I'm Tired

 

I’m tired…

-         Not just sleepy where a good night’s rest would/should appease the tiredness,

But I’m tired…

 

-         of these days, of trekking through this mortal time seeing the disruption, corruption,

 

-         and the filth even of mortal humanity’s seeming unconcern where they throw their trash

 

-         of mortal humanity’s seemingly breaking the law (with no concern) moreso than ever before.

 

-         of seeing the living of life simply for this mortal timeline, seemingly, having gone through wars, fires, earthquakes, famines, and such, when all gets straightened out and settled down, all humanity goes back to that “normal” way as if nothing tragic had happened. (Should we not learn from such?)

 

-         Of these dark days, not of the darkness that routinely/regularly “happens” at sunset, but of the darkness igniting the rise of evil at sunset. (“People  love darkness more than the light…” John 3:19.)

 

“Que sera sera” (whatever will be will be) the future’s not ours to see…” Maybe not, but we who know the truth, when we see evil coming in to wipe the truth away, shouldn’t we stand up and speak out that it will not happen; keep on the way of the truth. Until our eternal home going, let us live now to proclaim the truth. (See John 14:6.)

 

Tired of it all. For myself, I have realized the better way of living is for the immortal. I’m ready to see the brilliance of the new day of Christ’s return and the entrance of the Father’s eternal immortal Kingdom, where tiredness will be no more.

 

²¹ For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better,” 

Philippians 1:21.

The Year That Was

 That Most Joyous Time of Year Once Again Has Arrived

…Christmas, as it has been called many years throughout history, celebrating God(Elohim) becoming one of us in the person of Jesus (Yeshua)—the Christ, Messiah, Adonai, Savior and soon coming King of kings (Revelation 19:16; Deuteronomy 10:17) for all peoples, the blessing promised long ago to Abraham (Genesis 12:3). “Come, Lord Jesus,” Revelation 22:20. And to my Messianic Jewish friends—about the same time of year—it’s Happy Hanukkah, the festival of lights, celebrating Yeshua, the Light of the world, John 8:12.

 

Crazy days this year has been, hasn’t it? And not as that popular song of yesteryear goes “…lazy, hazy, days of summer”, but all through 2020—the year that was; how do I share? Not fully understanding all I’ve been experiencing through these recent days and years; I’ll give it a try anyway in sharing. In that, this letter as well might be crazy.

We may be uncertain of the happenings of our days; change can be expected in our lifetime, not knowing what may come or when. But Jesus, “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8), knows all the happenings (changes) that are to come about in our days—individually or corporately. (And the most important change comes individually through one’s repentance, and turning to Jesus as Savior and Lord, no longer following the “I did my way” mentality, but God’s way.)

Apart from the reality of Jesus being the real reason for this most glorious of holiday seasons, this Christ M A S season, having come through this year that was, is so much different than any other Christmases I have ever experienced, unlike any other year of my lifetime. In the past, Christmas had been simply a joyous once-a-year event—a shopping spree. Now it’s so much different; the real meaning much more evident.

With the coming of that pandemic (in some respects perhaps a panPANic), perhaps 2020 will go down in history as the year that was. But I pray may it not be forgotten, rather remembered as a reminder for us Christ-followers to go forward ever more so zealously than ever before, proclaiming the Good News throughout the year and every year until the day of Jesus’s return and He makes all things new (see Revelation 21:1-8.) Then maybe we’ll get the proper understanding of the truer meaning of that popular Christmas carol Joy to the World, which was originally written of Jesus’s second coming.

Wow, how to cope with it all. The pandemic had launched spiritual warfare within America, my mortal homeland. Never before have I been so concerned about a presidential and legislature election as I have been this year of 2020—as all of the Church should have been, concerned, as in every area of life, even with the governing of our nation as well all throughout our history.

