Surprised by God

Genesis 16:13

New Living Translation 

Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?”

 For Encouragement

“The Angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring in the desert” (Genesis 16:7). Isn’t that wonderful? 

Since Eden, God has been the pursuer of the wandering soul, lost in sin and hopeless. As the first couple hid from God, we also have always run from Him. But His love never relents pursuing us to bring comfort and hope to us in Himself.

Hagar never thought God knew her in that way. After all, she was only a slave girl in the household of the man God had covenanted with. Imagine, therefore, her surprise when God met and spoke with her. Another point of exhilaration for her was the manner and tone of the angel. Instead of a harsh rebuke, the angel asked her a simple question: 

“Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?”

Sometimes, we need someone to remind us of specific aspects of life to help us maintain our perspectives. The angel’s question sought to incite a thoughtful consideration of the relationship and commitment of Hagar to Sarai, what the household of Abram should mean to her, and the futility to her of a life in Egypt. O, how we need to know this truth!

There is nothing in our past to go back to, but Christ and His kingdom. All we need is in Him, who is our All-sufficient God.

Situations are not always what we think they are because we do not have enough insight to know what God is doing with us in it. Hagar’s place in the covenant household of Abram was preferable to any other home in Egypt, her native country.

Hagar could run from her predicament, but her best option was to suffer a little while under the mistreatment of Sarai. After all, she was carrying the child of Abram, and his blessings would cover her and her child for the future. 

“Return to your mistress and submit to her authority.” Then [the angel] added, “I will give you more descendants than you can count.”

Submission to authority honors God and attracts His blessings. The angel made this plain to Hagar and stunned her (9-12). It is most noteworthy that Hagar did not struggle with the command of the Lord. It overwhelmed her that God knew her by name, her situation, and her location. How could she fail to give a name to remember God by for this special day?

“You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” (13).

I can hear Hagar returning home and singing, “I have seen the One who sees me, Hallelujah! Glory to El Roi, and may His name forever resound with praises from the lips of His people.” 

Yes, the Omnipotent God sees you wherever you are. He who is All-knowing knows you by name and your perplexing situation that has drenched your pillows with tears. That is not all. The Omnipotent God has the power and authority to take care of everything that concerns your life, and He will do it according to His divine purpose and plan, which you do not know, but He does. And they are best for your prosperity and your hope for the future. 

So, take heart, my friend! Nothing can obscure your condition from El Roi—your God who sees you—wherever you may be, Yahweh sees you. When no one sees you, Jesus sees you, and He cares about your situation. There is nothing He cannot make right.

 

What Your Eyes See

Genesis 13:10

New International Version

 

Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt.

 

For Meditation

Lot did not waste time. His uncle, by whose association he had become rich, wanted a separation to avoid escalating the conflict between their shepherds. Abram and Lot had so much possession that the land could not support them. So, Abram gave Lot the priority of choice (Genesis 13:5-9). Now, stop there for a minute.

What do you think was the right thing Lot should have done? What would you do if your elder gave you such a priority under similar circumstances? How long would it take to make your decision? Would you consider the implications of your choice?

With no consideration of gratitude and respect for the Patriarch, Lot made a quick choice. The lushness of the Jordan plains appealed to his eyes, and the stars danced before him. He chose what looked like the garden of the Lord and hurried to occupy it (10-11).

Sadly, we lose our sense of reason when we smell wealth. When opportunity presents itself, our immediate instinct is personal gain. Every other interest takes a back seat. It takes a man of faith like Abraham to look beyond the self to consider God and others (Philippians 2:3-4).

The three things that caused Eve to lose it in Eden still haunt us—the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life (Genesis 3:6).

The Serpent said Eve could be like God and know all that God knew. She could become her Lord and delight, not needing God (8). The self and the devil could be her best friends. And we know the result of her choice we all have inherited (7).

The Apostle John says that anybody who makes such choices does not love God. Their decisions are selfish, worldly, and evil. Such a person is not a friend of God, but the world they choose to love (1 John 2:16). It is so true when we consider how Lot disregarded the evil environment of Sodom to live away from the beneficial influence of his uncle (Genesis 13:13).

The sinfulness of Sodom did not bother him. He could live there so long as he kept himself from their way of life. Don’t we deceive ourselves that way all the time?

However, Lot lived to see the outcome of his choice when God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah and all his wealthy acquisition (19:1-29). Everything went up in smoke. He would have lost his life and family, but for the grace of God.

Our choices matter. The glitter of this world wants a place in them. The desires and pleasures of our flesh demand satisfaction in our decisions. All the titles, accomplishments, positions, prominence, and recognition forcefully pull on our decision-making processes. What we should never forget is what they are – our enemies!

So, let us keep our love of God hot every day and in everything. Abraham did and received the promised inheritance that exceeded his imagination (Genesis:13:14-17).

