"His hand froze to the sword"

There is a recurring fantasy that captures me - I want to be Superman! No, it’s not about flying around in a cape and a form-fitting suit. (Yes, that’s an image to forget!) What I dream about is being able to set things right, to work fast, to be unstoppable, and to kick evil in the face! Now you know a bit more about the kind of stuff that hides behind my eyes, but I’m sure you have your dreams too.

Knowing that the Superman thing is silly I’ll choose another hero for my inspiration today. His name is Eleazar, son of Dodai, and his story is briefly in the Bible. Never heard of him? Come meet him in a couple of lines in the Bible that are truly memorable.

In the book of 2 Samuel, there is a review of the ‘mighty men’ that stood with David, Israel’s warrior king. One of the men of renown is the previously mentioned Eleazar. His big moment in life is included in the list. "Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he was with David when they taunted the Philistines gathered at Pas Dammim for battle. Then the men of Israel retreated, but he stood his ground and struck down the Philistines ‘till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword." (2 Samuel 23:9-10, NIV) The memory of that hero was captured in four words - “froze to the sword!”

In a battle with Israel’s perpetual enemy, the Philistines, most of the warriors of Israel retreated but Eleazar stood his ground, unwilling to give an inch, swinging his sword in deadly arcs that continued, over and over. As the din of battle subsided when the Philistines finally broke and ran, the others crept back to see their friend standing there exhausted and bloody.

Most remarkably, he was unable to release his grip on his sword!

He had fought with such ferocity that his tendons were locked. I imagine that they gathered around him and pried open his fingers, one by one, until the sword fell to the ground and Eleazar finally knew it was over! His tenacity inspires me. He just wouldn’t give up.

It’s silly to dream about being Superman, but I can aspire to be an Eleazar. Even if those who stand alongside of me retreat from the battle of life, the struggle for that which is of God, it is my aspiration to keep swinging the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:17, NIV) I want to hang on to God’s Truth without being overcome by fear, doubt, or evil. I want to be known as a guy whose hand held onto the Sword of the Spirit!

How about you?

An engaged life will be a life that meets with battles. We do not have to go looking for trouble. Evil will come to us. A godless society will demand that we stand for truth. The challenges will keep coming. From within ourselves there will be ongoing battles with temptation. When we beat back one temptation, another arises. The nature of life is such that we have only a brief respite to savor the victories before the next wave rolls toward us.

There is a promise for would-be Eleazar’s. God, the Spirit, never leaves us on our own. We need not try to stand in our strength. The Word says that He will "strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:16-19, NIV)

I’ll set aside my Superman fantasy and pray that I’ll be faithful, sustained by the Spirit’s strength, thanking Him that HE will not let me fall, that He will prepare a place where I can stand, grounded and with steady endurance.

If you’re weary, let me encourage you to do the same. Thank Him, renew your appreciation of His grace, breathe in the life and love of Christ, then stand ‘til your hand freezes to the sword!

The word from the Word today is a promise and challenge. "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, “He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." (Hebrews 10:35-39, NIV)

Amen

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Video at https://www.youtube.com/@JerScott55

 

Back to Basics

Life is complex. Problems multiply. Questions go without answers. Who has not come to that moment when it is overwhelming that a kind of mental paralysis sets in, thinking is hard, decisions are pushed aside. Or, worse, people turn reactionary, lashing out in anger, blaming others, and crippling themselves by choosing some ill-informed, short-sighted ‘answer.’  In those seasons I like to joke that I want to find a cabin on a mountain far away and retreat from it all. I never have exercised that option!

Russell Moore writes of his own experience in the Christian church. “If one looked just under the surface, one could see some awful things: bigotry, cruelty, immorality, injustice. And he started to wonder, "What if what I’ve banked my entire life on—my entire eternity ahead—just isn’t true? What then?"

In such times, I like to ‘go back to basics’ reviewing those foundational truths on which my life rests. It does not replace the need to think deeply, nor do those basic answers resolve every question. However, I do find solid footing, anchor points that keep me steady, a course that moves in the right direction.

What are the basics of my life?

