TUESDAY’S NOTES: Thorns in the side of Israel

The Lord warned Israel. He had told them through Moses and Joshua to remove the inhabitants of Canaan. They failed to hear the warning. In Judges 2:2–3 God tells them, “…What is this you have done? So now I say, I will not drive them out before you, but they shall become thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you.” We further read in chapter three, “Now these are the nations that the Lord left, to test Israel by them, that is, all in Israel who had not experienced all the wars in Canaan. It was only in order that the generations of the people of Israel might know war, to teach war to those who had not known it before” (Judges 3:1–2).

God left the nations that Israel failed to drive out as “thorns in [their] sides.” He left them to “test Israel.” Much of the remainder of Old Testament history revolves around Israel failing the tests. They marry the heathens living among them and near them. In turn, those foreign sons and daughters who married into the Jewish nation led them into idolatry—serving the Baals and Ashteroths. The pursuit of Baal is not only seen in the period of the judges but also in the days of Solomon, Ahab, Elijah, Elisha, etc. All of this could have been repeated if Israel had only kept the commands of God and conquered all of the Canaanite people.

There is a parallel to the life of a Christian. Obeying the gospel and be saved is like the receiving of the land. Just as Israel was told to remove the Canaanite people from the land, Christians are told to cast off (or conquer) the temptations and lusts that once ruled their lives. Paul described this change in Colossians 3:1–17. The change in behavior and conduct can also be seen in his discussion of the works of the flesh as compared to the works of the Spirit in Galatians 5. Peter wrote that old friends wouldn’t understand the change in behavior that occurs when one conquers the former lifestyle and removes it for a new behavior (1 Peter 1:1–5).

Too often, Christians make the same mistake that Israel made. They rejoice in the receiving of salvation and do most of the work needed to be transformed and different from the world (Rom. 12:1–2). But, often all of the temptations are not removed. Many are. In fact, most are removed. But commonly a few remain. Perhaps it’s covetousness. Or, sexual immorality. Or, the temptation to drink. Or, maybe it’s anger. It could be any number of vices and is often different for each person. But it is quite typical that one or two sinful habits lurks about just as the Canaanite people stayed in Israel.

Perhaps the phrase “thorns in your sides” reminds you of another passage. Paul prayed for his “thorn in the flesh” to be removed three times (2 Cor. 12:5–10). Many have tried to explain that Paul suffered from some literal thorn, or pain, in his flesh—suggesting anything from limping to blindness. It seems those physical ailments would be weak demonstrations of God’s grace doesn’t it? But if Paul suffered from habitual spiritual turmoil—a lust of the flesh—it would serve as a grand demonstration of God’s grace. The spiritual battle that Paul waged attempting to conquer once and for all his sins would be a constant reminder of his weakness and God’s wonderful grace. Paul’s statements of his own battle with sin in Romans 7:15–25 certainly would agree with this understanding of his “thorn in the flesh.” Every day Paul woke up facing temptation and struggles. The Israelites faced the giants of Anak. Paul faced the giant of sinfulness and temptation.

But it’s not hopeless! Israel defeated their enemies when they walked with God. Paul was made perfect through God’s grace. In Romans 7:25 he shows that his deliverance was through Jesus Christ our Lord. We can defeated sin with Jesus’ help—but only with His help! We do not have to shrink in fear but rather we should be strengthened by the Lord with the confidence that we can overcome. Start battling your sin today with the help of God. Remove the thorns from your flesh through God’s grace!

The 100 Year Challenge

The children of Israel were given a great land with wonderful resources. But Moses challenged them to protect their greatest natural resource—their children. He said to them before his death, “Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged” (Deuteronomy 6:1-2). Did you notice the command was not only to this generation but also to “thy son, and thy son’s son”? That’s 100 years of faithfulness.

Sadly, they failed to keep the challenge. As the people take the land in Judges, we read that the next generation failed to serve the Lord.

And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim: And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger. And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth. –Judges 2:10-13

Israel failed to keep the challenge. Will we? Starting today, we need to teach our children in a way that not only provides them with the motivation and desire to serve God but also their children. We should leave a legacy of faith. One hundred years from now, I will have left this earth. But will my family remember me? And more importantly, will they remember me for my faith?

