Touch not, taste not, handle not

Colossians 2:21 “(touch not; taste not; handle not:

Colossians is an epistle written to a mostly Gentile church that stresses Christ…His glory and authority.

(Only once is the Spirit mentioned in this book…..when speaking of their love to Paul. Col. 1:8)

Paul speaks again and again of Christ…

…”Who is before all things and by Him all things consist….that in all things He might have the preeminence.” (Col. 1:17-18)

For this church was being influenced by a philosophy of “will-worship”….to puff up their supposed intelligence.

Colossians 2:8 “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”

Therefore, Paul places before them, what Christ is, and has done, and what He has for His church…..(what better to look to, than Christ!)

Col. 1:27-28 “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”

….and so he stresses, “wisdom and spiritual understanding” from God….and knowing God’s Will.

Colossians 1:9 “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to

pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His Will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding:”

Christ Jesus was to be the Object of their understanding and their love:

Colossians 2:9-10 “For in Him (Christ) dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power:”

(The other day, I was “considering” some things….my word for worrying and letting my thoughts wander about them….

And the Lord said, “Touch not, taste not, handle not.”

Very simply, I was to stop wasting time on these thoughts….of what ifs…or perhaps….

….who knows where they would have led….and simply get about what I needed to do. What the Lord wanted me to do then.)

When we think of “touch not, taste not, handle not”….we think of boundaries….those lines of demarcation, which separate.

And that is what we are to do….be separated to God….from the world….and even from our own reasonings and self-emotions.

We are bound for something better, than to be “bogged down” with the things of our circumstances by thought or affections.

Touch not: this is to reach out in our thoughts as well as words and actions and see whether we want to get involved…as though you reach your hand out to take it.

Taste not: that is, we take something into ourselves….whether someone else’s attitude or rules….and think about following them…we just taste.

Handle not: this is the action itself….following after something other than the Lord’s Will.

Those things we are not to do…..so what are we to do?

We are to follow Christ,….it is God’s Will that we are to seek…”and whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.” (Col. 3:17)

Colossians 3:1-2 “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Colossians 3:12-16 “Put on therefore, as the elect (chosen) of God, holy (separate) and beloved:

Bowels of mercies, kindness (feel compassion for others, for sinners are dying everyday.)

Humbleness of mind, meekness (don’t seek the accolades of the world, but see things in honesty)

Longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

And above all these things…put on charity (love), which is the bond of perfectness (the glue that will hold you to Christ and to the church).

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

(This is sometimes a hard one, for it means we work at giving up our worry and fretting about…and let the peace of Christ steady us)

Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teachings and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

The last two verses say….”let”….which means that Christ is ready and willing to give us His peace and Word…..let us, let go of everything else and take a hold on Him.

Jeremiah in the pit

Psalm 40:2 “He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon  a rock, and established my goings.”

I have claimed this verse many times….for what is a pit?   What is the miry clay?….for us as Christians?

       First, the pit is a dark place,  a place where our spirits are down, depressed…where we feel alone, unable to do anything about the situation.   

       But at least in a pit, we could get some foothold and look up….but in this pit is mire…..miry clay.   So everytime we think we can get a foothold….we slip, and sink again.   (been there, done that.  It seems as if there is no hope)

      Second,  it is real.  Many people think that depression and deep sadness is only in our heads.    Much of the stress and strain of life we overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit within….but there are times,  it gets to be “too much”.   This is a real situation that the devil’s wiles and malice, has placed us in….and there is no way out….without help.    

      That is why the verse says….”He brought me up”.    God is our joy….even in sorrow…and yes, even in depression.   He lifts us, and sets us upon HImself.   It is not our ability….it is not our smiling in the face of danger….it is not our trust, even….it is Himself, our Deliverer and Rock.   

And He does it, because of our “crying unto HIm”:

      Psalm 40:1 “I waited patiently for the Lord;  and He inclined unto me,  and heard my cry.”

Our prayers….our cries for help….are not blown about by the wind….but taken as petitions before our Lord.    He sometimes waits to see if we will hold on to HIm…or become bitter against HIs time….but He hears. (1 John 5:14-15)

Jeremiah was in the siege at Jerusalem.  God could have saved Jeremiah…and sent him out of the city beforehand….but his work was there….his message was to the people of Jerusalem.

        How many messages he had given to the inhabitants there!   Warning them, and beseeching them to hear the Word of the Lord.  (“The word of the Lord” is recorded 52 times in this book!)

(Jeremiah warned them again and again,  not to fight against the chastening of the Lord.   Nebuchadrezzer was there because the Lord would use him to awaken Judah to their sins, and so they could repent.  (Jer. 22:3-5)

       If they would submit to God’s chastening….and remember the good works they were to do of justice, and brotherly kindness….then God would allow them to remain in Judah…the land God gave them.

      But if they listened to those who stood up and promised “peace, peace” when there was no peace…..they would be led away captive to a foreign land.  (Jer. 14:13-14)…captives of those foreign people and their gods.

      Jeremiah 8:11 “For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying,  Peace, peace;  when there is no peace.”)

