The Axis of Evil (2 Corinthians 11)

Posted on May 9, 2017 by Randy Buchman

A few years ago, President Bush termed a handful of hostile countries around the world “the axis of evil.” These were nations led by people who are wicked at the core of their being. But there is a more awful axis of evil to be found in the legions of cohorts in association with Satan.

Most Christians know and believe that there are such beings as demons. But many probably do not know of their history or activity.

Demons are angels – originally created by God as His messengers and servants – who followed Satan in rebellion against God at some point in eternity past. They now serve their new master, knowing their time is limited and their destiny is one of a fixed and certain destruction.

There is a balance for us to maintain in terms of our view of the demonic realm and their influence and power.

On one hand, we in modern America downplay and disregard (or sublimate) the reality and activity of the Satanic host. We are the odd ones out in the world, as most of the rest of the world, particularly the third world, openly experiences and acknowledges the active reality of the supernatural.

On the other hand, we need to guard against the thought or presumption that the kingdom of darkness is an equal combatant with the kingdom of light. Though Satan and his ilk are granted temporary powers and authorities, their doom is sealed. (And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross – Colossians 2:15) So, we do not need to be overwhelmed by this foe. The resources for our regular victory over this supernatural axis of evil is very much at our daily disposal, which is particularly clear in the Ephesians 6 passage we referred to in the previous devotional.

However, it is good for us to know that the techniques used by this foe are not always those of raw evil. We need to remember the strategy often used by these forces is to mask evil with that having the outward appearance of good.

^{2CO 11:13} For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. ¹⁵ It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

Among issues where Satan may masquerade as good are those related to the big three of worldly temptations – sex, money, and power. Failures in such categories do not usually happen randomly or impulsively. Rather, it is the end result of an erosion of a mind fixed on God. It happens over time, as one begins a pattern of rationalizations and mental gymnastics to convince oneself that the aberrant behavior has justification within the special parameters of the current situation. “This extra relationship is actually good for me because it encourages my self esteem.” “The extra money I am gaining will enable me to give more to God’s work.” “It is too bad I had to roll that guy’s head, but he was an obstacle to the progress we need to make, and God put me in this position.”

We also need to place within our thinking the great interest Satan has in our current generation. He will not go down without a fight. He will seek to “take out” multitudes with him in the course of his own destruction. I believe it is biblically undeniable that we live in the broad category of time known as “the last days.” And in such a context, we may surely expect heightened Satanic activity.

^{1TI 4:1} The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. ² Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

Indeed, Satan and his cohorts are granted powers we need to respect with wisdom and balance; but the ultimate victory in the story is ours. There is nothing possessing higher trump than what we enjoy in our relationship with Jesus Christ. The journey of our great calling in Christ is a treacherous one, but our relationship with the hero of the story insures our ultimate victory over the pursuit of the axis of evil.

^{RO 8:37} No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Enemy Plans and Intentions (Ephesians 6)

Posted on May 8, 2017 by Randy Buchman

As I had mentioned in a previous devotional, I recently read a book about World War I naval conflict. The British Admiralty (the United Kingdom equivalent of the American Department of the Navy) had an espionage room called “Room 40”. They had broken the German naval communication codes and were very often aware of the intentions of their enemy long before they were put into action. On one occasion the British Grand Fleet, knowing in advance about a planned German offensive, actually put to sea five hours before the High Seas Fleet of Germany launched.

As God’s people, we have a great enemy in Satan. Though we are not able to see him specifically, we are not uniformed about his methods and schemes. Paul said it this way to the Corinthians…

^{2 Cor. 2:10} If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven–if there was anything to forgive–I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, ¹¹ in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

We do not need to be unknowledgeable about Satan’s schemes, though many of us apparently are. The Bible is a sort of “Room 40” for us. Satan’s techniques are not new, as compared to his methods over the generations. Peter warned his readers with these words…

^{1PE 5:8} Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

A lion never rests for long; it is always considering where its next meal may be. We have all seen those television nature programs with the lion lurking, looking for the vulnerable gazelle that strays a bit from the herd or loses its sense of caution and respect for imminent danger. The picture is a colorful one that we should certainly heed. And note also that this danger is not unique to us or to our setting or our generation. It is the common experience of believers around the world.

