“…when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

— Luke 18:8b

I recently read a cute little story. Mind you, in our area of central NY, we are anticipating the soon arrival of winter. So for us in this area, this story is a “pick-me-up” for the days to come. Jill waited patiently while her husband played a round of golf on their 18th anniversary. Afterwards, Jill and he went out to dinner at a lovely restaurant. They discussed many happy memories they had shared during their years of marriage. Then Jill asked, “Want to go for another 18?”. “No,” he replied. “I think it is too dark now.”

Today’s verse is in the form of a question asked by our Savior: “…when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”. This is a pretty challenging question! How did Jesus get to ask that question? And if He were to ask YOU today, how would you respond – would He find faith in the full scope of how you’ve lived YOUR life?

Please read the context in Luke 18. Note that this is a parable. The old professors in Bible colleges define a parable as “an earthly story with an heavenly meaning.” Let’s first look at the characters of this story. First of all, THE DISCIPLES: Jesus has lessons for them – just as He does for us! He knows their needs and their hungers and their questions about things about faith and life. But He doesn’t feed them all at once with the ENTIRE counsel of God!

Now perhaps by now y’all know that my favorite soft drink is the soda “Moxie”. It is sold throughout the country in bottle form at area “Cracker Barrel” restaurants (not meant to be free advertising for them!). But it is mainly distributed in the New England states. For those who love the soda, a can of it is a treasure to enjoy. So imagine a Moxie drinker given a free can of his preferred drink. He pops the pull tab, and then…chugs the entire contents down in one sitting! NOOOOO! The soda is designed to be enjoyed, one taste, one sip at a time. Only then is it refreshing! There, end of advertising!

The same with Biblical Christianity. The Savior DOES teach each of His children! He teaches us one lesson at a time, each lesson based both upon our age and upon our maturity level in Him. Jesus did not feed His disciples all at once! Today He feeds them with their need for “unfailing, faithful prayer”. Unfailing – they should pray. Faithful – they should never give up. Do you pray? Is prayer an habit in your home? Do you pray before meals (now I’m meddling!)? Hmm…when does our church pray? Have you given up?

A missionary friend of mine named Tim told the story of his brother – his prodigal son brother. His brother had fallen away from a rich walk with the Lord. So Tim prayed for his brother. He prayed. Did I mention he prayed? He prayed for over 30 YEARS for his brother. Tim’s prayer was over a long period of time! But he didn’t give up! And God didn’t either. And neither should we. By the way, his brother came back to a faithful walk with Jesus, thanks in part to Tim’s faithful praying.

Note also in our story is THE JUDGE. In Psalm 82, we learn that a judge is actually, in God’s sight, a “little god”. That is, he represents the Lord in all he judges! But our judge in Luke 18 is labelled by Jesus as “UNJUST”. That means he served only for the money, the position, and the recognition of men! He failed in Luke 18:8brepresenting God’s heart before people. He was unjust.

And then there is THE WIDOW. We aren’t told how old she is. We aren’t told how long she has been a widow. We DO know that the Bible says much about how widows should be treated. Have you read 1 Timothy 5 lately? A godly widow prays! A godly widow is treated with honor! The widow in our story had an issue and she approaches our church friend with the issue. The details are not important, but her heart is. She was hurt, and she knew that IF he were a righteous judge, she would be cared for.

So here’s THE PLOT.

* The widow has a need!

* The widow seeks the judge to meet the need. Why, she seeks OFTEN!

* The judge doesn’t immediately meet the need.

* The judge realizes she is steadfast, and because she is, he decides that, despite his example (and apparently a proud to him example) of being unjust, he will take care of her!

LET’S WRAP THIS UP! Remember that Jesus is teaching a lesson (verse 1) that they should always pray and not give up. There are some key lessons for us here – perhaps y’all caught them as the story progressed:

FIRST, every one of us has a testimony! Either we have one that honors God, or one which dishonors God. The judge? UNJUST. The widow? FAITHFUL. Those who are faithful are having their hunger for God met by daily walking with Jesus. Are you? TODAY is a GREAT day to start!

SECOND, Jesus is trying to teach a lesson to those who ARE walking with Him: THAT WE OUGHT ALWAYS TO PRAY, and don’t give up before God! This should be the nature of the individual AND of the church. How about YOU? How about YOUR CHURCH?

THIRD, THE QUESTION! “When Jesus comes, will He find faith on the earth?”. That question has haunted me recently. Why? Because Jesus knew 20000 year ago what society was like then under Roman rule. And He knew 2000 years ago what society would be like in 2021! The answer to that prayer begins with…ME! It begins with each of us as individuals. It begins with His church. Us – and all those churches which are true to the faith. How do we put this to practice?

PRAY! That we do all things as a church as led by the Holy Spirit, trusting Him (FAITH!) that all things will be done by us for His glory, led by Him, trusting Him.

AND PRAY! That each of us this year has our heart’s hunger met in the Lord Jesus (FAITH!). To know Him as both Savior and Lord of our lives. To walk with Him – today is as good a day to start! – in His Word and in prayer (FAITH!).

AND I HAVE GOOD NEWS FOR YOU! You won’t need a can of Moxie to accomplish that!

And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. Exodus 14:21

It’s a small and short book but packed with wisdom. Someone gave it to me a long time ago and I just pulled it off the shelf again recently. It is titled The Red Sea Rules. So many are now hurting with and suffering from so much and it speaks to us today just as it spoke about Moses in the book of Exodus.

Just as Moses and the Israelites found themselves caught between “the devil and the deep Red Sea,” so are we sometimes overwhelmed by life’s problems. But God delivered the Israelites, and He will deliver us, too.

On the wall in our family room is a large painting showing how God parted the Red Sea for Moses and the Israelites. I see it every day and it gives me comfort.

