to confess his hidden sins, in fact and certainty, he is bounded and hedged by Almighty God. Satan cannot pass the boundary set by the Creator at any moment, time and space, in heaven and on earth by any degree ever. In conclusion, he is not in control of any event or incident in history but God is all time and eternity. The boundary God set for his servant Job is that Satan cannot touch his life. “The Lord said to Satan, ‘Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.’” (Job 1:12) And the second time again, “The Lord said to Satan, ‘Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.’” (Job 2:6)

One of the lessons the Book of Job shines light upon us is that the devil is always limited and confined in his stupidity and folly though he is cunning and crafty. Satan never submits himself to the Lord but always in rebellion. He even thinks that he could be sitting above God, saying “I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” (Isaiah 14:14) Satan challenges God that Job would curse him to his face if he were stripped of his fortunes, his flocks and herds, and everything he has.

“Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” (Job 1:9-11)

Despite of all troubles and sufferings Job has not cursed God to his face. Satan is wrong always. However, he doesn’t stop and withdraw but keeps on attacking man regardless of the failed attempt. That’s what the devil is doing from the beginning until he will be completely eliminated and dispelled from the holy presence of the Lord. Jesus reveals the real identity of the devil, saying “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44)

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,

and naked I will depart.

The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;

may the name of the Lord be praised.”

In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.” (Job 1:21-22)

This time, Satan challenges God again that his servant Job would curse him to his face if he were struck of his flesh and bones. “Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life. But now stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.” (Job 2:4-5) But Job does not curse God to his face either. It proves that humans do not worship and serve God because of material possessions, nor because of physical health. We worship God because we’ve been made to serve him only even before the time began. Does Satan stop then? Not at all. He never withdraws but persistently attacks man through his friends who has come to comfort him, but it has been no avail at all. It’s because God has pronounced the solemn judgment upon the devil that no matter what he would be humiliated and ashamed, and thrown into the fiery furnace of eternal condemnation in the end.

“So the Lord God said to the serpent, ‘Because you have done this,

‘Cursed are you above all livestock

and all wild animals!

You will crawl on your belly

and you will eat dust

all the days of your life.

And I will put enmity

between you and the woman,

and between your offspring and hers;

he will crush your head,

and you will strike his heel.’” (Genesis 3:14-15)

What does God teach Job? God is teaching him something beyond his mind and comprehension. It’s about who he is really, especially how he handles the vicious monster of evil. Job has first been stripped of everything he has and then struck of his flesh and bones. His three friends has kept on pushing him harshly and brutally with words out of human wisdom and philosophy in the name of God to confess his sins. A young man finally has spoken something true, rebuking Job and three people. However, Job isn’t answered at all. He is yearning to know why he has been suffering so badly and horribly even. He directly appeals to God for an answer. He really wants to be answered why. It is not only Job but the whole earth is wanting on the tiptoe to be answered. God teaches Job and the whole humanity things beyond our mind and comprehension.

“Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said:

‘Who is this that obscures my plans

with words without knowledge?

Brace yourself like a man;

I will question you,

and you shall answer me.” (Job 38:1-3)

First, God summons Job because he is going to question him whether he is able to answer him. The questions of God are basically the essential elements of his creation of the world. The first few questions are the creation works of God. After a round of series of questions this man is in a critical position to answer.

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?

Tell me, if you understand.

Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!

Who stretched a measuring line across it?

On what were its footings set,

or who laid its cornerstone—

while the morning stars sang together

and all the angels shouted for joy?” (Job 38:4-7)

Out of desperateness and resentment, he appeals to God for an answer. So, God answers Job with compassion and truthfulness in a way helping him to see realities surrounded by him. God questions Job and humanity to see through the lens what he sees. What God sees is truth and reality because he is the Creator and the Beginning and the End. Job has eagerly awaited for this moment of being answered by God and hears the Lord speaking. As the Lord speaks, he has found himself lighter and smaller like dust and ashes before the Lord of glory and majesty. All his contentious energy to search an answer from God has disappeared and gone. He has realized that he is not able to answer any question at all. He has learned that he is standing incomparably far away and far lower from the Lord of heaven. Job has deeply recognized himself as a mere man and the Lord who speaks to him is a holy God who has made all things.

