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Introducing Christianity to the Jews

Bill Alderson
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Introducing Christianity to the Jews

I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock, I will build My church [ekklesia – called out ones], and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:18-19) 

Jesus’s public ministry began at His baptism, followed immediately by His temptation in the wilderness. While still ministering in Galilee, He introduced the principle of kingdom life, proper behavior in the kingdom of heaven. It meant a radical change in the laws given at Sinai, those commandments that focused on the public activities of the believer. The Sermon on the Mount was intended to focus attention on the private, inward life. In the beginning, Jesus centered on the inward convictions that would result in blessings of the kingdom.

In the above passage, Jesus told Peter that he would be the one given the keys to the kingdom of heaven to introduce the church age at Pentecost. The church would define the spiritual kingdom Jesus came to proclaim, empowered by the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, who would guide the believer into all the truth (John 16:13). The church would represent whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven. When Jesus gave this power to the apostles, he meant that whatever they forbade in the church should have divine authority; whatever they permitted or commanded should also have divine authority, that is, should be bound or loosed in heaven. Believers would be guided in the church by the Holy Spirit and the truth of the teaching of Christ.

Raised from the Dead

“Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know— this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men [Romans] and put Him to death. But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. (Acts 2:22-24)

Just as Peter had stood up among the 120 in the upper room in Acts 1:15, waiting for Pentecost after Jesus’s ascension, Peter is now proclaiming to the large gathering in Jerusalem the fulfillment of prophecies of the Messiah’s death and resurrection. Jesus had proven His identity through many signs and wonders performed in the midst of many. His life was the fulfillment of the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God. He had demonstrated this plan by overcoming death. In Hebrews 2:9, But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. His victory over death was not just for Him but for everyone. He was providing deliverance to believers who, through fear of death, were subject to slavery all their lives (Hebrews 2:15).

Return to Your Rest

The cords of death [mawet – death occurring by both natural and violent means] encompassed me, and the terrors of Sheol came upon me; I found distress and sorrow. Then I called upon the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I beseech You, save my life!” Gracious is the Lord and righteous; Yes, our God is compassionate. The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me. Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. For You have rescued my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. I shall walk before the Lord in the land of the living. I believed when I said, “I am greatly afflicted.” I said in my alarm, “All men are liars.” (Psalm 116:3-11)

We are not sure who wrote the above psalm, but it expresses praise and service to God because the author had been delivered from impending death and his days had been lengthened out upon the earth. King David wrote many Psalms (i.e., Psalms 18, 22, and 38) about his fears of death, asking God for deliverance and reminding himself that the Lord has dealt bountifully with my soul. Many are prophetic of the coming Messiah and the rest He will bring from all enemies, including death itself. When the writer says, I shall walk before the Lord in the land of the living, he was speaking of a total belief that he would live before the Lord, as in his presence, in his service, and enjoying communion with Him. “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).

The Jewish mindset at the time of Jesus was a weariness of being controlled by other countries, some more severe than others. There had been 400 years of silence, no prophet speaking to the people since their return from Babylonian captivity. They were tired of having to submit themselves to rulers who sometimes did not allow them to freely worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Old Testament gave many prophesies of the coming Messiah who would establish His kingdom and His rule. However, they had no concept that Messiah would come twice or that He would die for the sins of the world.

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

On that day, some Sadducees (who say there is no resurrection) came to Jesus and questioned Him, asking, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘IF A MAN DIES HAVING NO CHILDREN, HIS BROTHER AS NEXT OF KIN SHALL MARRY HIS WIFE, AND RAISE UP CHILDREN FOR HIS BROTHER.’ Now there were seven brothers with us, and the first married and died, and having no children left his wife to his brother; so also the second, and the third, down to the seventh. Last of all, the woman died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had married her.” But Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection, they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like angels in heaven. But regarding the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God: ‘I AM THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, AND THE GOD OF ISAAC, AND THE GOD OF JACOB’? [Exodus 3:6]. He is not the God of the dead but of the living.” When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at His teaching. (Matthew 22:23-33)

Jesus made it a point to quote a Scripture from the five books of Moses since the Sadducees only recognized Moses’ writings as authority. There were other verses He could have quoted. It was because all classes regarded the Pentateuch as the fundamental source of the Hebrew religion and all the succeeding books of the Old Testament as developments of it. Our Lord would show that even there, the doctrine of the Resurrection was taught. He selected this passage as being not a bare annunciation of the doctrine in question but as expressive of that glorious truth out of which the Resurrection springs. The Resurrection means that, although physically dead, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are alive and well, living in the presence of the Almighty.

Introducing the Holy Spirit

“Brethren, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. And so, because he was a prophet and knew that GOD HAD SWORN TO HIM WITH AN OATH TO SEAT one OF HIS DESCENDANTS ON HIS THRONE, he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that HE WAS NEITHER ABANDONED TO HADES NOR DID His flesh SUFFER DECAY [Psalm 16:10]. This Jesus, God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. Therefore, having been exalted to the right hand of God and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear.” (Acts 2:29-33)

In John 7:37-39, Jesus referenced the Holy Spirit on the eighth day of the Feast of Tabernacles, or Shemini Atzeret, in Jerusalem when He said, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’’ John tells us in Verse 39 that Jesus spoke about the Holy Spirit, whom those who believed in Him would receive. The Spirit would come after Jesus was glorified. “And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you, but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).