  

 

Too Much For Someone to Enjoy?

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

Matthew 5:13

New International Version

“You are the salt of the earth.”

For Meditation

He asked for it and got more than he could handle. Out of concern for food hygiene in Africa, our guest from America asked my wife to use salt to clean the vegetables for his salad. She politely obliged. Let’s say his face at the table said it all. He quickly reversed himself and told my wife to prepare the next meal her way.

Salt is good, but what happens when your food gets a disproportionate dose?

The alternative option is the story of my late centenarian grandmother. She always asked me to eat with her from her bowl, and when I missed a meal, she would leave my portion for me to eat in front of her. Lovely, right? The problem was that her food was without salt. Sometimes, I would distract her and sneak some into it, but can you imagine the few times I got too much in? From the frying pan to the fire!

The point is this. Salt makes food taste better. However, unguarded use renders it useless for the needs of its user. A proper and measured application is always necessary to delight your dinner guest.

When Jesus called His disciples the salt of the world (Matthew 5:13), he meant figuratively that we are His agents of improvement to better the world where He has us. His presence in us and the expression of His life through the indwelling Holy Spirit should flavor the tasteless world around us.

The expression of the Master of Ceremonies at the Cana wedding after tasting the water Jesus had turned into wine is eloquent about what happens when Jesus comes into a hopeless situation (John 2:10). The dying party suddenly came alive, and he loved it. The guests had enjoyed the cheaper wine without knowing its inferiority until Jesus provided heaven’s best.

The people of this world remain oblivious to the inferiority of their station until they encounter a divine visitation. They do not know the debased condition of their lives until Christ comes in. That’s why grace is so amazing! (Ephesians 2:1-5).

The world feels comfortable with what they have dived into and mesmerized themselves with these days. But let them taste Christ in you where you are and see how quickly they will let go to come and follow Him with you.

We have the best in Christ to present to the world to meet their needs. However, we should be careful with how we relate and carry ourselves among people. Otherwise, we could be careless, overbearing, and condescending with our messaging – the toxic agents of our witness and influence. As Jesus said

“If the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot” (Matthew 5:13b).

A good testimony lost with people is difficult to win back. No influence is left but snobbery and rejection.

So, carefully handle the saltshaker in your hand and make life tastier for the world around you.

Overlooked for Recognition?

Esther 2:23
New International Version

When the report was investigated and found to be true, the two officials were impaled on poles. All this was recorded in the book of the annals in the presence of the king.

For Mediation
He sat at the king’s gate and guided his cousin to prominence in the royal hierarchy. Esther, the adopted cousin of Mordecai, did well by her beauty and poise, with a mighty dose of grace to become the Queen by the side of King Xerxes.

Mordecai received a favored position in the royal court, and he heard something that proved to be the key to a higher elevation in the Persian Empire – an assassination plot of Xerxes by two officers of the emperor. His report proved credible after investigations, and the two would-be assassins received the just sentences – impalement. The man saved the life of Xerxes, and what did he receive for his report – just a report in the annals of the king (Esther 2:23)? 

That was all. There was no handshake or ceremony of honor for Mordecai.

I know it would have disappointed you if not angered you. Many have said terrible things and vowed revenge based on bitterness, leading to their destruction. Mordecai did not do that. He settled back into his work and continued to serve faithfully. What a priceless attitude for the believer!

 Paul has something to say about this godly attitude.

 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15: 58).

The Almighty God has every tool imaginable in His providence to redress his favored ones. If it takes making the king of Persia sleepless to bring about the reward of your labor, God will do it. That is what He did for Mordecai (Esther 6:1-11).

People may have overlooked you for a position or disregarded your excellent work, and you are steaming. Take heart. God, who rewards faithfulness, is on His throne. He comes through in unexpected ways when you’ve forgotten everything.

In the meantime, do an honest personal appraisal of your character and lifestyle for transformation where necessary.

Two Attributes of the Inner Life

Matthew 5:6-7

New International Version

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.

For Encouragement

Have you ever thought of hunger and mercy as attributes of the inner life? That is what Calvin Miller espouses. “To be hungry is to desire righteousness. To be merciful is to be Christlike. Christ serves these appetites flawlessly,” he writes.

When you hunger after righteousness, you reveal an appetite to be right with God. And when you show mercy to others, you open the heart of God to your fellow others. That makes you valuable to them. How true that is!

The heart of God is merciful and kind, and as our hunger to get right with Him increases, we become more inclined to care about people. When the teacher of the law asked Jesus about the most important commandment. His response perfectly emphasized this truth (Mark 12:28-31). If we love God, we will show mercy to others, for God is merciful.

