Wise Men Then and Now Worship Him

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him…After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.” –Matthew 2:1-2; 9-12 (ESV. Read Matthew 2:1-12).

A very familiar part of the Christmas story is Matthew’s account of the adoration of the Magi. We get the word Magi (plural) from the Greek word Magos, meaning scientist or wise men. Where did they come from and how would they know to seek out Jesus as the King of the Jews?

In Daniel a similar word was used to indicate those who interpreted dreams, and referred also to astrologers (those who studied signs and wonders, divination) and astronomers (those who studied the stars, likewise interpreting signs in them). Jewish people were forbidden to practice divination. We know these visitors were Gentiles, possibly from Persia. The Nova (new) Star they had seen in their eastern lands was interpreted by them to mean that a new King of the Jews had been born. The logical place to find a King of the Jews was in Jerusalem, so they began their trek. Since the Jews had been in exile in Babylon and Persia, they may have taught the people there about the prophecies concerning a Messiah King who was to be born. Numbers 24:17 was held as a prophetic scripture forthtelling this king: “I see him but not now; I behold him, but not near; a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.”

It was logical for the visitors from the East to inquire at the palace of King Herod about the newborn king whose star they had seen rise in the east. Herod was troubled at their inquiry but did not know about any newborn king. He called in Jewish scribes and priests to inquire where their king was to be born. They could quickly quote for him from Micah 5:2, giving Bethlehem as the place of the expected birth. They knew the scripture, but strangely enough, these learned men of Israel did not go on the quest with the Magi. Neither Herod, although troubled, for his reign was constantly in jeopardy, did not go with them, but asked them to return to him when they had found the child so that he, too, could go and pay his homage. Immediately upon their leaving the palace, the star returned again to guide them.

Soon it was over the house where the child, Mary and Joseph resided. Notice that by the time the Magi arrived, the holy family was in “a house,” not the stable where Jesus was born. This is one clue that time had passed. Another would come with King Herod’s decree later. When they found the Babe, they fell down and worshiped Him. Did these from a pagan land know the significance of the child they worshiped? It is doubtful that they knew the impact of His nature and mission, but in their action there was a foreshadowing of the time when all the Gentile nations would come to acknowledge and recognize him. Also the presentation of gifts in worship was significant. They brought their best gifts to the baby King. The number of gifts has led us to believe there were three wise men. However, we do not know their numbers. The gifts were symbolic: gold represented Christ’s royalty; frankincense his divinity; and myrrh his passion and sacrificial death. Many scholars have thought that the gifts to Jesus were used to finance the family’s trip and stay in Egypt when they fled to escape Herod’s decree of death for all male infants two and under.

Of vital importance in the Magi’s visit is their quest, its fulfillment, worship, the gifts and the symbolism of Jesus coming to be not just the King of the Jews but the Savior of the world. Wise men worshiped Him in the first year of our Lord (Anno Domini). Those who still seek after Him, trust Him and worship Him today are wise, indeed.

Prayer. The Christmas story in all its parts helps us to see the completeness of God’s plan of grace. Thank you that Gentiles came to the light of Your dawning. It is wise to seek and follow the Lord. Amen. –Ethelene Dyer Jones 12.28.2014

What Christmas Really Means

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” –Luke 2:7 (KJV)

The Word for all ages is contained in this verse from Luke. We heard it as children and were awed. We read (and have memorized) it as adults and still we try to comprehend its depth, breadth, height and meaning. I am a person who loves words and seeks to express through my own writing thoughts and impressions of my mind and heart. I long ago accepted by faith the immense truth of this statement from the gospel of Luke. For many Christmases now I have sought to express in poetic thought what this profound statement in Luke 2:7 means. I share with you here my poetic thoughts for Christmas, 2014. May God bless us all as we worship and adore Him.

What Christmas Really Means

“For my eyes have seen Your salvation that You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” –Luke 2:30-32 (ESV)

More than two thousand years have passed

Since first the angels sang,

“Peace on earth, good-will to men,”

And hills and valleys rang

Echoing the news of glorious worth,

“A Savior is born tonight,

God’s only begotten Son to earth,

Come to bring peace and right.”

This Baby born in Bethlehem

Of King David’s lineage pure

Certainly the Messiah promised

Would reign with peace secure.

But mankind in his anger

And rulers with jealous rage

Would not accept God’s offered peace

For that and every age.

On a cruel cross He met His death,

This Son of Virgin Mary,

A sacrifice for sins of men

Upon Himself to carry.

The New Covenant with God and man

He mediated with His blood,

And once-for-all in sacred trust

In humble love He stood

To bear mankind’s sins upon Himself

His life bartered for our shame;

Now we can come to God, restored,

Through the power of Jesus’ name.

When we say, “Joyous Christmas”

Are we thinking of the cost,

How spanning earth and heaven,

Jesus paid the very most,

A life for lives, one for many,

To satisfy mankind’s breach

And give a pure sacrifice

Humanity’s heart to reach?

Yes, more than two thousand years have passed

And we stumble still in sin.

Look up, believe, confess, trust Christ,

And know true peace within.

