Psalm 23:3

Although sheep have great eyesight, being able to see behind them without moving their heads, they have really bad depth perception.  A dip in the ground or a shadow cast by a cloud will have them second guessing every step.  That’s why sheep need to be lead by the shepherd.  Left to themselves, sheep will follow the first flock member that moves, this only becomes a bad case of “follow the leader” considering that the leader has no idea where they’re going or what they’re doing. 

My Uncle Jim, a retired New York City Firefighter, told me one of his “firehouse jokes” that stands on the same line… it goes like this:

“My friend and I were driving in his car when we came to a red light, instead of stopping he just zipped right through it! 

I asked, “Why didn’t you stop at the red light?!”

To which he replied carefree, “My brother does it all the time.”

Again and again my friend continued to run the reds, until finally we approached a green light and he slammed on the breaks.

“Why are you stopping at a green?!” I yelled

He turned and yelled back, “My brother might be coming the other way!”

So often we follow the wrong directions simply because someone else heads in that direction.  What makes things worse is that we aren’t just following each other in innocence, but we are sinful beings who naturally have a desire to head in a less than Holy direction.  The result is a loss of liberty. 

I’ve had friends tell me they didn’t want to follow Jesus because it would mean they could no longer be free to enjoy their own pleasures.  I, in return, told them that the freedom they speak of is no freedom at all; seeking to indulge your own pleasures will only lead to bondage in sin.  The bible teaches, “there’s a way that seems right to a man, but it only leads to death.”  When a man seeks to map out his own course apart from the Wonderful Counselor he will eventually end up a captive to his own sinful nature.  The mindset that thinks, “My right to indulge in carnal desire liberates me” is like an inmate saying, “the freedom to walk around my cell is enjoyable and desirable.” When we follow any direction other than the Word of God we follow a hazardous way that leads to an eventual crash.  Obedience to Jesus Christ brings true liberty.

So if we follow the Shepherd…where will He lead us?

“He leads us in paths of righteousness”

Our Good Shepherd desires to lead us into Holiness, a perfect relationship with Him (Matthew 5:48).  None of us have the ability to attain holiness or walk a perfect path, that’s why it’s silly to follow anyone but Jesus.  These facts often pose a problem for those who don’t follow Jesus, being that they are incapable of perfection on their own but also unwilling to recieve perfection from another.  In thier eyes it may seem like God has unfair expectations of them, however, just the opposite is true.  He desires that we, as inperfect beings, would be perfect and holy, but He doesn’t expect us to get there on our own.  Even the disciples recognized this dilemma and asked the Lord, “who then can be saved?”  Replying to thier question Jesus stated, ”with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  (Matthew 19:25, 26) 

God will never place any demand or expectation upon us which He will not supply the means and the grace to accomplish.  He’ll lead you into His righteousness; all you have to do is follow.

God bless you

-Dan

“The Lord is my shepherd…”

Psalm 23:1

Just above the first words of this psalm is the introduction, “A Psalm of David”.  As I was soaking up this psalm I found that I never really gave a whole lot of thought to the fact that I’m reading the passion and ponderings of a shepherd.  When considering all the great biblical characters most of us have a picture painted in our minds of what that character looked like.  John the Baptist is often sporting some type of gnarly animal fur and throwing back some type of bug as a snack, Jesus has these wonderful blue eyes, lush long hair, and a nicely trimmed beard, David is often wearing a crown on his head remembered as King or a sling in his hand remembered as a giant slayer, but more often than not people don’t think of him as the shepherd.  That’s because being a shepherd has never really been a job of glory and fame but a job of grace and shame.

A Shepherd in ancient times wasn’t the most socially acceptable position.  Most of them were considered the low lives of society due to their image.  As a shepherd, stepping in pasture patties wasn’t something uncommon, having some poop stains on your robe was normal, and smelling like sheep was just another thing that came with the job.  They tend animals that don’t have the sense to tend themselves.  Often lost, hurt, or hunted, sheep had need of a capable, gracious, and faithful caretaker, and the same goes for you and me. 

