Obtaining the Witness - September 18, 2011

Hebrews 11:5 - By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.

Years ago, there was a saying that when a person felt smitten over someone special, that they were "taken" for that guy or gal. It is more a colloquialism, I suppose, from simpler days when a young man fell "head over heels" for a young woman, or vice versa. We may have heard it put like this: "I sure am taken with her!" The implication is an abandonment of all sense, that somehow the object of their affection has stolen their heart in a romantic sort of way. This might appear to happen unexpectedly and without design by either party. Or does it? Often, there is a drawing or a wooing that causes this sudden "taking" of emotions. The taken may feel like they are coaxed into this romantic interlude, having merely responded to the taker's attention. In a very real sense, the one being wooed has received the proverbial nod that they are pleasing to the other. The dynamics of our encounters on this earth are merely natural expressions of how God woos us to that place of communion and fellowship with Him. Like Enoch in our lead verse, it is possible while on this earth and living in sinful flesh to "obtain the witness" that we are pleasing to God. It would serve us well to look at the makeup of this man and others in the Bible of similar character to better understand how we might obtain a similar witness from our Heavenly Father.

The first mention of Enoch is in Genesis 5:18 where it states: Jared lived one hundred and sixty-two years, and became the father of Enoch. The next three verses tell us seemingly little about this man of God, except that he becomes the father of Methuselah at the relatively young age of 65. Remarkably, however, verse 22 tells us that ... Enoch walked with God three hundred years after he became the father of Methuselah. This simple statement of protracted worship by a mortal is not to be rivaled anywhere else in scripture. Even Noah, who lived hundreds of years like his predecessors, did not obtain a witness such as Enoch received. Did Enoch suddenly turn toward God after the birth of his son, or was he a committed follower of the Lord before? All the scripture tells us is that for 300 years after the birth of Methuselah, this man walked with God. To walk with his Maker in undisturbed fellowship for three centuries must have thrilled the heart of the Father. Only a few generations prior, God walked with the original couple in that garden called Eden. Before the Fall, God was taken with Adam and Eve as He fellowshipped with them continually. Now, He had found a man that desired a similar reciprocal relationship of unbroken love. They were quite literally taken with each other. However, there was a difference. The first couple were in that place of innocence as they trusted God as their Father. Enoch, on the other hand, was born of sinful flesh yet walked in humility and brokenness before the Lord. He undoubtedly knew that a Savior would come someday to redeem Him from the predicament of sin. However, the one thing this man of God had on his side was time. Three hundred sixty five years is a long time in our minds to live upon this earth, but maybe it seemed like nothing to Enoch and it certainly wasn't a factor for Yahweh. We know from reading verse 24 that a quite remarkable thing happened. It states that God quite literally took him! This is extraordinary if one considers the significance of this event. If the implication is not certain in the Genesis verse, that suddenly Enoch ... was not, for God took him, it becomes very clear by the text in Hebrews that the man of God disappeared because ... he was not found. How or why this happened, we can only speculate. Did Enoch receive a resurrected body? Quite possibly, since we know that no sinful flesh can dwell in God's presence. Regardless, the point the scripture makes here is that Enoch was pleasing to God and he obtained the witness of God's pleasure by God drawing him home to Glory.

Appropriately, the transliteration of Enoch's name in the original Aramaic text is "dedicated." We might say that this early descendent of the first man was only the first of many throughout the scriptures who likewise obtained the witness through their dedication to the Lord. While none walked in the manner of Enoch, we know that Noah (previously mentioned) along with Job and Daniel were witnessed to by God Himself as being upright men. In Ezekiel 14:14 the Lord mentions through the prophet that these men were righteous before their Maker. Both Samson and Samuel were dedicated to the Lord as infants with a Nazirite vow, obtaining the witness of God's pleasure as judges of Israel (Judges 13:7; I Samuel 1:11). Of course, the greatest example of someone walking this earth with God and obtaining the witness was Jesus Christ Himself. As Peter declared to the house of Cornelius, all the prophets bore witness of the coming Messiah and the forgiveness of sins through His redemption (Acts 10:43). Remarkably, the Holy Spirit appears to have borne witness to the words that He was uttering through the apostle's mouth that He indwelt all those present as a result. They too, obtained the witness of the Father (John 5:37) and were taken by God to fulfill His purposes through the spreading of the Gospel to the "uttermost parts of the earth." Unlike the Old Testament saints, all believers in Jesus Christ had the opportunity to be taken for the purposes of God. There was nothing separating men and women from sharing in the presence of God except unbelief. The message to us through this chapter of Acts and the rest of the New Testament is that God desires to take as many as who would believe in His Son. Whoever would believe in the Son will share in the Holy Spirit and thereby obtain the witness.