When we seek righteousness, we show our sincere love for God. Love desires the presence and closeness of its lover with its entire constitution. How can we love God without our heart, soul, mind, and strength (30)? Since love is infectious, it embraces everyone, even if it is an enemy. Our love for our neighbors reveals our love for God (31).

In the Beatitudes, Jesus pronounces a blessing on those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Happy are we when, out of love, we cultivate a heart of compassion for people, for He will also show His mercy to us (Matthew 5:6-7).

A golden truth to delight your heart for the weekend!

Shalom, and good morning.

The Day After

Esther 2:1

New International Version

Later when King Xerxes’ fury had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what he had decreed about her.

For Meditation

The man loved his wife. She was lovely and beautiful, with brains to instruct her in critical situations (Esther 1:11-12). A Persian version of Abigail of Carmel (1 Samuel 25:3), she delighted the king. No one could tear Queen Vashti from King Xerxes, and nothing could separate them on an ordinary day. But yesterday was not an ordinary day for the royal couple.

Everything does not go perfectly normal with a 180-day celebration where wine is abundant and served with a king’s liberality. What good behavior could anybody expect when a royal edict encourages drinking without restriction? That was the genesis of the Xerxes and Vashti debacle (Esther 9-22) when darkness ruled. Tragically, there is always the day after.

The sun always rises majestically to dispel the shadows for people to see and evaluate yesterday. When the cobwebs disentangle, revelers get stunned by what they see and hear. Regret writes a horrible script for each one to hang on their walls.

It vexed Jacob that his uncle deceived him with Leah instead of Rachel on his wedding night (Genesis 29:25). Nabal suffered a massive heart attack when Abigail told him about the events of yesterday and David’s fury (1 Samuel 25:37). Now, it was the turn of King Xerxes. He awoke to the reality of his yesterday when his fury subsided (Esther 2:1). He remembered Vashti and his punny behavior towards her when wine and the crowd did their number on him, and his heart sank. No one could revoke a Persian decree—not even Xerxes, with all his authority over 17 provinces. He had sealed the deal, and the day after was payback time.

The account of yesterday cannot end without examining the effect a crowd has on a personal decision when a person looks feeble in their eyes. The world knows about Will Smith and his infamous slapping of Chris Rock on stage at the 2022 Oscars. Almost everybody has their own story about the day they had to defend their “dignity” before people. I am sure King Xerxes knew he had fallen victim to the show of bravado when Vashti turned down his request in front of his guests and nobles. The counsel he received from Memukan was self-serving (Esther 1:16-18) and a slippery slope for all when people push us to stand up to defend our dignity for once.

So, who is urging you to stand up and be a man or woman in something you could have ignored in a secret space? Husband, why disgrace your wife to satisfy your ego in public? Wife, why put up a show before people to prove you are not a doormat? Why do we behave differently in public when we get along well when no other person is around?

Strength under control! That is what you need at such times, and it comes only from the Holy Spirit.

When the Heart is Merry with Wine

Esther 1:10-11

New International Version

When King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him…to bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at.

For Meditation

I remember my high school days and the silliness of my drinking. I thought I was having the best time in the world. Everything in those situations said I was the best-looking, best dressed, best driver, best dancer, and most liked person on earth. Of course, I had alcohol — my counselor — with me to advise and strategize with. How else would I think that way? And when I got into trouble, it deserted me.

With no intention of glorifying the evil one, I slaved under his authority to do the unthinkable. I was a fool, doing senseless things, yet I thought I was the best until Christ Jesus showed up.

His word revealed the deceitfulness of my heart (Jeremiah 17:9) and the danger of hell before me (Romans 6:23). Faith locked me in the grip of grace, and I cried my way into the kingdom of His dear Son, forgiven and free (Colossians 1:13-14). Rescued from the dominion of darkness, I could see my way in His light. Joy filled my heart, and I now live for God in Christ.

The control of alcohol and its carnage is immeasurable. Yet Satan has veiled this from the world.

Noah got drunk and laid exposed in a way that brought a curse on his grandson (Genesis 9:20-25). The two daughters of Lot got their father drunk and slept with him to father their children (19:38). Millions have slept with their children, and more continue in this shameful and destructive sin without remorse. But there is more.

Think about the many decisions people have made under the influence of alcohol. It has ruined marriages, destroyed homes and careers, futures, and wrecked contracts. Xerxes was in high spirits from wine and made a decision that ruined his marriage to Vashti (Esther 1: 10-11). Nations have gone to war and decorated homes with widows and orphans. So, why is the alcoholic industry still so profitable?

The main reason is that wine is a mocker (Proverbs 20:1), and the enemy does his best to deceive with it. My people will characterize it as a benefactor and a slayer. It entices people with its smooth taste to delight the heart, then turns to drop its captives into regrettable spaces.