I cannot see now how I can go on living the usual way I have lived before the events of 2020 had happened as if the pandemic had never happened. The end of time, nearer than ever before? It so is, with the passing of each new day— “Come, Lord Jesus.” Nevertheless, until then, when all gets straightened out and the new year begins, may it not be a return to the “normal” past, or even a “new normal,” as it has been in settling down after 911, and other of the wars and tragedies we have suffered—just continuing on with life as usual as if nothing had happened. May it not be, but to the greater purpose of our temporal existence.  Apart from the works of God, since Genesis chapter three, this mortal world has been abnormal. Revive Your Church, Heavenly Father, through this land and around the world to a greater revival than what has ever been seen in history.

I’m sure glad there’s more to life than this mortal time. Crazy as it may sound, but my walking/driving about, my mind/heart now being more set on the immortal eternal reality, noticing the temporal works of humankind, that it’s all temporal, it’s all going to burn (see 2 Peter 3:3-7). And thus as well the realization of the familiar hymn comes true: “this world is not my home, I’m just a pass’n through.” (Consider John 14:1-3; Colossians 3:2-4.) The realization of the better forever world is coming clearer into focus.

James 4:13-16 (Amplified) reads, “…Come now [and pay attention to this], you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and carry on our business and make a profit.” ¹⁴ Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen in your life tomorrow. [What is secure in your life?] You are merely a vapor [like a puff of smoke or a wisp of steam from a cooking pot] that is visible for a little while and then vanishes [into thin air]. ¹⁵ Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and we will do this or that.” ¹⁶ But as it is, you boast [vainly] in your pretension and arrogance. All such boasting is evil.”

Restore America, heavenly Father, as we were founded—upon biblical principles—that we for a time may be a light-bearer and salt-spreader to the world of Your grace, peace, and love, until the day of Your return, Lord Jesus (Adonai Yeshua).

 

The year that was—2020. It’s so refreshing and with a new sense, of hearing those Christmas carols this year, reminding me of my truer purpose for living in this time—Jesus (Yeshua), the Christ, Messiah, Adonai, our Salvation and soon coming King. “Come, Lord Jesus.” 

 

Blessings and shalom,

Charles

 

A Christmas movie worthy of your viewing you may want to consider seeing (about 1 hr. 40 min.) if you have not seen it.  Or consider viewing it again or again and again if you have seen it:

 The Christmas Candle

Laborers Together

 Summary: We are laborers together, not singly. Jesus called out disciples and sent them out two-by-two. (Consider Mark 6:7 and Luke 10:1.) Together they are a help to one another. And so are we in this time, a team, not “lone rangers,” to share the “blessing of Abraham” to the nations of the world.

Struggling Twins

Journey with me back in time to the biblical days of Isaac, the second son of Abraham. (We're reading the Bible at Genesis 25:19-34.) As we recall from a prior post, Abraham sent his servant, Eliezer, to find a wife for Isaac. And so she was found, Rebecca, among Abraham's relatives, Bethuel and Laban. Isaac was 40 years old when he married Rebecca.

Rebecca, unable to have children, Isaac "pleads with the LORD" (Genesis 25:21) on her behalf. The LORD understands and answers Isaac's prayer; Rebecca conceives. In labor she gives birth to twin boys—Esau and Jacob—Jacob the younger. They struggled in the womb, however, and as the LORD knows they would become two rivaling nations (see Genesis 25:23).

Hendrick ter Brugghen,
 Esau Selling His Birthright, c. 1627.

Growing up, Esau becomes a skillful hunter; Jacob is a quiet man, and he prefers to stay at home. One day Esau returns home, famished, after a long day of hunting. He sees his younger brother brewing some stew and asks for some.

Ah, Jacob seizes his opportunity. "Trade me your rights as the firstborn son for some stew," Jacob says (Genesis 25:31).

After a bit of a confrontation, Esau gives in, famished with hunger, and "sells his rights as the firstborn son to his younger brother Jacob" for some stew (Genesis 25:33).

Here we've witnessed a first scheme of Jacob in deceiving his brother Esau. We'll catch a second further forward in considering a later chapter in Genesis. As well, further forwarding we'll see Jacob finding peace with God and with his brother Esau. And he realizes he's the inheritor of the blessing of his grandfather Abraham (see Genesis 12:2-3).   Hence, our labor today, together with our fellow Christ-followers, to all the nations: passing on to all generations the blessing of Abraham (see Acts 1:8, consider Galatians 3:13-16).