Heaven looks on this very day to see what our response might be in regard to His wooing. There is loving relationship waiting to be born within us all by the One who created us. As that great "cloud of witnesses" surrounds us, urging us to commit to His care, may we allow Him to take us with abandon (Hebrews 12:1). Our only requirement is to walk with Him, even as Enoch walked with undeniable humility and understanding of our great need for Jesus Christ. And then, like Enoch, we can be taken by our God to live an extraordinary life. Are we smitten with God? Are we free to relinquish our life of unfulfilled desire and walk with Him forevermore? If so, don't be surprised how he takes you, for He most certainly will. It is the promise of obtaining the witness of His pleasure.

Lord, may we obtain the witness by obediently walking with You, day in and day out. May we believe that by the blood of Jesus we are worthy to receive Your Holy Spirit who bears witness of Your eternal love for us all. As we give ourselves more and more to You, everyday, may You draw us irresistibly to Your presence. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick


The Bare Soul Archives

Why Does Revival Tarry? - September 11, 2011

James 5:16 (KJV) - Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Certain scriptures seem unequivocal at face value. When we read promises such as Matthew 11:28, we can believe that if we come to Jesus then we will find rest. In this respect, personal application to the scripture is available to everyone. Through a relationship with Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity of gleaning this promise as well as hundreds of others regarding the good things the Lord has in store for us. Often, these promises will manifest themselves very quickly in a believer's life as they live humbly and obediently before their Lord. In some cases, other promises may take longer to realize. However, what about God's assurances He has made for communities or nations? Personally, I have been involved in prayer for revival for my city and nation for many years. I know of many people that I would consider men and women of God who have likewise earnestly been seeking God concerning revival for several decades. The combined effort of just these aforementioned people would undoubtedly equal hundreds of years in collective time praying for a great moving of God . We read throughout the Bible references concerning how peoples and nations repented and God sent revival to their land. (Jonah and the restoration of Nineveh to a Godly nation is only one example [Jonah 3:9-10].) While God's entreaties through His prophets were often disregarded with subsequent judgment, the promise of restoration was always there IF a nation would but humble themselves to God. Probably the greatest promise regarding restoration and revival is the familiar text in the second book of Chronicles. It reads like this in the King James Version:

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. - II Chronicles 7:14

As previously stated, I have seen much of what I would describe as calling upon God, humbling of the flesh through prayer and fasting, with a concerted effort to seek the Lord's face. Yet, regardless of all this activity, the western Church has muddled along without the desired results. Oh, but there is that other bit of instruction in Chronicles that is often an unpleasant topic to broach -- turning from sin! Does this necessarily mean that the whole nation must turn from iniquity before God hears and responds, or can it mean those who are earnestly seeking revival in proxy for the nation? Let's look at the possibilities.

James, the brother of Jesus our Lord, writes with one consideration. Using Elijah as an example, he compares the prophet as a man with a nature "like ours." He describes how the man of God prayed fervently and how the Lord used this man to control the weather, bringing a king and a kingdom to their proverbial knees (James 5:17-18). Through this grand meteorological disruption, Elijah was able to use this nation crippling catalyst to orchestrate one of the greatest showdowns of the Bible between himself and the priests of Baal (I Kings 18:20-21). Because of this encounter, the rule of wicked King Ahab and Queen Jezebel was sorely weakened, allowing eventual reforms after the death of Ahab's son, Ahaziah (see II Kings 2). This national and spiritual revival would appear to be the direct result of Elijah's obedience to God. James' testimony about Elijah in his verses 17 and 18 actually serves as an example from the context of verse 16. James uses this verse as a segue from personal, bodily healing to the restoration of a nation. Interestingly, he implies that both types of healing are only possible through effective fervent prayers through righteous men. Is fervent praying lacking in our contemporary situation or is it righteous men, or both? Or, are we lacking God's impetus to raise up men and women such as Elijah to bring heaven once again to this earth? Is it because God cannot find a man such as Elijah? Or, rather that He has not YET raised one up (or many more) for this hour? The former would imply that the responsibility lies upon those select few to stand up in righteousness and to call down heaven in prayer. The latter suggests that the onus rests with God. I remonstrate that the truth is probably somewhere in the middle of these two postulations. We can assume that no one is more desirous of God's kingdom being manifest upon this earth through a revived Church then God Himself. However, we cannot presume we know why revival seems to not being addressed with earnest in the mind of God. The limited love that we possess for humanity and the desire to see them saved pales in comparison to God's heart for both his Church and the lost.