-Ethelene Dyer Jones (Christmas Poem, 2014)

12.21.2014.

A Light to the Nations – A Messianic Prophecy

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and His glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” – Isaiah 60:1-3 (ESV).

This prophecy has a two-fold emphasis. The Messiah, who is the Light to all nations, will come. Then, because He has come, God will put His light and beauty upon the people, attracting the nations to the Light of Christ. Jesus said during His earthly ministry, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32, ESV). He spoke of the death whereby He would die as a sacrifice for our sins; the cross is a sign beckoning all people to come to redemption and faith in Him. 

 

Isaiah is foreseeing the glory of all of God’s people being united under the Light. The bright future of God’s people calls for faith and action. We cannot stand dormant in the Light. “The Lord will arise upon you, and His glory will be seen in you” (v. 2) indicates that God will make a clear distinction between His own people and those who still remain in darkness, those who have not acknowledged Him.  But those with the Light have an obligation to bear His light:

The fulfillment of this prophecy from Isaiah was spoken by Simeon when Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem when he was forty days old. There old Simeon blessed Jesus and said, “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation that You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel” (Luke 2:29-32, ESV). Imagine the joy old Simeon had in seeing and holding the Son of God! He had been promised the privilege of doing so before his death, and the occasion of Jewish purification of Mary and child was the event that linked the prophecy to the fulfillment Simeon was experiencing. This is another example of how God fulfills what He promises.

Jesus’ declaration can be true for all His followers: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12, ESV). He furthermore told us to be lights for Him: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16, ESV). To be light is to wield positive influence. We speak of coming to the light of the truth. A single candle can banish the darkness in a room. Likewise, a Christian life, lived under the direction, influence and power of the Lord Jesus Christ can make an untold difference in lighting others to Him for salvation. This is every Christian’s calling: to come to the Light and to reflect His light.

Prayer. Lord, Christmas was filled with light. The star shone to lead Wise Men to Jesus at Bethlehem. “The glory of the Lord” that surrounded the shepherds as they heard the announcement by the angels of the Savior’s birth was accompanied by a great light. And Jesus, the Light of the world, tells us, “You are the light of the world!” Let us arise, shine, for our light is come!” In December in most of our churches, we have a double emphasis: remembering the coming of the Lord Christ to earth, and fulfilling his commission to “go, tell, share, bear light to others!” May we be faithful! Amen.

–Ethelene Dyer Jones 12.14.2014.

A New Covenant Established – A Messianic Prophecy

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord, for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity and I will remember their sin no more.’” –Jeremiah 31-31-34 (ESV).

The new covenant with God’s people will be written in the hearts of the people the prophet Jeremiah declared (Jeremiah 31:33). God had really intended that relationship all along, since His first covenant with Abraham. But His called-out people time and again had forfeited the intended relationship with God. They had spurned the knowledge of God and made mockery of His forgiveness. They had kept outward observances of the law, as circumcision for the males and sacrifices offered for sins. Even observances of festivals and seasons had failed to remind the people of their true allegiance to God. Their hearts continued in rebellion.

Deep questions troubled Jeremiah and other spiritual leaders. Was there any hope for a called-out people? Could there be any assurance that a covenant really could hold the people close to God and assure that their fellowship with Him would be permanent? “The days are coming declares the Lord when I will make a new covenant…”

Jeremiah foresaw the Messiah’s coming into the world and His sacrificial death as the “New Covenant.” When Jesus instituted the Lord’s supper, He told His disciples, “For this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28).

The new covenant carried with it permanence and complete sufficiency. “Once and for all” the Messiah’s sin offering would be the complete atonement required by God. Many times in the Old Testament are recorded instances of renewal of the covenant between God and His people. Moses renewed it before the nation entered the Promised Land. Joshua, before his death, (see Joshua 23-24) led the people in acknowledging and reaffirming the sacred covenant. Others led in reminding the people of God’s covenant and renewing it. Some outstanding covenant-renewers were Samuel, and Kings Hezekiah and Josiah. But the new covenant predicted by Jeremiah and fulfilled in Jesus Christ is not just a renewal of the old. The emphasis of the new covenant is personal—it will be written on tablets of the believer’s heart. Anyone who places his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His atoning work of salvation is a recipient of the new covenant. God revealed to Jeremiah that in time anyone could come to the fullness of His truth and write that truth on his heart. Through Jesus the requirements of the New Covenant were accomplished. Through the wooing of the Holy Spirit the New Covenant is made known to all who will accept and believe in the regeneration Jesus offers.

Prayer. Lord, it is astounding to see the revelation of Your covenant to all generations and all people. Thank you that today believers can stand secure in the covenant You provided. Amen.

Ethelene Dyer Jones 12.07.2014

An International Invitation

“Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol Him, all peoples! For great is His steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!” –Psalm 117 (ESV)

I find it encouraging that the shortest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 117, with just two verses, is an invitation for all peoples everywhere to recognize God’s steadfast love and faithfulness and to praise Him.