Jeremiah was there.  Yet after years of speaking, and writing the word of the Lord….and this word being rejected…or perverted….he sought to leave Jerusalem, so he would not see the destruction that the Lord said would come upon his people….whom he loved.   (Jer.37:12)  He was going into Benjamin.

(Jeremiah is called the weeping prophet for he speaks of crying….even day and night, for his people. 

Jeremiah 9:1 “Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people.”

Lamentations 2:19  “Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord:  lift up thy hands toward Him for the life of thy young children, that faint for hunger in the top of every street.”)

But he is accused, falsely, of going out to join the Babylonians….then he was beaten, and taken to prison (Jer. 37:15)

The king sent and talked with him…..but he was a weak and spineless man….letting the princes take over the punishment of Jeremiah….though he, as king, knew he was a prophet of God.

And here we enter the pit.   (For it is never what people know…..but what people do that counts with God.)

Jeremiah 38:6 “Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah….that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords.   And in the dungeon there was no water,  but mire:  so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.”

This was not just prison….but a horrible pit, a cistern…full of mire….mud or sewage.   Jeremiah would die if he was not gotten out quickly.

Jeremiah was not guilty….he was, in fact, a blessing to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.   He prayed for and sought their true peace….in submitting to the chastening of the Lord.  

       (And how do we treat people….pastors, or others, who speak the sometimes harsh truth to us?)

Now I want to mention here, again the verse in Psalms….

“He brought me up also out of an horrible pit”.   God brought Jeremiah up.   

       It was not that this cistern was deep….certainly it was….but that the mire in it made any sort of standing impossible.   Every time he took a step,  he slipped in it.   Every time he stood still, it seemed to envelope him and strangle any hope of getting out! So he cried unto the Lord.

Lamentations 3:53-56 “They have cut off my life in the dungeon, and cast a stone upon me.

Waters flowed over mine head;  then I said,  I am cut off.

      I called upon Thy Name, O Lord, out of the low dungeon.   Thou hast heard my voice:…”

But God, through the working of a Gentile, worked in the very king that had forsaken Jeremiah to the princes….and he was “brought up”.

Jeremiah 38:7-10 “Now when Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon;….

      Ebed-melech…spake to the king, saying,

      My lord the king,  these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet,….and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is:…

      Then the king commanded….take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die.”

God saved Jeremiah….from the pit….from the mire…and brought him up, with tender care….through this man.

      (And how much could our words and actions keep other Christians from the malice and slander of others!)

Jeremiah 38:12-13 “And Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah,  Put now these old cast clouts and rotten rags under things armholes under the cords.  And Jeremiah did so.

     So they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the dungeon….”

For the rest of the siege, at least two to three years,  Jeremiah remained there…in prison,  but in safety.

And so I want to contrast these two men who heard Jeremiah…and their very different actions (again it is not what we say, but what we do that matters)….

…Zedekiah, the king….and Ebed-melech, the Ethiopian:

Zedekiah the king heard Jeremiah personally, several times … .hearing from the Lord exactly what he should do to save Jerusalem…and he, and his family.

       Jeremiah 38:17-18 “Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah,   Thus saith the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel;  If thou wilt assuredly go forth unto the king of Babylon’s princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire;  and thou shalt live, and thine house:

       But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon’s princes,  then shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and thou shalt not escape out of their hand.”

Think of it!    Deliverance from famine, captivity, and burning the city down…for the whole city!  The king and his family would not die, although in subjection to the king of Babylon!   

     (Now we think of deliverance as victory over our enemies….riding triumphantly over the circumstances.    But God said, be in subjection to the king of Babylon….learn to be in subjection to Me….and live.   For this is true life….to be in submission to the Lord and HIs  laws.)

Yet he refused….”I am afraid”….and for the next two years….he could have obeyed God’s Word and lived….and spared Jerusalem….but…again,  he refused, and many paid the price for his disobedience.

Ebed-melech was an Ethiopian, yet he believed Jeremiah and God…and because he did, he risked his life to save Jeremiah…and was rewarded for his obedience to his faith in God.

      Jeremiah 39:15-18 “Now the word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah,…

Go and speak to Ebed-melech…saying….Behold, I will bring My words upon this city for evil and not for good;….

      But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the Lord: and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid.

      For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee (into his own keeping):   because thou hast put thy trust in Me, saith the Lord.”

Both men, who heard Jeremiah in his most desperate need, were “afraid”….yet one refused the good word of deliverance,  and lived in fear….the king dying at the hands of the king of Babylon.

     And one, Ebed-melech….fearful,  but he spoke up and acted, because he trusted in God….and was given his life and freedom.

God sees our fears, and troubles….and He,  as the Lord of hosts…will act for our good, if we will learn to submit to HIs corrections….and His Word and live.

    He has real freedom for us….real life.    Let us do as Jeremiah says:

Lamentations 3:40-41 “Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.

    Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.”

The Path before us

Ephesians 2:8-10 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

This is one of God’s eternal decrees…the way any who are saved, are saved.