I would submit that the reality of our present situation is something that can't necessarily be reduced to a few scriptures regarding why God is not moving in a wholesale manner in the westernized Church. Many of us who are familiar with prayer for our nation know of 24 hour prayer rooms where night and day prayer for revival has been the agenda for many years. Are these folks who have given themselves to this noble life "unrighteous" or not "fervent" in their prayers? That is not mine or anyone's to judge. Possibly the Lord has some more refining to do before we truly see Him move in these last days. Without a doubt, He is preparing hearts for the day when He will move with more power than that of the first century Church. We might speculate that the time is not right, that He will move only as He sees fit. While this is definitely true, that God will only do His perfect will when He determines, it can also be equally true that He will move as men's and women's voices move His heart in prayer. This, of course, is the great conundrum whether God has moved these to prayer or whether hearts given to God have caused Him to move, or a combination of both. The answers to these questions will become clearer in time, or eternity. Regardless, we must continue to pray, seeking to order our lives righteously, doing all we know to align ourselves with the Father's will as we pray for His kingdom to come to this earth, even as it is in heaven. Do we need "Elijahs" in our present hour? Of this, there is little doubt. With this in mind, it will continue to be our place, as those seeking a revived church and nation, to seek the Lord to raise up many who might stand in the gap like the prophets of old. May the Lord Jesus Christ be glorified by men and women such as these whose hearts burn for a holy nation and a righteous land.

Heavenly Father, we know little regarding Your will for a revived nation other than You told us to humble ourselves, to seek Your face, to turn from our wicked ways, and then You would heal our land. We ask that You would purify us in this process of prayer, causing us to be righteous men and women, fervently praying Your will. Cause us to enter into the counsel of Your heart, accepting Your timing for these great events. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick


The Bare Soul Archives

A Broken Heart - September 4, 2011

Psalm 34:18 - The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.

We have all experienced loss. Whether it is the passing of a friend or relative, or possibly the loss of a beloved pet, most of us have undoubtedly experienced heartache over a loved one that is no longer with us. Some have probably heard of a long-time marriage being shattered by the death of the husband or wife. I can remember my Uncle John and Aunt Maude. I really only recollect one visit with them when I was about 11 years old. I do remember how devoted he was to Maude, speaking tenderly and kindly to his sweetheart. They were both in their 80s at that time and had been married for many decades. I recall hearing a few short years later how Maude had passed into eternity. Uncle John buried his beloved and was grief-stricken, bereaving the loss of his mate. He lived several more years, but I am told they were lonely years. While he did live to a ripe old age, I suspect that when his heart finally did give out that it was due partly to his great loss. Many of us know of similar circumstances regarding a loved one who was never quite the same when their spouse was taken. While love of this type is certainly remarkable and well worth commending, I believe it is only a shadow of the love that God desires us to possess for all mankind. I believe He gives us earthly examples like the aforementioned to illustrate His great love toward all humankind. However, He desires that we take the analogy to a higher level and understand that His love is infinitesimally greater than anything we could ever experience regarding our greatest love while upon this earth. Even more remarkable is the reality that He loves those who disregard Him. His love is never diminished no matter how much He is spurned. To comprehend the pain of a broken heart for someone we miss terribly is one thing. To experience a broken heart for those who continue to reject us is quite another.

As stated, it is terribly vexing to lose someone close. It can truly be heart breaking. We are told that the prophet Ezekiel lost "the desire of his eyes" in a moment's time. The prophet prophesied regarding his loss stating: And the word of the LORD came to me saying, "Son of man, behold, I am about to take from you the desire of your eyes with a blow; but you shall not mourn and you shall not weep, and your tears shall not come (Ezekiel 24:15-16). The Lord took his bride away as a sign to the obstinate nation of Israel, and yet he gave the seer grace to not mourn and languish regarding his loss. Why would the Lord do this? It becomes evident in verse 23 that the prophet had become a sign to Israel's indifference toward sin (Ezekiel 24:23). What should have been a heart-breaking experience for Ezekiel concerning the loss of his wife had become a sign to the wayward nation of their hardness of heart toward sin. God demonstrated through the prophet how far they had divorced themselves from mourning over their iniquity. Through this allegory, the Lord showed them that their heartless empathy toward their own transgressions against a holy God was their undoing. Nothing is related to the reader in this passage concerning the reaction to Ezekiel's lesson. However, the Lord made His point and we can be sure that whether the nation of Israel grasped the importance of God's message, the prophet undoubtedly did. We are told from verse 15 that she was the desire of his eyes. How much more was the captive nation of Israel to their Heavenly Father as He used His servant to illustrate!

