Times like these!

Times Like These!

Esther 4:14 AMPC

[14] For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?

Who would have thought that an unknown slave girl would become queen? Who would have thought that a stranger, not a citizen of the land, would rise to become queen? Who would have thought that a young maiden, who was also an orphan, would be instrumental in delivering a whole nation from its enemies? The story of Esther is one that always brings to remembrance the workings of God in the lives of men. It is God who orchestrates the events of this life to line up with His will. He is the only One who can use acts of rebellion and disobedience to bring out His will. This was where Israel and Judah were. They were in exile in the land of Persia, where they had been taken captive due to their disobedience. As always, it is important to note that God does not delight in punishing just for fun, but He is faithful to His Word. If He says I must not do something, it is only fitting that I do not do it. 

God's faithfulness also requires Him to apply the just punishment for sin, which He has consistently warned us about. This was the place and position Esther and her uncle Mordecai, found themselves. One thing must be noted: like Daniel, a change of scenery did not make them forget who they were or where they were coming from. Yes, sin had led to exile but like Daniel, they would not compromise on God's standards. Before we focus on the times we are in, and what the times may demand from us, are we people that God can trust with His secrets, sure that we will not blend in with the times we are in at the first sign of pressure? Esther and her uncle held on the traditions they had been taught, and this could be the reason why God found them as useful vessels at the time to save the people of Israel from total destruction. Can God count on me for such times as these? 

What makes this account critical to our days now is the fact that silence at a time was very important. Mordecai told her niece not to say anything about where they were from, and it must have saved them from trouble. However, the time for silence was now gone, and it was time to speak up. God had placed Esther in a position where her voice could now count for something. As queen, her voice carried the weight it did not have as a slave girl. Do I know when to be quiet and when to speak? Do I know when to let things play out, and when the right words spoken in season will be of help to other people? Silence cannot usually be quoted, but there are times when silence would mean agreement with whatever is happening. Like Mordecai said to Esther in the verse above, who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this, when the occasion demands that the right people speak? God does not make mistakes; I am where God wants me to be, if I am His child and obedient to His command. I ask God for grace to hear clearly, so I can speak timely words, and be a blessing to the earth I have been placed in. God's time of favour is here. 

Power!

Power!

Genesis 1:1 AMPC

[1] IN THE beginning God (prepared, formed, fashioned, and) created the heavens and the earth.

Hebrews 11:3 AMPC

[3] By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible.

The story of creation has been dissected and discussed across different generations. All sorts of theories and postulations have been laid out as how creation came to be. Some believe there was a big bang, and everything came together. Some say it was a process of cell regeneration that has matured and grown to be all that we see today. It is good to again consider all we have heard or been taught, to determine what is true, what is plausible, and what is impossible. As we take a look at the earth and all its features, you just have to admit that there is a power that must have put all these things together. As you consider how the earth and all its parts work together, you have to admit that a divine force must be holding everything together so that they do not fall apart. As we consider how long this earth has been in place, you have to admit that there is nothing of this earth that can sustain the earth of itself. 

How can the created sustain and maintain that which was also created? How can anything we see today be able to determine exactly what year the earth was formed? Who was there when the earth began? Who can produce incontrovertible evidence of the earth's history, unless you were party to its origin and purpose? This is why it is necessary to consider what the verses above say. They ascribe the accounts of creation to God. You may also say no one was there when God was making the earth, but this is why walking with God is not always about what your physical senses accept. Reflect on all that we see today: the seas, the stars, the sun and moon, and the mighty mountains, and you will know that a mighty arm, hand or heart of awesome wisdom made all that we can see. That is why God remains a mystery, as well as an amazing revelation, all at the same time.