The hope recurs in the Psalms as well as in the remaining 65 books of the Bible that the Gentiles will come to belief in the one true God. Paul the Apostle quoted Psalm 117:1 in Romans 15:11, and then launched into his reasons why he became a “minister to the Gentiles”—a missionary. At the heart of Christian missions is God’s love for and inclusion of all peoples in His plan of redemption. Paul again quoted from the Old Testament in Romans 15:21: “Those who have never been told of Him will see, and those who have never heard will understand” (quoting Isaiah 52:15).

Christian missions has as the aim spreading the gospel—the good news of salvation—to all people in the world. When Jesus was ready to ascend into heaven after his mission of redemption was complete, He gathered with His disciples and other believers on a hillside outside Jerusalem. Before He ascended to His Father in heaven, He had a final word for believers. In His powerful departing message, He repeated what was their major task: “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20, ESV).

Throughout my church and denomination during the month of December, we have a special missions emphasis. As we remember the Advent, Christ’s birth, and the reason He came to the world as a baby, we also remember that He gave us the Great Commission (as recorded in Matthew 28:18-20). Because God loved us enough to send us His son, then we too have an obligation to go throughout the world spreading the good news of salvation. This is the heart of missions. We pray for missionaries’ specific needs and give our offerings to help them go to places in spiritual darkness. We hear stories of spiritual progress in far places and are encouraged to pray more and give more.

We remember Miss Lottie Moon, who went to China in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century and made great inroads in telling people about the love of Christ. Our special missions offering is named to honor her faithfulness in service. Imagine if you were living in a land where the message of Christ had not been told. Would you not welcome those who came, as Paul did in early New Testament times, to tell you of salvation and faith in Christ that leads to a spiritual life on earth and a hope of eternity in heaven? That is what missions is all about. We give that the message of salvation can be proclaimed to those who have not heard. Won’t you pray for missionaries and give to support them? –Ethelene Dyer Jones 11.30.2014.

Thanksgiving

“I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify Him with thanksgiving.”

Thanksgiving is an act of worship. It is our gratitude directed toward God. Thanksgiving was central in Old Testament worship. It was also a vital element in Christian worship in the New Testament. Furthermore, we are advised in Scripture to be vigilant in giving thanks. Paul wrote this in 1 Thessalonians 5:18:

      “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus

       concerning you.” (KJV)

Maybe we find it very difficult to follow the advice in this verse: “In everything give thanks?” we ask. What about our hardships? What about the times when we have losses in storms or some calamity? “In everything give thanks?”

Think of the hardships the Pilgrims endured on the journey to the New World and their first year here. Yet in 1621 Governor Bradford of Plymouth Colony and the Rev. William Brewster set a time for Thanksgiving. They invited Chief Massasoit, Squanto and the friendly Wampanoag Indians to help them celebrate. The day became so important that our government set a day for Thanksgiving. When we say ‘thanksgiving’ we think of a special day. Let us hope that, although it is a time of enjoying bounty, a feast of our favorite Thanksgiving menus, it is also a time when we count our blessings and truly give thanks for the reasons this Psalm declares:

      “The Lord is gracious and merciful,

      slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

      The Lord is good to all,

      and His mercy is over all that He has made

      All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,

      and all your saints shall bless you!” -Psalm 145:8-10 (ESV).

What is on your Thanksgiving list this year? Remember to have a heart of gratitude for blessings large and small. Make your own “Catalogue of Thanks.”

For rest and comfort of each night,

For morning sun at dawn’s first light;

For water at my tap to drink

For family love and friendship’s link/

For food upon the table spread,

The fragrances of fresh-baked bread.

For clothes, for shelter overhead,

For every kind word fitly said;

For seasons changing, one on one,

For sorrow’s grief, laughter and fun;

The sum of every day’s felt needs,

For work and harmony that feeds

Our purposes for having life;

For being one with joy and strife;

For life abundant, salvation free,

A gift from Christ who died for me;

For all the fabric of my days

I lift my voice in thanks and praise.

-Ethelene Dyer Jones 11.23.2014

The Word—Sweeter than Honey

“How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore, I hate every false way…Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.” –Psalm 119:103-104; 97 (NKJV).

Do you love God’s Word? Can you say with the writer of Psalm 119 that it is sweeter to your mouth than honey? Can you attest that God’s law is your meditation all the day? Do you cling to God’s testimonies? Do you delight in His commandments? Do you yearn for the Lord’s precepts? If you honestly say yes to all these questions, then you do have a desire to know God’s Word, to cling to it, to follow it, to keep it in your heart and mind. Such was the desire of the writer of the longest Psalm, 119, which is a 176 verse acclamation of the excellence of God’s Word and how the Psalmist wanted to hide it in his heart, live by it, and gain delight and life from it.

Isaiah 40:3 reads: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’ ” Apply this verse to the present dearth of the knowledge of and love for the Word of God—the spiritual wilderness or desert in which we, by our own lack of study and application of the Bible—allow ourselves to live. But there is a voice in this wilderness. God has given us His Word. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be complete, perfect, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NKJV).