In the Bible God is often referred to as The Shepherd, and we are the sheep.  He is the leader and the caretaker and we are those that need leading and taking care of. 

Why?

Because we too get lost in sin, get hurt by this world, and are hunted by the enemy.  So the Lord, our Shepherd, came to be with, provide for, and take care over us, His sheep.

Why would one be a shepherd though? 

Why take a job that stinks and is looked down on by others?

The answer is not “Someone’s got to do it” but “Someone gets to do it”

You see a shepherd doesn’t sign up for the status boost or the working conditions, He signs up because he has a relationship to the sheep, he loves them and wants see them live abundantly well.  His reward is them, in their life, their growth, their abiding.  Just as a Shepherd’s joy is in his sheep, so too the Lord’s joy and reward is in us.  God cares for you and me, He desires to see us not only live life but to live it abundantly well, without being stolen from, without being beat up, without being annihilated. 

“Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him; Behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him.  He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young.”

Isaiah 40:10-11

So how do we get to that place with the Shepherd? 

How do we receive abundant life? 

We abide with the Shepherd, we draw near and intimately remain with the Lord…we stay in the pasture of His will, we drink from the water of His word, we eat up the feast of HIs blessings, and we receive the outpouring of the oil of His Spirit. 

As we continue to look deeper into Psalm 23 may we continue to draw nearer to the Lord and enjoy as he draws nearer to us (James 4:8).

Genesis 23:10-13

The exchange here between Ephron and Abraham is a perfect example of what the bargaining process was back in the ancient Middle East.  Upon further study one can begin to see quite a few similarities between what was and what the bargaining process is today.  Being that Abraham valued Sarah so highly he wasn’t about to bury her in a tomb that cost him nothing.  In the same way we as believers must not settle into compromise while conducting ourselves in this world.  While others who don’t necessarily agree with Christian beliefs or understand the biblical convictions of those who follow Christ, we as believers must seek to live in such a way that shows just how wonderful the ways of the Lord are.  As this world tries to have us bury our standards and principles in a way that would dishonor the value of Jesus’ life present in us, we must tenaciously hold to our standards so that we might honor properly that which God has given us.

To settle the exchange Abraham humbled himself by bowing, as he did the proper purchase of the tomb was possible and the relationship with the sons of Heth was strengthened.  So too, if we expect to effectively carry out business and strengthen the relationships we have in this world without compromising our standards and faith, we must conduct ourselves as Christ.   

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.  Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.  Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”

Philippians 2:3-8

You see, Jesus too humbled Himself without compromising His Holy standard.  In doing so He won the entire human race something of the greatest benefit…salvation.  Through lovingly exhibiting the character of Jesus Christ to those around us we too will not only be blessed in our lives for the glory of God but we’ll also win those around us unto a far greater purpose…an intimate personal relationship with God. 

Genesis 23:5-6

It’s amazing to see the favor that Abraham holds with the locals being that he is a “foreigner and a visitor in the land”.  It’s a stark contrast to Lot who also being a stranger and visitor in his land actually held a high political office and prospered in his local region, however, when communicating with the locals they stated, “Who are you to us?”  It’s interesting to me that Lot chose the greener grass, the nicer deal, and his selfish ambition drove him to compromise, and his example and witness was exactly that…compromised; his decision to honor himself while also trying to honor God hurt his ability to reach those around him and exemplify Holiness to those around him.  Abraham on the other hand chose to honor God, yup…he made mistakes, but all in all his passion was to honor God first and exclusively, in doing so he was blessed and we see here that those around him noticed the blessings as well as his relationship with God, Abraham’s ability to minister to them and testify to his neighbors was so evident.