Imagine you were being stalked by a person, an enemy of your life that desired to see you fail in a whole variety of ways. Imagine that person showed up at your workplace from time to time; and every so often you saw him outside your house window. What would you do? Well, certainly you would go to a higher authority concerning the problem. You would want to understand why this person hated you so significantly. And you most definitely would have a strategy to deal with this threat to your life.

Well, this actually is your situation! You do have an enemy in Satan that wants to see you fail in many places of your life. He, or his emissaries, are out and about your life… looking into your activities for a crack in your armor. You need to go to a higher authority in trusting God. It serves you well to have a working understanding of Satan and his schemes. And you surely need a strategy. So here is a biblical strategy session…

^{EPH 6:10} Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

The pursuit of evil is a part of the big story, and a part of your story. It is popular in our generation and within Western Civilization to deny the reality of such. Don’t be that foolish.

The Ultimate Enemy (Isaiah 14, Ezekiel 28)

Posted on May 5, 2017 by Randy Buchman

A couple of years ago, for some light reading I really got into the Sherlock Holmes series by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and read the entire thing. The turns of phrase of an English author from a century ago are nothing short of really cool!

Of course, Holmes had many enemies and villains come across his path, but none as dastardly as the evil Professor Moriarty. When Holmes first reveals to the dear Dr. Watson the characteristics of this wicked creature, he describes him this way…

“He is the Napoleon of crime, Watson. He is the organizer of half that is evil and of nearly all that is undetected in this great city. He is a genius, a philosopher, an abstract thinker. He has a brain of the first order. He sits motionless, like a spider in the center of its web, but that web has a thousand radiations, and he knows well every quiver of each of them. He does little himself. He only plans. But his agents are numerous and splendidly organized. Is there a crime to be done, a paper to be abstracted, we will say, a house to be rifled, a man to be removed—the word is passed to the Professor, the matter is organized and carried out. The agent may be caught. In that case money is found for his bail or his defense. But the central power which uses the agent is never caught – never so much as suspected.” (from The Final Problem in Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes)

The biblically literate person cannot read that paragraph without thinking how very much of it could apply to Satan, the great enemy of the biblical hero, Jesus Christ. Consider the similarities… the source of the bulk of all evil, the great mind and power, the sinister nature of the personality, the web of organization, an association of confederates, the seeming immunity from arrest and prosecution, etc, etc.

The presence of Satan is revealed early in Scripture, appearing in chapter three. He raises doubts about the goodness of God, displaying his position as the enemy of righteousness. Originally created as the most extraordinary of the angelic host, his history of rebellion against God is recorded in passages from two of the major prophets…

^{Isaiah 14:12} How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! ¹³ You said in your heart, “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. ¹⁴ I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”

^{Ezekiel 28:14} You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. ¹⁵ You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. ¹⁶ Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, O guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. ¹⁷ Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings.

Many years ago, a favorite professor of many of us who attended Philadelphia College of Bible was Ron Showers. Professor Showers wrote a marvelous little booklet that has surely been out of print for decades now called “What On Earth Is God Doing?” This booklet spoke of the plan of God through the ages, with a special emphasis on the activity of Satan to thwart God’s purposes step by step. From the temptation of Adam and Eve, to the introduction of murder… From the plan of the fallen angels to intermingle with the human race (Gen. 6), to the tower of Babel with evil human leaders, and multiple efforts to destroy God’s chosen people… all the way down to the death of Jesus – Satan has worked to prevent the redemptive ministry of Christ, and he works now to negate its application to people even of our generation.

Satan is the enemy of God. He is the enemy of Jesus. He is your enemy and passionately hates you! Our theme switches now to consider the pursuit of evil that is a part of all great stories, is part of the biblical story, and is therefore a part of your story as well. Looks like you need to journey on with us!

Guaranteed Victory (Revelation 19)

Posted on May 4, 2017 by Randy Buchman

I like winning things, and my overly-competitive nature is the stuff of local legend. From my high school cross country coaching career, I think the video is still out there on the internet somewhere of the day my best runner was out-kicked at the finish line of the state championships. The clipboard in my hands at that moment ended up in multiple pieces.