God loves!
Situations develop that obscure that fact sometimes. When a plane hits the ground like a dart in Florida killing everyone on board, an arrow of doubt pierces my heart! When cancer takes another young friend despite my prayers, God seems distant and uncaring! When the culture in which I live spins crazily out of control, the issue of God’s care and guidance get a bit shaky in my mind!

I go back to the Word where I learn that “We know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him." (1 John 4:16, NIV) He is not ‘out to get me’ nor is He without compassion. In fact, “because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”  (Lamentations 3:22-24, NIV)

Jesus saves!
Don’t ridicule that little phrase. It is truth. Because of Jesus and the Cross there is NO reason to hide, to live with shame, to exist in the misery of guilt, or to be afraid to go boldly to prayer. When we fail to obey fully, as we all do, the Tempter whispers to us that we cannot pray, that we are outside of God’s care and love.

The Word makes it clear that we are not! "He (Jesus) has brought you back as his friends. He has done this through his death on the cross in his own human body. As a result, he has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. But you must continue to believe this truth and stand in it firmly. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News." (Colossians 1:22-23, NLT)

The Holy Spirit is present!
When I ask “Is God seeing? Is He here and near?” I feel orphaned and alone. All the complex theology that surrounds my faith becomes nearly meaningless in those moments. Like a child, I need my Father’s Presence near. And, He is.

Christianity that is just a systematic theology, neatly arranged in logical order, cannot be all we know. I make no argument for silly ideas or platitudes. Lord knows that modern Christians need to know more theology, able to ‘give an answer to those who ask the reason for their hope.”

Yet this I know - the heart and mind are both critical to the practice of our devotion. Paul says, “I want to know Christ!” Not just about Him, but to know Him, walk with Him, and pray with genuine faith to Him as the Intercessor and Advocate at the Father’s right hand.

Wesley spoke of a moment when his faith was stirred and his heart was ‘strangely warmed.’  These are those moments of mystery possible for each of us. Perhaps it is when we look at the night sky and feel small yet full of wonder. Maybe it’s during a worship gathering when we find our emotions shaken loose and our joy overflows in silent tears. Perhaps it is when we hold a newborn baby in a moment of amazement. Perhaps it is at the bedside of one who is dying when we sense both the frailty of our existence and the profound assurance that there is ‘more beyond.’

Jesus says "The Father … will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16-17, NIV)

Heaven awaits!
I suppose it comes with being an elder, now 71, but Heaven has taken on new meaning in my life. The certainty of death is no longer avoidable as it once was. Too many friends and family members have left this world for me to feel completely ‘at home’ here anymore.

I need to reaffirm the fact of Eternity and fix my hopes on the home prepared for me by my Father. Oh no, this does not mean that I stop living or that escape every present difficulty with an exclusive focus on the world to come. Our high calling is the ‘Kingdom come’ here on earth, the mission of bringing the message that sinners can become saints, that evil must be resisted, and that justice must be established remains primary.

But, on there on life’s horizon, which is much closer for me now, there is that promise that pulls me onward and upward.

I turn often to the Word to read this - "For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down—when we die and leave these bodies—we will have a home in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long for the day when we will put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will not be spirits without bodies, but we will put on new heavenly bodies. Our dying bodies make us groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and have no bodies at all. We want to slip into our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by everlasting life. God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit." (2 Corinthians 5:1-5, NLT)

Are you overwhelmed, confused, struggling with faith? Perhaps it’s time to review the basics -
God Loves!
Jesus Saves!
The Spirit is Present!
Heaven Awaits!

And, then move forward, with that firm foundation for faith in place.

Amen

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Video at https://www.youtube.com/@JerScott55

When Joy Eludes Your Grasp

Joy slipped away from me this week. Heavy sighs were heard often! 
A friend’s health turned quickly and this morning he is dying. 
A young woman is struggling to live after a catastrophic health event. 
I am dealing with my own health issues, though not serious, enough to create some anxiety. 
Beyond that that, there is the awful chaos of our election season, the uncertainty about the stability of the world, etc!