Quarreling Church

The Conversion of Saul, fresco 
by Michelangelo, 1542–45aption

Fast-forwarding now to the first century A.D. (we are reading the Bible at 1 Corinthians 3:1-9) we meet Paul (formerly Saul). At first meeting, we see him as a persecutor of Christians, "uttering threats with every breath, eager to kill the Lord's followers (see Acts 7:58; 8:1-2; 9:1-2). 

Then, on the Damascus road, bringing both men and women, arrested and chained, back to Jerusalem a bright light from heaven shining around him suddenly blinds him. He hears a voice, "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?"

Saul asks, "Who are you, Lord?"

The voice responds, "I am Jesus you are persecuting." And then Jesus instructs Saul what to do (see Acts 9:3-9).

Paul the Apostle, 
by Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn
c. 1657

Saul's life (now Paul) transformed, and he becomes a Christ-follower himself. Paul's call is realized "to carry [the] name [of Jesus] before the Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel" (see Acts 9:15-16). In so going Paul does not go alone; he goes with various companions throughout his travels—Barnabas, John Mark, Silas, to name a few (see Acts 4:36, 12:12, 15:22, 16:1).  Paul gives his life to sharing the blessing of Abraham—the Good News—throughout Asia Minor and into Europe, establishing churches for the assembly of Christ-followers where they too can realize their call to labor together in Christ's cause.

To the church in Corinth, Paul writes, expressing his concern for their apparent infancy in the faith, "There are not to be any arguing (quarreling) and jealousy among you (see 1 Corinthians 3:3). Paul's letter continues, "When one of you says ‘I am a follower of Paul,' and another says, ‘I follow Apollos,' aren't you acting like people of the world, ‘still controlled by your sinful nature?'" (See 1 Corinthians 3:3-4).

"One plants one waters," Paul confirms, "but it is God who gives the increase" (see 1 Corinthians 3:5-6). "We are laborers together [in the faith—passing on the blessing of Abraham—to the peoples of the world]" (see 1 Corinthians 3:9).

Consider further the study guide to 1 Corinthians 3.

No Greater Legacy

Forwarding again further through time we come to the 19th Century, to 1840, and St. Clairsville, Ohio, Ohio, U.S.A. Four-year-old James Mills Thoburn welcomes his baby sister, Isabella, to the family. James was born in 1836.

Growing up James graduated from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania in 1857. A year later he joins the Methodist Episcopal Church. The next year he sails to North India. He works in village evangelism and church planting. He labors for a time with William Butler; Butler is the first American Methodist missionary to India. For 13 years, since 1874, James Thoburn served as pastor of the church founded by William Taylor in Calcutta.

Isabella Thoburn, a teacher, persuaded by her brother, joins James and his wife in India in 1870. She's the first missionary appointee of the Women's Foreign Mission Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church to India. Joining her is medical missionary Clara A. Swain, M.D.

Isabella Thoburn

Isabella establishes a girl’s college in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. At first, there were just six girls enrolled in the school but soon grows to 20, despite "bitter prejudice on the part of the Hindus against the education of women," Ruth A. Tucker, From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya.   Come the year 1857 Isabella Thoburn College opens; it is the first women's college in Asia.

Isabella served many years at home and abroad. Ill health taking its toll, in 1901 she dies of cholera, her body interred in Lucknow. In failing health, too, James returns to Meadville, Pennsylvania in 1908, where he resides until his death in 1922.

Ruth A. Tucker writes, "[the brother and sister James and Isabella Thoburn leave] a legacy of training Indian nationals for the gospel ministry." What more significant legacy to leave than laboring together in Christ's cause passing on the blessing of Abraham?

Jesus answered them, "Don't be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you," John 6:27, NLT

Information on James and Isabella Thoburn gathered from Boston University, School of Theology, History of Missiology, Wikipedia, and Ruth A. Tucker’s From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya.