And the why we are saved:

“For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus….unto good works.”

Are we performing these good works?

There is a course set before each of us.

2 Timothy 4:6-7 “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”

Paul says he has finished his course….his race on earth is just about over….and he is looking toward “his departure”.

(I love the term he used here. He does not say “death”…although that is the means of his departure. He does not say “martyrdom”…although that is what happened, he had his head taken off.

He says “departure”….as though he was waiting at a train station….for Paul says that this ending here is just a means to transport him to his heavenly home.)

We also have a course set before us….will we, as Paul, finish it…ready to be offered, ready to go?

2 Timothy 1:9 (ASV) “Who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own Purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus, before times eternal.”

According to His own Purpose and grace. His Purpose. His grace.

But….given to us in times eternal.

God, seeing us….made a Way in His Eternal Purpose, for us. He set aside the grace we would need to see that Purpose done…..in eternity past, when He Willed to create the earth.

It is all of His grace.

Which is the unmerited favor of power….or the ability to do.

Paul knew that power or ability in his life…for his course.

2 Corinthians 9:24-26 “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:”

We all should run, looking forward to obtaining the prize from Christ (there are two):

The prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus [Philippians 3:14] which is in this life….and what a prize it is! To be to the praise and honor of our Lord Jesus Christ in whatever we are called to do!

And the prize of the crowns we receive in heaven for the love we’ve had for Christ. Which will be our privilege and pleasure to throw down before His throne in that day! [Revelation 4:10-11]. As Paul said, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” [2 Timothy 4:8]

Paul knew this grace….this ability to do….and so can we.

So in the path before us….we must recognize that there are those we are accountable for…to God.

Not that we can save them; but….to make them aware that God has plans for their lives.

Ezekiel 3:18 “When I say unto the wicked, thou shalt surely die; and thou gives him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.”

We are to warn! [it means we are to gleam….to enlighten by caution].

“There’s a call comes ringing o’re the restless wave…Send the Light!, Send the Light! There are souls to rescue, their are souls to save….Send the Light, Send the Light!

Send the Light, the blessed gospel Light; let it shine from shore to shore!

Send the Light, the blessed gospel light; Let it shine, forevermore.”

And we are to speak….which is to tell what Jesus has done for us….and thereby warn them of the coming danger. For we too, were sinners…saved by grace.

But if we will not speak to warn….or will not give out the Light….then “his blood will I require at thine hand.”

Some may ask, What right has God to do that? Every right.

“Cannot I do what I will with My own?” (Matthew 20:15)

We are all His by right of Creation. And for those who are born again….we are His by the double right of redemption.

We are redeemed for a Purpose….and that Purpose, set in order for us in eternity past, includes “good works,….that we should walk therein.”

One of those good works that we should walk therein….is to warn both the wicked and the righteous.

Ezekiel 3:20 “Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.”

We must come to see that we are standing before God even here. It is not a matter of personal worthiness, because we never are worthy.

But it is a matter of the Purpose of God that I am to fulfill….the course I am to run.

And the honor we are to give to Jesus Christ, Who came as the Light of the World…and saved us.

We are not responsible for their turning….but for the warning.

Paul knew, in that Roman jail, that he was about to move out of the Purpose of God for himself…..here on earth;…

…and move on to the Purpose of God for himself in the Presence of God.

We, too, have that course….that path we are to follow. It has been laid out for us…..here….with grace till the end….

…..and in grace, we will “depart”… to be before Him, there, in heaven.

A Very Present Help

Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

This psalm shouts confidence in God.

It does not begin with prayer, and end in praise….but begins right away with a confident exclamation of God’s power and care….of me….of you.

One of the great joys of my life has been, since I was born again,….that God has been with me, is with me, and will be with me.

God is “our” refuge and strength. God is very personal in His conversations.

(He does speak to His people as a whole, on occasion;….but it is always to those who will hear what He is saying, that He speaks most.)

Confidence in God is something we need to hang on to:

Hebrew 10:35 “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.”

Someone has said, that God is often more present to His people in trials,….than the trouble itself.

He is our refuge (safe place)…..and our strength.

One speaks of present possession…..the other speaks of warfare.

Psalm 46:2-3 “Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be cast in the midst of the sea;

Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with swelling thereof. Selah.”

Because He is with us….we will not fear. This is an act of our will….we will not fear.

There are plenty of things to fear in this life…..many.

But we will not give way to fear.

Fear may come and knock at the door of our minds and hearts….but we will stay ourselves on our God, our refuge.

“Though the earth be removed”. I find this wording interesting.

He is not saying “the earth be moved”…..earthquakes, and volcanoes move the earth.

They are troubling….but usually last a period of time.

But the psalmist said, “be removed”…..come to an end, somehow.

Yet the psalmist is hanging on to the Lord’s strength.

In verses Psalm 46:4-6, the psalmist speaks of grace in His people…..like a ever flowing river.

It flows on, no matter what enemies come against it.

It flows to His people, and shows that He is with us….and that His help is here.

We may think, in our impatience that He is slow to help…..but He is “on time”….His time….with the refreshing grace we need…..when we need it.