The fact that all that we see today have all stayed in place for as long as we know, with nothing in all of creation able to stop the sun from shining when it is time, or the moon from coming out when it is time, all point to the truth that only a God of absolute power could hold all of these things in place. The verse above leaves no one in doubt as to the power of the One making the claim. Centuries later, the writer of Hebrews still makes the same claim, noting that God's word, which does not change like shifting shadows, is the Life behind the life that we see. Now, all of the above leaves a fundamental question for all of us to answer: 'What would you do with this information?'. Considering all the many things we have heard, sincerely take time to reflect, ask God to show you the truth, and then take the right step to follow the Truth. Remember: God does not force Himself on anyone. It is a step of faith; it is the product of my freewill. He has done His part; He has laid out all that I need for Life and Godliness. The response is now mine to sort out. How do you plead? God's time of favour is here. 

Benefits!

Benefits!

Romans 5:1 AMPC

[1] THEREFORE, SINCE we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

The verse above starts with a baseline. It is addressed to specific people: those who have been justified by faith. It needs clarity and exactness, so I can determine whose I am, who I am, where I am, what I can access, as well as where I am headed. These are not people who are able to stand on just personal recognition alone, but who know very clearly that whatever they are or have is a function of God's grace. They do not plead anything personal, like ability, capacity, connections, influence or value, but they have come into a special recognition of who Jesus is, what He has done, what He offers them, and they have taken full advantage of this knowledge. These are the specific people that the verse above seeks to address. Justification recognises that I could not help myself; it makes it clear that whatever I hold now is not on personal merit, but is given to me by One who could bring me into that special position. 

Faith makes it clear that it is not by labour or striving; if it was, not many will be justified. This is what makes what Jesus did so great and yet so dangerous at the same time. Men are still trying to 'earn' justification, because they cannot imagine getting anything of value for free. It ia great because all of us have been given access to this benefit, but it is also dangerous because no one can claim it by labour, or make an excuse for not getting it at the end of this earthly phase. We are made right with God, and restored to the original position we were in before the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. Sin changed landscape and destination for man, but Jesus came and changed the story yet again. At no time could man present anything that could make him 'earn' all that Jesus did for man, but now, man is in a unique position where he can claim all that Jesus is and has. 

What a wonderful opportunity, as well as a sobering experience. Sin took my peace, but the work of Jesus fully restored my peace. Sin took away my joy, but the life of Jesus in me has fully restored my joy. A lot of things may be going on now, but I rest assured in the work of Jesus on the cross, and how He took my place in all ways, paying the price I could not pay, so that I can be all that Jesus has promised to all who put their total trust in God. The end of the verse above is instructive: ignorance is a disservice to the work of Christ in and for me. The devil will try to keep me from accessing these benefits, and he has many schemes and devices, but this verse is a reminder of who I am now, based on who Jesus is and what He has done. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and the only One who can guarantee peace. He is all I need, and He has all I need. Would you accept and submit to Him? God's time of favour is here.

Kept!

Kept!

John 10:11 AMPC

[11] I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep.

Jesus was speaking to the crowd, which also included the Pharisees at the time. As we know, the crowd cannot be predicted. You do not know how they think at any specific point in time. You cannot predict their allegiance to anything, as the crowd is free to flow however and wherever it pleases. In the audience too were His disciples, who had followed Him for some time, seen the mighty miracles He did, and heard Him challenge the structure of His day with kingdom principles and standards. As it was then, so is it now. Jesus still speaks to all who are willing to listen and heed. The verse above is one of these challenging messages, which we all need to hear, heed and take necessary action on. Jesus made time out to publicly introduce Himself as the Good Shepherd. Why was this important? The people could identify with the work of a shepherd. This must have been a common feature in Jesus' days. 

What does a shepherd represent? This is someone who has spent time cultivating a relationship with sheep, not goats or any other animal. One online definition lays it out as a 'person who herds, tends, protects, and pastures sheep. As a verb, it means to guide, watch over, or manage a group, often in a protective manner'. The distinction made between sheep and other animals also has to do with the nature of sheep. These are animals which are docile and can be easily led. Sheep are also known to be intelligent animals capable of recognizing faces of both other sheep and humans, and remembering them for up to two years. Once they form a bond with the shepherd, he has control over the sheep. He is able to lead them out; he identifies each one, and the sheep also responds to him. I am not sure that there is any other animal that can be this docile. 