Coming next month Sojourners in a Foreign Land

Impressions From The Heart is a self-employed endeavor for the glory of God. If readers of these posts are blessed, challenged, and encouraged to share their faith, thank you for your support via PayPal. 

Arise America

Wow, I don’t know if I have ever been so into, so concerned, about a presidential and legislature election in the past as I have been this year. Shame on me that I haven’t, as I believe the Church should have always been a voice in government and in politics. Shame on the Church for being the “silent majority.” (Perhaps that’s the reason why America is in trouble these days.) Praise God for raising up Faith & Freedom Coalition, who is “giving Christians a voice in government.”

This most crucial election of all time isn’t over; it does indeed matter who gets into office. It’s a spiritual warfare—the evil left (following the ways of the devil) vs the more biblical right side—they be following more closely the ways of our founding fathers’ who have established us on biblical principles. As Faith & Freedom writes, “Now we must gear up for the days ahead… battles against unhinged Leftists who are out to destroy our republic; battles to correct the fake news media who literally lie about everything; and battles to save America as the “land of the free” for [our] children and grandchildren.”

As long as the Lord so tarries, it’s not too late for the fight to save our native mortal homeland. As Paul in the Bible writes to the Ephesians, “In all circumstances…” (Ephesians 6:16-18). And so let us gear up in battle array, taking the shield of faith… the sword of the Spirit… and praying at all times in the Spirit to save our country from those evildoers who have nothing good planned for our country, but evil intent only to tear us down.

The election isn’t over, as the Trump campaign writes, “Be aware [and be in prayer] of how important these next few days will be. Biden, Harris, and the FAKE NEWS media are all working together to convince the American People that President Trump has NO SHOT of winning this Election. Remember, if we let the Radical Left win, they will RAISE our taxes. They will cut critical police funding. They will KILL vital American energy jobs. They will open our borders to illegal immigrants. And they will appease SOCIALIST dictators.”

And so my daily prayer: Dear heavenly Father, believing that You brought President Trump into the White House for such a time as this (considering Isaiah 45) to expose the evil corruption that has been going on for years, give President Trump and Vice President Pence four more years, an understanding heart, and a deeper love for You dear God, so that can continue governing well our nation with Your help, dear Father. And I also pray that the Republicans will remain in control of the Senate. 

Restore us, heavenly Father, to our founding upon biblical principles that we for a time may be a light-bearer and salt-spreader to the world of Your grace, peace, and love, as You would have us to be, until the day of Your return, Lord Jesus (Adonai Yeshua), and You make all things new. In Your precious name, dear Jesus, I pray. Amen

Recovering Eternal Values

 Continuing our "time travels" we find ourselves journeying with Abram through Canaan, God's promised land to him. We notice that both Abram and his nephew, Lot, are materially wealthy in flocks and herds and tents. Both Abram's possessions and Lot's are so great that the land cannot support them both. Quarreling rises between Abram's herdsmen and those of Lot. 

Displeased with the quarreling, Abram goes to Lot one day to discuss the matter. 

"Let's not have any more of this fighting between your men and mind," Abram says. "Let's separate. You go one direction; I'll go the other." (See Genesis 13:5-9.)

Lot looks over all the territory to the east, and then chooses for himself the "whole plain of the Jordan." He sees that it is well watered, like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt." Perhaps seeing its potential for material prosperity, Lot then leaves Abram and lives among the cities of the plain near Sodom. But, the men there are wicked and sin greatly against God. (See Genesis 13:10-13.)

Abram, however, remains in Canaan and is refreshed with the promise of God: "Do you see all this land, Abram?" Showing Abram all of Canaan, God says, "I am giving it to you and your offspring." (See Genesis 13:14-15.)

Abram walks through the land, seeing only the potential of God's promise. At Hebron, he builds an altar and worships the LORD there." (See Genesis 13:18.) 



Then our time machine transports us to the New Testament times when Jesus trekked the Promised Land (Old Testament times, Canaan; for Jesus, Palestine; in the 21st Century, Israel). 