More recently I was teaching a general overview of Christianity in a college located in the southwest of England.  After the session was done a student raised his hand and asked the question, “Do you often get insulted for being a Christian?”  I responded to his question by sharing how when I was younger I often was timid and quiet about my faith because I was often afraid of what others might say or do to me if they knew of my faith in Jesus Christ.  As I’ve matured in age and faith I’ve found that just the opposite is true.  Like Abraham, the more open and honest I am about my faith, the more people notice.  How they respond is out of my control, one thing is certain however, they will see me for who I am, and who I am will essentially lead them to the majesty of Jesus Christ or lead them away from the glory of God.  Sure, I get a few people that insult me, but more importantly I get people that see firsthand the Lord’s presence in my life, and they recognize my standing among them, I am a “Son of the King”  a “mighty prince” and the favor followed is the blessing imparted by our identity as such. 

Genesis 23:4

Being that Abraham already had a firm understanding of eternity, death, and the grave with his previous faith experience with Isaac, he was now able to properly practice grieving and by faith leaving Sarah’s memory into the hands of the Lord.  By faith he was seeking to move on, fully honoring the Lord as well as honoring Sarah properly, you see, a lot of what Abraham had become as a man was partly due to who his wife was as a woman.  To celebrate and commemorate Sarah Abraham didn’t lie down, give up, or get bitter…instead he chose to press on, move forward, and finish what he and his wonderful wife had begun together.  Abraham wanted to move forward towards heaven by continuing that which he was called to do here on earth.

Sure he was grieving his loss!

 No, he wouldn’t forget about Sarah!

He was doing what was best because Sarah had now moved onto what was best, the company of the Father…God.  We make a huge mistake when in grieving loss we choose to close up shop, to let go of vision and calling, and simply trade in our blessings for bitterness.  We, like Abraham, should seek a place to grieve and then leave, letting go of the loss and heading on towards the blessing and gain that God has in mind for us, not only here on earth being that we are still living, but also in the next life where we see the rewards for how we lived.

At this point many of us are familiar with the legend of William Tell who won the freedom of himself and his son, Walter Tell, when he split the apple off of his sons head with one arrow.  In Switzerland today William Tell is considered a hero.

In the Bible, the word for sin in the Greek is “hamartia” which means “Missing the mark”.  It speaks of an archer or bowman aiming to hit the mark of a target, bulls eye, or perhaps an apple.  If the Archer were to miss the mark his ability would be considered imperfect and if the stakes were as high as that of William Tell it wouldn’t go so well. 

The truth is that the stakes are pretty high when it comes to our ability of perfection or lack thereof.  I’m not talking about apples or bows and arrows; I’m talking about Holiness and Sin.  The standard of abiding with God in heaven is perfect holiness.  The Bible tells us, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”  If William Tell had an off day, which I’m sure he had at one time or another when practicing to be a marksman, his son would have died.  When it comes to our spiritual life the same is true, due to an imperfect ability to gain salvation we face the consequence of death, it says in the book of Romans, “For the wages of Sin is death.”  This isn’t good news for us. 

“But Dan, I haven’t missed any marks, I’m a pretty good person” You claim.

To be a pretty good person doesn’t cut it, just like being an alright shot wouldn’t have cut it for Ol’ Willy Tell.  You see, according to the Bible if anyone has broken the Law (also known as the 10 commandments) any law, even if it was once, then you have missed the mark, you’ve sinned, you’re guilty. 

What if I don’t believe in Bible and the Ten Commandments Dan? 

Your belief in the Law doesn’t void it from being the Law just like me not believing in a speed limit doesn’t get me out of a ticket when I’m caught and justice is served. 

Don’t get bummed out though…there is good news!

That verse that I just quoted from Romans has a second part to it. 

It tells us, “The gift of God is eternal life.”  Just like Walter Tell’s dad won his life and freed, so too our heavenly daddy won our life and freedom by sending His only Son to this world to die on the cross and pay the penalty of our sin. 