A very (for emphasis) present help.

Psalm 46:7 “The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”

This is repeated twice in this psalm,…..here, and at the end:

The Lord of Hosts is an amazing Name of God.

Yes, it speaks of the armies or ‘hosts” of our God…..but not just armies of His people under His banner…..

…..but also His armies of angels (2 Kings 6:15-17),……the armies of bees and hornets (Exodus 23:27-28),…….the armies of anything that He masses together,….which He brings against those that attack His own.

He is with us.

The God of Jacob shows the tenderness toward His wayward people. How much He had to teach and correct Jacob….

…..yet He was His God by covenant….and He was his refuge in all circumstances.

He is our covenant God (through Christ Jesus), and refuge.

Psalm 46:8-9:

Then the psalmist calls all believers to look at what the Lord has done in the past,….is doing now,….

……so we can, in faith, see what He will do in the future, for our deliverance….against those that would destroy our faith.

(How many deliverances has He done for the Church…..for me?)

Psalm 46:10-11 “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”

Be still has the reference both in speech and in setting still…..till God works it out.

“Be still”….as the Israelites stayed under the blood, till the Angel of the Lord went through the land of Egypt destroying the firstborn….to free His people.

(Exodus 12:22-23)

“Be still”….as they were told at the Red Sea….when the Lord caused the sea to go back…and made the sea dry land. (Exodus 14:13-14, 21)

“ Be still”….as when the king Jehoshaphat had many nations coming against him, and Judah gathered to pray….when they were told, “stand still….fear not,…for the Lord will be with you.” (2 Chronicles 20:17)

We are to quiet ourselves….and know God, as God….in this situation.

This psalm was a song of confidence in God, as God. He is sovereign….and He rules and over rules, for His people everyday….in us, and in others, and in circumstances.

It began in confidence…..and ended in confidence of our God.

And we, too, are to hold on to our confidence in Him, for ourselves…..finishing the work we have been given….expecting Him to come in deliverance….or in person.

Hebrews 10:35-37 “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.”

He has helped us….He will help us….and He is a very present help in this time of trouble….whatever, or whoever our trouble is.

The Brazen Laver

Fellowship is a word of intimacy. It means: partnership, participation, or social sharing between close companions.

What does this have to do with the brazen laver?

Because it was at the Laver, that the priests washed their hands and their feet before going into the Holy Place….the place which spoke of fellowship with God.

1 Peter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of Him Who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light:”

In the Holy Place the priests ministered at the altar of incense (picturing our prayers ascending to God) or the table of shewbread (picturing our feeding on the Bread of Life—Christ Jesus).

In the Holy Place was the lamp stand or M’nourh. The priest had to keep the lamps full of oil…the lamps burning…morning and night. (This speaks of yielding to the Holy Spirit…the Light for fellowship with Christ. We must attend to Him, if our oil fails not.)

All those things, were things of partnership, participation or sharing with God….in other words they pictured the fellowship we should have with God in prayer and communion.

Fellowship, which could only be entered into by washing outside the Holy Place…..at the Laver.

(It is interesting to note, that at the beginning of their ministry as priests, they were to be given a complete bath, and given the garments for their work. This was not to be repeated! It was a picture of our regeneration….being born again. Exodus 29:4-5)

But after that, they were simply to wash there hands and feet at the Laver

In our daily walk, as Christians, in this world, we come into contact with trespasses and sins…..in our lives and in the lives of others….and we are in need of daily cleansing.

Exodus 30:18-19 “Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and it’s foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the Tabernacle of the congregation and the Altar, and thou shalt put water therein.

For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat:”

So the Laver was put between the Altar, dealing with sin; and the Holy Place, speaking of fellowship.

The blood and sacrifice of the Altar deals with sin, and the water of the Laver cleanses from defilements which working and walking in this world, brings us into contact with.

Their hands—their service; and their feet—their walk; was to be cleansed before fellowship with God could happen.

1 John 1:7, 9 “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Ephesians 5:25-26 “….Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it;

That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word.”

The Brazen Laver represents Christ’s ability to meet every need we have…..for our continual cleansing.

The Laver was not silver or gold….but brass, which represents judgement.

(The Lord judges His people according to the Word He has given them, and what they did with it. Jesus is seen in Revelation 1:13-16 as having brass feet….judging the walk of His church.)

The Lord tells us, now, to judge ourselves in the water of the Word, that we might have fellowship with Him….in all our days through this world.

1 Corinthians 11:31 “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.”

The priests were to wash their own hands and feet in the provision of the Laver and the water….that they might enter into the Holy Place and have the fellowship provided by the bread and in prayer….in the Light provided.

Remember, fellowship is intimate partnership, participation, and social sharing between close companions.

Are we having this for ourselves?

Do we see ourselves as “with Christ” in all His works?

Peter learned a great lesson about this when Jesus was washing the disciples feet at the Last Supper:

“Lord, doest Thou wash my feet?” Peter asked.

Jesus explained that this was one of those things that Peter might not understand now, but would afterward…

But Peter often jumped in, where he did not need to….