We look in on Him during one of His private times praying. His disciples are there with Him. 

Sharing with His disciples, Jesus predicts the kind of death He will die. He also teaches them, as the apostle Paul will later report to the Colossians, "Set your affections on things above, not on earthly things," (Colossians 3:1-3; cf. Matthew 6:33)

And as Jesus put it to His disciples (and to us), "Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it" (Matthew 16:25). He goes on, asking them rhetorically, "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul?" (Matthew 16:26) 



Swoosh! Our time machine now carries us away to the Year of our Lord 1860 and deposits us in England. Here we witness the birth of Charles Thomas Studd (C.T.Studd). We watch as he becomes an expert cricket player at the age of 16, yet later "loses his life only to find it" in service for the cause of Christ. 

C.T.'s father is a wealthy Englishman, whose life has been radically changed since he received Christ at a D.L. Moody campaign. He persistently witnesses to his three sons until seeing their conversion to Christianity. 

In his youth, however, C.T. strays from his faith. But, then, at a Moody campaign, he rededicates his life to God. And, like his father, he zealously pursues the task God has prepared for him to do, sacrificing wealth and prestige for the more worthy goal of making Christ known. Giving up a half-million-dollar inheritance -- recovering eternal values -- he chooses rather to live by faith. 

C.T. Studd, with his wife Priscilla, first serves in China with the China Inland Mission (now OMF International). Priscilla works among the women, while C.T. with opium addicts. Their ministry in China, though just 10 years, is nevertheless productive for Christ's Kingdom among the Chinese. C.T. also serves the Savior in India and Africa. In later years he is instrumental in the founding of the Worldwide Evangelization Crusade (now WEC International). 

In July 1931, C.T. Studd passes from the physical realm into the eternal presence of his Lord. His last spoken word is "Hallelujah!" 

Today God continues His search for other "C.T.s and Priscillas," who are willing to risk wealth and fame for the nobler ambition of making Christ known among the 'nations' (peoples of the world). 

Read more about C.T. Studd

For further reflection, consider--

Genesis 13:5-18

Matthew 16:21-28

Mark 8:31-9:1

Luke 9:22-27

Colossians 3:1-17

Hebrews 11:6-10


Coming next month In the World But Not of It

Impressions From The Heart is a self-employed endeavor for the glory of God. If readers of these posts are blessed, challenged, and encouraged to share their faith, thank you for your support via PayPal. 

The End of an Era

 Continued from A Good Neighbor

The Departure of Abraham; the Rise of Isaac

BibleAtlas.org

Once again journey with me back in time to the Biblical days Abraham, in particular, we are reading the Bible at Genesis 25:1-18. Abraham is well advanced in years; his time for departure from this earthly temporal realm is near. The era that commenced with him, however (see Genesis 12:1-3), continues on to this day and beyond (see Acts 1:6-8).

At a “ripe old age” Abraham remarries – a concubine (see 1 Chronicles 1:32-33) whose name is Keturah. Through her Abraham fathers six sons: Zimran, and his five brothers – Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah.

But to Isaac, Abraham’s principle heir – son of his first wife, Sarah – will go "all of Abraham’s property and authority", from the Life Application Study Bible. To the other sons and grandson, however, and to Keturah, many other gifts from Abraham are given.

Abraham then dies having lived for 175 years. “His sons Isaac and Ishmael bury him in the cave of Machpelah, near Mamre, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite … where he had buried his wife Sarah” (Genesis 25:9-10; cf. Genesis 24:17-20). Ishmael’s years numbered 137 then he too breathed his last, and joined his ancestors.

God’s blessing to Abraham is passed on to Isaac, who settles in Beer-lahai-roi in the Negev.

Consider further: What can we learn from the life of Isaac?

  

The Era Moving Forward

Let us fast forward now to the first century A.D. in particular to the year of our Lord A.D. 30. We are reading in the Bible at Matthew 27:45-56, 28:1-7, 16-20.