During several of those 13 years of coaching I had a girls team that was truly a rare powerhouse. Winning meet after meet, only the very best teams in much larger schools had any chance of beating them. In our division in Maryland, even if every other school in the state combined as one, my girls would probably still win the title. I liked it that way! Knowing we were going to win made everything about it a lot more fun and relaxing.

That is how it is with our hero, Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate guaranteed winner. I am not sure I could stick with this faith adventure in the midst of such a sinful world if I did not right now know the end of the story. A lot of circumstances do not seem fair and do not make sense, even with knowledge of how things end; but I know it will all culminate in the establishment of righteousness and justice.

I remember in elementary school being taught to read a book by starting with the first chapter, then going to the last chapter, and finally reading all the stuff in between. That always seemed kind of dumb to me. But maybe it really does make sense! Once in a while when I’m reading a novel and I begin to really like a character, I’ll look at the back of the book to see if the person is still alive and part of the story. It makes me less stressful about what might happen to him or her in the meantime.

That is similar to how I am able to find peace in a bonkers world. I have read ahead to the end of the book. Jesus wins in the end, and I am on his team… so, I am going to keep my eye on the ball and enjoy playing the game.

^{Revelation 19:11} I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. ¹² His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. ¹³ He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. ¹⁴ The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. ¹⁵ Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. ¹⁶ On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Walking in Your Hero’s Footsteps (Philippians 3)

Posted on May 3, 2017 by Randy Buchman

When I was a little boy, I had a hero – my brother-in-law – who had just married one of my much older sisters. He was, and still is, a real gem of a guy. My grandmother was aware of my veneration for this new addition to our family, and like the great matriarch that she was, she took him aside one day and said, “That little boy idolizes you, so you’d better watch everything you say and do in front of him.” I know my brother-in-law is a sinner theologically speaking, but I can’t quite picture it actually happening! I wanted to grow up to be like him. I didn’t quite make it… I could never be that nice of a person.

Did you have a hero when you were growing up? It is rather quite common to look up to someone and wish to be like him or her.

Paul said to the readers of the first letter to the Corinthians, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (11:1). He told the Ephesians, “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (5:1-2). The word for “imitators” is the same word from which we derive “mimic” in English. Look to God and mimic what you see. But, you can’t see God! True! But you can gain a picture of Jesus Christ that is quite detailed. He is the exact representation of God (Colossians 1:15). He is the visible explanation of God (“explanation / made known” is the word from which we derive “exegesis”… which is a detailed examination and explanation of the meaning of something)… John 1:18 – “No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.”

How well do you follow the example of Jesus Christ and walk in His footsteps? Do you do it well enough that someone else may see it in you and make you a part of the pattern for their walk? You do have influence. Others do look at you. There will be people, probably in younger generations than you, who will look to you and walk as you do. Will they look like Christ?

^{PHP 3:7} But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸ What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ ⁹ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ–the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. ¹⁰ I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead… ^{PHP 3:17} Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.

The Greatest Hero Ever (Luke 22:24-27)

Posted on May 2, 2017 by Randy Buchman

Presidential Election Day. This is not a day for the humble of the world to be recognized, though someone may be humiliated and have to concede, making warm statements about their opponent that they do not truly believe in their heart. The candidates attempt to portray themselves as ordinary Americans… folks who hunt geese, eat McDonalds hamburgers, and have such a soft spot for children that it drives them to have to kiss every baby they see (kinda gross!).

But the fact is that any thoughtful person knows neither of these individuals is ever very ordinary. An incumbent president probably has not opened a door for himself or driven a vehicle in many years; and honestly, we really don’t see many financially ordinary folks who make it to this level.

I really do not begrudge a wealthy guy being my president. In fact, it is really a good thing that someone who has had to shuffle vast amounts of money and fight nasty business battles be the one to run our country, versus a peon like me.

