Considering Love

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” –John 3:16 (KJV)

John 3:16 is said to be the most memorized verse of Scripture in the entire Bible. We learn it as children. It remains with us for the entirety of our life. We study it, appreciate its message, accept its truth by faith, and believe it with all sincerity.

Love? How could God “so love” the world that He would give His only begotten Son to restore the broken fellowship that sin wrought?

Countless scholars have written about it in an effort to explain. Millions of preachers of the Word have expounded upon it in attempts to clarify and elucidate the message. Unnumbered teachers have thought of ways to make clear and understandable the impact of the verse’s message and the extent of God’s love it expresses. For me, a degree of understanding—enough that I could accept it on faith—came when I was told to put my name where “whosoever” is in John 3:16, and read it thus: “that if Ethelene will believe in Him she will not perish but have everlasting life.” That simple exercise opened the magnificent truth of the verse to me so that I accepted the truth of God’s love and believed.

The Greek word used for love in this verse is “agape.” In “agape” love, it does not begin in the human heart but in the heart of God. Coming from God, and undeserved, for it cannot be earned, it extends to all persons who will accept His love by faith. Agape love is evidence of and foretaste of the goal of God’s purposes for those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Agape love brings restoration and redemption, and eternal life.

I read the story of the conversion of Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1832-1893), noted English clergyman. On January 6, 1850 a severe snowstorm hit the city of Colchester, England. Spurgeon was a teenage boy under deep conviction. Both his grandfather and father were preachers, but somehow Spurgeon had not been able to trust in the Lord for his own salvation. On that particular Sunday, the snow was too deep for him to go to the church he normally attended. He made his way to a small chapel where a lay person was substituting for the minister who could not get through the snowstorm to meet his preaching obligation. The layperson took his text from Isaiah 45:22: “Look unto me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.” The layperson in his halting way said “Anyone can look to Jesus. Even a child can look. God loved us so much that we only have to look to Him for salvation. Whosoever will, may look.” Then spying Spurgeon, looking miserable on the back row of the little chapel, the man said, “Young man, all you have to do to be saved is just look to Jesus!” That was the moment of revelation for Charles Haddon Spurgeon. That day his heart was opened to the love of Jesus. In reading his biography we know how many years he diligently gave himself to loving Jesus Christ and being a marvelous preacher proclaiming Christ’s love to others. In one of his sermons on John 3:16 Spurgeon said: “How sad that anyone should perish for lack of knowledge of the love of God. Jesus is near the seeker when he is tossed upon oceans of doubt. The sinner has but to stoop down and drink and live.”

The words of Frederick M. Lehman are a poetic expression of God’s magnificent love: “The love of God is greater far, than tongue or pen can ever tell; It goes beyond the highest star, And reaches to the lowest hell.” Thank you, God, for Your immeasurable love, reaching to even me! – Ethelene Dyer Jones 02.01.2015.

Peace Is Possible

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.” –Isaiah 26:3-4 (KJV).

I use the King James Version for today’s focus scripture because that version is what I used years ago when I memorized these verses. They are from the “Song of Isaiah” to be sung to the nation of Judah. They refer to a future time of judgment and restoration. A hostile power (unnamed by Isaiah) will be overthrown and the people will have “perfect peace” because their minds are “stayed” (centered, focused, fastened, kept continually) on Jehovah and their strength is from Him alone.

Our entire world and individuals within it are in a state of discord, upheaval and unrest. We are as Jeremiah the prophet wrote, “For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace: when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 8:11). I hear friends say that they do not listen to the daily news anymore because there is so much crime, war, poverty, distrust and upheaval in our communities, nation and world today. The bad news depresses them. Yet we cannot turn deaf ears to conditions and hope they will go away just because we don’t like to hear about them. How can we be involved with needs and pray for ourselves and others unless we are aware? The Word gives us assurance that peace is possible even in times such as we live.