The Red Sea Rules reveal that even in the midst of seemingly impossible situations, God’s promises to make a way for us. His loving guidance will protect us through danger, illness, marital strife, financial problems–whatever challenges Satan places in our path. Whatever we are walking through, He is walking with us.

Using the Israelites’ story as an example, the author offers ten sound strategies for moving from fear to faith. The ten rules are:

▪ Realize that God means for you to be where you are.

▪ Be more concerned for God’s glory than for your relief.

▪ Acknowledge your enemy, but keep your eyes on the Lord.

▪ Pray.

▪ Stay calm and confident and give God time to work.

▪ When unsure, just take the next logical step by faith.

▪ Envision God’s enveloping presence.

▪ Trust God to deliver in His own unique way.

▪ View your current crisis as a faith builder for the future.

▪ Don’t forget to praise Him.

Life is hard, even and perhaps especially for Christians. It is certain that we will face difficulties, and that God will allow them, as He allowed the Israelites to become trapped between Pharaoh’s rushing armies and the uncrossable Red Sea. But just as certain is the fact that the same God who led us in will lead us out. As these Sea rules make comfortingly clear, He is in control.

***

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

The Sayings of Jomo Cousins:

▪ We struggle because we think we are smarter than God.

▪ You can’t love God and hate people. Be careful with your judgmental eyes.

▪ Do you spend more time consulting with Google than you do consulting with God?

▪ When you are in a jam, the first call you make tells where your trust is.

▪ Your life is your testimony, and you might be the only Gospel someone will ever hear.

— o —

Abortion is the leading cause of death in the US:

Our media focuses intensely and understandably on the victims of storms, military tragedies, and alleged crimes. However, in the last six days, 14,172 babies have been aborted in the US (multiplying the rate of 2,362 per day in the US times six).

This works out to 862,130 abortions per year in the US, making abortion by far the leading cause of death in our country. (Heart disease ranks second, at 659,041, followed by cancer at 599,601.)

Here’s a related fact: the CDC reports that over 21,000 infants died in the US in 2018. This works out to fifty-seven per day, which is obviously tragic. But forty-one times more babies die from abortion each day than from all other causes combined.

If 2,362 babies were to die today from any cause other than abortion, Americans would be appropriately appalled and demand that our elected officials do something to end such a tragedy.

— o —

Steve Shepherd tells a story about a well-known Christian businessman in his local community who was visiting a church and asked to give his testimony.

“I have a fine family, a large house, a successful business, and a good reputation,” he began. “I have plenty of money so I can support some Christian ministries very generously. Many organizations want me on their board of directors. I have good health and almost unlimited opportunities.”

He then asked, “What more could I ask from God?”

As he paused for effect, a voice shouted from the back of the auditorium, “How about asking Him for a good dose of humility?”

Too often in our prosperous culture, as we enjoy a life of ease, comfort, and so many blessings from God, it may be difficult to see that we lack anything.

***

QUOTES YOU CAN USE

Acceptance of God’s Will is the only path to true peace. Without that acceptance, there is only turmoil and struggle within. Dan Shock

Man is like a battery; he can’t operate without a positive and negative. The Bible contains many negative commands and statements, when observed and obeyed, produce a positive result in our lives. J. J. Turner

Every man needs accountability. RV Brown

God desires that our lives be a vessel to contain the Spirit of God, and that we would then channel God’s Spirit to a thirsty world around us. Dan Shock

Spiritual formation is more about changing the source of behavior than behavior modification. When the source is changed from self to Him the behavior takes care of itself. Sam Hunter

Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Oscar Wilde

God has called us to be paramedics rather than policeman. Dan Shock

He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight. Luke 16:15

Adversity draws men together and produces beauty and harmony in life’s relationships, just as the cold of winter produces ice-flowers on the window-panes, which vanish with the warmth.” SØREN KIERKEGAARD

Fill your life with stories to tell, not stuff to show. The Minimalist

I’ve had the privilege of having pastored for just over 30 years, and have served the Lord in various capacities for another 20 years. In those 50 years of walking with the Lord, our Heavenly Father has blessed me with rare, unique glimpses of His operation in peoples’ lives. One of those occurred as a result of the preaching of this message.

The year was 1991, and I was in my first pastorate in a small country church in Beaver Meadow, NY. I was in my fifth year of ministry there. My congregation was mostly elderly – but little did I know we would have a major revival within 2 years. The revival was so great that an addition would need to be built, an addition which included this small church’s first WELL, first running WATER, and first BATHROOM! Pretty exciting for an 125 year old church!

The message, from James 4:13-15, was from a series of messages through this exciting book of the New Testament. Nearing the end of James’ book, it is apparent that he was now making practical applications of his earlier teaching. This is the entire text:

13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”

The gist of the message was simple: It is possible to be a born again Christian yet live a theology which does not include a practical application of the Word of God.

The old salts used to say, “you live like a Christian on Sunday, yet live for the devil the rest of the week.” Thus we know you say you are saved on Sunday, but you make like it looks like God doesn’t have a vital part of the rest of your week.

That reminds me of the church in which the pastor and the deacon each had two parrots. The pastor was besides himself because all his two parrots would squawk was “let’s kiss, let’s kiss!”. One day while going by his parrots’ cages, the deacon overheard them saying, “let’s pray, let’s pray!”. The deacon wisely observed, “at last, my prayers are answered!”. He had parrots which understood practical Christian living!

In verse 13 the writer was giving an illustration of two people who were talking about business. They should have read Romans 12:11: “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord…”. “Not slothful in business” means “not to lag, not to be lazy”. The apostle Paul in Romans is reminding his readers that where the Lord wisely planted each one, the Lord Himself wanted them to be used. Works for us today! Not ALL servants are very visible like pastors or missionaries. Some servants for Jesus are laborers in business!