John 13:8 “Peter saith unto Him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.”

Jesus did not say, “in Me”, but “with Me”. “In Christ” has to do with Salvation…..”with Christ” has to do with fellowship and communion with Him.

Peter was saved….all he needed was his feet washed by Jesus….to have the fellowship and instruction which they had as they went to the garden of Gethsemane. (John 14-17 amazing chapters for Christians)

But again Peter jumped in….

John 13:9-11 “Simon Peter saith unto Him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

Jesus saith unto him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

For He knew who should betray Him; therefore said He, Ye are not all clean.”

Christ Jesus washed the disciples feet to show that fellowship with Him requires His cleansing….the cleansing of our walk before Him.

Again, I ask, are we having this fellowship—this partnership, participation, and social sharing between Jesus and us?

All things are not expedient

1 Corinthians 6:12 “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient:  all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”

Paul  is writing the Corinth church, because of the sin which they had allowed in it.

        And so he gives his testimony as a servant of the Lord.

Paul is saying here, that all things are lawful (what is right to be done out in public)…but all things are not expedient.

They may be lawful….but I will not be brought under the power of…. Any.   

He said, they are not expedient…which means to bear together, or bring about an advantage.   

     In other words Paul looked for what would be spiritually  better for others,  not just what might be acceptable in the world.

      For you see,  it is not necessarily the thing itself….but the influence of our affections toward it, on our hearts and lives.

1 John 5:21 (amplified version) “Little children, keep yourselves from idols (false gods, from anything and everything that would occupy the place in your heart due to God;  from any sort of substitute for Him, that would take first place in your life.)   Amen. (so be it).

“Anything”….any “good” thing, as well as a “bad” thing, can, by a wile of the devil, become an idol through inordinate affection.

     (God has always called HIs people to:

“…give me your heart and let your eyes observe My ways.”  Prov. 23:26    If our hearts are His, in love and obedience…then we will keep our eyes on His Will,…and not be so tempted by the world.)

It is true, that anything to which a Christian gives final obedience…is their God.   

How careful we need to be,  about what we let into our hearts.

Both Paul and John exhorted and warned…about  “the power of any”,  or “anything”.

1 Corinthians 10:23  “All things are lawful for me,  but all things are not expedient:  all things are lawful for me,  but all things edify not.”

Now this brings out our personal relationship to the Lord.   All things are not working for the good of others….all things edify not.  

     To edify is to instruct or enlighten, so as to encourage moral or spiritual growth….to build up.

Paul did everything….so as to build up himself in the Lord’s Will….

….and sought to do everything to build up the church of Christ Jesus.

For if a thing does not build us up in Jesus,  it tares us down.

     For where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

2 Corinthians 3:17 “Now the Lord is that Spirit:  and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

Liberty….freedom to know and do His Will.    As we will with HIm, there should be freedom to be HIs Will.

Psalm 62:11 “God hath spoken once;  twice have I heard this;  that power belongeth unto God.”

2 Corinthians 3:18 “For we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

What we behold….what we look at….what we not only take into our eyes, but our hearts;  changes us (our opinions, our attitudes, our affections,…and ultimately our will actions.)

Paul knew this….John knew this….and warned all who will hear:

1 Corinthians 10:12-14 “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

     There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:  but God is faithful,  who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able;  but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

     Wherefore, my dearly beloved,  flee from idolatry.”

Run from it….cross the street….close your eyes….turn your head.

     There is no bravery in staying in a situation that is wrong….for us.   It is the greatest courage to turn from evil,  and seek, instead, the good of God’s Will.

This is what Paul testified to the church about…..seek that which is expedient….that which will edify….and turn from the mere lawful.

As we look into the law of liberty the Holy Spirit shows us in the Scriptures…we should see things as they really are.

     For ourselves,  and our relation to others, in the church….and out in the world.

by faith…

Hebrews 11:24-26 “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;       Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

       Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt:  for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.”

Faith and true seeing are linked absolutely in this chapter.   By faith, the heroes of the Bible “saw” the true value and meaning of life….their life…in relation to God, and His Will

Moses had been taken from the ark of bulrushes his mother had made to hide him in, to save him from Pharaoh’s order to kill all the male Israelites ,….by Pharaoh’s daughter……and she had raised him in the palace with all the teaching and affluence of the place,   and title.

But….”when he was come to years”….this phrase suggesting that Moses as he grew older understood by faith that the pomp and wealth of the Pharaohs was not what true life was about….

(1 Corinthians 13:11 “When I was a child,…I thought as a child: but when I became man, I put away childish things.”)

…and by faith,  Moses relinquished the wealth and authority of one of the greatest nations on earth, at that time.    For Moses “saw” that to share in the Israelites humiliation would end in a greater reward from God,…

…than all the pleasures of sin.

(“the pleasures of sin” is an interesting phrase here….for it suggests that Moses knew that as an Israelite…he could not remain in the palace as the adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter and not sin.          How much we need to rely on our faith to help us “see”, as God sees!