The Right Hand of the Lord

The sound of joyful shouting and salvation is in the tents of the righteous; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly. The right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly. I will not die but live and tell of the works of the Lord. The Lord has disciplined me severely, but He has not given me over to death. Open to me the gates of righteousness; I shall enter through them, I shall give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous will enter through it. I shall give thanks to You, for You have answered me, and You have become my salvation. (Psalm 118:15-21)

When Peter confirms that Jesus had been exalted to the right hand of God, he is speaking of the full approval and authority of God, that Jesus has been given full authority to bring victory over sin and death. “Your right hand, O Lord, is majestic in power, Your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy” (Exodus 15:6). David recognized that his consistency was directly related to his willingness to set the Lord continually before his face because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken (Psalm 16:8). The right hand of God represents the manifestation of God’s power to fulfill all of His promises. The Holy Spirit symbolizes the right hand of God within each believer.

Repent and Be Baptized

Therefore, let all the house of Israel [both northern and southern kingdoms] know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now, when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart [katanusso – deeply moved] and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent [metanoeo – change the mind, implies pious sorrow for unbelief and a turning to God], and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:36-38)

Peter’s declaration of the Lordship of Christ was a call to action on behalf of those who heard Peter speak since they were deeply moved. Peter defined that response as repent and be baptized. According to Robertson’s Word Pictures, metanoeesate, first aorist active imperative means. “Change your mind and your life.” “Turn right around, and do it now.”  “You crucified this Jesus. Now crown him in your hearts as Lord and Christ.” “And let each one of you be baptized.”  Note the change of grammatical number from plural to singular and the change of person from second person to third person. This change marks a break in the thought here that the English translation is not preserved. The first thing to do is make a radical and complete change of heart and life. Then let EACH ONE be baptized after this change has taken place, and the act of baptism be performed “in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Knowing Him

More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing [gno sis – knowledge by experience rather than intuition] Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law [self-righteousness], but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:8-11)

The Apostle Paul, a former devout Pharisee, recognizes in the above passage that the real treasure of this relationship “in Christ” is the experience of knowing Him beyond the Law of Moses he had previously treasured. The Law was the avenue that allowed him to succeed as a Pharisee and Jewish leader since he could perform to earn recognition. He understood that all his abilities and accomplishments through the Law were rubbish and an impediment to knowing Jesus Christ as Lord. This word gnosis emphasizes understanding rather than sensory perception and embraces every organ and mode of knowledge (i.e., seeing, hearing, experience, etc.). This type of knowledge implies verification by the eye or other objective observation. Ultimately, it speaks of the deepest kind of relationship, a connection to the righteousness that comes from God based on faith.

Out of Faith into Faith

Paul further explains in Romans 4:4-5 that the righteousness of God cannot be earned but must be received as a gift based on faith. Now, to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor but as what is due. But to the one who does not work but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness. God justifies or declares the believer righteous; man’s role is to accept God’s standards of living. God’s righteousness produces a life defined by integrity and blameless conduct. According to Romans 1:17, For in it [the gospel], the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.” The original Greek could be better translated as “by or out of faith into faith.”  When the believer exercises his faith in a given situation, it leads to another opportunity to trust God.

that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. (Romans 10:9-10)

Lord of the Heart

Bill Alderson
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Lord of the Heart

As Scripture testifies in Matthew 2:2, the magi came from the east looking for the Messiah by saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” This occurred at a time when the prophecy of Daniel 9:25-27 was creating an expectation of Messiah’s imminent coming within Judaism and beyond (i.e., Herod). Both John the Baptist and Jesus Himself declared: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. The idea that Messiah was to be a king and take charge of the existing government on behalf of the Jewish nation was a common understanding among the Jewish masses, and this paradigm became a theme of his entire public ministry.

The Kingdom Inside

The Pharisees ask Jesus about the kingdom of God in Luke 17:20-21, and His response is enlightening. He tells them that the kingdom cannot be recognized by physical signs that are observable but that the kingdom is “in your midst.” The Greek word entos literally means inside; Jesus was introducing the concept that the kingdom of God is a reality that exists inside each one who recognizes the king and is, therefore, of the truth. The Pharisees were never able to grasp this principle. In John 18:36, Jesus told Pilate: “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.”

This “spiritual” kingdom would require a brand new approach to God’s laws. Instead of the old covenant, the Law of Moses, written on tablets of stone, the new covenant specifies that God’s laws are written on the believer’s heart (Hebrews 8:10). Instead of Jewish leaders enforcing these laws, externally, the Holy Spirit would be the administrator, from the inside. John 16:8-11 tells the story:

And He, when He [the Holy Spirit] comes, will convict [elegcho – convince, persuade, shown to be wrong] the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.

Without Partiality

One of the weaknesses of the old covenant form of justice is the way the laws are enforced. At least fifteen verses throughout the Scriptures establish that God is no respecter of persons, that he shows no partiality, no favoritism to anyone in relation to His justice. Opening his mouth, Peter said: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality” (Acts 10:34). Yet the woman caught in the act of adultery was brought before Jesus alone (John 8:3) while the Law of Moses (Leviticus 20:10) requires that both participants are subject to death. The Holy Spirit convicts the whole world without partiality; the law of God restores the soul when applied perfectly (Psalm 19:7).

Jesus’s public ministry began at His baptism, followed immediately by His temptation in the wilderness. While still ministering in Galilee, He introduced the principle of kingdom life, proper behavior in the kingdom of heaven. It meant a radical change in the laws given at Sinai, those commandments that focused on the public activities of the believer. The Sermon on the Mount was intended to focus attention on the private, inward life. In the beginning, Jesus centered on the inward convictions that would result in blessings of the kingdom. Each of these blessings is associated with a godly, internal condition that occupies itself with the Father’s attitudes.