Isn’t that what is most important? Not that I was wildly successful in business. Not that I have buildings bearing my name on them. Not that I raised a world-class athlete. Not that I had beautiful girls that could win pageants. None of that really matters. What matters is that my children and my grandchildren and the generations after that serve God.

Accept Moses’ 100 year challenge today. Teach the ways of God to your children and to your children’s children.

TUESDAY’S NOTES: Don’t Marry THOSE People!

As Joshua closes out his leadership campaign, we see him addressing the children of Israel. In Joshua 23 and 24, we see the great leader giving parting words. It is in chapter 24 that Joshua makes that well-known presentation about choosing to serve God that ends with the familiar charge “…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (v. 15).

In chapter 23, Joshua gives a warning to Israel. He charges them to keep the commands of Moses as they possess the land and warns them of the dangers of mixing with the Canaanite people (vv.6–8). Joshua warns them specifically of the danger of marrying the Canaanite people: “For if you turn back and cling to the remnant of these nations remaining among you and make marriages with them, so that you associate with them and they with you, know for certain that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you, but they shall be a snare and a trap for you, a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good ground that the LORD your God has given you” (vv.12–13). Moses also warned the children of Israel of the danger of marrying the sons and daughters of Canaan (Ex. 34:12–16; Deut. 7:3).

Admittedly, it was a necessary warning. In the beginning of Judges Israel does exactly what they were told not to: “So the people of Israel lived among the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. And their daughters they took to themselves for wives, and their own daughters they gave to their sons, and they served their gods. And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD. They forgot the LORD their God and served the Baals and the Asheroth” (Judges 3:5–7). Solomon was also led away by his many foreign wives (1 Kings 11:1–10). Israel failed to maintain their purity because of the marriages of their sons and daughters.

But what was the reason behind this command? Was the concern that Israel was going to marry people of a different nationality? Was it based on race? Some have taken passages like this (and others) and made a biblical argument against “race mixing.” Is that really the point of Moses and Joshua’s commands? Simply put, no. Such arguments are severely flawed in their approach.

First, we have ample evidence of people from other races marrying Israelites and being blessed by God. Rahab was a native of Canaan. She was from Jericho. She married Salmon, a man of Judah, and is included in the lineage of Christ (Matt. 1:5). She is praised for her faith in Hebrews 11:31. Can anyone argue that God did not approve of Rahab marrying Salmon? Ruth, a Moabite widow, follows her Jewish mother-in-law to Israel and marries Boaz, the son of Salmon and Rahab (Matt. 1:5). Ruth is also a part of the lineage of Christ. She also happened to be the great grandmother of David the king. Can anyone argue that God disapproved of Ruth marrying Boaz? The story of Ruth is one of the most beautiful presentations of loyalty and love that the world has ever read. A presentation of marrying only Israelites to preserve race from the Old Law must overcome these two roadblocks.

Secondly, the context of these passages show what the true danger was. Joshua says, “For if you turn back and cling to the remnant of these nations remaining among you and make marriages with them, so that you associate with them and they with you, know for certain that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you, but they shall be a snare and a trap for you, a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good ground that the LORD your God has given you” (Josh. 23:12–13). Moses’ commands helps us understand even more: “and you take of their daughters for your sons, and their daughters whore after their gods and make your sons whore after their gods” (Ex. 34:16). The true danger presented in marrying the Canaanites was that the Israelites would be turned away from God and would chase after the Canaanite gods. That’s exactly what happened to Solomon (1 Kings 11:1–10). His foreign wives led him away from Jehovah and he served other gods.

What we learn from these texts is not the need for racial purity, but rather the need for spiritual purity. The lesson is that we should be careful who we marry! Our mate should be someone who brings us closer to God, not pulls away from Him. We should marry someone who is spiritually minded. We should marry a person who helps us serve God better, not one who causes us to serve Him less.

Too often we use texts like Joshua 23:12 and others to say “Don’t marry those people!” And we should teach that—but only with the understanding that “those people” are ones who will cause you to forsake the Almighty God. Don’t marry them. Don’t marry those people!

Awesome Video: Stand By Me

I saw this video posted by a friend on Facebook. The ability to get everyone’s music synched properly is amazing. So in that part it is a great video. But the song itself is a great principle. Part of what makes being a Christian so great is we always know there are others who will stand by us. What a great message!