“The Lord said to Job:

‘Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him?

Let him who accuses God answer him!’

Then Job answered the Lord:

‘I am unworthy—how can I reply to you?

I put my hand over my mouth.

I spoke once, but I have no answer—

twice, but I will say no more.’” (Job 40:1-5)

The Lord God speaks gently and kindly to Job, revealing the mysteries of the universe and the presence of the holy one in the midst of both peaceable and tumultuous times in history. Job is so resentful and sorry for the unspeakable surroundings that he is accusing of God’s silence when he utterly needs an answer. It sounds very familiar with us. When things are pretty going well, we think that God is with us, watching over us. But when things are not going well, we cry out where he is. Listen to the cry of Prophet Elijah who is hiding himself in a cave from the hands of Queen Jezebel. “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” (1 Kings 19:10) A psalmist outcries for God’s silence on unfair treatments to the wicked who do not care justice and righteousness but only concern their interests and benefits and yet flourish, while the righteous seem to keep their hearts pure in vain, being persecuted and afflicted in their midst.

“Therefore their people turn to them

and drink up waters in abundance.

They say, ‘How would God know?

Does the Most High know anything?’

This is what the wicked are like—

always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.

Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure

and have washed my hands in innocence.

All day long I have been afflicted,

and every morning brings new punishments.” (Psalm 73:10-14)

God cares Elijah, a psalmist, and Job so dearly and speaks to them when they are silently listening. The Lord speaks to Elijah in a gentle whispering voice, to a psalmist in heart, to Job in patience. Gradually and quietly, the Lord is opening the eyes of heart and mind of his people, enabling them to see what he sees and thinks. Job’s heart and mind is surprisingly uplifted and awakened when he carefully listens to the Lord speaking. His resentment and bitterness has dramatically been diminished but the expectations in knowing this tremendous God speaking to him directly is blossoming and growing. When he is ready to listen, the Lord speaks about the most mysterious thing regarding the secret of evil. The names of evils are Behemoth and Leviathan whom God has made along with man and the universe (Job 40:15-41:34). These two animals indicate Satan who has rebelled against God the Creator. Prophet Isaiah says the fall of morning star, son of dawn because he wants to sit enthroned on the mount of assembly and to ascend above the tops of the clouds.  

“How you have fallen from heaven,

morning star, son of the dawn!

You have been cast down to the earth,

you who once laid low the nations!

You said in your heart,

‘I will ascend to the heavens;

I will raise my throne

above the stars of God;

I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly,

on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon.

I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;

I will make myself like the Most High.’

But you are brought down to the realm of the dead,

to the depths of the pit.” (Isaiah 14:12-15)

This monster has still access to humanity in all realms of life, arousing and stirring our hearts to doubt God and his capability and to follow and worship idols. The devil is more cunning and crafty than any of the wild animals. He is a liar, the father of lie from the beginning and persistently provokes the victimized humanity to challenge God whether he is able to rescue them. At times, we’re so blinded and darkened that we demand justice to be done now instead of waiting in patience and letting the Lord handle it in due course. That’s the devil’s lie. He stirs us up that we ought to rush to resolve this injustice with our hands, making plans to revenge the wicked and unrighteous and to restore peace and order. The devil is very good at constantly provoking our pride and haughtiness that we can do it with our own hands and intelligence, relying on financial resources. The Scripture says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) It is truly a dangerous practice to be proud and arrogant before the Creator God. That’s the stupidity of man. How can we bear when he resists? How can we stand even a moment when he opposes? No one can stand in his holiness and awesomeness. It happened before the eyes of the whole congregation of Israel when the Lord God himself descended down on the Mount Saini. It was the holy matrimony between God and his redeemed people of Israel. The whole congregation was invited to the holy wedding on the third day. The Mount and its surroundings turned into the most holy place by the holy one’s visitation, so that no one or animal was allowed to cross the foot of the mountain, or they shall be put to death by stone or arrow. It was the most terrifying scene for all people of Israel.   