The Beatitudes

“Blessed are the poor [ptoechos – cower like a beggar, utter helplessness] in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” “Blessed are those who mourn [lament, grieve], for they shall be comforted.” “Blessed are the gentle [kind], for they shall inherit the earth.” “Blessed are those who hunger [starved] and thirst [desire ardently] for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” “Blessed are the merciful [compassionate], for they shall receive mercy.” “Blessed are the pure [sincere, transparent] in heart, for they shall see God.” “Blessed are the peacemakers [bringing peace to others], for they shall be called sons of God.” “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.” (Matthew 5:3-11)

In each one of these blessings, the inward condition produces the blessing and defines any resulting activity. Kindness of heart (toward others) results in the believer inheriting the earth.  Kingdom life is an inward experience that produces a quality of life that may not be possible under a religious system such as the old covenant. When the heart is not fully engaged in the relationship with God, ‘THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME. ‘BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN ‘” (Matthew 15:8-9).  The purity of the Word of God alone is not enough to keep the people in line, as is evidenced by the Old Testament history of the Jews.

“But I Say to You”

“You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. (Matthew 5:21-22)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you, for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you, for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. (Matthew 5:27-30)

The Ten Commandments specifically addressed outward actions and the believer’s accountability. At the same time, Jesus says that kingdom behavior takes the law to another level by addressing the heart motive behind the action. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God (Romans 2:29). This higher standard is only attainable through the power of the Holy Spirit and not by living under the rule of the Commandments. Paul restates this principle in Titus 2:11-12 when he said For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and godly in the present age. It is the grace of God that teaches us to live sensibly, righteously, and godly in the present age.

Practicing Righteousness

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise, you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. So, when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:1-4)

The entire chapter addresses the principle of the outward, public life versus the inward, secret life. Jesus mentions not only giving but also prayer, forgiveness, fasting, and wealth and the importance of the godliness of the heart motives behind each activity. “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words (Verse 7). Practicing righteous activities publicly makes it self-righteousness; there is no reward since God gets no glory. “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Verse 14). The right heart attitude always produces a godly result. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal (Verse 20).

Jesus summarizes the chapter in verses 22-23 when He says, “The eye is the lamp of the body; so, then, if your eye is clear [haploos – seeing things as they are, no distortions], your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad [poneros – evil, lack of character], your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! The eye speaks of the attitude of the heart. When the heart is properly engaged with God, then understanding will be without distortion.

A Spiritual Mind

For as he [a man] thinks within himself, so he is. (Proverbs 23:7)

Man’s experience as a member of the human race includes both a public persona and a private, personal life measured by his thoughts and motives. To most of the world, we are known by our public persona, activities that define our outward life, but only a few know the person of the heart, the inward life defined by his thoughts. According to Paul in Romans 8:5-6, For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. This life and peace principle is referenced in Malachi 2:5 regarding Levi: “My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him as an object of reverence; so he revered Me and stood in awe of My name. The heart of this mindset is a reverence for God.

By Their Fruits

“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits. (Matthew 7:15-20)

The Lord of the Heart is responsible for making the believer’s heart as He desires so that each new covenant believer who takes his relationship with God seriously is progressively being conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). Fruitfulness in the life of the kingdom believer is the result of the quality of the inner life, a byproduct of the renewal of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). A good tree cannot produce bad fruit. The Lord of the Heart is always at work to create a godly character in each believer. I am the vine; you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing (John 15:5).

On a Rock

“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall.” (Matthew 7:24-27)

Jesus concludes this Sermon with the above passage, stating that the kingdom believer is not subject to the same swings of life as non-believers since he acts on the Word of God. The purity of God’s Word and sound doctrine will always produce good fruit. It is the firm foundation, Christ being the chief cornerstone, that becomes the framework for consistency in a believer’s walk. In 1 Corinthians 10:4, Christ is the rock!

A Man After God’s Heart

King David may be a perfect example of a kingdom believer. According to Acts 13:22, he was a man after God’s heart. Psalm 78:70-72 says, He also chose David, His servant, and took him from the sheepfolds; from the care of the ewes with suckling lambs, He brought him to shepherd Jacob, His people, and Israel, His inheritance. So, he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart and guided them with his skillful hands. David demonstrated God’s heart in the way he shepherded God’s people according to the integrity of his heart. 2 Chronicles 16:9 says, “For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.

Innocent Until Proven Guilty

The Jewish leadership was always making judgments of others simply on the basis of outward appearance without regard to their motives. They consistently characterized these individuals using the idiom “publicans and sinners.”

In Matthew 9:10-11 Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?” The entire American justice system, inspired by the Old Testament Scriptures, is predicated on the principle of innocence until proven guilty. According to Wikipedia:

The presumption of innocence is a legal principle that every person accused of any crime is considered innocent until proven guilty. Under the presumption of innocence, the legal burden of proof is thus on the prosecution, which must present compelling evidence to the trier of fact (a judge or a jury). If the prosecution does not prove the charges true, then the person is acquitted of the charges. The prosecution must, in most cases, prove that the accused is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If reasonable doubt remains, the accused must be acquitted. The opposite system is a presumption of guilt. Emperor Antoninus Pius introduced it in Roman criminal law (138-163 AD).

This is often expressed in the phrase “presumed innocent until proven guilty,” coined by the British barrister Sir William Garrow (1760–1840) during a 1791 trial at the Old Bailey. Garrow insisted that accusers be robustly tested in court. An objective observer in the position of the juror must reasonably conclude that the defendant almost certainly committed the crime.