Romans 14:23 “…for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”)

Faith would not even consider the alternative plan…

…..that he could be an advocate for Israel…in the palace.   He could take care of them…a patron, of sorts….without giving up his Egyptian status…..in Egypt.  

  No!

By faith, he saw that he must join them in whatever trials they had!   That is where faith led him.

For he esteemed the reproaches of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt.   Esteemed means that he weighed them…as in scales.  Moses counted the cost…and he acted on this accounting.

         (Phil.3:8 “…I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:…”

 Luke 14:27-33 “…So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple”)

        The reproaches of Christ….against the treasures of Egypt.  This is what Moses weighed….and the reproaches of Christ won.

(We think of “the reproaches of Christ” a New Testament term….but by faith [and how much it lets us “see]  

        Moses saw that all who believed in God and His Messiah to come…. would be reproached [made fun of….chided, or disgraced] by the world….esp. the prosperous world.   

        Yet again,  in faith,  Moses esteemed that reproach with Messiah’s people,  better than all that Egypt offered him!   For faith led him to see God….and His estimation of things.

        Wow!  how much we need that faith now, in these times….when “success”, “power”, and “money” are being placed before the eyes of Christians, and esp. young Christians.)

So Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter any longer,….but sought out God’s people.

(We know there was failure there, for Moses did not understand…the ‘how” of God’s Will.  Exodus 2:11-15.   At this time Moses runs to save his life…yet, God did not forsake him for his failure….but at the appointed time,  led him back to Egypt….with the knowledge he needed….the “how of God’s Will”.

      God would deliver His people, and Moses would bring them out.

Exodus 2:8, 10 “And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of the land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey…

      Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth My people the children of Israel out of Egypt.”)

Hebrews 11:27 “By faith he forsook Egypt not  fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing Him Who is invisible.”

This forsook is after Moses returns to Egypt.  Once he did fear Pharoah,  but now he was delivered from this fear,…and sees that by God’s Word and power,… that Pharaoh’s wrath is powerless.  (Exodus 10:28-29)

This forsook means that he would not compromise about God’s Will….all Israel would leave Egypt, with their wives and children…and their cattle and herds.

      Pharaoh had at first tried to get them to worship the Lord “in the land”…(Exodus 8:25)

But Moses refused….

…we cannot worship the Lord aright if we are still wrapped up in the world.

      Then Pharaoh tried to say,  “Go, but only the men.” (Exodus 10:11)

But Moses refused….

…we cannot leave our families, or children to the world, and worship the Lord as He wants.

     Then Pharaoh tried to say,  “All the people go, only leave your flocks and herds” (Exodus 10:24)

But Moses refused….God’s Will was that they all…and their cattle and herds forsake Egypt…and by faith Moses saw this done!  “..there shall not an hoof be left behind…”

Oh, that we might be so diligent in the Lord’s Will for our lives, and worship!

Hebrews 11:28 “Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest He that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.”

We come to the Passover!  And again by faith in the Word of the Lord,  Moses…four days before the actual event….preaches to Israel the Way of deliverance by the blood of the lamb.

       Each household was to keep, and then slay the lamb….putting the blood on the top door post and the two side posts, and shelter under this blood, in the house.

       Moses drew in Israel here….into faith in the Lord’s Word and sacrifice. 

They are not yet delivered from Egypt….and Pharaoh had refused to let them go in every other instance….yet…Moses faith ignites their faith, and they are saved from the destroyer of the firstborn,  by sheltering under the blood.

….. they, by faith will be delivered from the last judgment…which is a universal judgment on those in the land….on all who are not sheltered under the blood of the Lamb.

Hebrews 11:29 “By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.”

And now,  as the Lord had said to Moses….they (Israel) were delivered from Egypt.  The faith of all Israel is noted here….for each had to step out into the Red sea…and cross it, the Egyptians in pursuit.

        Faith saw the Red sea opened before them….and faith walked through it.

Amazing miracle and deliverance….and it is entered into by faith.

       They took the first step, uncertain of what lay ahead,  but certain of the Way…and kept taking those steps, by faith.

But God also speaks of the unbelieving presumption of the Egyptians….they “ assaying to do”…which means that they saw the way,  and tested it…..not in believing obedience…but in “We will show them!”….if they can do this, we can!

        But were drowned.

Where no faith is….the right Way….simply tried in presumption, produces no deliverance.

Faith is the governing influence in our lives.   It shows us God and HIs Word to us….and helps us believe HIm.    It goes on and shows us His Way….and helps us to be obedient.

Moses faith in God led him out of a wealthy palace….and into the Presence of God.

Our faith in Christ will also lead us to reject the world’s influence….”forsake it”….and “esteem”….count the value of Christ more than worth it.

The refining fires of our lives

Song of Solomon 3:6 “Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?”

This is a picture of the Spirit-filled walk.(Joel 2:28-30).

Smoke, which is weak and easily blown around is strong….a pillar….holding truth and moving with the Lord…out of the wilderness of wandering experience…and into usefulness and witness.

Smoke is a by-product of fire. To have a fire….and smoke,…..something must burn.