Another example comes to mind regarding how the Lord used an analogy of a broken heart to show His great love for the wayward nation of His affections. Imagine loving someone with all your heart day after day, year after year. However, a problem becomes increasingly evident when this love is not reciprocated. The prophet Hosea was commanded to marry the harlot Gomer and to pursue her affections even after she had enough of married life, returning to her former life of prostitution (see Hosea, chapters one and two). Even though they had children by their God-ordained union, this was not enough to provoke Gomer to a monogamous relationship with her spouse. While it is not clear what happens to Hosea's first wife, we are told in Hosea chapter three that he is again to love a harlot and to cherish her as his wife. To marry one prostitute was degrading enough. Women of their kind were at the best shunned, and at the worst, stoned to death for their infidelity. Here, in the space of three chapters, we find Hosea with a double humiliation of engaging in a seemingly unholy union. While this probably gave the hyper-religious much to gossip about, we can easily surmise that God caused a great love in Hosea's heart toward his two brides. For there to be a strong correlation between God's broken heart for His people, He must have given similar heart breaks to the prophet. The message was clear to Israel through his obedience. However, we can judge by history that the oracle was largely unheeded (Hosea 4:11-14).

Brokenness of heart is not novel to the human race. Truly, it is only possible because our Heavenly Father's heart is susceptible to the same. When we get a glimpse of the great love that a husband might have for a wife, we should pause and consider the One whose heart breaks daily for a stubborn and rebellious world. His heart certainly overflows with a depth of love that we can only imagine with our temporal beings. As mortals, we have the ability to suffer loss and to have a heart break in anguish. I believe that the Lord would have us all take the examples of those who love deeply and mourn over a love lost. He would desire that our hearts would break in prayer and acts of mercy for those all around us. Are we willing to have our hearts broken with a love that comes from above? If we are, we will be characterized by a heart that cannot contain God. It will "leak" out to everyone that it touches. Love is not to be kept, but given away as soon as we receive it. Let not the world watch and wait any longer for those who would pursue them for the Savior. May we be that generation that reaches out and allows our hearts to be broken for Jesus Christ's great sacrifice. May the Lamb receive the reward of His sufferings by us embracing His brokenness for this lost world.

Fairest Lord Jesus, thank you for Your love for all humankind. May we experience Your great love through the brokenness of Your heart for the billions of souls on this terrestrial ball. May we love no matter the outcome, but to lay down our lives as You laid down Yours. We praise and exalt You. In Your precious Name, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick


The Bare Soul Archives

Songs of Deliverance - August 28, 2011

Psalm 32:7 - You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; you surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.

Ever notice how effective music is to transport us from one place to another at a moment's notice? Music has this uncanny ability to work emotionally with both our senses and our memories to recreate specific times when particular songs may have meant a lot to us. My most poignant memories of when and how music felt monumentally important to me was in my later teen years. When I hear certain songs from the early 1970s, they transport me back to a place of strong recollection. Not only can I remember precise things I was doing, but I can also recall certain smells and sounds. Music certainly has a powerful ability that allows us to relate emotionally with a past event in our respective lives. I believe that is why music is so important to young people -- it helps to define both their individuality and their present culture. Likewise, I believe that is why music is so important to both the powers of darkness and the Kingdom of Light. Both understand that there is power to enslave and set free in both the melody and the lyrics. This has been the case throughout man's history and even before, when Lucifer rebelled against his Maker in the heavenlies (Isaiah 14:9-11). Throughout history, we have seen the constant struggle regarding who would successfully lead humankind in worship of their god. In these last days, there is probably no other tool that the enemy uses with greater affect. However, the Lord is the creator of music and will always command a greater supremacy over melody and lyrics. As we shall see, Satan can create nothing, but only mimics the Holy One's creation. Music is no exception.

Whether we realize it or not, there are songs that surround us continually. The devil seeks to pump into our earthly senses melodic cacophonies that will lead to our destruction. The obvious are songs that have devilish lyrics that talk about drugs, murder, rape, and any other heinous crime one can imagine. Most people would see the logic to steer clear of this type of "entertainment," because it blatantly idolizes those things in our society that are not acceptable. However, what about more seemingly benign music? While other genres may not be giving direct "glory to hell," in the same regard they give no glory to God either. Many would say that they don't see a problem with this. Many believe that they should be able to listen to music purely for their own edification and not have to classify it in a particular religious camp, whether it be born in hell or heaven. While many may not like hearing this, music, just like anything else, is either born from above or is counterfeited from below. That is why it is critically important to be very careful regarding what we allow to become emotionally charged within our own souls. As mentioned previously, music surrounds us continually. It's our decision what melodies we allow to become part of us. David knew this a musician and a psalmist. He probably understood how music is a tangible and free-floating in the spiritual realm. Possibly King David understood that many of the inspired words and music of his psalms were merely eternal expressions of the glory of God. What if he just helped himself to God's spectrum of praise in the heavenlies through his musical gift? How much more would the enemy also try to mislead others in the same way! As I write this, there are hundreds of thousands and possibly millions of songs being broadcast over the airwaves at this very moment. How are these souls allowing themselves to be surrounded by this music? Are their spirits being lifted up to God or being dragged down to the pit? It all depends on the music's origin and the intent of the receiver.