So when we get to verse 13 of James, do you notice something missing? “Today, tomorrow, we will go…we will buy and sell…we will make a profit”. What is missing??? There is NO mention of the Lord. This business here is NOT based upon Biblical Christianity! No, no! It is practical theism – a “religiousness” without the inclusion of God in its operation! The business men might have been REALLY NICE GUYS! They might have been HONEST IN BUSINESS! And…they may have understood all the theologies of the church. But their practical Christian living was ZERO. They may have been in church on Sunday, but they had no use for the Lord in the businesses in which they earned their keep.

In verse 14, James reminds his readers that tomorrow has no guarantees. A friend posts a picture on Facebook of his being with his grandchildren. Wonderful picture! The next day the unvaccinated grandfather displays symptoms of Covid-19. And the following day? His wife finds him on the couch, no longer a resident of this world. Tomorrow has no guarantees.

In fact, James says that our lives are but a vapor. Poof! Throughout Ecclesiastes is the illustration of blowing a bubble which is here for the moment then…POOF it is gone, “vanity…grasping for the wind.” Elsewhere it is illustrated:

 For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life

which he passes like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will happen after him under the sun? Ecclesiastes 6:12

Do not boast about tomorrow,
For you do not know what a day may bring forth.

Proverbs 27:1

And from our Savior and the man who, without any looking to his Lord, made plans to expand his business:

But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you;

then whose will those things be which you have provided?’

Luke 12:20

Then there is the story of William Henley, who lived from 1849-1903. The online tool Wikipedia has many interesting tidbits about him. He lived in England during its late Victorian period. He was one-legged, an inspiration for the character “Long John Silver” in Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. His young daughter Margaret in her own right became the choice of the name “Wendy” for J. M. Barrie’s heroine in Peter Pan.

In 1875 Mr. Henley wrote his time-treasured poem, Invictus. This work has a classic line which has been the mantra either in word or in practice for many who live their lives as if God does not need to be involved. From Mr. Henley Invictus:

“I am the master of my fate;

I am the captain of my soul!”

What does the Scriptures have to say about this? In verse 15 of our text, James writes “you ought to say, “If the Lord wills…”. Elsewhere we have huge practical directions:

“…took leave of them, saying, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing…”

Acts 18:21 [my emphasis]

“…But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills…”

1 Corinthians 4:19b [my emphasis]

The old Latin salts had a common saying which, unfortunately, has been lost down through the ages. The saying was “Deo Volente”, a forgotten rule which was properly translated, “The Lord wills”, or, better, “God willing”. On paper it is wonderfully shortened to “D.V.”.

This reminds me of the story of the conversation between a girl and her pastor:

Nancy: “Pastor, I’m 30 and still not married. Will I ever find an husband?”

Pastor: “God has a plan. One man for one woman, one woman for one man.

You can’t improve on God’s plan.”

Nancy: “I don’t want to improve on it. I want to get in on it!”

As we close, we should become familiar with Psalm 37 which is loaded with truths about practical Biblical Christianity – even in the Old Testament! Listen to the wisdom of Psalm 37:4:

“Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.”

And how was the wisdom of this passage applied in our church? Well, the then 80 year old realized that his life was not being lived in a way in which Scripture was visible on a daily basis. So from that Sunday on, whenever a decision had to be voiced, old Jim could be heard with what became his pet saying, “If the Good Lord wills”!

How about you? Examine your “practical Christian living”. Do you live for the Lord Jesus on Sunday, but have no visible use for Him throughout the week? OR when you look at the activities of each day of your week, can the Savior be seen in all your plans?

Just remember old Jim: “If the Good Lord wills”!

Wisdom is with the aged and understanding in length of days. Job 12:12

I talked with a man today, an 80+-year-old man. I asked him if there was anything I can get him while this Coronavirus scare was gripping America. He simply smiled, looked away and said: “Let me tell you what I need! I need to believe, at some point, this country my generation fought for… I need to believe this nation we handed safely to our children and their children… I need to know this generation will quit being a bunch of sissies…that they respect what they’ve been given…that they’ve earned what others sacrificed for.”

I wasn’t sure where the conversation was going or if it was going anywhere at all. So, I sat there, quietly observing.

“You know, I was a little boy during WWII. Those were scary days. We didn’t know if we were going to be speaking English, German or Japanese at the end of the war. There was no certainty, no guarantees like Americans enjoy today. And no home went without sacrifice or loss. Every house, up and down every street, had someone in harm’s way. Maybe their Daddy was a soldier, maybe their son was a sailor, maybe it was an uncle. Sometimes it was the whole family…fathers, sons, uncles…

Having someone, you love, sent off to war…it wasn’t less frightening than it is today. It was scary. If anything, it was more frightening. We didn’t have battlefront news. We didn’t have email or cellphones. You sent them away and you hoped…you prayed. You may not hear from them for months, if ever. Sometimes a mother was getting her son’s letters the same day Dad was comforting her over their child’s death.

And we sacrificed. You couldn’t buy things. Everything was rationed. You were only allowed so much milk per month, only so much bread, toilet paper. EVERYTHING was restricted for the war effort. And what you weren’t using, what you didn’t need, things you threw away, they were saved and sorted for the war effort. My generation was the original recycling movement in America.

And we had viruses back then…serious viruses. Things like polio, measles, and such. It was nothing to walk to school and pass a house or two that was quarantined. We didn’t shut down our schools. We didn’t shut down our cities. We carried on, without masks, without hand sanitizer. And do you know what? We persevered. We overcame. We didn’t attack our President, we came together. We rallied around the flag for the war. Thick or thin, we were in it to win. And we would lose more boys in an hour of combat than we lose in entire wars today.”

He slowly looked away again. Maybe I saw a small tear in the corner of his eye. Then he continued: “Today’s kids don’t know sacrifice. They think sacrifice is not having coverage on their phone while they freely drive across the country. Today’s kids are selfish and spoiled. In my generation, we looked out for our elders. We helped out with single moms whose husbands were either at war or dead from war. Today’s kids rush the store, buying everything they can…no concern for anyone but themselves. It’s shameful the way Americans behave these days. None of them deserve the sacrifices their granddads made.