“On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.” (Exodus 19:16-19)

When the Lord spoke the ten words of holy commandments with thunder and lightening, the people were terrified and trembled with fear. They could not bear any more the Lord speaking. They cried out let Moses speak to them because they would die if God continued to speak.  

“When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, ‘Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.’ Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.’ The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.” (Exodus 20:18-21)

This is exactly what Job must have felt when the Lord speaks to him out of storm. How heavy it must have been the Creator’s words, falling and falling on man. All words in man’s heart and mind have just gone far, far away from his lips. All accusing and resenting walls against the Lord has been shattered and crumbled piece by piece. He is standing bare and naked, completely disarmed by the holy and majestic God. He is found himself no words, so small and light before the Lord of glory. All left in man is the fear and awe of the Lord. This is the moment of being true man who gets knowing what to say and how to come before the Creator God. The Lord was pleased to hear at last when the people of Israel were pleading God not to speak to them but let Moses speak out of fear. “The Lord heard you when you spoke to me, and the Lord said to me, ‘I have heard what this people said to you. Everything they said was good. Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!’” (Deuteronomy 5:28-29)

“Then Job replied to the Lord:

‘I know that you can do all things;

no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

You asked, “Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?”

Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,

things too wonderful for me to know.

‘You said, “Listen now, and I will speak;

I will question you,

and you shall answer me.’

My ears had heard of you

but now my eyes have seen you.

Therefore I despise myself

and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:1-6)

Do you fear the Lord in your midst? Do I fear the Lord always? Or do we fear anything else other than God the Creator? He is sustaining all things by his powerful words, especially the master of lie, the devil who seems wrecking and demolishing humanity in seconds. God is stronger and more powerful than the devil. God set the boundary and the devil is in trembling and terror, not daring to violate the Lord’s command even a moment. That much are the children of God safe and secure. The Lord God says, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” (Genesis 15:1) Jude exhorts all believers in Christ Jesus with this most encouraging and sure words.

“To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25)

Prayer: Thank you Lord for being our God and Lord of all, watching over us all time and anywhere and no matter what. Thank you for speaking man who is even wrongly and ignorantly accusing the Creator with marvelous patience and majesty. Thank you Lord for showing your unfailing love and kindness to man who doesn’t deserve at all. Thank you Father, thank you for your grace and mercy, stretching out to generations after generations. May God help us to keep having the fear of your glorious presence in our midst. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

2016. 11. 2. 

© 2015-2016 David Lee Ministries – All Rights Reserved.

For You Have Been Raised with Christ, A New Creation (Colossians 3:1-17)

What would it be look like for the children of God who have been born again by the cleansing blood of Christ? It is not worry free, care free, easygoing life at all. All knows that. Rather, full of troubles and difficulties, and even persecutions. Jesus says, “Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” (John 15:20) However, the Scriptures tell us not to be afraid, nor worry, but to rejoice in sufferings. It’s so revolutionary and incredible. But we all know that the Scriptures never exaggerate or lie at all. It tells all truth and nothing but the truth. Is it possible to think like Jesus, live like him, and act like him as a child of God? I believe the answer is yes. But it is a long process to get to know that and live like our Lord Jesus did on the earth. The secret of life is summarized by seven words of Jesus, “You in me and I in you.” This is a new creation in Christ who shed his blood to cleanse the sin of the world. That’s what we are in God, a new creation. Here in Colossians Chapter 3, Paul explains what’s happened in Christ and gives exhortations what we ought to do in him.