God had come to earth as a man (see John 1:1-5, 10-14) in the person of Jesus, the Christ (Messiah) around 6 or 4 B.C. Jesus begins His public ministry around 30 years of age proclaiming the blessing of Abraham (see Galatians 3:14-15), which is for all generations.

“He came to His own people, and even they rejected Him” (John 1:11). Finally, He is tried. During His trial, He is mocked and ridiculed, and accusations are made against Him. At last, the people cry out, “Crucify Him!” (Matthew 27:22), asking that Barabbas be released instead (see Matthew 27:21).

Though nothing is found against Jesus He is hung on a cross where He dies. Three days later the borrowed tomb where His body is laid is found empty. Early on that third day, the two Marys go to visit the tomb (see Matthew 28:1). Finding the stone rolled away and Jesus’ body gone, fearfully they wonder what had happened. “Don’t be afraid,” the angel said to the women, “I know you are looking for Jesus…. He isn’t here! He has risen from the dead. Just as He said would happen.” (Matthew 28:5-6)

“Now go and tell his disciples,” the angel said to them (see Matthew 28:7). “Tell them to go to Galilee; they will see him there.” At Galilee Jesus meets with His disciples one last time on earth. He issued His Great Commission, for the era to move forward: “Go and make disciples of all the nations [peoples]” (see Matthew 28:19).

Consider further, read The Blessing of Abraham

Continuing Through Time

From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya

Fast-forwarding now further through time we come to the late 17^th century. The year is A.D.1690; the place, Moravia, and we witness the birth of a boy to a devout Roman Catholic family. He is Christian David. Through his youth, he, too, is devoted to Roman Catholicism – zealous in observing rituals, holidays, and adoring the Virgin Mary.

In growing up however he searches to find more meaning to his life, not finding it totally in Roman Catholicism, or among Lutherans, or even among Jews. Traveling about – from Moravia – he searches for the truth. He finds it in the Bible, recognizing Jesus as the promised Messiah.

Traveling about David meets hundreds of persecuted Christians, longing for a refuge. That stored in his heart he shares with Count Zinzendorf and together they establish Herrnhut.

Married at the age of 27 and encouraged by his wife, Anna, “he becomes a traveling lay preacher,” Ruth A. Tucker, From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya. Also, Tucker writes that other than Count Zinzendorf, David, too, is most involved in forming the Moravian church.

Johan Hörner, Hans Egede, c. 1745,
Danish Museum of National History

Eager for work in evangelism, he is commissioned, along with other Moravian Christ-followers, and sent as missionaries to Greenland. There, in meeting with Lutheran missionary Hans Egede, they work side-by-side proclaiming God’s Good News, which is for all generations – The Blessing of Abraham (see Galatians 3:14-29).

For more on Christian David and Hans Egede read

Ruth A. Tucker’s From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya.

Coming next month Laborers Together

Impressions From The Heart is a self-employed endeavor for the glory of God. If readers of these posts are blessed, challenged, and encouraged to share their faith, thank you for your support via PayPal. 

In God We Trust

Abram returns from battle victorious.

One night God speaks to Abram in a vision, calming his fears. (See Genesis chapter 15.)

“Don’t be afraid, Abram,” God says. “I am your shield, your very great reward" (Genesis 15:1; cf. Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalm 3:3)

“O, LORD God, what can you give me”? Abram asks. “Since I have no children, a servant in my own household will surely be my heir.”

“This man will not be your heir,” God assures. “Your heir will indeed come from your own body.” 

 Leading Abram outside, God says. “Look up to the heavens and see if you can count the stars. So shall your offspring be.”

Gazing toward the heavens, noticing the starry host, Abram then puts his trust in God, and it is credited to him as righteousness.   (See Psalm 106:31; Romans 4:3, 9, 22; Galatians 3:6.) 

God also says to Abram, “I brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land," (Genesis 15:7).

But Abram asks again, “O Sovereign LORD, how can I know?” (Genesis 15:8)

We’ll discover God’s answer to this question next time, until then, however, continue through the rest Genesis chapter 15.