So, no I don’t need anything. I appreciate your offer but, I know I’ve been through worse things than this virus. But maybe I should be asking you, what can I do to help you? Do you have enough pop to get through this, enough steak? Will you be able to survive with 113 channels on your tv?”

I smiled, fighting back a tear of my own…now humbled by a man in his 80’s. All I could do was thank him for the history lesson, leave my number for emergency and leave with my ego firmly tucked away.

I talked to a man today. A real man. An American man from an era long gone and forgotten. We will never understand the sacrifices. We will never fully earn their sacrifices. But we should work harder to learn about them. Learn from them…to respect them. Darcy Hawk Ellis

***

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

“Out of the mouth of babes,” is a proverbial and biblical idiom we use to express the unique and sometimes humorous wisdom of children.

Here are a few that have made the rounds for years by an unnamed author and source.

Patrick age 10: “Never trust a dog to watch your food.”

Michael age 14: “When your dad is mad and asks you, “Do I look stupid?” don’t answer him.”

Joel, age 10: “Don’t pick on your sister when she’s holding a baseball bat.”

Talya age 11: “When your mom is mad at your dad, don’t let her brush your hair.”

Armir age 9: “You can’t hide a piece of broccoli in your milk.”

Michael age14: “Never tell your mom her diet’s not working.”

Eileen, age 8: “Never try to baptize a cat.”

Apparently, these kids have gained these insights by experience, which is one way to obtain wisdom. Or as Harvard professor, Theodore Levitt, observed, “Experience comes from what we have done. Wisdom comes from what we have done badly.”

— o —

The man who stepped in front of the bullet:

One recent evening, twenty-one-year-old Dustin Wakefield was dining at an outdoor Miami Beach café with his wife and one-year-old son. When a gunman approached and allegedly aimed his weapon at his son, Dustin’s uncle told the Miami Herald what happened next: “Dustin stood up between the gunman and the baby and he shot him. He shot him multiple times on the ground.”

Dustin’s father and stepmother later issued this statement about him: “He loved God. Every day he lived full of faith and peace, and he shared that with others. It is in his true character that he laid to rest, protecting his family. He is that man. We take great pride and comfort in the fact that we were blessed with the man who stepped in front of the bullet to save others. He has always been, and he will continue to be our hero.”

For the rest of his life, Dustin Wakefield’s son will never have to wonder if his father loved him.

Here is what makes Jesus’ death on the cross even more stunning: his Father chose for him to die for you and me. It is as if we had committed a crime worthy of death, a gunman came to execute us, and Dustin held up his innocent son to take the bullet meant for us.

Max Lucado wrote: “God is with us. Prophets weren’t enough. Apostles wouldn’t do. Angels won’t suffice. God sent more than miracles and messages. He sent himself; he sent his Son.” As a result, Lucado noted, “Jesus has been where you are; he can relate to how you feel. And if his life on earth doesn’t convince you, his death on the cross should.”

In a culture that is more antagonistic to biblical truth and morality than ever before in our history, making America a nation worth dying for will require steadfast courage on our part. However, when we remember our Savior’s sacrifice for us, we are empowered and encouraged to emulate his sacrifice in serving those we influence. Jim Denison

***

QUOTES YOU CAN USE

Morality, decency and civility standards in our families, children, educational institutions, workplaces, sports, media and other venues continue to slip, and we applaud when integrity and wholesomeness appear as novel newcomers rather than an expected way of life. Scott Whitaker

Memories warm you up from the inside. But they also can tear you apart. HARUKI MURAKAMI

The longer I live, the more uninformed I feel. Only the young have an explanation for everything. ISABEL ALLENDE

If You Really Believe In Jesus And You Really Belong to Jesus, You Will Behave Like Jesus. Pastor Ken Whitten

Don’t judge yourself by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant. Robert Louis Stevenson

Since we as Christians, we are not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; I encourage you to bow your head to give thanks before every meal…I mean every meal! Dwight Short

You may feel as if you’re losing the battle, but don’t give up! Hold tightly to Jesus’ hand, and just keep standing. This is victory. Sarah Young

We don’t always understand the reason why God permits suffering. Dan Shock

The only time to prepare for a storm is before it arrives. Jim Denison

Max Lucado writes: “When we feel lonely, knowing someone understands can make all the difference. You can be surrounded by people but still feel lonely if you don’t feel known. And you can be alone but not lonely if you are known. God became flesh so we would always feel known by him.”

Life, with its rules, its obligations, and its freedoms, is like a sonnet: You’re given the form, but you have to write the sonnet yourself. MADELEINE L’ENGLE

Salvation is through grace – through Jesus alone.

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. John 21:25

Life is sacred from conception to natural death. Jim Denison

(Song of Solomon Chapters 4:16-6:3

Last week we finished our most recent series of lessons – in that case, the Sermon on the Mount. Our esteemed editor has encouraged me that for a season I should write for his wise readers some individual lessons. This should be fun! Thanks for praying for God’s blessings on this new venture.

The following is one of the first messages I ever gave in a church! When I was in Bible School, one of my professors – who at the time was also President of the college – was a dynamic educator named J. Allen Aardsma. Believe it or not, he was graduated with my mother-in-law from the class of 1946 from Baptist Bible College and Seminary when it was located in Johnson City, New York (which college has since changed the name to Clarks Summit University and is now located in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania).

He had found some amazing notes which had been made by his deceased brother, Walter, on, of all subjects, the obscure and mysterious Biblical book, Song of Solomon! Pastor Aardsma presented a series of lectures during chapel using his brother’s notes as his guide.