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)

It is almost impossible to believe what Paul is saying here. We have been raised from the dead with Christ! Yes, that’s what’s happened in Christ since we died with Christ (Colossians 2:20; Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:8). We did not die physically because Christ died in our place. After we died with him, we rose from the dead with him. That’s a resurrection life, imperishable and immortal. What is impossible with man has been done with God. It’s a divine power that made us alive from the heavy burden of sin and the most formidable enemy of death. Jesus says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35) That’s eternal life we have freely received by the faith of Jesus Christ. We’ve made alive and vital, so never go hungry nor thirsty at all. It’s incredible and breathtaking. So, we can set our hearts on things above as we ought to, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. We can set our minds on things above as we ought to, not on earthly things. We’re now living eternal life in heaven with Christ. How could it be possible? It’s because we died and were buried with Christ. We died to sin, so we no longer live our old lives, but the new life of Christ. We’re in Christ and he in us. It’s a total communion with Christ. We no longer rely on earthly things but on everything supernatural and divine in Christ. Even things like food and clothing we depend on are all coming from the Lord of Almighty. Nothing is coming from us because we’re totally broke. Since we’ve been made a new creation, we ought to live in a completely different dimension of life.  

Just as the Risen Christ is invisible so is our life hidden with him in God. Christians aren’t different at all in all levels of life like standing and appearance. They suffer, bump into troubles, fail, and at times commit sins. They pay taxes, face floods and storms, play football, practice professions, raise kids, embrace social unrest, political conflict, and at times family troubles. They are humans just like others in the planet. Prophet Isaiah reports us that there is nothing attractive, no beauty or majesty in his appearance. He is Jesus Christ crucified in our place (Isaiah 53:2). Even the Risen Jesus was not recognized by two men who were heading down to Emmaus, walking and talking with him. Although Jesus was God in full, no one recognized him. But there were a few who were told and revealed by the Father in heaven like magi, the shepherds out in the field, and Simeon and Anna. People in the world are super busy in exalting themselves and worshiping idols. They are blind and in darkness. So, our Father in heaven put the hidden treasures in the world as salt and light. It indicates that the impact and influence of Christians to the world doesn’t come out of their appearance, far from the religious piety, but their presence because in them the true life of Christ is hidden. But one of these days, the heaven will open the eyes of the world to see the sons and daughters of God with Christ in glory, even in the eternal weight of glory.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:16 -17)

Now, it is our turn to take actions. What our God has poured out upon us is every spiritual blessing in Christ. Psalmist proclaims, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Paul spells out so aptly as well, saying “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3) What we ought to do in Christ?

“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.” (Colossians 3:5-11)

Growth ought to happen to every new born. It requires the decisive determinations and commitments in order to grow in Christ. What’s the motivation for making decisions of faith? It’s God’s unfailing grace through the Son Jesus Christ. That’s the most powerful motivation. But motivation is not enough. We need power to take actions. Jesus Christ is the motivation and the power. While we were still sinners he died for us. Even before we make any decision to repent and change our minds to believe in him, he shed his blood to cleanse our sins and to purify us from all unrighteousness. Paul argues that how he could not save us who have been made alive through the faith of Jesus Christ, saying “For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” (Romans 5:10) Putting to death whatever belongs to our earthly nature like sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry is only possible to the children of God in Christ. It is impossible for the unregenerate of the world to flee away from the earthly nature. Only the born again in Christ is able to put to death to all forms of idolatry. God never demands putting to death to sins before he has first made the provision of grace, Jesus Christ.

We all once used to walk these ways in the life once lived and experienced the wrath of God without finding pure and living water to quench our thirst and hunger. But now we have found the living water welling up to eternal through the faith in Jesus Christ. So, we must get rid ourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from our lips. We must not lie each other, since we have taken off our old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no difference whether Jew or Gentile, slave or free for Christ is all and is in all. Anyone who has been made alive in Christ is now a new creation in God’s sight. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Practically, what does it mean to put to death our old self? Psalmist says, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked, or stand in the way that sinners take, or sit in the company of mockers.” (Psalm 1:1) So, it means completely putting away all idolatry, wickedness, and unrighteousness. It means fixing our eyes on God the Father and Jesus the Son, listening to the holy words of the Lord always. It means fearing the Lord of glory and taking heed to the precepts and commandments of God more than anything else. It means truly recognizing the presence of the Lord in the midst of everything in our daily lives. Fasting and memorization of passages in Scriptures would be helpfully and effectively working, some say. Putting to death our old self doesn’t mean only on Sunday services, bible studies, or religious activities. Rather, it means always, day and night, public and private, home and away, church and work, leisure and chores, especially in our loneliness of time and space. Practically, it means getting away from pornography, sexual promiscuity, love of money, and love of self, even in thoughts let alone talks. Paul admonishes and exhorts every believer to offer true and reasonable worship to God, saying “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2)