TUESDAY’S NOTES: “All came to pass…”

Thus the LORD gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers. And they took possession of it, and they settled there. And the LORD gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their fathers. Not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the LORD had given all their enemies into their hands. Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass. –Joshua 21:43–45

Samuel Butler said, “Oaths are but words, and words but wind.” Napoleon said, “The best way to keep one’s word is not to give it.” Most people have heard the famous line, “Promises are made to be broken.” Man has always struggled to fulfill his promises. It is not uncommon to know someone—and in many cases even a friend and a brother in Christ—who quickly promises things he never fulfills. Isn’t it refreshing to know that God has no such trouble? While man certainly is made in God’s image (Gen. 1:26), he has failed to live up God’s image when it comes to covenant keeping and trustworthiness.

Joshua 21:43–45 emphasizes God’s faithfulness to keep His word. He had promised the land of Canaan to the family of Abraham long before this generation of people received the inheritance. The first utterance of this oath is found in Genesis 12:1–3: “Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” This land that God would show Abraham is also the land He would promise to Abraham. We read of the detailed promise of this land in Genesis 13: The LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever. I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted. Arise, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you” (Gen. 13:14–17). These promises were handed down from generation to generation.

Surely with each generation there was a question of “When?” When are we going to get the land we have been promised? When will we finally be a nation and have our own territory? When is all of this going to happen? By the time we meet the Israelites leaving Egypt, we find a generation who apparently barely knows the promises—or at least fails to fully believe in them. At every sign of opposition the people cry out to God wanting to return to the chains of Egypt. Their faith was so fragile that when they are merely days from conquering the land, the report of ten doubters causes them to forsake the promise of God. They would not see the land. But the next generation did. And that’s why Joshua plainly points out, “Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass” (Josh. 21:45). Consider some lessons learned:

• God can not lie. The words of Balaam serve as good witness to God’s character—“God is not man, that he should lie…” (Num. 23:19). God does not lie. When the Creator makes a promise, mankind can know that He will surely keep it. We are trained to mistrust everyone. But we must know we can trust God.
• God works in His own time. God’s promises concerning Canaan were made centuries before they were fulfilled. His promise concerning the coming Messiah (Gen. 12:3) took even longer to fulfill. But each promise was fulfilled. Too often we grow weary waiting on the Lord to work our plan in our time. We need to trust Him to work His plan in His time.

God has promised us that one day there will be a judgment (Heb. 9:27). He has promised that those who are found faithful will enter into a place of eternal rest and joy (Matt. 25:34). He has also promised that those who are found to be unrighteous will suffer eternally (Matt. 25:41, 45–46). We must know that God will keep those promises. We must also know it will happen in His time. That could be today. It could be thousands of years from now. But knowing He will keep the promises and that it will come to pass, we must live our lives accordingly.

TUESDAY’S NOTES: Caleb’s Retirement Plan

Everyone looks forward to retirement. People plan for retirement for much of their life. They save money, invest in stocks, make travel arrangements, move closer to children, etc. The highlight of retirement for many is the liberty to do whatever they want without the demands and responsibilities of a job. Reaching the point of retirement is a great feeling!

Sadly, it often appears Christians are prone to apply the same goal of retirement to their service to God. They look forward to the day when they can retire from the active work and service of a Christian and relax. We never read of a retirement from Christianity. In fact, the opposite is seen. Men like Paul, Peter, John, etc. work and serve until they leave the earth—often in what we would call “old age.”

Caleb’s example is remarkable. In Joshua 14, Caleb approaches Joshua at the age of 85 and makes a request:

Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea. Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart. Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God. And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children’s for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God. And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in. Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said. And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance. Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel. –Joshua 14:6-14

Caleb asked for his inheritance. That shouldn’t surprise us. After all, everyone wants their inheritance. What is remarkable is that Caleb’s inheritance included the challenge of fighting, conquering, and removing the Canaanite people from his inheritance—and not just any Canaanites, the very giants that scared the other ten spies (Anakims). Caleb is well past the age of fighting for men in Israel at 85, yet he describes himself as “as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so my strength is now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.” Caleb is aware of the challenges. He accepts them fully. In fact, it appears he wants the challenge of defeating the descendants of Anakim. Caleb’s “retirement plan” included taking on the most intimidating inhabitants of Canaanite. He didn’t shirk his responsibility. He didn’t relax and say, “It’s time for a new generation to do the job.” He went and faced the challenged and conquered.