The Lord of the Heart, the Holy Spirit, is responsible for regulating and administering the laws of God to each kingdom believer since he knows the motives of the heart. The church is charged with the task of dealing with outward sin so that the body of Christ is not infected with the sins of others, as Paul addressed Corinth in 1 Corinthians 5:6: Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough? The church should never be lulled into thinking that its understanding of Scripture allows church leaders to make judgments against others without a complete investigation of circumstances. Jesus stated in the Sermon on the Mount:

“Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged, and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. (Matthew 7:1-5)

Church leaders have a special responsibility before God (Hebrews 13:17) to not judge on appearance. The enemy uses this error to destroy people’s lives without good cause.

Christ Formed in You

Bill Alderson
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Christ Formed in You

My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed [morpho-to fashion] in you. (Galatians 4:19)

We believe the Apostle Paul wrote this his first letter, around 48 AD, to address the churches located in Galatia, established in his first missionary journey. These churches became representative of the transition required to bring old-covenant Jews into a new covenant relationship with God since questions were raised about the role of the Law of Moses within this new relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. A council would be held in Jerusalem, led by the Apostle James, to determine this matter for all of Christianity, particularly for Gentiles (see Acts 15). In Verses 19-21, James concludes:

“Therefore, it is my judgment that we do not trouble those who are turning to God from among the Gentiles, but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood. For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who preach him since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

Having been a dedicated Pharisee before his salvation, Paul understood that many things had to change in his thinking, including his understanding of the Old Testament Scriptures, to bring believers in Jesus, whether Jews or Gentiles, into an experience with the risen Lord. He describes this process in Galatians 4:19 above as likened to a mother in the throes of birth pangs. A little child needs to mature until the very image of Christ is impressed upon his heart. The Greek word is used of artists who shape their material into an image. Paul longed for these believers to be transformed into the image of Christ. It describes the Christian life as a kind of reincarnation of Christ in a believer’s life. This is God’s ideal and purpose: for Christ to live His life in and through each believer.

Conformed to His Image

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed [summorphos – formed together with] to the image of His Son so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:28-29)

When Paul mentions being called according to His purpose, he defines foreknowledge as not just that God foreknows what believers will do but that God foreknows them. According to the Bible Knowledge Commentary:

This eternal choice and foreknowledge involves more than establishing a relationship between God and believers. It also involves the goal or end of that relationship: Those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son. The entire group is brought into a relationship with God in His eternal plan by divine foreknowledge, and choice is predestined. God determined the believers’ destiny beforehand, namely, conformity to the image of Jesus Christ. By all saints being made like Christ (ultimate and complete sanctification), Christ will be exalted as the Firstborn among many brothers. The resurrected and glorified Lord Jesus Christ will become the Head of a new race of humanity, purified from all contact with sin and prepared to live eternally in His presence. As the “Firstborn,” He is in the highest position among others.

What the Law Could Not Do

The emphasis of the formation process is on what has been done before the foundation of the world and through the work of God, particularly the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). The Law of Moses is not part of the equation. As Romans 8:1-5 states:

Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in [union with] Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus [life-giving law of the Spirit through Christ Jesus – Goodspeed] has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh [hampered by human limitations], God did, sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh [through the humanity of Christ] so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit [on a spiritual plane]. For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on [phroneo – mindful of or devoted to, involving the will, affections, and conscience] the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. (Romans 8:1-5)

Paul perceives life in Christ as being on a spiritual plane rather than a religious one, so this quality of life is not limited to man’s humanity but depends on and is submitted to the ability of the Holy Spirit. It is a life that can first be defined as without any condemnatory judgment, contrasting dikaíoma (righteousness), the right given to the believer as a result of his acknowledgment of the lordship of God in his life (Zodhiates). That right is represented by the life-giving law of the Spirit of life in Christ, superior to the law of sin and death. The Law of Moses could never accomplish this reality since fulfilling it was dependent on humanity’s limited ability.

Born of the Spirit

Verse 5 above emphasizes spiritual life as a mindset that occupies the will, affections, and conscience, as well as a devotion to that which is spiritual and originates with the Holy Spirit. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit (John 3:6). Paul further explains that the true Jew is not that which is on the outside but from the heart, by the Holy Spirit and not by the letter of the Law (Romans 2:29). Circumcision of the heart fulfills “the spirit” of God’s Law instead of mere outward conformity to the Law. Some Jews followed the Law’s regulation outwardly, but their hearts were far from God (Isaiah 29:13). A circumcised heart is one that is “separated” from the world and dedicated to God.

But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. (Romans 7:6)

who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2 Corinthians 3:6)

for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh. (Philippians 3:3)

The effect of the letter of the Law was merely to produce condemnation, a sense of guilt and danger, and not pardon, relief, or joy. The Law denounced death and condemned sin in all forms. On the other hand, the newness of the Spirit produces eternal life, not dependent on the physical, but a quality of life that is truly supernatural. Instead of boasting about human accomplishments, as the Judaizers and Jews did, a child of God glories in Christ Jesus alone. The Law of Moses is replaced in the believer’s life by the person of Jesus Christ and manifested through the Holy Spirit. The development of the spiritual life is directly related to a willingness to be led by God. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons [not children] of God (Romans 8:14).