Paul’s strong word about the inspiration of Scripture, and its value for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness are emphasized. We don’t have to wander in the wilderness of apathy and spiritual dearth. We can be well-equipped with the knowledge and guidance God’s Word provides us. Systematically reading and studying the Word of God can supply a wonderful highway through the desert of our spiritual dearth. Just like the shepherds of old came upon a bee tree in Israel, and had the sweet taste of honey to assuage their hunger, so the Word of God can satisfy our spiritual hunger. It can go beyond providing for our spiritual hunger. It can fill us to overflowing with the precepts, joy and guidance of the Lord.

I need to establish some necessary guidelines when I open God’s Word, the Bible. When I approach it, I am entering holy ground. I am not seeking an explanation for God. He is, and I am seeking His voice. We need to pray, “Maranatha, Our Lord, come!” (1 Corinthians 16:22). Maranatha is a word we associate with the second coming of Jesus Christ. But it can also mean, “Lord, come to me now; speak to me now.” Each time we take the Word to study it, read it for inspiration, seek out its truths for our edification, we are meeting the Lord. He is speaking to us! Wonder of wonders, His “Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). We would see a difference in our churches, in our society, in families, in personal lives of Christians if only we would take seriously our love for the Word and be diligent in following its truths. As good as they are, a few devotional verses a day may help, but they are not enough. A deep-down, earnest, sincere study of the Word is what is needed. Can you answer yes to the questions posed at the beginning of this devotional? Would you like to? I hope you will say, “Maranatha, Lord, come! Talk to me through Your Word!” Then we will say with the Psalmist, How I love thy Law (Word)! It is my meditation day and night!” --Ethelene Dyer Jones 11.16.2014

That Which Is “Far Off and Exceedingly Deep”

“All this I have proved by wisdom. I said, ‘I will be wise’; But it was far from me. As for that which is far off and exceedingly deep, Who can find out? I applied my heart to know, To search and seek out wisdom and the reason of things.” –Ecclesiastes 7:23-25 (NKJV). “For I considered all this in my heart, so that I could declare it all: that the righteous and the wise and their works are in the hand of God. People know neither love nor hatred by anything that is before them. Everything occurs alike to all.” –Ecclesiastes 9:1-2a (NKJV). Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” – John 20:29.

So much escapes our knowledge. As the writer of Ecclesiastes laments: “that which is far off and exceedingly deep, who can find out?” We may study the Bible sincerely, but its rich mine of knowledge and spiritual wisdom may escape our understanding. Are we to despair? In our efforts “to search and seek out wisdom and the reason of things” can we gain enough knowledge to give us assurance along life’s pathway? Sometimes we, like the “assembly man”—for that is the meaning of Ecclesiastes, the one who calls a religious assembly or who is its spokesman or preacher—think: “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). But, fortunately for the wisdom-seeker, Ecclesiastes, the “assembly-man,” there is an optimistic conclusion to his searching: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, Whether it is good or whether it is evil” (-Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, NKJV).

I concluded the cited verses above with John 20:29 for a specific reason. Jesus had already appeared after His resurrection from the dead to some of the disciples. Thomas had not yet seen the resurrected Christ and had made the statement: “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe” (John 20:25). Eight days later, Thomas was with the disciples when Jesus appeared to them. He invited Thomas to reach and touch His nail-scarred hands and His pierced side. But seeing Jesus was enough. Thomas did not have to touch His Lord to believe. Then Jesus made an astounding statement that includes you and me and any believers: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29, NKJV). It is possible, through the eyes of faith, to see that which is “far off and exceedingly deep.” “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9, NKJV). The necessity for faith is clearly stated in Habakkuk 3:4b as the prophet forth-tells the vision that would come: “The just shall live by his faith.” This statement became the central thrust of Martin Luther’s “95 Theses” so boldly proclaimed in 1517 in Germany, the document that started the Reformation.

I am amazed and grateful that the findings of archaeologists are unraveling that which is “far off and exceedingly deep.” For those who would criticize and term many of the events and people of the Bible as myths and legends, archaeology is proving them true. Beneath the Gulf of Aquaba (the Red Sea) have been found Egyptian chariot wheels and other artifacts of that event in the history of God’s people and their protection and safety as God led and provided. Much will still remain “far off and exceedingly deep” for us. Part of it is the awesome mystery and wonder of God, the omnipotent, omniscient One. We have enough of His revelation and wisdom to link us in faith to Him. As the father of the sick child may we pray: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24b).  Ethelene Dyer Jones 11.09.2014

Search Me, O God

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” –Psalm 39:23-24 (KJV).

“Does He not see my ways, and count all my steps?” Job asked his accusing friends in Job 31:4. Both Job and David are implying their own integrity. David asks God to search his heart and to know his thoughts. The implication, by asking for this search-and-find from God Himself, is that David will be judged innocent of wicked ways. Job, too, in pleading his case before his friends, knows that they cannot find him guilty as imagined, even though hard times had fallen upon Job. In the thinking of that day (and oftentimes in our own day), adversity was sure evidence of guilt and punishment.