Fire in scripture is pictured many ways….. but the ones we will deal with are the refining fires…..which produce spiritual change within us.

There is the fire of the Holy Spirit within us….giving us zeal and reverence for the Lord….as the Lord was said to be clad with zeal as a cloak.

Isaiah 59:17 “For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon His head; and He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.”

This is an interesting description of “zeal”…which is to be “burning hot” for God.

He is “clad” with it….surrounded like a cloak. It covered and protected Him.

It kept Him focused on the Father’s plan for now….and purpose for all. With that kind of focus….He could see clearly anything that was out of order….and “cleanse” it….speak to it…..and set it right or purify it.

(Matthew 21:12-14 Mark 11:11, 15-17 Luke 19:45-46 John 2:13-17

These are the verses for cleansing the temple. It is interesting to note that all four gospels give an account of Jesus doing this.

John gives the account of Jesus, at the beginning of His ministry….a relative unknown….making a scourge of small cords, and driving out the animals and money changers.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke give the account of Jesus cleansing it at the end of His ministry.

And it is interesting to see….that Jesus declares His Father’s house….a house of prayer…..He did not mention sacrifice (for the Great Sacrifice was standing there…..

….and it is not to be a place of merchandise.)

With the fire of the Holy Spirit within us, too…..we become boiling hot for Christ and His kingdom. He enflames us with love for the Lord. (Jude 20-21)

We begin to see, all that is out of order, with us….and set it right…

….and help what is out of order around us…..by giving His Word, to draw them to Christ….and give comfort.

“The word comfort is from two Latin words meaning “with” and “strong” – He is with us to make us strong. Comfort is not soft, weakening commiseration; it is true, strengthening love.” – Amy Carmichael

Then there is the fire of affliction….sent by the Lord’s hand,…whether through troubles,….or enemies…..so we will leave off the world and it’s influences….and turn again to seek the Lord….(Isaiah 55:6-7)

….burning up all the dross….making us pure….

Psalm 66:10, 12 “For Thou, O God, hast proved us: Thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.

……we went through fire and through water: but Thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.

Matthew 5:8 “Blessed is the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

Revelation 3:18 “…gold tried in the fire…”. With all the impurities burnt out….so it is pure gold.

(In scripture, silver is a type of salvation…..gold is a type of God in our lives)

Dross is the impurities which are in the metal…..making it less valuable to the owner.

If you have ten pounds of what you think is silver or gold…..and you put it through refining….and only nine pounds come out…..one pound was dross….worthless….and burnt up.

We think of purity as a picky thing….not letting the hem of our garment even touch the ground….

….but God sees purity as the faithful seeking….and diligent staying after ourselves to keep ourselves unspotted in the world (James 1:27)……because of devotion and love to the Lord.

It is the gentle force of the Holy Spirit within us….keeping us, and cleansing us from the defilement of the world (Ephesians 5:26-27)…..even as we walk in it.

Purity comes from love…..not the law. It comes as we yield to the fire of the Holy Spirit within.

It is the refining fires of our everyday lives….through our obedience and devotedness to Christ…..that we will attain the pure silver and gold, as all the dross is burnt out of our lives.

In this Laodicean age, we will either be burnt out for Jesus…

…or spued out by Jesus! (Revelation 3:16)

For He calls us to “Be zealous therefore and repent” (Rev. 3:19)

And in this age…as when Jesus cleansed the temple….we need to be zealous….to repent.

To be clothed with zeal as a cloak.

What will you have of Him?

Will we yield to the purifying fires the Lord will send upon us?

Will we yield to the purifying fires of the Holy Spirit within….and become pillars of smoke….filled with the Spirit….a manifestation of the grace of God…..in us and through us?

“Give me the Love that leads the way

The Faith that nothing can dismay

The Hope no disappointments tire

The Passion that’ll burn like fire

Let me not sink to be a clod

Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.”

– Amy Carmichael 

The Power of the Word of God.

Psalm 119:9 “Wherewithall shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to Thy word.”

[Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. It is divided into 22 sections, a number according to the Hebrew Alphabet. Almost every verse has a reference to God’s Word. (Commandment, Statutes, Precepts, Testimonies, Way, Law, Judgments, and Righteousness)]

These verses (9-16) deal with the power of the word of God to cleanse, and to keep the soul from the influence of the world.

So God shows a test-case: a young man. He is just starting into the world. And there are a lot of natural attractions to draw him away from God. Things untried, which could lead him into a path, away from God.

Is the Word of God able to keep him?

Yes. For the light of the Word draws the soul,….showing it the whole scene, not just what the world wants to show you.

(Psalm 119:105 “Thy Word is a lamp until my feet, and a light unto my path.”)

Psalm 119:10 “With my whole heart I have sought Thee: O let me not wander from Thy commandments.”

The Word of God shows things in there true character.

It does not “sugar-coat” the darkness which the “highs”, “fun”, or “following the crowd”, can bring; but shows it plainly.

It brings God into the picture before him. The world would leave God out of everything. Saying, “He will ruin everything. He is so narrow-minded.”