Each lecture was recorded (cassette tape recorder, mind you!). Eventually all was transcribed to become the wonderful book, “BLACK, BUT COMELY WONDERFUL STORY OF LOVE”. Pastor Aardsma self-published the book, and copies are hard to find (or keep – I loaned mine out a while ago!). I encourage you to find your own copy of Pastor Aardsma’s book.

More importantly, I encourage you to find a NKJV Bible and go to your spouse. Together, READ this book TO EACH OTHER, using the wonderful gender defined divisions which the NKJV provides. Your relationship with each other will not be the same!

I first gave this sermon in a small church in South Edmonton, New York, back in the 1970’s. When I was candidating at my first church – Beaver Meadow (NY) Christian – I revised this message to give the church a taste of the wonderful beauty of God’s Word. And on my last Sunday at the church, 20 years later (!), I gave the same message using the same sermon notes, bookending an amazing ministry in a small country town in central New York.

With that introduction, here for your perusal and edification is “The Beauty of Christ”, taken from the Song of Solomon Chapters 4:16-6:3.

Allow me to introduce you to this oft forgotten book. The characters are few but lively. There are three of most importance: the “Beloved”, the “Shulamite”, and the “daughters of Jerusalem.” The “Beloved” is believed to be King Solomon himself who has revealed himself to a commoner (the “Shulamite”) NOT as a king but as a shepherd man. Per the insights of the Aardsma’s, isn’t that how the Lord Jesus reveals Himself to us? We may first be attracted to Him as a Man Who knows all about us. He is a Shepherd. But before long we know – we KNOW! – He is also the King of kings and Lord of lords. The “Shulamite” is a young girl who represents the seeker who finds that her “Beloved” is worthy of her daily as well as her eternal trust. And the “daughters of Jerusalem”? They are the Shulamite’s encouragers, the ones who make a most unusual inquiry!

There is a question that everyone who names the name of Christ as one’s personal Savior should ask himself/herself frequently: Is Jesus as precious to me now as in my first steps with Christ? I began my “first steps with Christ” in my bedroom in my parents’ Ft. Lauderdale (Florida) house on July 26, 1971. From that moment on, as a “new creature in Christ” my life was a whirlwind under His control! Within one year I had transferred from a good liberal arts college in upstate New York to a Bible College in lower Ontario, Canada. The first day of school I met a sophomore who within a year would be my bride (that was almost 49 years ago!). Within 5 years I was serving the Lord at my wife’s local church as a teacher for the “Love Class” – the 18 students were all mentally handicapped to some degree. The class enabled the “students’” caretakers to attend Sunday School and Church! And within 15 years of my profession of faith in Jesus, I was pastoring my first of 2 churches. God is so good. But throughout these 50 plus years in the faith, I must regularly ask myself, “Is Jesus as precious to me now as in my first steps with Christ?” These verses in the Song of Songs will help us all answer that very personal question.

Note that 4:16 begins with “Awake!”. The English Baptist pastor and Puritan theologian John Gill (1697-1771) used this word to describe how the Church view of Christ can be clouded, to the point of needing to be aroused from sleep (just as our main character the Shulamite will soon discover!). Pastor Owen gives these insights as to the causes of the “clouding”, “putting to sleep” of the Church:

* The non-exercise of faith, hope, love – resulting in the Church being luke-warm and out of shape!

* The lack of fervency in devotion and in prayer

* Worship becomes formal, not from the heart. For example, the individuals of the church may neglect the simple adorations of saying a prayer of “Grace” before meals. This may be an indication of the cloudiness of one’s devotion to the Savior.

* Carelessness of concern for the cause of Christ: family devotions as well as personal devotions are no longer a priority

* This cloudiness shows up in falling into world-like-ness without being affected, without having the conscience troubled.

* Finally, Dr. Owen notes that there is a willingness to so remain in sleep, casting aside attempts to be wakened.

There is a flow in the actions of the opening verses of Chapter 5. The Beloved lets the Shulamite (who he affectionately calls “my sister, my spouse”, 5:1) know that he is in his most favorite place of spiritual repose, the Garden. Our trained minds immediately go to that early New Testament place of spiritual repose for the Savior and His first disciples: the Garden of Gethsemane. It was such a wonderful spot that just over 3 years later Judas would know where to look for the Savior in order to betray Him before the Pharisees and their cohorts. Note John 18:2:

“And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples.”

HOWEVER, while sleeping (or slumbering, in a light sleep, v. 2), she hears her beloved’s voice – his request for her to open the door. In her confusion (v.4-5), by the time she gets to the door he is gone (v. 6). Wearing only her night clothes (apparently!), she goes out looking for her beloved (v. 7), for which the watchmen of the village discipline her impropriety (v. 7). She asks the “daughters of Jerusalem” (v. 8), to look out for her beloved.

In verse 9, these “daughters of Jerusalem” ask the pivotal question of the entire passage: “WHAT is your beloved MORE than another beloved…that you should so charge us” to look everywhere for him?

THAT’S the question that we all should be able to answer! Remember 1 Peter 3:15:

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear…”. [my emphasis]

Beginning with verse 10, the Shulamite gives HER defense. She gives his (His?) qualifications:

* HIS GLORIOUSNESS SETS HIM APART (verse 10):

He is “white and ruddy”, the “chief among ten thousand”. This makes him a champion, an excellency, a standard bearer for everyone to see. I am encouraged to read Hebrews 1:1-3, especially verses 2-3:

[God] “has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;  who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high…”

Look also at 2 Corinthians 5:21:

“For He [the Father] made Him [Jesus the Son] who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

His gloriousness sets Him apart!