I've often thought about the eternal responsibility of those who fill the airwaves and now the internet with various genres of music. My hope is that Christian radio DJs would know they are providing a ministry to the body of Christ that leads believers into the presence of the Lord. This is a very real expression of worship leading. However, in the same regard, I have often considered how other secular DJs and radio programmers have been leading a very different worship. At best, their "worship" often centers on a narcissistic, self-centered approach to life that hinges on fulfillment through the love of self or to another. This is not a bad thing, to be soulfully committed to romantic love. However, it is hellish if it is not through God's leading. At secular music's worst, is how radio personalities will flirt with transgressing what is permissible through the Federal Communication Commission's mandate of so-called decency. Shock jocks will often take morality to the precipice of acceptability and then mock those who would prevent them from going further. These devilish "worship leaders" have surrounded the souls of their on-air and on-line congregations with sensuality and emotional fervor manufactured in the depths of Hades. It's no wonder that the majority of our youth continue their downward spire as the spirit of this age surrounds, seduces, and inevitably suffocates them with the darkness of godless music.

Even though it would often appear that the Babylon of our age has drowned out the heavenly choruses, God continues to raise up those (like David) who have an understanding concerning the spiritual domain and the ability to wage war against the enemy in song (Psalm 149:6). What was true 3,000 years ago in the time of David is still the case in the 21st century. Some would argue that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit allows us a greater measure of discernment and authority than those Old Covenant saints. Nonetheless, it is clear that God continues to surround those who trust in Him with songs born in heaven as our lead verse states. Of even more importance, these are songs of deliverance that embody the salvation of the Lord. Just as there are many today that are being overcome through the hopelessness of music born in hell, there are those who are rising from strength to strength through spiritually-charged songs of victorious warfare. As previously stated, music is all around us. Whether it is coming over our radios, through the internet, or in some other subtle (or not-so-subtle manner), our souls are feeding on it constantly. It is our choice to be nourished by the manna of melodic music from heaven, where we can return our praise to Jesus Christ for all He has done. Or, we can choose to be spiritually starved by the media of the malcontent. His only long term goal is to drag as many down the highway to hell as possible. Through his effective use of music, he sways millions to dance to his tune. As believers, it is our responsibility to allow God's collective chorus to resound throughout the earth by recognizing that His praise surrounds us. As we gain more understanding of how He desires us to fill the earth with His praise, then we can join together in faith to bring His kingdom to earth through His praise. May we all join with the heavenly choirs, even while in our earthly home, to bring heaven once again to this needy world. Praise the Lord!

Lord Jesus, may we join with You in praise. May we lift our voices in faith and praise Your Father for His goodness. Let the songs that surround us become a swelling chorus of joy and gratitude as You prepare to reclaim this earth. In Your precious Name, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick


The Bare Soul Archives

The Glory of God - August 21, 2011

Leviticus 9:6 - Moses said, "This is the thing which the LORD has commanded you to do, that the glory of the LORD may appear to you.”

Most of us have either witnessed or participated in the following exchange. Parents will often explain to their children that if they do as they are expected, then a certain result will be their reward. For instance, some parents or grandparents will tell their offspring that if they bring home a good report card, then they will be rewarded accordingly. Some use money or privileges to motivate their brood. Of course, no reasonable parent or guardian would keep basic necessities from children, depriving them of shelter or nourishment. However, added "perks" can often be a strategy to get youth to behave in an acceptable manner. Whether this is wrong or right, it serves as a good illustration regarding how God our Father interacts with us. He would never deny us the simple necessities of life. (After all, as He said through the Lord Jesus, how much more important are we then the ravens that He watches over daily! [Luke 12:24]) While He watches over us, providing for all our needs, scripture tells us that He reveals His manifest presence primarily to those who seek to be obedient to Him in all things. Of course, the main point of obedience is humility, recognizing when we have sinned against the Lord and then asking for His forgiveness. Through humility, we then learn to grow in grace where disobedience is a seldom rather than frequent occurrence. Our objective should always be to understand what the will of God is for our respective lives, and then to fulfill it by our daily obedience to Him. Unfortunately, too many of us seek to live on yesterday's direction rather than seeking God's bidding each and every day. We find that it is often more comfortable to rely on our former counsel from the Lord rather than seeking the fresh manna that He provides morning by morning.