After David’s prayer in Psalm 139:19-22 concerning his enemies, inserted as it was in this marvelous Psalm of praise for God’s omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence and providence, it seems as if David is turning again to God in complete reliance and trust, knowing that their relationship is steadfast and immovable.

Recently a Christian group was talking about the value of keeping a prayer journal. We talked about how, upon reading the psalms, we gain very intimate glimpses, written down, of how persons sought God and found Him. All of Psalm 139 is a very good example of how a seeking person talks to God. This is a deep-seated, sincere invitation: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.” The assurance on which David ends, “Lead me in the way everlasting,” is reechoed and restated in Proverbs 12:28: “In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death.” There, centuries before Christ’s resurrection from the dead and His teachings about eternal life, the writer of this Psalm and the wise man who wrote Proverbs were thinking in terms of the everlasting way which leads to life, not death.

A poet named J. Edwin Orr (b. 1912-?) was reading and meditating on Psalm 139:23-24. He took his pen and wrote “Search Me, O God,” which was set to music already written by Edward J. Hopkins (1818-1901) to a tune that we call in our hymnals, “Ellers.” I invite you to make the words of Edwin Orr your sincere prayer today. If you know the tune, you might sing it as you pray it:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart today; Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray.

See if there be some wicked way in me; Cleanse me from ev-‘ry sin and set me free.

“I praise You, Lord, for cleansing me from sin; Fulfill Your Word and make me pure within.

Fill me with fire where once I burned with shame; Grant my desire to magnify Your name.

“Lord, take my life, for I would live for You; Fill my poor heart with Your great love so true.

Take all my will, my passion, self, and pride; I now surrender; Lord, in me abide.

“O Holy Spirit, revival comes from You; Send a revival, my own heart renew.

Your Word declares You will supply our need; For blessings now, O Lord, I humbly plead.”

When we ask God to search our hearts, we are actually opening ourselves to Him and at the same time becoming aware of our dross, sin and lack of commitment. If we faithfully keep a prayer journal or a journal of our spiritual “searches,” we would surely find ways to improve our followship and our faithfulness to the Lord. –Ethelene Dyer Jones 11.02.2014

Who Is Where You Live?

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with the fullness of God.” -Ephesians 3:14-19 (ESV).

I read some recent statistics that state the typical American moves his place of residence on the average of 11.7 times during a lifetime, or once every seven or eight years, depending on life expectancy. Life expectancy is another interesting factor. The 2014 World Health Organization had prepared a chart of life expectancy by countries of males and females. In the reckoning and charting, the researchers considered many factors such as climate’s effect on longevity, diet, health issues and yes—moving from place to place within a given country. The United States has an average life expectancy, overall of 79.8 years and ranks 32 among the countries. In our county the life expectancy for males is 77.4 (with the rank among other countries 32 ). Average female life span in the United States is 82.2 years, ranking this age as 32 among all the countries.

Finding this an interesting study, I listed the various places I had lived. For the first seventeen years of my life I lived at my father’s house on a farm in the North Georgia mountains. We did not move a single time. But at 17 I went away to college, and from then on my total moves to date numbered 13. That was 1.3 times more than America’s average of family moves. I had never considered myself a “gad-about” before, but looking back the major moves were for education, marriage and establishing a family, following my husband’s calling of being a pastor/minister (although his places of service were longer by far than the average) and the last move because of health reasons.

Considering the current mobility of our society in the United States, I asked myself a number of questions. I invite you to think about and answer these for yourself as I have. How many times have you moved in your lifetime? What are some of the challenges of moving? What is sometimes lost when a family moves? What is gained?

In our focal scripture for today, Paul had just reminded the readers of his letter to the Ephesians that he had been called as the “Apostle to the Gentiles.” As a result, he could no longer remain steadfastly in the place where he lived and worked before the Lord called him. He went on three extensive missionary journeys, traveling in a broad area of the Roman Empire. He was uprooted, persecuted, imprisoned. But wherever he was he learned to be obedient to his call. We read his declaration: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:1b). He further stated: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Who was where Paul was? “Christ…dwelled in his heart” (Ephesians 4:17 through Paul’s faith, and he was “filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 4:19).

In your moves from one place to another, have you been lax in finding a new church home? Have you grown cold and distant in your commitment to the Lord and to His claim upon your life? Is it time to move close to God, and to invite Christ to dwell in your heart in power? Is it time to let Christ move with you, to live within your heart, to motivate, propel and direct you? The Rev. Vance Havner wrote: “The middle of the road is a poor place to walk. It is a poor place to drive. It is a poor place to live.” Pray: “Come in, Lord, and live with me! Be the head of where I live!” -Ethelene Dyer Jones 10.26.2014

The Golden Rule

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” –Matthew 7:12 (ESV).

We know this statement from Jesus as the Golden Rule. It stands as a summary of the Law (Torah) and Prophets (the remainder of the Old Testament). And Jesus had said already in Matthew 5:17: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” How do I want to be treated? With respect, with love, with dignity? Then I must treat others in that same way. Behavior and human interaction are reciprocal. If we are “nice” (a word we use to cover acceptable, respectable conduct) in our behavior and interaction with others, we can expect to be treated in that manner. However, if our conduct toward others is undesirable, then how can we expect to be treated well? “But,” I hear arguments beginning to arise. “In this day in which we live, it’s a ‘dog-eat-dog’ society. People have forgotten how to treat each other with respect and dignity. I can’t treat people with respect or they will run all over me. It’s a cruel world in which we live!”