* HIS APPEARANCE SETS HIM APART (verses 11, 13, 16)

“His head is like the finest gold; His locks are wavy, and black as a raven.” (verse 11)

This is an appearance of youth, in contrast with the white-haired eternal One of Revelation. He is totally fit, “able to save to the uttermost” (Hebrews 7:25). The tongue (verses 13 and 16) shows His power, love and humility. In Psalm 29, His voice THUNDERS upon the waters. He spoke as One having authority (Matthew 7:29). Yet in contrast, his love and compassion were on display in His concern for the blind and for children, And His humility? Except when His deity was in question, His mouth was silent before His accusers prior to the cross. “…as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.” (Isaiah 53:6).

* HIS SECURITY SETS HIM APART (verses 12, 14)

“His eyes are like doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set.” (verse 12).

“His hands are rods of gold set with beryl.” (verse 14a)

His eyes show an omniscience. Remember when David was advising his son Solomon on how to be king (1 Kings 2:1-4; 1 Chronicles 22:11-13)? He told him to be sure to listen and obey the ALL-KNOWING God. And His hands show a security, as evidenced with the truth of John 10:27ff. The believer is secure in Jesus’ hands. The Son is secure in His Father’s hands. And Jesus and His Father are one!

* HIS FOUNDATION SETS HIM APART (verse 15)

“His legs are pillars of marble set on bases of fine gold.”

For man, there can be no other foundation in this world but the one which we can have in Jesus Christ alone (1 Corinthians 2:11). And for God, all things – ALL THINGS! – are always to be to His glory, “…to whom be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36c).

After finishing her description of her beloved, the Shulamite gives a wonderful summation: “He is altogether lovely” (verse 16). The Shulamite has expressed her adoration for her beloved. In essence, she is saying “I cannot be content in life without him!”.

Now when she has focused her all upon Him, several amazing thing happen (6:1-3). First, the “daughters of Jerusalem” get really excited too! They want to meet this special One Whom she calls her “Beloved”. They want to seek Him, too! Shouldn’t those who meet the Christian today hunger to know where OUR heart lies, where OUR confidence lies, where OUR hope lies, where OUR love lies? Her testimony is restored to its former self before her mind got foggy at the start of our story

And then? Having focused her mind on her Beloved, and excited that her friends recognize as well His uniqueness, why the Shulamite’s mind is suddenly wonderfully clear (v.2)!!! “Why, it all comes back to me now! My Beloved has gone to His garden!”

AND THEN? “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine. He feeds his flock among the lilies.” (verse 3).

Her love for Him is no longer luke-warm but rather is cherished! She is hungry to be with Him, to fellowship, to sojourn with Him in the garden!

We need to ask ourselves daily:

Is Jesus precious now?

IF NOT…think on His Beauty!

As the old time song goes…

“He was there all the time, waiting patiently in line.”

Although the Olympic Games in Toyoko felt different this year with the COVID restrictions, lack of fans, and the tape delays, it still offered some exciting photo finishes, world records broken, and real-life lessons.

Sifian Hassan, a Netherlands female long-distance runner, displayed incredible determination and perseverance in the 1500-meter heat. With one lap to go, a runner ahead of her tripped, creating a domino effect. Hassan tried and failed to jump over the fallen runner and then fell down herself.

Undeterred, she got back up and resumed the race, although she was now in last place. But one by one she began passing the other runners. On the final straightaway, she passed five of the fastest runners in the world, winning the heat to finish first.

“Believe me, it was horrible, but sometimes I think bad things happen for good,” Hassan said. “When I fell down I said to myself, Okay, life doesn’t always go the way that you want.”

In the final of the 1500, Hassan won the bronze. She then won the gold in both the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters.

The apostle Paul often compared the Christian life to a race. He said that he wasn’t running aimlessly, but with purpose in every step, in order to receive the eternal reward (1 Cor. 9:24-27). From a Roman prison, Paul wrote that he was still running…pressing on to win the heavenly prize (Phil. 3:13-14). Then as he rounded life’s final turn, he could confidently say, “I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

Like the Olympics, our Christian race will probably involve some missteps. Some stumbles. Some falls. Yet, think of God’s greats enshrined in “Faith’s Hall of Fame” who also suffered some falls.

• Abraham lied.
• Jacob deceived.
• The Patriarchs envied.
• Moses doubted.
• David lusted.
• Elijah got depressed.
• Peter denied.
• James and John sought prominence.
• The apostles argued.
• And Thomas doubted.

The list could continue of others who suffered a fall from grace, who failed to live up to their calling, and who stumbled in some way.

The list could also include my name. And yours. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23).

Some falls are more devastating than others. Harder to overcome. And fraught with life-altering consequences. But we can all get up and resume the race. Your fall may have been caused by someone else’s negligence, fall, or failure. But you have a choice. Stay down. Or get up and resume running.

Know this. Your falls don’t have to be final. And your failures don’t have to be fatal.

Keep on running.

And finish the race. Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

***

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

In a recent study of so-called “born again Christians” in the US between the ages of 18 and 39, more than 60% said they believed “that Buddha, Muhammad, and Jesus are all valid paths to salvation.”

The same study found that over 30% believed that “Jesus sinned just like other people when He lived on Earth or aren’t sure.”

The study detailed a “striking decline” in evangelical circles regarding religious beliefs and practices in just the past 10 years. This includes a Biblical understanding of the nature of God, the accuracy of the Bible, the reality of Satan, and objective morality.

They cited a “startling degradation” of a basic “Biblical world view” among professed “Christians” in the past 10 years. Not surprisingly, the drop-off has been greater among the general population.

Kerby Anderson, president of Probe Ministries, attributes the decline to the “continual and growing influence of media.”

Anderson further suggests that church leaders are just assuming that their members have a Biblical worldview and are failing to teach and preach basic Biblical doctrines.

Knowing the majority of our reader base, you may be thinking, “Well, that’s not a problem among us.” However, we may be surprised, especially among the under 40 age group.

In recent years, we have seen young people from that demographic reject the Christian beliefs taught by their parents, leave the church, and renounce fundamental Bible teaching. Many have turned to an ecumenism that is less restrictive and satisfies their personal wants, wishes, and desires.