The person will be kept in “perfect peace” whose mind is stayed on God. This indicates that peace is not dependent upon outward circumstances but on a solid inner relationship. It begins first as a vertical connection—person to God. The original Hebrew renders “shalom, shalom” (the word peace written twice) for “perfect peace.” Shalom conveys much more than absence of conflict. It carries the idea of wholeness, quietness of spirit, blessings. This peace gives a sense of fulfillment that comes from God and is dependent upon His presence in the life. Shalom indicates a right relationship with Him. “Shalom, shalom” intensifies the meaning to make it, in English, come forth as perfect peace—that which we cannot generate ourselves but which is a gift from God. From Him we receive “every good and every perfect gift” (James 1:17).

To have a mind “stayed” on God is to “Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2, KJV) Someone has aptly observed that we stay our minds on heaven, but we have to live on earth. The equilibrium of mind and perfect peace that God gives the individual prepares the person to handle anxious thoughts and concerns. We focus on Christ and not on crisis; develop dependence on Him, our sure deliverer. And the wonderful reward of this peace-seeking is “everlasting strength.” I like the glorious hymn—both its words and music—entitled “Like a River Glorious.” Frances Havergal (1836-1879) wrote: “Like a river glorious Is God’s perfect peace,/Over all victorious In its bright increase;/Perfect, yet it floweth Fuller every day;/ Perfect, yet it groweth, Deeper all the way. Stayed upon Jehovah, Hearts are fully blessed; Finding as He promised, Perfect peace and rest.” Please reread Isaiah 26:3-4. Then, if you have a hymnal with this beautiful hymn in it, turn to it, read the words—or sing it, giving thanks to God for His “perfect peace.” How wonderful to know that amidst trials, conflicts and far-from-ideal conditions God can give us His peace in the storms of life! 

 

Prayer: “Lord, I desire, seek after, pray for Your peace. Amidst the challenging problems we face in today’s world and the sometimes hard road of making a life and earning a living, may I know Your peace that passes all understanding. In Jesus’ name. Amen. –Ethelene Dyer Jones 01.25.2015

God, My Rock and My Salvation

“Then Moses spoke the words of this song until they were finished, in the ears of all the assembly of Israel: ‘Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak, and let the earth hear the words of my mouth. May my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the tender grass, and like showers upon the herb. For I will proclaim the name of the Lord; ascribe greatness to our God! The Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is He.” –Deuteronomy 31:30-32:1-4 (ESV).

Moses had already received the ten commandments. The tablets of stone on which they were written were placed in the Ark of the Covenant. Moses had the Book of the Law placed beside the Ark of the Covenant. He was an old man and the years of his leadership were about over. Joshua had already been chosen and commissioned to succeed Moses as the leader of the Israelites. In a solemn assembly, Moses lifted his voice and gave a farewell message to the people. Called “The Song of Moses” and “The Blessing of Moses,” these are recorded in Deuteronomy 32 and 33. The focal verses for today are a prelude to Moses’ long speech and set the stage for what he propounded to the people as he pled with them one last time to be faithful to God their Rock. 

 

A leader such as Moses had his words recorded for posterity. They have been studied by Bible scholars, taken as texts in sermons for centuries, taught in Bible studies, read for their depth of meaning and truths to be lived by. His song and blessing still inspire us today. Indeed, these words of Moses were “as gentle rain…as dew distilling…as showers upon the herb.” And the reason for the importance of His words for generations was that he proclaimed the faithfulness, perfection, and justice of God, our Rock.

Just this week I was talking to a friend, a fellow traveler along life’s road, who, as I, has faced many challenges in life. She and I are both “journal keepers.” We like to write down events in our lives and how we handled challenges as we met them. Having had the conversation with her after a meeting, I came home and took the time to get down from my bookshelf a journal dated twelve years ago. At that time in my life I had the challenge of caregiving for an ill husband and the move from a beloved home in the mountains to a place in Middle Georgia. A very important theme emerged from journal entries—some of which enumerated difficult decisions, challenges beyond my human ability and knowledge to meet. But permeating the sometimes shakily-written record of my days a keen and persistent message emerges: God is my Rock. He is faithful in all His ways. I did not meet a situation that He did not bring me faithfully through it. In adversity I learned patience and trust. I grew in faith and in waiting for God to lead the way.