We need more Calebs in the church today: older men and women who lead in strength, courage, and wisdom. We need older Christians who realize their retirement from secular work provides them with greater opportunities to serve. They are now blessed with more time and less distractions. We need older men and women who help slay the giants that congregations face—and not just as advisors sharing their wisdom! If Caleb can remove the Anakims and take his mountain and 85, so can we!

May God help us serve Him even more in our retirement!

TUESDAY’S NOTES: Did you think to pray?

Ere you left room this morning, Did you think to pray? In the name of Christ, our Savior, Did you sue for loving favor, As a shield today?

The early historical record of the nation of Israel provides numerous lessons. Their examples provide lessons that are both positive and negative. Perhaps the greatest benefit is evidence that they made the same mistakes people today continue to make. They gave in to temptation. They struggled with contentment. They fought pride. Israel provides a good picture of the cycle and struggle of life that seems to continuously rotate between righteousness and evil.

Joshua 9 contains one of those great lessons. The men of Gibeon were fearful of Jehovah and His people. They had witnessed Joshua and the army of Israel blaze a trail through Jericho and Ai. They had heard the rumors of the complete destruction of these two great cities. They knew their own city would certainly be next. So with certain craftiness, the Gibeonites portrayed themselves to be ambassadors from a far off land. They dressed the part and carried stale provisions. They deceived Israel into believing they were not Canaanites. Joshua and the princes of Israel make a covenant of peace that would give the Gibeonites the ability to be the only people untouched by the conquering campaign of Canaan. Many have stressed that the deception of Gibeon was a justifiable cause to forsake them in chapter 10 when they are attacked by the Amorite Confederacy. Such is not the case as God is clearly seen giving the battle to Israel. Jehovah God expected Joshua and the twelve tribes to keep the covenant they had made—even though He didn’t approve of it.

The greatest lesson from chapter 9 is found in v. 14: “So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the LORD.” Israel finds itself deceived because they failed to seek God’s counsel. Certainly, had Joshua petitioned the Lord he would have been told the truth about these deceiving Canaanites. But they did not. Just as they failed to petition God before the first battle at Ai, Israel failed to seek His counsel.

One can only speculate why Israel failed to ask God for assistance. It was the hand of Jehovah who brought them across the Jordan on dry ground, collapsed the walls of Jericho, and even handed them Ai. Had Israel become arrogant in their victories? Had they filled themselves with pride? Perhaps. But rather than speculate about the reasons behind their failure, people today need to learn the lessons from what we do know:

Man cannot direct his own steps. Jeremiah said, “I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23). The men of Israel, specifically the leaders including Joshua, thought they had enough wisdom to direct their own path. They looked closely at the Gibeonites, took all of the evidence into account, and used common sense to come to the conclusion they were being truthful. Certainly logic would have caused anyone to accept their story. But the story was false. The world is filled with deceit. Satan uses lie after lie to cause all men to be led astray. Only God knows the correct pathway. Only He is capable of showing mankind where to go.

Pray without ceasing. Paul said it just like that in 1 Thessalonians 5:17—“pray without ceasing.” Some have misunderstood this passage. In Ft. Mill, SC, a suburb of Charlotte, NC, there are houses filled with young adults who are paid to pray 24 hours a day. Members of their religious group send in prayer request. Those young people do nothing for hours but recite prayer after prayer as a fulfillment of 1 Thessalonians 5:17. That’s not the spirit of the passage at all. Paul writes, “pray without ceasing” with the concept of praying for all things in mind. The Christian is not expected to pray 24 hours a day. But the Christian is expected to pray about all 24 hours in a day—including God and His providence in every decision. Joshua failed in this. He failed to pray to God about all things. This stands as a lesson to all.

Was the battle of Gibeon a bad thing for Israel? No. The five armies and their kings had to be defeated at some point. But the covenant with Gibeon that violated the commands of God could have been avoided had Joshua simply thought to pray. Paul has challenged us to pray about all things. Will you accept the challenge? Will you truly “pray without ceasing”?