While it is true that some will fall away from the faith regardless of how well-grounded they once were by solid, sound, Bible teaching both at home and in the local church, isn’t it fair to ask, “Are we emphasizing Bible basics to a young generation?’ Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

— o —

Researchers evaluated more than 5,800 foods and their impact on human health and the environment. Among their discoveries: eating a serving of nuts could add twenty-six minutes to your lifespan. However, eating a single hot dog could cost you thirty-six minutes of life.

***

QUOTES YOU CAN USE

In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” THEODORE ROOSEVELT

He is a God who heals. He heals hurt bodies, troubled minds, aching hearts, messed-up lives, and difficult relationships. Sarah Young

Put the Lord first and foremost in your life. Dan Shock

Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced. JAMES BALDWIN

Ideals are like the stars: we never reach them, but like the mariners of the sea, we chart our course by them. CARL SCHURZ

Faced with crisis, the man of character falls back on himself. He imposes his own stamp of action, takes responsibility for it, makes it his own. CHARLES DE GAULLE

No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated and disciplined. Henry Emerson Fosdick

Whatever you’re meant to do, do it now. The conditions are always impossible. DORIS LESSING

More time is wasted when we fail to take the time to listen to others, but just assume we know everything we need to know about them. Dwight Short

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. ANTOINE DE SAINT-EXUPÉRY

***

“SERMON ON THE MOUNT – AND BEYOND !!!”

24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” 28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”

–Matthew 7:24-29 (NKJV)

Hey, let’s sing it together:

The wise man built his house upon a ROCK!

The wise man built his house upon a ROCK!

The wise man built his house upon a ROCK!

And the rains came tumblin’ down!

The rains came down and the floods came up,

the rains came down and the floods came up,

the rains came down and the floods came up,

But the house on the ROCK STOOD FIRM!

If the storms of life were to attack your foundation, would your house stand?

By the way, the world is often wiser than the Christian. We attack the issues: abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality, etc – all growth from a foundation of unbelief.

The world goes right to the foundation and attacks the integrity of our Savior and His Word! The world sees Biblical Christianity as merely another religion, another social club with “do’s and don’ts”, rather than a LIFE lived in response to the Savior and His Word.

In completing His Sermon on the Mount, the Lord Jesus gives at least 3 MARKS, distinguishing characteristics of those who have heard (or read!). Those who either respond in faith, or they completely reject what they hear.

The first is MARKED BY THE SAVIOR, found in verses 24-25: “I WILL LIKEN him to a wise man…”. A wise man is RESPONSIBLE, TEACHABLE, CORRECTIBLE, and SUCCESSFUL.

The wise man is RESPONSIBLE:

* Proverbs 14:16a: “A wise man fears and departs from evil…”

* Psalm 56:11: “In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

* Hebrews 13:6: ““The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

The point here is that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of both wisdom and knowledge, as relayed in the Book of Wisdom, Proverbs.

The wise man is TEACHABLE:

* Proverbs 1:5: “A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel…”

* Proverbs 9:9: “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.”

He is a man of learning! He not only reads God’s Word; he reads good literature; and he reads good magazines. He does NOT read raunchy stuff that will tear down his walk with the Lord.

He is CORRECTIBLE:

* Proverbs 9:8b: “Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.”

* Proverbs 17:10: “Rebuke is more effective for a wise man than a hundred blows on a fool.”

A wise man recognizes that he has a life to be molded into the image of God!

THE WISE MAN

The wise man is SUCCESSFUL:

* Proverbs 21:22: “A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the trusted stronghold.”

Don’t forget the wise words of Joshua 1:8: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

Secondly, the Lord Jesus talked about one who is MARKED BY THE WORLD, found in verses 26-27.

The Savior gives a smooth transition to this second mark: “will be like”. This means “it will be apparent to all, and will have no need for special markings by the Lord.” One might ask, “Who is he trying to fool?”. His real foundation is noticeable by all: he has NO FOUNDATION. In the words of Scripture, he is a FOOL.

THE FOOL

* Psalm 14:1: “The fool has said in his heart, there is NO GOD.” His life is the religion of practical atheism. He worships himself and all that the devil is pleased with!

He has NO VALUES: Proverbs 15:20: “A foolish man despises his mother”

He has NO STEWARDSHIP: Proverbs 21:20: “There is desirable treasure, and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it.

He has NO REST: Proverbs 29:9: “If a wise man contends with a foolish man,
whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.”

Remember what Isaiah 48:22 says? We often use it in jest, but the Lord is quite serious about it: ““There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.”

Lastly, our great and wise Savior closes His Sermon with words that were MARKED BY ETERNITY (verses 28-29).

Those that heard the message – the disciples and, in this case, the multitudes – made this amazing observation: “He taught them as one having authority”. “Authority” is “the right to teach as One Who has direct understanding of the truth”.

The scribes – including pastors and many others – teach BY authority. That authority is handed down by tradition.

However, the Lord Jesus taught WITH authority! This is quite different, QUITE (!!!!!!!) different! It is teaching as HAVING authority, out of His own soul, as belonging TO HIM ALONE!

Even the Apostle Peter knew this. Remember his comments in John 6:68, ““Lord, to whom shall we go? YOU HAVE the words of eternal life.” What was Peter saying? “YOU ALONE HAVE”, that is, TO YOU ALONE BELONGS the words of eternal life!

All eternity marks the Savior as the only One with ETERNAL AUTHORITY. That ETERNAL AUTHORITY gives Him the right to be Lord of our heart, home, church, world!

So let’s wrap up this amazing sermon.

If YOU were to be marked – labeled – as WISE or FOOLISH, how would your foundation withstand the storms of life?

And the BIG QUESTION of this sermon is wrapped up in 4 simple words:

WHO IS YOUR AUTHORITY?