Putting to death our old self means to be holy in every way, Apostle Peter says. “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” (1 Peter 1:13-16) To be holy is not an option but the commandment of God, so we shall be holy in all we do. We’re holy because we’re his possessions. Whatever belongs to God is holy. Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, so they are holy to God. How could we then worship idols by uniting our bodies with a prostitute? By no means, Paul says. “By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never!” (1 Corinthians 6:14-15)

How is it possible? It’s absolutely possible because we’ve been raised with Christ and seated with him in heaven. Paul says, “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:6-7) Of course, it’s not us who do it but Christ in us who does everything. We’ve been clothed with Christ who was raised from the dead by the power of resurrection. Christ indwells within us forever (Hebrews 13:5). It’s the gift of God promised even before the creation of the world. We’ve already been equipped with the power of God, the Risen Jesus Christ. We’ve been made a totally new creation in Christ. We’ve burnt our bridges behind everything in our old self when we’re baptized with Christ. It has completely done by divine and supernatural power. On the night of God’s Passover, the people of Israel stayed inside their houses silently and quietly without making any noise of plea for life. They completely had to depend on the blood sprinkled on the doorframes until the angel of death passed over. It indicates that they didn’t do anything at all to be delivered other than full dependence on his grace and mercy. Dependence on the work of Christ Jesus is the way to life, delivery, fulfillment, excitement, vitality, and even more abundantly and forevermore.

Why is it inevitable to put to death our old self? It’s because it is the way to put on the new self in Christ. No death, no resurrection, Scripture says. No suffering, no crown. Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) Jesus gave his life unto God in obedience to him for it’s the will of the Father to save the lost world and humanity. So, Jesus honors those who hate their life with eternal life. “Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” (John 12:25-26) It is not normal not to put on the new self even after we put to death to our old self. There is no other choice or alternative than putting on the new self. If anyone continues to refuse to put on the new self, it simply tell that they are not born again. They are still in darkness and delusion. Many, so many who crossed the Red Sea had been perished in the wilderness because they stubbornly refused to obey God.

 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:12-17)

What does it mean to put on the new self in Christ practically? It means loving each other as Christ loved us. How did Christ love us? He gave his life unto us. He was wounded, afflicted, crushed, bruised in our place. So, loving each other means not loving the lovable but loving the unlovable and forgiving the unforgivable. Jesus says, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:22) Proverb says, “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” (Proverb 25:21-22) Putting the new self is to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. These virtues are God’s characters. Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29) How could we not come unto Jesus who is gentle and humble? He is compassionate and merciful for the people who are like sheep without a shepherd. He wept over the people under the powerful grip of darkness and death. He wept over Jerusalem, the holy city which rejected the blessed Messiah and poised to kill him by the hand of pagans and thus invited the imminent judgment of holy God. This is what our God has been doing, loving his children in compassion and pity, kindness and gentleness, long suffering and forbearance for ages and ages. He loves and forgives a contrite and broken heart and fills with his overflowing love, peace and joy.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

So now, what do we say? Thank you Father in heaven for being our shepherd though we are like sheep, getting lost and weary always not knowing where to turn, stop, or go. Thank you Lord for the knowledge of mystery which you have disclosed generously and lavishly in our hearts and minds that Jesus Christ lives in us forever. “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) Thank you Jesus for delivering us from all evil to make us live a holy and worthy life of the Lord. Amen.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing,

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.” (Psalm 23:1-6)

P.S. Won’t you memorize these passages—Colossians 3:1-17 and Psalm 23:1-6?

 

2016. 10. 27.

© 2015-2016 David Lee Ministries – All Rights Reserved.