Confidence in Christ

I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints; and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake. For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. 8 Therefore, though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is proper, yet for love’s sake, I rather appeal to you—since I am such a person as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment. (Philemon 4-10)

One picture of this spiritual life is in Paul’s letter to Philemon. His name means “affectionate,” he was from Colosse and owed his conversion to the Christian faith to the apostle Paul. They became devoted friends; Paul referred to Philemon as a “beloved and fellow laborer in the faith.” Paul wrote to his friend in 61 AD from Rome while imprisoned. Philemon had a slave named Onesimus, who had most likely robbed Philemon and escaped to Rome. Somewhere along the way, Onesimus became a believer and was befriended by Paul. Paul sent both the Epistle and Onesimus back to Colosse. He requested that Philemon forgive and receive Onesimus not as a slave but as a brother (Verse 16). Paul also stated that he was willing to pay any damages caused by Onesimus.

In his letter, Paul expresses not only the intimate connection he had with Philemon but also Philemon’s impressive love for God and God’s people. Paul was so enamored with Philemon’s faith that he did not use his stature to order Philemon to forgive Onesimus and accept him as a brother in the faith. We know that we have passed out of death into life because we love the brethren (1 John 3:14). Paul was confident that Philemon would accept his appeal as a devoted friend. Philemon had found life in the Holy Spirit, which would allow him to forgive.

Weightier Provisions

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected [deserted] the weightier provisions [barus – having great importance, severe] of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness [sincerity, integrity]; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting [overlooking] the others. (Matthew 23:23)

This was the fifth of the eight woes Jesus issued to the scribes and Pharisees, covered in chapter 23. He identified a hierarchy of religious issues and refers to them as the weightier provisions of the law, identified as justice and mercy and faithfulness (sincerity, integrity). The Jewish leadership were majoring on minors, straining out a gnat, while minoring on majors, swallowing a camel. Jesus most likely had Micah 6:8 on His mind when making this statement: He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require [darash – seek, inquire, require] of you but to do justice [bring justice to those who have experienced injustice], to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? These issues represent the heart of a pure relationship with God by His Spirit, in Christ.

to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27)

Peace with God

Bill Alderson
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Peace with God

Therefore, having been justified [aorist passive participle – declared righteous] by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)

The above verse tells us that the true believer, the one who has been declared righteous by faith is intended by God to live in peace. The Greek word translated as peace is eirene and it has multiple meanings and applications. The primary meaning is that which is the opposite of war. It can mean harmony between individuals. Another meaning might be tranquility, a state of peace. It also has the sense of health, welfare or prosperity, every kind of good. We can also understand eirene in light of the Hebrew word shalom which stands for wholeness, soundness, hence health, well-being, or prosperity. It is through our Lord [Kurios – master, supreme, sovereign one] Jesus [Iesous – God saves] Christ [Christos – anointed one, Messiah] that this peace comes to him. Peace and all of its implications is experienced by the one who recognizes Him as Lord, Savior and Messiah.

Imputed Righteousness

The doctrine of justification [dikaiosis] is addressed most completely by Paul in his letters. In Romans 4, he ties the doctrine directly to Abraham and his willingness to trust God in spite of impossible situations. In Genesis 15:6, Then he believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness. Romans 4:4-5 reveals that any payment for work is considered a wage, but to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited [logizomai – counted, imputed] as righteousness. This righteousness means that the believer is perfect in his position (state), but faith exercised in the details of life determines his experience. In Romans 1:17, For in it [the gospel – Jesus paid the full price], the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.” The believer is accepted into a perfect relationship with God by faith. He then realizes the Lord’s righteousness each time he exercises faith in the Lord. It is not dependent on keeping the Law of Moses.

I will hear what God the Lord will say, for He will speak peace [shalom –peace, tranquility, wholeness] to His people, to His godly ones; but let them not turn back to folly. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land. Lovingkindness and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. (Psalm 85:8-10)

Peace Fulfilled

The above passage is an Old Testament reference to the coming new covenant in Christ, where the attributes of the new birth come together in a spiritual connection to God’s perfect justice. It anticipates the Messiah’s arrival and His mighty accomplishments at Calvary. According to John Gill’s Exposition of the Old and New Testaments, when righteousness and peace kiss each other:

Righteousness may intend the essential justice of God, which will not admit of the pardon and justification of a sinner, without a satisfaction; wherefore Christ was set forth to be the propitiation for sin, to declare and manifest the righteousness of God, his strict justice; that he might be just, and appear to be so, when he is the justifier of him that believes in Jesus [Romans 3:25-26].

Righteousness and peace or prosperity, these two inseparable brothers, kiss each other there, and fall lovingly into each other’s arms (Keil and Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament). Justification provides the environment where peace with God is fulfilled. According to the Jewish tradition, there are three symbols for peace: the river, the bird, and the kettle:

Three Symbols

A river was traditionally used as a means of connection between one town and another. It was a way for people to do business with each other and meet one another. A river is also, of course, a source of life for people, their livestock, and their crops.

A bird makes its home on land but can fly high up in the sky. It lives in both heaven and earth as it travels between the two.

The kettle takes two opposing forces and brings them together to create something good. Fire wants to boil away water; water seeks to extinguish a fire. However, when a kettle comes between them, both thrive and together they create a substance that contributes to mankind.

What we learn from all three symbols is that peace does not mean sameness. The two towns do not merge. They share a river. Heaven and earth, the spiritual and material worlds, are harmonized within the bird who lives in both, yet they remain two separate realms. Finally, water and fire reach their higher purpose so long as they remain separated by the kettle.

