Revelation 2:18-29 No Compromising With Jezebels

Revelation 2:18-29 NIV

The congregation I serve is very welcoming. They truly love each other and our visitors. As the people are sharing the peace, I could almost take a nap some Sundays as everyone has to share the peace with everyone and it does take a bit of time. They have been very faithful and are doing much more than even a decade ago. They have grown both in faith and numbers because of their involvement in loving service to God and the whole community.

Jesus commends the church in Thyatira for their love and faith; their service and perseverance; and that they are doing more than they had previously done. Yet, he warns those who tolerate the woman prophet, Jezebel. He warns them that if they do not repent of their immorality and quit following her ways that they will suffer intensely.

He will, he says, repay each of us according to our deeds. (vs 23)

Now, I hear quite often that we are not suppose to "judge" anyone because we are Christians. This is usually intended to mean that we should keep our mouths shut and not condemn sin even within the church. But, this message from Jesus commending some and condemning others in the church at Thyatira; how do you suppose such a message was delivered to them if not by one of Jesus' followers? We are not the judges that is most certainly true. But, we must discern between right and wrong; faithfulness and sin. The church must not compromise God's word or will for the sake of keeping the "peace." Sin must be confronted.

Although, the world around us might strive for peace by compromising God's word and will; may God help his church to grow through faithfulness to Him.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Isaiah 39 - Compromise For Temporary Peace?

Shall we compromise for temporary peace? Hezekiah does in today's reading. He has revealed all that he has to the enemy bearing gifts and in the end they will most likely pay dearly for this.

I do believe that Merodach Baladan has not acted with integrity and Hezekiah has fallen for it  with hopes they can be friends at peace with one another. How often do our governments play this same game so that they can say "Peace, peace, when there is no peace."? How about our churches? How about us? Have we been playing games, compromising, what we believe, who and whose we are for the sake of a friend or ally?

I'm thinking maybe we have. Where else would our children have learned it? Who could have taught them to use one another and to be used (bullied) by others for the sake of a feigned friendship and no.entry peace?

Truth is: it feels good to be liked or to be popular. But, it is good to be able to live as a child of God, according to His will. Compromising His will may give you a sense of momentary peace, but the only real peace comes from being Hid friend, living in His presence.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. In the woods, blogging from a SMART phone so please forgive errors and typos.

Isaiah 23 - Stand for Something or Fall for Anything

Here's an interesting prophecy. Tyre, a most prosperous country, is about to fall at the hands of the enemy. The LORD will cause her to fall. But, according to Isaiah:  "At the end of seventy years, the Lord will deal with Tyre. She will return to her lucrative prostitution and will ply her trade with all the kingdoms on the face of the earth. Yet her profit and her earnings will be set apart for the Lord; they will not be stored up or hoarded. Her profits will go to those who live before the Lord, for abundant food and fine clothes." (Isa 23:17-18 NIV)

Tyre was (still is) an island off of the coast of Lebanon. It was a major seaport. In fact, according to some historians, the first major seaport and; therefore, had become very wealthy. They had become sort of a collection place for much of the world's riches.

In being a trader, though, we often make compromises. How often do we hear about agreements our own countries have made that have gone awry and wonder if anyone thought about the long-term ethical consequences of the agreements before they made them? Tyre made trade agreements, regardless of ethics, with anyone and everyone that they could profit from. Their god became wealth and prosperity and they would do anything or anyone to serve their god, neglecting to honor the one true God.

The quote from either Peter Marshall or Alexander Hamilton comes to mind: "If you don't stand for something you'll fall for anything." Tyre was prophesied to fall. Indeed, she did.

But, Isaiah also prophesies that at the end of the seventy years, she will turn to her lucrative prostitution (that is her lucrative commercial enterprises); but this time Tyre will set apart her tithe for the LORD.

Many good lessons in this lesson. For one, let us watch who we do business with that we are not compromising our own values or ethics. Second, let us remember to set apart a tithe in thanksgiving for the LORD who has and continues to bless us with so much.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 78 - Who Is Listening To The Things Of Old?

So, who is listening?  Are we teaching the things of old to the next generation so that they in turn will tell their children and they would put their trust in God?  (Psalm 78:1-4, 6 NIV)

How long will God restrain His anger against those who refuse to hear His Word, who refuse to teach it to their children?

Yesterday, my youngest granddaughter wanted to know what the world stubborn means.  I'm thinking her older sister probably had implied that she was being stubborn.  Stubborn, I told her, means that someone always has to have everything their way no matter who it might hurt.  Stubborn means that someone is not willing to listen to others. They are not willing to learn or grow from the experience or knowledge of others. Stubborn means being unwilling to compromise in the way that things are done, even if compromising is the best and right thing to do at the time. Yes, one little question, will get my grandchildren lessons and lectures...

But, they need to know... that there are things that cannot be compromised. The Word of God cannot be compromised.  But, there are also things that we do need to find a compromise to, so that we can live in relative peace and harmony. Things like what we're going to eat for supper, we can compromise on. Or... what to wear to school, where we're going on vacation, what movie to watch, how and when to weed the garden. So long as none of our compromises involve going against the Word of God, God's will for humankind, compromise can be a very good thing. 

And... how do we know what is God's will? We hear His Word, we read and study scripture (just like you're reading Psalm 78 today), and we listen to those who would teach us.

Are you listening? Are you teaching the things of God to the next generation so that they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands; so that they would not be like their ancestors—a stubborn and rebellious generation. (vs 7, 8)
God's Peace - Pr. J