TUESDAY’S NOTES: Our Memorial

When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua, “Take twelve men from the people, from each tribe a man, and command them, saying, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the very place where the priests’ feet stood firmly, and bring them over with you and lay them down in the place where you lodge tonight.’” Then Joshua called the twelve men from the people of Israel, whom he had appointed, a man from each tribe. And Joshua said to them, “Pass on before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.” –Joshua 4:1-7

The crossing of the Jordan must have been a remarkable experience for Israel. Some, no doubt, remembered the day they crossed the Red Sea. Everyone older than forty had made that journey. But every person under forty had never experienced the mighty power of God first hand. God knew that future generations would fail to have the same experience. And yet, He wanted to ensure that the stories of crossing the Jordan and Red Sea were never forgotten. So God instructed the Israelites to build a memorial out of stones from the Jordan River. It was to be two memorials– one that would be established on the western side of the Jordan and a second memorial at the first campsite of the Israelites (Gilgal).

God explains the purpose of the memorial. “When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off…” (Josh. 4:7). The memorials were there to make sure the children of Israel never forgot. Even generations to come who never crossed the Jordan on dry ground would be told the story because of this simple twelve-stone memorial. One can only imagine future Jews standing at the memorial in Gilgal explaining the marvelous story of Joshua’s conquering campaign on Canaan.

Today, we have been given a memorial as well. Not to commemorate the crossing of a river, but rather to remind us of the act which allows us to be a spiritual nation for God. Without the crossing of the Jordan, Israel would have never had the land. They would have never been a nation as we know them through the pages of history. And without the crucifixion of Christ, we would never be God’s people—spiritual Israel. Our memorial reminds us of the most important day in our history.

Paul wrote:

For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. –1 Corinthians 11:23-29

The Lord’s Supper is a weekly memorial for us. Every week we gather around the table and ask ourselves, “What do these emblems mean? What does the bread mean? What does the cup mean?” It is a reminder of the most marvelous work our God has ever taken on—the salvation of man through the blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of Me.” We place those words on the front of the very table that holds the emblems week after week. Not because it is some magical phrase that causes our Memorial Feast to be acceptable. They are there as a physical reminder of the purpose of the Supper. We do this to remember our Savior.

The Lord’s Supper even causes the same questions to be asked by our children and others who see it, “Why do you do that? What does the Lord Supper mean to you?” And we have the opportunity to tell the story of Jesus.

May we all remember the importance of our divinely appointed memorial this week.

TUESDAY’S NOTES: We Are Israel!

And when all these things come upon you, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before you, and you call them to mind among all the nations where the LORD your God has driven you, and return to the LORD your God, you and your children, and obey his voice in all that I command you today, with all your heart and with all your soul, then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you… And the LORD your God will put all these curses on your foes and enemies who persecuted you. And you shall again obey the voice of the LORD and keep all his commandments that I command you today. –Deuteronomy 30:1–8

One of the saddest commentaries that follows God’s pronouncement of blessings and curses in Deuteronomy 28 is the declaration by God that Israel would most certainly experience the harshest of curses. Moses begins chapter thirty by saying, “And when all these things come upon you…” There was no room for doubt. Israel was going to leave the Lord and be punished accordingly. This is told clearly to Moses by God: “…this people will rise and whore after foreign gods…they will forsake me and break my covenant…I will forsake them and hide My face from them…” (Deut. 31:16–17).

But God gave Israel the answer. Moses tells Israel that when they would remember what God had done for them and return to God and obey that He would bring deliver them again and place the curses on their enemies (Deut. 30:1–8). It was quite simple. If Israel were to obey God, they would be blessed. If not, they would be cursed. And when they were cursed, if they would simply return to God again He would bless them.

The moral and spiritual climate of our country is certainly at odds with our God. We often think of the “big sins” of homosexuality, promiscuity, adultery, murder through abortion, etc. as the greatest signs of our depravity. But there are others that are just as concerning: lack of respect for parents and authority, deceitfulness, pride, unbelief, covetousness, etc. It is quite clear that America is not living like God’s chosen people.

But why should America live like God’s chosen people? Perhaps we should be reminded that the United States of America is not modern day Israel. American citizens are not God’s chosen people—Christians are. All who have put on Christ through baptism are Abraham’s seed (Gal. 3:27–29). The Lord’s body is spiritual Israel today. Christians are the chosen race and royal priesthood under the covenant of Christ (1 Pet. 2:9). Certainly it is God’s desire that all men everywhere are saved—including but not limited to America (1 Tim. 2:4). But even if every U.S. citizen were a faithful child of God the country known as the U.S.A. would not be God’s “chosen people.”