However, there is a greater delight in Christ Jesus. When He comes into a life and blesses it with the gift of the Holy Spirit, the joy He gives is incomparable (Acts 2:1-4,13). So, Paul commands Christians not to waste themselves on wine but to drink the fullness of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:.18-20). When the Holy Spirit moves His people to speak to one another with psalms and hymns and to sing and make music from their hearts (19), they can only thank God the Father for everything in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We give all glory to His exalted name (Philippians 2:9-11).

So slay the mocker today before it slays you shamefully and at an unforeseen place, you will live to regret the rest of your life.

Against All Odds

Joshua 6:1

New Living Translation

Now the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go out or in.

For Meditation

Jericho is fortified and shut against the rag-tag army of Israel. They do not know what to do. The Commander of the Army of the LORD rolls out His battle formation. They march around the city once a day for six days. On the seventh day, they go around it seven times. The priests blow their trumpets. The army shouts, and the massive Jericho wall falls flat. Israel takes the city, and fear grips Canaan (Joshua 6:2-5, 20). That is the power of Jehovah – our Savior and Lord. 

Life is sometimes like that. What stands between us, and the blessings of God seems so indomitable that we tremble with fear and look for an escape door. In times like that, we have an option. We can forget about God and do our own thing or wait on Him for strength and boldness to confront our Jericho Wall for a miracle. We have the example of Saul and David to warm and encourage.

Saul cowered before the Philistine army, which numbered like the sand on the seashore, and its charioteers (1 Samuel 13:5-8). His soldiers deserted him, so he did the unthinkable. Saul took the matter into his hands and left God out, losing everything for himself and his family (13-14). If only he had waited for the Lord! (10, 13).

David, in contrast, saw Goliath through the eyes of the Lord. He knew the sword and spear of the Philistine giant who had intimidated Israel for days was no match against the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel (17:45-47). His faith carried the day in the Valley of Elah (48-50).

So, what is your Jericho Wall today? Who is your Goliath? In whose name do you go out today against the giants and hindrances of this world?

Are you in the camp of Jehovah Sabaoth? Then take heart, for He will certainly show up with His battle plan and formation to give you victory (Jos. 5:14; 1 Sam. 1&:45). Amen! 

The Indispensable Other

Genesis 2:18

New Living Translation

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”

For Meditation

I finally found my voice, so I had to write, despite my weeklong break for medical reasons. And why not? How could I miss honoring the indispensable others in our lives? I live with the most precious of them all, and I can testify that women are the best gift God ever gave men in this world, apart from His Son, for our redemption. So come along with me on a brief journey through the Word of God to explore two specific scriptures on how special the woman by your side at home, in your neighborhood, street, and workplace deserves all your love and special treatment in honor of the Lord, our God.

Listen to the verdict of our Creator after He fashioned man, breathed life into him, and transformed him into a living being (Gen. 2:7).

“It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him” (18).  

When the Almighty says it is not good, He means just what He says. The man is incomplete in every way without you, O woman. You are an intricate part of the man and the guardian of his life at every level. Though man has headship and authority to moderate the union, home, and family—the basis of society as God intended it to be—man would find the wilderness of this world too harsh to navigate without you.

Your worth stands tall when we check the Hebrew to understand the word translated, helper, and its usage in connection with Joseph’s Helper, the God of Jacob (49:25; cf. 18:4; Psalm 27:9). How can we miss it with you now?  

Adam’s first impression was right on key, for I believe the Holy Spirit opened his eyes to see deep into the beautiful creation, His equal, that God had brought to complete his life.

“This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (23). 

It is sad to see how we have lost this prime view of you. You are beautiful on the outside (Song of Songs 1:8) and inside (1 Pt. 3:3-4), and we love you.

There is yet another dimension of you, the most beautiful creation of the Almighty God.

Nobility! 

Is it any wonder the Holy Spirit closed the wisdom book of Proverbs by serenading you who complements your husband and brings joy to your children, workers, and city folks?

“A wife of noble character who can find?” (Prov. 31:10).

 Finally, I raise the words of Paul to the men in the Ephesian congregation to grace your day, the most precious of God’s creation. It is a responsibility to any of us men who takes upon ourselves the right to receive your hand from God in marriage—a responsibility we have abused or ignored but repent today.

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her” (Eph. 5:25).

 What more can I say? How precious are you, O lovely woman, in the eyes of our Savior to give charge to your husband to do for you as He has done for His church—sacrificed Himself for her? Incredible!

On this joyful day that the world celebrates all you women in our lives—mothers, sisters, friends, co-workers—we men in your lives lift our voices from good hearts and clean consciences to adore and appreciate you, the way God made you; and certainly not as the world wants you to be.

May you live to glorify your Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ, our Lord, and live under His care and bountiful grace throughout the day and beyond.

Happy International Women’s Day!