Jesus is a walking, visible definition of power and strength. But what makes our hero the greatest is His new definition of what is true greatness. He told the disciples one day after hearing them argue over who among them was foremost, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35) The Gospel of Luke records the account this way…

^{LK 22:24} Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. ²⁵ Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. ²⁶ But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. ²⁷ For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

There is something so very compelling about a leader who yields his rights and instead takes a lower place. An excellent book on World War 1 naval conflict called “Castles of Steel” talks about the Commander in Chief of the British Grand Fleet – Admiral John Jellicoe. He was universally loved by all who served with him because of his caring ways and his personal knowledge of the name of every last seaman on his flagship – the Iron Duke.

There were occasions in our home over the years when the boys degenerated into an argument about who should be taking a turn this time to fold the laundry or empty the dishwasher. A couple of times I did not intervene in the conflict but simply rather got up and started doing it myself … which quickly sent a message to each boy and usually solicited universal assistance.

^{John 13:1} It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. ² The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. ³ Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; ⁴ so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. ⁵ After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

Compelling leadership! We do not serve a master who is unable to understand us. He came to live with us, and be one of us.

^{HEB 2:14} Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death–that is, the devil– ¹⁵ and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. … ¹⁷ For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. ¹⁸ Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Looking at the leadership at the top levels of authority in our country and world, I am going to keep Jesus Christ as my hero. He is the greatest! I can relate to Him with a sense that He will understand me and my struggles a whole lot more than some guy on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, the United Nations in New York, or at NATO headquarters in Belgium! Jesus is the greatest hero!

Heroes Are As Old As Dirt (Colossians 1:13-20)

Posted on May 1, 2017 by Randy Buchman

It is true to say that heroes are as old as dirt. The earliest remaining stories from human antiquity are of heroic figures (Greek mythology, etc.)

A man named Joseph Campbell has written a book on this subject that talks about the concept of the “monomyth,” defined as the general framework providing a description of the significant elements of the world’s mythology. In a single sentence from his book “The Hero With A Thousand Faces” he says, “The hero ventures forth from the world of the common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man.” (p. 30)

Do you see what Campbell is saying? He is postulating that all stories have the same common framework or elements, particularly as regards the “hero” figure. Though I’ve not read more than excerpts from his book, I’d bet that he would say the story of the Bible is just another similar mythical story of antiquity… only the names and faces are different. Here is another paragraph…

“The mythological hero, setting forth from his common day hut or castle, is lured, carried away, or else voluntarily proceeds, to the threshold of adventure. There he encounters a shadowy presence that guards the passage. The hero may defeat or conciliate this power and go alive into the kingdom of the dark (brother-battle, dragon-battle; offering, charm), or be slain by the Opponent and descend in death (dismemberment, crucifixion). Beyond the threshold, then, the hero journeys through a world of unfamiliar yet strangely intimate forces, some of which severely threaten him (tests), some of which give magical aid (helpers). When he arrives at the nadir of the mythological round, he undergoes a supreme ordeal and gains his reward. … The final work is that of the return. If the powers have blessed the hero, he now sets forth under their protection (emissary); if not, he flees and is pursued (transformation flight, obstacle flight). At the return threshold the transcendental powers must remain behind; the hero re-emerges from the kingdom of dread (return, resurrection). The boon that he brings restores the world (elixir).”

As we have often shared in varied sermon series about the overarching story of the Bible, there indeed is a common thread between all grand stories. And there is a good reason for that thread – all stories borrow from THE STORY that God is writing … a story that features Jesus Christ as The Hero. The biblical story is not just another tale, nor even just the greatest of tales; it is THE story of stories from which all others borrow without realization.

So, who has the best hero? We could talk a lot about Zeus or Hercules or whomever. But that is not what we are about. And besides that, when they get set alongside Jesus Christ, they really are a bunch of little “girlie-guys.” Look at how Paul talks about a real hero…

^{COL 1:13} For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, ¹⁴ in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. ¹⁵ He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. ¹⁶ For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. ¹⁷ He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. ¹⁹ For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

While looking at this passage, we may by observation note the following list of statements about Jesus Christ…

He is the one who has made possible the redemption of all people from the death sentence of sin.
When you look at Jesus, you see a visible representation of the invisible person of God.
He is supreme over all creation in authority and importance (that is the idea of firstborn – it is a word of rank, not order of accomplishment).
He is the creator! He made all things and all powers wherever they be, or however impressed they are with themselves.
He is before, above, and beyond all things… and is the glue that holds all things together.
He is the head of the church… the body of those who inherit everything with him.
He is the first to rise from death and claim that victory for himself and others.
God is very happy to have the sum fullness of all that defines God to exist in Christ in bodily form.
It is through Jesus and His accomplishments on the cross that all the craziness ruining a perfect, created order is reconciled again forevermore.