Yes. We hear these negative evaluations of our times on every hand, as if this mind-set allows us—Christians—to conduct ourselves in the same manner as those who do not believe in the Lord Christ. We forget that He told us, “You are light. You are salt. You are yeast. You are My children.” These metaphors Christ used to describe His followers indicate that we are to make a difference where we are. We initiate Christ-like behavior. In that way, the Golden Rule takes on a new and very purposeful dimension: “Whatsoever you wish that people should do to you, do you to them,” for this is the Lord’s way. The Christian is responsible for initiating the good and respectable treatment of others. This should be practiced deliberately as a way of life for those who love the Lord God with all their “heart and soul and mind and strength and their neighbor as themselves” (see Mt. 22:37-40 and Luke 10:27). In the book of Tobit, a popular Jewish writing, the Prophet Tobias teaches his son, “What you hate yourself, do not do to any man.” This gets near to the heart of the Golden Rule, a tenet we find not only in Jewish and Christian teachings, and pronounced by the Lord Himself, but in other writings as well. In fact, many of our laws are based on the premise in the Golden Rule. And certainly our Christian conduct should be grounded in a good understanding of it.

The term “Golden Rule” does not exist in the Bible. It is the name designated by scholars to denote Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:11 and Luke 6:31. It is found in many religions, sometimes stated a bit differently. But Jesus’ wording of it, and His command that we practice it, makes it special and unique, and of extreme importance in how we conduct our human relationships. Pray that we may be more conscious of the truth of the Golden Rule and begin this very day to put into practice its positive approach to human relationships. Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe has this comment: “Remember that practicing the Golden Rule means paying a price. If we want God’s best for ourselves and others, but others resist God’s will, then they will oppose us. We are salt, and salt stings the open wound. We are light, and light exposes dirt.” (New Testament Commentary. Matthew. 2007, p. 26). Are we up to praying the price to follow the Golden Rule?

-Ethelene Dyer Jones 10.19.2014

When Doubts Arise

“Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more? Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise failed forevermore? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies? –Psalm 77:7-9 (NKJV). “But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’ And Peter answered Him and said ‘Lord if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!’ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’”-Matthew 14:27-31 (NKJV).

When I talk to persons today, I sense an underlying pessimism, a near hopelessness, despondency, doubts bordering even on despair. I hear dissatisfaction about the state of our government and laments about the deep financial debts our country wavers under, the corruption in high places, the burdens of unemployment, loss of houses, high taxes. And these laments are based on truth: we live in “perilous times.” Just as the Psalmist stated in Psalm 77:2, “My soul refused to be comforted.” The Psalmist likewise remembered “the days of old, the years of ancient times,” (v. 5) as we are prone to do, remembering “better times,” when life was simpler and times (from our golden memories) were better.

The Psalmist poses a series of questions in 77:7-9 much like our present laments about the conditions of our nation and the world. Where is God in all this trouble? I paired the questions of doubt from Psalms with the account of Peter trying to walk on the water. Symbolically, I think there is a striking parallel. Peter, confident, enthusiastic, unaware of his own weakness, started toward Jesus on the water. As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, the water held no fears for him; amazingly, he was ‘walking on water’ (buoyant, unafraid). But then his attention shifted, and he became aware of the wind and the boisterous waves. When he took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink. I thought how appropriately the questions of doubt posed by the Psalmist parallel our doubts, fears and loss of faith in our government and in the present social condition with all its ills. We should be aware of what is wrong, yes. But as Queen Esther of old was asked by her Uncle Mordecai: “Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). Just as God prepared Esther and placed her in a prominent position in King Ahasuerus’ court in Persia (about 485 B. C.), just like Peter’s attempt to walk on water and nearly sinking, until Jesus rescued him, we should think that we Christians live in these turbulent times to dispel our own doubts and fears and to encourage and mentor those who hold such dark views of the times. Not that we should see through rose-colored glasses; we do, indeed live in a time of turning away from God, of injustice, sinfulness, and loss of hope. But above the troubled seas of our times, Jesus says, “Come!” And He holds out life, and hope and a way. “Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Since the sad event of 9/11/2001 when planes rammed into Twin Towers in New York in a terrible act of terrorism, America has been beset by fears and doubts. I am reminded of what President Franklin Delano Roosevelt told the American people after we faced the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” It takes a deliberate act of the will and much prayer to overcome the strong doubts and pessimism that rob us of peace of mind and prevent us from standing in the gap and acting upon our faith. Jesus still holds out His hand, as He did to Peter on the Sea of Galilee, and His invitation is still “Come!” I like the hymn we sometimes still sing in our churches: “Higher Ground.” Its words have a clarion call to us to move forward with the Lord. In this time of doubt, down-sliding and depression, the only way to look is up to Jesus, the “author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Think on these words of “Higher Ground” by Johnson Oatman, Jr. (1856-1926): “My heart has no desire to stay/Where doubts arise and fears dismay; Though some may dwell where these abound/My prayer my aim is higher ground.” When doubts arise (and they will), leave them behind and soar on wings of faith! -Ethelene Dyer Jones 10.12.2014