That’s it…Jesus is a master marksman, being fully God and fully man He was perfect and worthy to cover the consequences of our sin.  When we as sons and daughters of God had the apple of Sin hanging over our heads, Jesus came and split our sin in two, not stretching out His hands for a bow and arrow, but for a few nails.  He shed His blood for our punishment, saving our lives and raising His own life up, becoming the hero of our salvation. 

If you wish to receive this free gift that was paid for you on the cross all you have to do is simply “believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord, and confess with your mouth that He died on the cross for your sins.” (Romans 10:9-12)

I know when it comes down to a life and death target shot, I wouldn’t trust my life into anyone’s hands that were less than perfect, I’d want the highest standard of perfection deciding my outcome.  Jesus has done that.  He has completed the work saying, “It is finished”.  And for those who have received that free gift have also received their freedom and eternal life. 

Genesis 23:1-2

Just a short while ago Abraham received back his son from the altar, now he was saying goodbye to his bride.  So we see the same in our lives. Sometimes we’re receiving blessings from God, and then the difficult moments of having to let go arrive.  Death and loss are always subjects of difficulty for everyone; we see that even Abraham, a spiritual giant of a man, wept for his wife.  Grief is okay, it actually helps us to release that which is going on in our heads and hearts before the Lord, and when done properly it allows the Lord the opportunity to clarify and console. 

It’s said the reason why God created the tear ducts and tear reflex was to keep the eye lubricated and cleansed of any particles that might harm the eye’s surface or impede on the eye’s ability to see.  In the same way God has given us the gift of grief to work the spiritual cleansing of the hearts interior as tears cleanse the eye.  As we tell God how we feel, the Lord begins to comfort and reply with His faithful and gentle cleansing of the particles that irritate the peace of our hearts and heads, keeping us from seeing clearly His character. 

After one hundred and twenty seven years of life Sarah had now died in Hebron, which literally translated means “fellowship”, this is so fitting being that most of Sarah’s life was spent in fellowship with her husband.  Sarah and Abraham’s relationship is an awesome example to us of commitment, love, faithfulness, and honor to each other and the Lord.  We often think of Abraham as the Godly example being dubbed things like, “Father of the faith” or “the friend of God”, however, we see Sarah gets a mention when Paul likened her to grace while Hagar was likened unto the Law.  Then Peter mentioned her as the example of what a woman of God should be (1 Peter 3:5, 6). 

Yeah, they both made mistakes, hit some bumps together, but the wonderful thing was their willingness to accept correction from the Lord, admit their wrongs, and stay committed to the Lord as He led them on to be ‘A Man’ and ‘A Woman’ of God.

Genesis 22:15-18

God instructed and Abraham obeyed.  As we continue to learn from the lives of the Word we see that obedience is one of the most valuable keys to our relationships with the Lord.  For in obeying God we will find that faith will grow, hope will become clear, and love will blossom to maturity. 

In Abraham’s obedience all the generations to follow would be blessed as a great nation.  Today the testimony of that blessing is apparent as the Jewish race is the only ancient civilization to have survived the test of time.  It’s a common fact that after any ancient civilization lost rule of their land that civilization would soon fall and become overcome and eventually wiped out.  The Mayans, Incas, Assyrians, and Babylonians are a few among many of these fallen empires.  The Hebrew nation, commonly known today as the Jews or Israeli’s is the only people group, culture, and nation that have survived with its identity completely intact.  As it were, that would be enough; however we see that upon this particular blessing God has been abundantly clear in His faithfulness to the Jews throughout the years.

Let me explain:

Jesus, or the Angel of the Lord, speaks this promise to Abraham… “Blessing I will bless you” which is also abiding with the blessing and promise earlier spoken by God Himself unto Abraham:

“I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Genesis 12:3

Any nation that has attacked or cursed the Israelites has soon after been overcome as a nation.  The Jews have been persecuted and attacked for centuries; their enemies have included Assyrian’s, Babylon, Midian, Moab, Philistia, Agag, and even more contemporary nations like Nazi Germany.  It isn’t coincidence that soon after these nations sought to wipe out the Jews they themselves were the ones being overcome.  So too we see that through Abraham’s seed, God not only blessed the Jewish race, but the whole world, because millennia later the Messiah would arrive and bring freedom and salvation to all mankind; every race, gender, and culture; multiplying the number of those who would enter into heaven as numerous as the sand on the seashore.