Jesus is our Peace

For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR. (Ephesians 2:14-17)

Since peace is manifested in the person of Jesus Christ, its implications go far beyond peace with God. It means that Jesus, a Jew, as the Jewish Messiah, connects the Jew and Gentile into one family by one new man, thus establishing peace, through the cross. Peace is the basis of brotherhood within the Body of Christ since any enmity is abolished in Christ. The tranquility of unity through the Holy Spirit keeps the believer moving forward, pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).

Peace, Peace

For thus says the high and exalted One Who lives forever, whose name is Holy, “I dwell on a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit in order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. “For I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry; for the spirit would grow faint before Me, and the breath of those whom I have made. “Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry and struck him; I hid My face and was angry, and he went on turning away, in the way of his heart. “I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and to his mourners, creating the praise of the lips. Peace, peace to him who is far and to him who is near,” says the Lord, “and I will heal him.” But the wicked are like the tossing sea, for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up refuse and mud. “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.” (Isaiah 57:15-21)

The Lord desires his people to experience His peace. As the God of peace (Hebrews 13:20), He draws His people into the pathway of peace, where a forgiving God is always looking to offer His peace to him who is far and to him who is near. Ultimately, the contrite and lowly heart finds the God of peace.

A Zionist Dream

In 1903, Joseph Chamberlain, the British Colonial Secretary, made an offer to Theodore Herzl and his Zionist group. The British were prepared to give the Jews 5,000-square miles in Uganda, Africa to serve as a Jewish homeland. The proposal evoked a fierce debate. On one hand, the land would provide the Jews with a homeland where they would be free to live in peace and protect themselves from danger.

On the other hand, it fell far short of the Zionist dream to return to the ancient homeland of the Jews — Israel. Thankfully, the offer was declined because the land was deemed unsuitable. However, the question remained: Even though the historical homeland of the Jews is Israel, does it really matter where the Jewish homeland is today?

There is a peace offered by the world, but it will never measure up to the quality of peace the believer experiences in his relationship with God. “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace [shalom, shalom], because he trusts in You” [Isaiah 26:3]. A perfect peace, in Hebrew shalom, shalom, is the Lord’s heart toward all His people, Jew or Gentile. Peace, I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful (John 14:27).

The Kingdom of Heaven

Bill Alderson
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The Kingdom of Heaven

As Scripture testifies in Matthew 2:2, the magi came from the east looking for the Messiah by saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”. Although there is no consensus on who the magi were or where they came from, it is more likely they were Gentiles of high position from a country, perhaps Parthia, northeast of Babylon, who were given a special revelation by God of the birth of the King of the Jews. This occurred at a time when the prophecy of Daniel 9:25-27 was creating an expectation of Messiah’s imminent coming within Judaism and beyond (i.e., Herod). The idea that Messiah was to be a king and take charge of the existing government on behalf of the Jewish nation was a common understanding among the Jewish masses, and this paradigm became a theme of his entire public ministry.

Before Jesus was baptized onto the scene, John the Baptist was preaching, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). Jesus took up this same mantle in Matthew 4:17 as he began speaking to the masses and then extended it to His disciples’ charge in Matthew 10:7, “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand’.” But what did this all mean? Was Messiah ready to demonstrate his physical authority or was there some other, more profound meaning of the kingdom of heaven? To answer this question, we need to look at His entire public ministry, particularly his response to the Jewish accusations against Him when brought to Pilate.

King of the Jews

When confronted with the accusation that He was the “King of the Jews” in John 18:33, Jesus first inquired of Pilate by questioning his own personal belief in the charges that somehow Jesus was a threat to the Roman authority of the Jewish nation. Jesus’s reply to Pilate was, “My kingdom is not of this world” (verse 36), thus redefining the kingdom as not a physical reality but a spiritual one. Jesus reiterates to Pilate that He is a king but that the defining element of His kingdom is “the truth” and that those who are of the truth hear the voice of their king (verse 37). Pilate understood that this was not Rome’s problem (“I find no guilt in Him,” verse 38) and intended to turn Jesus loose, but the Jewish leaders had something else in mind. This King needed to die!

This principle of the kingdom was further demonstrated to us through the interaction of the two thieves on the cross next to Jesus (see Luke 23:39-43). One of the thieves was only looking for a solution to his present situation, while the other comprehended the gravity of the moment. He understood that the two were being condemned for things they did while Jesus was innocent of His charges. This thief asked Jesus to remember him “when you come in Your kingdom”. Jesus’s response was to acknowledge that this thief would soon be in Paradise. The crux of the matter was that this thief recognized Jesus as a king since He was about to come to His kingdom. He was confirming that the truth of his statement, “this man has done nothing wrong,” allowed him to recognize the king and a kingdom. This criminal got saved!

In Your Midst

Jesus is asked about the kingdom of God by the Pharisees in Luke 17:20-21, and His response is enlightening. He tells them that the kingdom cannot be recognized by physical signs that are observable but that the kingdom is “in your midst.” The Greek word entos literally means inside, and the kingdom of God is a reality that exists inside each one who recognizes the king and is, therefore, of the truth. The Pharisees were never able to grasp this principle.

And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them, it has not been granted.  “For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.  “Therefore, I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. (Matthew 13:10-13)

Once the Jewish leadership had accused Jesus of being demon possessed in Matthew 12:24, Jesus began teaching in parables. The disciples were confused that Jesus would begin speaking in parables instead of the normal teaching methods, and Jesus explained that the mysteries (secrets) of the kingdom are not understood within normal teaching methods but must be understood in the light of The Truth (see John 14:6). The Jewish leadership had rejected The Truth. By accusing Jesus of being of Beelzebul, Jewish leaders were saying that He could not be Messiah even though He had performed a number of miracles that only the Messiah could perform, including casting out the demon in the blind and mute man in Matthew 12:22-23. In verse 23, the people responded to this miracle by saying, “This man cannot be the Son of Man, can He.” [The Son of Man is a term used to reference Messiah].