This distinction also relates to me: am I a sheep that can be easily guided, or do I love to insist on my own way? Have I invested time in this relationship with God, so that He knows me as His own, and can guide me at all times? This relationship of shepherd and sheep is not seasonal, where you get to access resources only when it is convenient. It has to be a consistent walk; a constant dependence on the influence, connections and ability of the Shepherd. The verse above makes it clear that the Shepherd is that kind enough that He lays down His life for the sheep. Which Shepherd is able to do that if He does not have a heart for the sheep? He has laid down an example that cannot be matched: He has offered all men a way to be reconciled to God. He has made a wsy for mortal man to access immortality at the end of this corrupted earthly phase. This offer is valid only for this earthly phase, and it expires upon death or rapture. He has done His part; how would you respond? God's time of favour is here. 

Remain!

Remain!

John 15:4 AMP

[4] Remain in Me, and I [will remain] in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself without remaining in the vine, neither can you [bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain in Me.

Jesus was speaking to His disciples at this time, which was close to His appointment with destiny. He had spent more than three years with these men; they had gone out with Him on different occasions, and seen Him perform mighty miracles. They had heard Him challenge the leaders of His day, laying out the truths of His kingdom to all who would listen. But here He was now, away from the crowd and with the men who had walked with, listened to, and seen Him at work. This was the time for private reflection. It is instructive to note that as soon as Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, He sat down and spoke with them over almost 4 chapters of the book of John. No other person is on record as being in those meetings, just the disciples. What this tells me is that the messages in these chapters are not for the umcommitted crowd, but for followers of Jesus. 

The demand in these verses are not for people who do not know who or whose they are, but for people who are clear about their identity, purpose and direction. Does this in any way describe me? The verse above lays out one of the conditions that a follower of Jesus must adhere to, and that is to 'remain' IN Jesus. An online dictionary defines 'remain' as "to stay in the same place, continue in a particular state, or be left over when others have gone". Reflect on that: to stay in the same place. You are not undecided; you are firm about your choices. You know what God demands, and you are willing and ready to stay in place for God to use you however and whenever He may please. You are not the type to go out and come in when you please, or whenever it catches your fancy; you are fully committed to the purpose of God for your life, and it is your daily pursuit. 

That is a life that fully understands what it means to remain. Other people may do a thing and seemingly 'get away' with it; you know you answer to a different master, and cannot do what others are doing. Why this is important is the second part of the verse above: the issue of continuing fruitfulness. I was made in the image of God, and it will be to His glory if my life reflects His nature. I cannot take anything outside of God to improve on that which is God's; only that which God supplies can bring glory to God. How can that which belongs to the flesh bring glory to the name of the Lord? How can a man live to please the flesh, and also glorify God at the same time? I can only take of that which is God's, to impact the world for Him, and to bring Him glory. If He is not God of ALL in your life, it means He is actually not the Lord of your life. Am I abiding IN Him, or am I seeking alternative comfort zones outside of Him? If my life will mean something, it must be totally surrendered to God. Is mine? Is yours? God's time of favour is here. 

ALL!

ALL!

1 Peter 5:7 AMPC

[7] Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.

Psalm 55:22 KJV

[22] Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Different verses; different dispensations, but the same message. One from the old testament and the other from the new testament, but the words are repeated verbatim. Both verses come from the place of personal experience. The same God who inspired David to write the psalm also inspired Peter to write the letter to those he called the elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. What this tells me is that it does not matter where I am coming from, the weight of the pain of the past, the pressure of the present, or the uncertainty of the future; it matters who is backing me up. Life will not always be fair as we think it should be; the problem of sin ensures that we would have to make choices on priorities, but we do have the sure word of God that if we choose Him, He will show up for us in amazing ways. 