Why is this important to understand? It is quite common to interpret the current crisis of the day, whether it be politics, the economy, or any other crisis, as God’s chastisement on our nation. Admittedly, this certainly is not only possible but probable. It is quite common to see God punish nations for their immorality. But is it possible there is more to it than just divine discipline directed at our country? Is it possible that it is also a chastening of Israel? Or at least the portion of spiritual Israel residing in this country?

While Christians rage against the immorality of society, it appears the morality of the church is declining as well. Divorce is certainly too common among God’s people. Adultery is too common among the Lord’s body. The sin of divisiveness is far too present among churches today. Far too many Christians are caught in the entangled webs of deceit and lying. And the list could go on and on.

The list of those whose end will be a lake burning with fire and sulfur contains eight things: cowardice, faithlessness, those who are detestable, murder, sexual immorality, sorcery, idolatry, and lying (Rev. 21:8). We often apply that list to the world around us. But one of those eight seems to be specific to the Lord’s people: cowardice. Why are God’s people so afraid? God didn’t give us a spirit of fear (2 Tim. 1:7). Paul said, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31). Why is it then that we are so afraid? Where is our courage?

At times I see great courage among brethren. I see great courage when it comes to defending a favorite football team or athletic conference. We often will argue and debate with great confidence—never showing one ounce of doubt or fear. I see great courage when it comes to defending political issue and positions. We display great passion for our country and political parties. But allow someone to question our doctrine, faith, and convictions and we often cower in the corners. When it comes to our neighbor needing to know the best way to heaven, we cower. When it comes to explaining God’s position on important bible topics, we cower. Certainly we are capable of judging those around us. We do that well. But our job on earth should be focused on teaching and not judgment.

Perhaps we shake our finger in judgment at the world around us in order to justify our own depravity. It has always been easier to remove specks from the eye of another than the beam from your own (Matt. 7:3–5). It is far easier to clean the house of those around you than deal with your own mess. How comforting it is to notice the degradation of the heathens around us while ignoring our own! Perhaps we are more like Israel than we would like to admit.

We need to remember who we are: WE ARE GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE. That designation comes before any other. When we obey God and keep our mind, heart, and soul focused on Him, we will be blessed. When we choose to remove our focus from Him, we will be chastened. May God help us to seek the blessings instead of the curses!

The Legacy of “Anonymous”

The greatest philosopher that ever lived goes by the name “Anonymous.” Consider a few of Anonymous’ greatest hits:

• I have often regretted my speech, never my silence.
• A man is known by the company he avoids.
• Bad habits are like a comfortable bed, easy to get into, but hard to get out of.
• Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
• God does not ask about our ability, but our availability.

Obviously some of Anonymous’ quotes are entertaining while others are enlightening. But there is one habit of this philosopher all should admire and imitate—he doesn’t care whether he gets the credit for his work.

The desire to remain anonymous is a lost art. The culture of today seeks credit for everything. Children are raised to seek approval and credit for every act. A child throws away a piece of trash and announces it to his parents for applause. Adults help out a friend in need and then feel compelled to post it to Facebook for the world to see. Simply put, people want credit and recognition for every good deed they do.

This desire to be recognized is contrary to God’s teaching. Jesus said, “…when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do…But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving may be in secret…” (Matt. 6:2–4). When we give, it should be a private matter—not something we announce to the world. Paul described his preaching this way: “…I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom…that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (1 Cor. 2:1–5). It appears Paul purposely presented the gospel in such a way that he would avoid gaining recognition and credit for his own abilities. It appears that God never intended for our faithful service to be a point of recognition.

Jesus describes us as the salt of the earth in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:13). The typical application of Jesus’ illustration is that Christians today must maintain their zesty flavor. There is another quality of salt that should be noticed—salt loses itself in its work. Salt sprinkled onto a meat or vegetable quickly disappears. The flavoring remains but the visible evidence of salt is gone. As salt of the earth, Christ’s disciples must maintain their flavor without being seen. There is a need to be lost in the work.

Learn to get lost in the work. That doesn’t mean when others notice you must refuse compliments. It simply means all things should be done without seeking recognition. The greatest quotes and acts of kindness this world has ever seen have always been accomplished by man known simply as “Anonymous.”