In our lead verse, we see Moses stating a simple principle to evoke the presence of God on behalf of the nation of Israel. What comes before verse six is important if you are studying this chapter in context. (For those who must know, it concerns specific elements of grain and animal sacrifices to be offered to the Lord.) However, for the case of this study, it is only important to note the particularity of something preceding which is identified only as "this." Regarding this adjective, it prescribes a demonstrative condition resulting in a definite outcome. That is, if it is completed as intended by God's command. How many of us struggle with doing THIS that the Lord commanded rather than doing THAT which may look good and religious? For instance, God is as likely to tell a believer to fast or not to fast, to give or not to give in a certain situation, or to speak or not speak admonition to another, just to mention a few. Our dilemma is often knowing when to act on what we might believe are "God impressions" or not to. Learning to hear the voice of the Lord is paramount regarding the type of intimate obedience that Jesus desires from His people. However, we often rely too heavily upon others to hear the word of the Lord on our behalf. Tragically, this is where many a well-meaning saint has erred and pursued after the wrong word for their respective lives. The Apostle Peter appropriately called it the error of Balaam. (II Peter 2:15) This ancient seer, who chose unrighteousness over God's righteousness, compromised his ability to hear God's voice for the prestige and power that Balak, king of Moab offered. Instead of doing "this", as the Lord originally told him (which was to stay in his own land and not journey to Moab) the conflicted prophet chose rather to do "that" which set him in rebellion against his Maker. (Numbers 22:22) Instead of God's glory being revealed to Balaam on behalf of Moab, the Lord exalted His chosen people Israel and abased the arrogance of both the prophet and the nation of Moab.

As obedience is the catalyst to invoke Yahweh's glory, the opposite is often the reason why it departs. There may not be two better examples of provoking God's displeasure in choosing "this" over "that" as the example of King Saul's presumptive sacrifice and his subsequent disobedience of the complete destruction of Amalek. Saul had learned that when he listened to the voice of God's prophet, Samuel, that God's glory was manifest in all he set his hand to do. In I Samuel 13:8-14, we read how Saul disobeys God's prophet by sacrificing before the allotted time prescribed by Samuel -- "the voice of the Lord" for Saul and Israel. By appearances, it would seem that he made a logical decision and sacrificed before the people scattered since it seemed that Samuel was running a bit late. However, as many of us know, the "good" can often be the worst enemy of the "perfect". In this case, the good decision that Saul made was born in hell itself because it was not part of God's plan as spoken through Samuel. The same can be said for Saul's disobedience in sparing some of the choice livestock of the Amalekites as well as Agag their king. Good reason would suggest that some of the prized cattle and sheep would make excellent sacrifices to the Lord, as Saul suggested to Saul. (I Samuel 15:1-21) However, God is not interested in human reasoning or logical conclusions. He is ultimately interested in strict obedience so that He can bless His people for their faithfulness. Saul failed to see the importance of hearing God's voice through the prophet, so God rejected Saul from the kingship and the glory departed from the disobedient ruler. (I Samuel 15:22-23) It would take a new king (who was currently shepherding sheep for his father) to once again restore the glory of God to Israel's throne as he became "a man after God's own heart." (Acts 13:22)

So, what must we understand to provoke God's glory in our lives and those around us? To believe that anything less than an obedient life to God will commend His glory to our lives, our families, our nation, or our world is presumptuous and unscriptural. God is not going to "side up" with us just because we profess God and tell everyone that He has purchased us with His Son's blood. Beloved, if we are not humbly seeking to live for God with all that we have, we might want to question whether the blood has had any affect on our eternal prospects! Sanctification through obedience is a requirement to see the Lord and His glory. (Hebrews 12:14) Shall we rest on our laurels and not seek God fervently, on a daily basis, for His word in our respective lives? Only as we seek to do "this", which may be different for each and every one, may we be kept safe from doing "that" which will ultimately separate us from His glory in this lifetime and possibly in the one to come. Jesus tells us that MANY will say in that day "Lord, Lord, did we not do this and that for You and for heaven's sake? (Matthew 7:21-23) The horror for many will be the realization that they sought something other than God's glory. For Christ's sake, may we all seek Him today, for He jealously desires His glory to rest upon us all!

Heavenly Father, we repent from not listening more closely to your simple, daily instructions for our lives. Speak to us again, even now, and guide us in Your obedience for our lives. Through this loving, caring relationship, reveal your glory to us and change us forever for Your Son's sake. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick


The Bare Soul Archives

Unskakeable - August 14, 2011

The following is the message text and audio recording of a sermon titled "Unshakeable" delivered to the homeless at the Kansas City Rescue Mission Chapel on August 25, 2011.