That Which Is “Far Off and Exceedingly Deep”

“All this I have proved by wisdom. I said, ‘I will be wise’; But it was far from me. As for that which is far off and exceedingly deep, Who can find out? I applied my heart to know, To search and seek out wisdom and the reason of things.” –Ecclesiastes 7:23-25 (NKJV). “For I considered all this in my heart, so that I could declare it all: that the righteous and the wise and their works are in the hand of God. People know neither love nor hatred by anything that is before them. Everything occurs alike to all.” –Ecclesiastes 9:1-2a (NKJV). Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” – John 20:29.

So much escapes our knowledge. As the writer of Ecclesiastes laments: “that which is far off and exceedingly deep, who can find out?” We may study the Bible sincerely, but its rich mine of knowledge and spiritual wisdom may escape our understanding. Are we to despair? In our efforts “to search and seek out wisdom and the reason of things” can we gain enough knowledge to give us assurance along life’s pathway? Sometimes we, like the “assembly man”—for that is the meaning of Ecclesiastes, the one who calls a religious assembly or who is its spokesman or preacher—think: “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). But, fortunately for the wisdom-seeker, Ecclesiastes, the “assembly-man,” there is an optimistic conclusion to his searching: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, Whether it is good or whether it is evil” (-Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, NKJV).

I concluded the cited verses above with John 20:29 for a specific reason. Jesus had already appeared after His resurrection from the dead to some of the disciples. Thomas had not yet seen the resurrected Christ and had made the statement: “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe” (John 20:25). Eight days later, Thomas was with the disciples when Jesus appeared to them. He invited Thomas to reach and touch His nail-scarred hands and His pierced side. But seeing Jesus was enough. Thomas did not have to touch His Lord to believe. Jesus then made an astounding statement that includes you and me and any believers: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29, NKJV). It is possible, through the eyes of faith, to see that which is “far off and exceedingly deep.” “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9, NKJV). The necessity for faith is clearly stated in Habakkuk 3:4b as the prophet foretells the vision that would come: “The just shall live by his faith.” This statement became the central thrust of Martin Luther’s “95 Theses” that started the Reformation so boldly proclaimed in Germany in 1517.

The findings of archaeologists are unraveling that which is “far off and exceedingly deep.” For critics who want to claim events of the Bible as myths and legends, archaeology is proving the accounts true. Beneath the Gulf of Aquaba (the Red Sea) Egyptian chariot wheels and other artifacts have been found. These point to the ancient Egyptians burial by water as they tried to pursue the Israelites who crossed the Red Sea on dry land. The artifacts offer proof of that event in the history. Much still is “far off and exceedingly deep” for us. Much is yet to be learned of the awesome mystery and wonder of God, the omnipotent, omniscient One. But we have enough of His revelation and wisdom to link us in faith to Him. As the father of the sick child may we pray: Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24b). -Ethelene Dyer Jones 10.05.2014

Writing Our Own Spiritual Diary

“The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Write in a book for yourself all the words that I have spoken to you.” –Jeremiah 30:1-2 (ESV) 

 

“My heart overflows with a pleasing theme: I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.” –Psalm 45:1 (ESV).

The context of Jeremiah’s command from the Lord God to ‘write in a book for yourself all the words that I have spoken to you,’ encompassed the time many of the people of Israel had been taken away into Babylonian captivity. Jeremiah began his prophetic ministry in the thirteenth year of King Josiah’s reign, and continued until the prophet’s death which presumably occurred in Egypt where he had been taken against his will after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B. C. Jeremiah was faithful in following the Lord’s command to “write in a book,” and we have the prophetic book of Jeremiah. It was to be an encouragement to the exiles when they returned to the Promised Land of Israel after their captivity in Babylon. It also has withstood as an inspired book of the Bible. Its themes on God’s judgment, His displeasure at the infidelity and sin of His chosen people, and His determination to restore a remnant of people unto Himself are all strong themes in Jeremiah’s book, written on the direction of and in obedience to God.

I receive daily and read with interest Dr. David Jeremiah’s devotional with the general title, “Turning Point.” The subject for Saturday, September 27, 20114 was on keeping a spiritual diary for one’s own personal growth and for the encouragement it can be to others who might read it, even in the future when the diarist has left this life to move on to heaven. The appeal to Christians to keep a spiritual journal or diary ended with this excellent quotation from Ron Klug: “A journal is an aid to concentration, a mirror for the soul, a place to generate and capture ideas, a safety valve for the emotions, and a powerful tool for spiritual growth.” I read Mr. Klug’s quotation with great interest, and copied it into my quotation dictionary so I could have it handy as a reminder. I felt grateful that for many years I have had the habit of journalizing, of keeping a gratitude journal, a diary, a spiritual journey notebook. 

