Author: NBibens

Because He Had Talked With God

The life of Moses was filled with interesting, amazing, and even miraculous events. One seemingly small yet also incredible event is recorded in Exodus 34:29: “When Moses came down from Mount Sinai…Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God.” After being so close to the glory of God, Moses’ face literally shone. What this looked like, we can only imagine, but what an amazing (and frightening) sight it must have been. Moses’ shining face teaches a beautiful lesson. Remember what we read—Moses’ face shone “because he had been talking with God.”  

We can’t talk with God the way Moses did, and our faces won’t shine miraculously, but are there ways that others can tell we’ve been talking with God? Do our lives demonstrate we regularly read God’s Word and spend time with God in prayer? Can others see that we have been talking with God?

Read, Do, Teach

The Bible is a big book, and many parts of Scripture are challenging. But many passages are also simple. Plenty of examples lay out a path that is easy enough to understand. One such example is Ezra. In Ezra 7:9, we read that the good hand of God was on Ezra. That sure sounds nice! How can we experience such a great gift? Well, verse 10 says, “For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.” 

That’s pretty easy to understand. What made Ezra successful? His commitment to read God’s Word, obey God’s Word, and teach God’s Word. Granted, each of those steps involve some challenges—but the plan itself is simple. Yet, too often, we don’t even make this simple commitment. Why not adopt this plan? Commit to reading the Bible, obeying what you learn, and sharing what you learn with others.

Who is the Lord?

People often say that power corrupts. One way it does so is through arrogance. Some powerful leaders become so arrogant they think they are greater than God! When Moses went to Pharaoh to inform him that Yahweh demanded Israel be released, Pharaoh responded, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice?”[1] The Assyrian king sent a message to Jerusalem that they shouldn’t trust in the Lord. After all, he argued, none of the “gods of the nations” had defeated him yet, so why would Israel’s God?[2] When Nebuchadnezzar threatened the three Hebrew men, He said, “And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?”[3]  These men all learned dramatic lessons about who the Lord is. 

You don’t have to be a king or emperor to yield to arrogance and rebellion. Know the Lord, and submit to Him before you learn the hard way who God is. 

[1] Exodus 5:2

[2] 2 Kings 18:35

[3] Daniel 3:15

Because It’s Right

It’s nice to get a good explanation. When we are told to do something, we want to know why. We want to understand the details of what we’re supposed to do and why it’s important. That’s understandable, and many times, a deeper explanation is warranted. Other times, however, the reason might be quite simple. In Ephesians 6:1, the Bible says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Why should children obey their parents? We could likely come up with several good explanations and talking points. Or we could make it easy and just agree that children should obey their parents because that’s the right thing to do. 

Maybe we think such simple reasoning is only for children, but we could also benefit from such simplicity. Why should we obey God? Why should we love others? Why should we avoid sin? There are weighty answers to these and other questions. But there’s also a simple answer—because it’s the right thing to do. 

As Was His Custom

What are your customary habits? All of us develop actions we just naturally do. Behaviors that become ingrained within us and that tend to define us. So, what types of things define you? 

In Mark 10:1, we read, “And [Jesus] left there and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, and crowds gathered to him again. And again, as was his custom, he taught them.” 

When we think about the characteristics that define who Jesus was, many people would immediately think of love. And rightfully so! Jesus is the greatest example of love. Perhaps there are other elements of Jesus’ life that you think of. But we must remember the picture painted by the gospels—Jesus was a teacher. Jesus’ love didn’t keep Him silent but prompted Him to teach the truth. Wherever Jesus went, it was His custom—His natural inclination, you might say—to impart truth and teach others. Is it our custom to listen to His teachings and obey them?

Be Outstanding

First Corinthians 15 is the Apostle Paul’s magnificent treatise on the resurrection. His conclusion to that great chapter is this: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” I like the way the New English Translation renders part of this verse. It says, “Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord.”

How would you describe your work in and for the Lord? Would you consider your church attendance outstanding? Do you consider your service towards others as not only good but outstanding? Is your love for your brothers and sisters in Christ outstanding? What about your giving? Or your willingness to suffer for righteousness? What of your commitment to share the gospel and be a light in the darkness to others? Jesus offers us an outstanding hope of eternal life—let that motivate us to outstanding service in His kingdom!

They Were in Trouble

Have you ever been in a tough situation, and instead of things improving, they worsened? While Such situations might not be pleasant, they can teach us important lessons. Primarily, such scenarios teach us that we need help. That was certainly true for ancient Israel. After living for centuries in slavery, they wanted freedom. But God didn’t whisk them away from Egypt immediately. In fact, God allowed their situation to get even worse.

When Moses confronted Pharaoh and demanded Israel be allowed to leave, Pharaoh didn’t just say “No.” He increased the workload for Israel. Exodus 5:19 says, “The foremen of the people of Israel saw that they were in trouble…” Many times, with Israel, God allowed the nation to be tested and challenged. He allowed them to face trouble and trials. But this served to remind them how much they needed God. When you face trials and realize you are in trouble, turn to God and rely on Him. 

Humble Tasks

Romans 12 is filled with practical admonitions that can help guide our daily Christian walk. In verse 16 of that chapter, Paul writes, “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” This verse emphasizes our attitudes and relationships, especially regarding humility or pride. God demands harmony amongst his people, and for there to be harmony, there must be humility. Humility strengthens our relationships and our love. It guides how we treat others. None should be considered beneath us. 

In the ESV, an interesting footnote suggests that the phrase “associate with the lowly” could be rendered as “give yourselves to humble tasks.” Humility impacts our relationships and actions. Don’t treat any task or service as too small or insignificant when working for the Lord. Always be willing to love others and stoop to whatever work needs to be done for the body of Christ.

When the Wicked Turns

Can people change? Sometimes, we give in to the belief that people are incapable of change. We are who we are. But God believes people can change—both the righteous and the wicked. In Ezekiel 33:18-19 God says, “When the righteous turns from his righteousness and does injustice, he shall die for it. And when the wicked turns from his wickedness and does what is just and right, he shall live by this.” 

Sadly, there are times when people who are faithful to the Lord choose to turn back to worldly and sinful ways. That change is possible, and all Christians should be wary of attitudes and decisions that might lead us to such an awful change. But the wicked can also change. The sinner can repent. The faithless can become faithful. God has always called the wicked to turn away from sin, and Jesus died so that such change can result in eternal life.