Prayers voiced twelve years ago and written down as I look back in retrospect were answered even more graciously than I dreamed. At one point, on February 22, 2003, I broke into praise with these words: “Knowing that God is holy and just causes me to think that my learning praise verses and songs here is a small preparation for singing them perfectly in heaven. Here is my offering for today, 

Lord, in praise:

Praise be to God, the One all holy.

Praise to the Lord, our Sacrifice.

Praise and adoration, now and forever;

Our destiny is sure: He paid the price!” -Amen

-Ethelene Dyer Jones 01.18.2015 (quoting some from 02.22.2003)

Walking in Some Fearsome Places

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.”-Psalm 23:4.

We are told by those who do surveys to learn these facts that the most-quoted New Testament reference is John 3:16, a classic verse telling of God’s love for us and His sacrifice to restore man’s broken relationship with Him. And of the Old Testament references, Psalm 23 is the most quoted and beloved.

My daily devotional post for more than a week has been on the subject of the Christian’s walk. We have examined how we can walk in love, in righteousness, face and walk uprightly in a new year, walk in humility, walk securely, in harmony, in the light, patiently, and by the Spirit.

But when we have to walk in some very fearsome places, what then? We continue to walk using all the Christian characteristics we have learned about and putting them into practice. And even in the “valley of the shadow of death,” no evil will beset the Christian for he has a companion to walk with him through this veil of transition from this life to the next.

Think in terms of Christ being the good shepherd and being there to guide His sheep—His followers. A good shepherd, even of the earthly type knew well how to prevent his sheep from dying if they stumbled and could not get up. He lifted them from pitfalls, or guided them with his rod and staff. When they were hungry and thirsty and needed food and a pure water supply, he led them to green pastures and beside still waters. From whatever condition the sheep were cast down or were disquieted, even the pangs of death, the shepherd rescued them.

Recently some dear cousins and some close friends have gone through severe illnesses leading to death. Death is not a stranger to us, for our families experience the pangs of death as we deal with aging, illnesses, and accidents. Even when death comes into our ranks, the Good Shepherd “restores our soul.” He does this because He is “the health of my countenance and my God.” Praise God for His shepherding, even in and through the valley of the shadow of death.

Because we know Jesus, our Good Shepherd, we can pray triumphantly when death occurs to one we love: “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55, KJV). –Ethelene Dyer Jones 01.11.2015.

From the Portals of a New Year

“And I said, ‘This is my anguish;

But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.’

I will remember the works of the Lord;

Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.

I will also meditate on all Your work,

And talk of all your deeds.

Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary;

Who is so great a God as our God?

You are the God who does wonders;

You have declared Your strength among the peoples.

You have with Your arm redeemed Your people,

The sons of Jacob and Joseph.” -Psalm 77:10-15, NKJV

From the portals of this new year

I lift eyes to vales unknown

Knowing that what lies before me

Is beyond the light yet shown.

But I walk trustingly toward the future

Fearing not days yet veiled in shade;

For the Lord who spoke and daylight

Flooded earth still holds firmly what He made.

I can worry, fret and wonder,

Fill days with life’s uncertainties;

Or I can trust and with expectancy

Face the future confidently and free.

He ordained that I have perception,

Be aware of pitfalls, walk in narrow ways;

I rejoice in a year with new direction,

For this additional span lent to my days.

Where I walk in paths I travel

May they be labeled righteousness and love,

Following signs of humility and determination

As I draw closer to my home above.

In this new year with its challenges

I shall walk each day in pathways of light,

Not of my own making but ever augmented

By my Lord who lends me sight.

-Ethelene Dyer Jones

01.04.2015

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.