Yet the children of your people say, 'The way of the Lord is not fair.' But it is their way which is not fair! (Ezekiel 33:17)

The very justice of God is of tremendous importance.  Abraham acknowledged this when interceding with God on behalf of Sodom and Gomorrah.  (Genesis 18:25)  A righteous man’s security depends on the truth that God is always equitable and fair.

However, through the ages man has been prone to question God’s justice.  In the days of Ezekiel, Israel questioned the way God had treated her as a nation.  (Ezekiel 18:1-32)  The prophet taught them this important lesson:  “God does no deal with us according to the conduct of our fathers, nor according to our past, but according to who we are right now”!

There are times when we are tempted to question God’s justice.  The world abounds in inequities.  Good people suffer.  Wicked people prosper.  This causes us to be hasty in our judgment of God.  Our limited knowledge of all the ways of God may hinder us from recognizing the benefits he is bringing to us.  

In addition, we are slow to acknowledge God’s power to change lives.  We quickly label an individual according to past conduct.  Acceptance and pardon is difficult.  It is a challenge to believe God and his word can profoundly alter a life.

It is also common to call God unjust when we suffer for our own foolishness.  God’s message to Israel:  “Consider your ways!”  (Ezekiel 18:32)  It would be better to spend our time in self-examination rather than blaming God!

It is comforting to know that God is just.  It is very consoling to know he is merciful.  It is only a living faith and perfect submission that God accepts.

By George Slover
 

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)

It is not easy to weigh the future against the present.  Today seems so real and tomorrow seems so distant.   With instant gratification being the motive of our current world, planning for the future is especially challenging.

Modern society approaches life as if happiness were an entitlement.  They seek for it in money, entertainment, pleasure, or a pill.  Yet, modern Americans are among the most miserable to have ever existed.  Paul doesn’t approach life from the possibility of pain but from the reality of pain.  Whether we like it or not, in this world we will suffer.

In this passage, Paul gives us a glimpse of the future.  Eternal life is more than just an eternal existence.  It is eternal glory!  This glory will consist of a close fellowship with God, the redemption of our vile body, and the removal of every trace of sin and pain!  It is the prospect of this endless treasure that helps the Christian defer the pleasure of the moment and to accept the realities of this world.

This eternal state of bliss is offered conditionally.  It must be sought for by patient continuance in doing good. (Romans 2:7) Paul says “if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” (Romans 8:17)  The expectation of this future state must govern our present attitude and actions.  If Paul is correct, then I “reckon”, it will be well worth it.

If one will accurately weigh the options, he must admit God offers a bargain.  The affliction is for a moment, but the reward is eternal.  One will finally see Jesus, and in his presence, there is no darkness.  “Sing on ye joyful pilgrims”.  The probation period is nearly over.

By George Slover


 

Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should act according to them in the land which you go to possess. "Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.' (Deuteronomy 4:5-6)
 
Commanding the respect of the others means living the right kind of life.  This seems to be the gist of what God is saying to Israel.  Though they had many enemies, still the nations would observe the well-ordered lives of those who obeyed God and say, “this is surely a wise people!
 
 Who truly gains the respect of others?  I did not ask, “who gets ahead”, but who truly gains the respect of others – even their enemies?  The answer is simple: those who live by the wisdom of God.  Consider a few examples.
 
Those who serve as elders are to be known for their good behavior.  (I Timothy 3:2).  The Greek word kosmos means to live a dignified and well-ordered life.  Furthermore, they were to be “blameless” or those of whom no charge could be sustained.  Surely, they had enemies, but still, they had their respect.  
 
Wives married to unbelievers can win their husbands by their “chaste conduct accompanied by fear.”  I’ve known godly women to live righteously before their husbands for many years.  Finally, their example had an impact on their husbands and they obeyed the gospel.
 
Finally, Peter applies the same principle to all Christians.  He says,  “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. “ (1 Peter 3:15-16)  Hopefully, your chaste conduct will cause the enemy to glorify God in the day of visitation.
 
So, what kind of life are you living?  Do they witness one who honors God with honesty, undefiled language, and pure conduct?  Jesus says,  "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16 )  You can make a difference!  
 
By George Slover

He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. (Luke 1:32)

The gospel of Luke is full of bold claims about Jesus of Nazareth.  Even before the Lord’s birth, Gabriel announced to Mary the nature and mission of her child.  If these claims are true, then Jesus brought from heaven the greatest blessing man could ever receive.

First, Gabriel speaks of the Divine origin of Jesus.  He will be called the Son of the Highest.  Jesus was not a son of God, but the son of God.  This means that he sustains a relationship with the eternal Father that no other enjoys.  Jesus was not only a man, but also Deity, thus partaking of the Divine nature in the fullest sense!  Imagine!  Gabriel is claiming that God would come to earth!

Second, Gabriel speaks of his mission.  "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. (Luke 1:31)  The name Jesus means savior. (Matthew 1:21)  Of all of the great leaders this world has known, none has as much potential as Jesus.  Much of this world’s heartache, pain, and strife finds it root in sin.  Sin separates man from everlasting fellowship with God.  Jesus came to restore man’s fellowship with his Creator.

Next, Gabriel proclaims the Lord’s rule and power.  The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.  At last the savior of Israel had arrived.  After centuries of oppression, the one who would deliver the Jews was here.  However, the son of Mary would disappoint them.  He would not be the kind king they were looking for.

Gabriel further proclaims that he would “reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." (Luke 1:33)  The Lord’s kingdom would be spiritual.  This king would surpass every Hebrew king ever known.  His rule would have no mountain or river boundaries.  Jesus’ righteous rule has the potential of reaching every man in every nation.  His rule would last forever.

Two-thousand years ago an angel of God gave glad tidings to this humble Hebrew woman.  The news she received was the best the world will ever know.

By George Slover
 

and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.”  (Ephesians 1:19)

In this context we have the first of two prayers recorded in this letter. The apostle is praying that his listeners may know the working of God’s surpassing power in their lives. The same theme is repeated in at least two other places in this letter. (Ephesians 3:20; Ephesians 6:10)

Paul uses strong modifiers to magnify the power of God. The word “power“ speaks of strength and ability. Added to this power is God’s “working“ (energia). Thus, Paul pictures a power that is active. Then, the apostle adds “mighty“ (kratos) which denotes the presence and significance of force. Paul heaps up words as though the idea of God‘s power is too great for expression.

The resurrection of Christ illustrates God‘s power. The same power behind this marvelous event now works in the hearts of God’s disciples. This image is often used by the same author (Romans 6:1-13; Colossians 2:10-13; Galatians 2:20) to illustrate the spiritual renewal that takes place when one is committed to Christ. The child of God, once dead in sin, has been made alive and made to sit with Jesus in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 2:5)

God’s power was first exerted at the beginning of the Christian’s life. The gospel is the power of God to salvation. (Romans 1:16; 1 Thessalonians1:5)  By God’s power, the sinner is translated from darkness into the kingdom of God’s Dear Son. (Colossians 1:13)

As disciples persevere in this relationship, God’s power continues to work in their lives. The disciples are kept for salvation by the power of God. (1 Peter 1:5) “Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power.” ( 2 Thessalonians 1:11)  God‘s power is everywhere at work in the disciple’s life.

God is determined to use his power to fulfill his Divine purpose. The progress of each disciple can be an experience of this exceeding great power. Dear reader, if you will allow, the heavenly Father is able to do wonders in your life.

By George Slover