Humility and Mercy

In Matthew 18:1-4, Jesus helps us to understand that success in the kingdom is tied to humility, and He uses a child to illustrate the point. When asked about “Who then is greatest in the kingdom,” He explained that becoming like children represents innocence and a lack of pride and haughtiness. Jesus was answering the question by concluding that selflessness, which produces humility, is the key. It defines greatness. Jesus also addressed greatness in the kingdom in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:19, “Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Since these commandments represent the very mind of God, to disregard them would be detrimental, while to honor and teach them would result in kingdom greatness.

In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, Paul was applying the principle of Hebrews 2:9 in his encouragement to Timothy by acknowledging the King eternal (1 Timothy 1:17), crowning Him with glory and honor. Recognizing that Paul’s giftedness and natural abilities did not get him anywhere in the Kingdom, rather, it was acknowledging that mercy opened the door for him to see the King and be a giant in the Kingdom! This instruction was consistent with what Jesus taught in Matthew 5:20 when He said, “For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus was teaching that human effort to meet the religious demands of a Holy God does not work. It requires God’s perfect righteousness.

The Word of the Kingdom

In Jesus’s day, the Pharisees were dividing the Law of Moses into a hierarchy, with some being greater than others. Yet Jesus had quoted a Scripture from the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 8:3) in Matthew 4:4 when He stated, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'” Jesus was teaching the importance of every Word, that all Scripture is necessary food.

In His public ministry, Jesus taught many parables that address the kingdom of heaven or the kingdom of God. In fact, eight of them appear in Matthew 13. He was teaching the dynamics of this kingdom which all of His disciples and followers need to understand. These principles allow us not only to grasp the conditions of entry but also how to function and thrive within the kingdom.

“Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road. The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away. And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.” (Matthew 13:18-23)

Receiving the Word

The first of the eight parables from Matthew 13 is a direct reference to the Word of God, “the Word of the kingdom.” The King’s primary method of communication in the kingdom is the Word. Success in the kingdom is tied to hearing the Word and understanding it. The parable defines that the condition of the heart is the primary criterion that determines success. The seed sown beside the road has no room to establish its roots and therefore is easy pickings for the devil. This condition of the heart is determined by how the Word is received. In 1 Thessalonians 2:13, Paul says, “For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.” The Word has an intended work (see Isaiah 55:11), and it cannot do its work without having been received from God (the King) with the authority that accompanies it. According to Hebrews 4:2, the Word must be united by faith to accomplish what is intended.

The rocky places in the above parable speak of the one whose heart has not fully accepted the Word as truth, and therefore trials of life cause him to fall away. The thorns represent the cares of life that can interfere with the Word, and the Word, therefore, is unfruitful. The good soil is the environment where the Word produces great fruit because it is understood. The important point being made through this parable is that the environment of the heart, when the Word is spoken, determines the quality and volume of the fruit it will produce.

Serving Others

From the Mount of Olives (Matthew 25:31-36), Jesus taught the disciples about the coming judgment of all nations, promising that the blessed ones would inherit the kingdom. This kingdom was “prepared for you from the foundation of the world” and is given to those who have a ministry to the King through their relationship with those in need and their willingness to give of themselves to meet those needs. It was the plan of God from the very beginning that men would inherit the kingdom as a result of their willingness to serve the needs of others on behalf of the King.

In conclusion, the promise of Hebrews 12:28 is that each believer receives “a kingdom which cannot be shaken.” When he recognizes the kingdom by crowning the King (Jesus) with glory and honor (Hebrews 2:9) in his heart, he experiences kingdom life. As such, he should hold fast to the grace of God, the environment in which we have received that permanent kingdom, by showing gratitude to God in reverence and awe. Remember, Jesus died with a crown (of thorns) on His head.

3 Unlikely Prayers God (Eventually) Answered

Yaneke Lewis
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3 Unlikely Prayers God (Eventually) Answered

As born-again believers, there are some expectations that the Bible (and hence, God) has of us. One important feature of a believer is that we ought to walk in the spirit so we won’t “fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

The Scriptures also instruct us to “set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).

In one famous parable, Jesus even warns against the “cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things” (Mark 4:19).

With these admonitions in mind, I have found it a bit puzzling and somewhat startling, that God honoured certain requests in the Bible. From a religious and dogmatic viewpoint, there are some requests that don’t seem to be as spiritual or heaven-centred as I thought they needed to be!

Here are three prayers that got an answer I did not expect a holy God to give.

The Prayer of the Syro-Phoenician Woman (Matthew 15: 22-28)

If anyone shouldn’t have had the nerve to approach God, it would have to be the Syro-phoenician woman (Miss SP for short).

First of all, Miss SP was a Gentile who at that time had no lot with Israel. Jesus was blunt in reminding her of who His priority in ministry were–and it didn’t include her.

First reason not to pray? Check!

As if that wasn’t enough, her request was denied–by Jesus Himself. Another reason not to pray!

She was, however, shameless, and showed determined persistence. In fact, according to the Matthew account, Miss SP’s faith would eventually earn the commendation and admiration of the Lord.

But if she had processed things too much (like, I don’t know, maybe me?), I guarantee she would not have approached Jesus in the first place. Before He would have had a chance to tell her “no”, she would have already disqualified herself from making her request known.