Unshakeable - August 25, 2011

Psalm 16:8 - I have set the LORD continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Ever wonder why some people seem so unmoved by tragic circumstances? Those who are affluent often have vast reserves of wealth, giving them insurance against life's upheavals. Yet, those who possess everything that this world might offer, often display as much or more insecurity towards day to day trials as someone with little or nothing. Just because someone can afford to live in a remarkably beautiful home doesn't mean the proverbial "roof over their head" gives them security. Likewise, if someone can afford the best healthcare offered doesn't mean that they won't die an untimely death from an incurable disease. While wealth is helpful, it is not what any of us should rely upon concerning a secure lifestyle for ourselves or our families. This is confirmed over and over again in scripture, and especially in the life of David, the shepherd who became king. While it is uncertain the particular background that led David to write Psalm 16, it is probably safe to imagine any number of precarious situations as illustrated throughout the Davidic scriptures. Many times we are shown throughout the books of Samuel how David struggled against adversaries such as his predecessor, Saul, or even his own son Absalom. These historical scriptures ascribed to Samuel give us a look into the events that surrounded David's reign. However, the Psalms give us a look into the heart or the emotions of these situations. Psalm 16 is atypical of how David addressed the Lord when in distress. Verse eight becomes the crescendo of David's trust in this familiar psalm as he proclaims with assurance: I have set the LORD continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

To believe that David hadn't learned this lesson of faith years before would provoke naivety on behalf of the reader. When talking to Saul regarding his ability to defeat the giant, Goliath, David matter-of-factly stated how the bear and the lion did not shake his resolve. (I Samuel 17:34-37) These were faith-builders, preparing him for the contest with the Philistine from Gath. While David's victory and accolades over killing the giant were short-lived, the coming trials experienced between himself and the House of Saul were God's tests as he continued to hone the future king for the greatest reign of any earthly ruler of Israel, both past and future. David had learned the secret that no matter what happens, God is not to be denied regarding His ability to show Himself strong on behalf of those who would but trust Him. (II Chronicles 16:9) Of course, David is only one example of countless others who have trusted in their Savior to remain unshakeable in the face of impossible odds. Often, it merely takes God's perspective to understand how strong He really is regarding our faith. Elisha, like David his predecessor, understood God through eyes of assurance, that God would do far beyond all his expectations. He did not shake with fear when the army of Aram surrounded him and his servant. We are told in the second chapter of the second book of Kings that the man of God's attendant was distraught when he witnessed this great army surrounding their house. His faithlessness was countermanded by Elisha's faith concerning whether this earthly army was any match for the heavenly hosts that were soon to strike this impotent expression of temporal might. (II Kings 6:15-18) Did Elisha understand this great epiphany of the Lord's might just "all of a sudden?" I suggest that he learned his "unshakeability" by serving his master, Elijah. The understudy to the old prophet had surely heard of Elijah's steadfastness against Ahab and Jezebel, how they sought Elijah's life on more than one occasion. Then, Elisha experienced first hand his mentor's resolute faith -- day after day that he ministered to the wizened seer -- up to the very day that Elijah was swept away into heaven by the fiery chariot. (II Kings 2:11)

David and Elisha, king and prophet respectively, were archetypes of the greatest King and Prophet to be born centuries later to the House of David. Jesus Christ gives us many examples of his unshakeability in the face of any circumstance. The instance where Jesus fell asleep in the stern of the boat while He and His disciples crossed the Sea of Galilee gives us a clear picture of how calm Jesus was in the midst of apparent danger. (Mark 4:38) His reserved behavior, when the Pharisees were vehemently questioning Him and accusing the woman caught in adultery, was a testimony of His relationship with His Father. (John 8:6-8) Nothing could remove Him from His relationship with His Father and nothing could shake Him from His resolve to do the Father's will. He completely fulfilled His role as the Son of David, perfectly fulfilling all things that David's lineage (up to that point) was unable to accomplish. Jesus Christ fulfilled Psalm 16 and gave mankind the ability to move toward God and to remain unshakable in any situation.

While Christ fulfilled this Psalm and many others perfectly, it is our heritage to receive the gift of God and to remain unshakeable in situations that used to baffle us in our own power. Psalm 16:8 is a promise of degrees since the outcome is contingent on how we respond. To the extent that we view God as the solution to anything we might face, is the degree that we will not be phased by what this life might seek to throw at us. Shall we trust God in all situations, trusting Him to be our Rock no matter what happens? Or shall we fold without allowing our faith to embrace His promises? Our lives, both now and for eternity, are contingent on how we choose.

Heavenly Father, You are the Rock of our salvation. There is no other that we can look to for salvation. May we remain resolute, unshakeable regarding the storms of life that might come our way. May we, like David and like Your Son, look continually toward You and Your salvation. For only in beholding You will we be saved. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick



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Prisoner Exchange - August 7, 2011

James 4:8 - Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Many of us have probably seen movies where one prisoner has been exchanged for another. I can remember a couple of East/West German exchanges in some old black and white movies from the 50s or 60s. The respective powers were swapping one high-profile prisoner on one side for another on the opposing side. On a trip to the German capitol several years ago, I saw this first-hand in photographs and video clips at the Check Point Charlie Museum in what was previously communist-controlled East Berlin. Somber, focused individuals that were extremely business-like made the handoffs with calculated coolness. The tension mounted as the prisoners walked toward their respective borders until finally reaching the safety of their comrades. Finally, there was noticeable relief on both sides as the prisoner swaps were completed. Both sides felt they now had their prize in hand. Bottom line, the stakeholder countries possessed something the other side wanted. Therefore, there were terms drawn up long before they ever "toed the line" on the actual day of the exchange.