Case closed! No other hero is in the same league!

^{Romans 16:25} Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, ²⁶ but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him– ²⁷ to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Hero, Stage Right (Galatians 4:4-7)

Posted on April 28, 2017 by Randy Buchman

The climatic highlight of most great stories is the appearance of the hero, along with his exploits that bring a resolution to the tension created by the storyline.

How do heroes make their appearance in most stories? The stereotypical method is seen by warriors like Napolean and Robert E. Lee, or the handsome prince from a far land – who show up on a white horse. Most heroes arrive at their zenith by virtue of political or military position, physical stature, wealthy breeding, or inherited titles of authority.

The manner and timing by which Jesus, The Hero of The Story, is brought into the drama is fascinating in scope, complexity and detail. The Old Testament hints of it as early as Genesis 3:15 … “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

Admittedly, that is pretty subtle! But there is nothing subtle about Isaiah 7:14… “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” … or Micah 5:2… “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

It is not too much to say that the whole story of the Bible is about Jesus Christ and his accomplishments. I am sure many of you have heard the listing of the books of the Bible, wherein each is subtitled by the manner in which Jesus Christ is connected to the theme of that book. Jesus is the certainly the central character and the central unifying theme of the Scriptures and God’s Story. Any timeline of Biblical history invariably begins by drawing a line and putting a cross on the center of it.

If we consider the progressive revelation of God’s story from that timeline – moving forward from creation through Noah, Abraham, Genesis, and the national history of Israel – thousands of years pass, and it would seem that sin, darkness, death and ultimate despair will win in the end. But, as some translations write, Galatians 4:4 says, “In the fullness of time, God sent forth His Son.” The NIV says…

^{GAL 4:4} But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, ⁵ to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. ⁶ Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” ⁷ So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

God’s timing is always perfect; and in the case of the coming of Christ is truly amazing. It was the perfect time, and God orchestrated various world events to stage the work of Jesus Christ and thereby facilitate the worldwide spread of the Gospel. There was the pax Romana – the Roman Peace… meaning that one empire ruled the entire civilized world in relative peace. There was a common trade language – Greek. The Romans had a system of roads and travel that facilitated the easy and rapid spread of the Gospel. The system of Jewish synagogues throughout the empire worked for the good of the dissemination of the message of Jesus’ work. All of this is what constitutes “the fullness of time.”

Yet in it all, the wonder of the incarnation is especially revealed in the picture we see of the humiliation of Jesus – to give up the glory of heaven, to step into human form, to submit to death, and therefore carry the sins of the world. Amazing! What a hero indeed!

Thank God for His intervention onto the stage of human history, for His supply, for His grace in allowing us to have the privileged position of knowing these things from our place – late on the timeline.

^{PHP 2:5} Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,⁷ but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.^:8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death–even death on a cross!

The Perils of Mountain Climbing (Philippians 1:21-26)

Posted on April 27, 2017 by Randy Buchman

I love all sorts of sports (even soccer, just a little bit). But, a sport I’ve never felt any measure of calling to get involved in is that of mountain climbing. I really don’t mind heights, but are you kidding me? There is no way that hanging by your fingernails on the side of a mountain makes any sense at all! That truly is treacherous!

However, there are a lot of similarities between the venture of journeying through life and the venture of mountaineering. Look at what this advertisement says, coming from a company marketing mountain climbing equipment…

Mountaineering can be fun, and relatively safe. Much depends on your level of expertise, partner, and choice of route. There are some potential objective hazards over which you have no control, such as weather, falling rock, and unseasonably late snow. What can stack the cards in your favor, however, is arming yourself with the right gear. It’s true, mountain climbing has become easier in the past decade, with sport-specific technology producing lighter, more efficient equipment. Lightweight helmets, mountaineering axes, and harnesses shave pounds off the weight of traditional gear, making it easier to feel like a climber rather than a pack mule.