That is a promise we can definitely hold on to, no matter is going on right now, or what may still come our way. For both David and Peter, they had a relationship with God that gave them comfort in the midst of pain. This is why the message in each verse above is personal: I cannot use someone else's life to measure my own. I can take the lessons from that life, and trust God to help me apply them the right way. David was a complicated man, and Peter was as well, but there is no doubt that both men were helped by God when they learnt to hand over their lives to Him for safe-keeping. Let it be established today that the created can never be wiser than the Creator. The created will always be limited in scope, vision, resources and ability, and it is the limitless Creator that is and has all that the created needs for impact. Am I the one in charge, or is God the One pulling the strings of my pursuits and priorities?

As both verses make clear, the conditions for accessing the help that God provides is to be His own. David refers to 'the righteous'. Peter refers to those that God 'cares for'. We were all made in the likeness of God, and we all have a measure of grace, but God's help is readily available for those who have made a total surrender of their lives to Him. He will not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill. My role is to cast ALL my cares, with the emphasis on ALL. There is nothing too big or too small to take to Him. If He made the mustard seed and the highest mountains, He sure pays attention to detail, and nothing escapes His attention. God cares for all He has made, but He has a special place for those who have given Him control. He takes care of His own, and He will preserve them to the end. Do not make any assumptions about who you are and whose you are. Make sure today that God is in charge. Your cares and worries will be taken care of. God's time of favour is here. 

Kept!

Kept!

2 Thessalonians 3:3 AMPC

[3] Yet the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen [you] and set you on a firm foundation and guard you from the evil [one].

This second letter written to the church in Thessalonica was a joint effort by all three of Paul, Silas and Timothy. These where men with different experiences in their walk of faith. We read about Paul and his many troubles in the hands of the Jews, and we read about Silas in at least one instance too, whipped and placed in prison together with Paul. We also read of the boy/man Timothy, whose birth circumstances placed in a big disadvantage, at least, in the view of the Jews of his day, but by the tutelage and mentorship of Paul, he became a force in the hands of God for the gospel. All of the above point to the truth that there is no life that God cannot use to promote His plan and purpose. There is no one so far gone that s/he is beyond the mercy and grace of God. My past or present will be part of the story of God's grace upon my life, so that it is apparent that if not for God, I would have been lost. 

That was the foundation of the verse above. These men were writing to people who had seen tough times. The audience was brothers and sisters called the congregation of believers in God. There is nothing on earth that can adequately describe all that God has in store for those who put their trust in Him. There is no experience on earth that can be adequately preparation for all that God will bring the way of those who are committed to Him. How can you fully explain this level of opposition and resistance to God's Word in the days of Paul? How do you comprehend why men resist the Word of God with so much violence these days, as it was in the days of Paul? Indeed, the heart of man is corrupt and desperately wicked, and it is hard to fully understand what it can produce. This is why it is very important that I give God full control of my heart. It is only in His hands, and by His lesding and direction, that my heart can and will produce the right fruit. 

Can I say, of a truth, that God is fully in charge of my heart? God is capable to play His part, but He will not force Himself on me, or go against the exercise of my freewill. He will supply all that I need for the journey ahead, but He waits for me to plug myself into His supply. How can He provide strength if I already claim to be strong and independent? How can He set ms up on a firm foundation if I claim to be strong on my own? How does He guard me if I have already made alternative arrangements for my own protection, or raised an altar to my own promotion? God is indeed faithful, but He will not honour my own rebellion against His ordained process for me. He will bring me through the valley if the journey of impact requires it. He will bring me through the storms if the story of change He wants to tell in and through me requires it. He is all I need for Life and Godliness. Do you have all of Him? Does He have all of me? God's time of favour is here.