(The world sees the “narrow way” [Matthew 7:13-14) as restricting, and harsh. But every child of God which walks in this way, finds it freeing. We are watched over, guided, provided for even in trials, and most of all, we are never alone.)

But God’s Word testifies that God always has His children’s best interests at heart. He draws them with the Word, which opens up everything before them….including their own souls.

The soul, when sees what God says, believes and gets freedom, or the power of choice.

(We are not able when we are first born again to be free from the besetting sins which so easily plague us. They come back again and again.

But as we deny ourselves, and follow Christ, we begin to be free from these things; for the power of the Word and the Holy Spirit enable us to master ourselves and our circumstances. At the same time we know our need of Christ more and more.

This is a blessed paradox: We are more free, yet more dependent. It really comes down to the “master” we choose.

This is sanctification, or willing to be set aside to God. This is freedom: closer to God, further from sin.)

John 8:31-32. “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed;

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

And with that freedom, there is such enlargement of heart, mind, and will.

There is power in the Word, by His Spirit. And by our obedience we bring that power within our own set of circumstances.

Psalm 119:11 “Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.”

Since it is hid in the heart, it begins to mold and shape it. Opening it up to more of the love, and peace of God.

Praise God: Where the Word is taken in our hearts, it leads. When the Word of God is written on my heart, it brings joy.

Joy is a choice fruit of the Spirit. It lifts us, it strengthens us, it teaches us to believe and trust the Lord.

Psalm 119:14-16 “I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.

I will meditate in Thy precepts, and have respect unto Thy ways.

I will delight myself in Thy statutes: I will not forget Thy Word.”

The young man, who was the “test-case”, and we, ourselves, can find the power of God’s Word in our circumstances, now.

Light given, sight received, and power to enable.

Listen to some of the other verses in this psalm:

Psalm 119:28 “My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen Thou me according unto Thy word.”

(No matter how I “feel”, Your strength is there for me. Let me see it)

Psalm 119:45 “And I will walk at liberty: for I seek Thy precepts.”

(His precepts, are His prescriptions for my spiritual health. He writes them, like medicine: which may not taste good going down, but heals.)

Psalm 119:114 “Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in Thy word.”

(We are always “hidden” in Christ, and behind Him. In Him, and can never be forsaken. Behind Him, for as He leads, we are protected.)

Psalm 119:165 “Great peace have they which love Thy law; and nothing shall offend them.”

(Have you ever met a person which could not be offended? they forgive freely, and they have great peace; for they are founded upon a solid Rock of Love.)

Psalm 119:176 “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Thy servant; for I do not forget Thy commandments.”

(We are always the sheep of His pasture. We are always cared for, lest we slip or stumble; His word is always our foundation .)

Let us use the power of His Word to us, and be strong in the Lord.

The God of Peace

Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.”

At least six times in the New Testament, God is called the God of Peace.

(Romans 15:33, Romans 16:20, Philippians 4:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 2 Thessalonians 3:16 [here it is said “Lord of peace”], Hebrews 13:20)

Christ Jesus, Himself is the source of our peace.

We are not given peace by self effort….but it is given by the Holy Spirit as we “stay” ourselves on Him.

Perfect peace of mind……and freedom from the gripping hand of “cares”;….can only be known only as we learn to commit all our ways to Him.

“Cares” grab ahold of us, and say: “You need to do something about this!”

“Mind” here is the imagination; which can think of all kinds of thoughts about the things that…will happen….could happen……the “what ifs” of the situation.

1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.”

Casting,….it is a energetic action….we are not to think of them awhile, then think about giving them to the Lord…

…no, we are to cast them upon Him….He is able….He has seen to these cares and worries already….and will see to them in us, through us, and by us…

…..for He cares for us. (this is a term for “taking care of us”)

Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and He demonstrated this so marvelously on the cross.

1 Peter 2:23 “ Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously:”

The first part of the verse, is what He did before the Sanhedrin, Pilate, the soldiers, and on the cross….here was His obedience…

..He reviled not…He threatened not.

And it was because…He “committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously.”

He did this at Gethsemane, when the thoughts of the shame and defilement of the cross came fast and furious…each, an attack against Him.

Matthew 26:38-39 “Then saith He (Jesus) unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with Me.

And He went a little further, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt.”

But His answered these attacks on His peace, with: “Not as I will, but as Thou wilt.”

This should be our stand, as well….when the attacks of concern, worry, doubt, and panic come against us.

We, too, should commit ourselves to God, for all that will come to us…and let the peace of God guard us….keeping our hearts and minds.

1 Peter 4:19 “Wherefore, let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.”

He created us for a purpose, we need to submit to that purpose, for today…..not my will, but thine be done…and be obedient…for this is the “way of peace”…

Isaiah 48:17-18 “Thus saith the Lord, Thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit (by My teaching), which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.

O that thou hadst hearkened to My commandments! Then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:”

Obeying His Word….we will be lead into His peace.

The listening and obedient ear knows true peace….for it knows the Voice of the God of Peace….and follows Him.