But now, we zoom centuries ahead to the New Testament era (in the Bible at John 9) where we see Jesus encouraging a man who was born blind.

After Jesus opens the blind man’s eyes, the man is seen among his Jewish neighbors, the Pharisees, and his own parents. They are all amazed, but still not convinced that Jesus was sent from God.

They ask Jesus about the man born blind, “Who sinned? This man or his parents?”

“Neither,” Jesus answers, “But that the work of God might be performed in him.”

Again and again, the Jews ask the man about Jesus. But the man continually responds, finally answering, “Whether or not He is a sinner, I don’t know. One thing I do know. Once I was blind. Now I see.” (John 9:25)

The argument continues. Finally, the Jews, themselves blinded by their own righteousness and stubborn heart, they put the man born blind out of the synagogue.

Hearing of it, Jesus finds the man and welcomes him. “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” Jesus asks. “You have seen Him. He is the one speaking with you now.” The man born blind then believed [putting his trust in Jesus], and worshiped Him.

Continuing our travel through time, we meet George Boardman, born February 8, 1801, in Livermore, Maine (northeast United States). Ordained a Baptist pastor on February 16, 1825, he marries Sarah Hall on July 4 of the same year. Putting their trust in God, the Boardmans then set sail for Burma (present-day Myanmar) 12 days later.

After some time in Burma, the Boardmans leave the comfort of the mission confines of Mauhnain. Moving to Tavoy, they begin a work among the Karen people, testifying before the Karens the life of Jesus, the Christ (Messiah).

With the Boardmans is a Karen man named Ko Tha Byu. Having received Jesus Christ, through their witness, he is born again, spiritually, to a new life of hope. (See John 3:3-6.) Discovering the real life, and purposeful, he is then a great help to the Boardmans, ministering among his own people.

George Boardman’s service in Burma, as well as his life, is short. He dies on February 11, 1831. 

Before his death, however, 57 Karen people are baptized, confessing their faith in Jesus, turning from their sinful lifestyle; the Karen church in Tavoy totals 70 members. In the years following George Boardman’s death, Ko Tha Byu becomes a zealous evangelist among his people.

God continues His search today for other “George and Sarah Boardmans,” who will also, having put their trust in God, do exploits for His glory and Christ’s Kingdom on earth.

For further reflection: Genesis 15:1-6; John 9; Romans 4; 9:7-8 (cf. John 1:13); Galatians 3:6-9; James 2:14-26

For more on George and Sarah Boardman consider Boardman of Burma: A Biography

Coming next month Satisfaction Guaranteed

God's Delight

 Continued from A Good Neighbor

A Wife for Isaac

Journey back with me in time to the Biblical days Abraham, in particular, we are reading in the Bible at Genesis chapter 24.

At this time Abraham, living in the land of Canaan, is very old and has been greatly blessed by the LORD. Not long ago he buried his wife Sarah, also well advanced in years (see Genesis 23:19). Now, before he dies, Abraham wishes to find a wife for his son Isaac, but he wishes her not to be found among the Canaanites, but among his own relatives.

Abraham calls for his oldest and most trusted servant, Eliezer (see Genesis 15:2-3), and instructs him how to find Isaac a wife. Eliezer promised as Abraham has asked. Then loading up ten of his master’s camels, and with gifts, he travels to Aram-Naharaim (Mesopotamia), where Abraham’s brother Nahor lives.

Eliezer is obedient, as Abraham had instructed. Arriving at Aram-Naharaim, kneeling before God, Eliezer prays that he would know for certain that the woman God sends his way is the choice for Isaac’s wife. God answers even before Eliezer finishes praying, as is His delight in hearing His people pray (see Isaiah 65:24; Jeremiah 29:12; 33:3; Psalm 50:15; 91:15). Rebekah comes with her jug to dwell water from the well.

Speaking with her, and realizing she is God’s choice, as the culture of that day Eliezer “put a ring on her nose and bracelets on her wrists.” And he meets Rebekah’s father Bethuel and brother Laban. He tells his story of how the LORD had answered his prayer. Hearing the story the father and brother give Rebekah to Eliezer to be Isaac’s wife. In showing gratitude Eliezer then gives the relatives gifts of no little expense.