You see, in the eyes of the Lord we as mankind had a common enemy.  It wasn’t an opposing race, nation, or culture…it was a hereditary condition called sin.

In the same way God was faithful to defend the Jewish race, God has also carried His faithfulness through Abraham to the entire Human race.  Blessing us and not cursing us, saving us from destruction and delivering us unto abundant life.

As I was sharing this with a friend more recently I was asked, “How is it that you as a Christian can be so exclusive about salvation and entrance into heaven?”

I responded by saying, “Christianity isn’t exclusive, it’s actually quite open.  Because of the finished work that Jesus carried out on the cross, all can freely receive salvation!”

The question that follows is, “Will you receive it?”

Below is a clip of a teaching that Dan gave on 2 Samuel 9 while in McConnelsville, Ohio.  Listen while he shares about Love instead of Hatred, Kindness instead of Anger, and how God makes good on His promises for everyday ordinary people! 

Dan\’s sermon on 2-samuel-9-at-mcconnelsville-ohio, USA

Genesis 22:7-8

Notice the repeated words, “the two of them went together.”  These few words speak volumes about the relationship Isaac and Abraham had.  Based on the Hebrew word “na’ar”, translated “Lad” we find a bit of insight to Isaac’s age.  Scholars believe Isaac wasn’t a kid at this stage, more than likely he was around the age of thirty, which blew me away considering every Sunday school lesson about this story I had ever witnessed portrays Isaac as a child not more than 8-10 years of age. 

“So what!” you say.

“What does Isaac’s age have to do with anything?” You might think.

Considering old Abe was over 100 years old, it’s not too hard to believe that a young buck like Isaac didn’t have to obey his dad when it came to being slain with a knife, burnt over a fire, and offered as a sacrifice.  He could easily have run away the moment he noticed his dad’s intentions, or wrestled the knife away from Abraham, which is more than likely what anyone of us would have probably done.  In this situation most of us would simply write Abraham off as old and delusional and be done with him, but not Isaac, these verses show the amount of meekness and faith that Isaac held in character. 

The same is true for Jesus Christ, the pure and spotless lamb, who perfectly obeyed the Father even when led to the destination of death on the cross.  The story of Isaac is like a photo negative of the story of Jesus Christ.  The picture is taken and over time and through the process in the darkroom of “trial and testing” the development of the image is manifested.  In the same way we see God’s “bigger picture”, or the will of the Most High Himself, which is that none would perish, but that all would be saved through the Holy offering of His Son, the “Pure and spotless lamb” which He Himself did provide.  He brought the flesh for the offering by becoming like us in the flesh and dying for our sins (John 1:14).  Showing the same kind of meekness and faith in the Father as Isaac, Jesus was willing to lay down His life trusting that the Father knew best. 

This all serves as an encouragement and example to me.  Often when I desire to “offer myself as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1-2) I mistakenly think that it’s a task that I must do on my own.  Like Isaac shows us here on Mt. Moriah, and like Jesus on Calvary, we see that to perfectly abide and obey with the Father’s plan it takes meekness, and faith.  We are to trust, sit still, and know that God is working things together for good in our character even when it seems like He’s killing us, or we’re getting burned by others, or we’re being wounded by those we love. 

 “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” 

He is with us in the conflict, He strengthens us while we journey up the mountain to the altar, and His powerful Holy Spirit accompanies us to the altar so that we might learn to trust and not squirm away from the Fathers desire…that we too would be altered to the likeness of His Son. 

“The two of them went together”

Abraham with Isaac

The Father with the Son

God Almighty with You