Let me see if I can rewrite the above advertisement in different words…

“The journey of life can be fun, and relatively safe. Much depends upon your level of experience in walking with your partner – Jesus Christ – and the route you take in terms of the priorities of your life. There are some potential objective hazards over which you have no control, such as diseases, natural disasters, and unexpected events. What can stack the cards in your favor, however, is arming yourself with the Word of God. It is true, the journey of life has become potentially easier given the abundance of resources available in recent years. With lightweight CDs, study Bibles, and audio and video resources that ease the burdens of understanding the weighty truths of Scripture, it is easier for the believer to feel like a real champion in this life instead of a mere survivor.”

So much of what we are considering in this devotionals series surrounds the theme of calibrating our expectations for the inevitable sorrows of life. I think a greater number of Christians fail to have an appropriate balance in that regard, versus having the misbalance of viewing life in terms that are too negative. But there is great reason for joy in this world, along with excitement at the prospect of living in this world as a member of the Kingdom.

Again, you have got to love the perspective of the Apostle Paul…

^{Philippians 1:21} For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. ²² If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³ I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; ²⁴ but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. ²⁵ Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶ so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

So what do you do with a person like this? He is happy to live, because that means the joy of a life lived with God. But if the worst thing that could happen, happens – death… that is even better yet! Because, to die means being with the Lord! That is a great perspective.

And Peter also has the same great idea…“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8,9) He rightly notes that we are even now, here in this fallen world, beginning to receive the joy of all that comes from the salvation of our souls.

My prayer for you, as you continue on in your epic journey through this Christian life, is that of Paul for the Romans… May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13).

Professor Twist (Romans 8:18-25)

Posted on April 26, 2017 by Randy Buchman

I really do not like poetry that much, nor did I ever have much educational exposure to this literary form. But for some reason, this poem of Ogden Nash has remained stuck within my mind from some primordial English class – many, many, many years ago… “The Purest” – by Ogden Nash

I give you now Professor Twist,

A conscientious scientist,

Trustees exclaimed, "He never bungles!

"And sent him off to distant jungles.

Camped on a tropic riverside,

One day he missed his loving bride.

She had, the guide informed him later,

Been eaten by an alligator.

Professor Twist could not but smile.

"You mean," he said, "a crocodile."

Can’t you just see a professor of zoology, noting the emphasis upon the difference between a crocodile and an alligator, instead of grieving the loss of his wife, whatever the creature?

Thinking about the epic journey theme of “this Christian life” raises to the surface a number of the large, difficult questions we grapple to understand. Like this one: “Why do bad things happen to good people?” A more theologically accurate way of asking that question might be, “Why do good things happen to bad people?” We are sinful people in an evil world subject to all that the curse of sin affects. Paul wrote of the condition of man in Romans 3, “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.”

As I wrote two days ago, I am often stunned at the expectation of so many Christian people that God owes them a life free of pain and sadness in this world. The fact of the matter is that tragedy is as likely to find its way to our address as it is to that of our unbelieving neighbor. God’s promise is not so much a deliverance from tribulations as it is a perseverance through them, and final ultimate rescue by our eternal translation to a better world. Troubles come to us as the natural result of our continued residency in a cursed world. Look at how Paul wrote about it…

^{RO 8:18} I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. ¹⁹ The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope ²¹ that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

^{RO 8:22} We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³ Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. ²⁴ For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wat for it patiently.

See what Paul is saying? The creation is subject to decay because of the effects of sin in this world. This accounts for natural tragedies and the like that strike both the righteous and the wicked. There will be a better day for the world… but not just for the creation. Paul says that we too groan in our sufferings as we await the fulfillment of God’s promise to redeem our bodies in accord with our standing as His adopted family. This is our hope. It is not our current experience… for if it were, it would not be hope at all. No, it would be heaven now, and that is not the way the story works!

No, we are in the midst of our journey. By God’s grace, there is much joy and pleasure in this adventure. Yet, sadness and difficulties are part of the deal as well. But God is good all the time; and all the time, God is good… and that truth is more than enough to carry us through whatever may come our way.

Seriously

The Goal-Oriented Christian Life