Eliezer remained overnight with Abraham’s relatives. The next morning Eliezer with his men, Rebekah and her nurse and servant girls, returns to his master Abraham, and to find Isaac.

Isaac is seen walking in the fields, meditating when he is found. Rebekah, properly attired, is introduced to him. She becomes Isaac’s wife; Isaac is at last comforted after his mother’s death (see Genesis 24:65-67).

Consider further, read the study guide A Bride for Isaac.

Peter Miraculously Set Free

Fast forward now to the first century A.D., in particular to the year of our Lord A.D. 44. In the Bible, we are reading Acts 12:1-19.

King Herod Agrippa, I is the ruler in Judea. He’s a ruthless man, persecuting believers of the Christian faith.  Seeing the Jewish people pleased in his having the Apostle James killed with a sword, he then has Peter arrested and imprisoned, heavily guarded by four squads of soldiers. Herod Agrippa's intent is to bring Peter to trial the next day after the Jewish Passover. The church, hearing of Peter’s imprisonment, however, prays earnestly for him. And God answers even while they speak, as is His delight in hearing His people pray.

Peter sleeps, “fastened with two chains between two soldiers” (Acts 12:6); other soldiers guard the prison gate. Suddenly a bright light shines in the cell; an angel of the Lord stands before Peter. “Get up,” the angel speaks (Acts 12:7). The chains fall off. Dressed, sandals buckled, Peter walks out, not realizing what is happening. The soldiers are undisturbed and unawakened.

Out of prison, Peter realizes what had just happened: “The Lord sent his angel and saved me from Herod and what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!” (Acts 12:11). He then hurries to the home of Mary, John Mark’s mother, “where many were gathered for prayer” (Acts 12:12). Peter knocks at the door. Rhoda, a servant girl, arriving at the door recognizes Peter’s voice. She is so excited, and before opening the door rushes back to the people. “Peter is standing at the door!” she exclaims (Acts 12:14).

At first, they don’t believe her. Peter continues knocking. When the people finally arrive at the door and opens the door they’re excitedly overjoyed at seeing Peter standing there. Quieting them, Peter shares his story of “how the Lord had led him out of prison” (Acts 12:17).

Consider further, read the study guide James is Martyred, Petet is Set Free.

God Knows the Plans He has For Us

Journey on now further through time to the 13^th Century, in particular to the year of our Lord A.D. 1232. We witness the birth of Raymond Lull (or Ramon Llull) to a wealthy Roman Catholic family of Majorca an island off the coast of Spain.

Perhaps an unlikely candidate to be considered for missionary service, yet he was the first missionary to Muslims. Though married and with children, he had mistresses on the side. In his own testimony he relates, “I lived a life of utter immorality.”

God, however, had other/better plans for Lull, as He does for all of His people (see Jeremiah 29:11), and brought him to repentance and faith through visions. For one, “the Savior hanging on His cross, the blood trickling down from His hands and feet, and brow, look reproachfully at Lull.”

The vision appears a second time and Lull commits his life to Christ, but not without doubts. “How can I,” he said, defiled with impurity, rise and enter a holier life.” And yet a third time, making him conscious of his responsibility toward others, he considers that his missionary call. That, too, is God’s delight – as the Scripture says, “there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!”  (Luke 15:7, 3-6, NLT).

In yet another vision God convinces him that he was to evangelize the nomadic Muslim Saracens, and he launches on a nine-year study of the Arabic language. Lull’s missionary focus as Ruth A. Tucker states in her book From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya, “is primarily that of apologetics – to persuade people to accept the Christian faith because it is true.”

Up in his 80’s Lull continues preaching Christ in Islamic Noth Africa, until he is stoned. He passes from this temporary physical realm on board ship in sight of Majorca.

Consider further, read Raymond Lull, Troubadour for God

Coming next month The End of An Era

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