Similarly, there is a type of prisoner exchange that occurs when we decide that we are done playing games with God and when we finally wish to get on with dying to self and living for the Almighty. The terms for this spiritual "prisoner swap" were determined millennia before the current conflicts we may have seen in museums or in film. Jesus Christ, Son of the Almighty God, determined to give Himself ages ago for the sin of humankind. Our treasonous betrayal of God was the catalyst that set Him on a course of sacrifice for the human race. So, when James, the brother of our Lord tells us to ... draw near to God and He will draw near to you ... this is describing a legal, spiritual-political contract that has been secured against the powers of darkness by the resurrection power of Jehovah on behalf of His beloved Son. When this agreement was being worked out in the heavenlies nearly 2,000 years ago, the enemy of our soul undoubtedly misunderstood the terms of the contract. Otherwise, those hell-bent on destroying the Savior would have thought otherwise. (I Corinthians 2:8) That is why Satan works tirelessly to cause the redeemed to forget their legal position in Christ Jesus. His strategy has always been to first keep human beings from drawing close to God in humility, accepting their Creator's forgiveness. Of paramount importance to the devil regarding those whom have already come to the Lord and accepted His salvation is to cause a proverbial wall to exist between God and man. This comes through the lies and deception of the enemy, telling us that we are unworthy of Christ's salvation and that we need to earn His favor somehow to be accepted in the Beloved. That spiritual separation that once existed before we knew the Lord is Satan's plan to keep us away from the Father's love. A contemporary example would be if Germans decided to once again erect a wall separating East and West Berlin. To do this, there would have to be some ludicrous understanding that communism is still in effect, and that German solidarity is some type of a myth. When we consider this, it seems silly to those of us with rational thinking. However, many make the decision to re-erect the wall separating themselves from the love of God. Then, we have to be reminded, once again, of the prisoner exchange provided on our behalf -- how Jesus loved the human race with an eternal love and walked that lonely distance to exchange His life for ours.

Whether it concerns our initial salvation, when we come to the Lord to accept His gift of redemption, or once we relinquish the deception that might keep us from His presence, then we are in the position to change our condition. Drawing close to our Lord is our responsibility -- God's promise of His closeness is then His promise to those who would do such. Only when we have given ourselves to Him in humble submission can He regenerate us according to His Son's image. THEN, we begin to see the promise of salvation manifested in our respective lives. Once we draw close to our Maker and He draws close to us, this catalyst causes the other elements of this verse to begin to emerge. We are then given the grace to set ourselves apart for God's purposes. The action verbs in this scripture are largely dependent upon the other. A chain of events begin to occur once we accept that we are no longer prisoners of an evil regime. We begin LEARNING to sanitize (or consecrate) our actions by TURNING our minds toward the things of God, while we inevitably YEARN for Him from our hearts. This exchanged life therefore allows us not BURN in our affections for the things of this world but for the things of the Lord.

This, beloved, is simply the normal Christian life -- a life that is sanctified and set apart for the Lord. And, it all starts by believing that He has provided this new life if we will but only accept it. We can continue to live behind the walls of doubt or selfishness. If we do, we will never experience the closeness that He desires for His children. The exchanged life is a fact, a reality that will not be changed regardless what lies the enemy tries to throw our way. Christ Jesus walked that lonely path to provide us His life in place of our sinful existence. None of us could have taken that walk between the Kingdom of Light and the Kingdom of Darkness. Only One, the Perfect Man, Christ Jesus, was able to die for a race of people that He valued more than His own earthly existence. He has given us the power to become the sons and daughters of God by His magnificent gift. (John 1:12) It is therefore our responsibility to reconcile this fact and draw near to our Savior without doubt. While Satan would have us believe that we need to continue to try to exchange ourselves for our own salvation, Christ has forever smashed that lie by the truth of the Gospel. May we all seek only to walk together with our Lord and to never try to walk out our salvation through our own efforts.

Gracious Father, thank You for sending Your Son as the greatest example of a prisoner exchange ever known to mankind. We accept Your gracious substitution that will forever secure us a place of reconciliation to You. May we never doubt that the Man, Christ Jesus, gave His own life that we might be set free from the prison that held us in its eternal grip. We praise You! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick


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