It’s not a naturally joyful season for Jerry. I am not whining, nor do I believe myself to be going through anything that is outside the course of normal human experience. We all have days when things including brain chemistry, fatigue, disappointment, and even spiritual opposition hide the sun from our eyes.

But I also know that without the joy of the Lord I will not reflect the goodness of God to others in the way He desires. Knowing that, I am tempted to slip into a kind of religious duty, saying and doing the right things, just because … risking hypocrisy! Dutiful people can look admirable and godly with all their commitment to responsibility. Here is what I truly know – there is JOY in Jesus if we will keep our focus on Him, waiting out the stormy times.

Evidence of the Life of God’s Spirit in us is joy which is not to be confused with happiness, silliness, or mirth. Real joy rests on the assurance that God is truly God and will prepare for us all that we need. A joyless Christian (that was me this week) is not just going through an emotional crisis, he also has a spiritual issue with which he must deal. When Jesus taught about His intimate life-giving connection to us, using the metaphor of the vine and branches, He said that from Him we will draw life and "you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!" (John 15:11, NLT)

Jesus was "a man acquainted with grief, a man of sorrows." He did weep with those who were broken by disappointment, death, and disease. But He was never in despair. Life has many moments that are filled with sorrow. Death, divorce, sickness, poverty, rejection … it’s a long list of woes. Jesus says that He is with us in those moments as much as in the sunny days when all is well. Will we accept the gift of JOY?

A factor in experiencing joy is giving away the need to control outcomes. If I attempt to be ‘god’ insisting that I write the script for life, frustration will grow and joy will evaporate.

So, how do we live in His joy?

Worship!
"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." (Psalm 16:11, NIV) If we are focused only on the needs, the duties, and pressing responsibilities – it is likely that Solomon’s lament – “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity” will become our song.

Worship lifts our face to Heaven and allows us to regain a view of God's glorious works. No wonder the Scripture urges us to "Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song." (Psalm 95:1-2, NIV)

Serve!
The paradox of joy is that it never discovered in an endless pursuit of pleasure. Selfishness cuts us off from God's approval which is our greatest reason for joy! Jesus told a story about men who were entrusted with responsibility. Two of the three were diligent and obedient in their service. Note their commendation: "Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful . . . Enter into the joy of your lord." (Matthew 25:23, NKJV) Faithful service allows us to enter God’s joy.

Accept!  
Nothing is a greater joy-killer than becoming convinced that happiness lies in being someone else, somewhere else. God is where you are. Joy cannot be found outside of ourselves. It flows from inside of our heart. Jesus told a thirsty woman what I and you need to hear: "the water I give them takes away thirst altogether. It becomes a perpetual spring within them, giving them eternal life.” (John 4:14, NLT)  

Will we pray to be fully alive in our current situation, accepting His grace; or will we remain restless and joyless in our discontent. Those who are His beloved children can turn to Him and find help, strength, and resources. He gives grace for the journey. Accept it and there will be joy even in the trials of life. joy.

Here's a word from the Word, our reminder of joy in the Lord.
"He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the Lord.

Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord,
who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols."  (Psalm 40:2-4, NLT)
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I thought of an older song that has encouraged me in the past. May this help us to find joy today.

Mourning Into Dancing

You have turned my mourning into dancing, Lord
Now my feet are filled with your praise
You have clothed my spirit with a robe of joy
You’ve cast my sorrow away

For Your anger last but a moment, Lord
And my tears endure for the night
But Your favor lasts for a lifetime, Lord
My joy returns with the morning light
For . . .

You have turned my mourning into dancing, Lord
Now my feet are filled with your praise
You have clothed my spirit with a robe of joy
You’ve cast my sorrow away

All my foes lose heart when they hear my voice
For I speak in Jesus’ Name
They turn back in fear at the sound of praise
I’ll not keep silent, I must proclaim
That . . .

You have turned my mourning into dancing, Lord
Now my feet are filled with your praise
You have clothed my spirit with a robe of joy
You’ve cast my sorrow away

Words and music by John G. Elliott
Copyright 1989 LCS Songs (a div. of Lorenz Creative Services)
/Charlie Monk Music. All rights reserved.

 

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Video at https://www.youtube.com/@JerScott55