THE WISE MAN BUILDS HIS HOUSE UPON A ROCK!

the foolish man builds his house upon the sand

Once again: WHO IS YOUR AUTHORITY?

In spite of all this, His anger does not turn away and His hand is still stretched out. Isaiah 9:17

Has our country abandoned godliness? How far will we drift away? We are drifting in the wrong direction. What was common belief just a few years ago has been pushed aside by the modern culture. Things like sexual immorality have given way to a new lifestyle of “If it feels good, do it”!

Political leadership has given way to political control. There was a time when political leaders were respected. Their office spoke for itself. Now, there are despicable members adorning the seats of Congress and state legislatures. They are taking positions and passing laws supporting perversion and immorality. It has gone from celebrating anti-Christian behavior to castigating those who hold fast to their Christian beliefs and punishing them for doing so. Those who profess tolerance are the most intolerant of all.

The church in many cases is implicit, taking positions, like supporting gay marriage, abortion and other anti-Biblical views, just to please the new post modernism culture. Many churches have joined religion and wickedness hand and glove. We are seeing a holocaust of God’s people.

Generally speaking, American education at all levels has become anti-God. Teachers are told the philosophy what they say and teach and speaking about God in the classroom is strictly forbidden.

Secularists ask us: What business is it of ours if others choose abortion or euthanasia? What right do we have to tell people what gender they can love and marry? Isn’t everyone’s sexual orientation and gender identity their business? The “culture wars,” by which evangelicals have sought to declare and defend biblical truth and morality, are being lost—or so we’re told by the secular media.

For non-Christians, the constant drumbeat of secular culture is that you don’t need Christ. Personal authenticity is the path to flourishing, we’re told. Whether the subject is abortion or euthanasia, sexual orientation or gender identity, the message is the same: your body is yours to do with as you wish. So long as you’re not harming others (an assertion tragically overlooked by abortion advocates), you’re free to do what makes you happy.

Why, then, would anyone want to hear a message that insists we are sinners in need of salvation and calls us to repentance, contrition, and submission to God? Why dress up to go sing hymns and hear sermons at church? Since hell appears nowhere on our list of top fears, why not live and let live.

According to a recent Pew Foundation poll, 83% of Americans are at least “fairly certain” about their belief in God, but strangely enough, many are convinced that America is based on secular principles.

Immigrants came to this country in search of liberty and freedom. Our forefathers built the foundation to rest it upon. That foundation was a Biblically based culture and an economic system that allowed people to rise to their finest. Different people groups melded into being Americans. Now the government is pushing theories and laws that divide people apart.

Yet, God is still in charge of it all. He is waiting to see how far our culture will slide, but some day, some way He will rescue us from ourselves. Though He is rightfully angry, He does not abandon us, and His hand is still outstretched. How long before we as a nation will reach up and grab it?

***

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

Americans seem to be suffering an epidemic of loneliness, according to a recent study by the Survey Center on American Life. Reporting on this study, Ben Cost in the New York Post wrote, “Signs suggest that the role of friends in American social life is experiencing a pronounced decline.” The study showed that “Americans report having fewer close friendships than they once did, talking to their friends less often, and relying less on their friends for personal support.”

The article continues, “Per the shocking study, nearly half of all Americans — 49 percent — reported having fewer than three close friends. . . . If that wasn’t bad enough, a mind-boggling 12 percent of interviewees claimed to have zero friends today, four times as many as thirty years ago, per the survey.”

As Christians, we can and should be the remedy to this epidemic. Take some time today to do your own friendship audit. Don’t rush it. Think and pray it through. Friends are priceless gifts of grace.

Whom could you call (not text!), invite to lunch or coffee, and give the precious gift of your time as you receive theirs? The church has the power to stop the epidemic of loneliness. Ask God to help you deepen your connections today—then seek to be the friend to others that Jesus is to you. Jim Denison

— o —

Norman Cousins, who was the editor-in chief of the Saturday Review for over 35 years, was told in 1964 that he only had a few months to live. He had a rare disease of the connective tissues called Ankylosing Spondylitis. He was told to “get his affairs in order” since he had only 1 chance in 500 to live.

However, Cousins would not accept the diagnosis. He then did something unheard of and unprecedented. He fired his doctor. Left the hospital. Checked into a hotel. And began to research a solution to his problem.

He learned that the medicine he was taking was depleting his body of vitamin C. So he began taking massive doses of the vitamin. But the most unusual thing he did was rent a movie projector and obtained a pile of funny movies including The Marx Brothers, Candid Camera, Charlie Chaplin and Abbott & Costello. He watched one after another and just sat back and laughed. Believing that laughter was the best medicine he laughed and laughed until his stomach hurt.

Did it work? Who knows. But Cousins lived another 26 years. He died in 1990 at age 75.

His story reminds us of the wise man’s assertion in Proverbs 17:22. “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Ken Weliever

***

QUOTES YOU CAN USE

The world constantly tells you to do more, have more, and buy more. So how do you decide when you have ‘enough’? The Minimalist

More good gets done over a cup of coffee between two friends than occurs all day long in the counselor’s office.

There is nothing on this earth to be more prized than true friendship. Thomas Aquinas

The thirst in man is a thirst for God. Dan Shock

A true friend is the greatest of all blessings, and that which we take the least care of all to acquire. FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD

People may be your opponent, but Satan is your enemy. RV Brown

No matter what hardships the world may throw at you, you have ⁠in Jesus everything you need to persevere. Sarah Young

Living for Jesus is not a once-a-week kind of experience. Dan Shock

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. MARCEL PROUST

Non-Christians are living to die. Christians are dying to live. We begin to die the minute we are born. Tony Evans.

Money is not a goal. It is a tool.

Learn to enjoy life more. Relax, remembering Jesus is God with you. Sarah Younga