 

I have Psalm 45:1 taped to my desk where I refer to it almost daily. I like its statement: My heart overflows with a good theme.” Even when I may not be having the most productive or happiest of days, if I can record something good about the day—and write about even the disappointing so that I can see in future how God worked His mercy through the situation—then my journal-keeping has helped me to grow as a Christian. The Psalmist said he addressed his verses to “the king.” I like to think that as I am writing, whether a journal entry, a poem, an essay, a newspaper column, a note of encouragement, a newsletter for some organization, and especially these daily devotionals, that the King of Glory is motivating and helping me. I have recently read some of my personal journals from several years ago when I was enduring deep concern, caregiving, coping with serious illnesses and other perplexities of life. Viewed from the present perspective, I can see how God’s mercy provided even more than I was asking Him to supply. I can well prove two of Mr. Krug’s benefits of keeping a journal: Rereading my own, they were ‘a mirror for the soul” and “a powerful tool for spiritual growth.” God shows me through the pages of my own journals what He promised in Lamentations 3:22: “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases. His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Why not begin to keep your own spiritual journal? I think you’ll be glad you did from the benefits you will receive. -Ethelene Dyer Jones 09.28.2014

What We Leave Behind

“As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labor, which he may carry away in his hand A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.” -Ecclesiastes 5:15; 7:1 (KJV).

Death is inevitable for all of us. Have you ever thought what you might leave behind as your legacy?

Perhaps you have read this story of Alexander the Great and his last wishes. It is said that on his deathbed he had three wishes. He wanted the best doctors to carry his coffin at his funeral. He wanted wealth he had accumulated, gold silver and precious stones, to be scattered along the path to his burying ground. He wanted his hands to be left dangling, empty, outside his coffin for all to see.

A general close to him asked Alexander the Great to explain these strange requests. The famous Alexander said he wanted the best doctors as his pallbearers to indicate that doctors have no power to heal. They merely administer the best practices in medicine, but healing is from a power beyond the doctors’ abilities.

He wanted his wealth scattered along the way of the funeral procession to show that it stays on earth. Remember the adage: “You can’t take it with you.” No one can take wealth to the beyond.

He wanted his hands dangling and empty to show that we leave earth empty-handed and that the most precious gift—time—is exhausted.

We take no wealth to the grave. Time is the most precious commodity we have in life, and for each our time is numbered and limited. As we live, we may produce and accumulate wealth, but we cannot control our time on earth. The biblical admonition is worthy to be heeded: “Redeeming the time for the days are evil”(Ephesians 5:16, KJV). Another legacy we can leave behind concerns the people whom we have introduced to the Lord. To help us in that glorious assignment we can resolve to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16, KJV). –Ethelene Dyer Jones 09.21.2014.

Being There

The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty…The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire. The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness.” (Psalm 29:4, 7-8, NRSV).

We are often saying to someone, with the hope that they will feel our support and presence in their time of grave need, “I will be there for you.” We have also said, in effect concerning someone who has meant much to us, helped us through troubles, encouraged, uplifted or inspired us, “He/she was always there for me.”

Today I would like to propose another aspect of “being there” that came as a reminder to me as I read a book by Chris Webb entitled The Fire of the Word: Meeting God on Holy Ground (Downer’s Grove, Il: Intervarsity Press, c2011). Using the technique suggested by Ignatius of Loyola, Webb invites us when we read a passage of scripture to imagine the scene as clearly as possible and allow oneself to be drawn into it—the place, the sights, the sounds, the touch. Pay attention to the details; “be there”. Then allow yourself to be a participant. What is your reaction? What is God saying to you personally in this passage? What would you say and do as a result of “being there”? Chris Webb states: “Over time, you will learn the art of being ever more attentive to God in Scripture” (p. 123).

Imagine what it was like when Moses encountered the burning bush on Mt. Horeb in the desert of Midian (Exodus 3 and 4:1-17). Moses was going about his tasks of minding his father-in-law Jethro’s flock on ‘the west side of the wilderness.’ See it: some grassland there for the flock to feed upon, but no other human being was around. Who knows? Maybe Moses was thinking about his people in Egyptian bondage and that he had killed an Egyptian taskmaster and fled the country for his life, even though he had been reared by Pharaoh’s daughter. Then in that quiet place, God spoke to Moses from the burning bush. What an amazed, astonished Moses took notice and listened. The Psalmist, in our focal verses for today, seems to recall vividly that pivotal event in Moses’ life.

Our “burning bush” experience is not likely to be as spectacular, but God wants us to “be there,” to draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us! And as with Moses—and so many others since—God wants to “be there” to speak to us individually and clearly. Moses offered excuses before he finally relented, went to his father-in-law Jethro and asked his permission to return to Egypt. From tending sheep to freeing an enslaved people and leading them; what an about-face for Moses! His obedience to the call of God stemmed from “being there” to hear and obey God. Our task, too, is to “be there,” to listen, to respond, to heed. May we be aware and obedient! –Ethelene Dyer Jones 09.14.2014.