Then to hear Jesus say you can’t have what you’re asking for would have deterred even the boldest of intercessors, but not her.

What kind of crazy faith does it take to hear God say you’re a dog and you still keep groveling before him?!

What Kept her Praying?

I can only make some guesses about what could have pushed Miss SP to stoop so low.

It could be the love she had for her daughter back home who was tormented by a demon.

It could be the frustration of knowing how her own life was being disrupted by the extra care she had to give to that ‘sick’ child.

Or perhaps it was pure desperation from having no-one else to turn to for help.

Whatever her motivation was, it was strong enough to cause her to endure blatant disregard and rejection.

Would You Ask God for Crumbs?

Miss SP was so desperate, it seems, that even after being hinted at as an unworthy dog, she started begging for crumbs! That was not very dignified to say the least, but something happened to Jesus when she made herself “of no reputation”.

What was deemed as a closed door just a few sentences before in the story, suddenly turned in her favour. Not only was her request granted, but it was granted “from that very hour” (Matthew 15:28).

Miss SP was among the least qualified persons to get God’s attention.

She is proof that we too can come boldly unto the throne of grace. The mercy and grace that Jesus gave to her may very well be made available to you today–if you’re willing to ask for crumbs too!

The Prayer of Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:10)

The prayer of Jabez is a famous prayer, no doubt. Books and songs have been based on this man’s testimony that continues to inspire believers.

But if I had met Brother Jabez, I would have probably wagged a finger of rebuke at him! (I hear you gasp in disbelief!) I would have thrown 1 Thessalonians 5:16 at him–Rejoice evermore! And then I would have dished out Ephesians 5:20–giving thanks always for all things!

I would have found every spiritual Scripture to encourage Jabez to accept his condition and to “seek those things which are above”.

Now why would I do that? Why would I have challenged Jabez’s desire to be blessed?

Because that’s what I would do to MYSELF!

Aren’t true blessings found in the presence of God and at His right hand? Are we not to be focused on the lively hope we have for Christ’s return?

The answer is yes and yes again.

The prayer of Jabez could very well have been “Lord, give me the strength to go through”.

Or, “God, give me the grace I need so I won’t be distracted by worldly affairs”.

Those are great prayers, but those were not Jabez’s desires.

Jabez had some things bugging him, and he was not about to be a religious hypocrite about them. When something bothers you enough, it would be wise to call on God to fix it! There are times when you just need to blow off some steam before God, and let God know how you honestly, truly and really feel–and that’s what Jabez did.

Of course there’s no guarantee that you’re going to get every single whim and fancy fulfilled, but don’t let that stop you from praying about it!

In Jabez’s case it just so happened that God decided He would fix it. Who knows? You might end up having the same testimony as Jabez! Winner-winner!

The Prayer of Hannah (1 Samuel 1:1-20)

There are few prayers that wreak with carnality as does the prayer of Hannah for a son. (I know she was barren, so before you stone me, let me tell you why I think her focus was possibly of the flesh.)

We know that Hannah was one of two wives to Elkanah and despite her barrenness, she had a couple things going for her:

  1. She was the wife who Elkanah loved

  2. She was always given more (a worthy portion) than the other wife

  3. Her husband never pressured her to bear children

In fact, it appears to me that even Hannah was ok with the way things were. She was happy! No child, no problem.

But that was until she started being teased about her barrenness.

What previously was not an issue steadily grew into a burden. What had not been on her mind at all, started to become her focus.

It’s not because having a child was her initial desire–it’s because she was now being “provoked”. The other wife wanted Hannah to “fret”.

She did it on purpose!

She knew Hannah was ok and comfortable, content in love and acceptance from her husband. Things only changed when Hannah allowed her adversary to nag her away from contentment and into worry.

When the Flesh Rises Up

What I want you to see is that Hannah would not have prayed for a son if she hadn’t been mocked by a competitor. If she had stood her ground in contentment (as every good Christian should) she would have kept her peace and been unmoved (as every good Christian should).

For Hannah to react the way she did, that sounds like the flesh to me!

Why didn’t she rest in the love and pampering she was already known to receive from her husband?

The religious me would have told Hannah to go and be thankful.

“Be content with what you already have”, I would say.

“This is the plan of the enemy to distract you, Hannah”, would have been my counsel.

I would have told her to pray, but for forgiveness because she was taking her eyes off eternity!

Show of Hands if This Is You

So Hannah fell for it. She caved. She gave in to the devices of her enemy. Hannah was shaken from her eternal focus and began to be bothered by a temporal thing.

But aren’t you and I guilty of this too?

How often are we quite content with our lives until an old friend from high school shows up with the model wife, owning the large corporation and he’s not even going bald?!

Yes, life was good before I saw my friends on Facebook promoting their third book and all before the age of 40!

But you know what? ‘Carnal’ Hannah still prayed.

She didn’t allow the ‘unspiritualness’ (did I coin that word?) of her desires to fester inside of her. She poured it all out to her God! Yup, Hannah shows us how to pray when we get jealous!

And of course we know the history–she got an answer! Who would’ve thought that a prayer fueled by a desire to be like someone else would have gotten God’s attention? Well, somehow it did! And that blows my mind!

The Conclusion

A friend once told me this: If it’s too big to be a prayer, then it’s too small to be a burden!

In other words, what made something suitable for my prayer list was not how well it fit my concept of true spirituality, but how much it was a burden to me! Friend, if your feelings and worries don’t make it on your prayer list, they shouldn’t be on your mind either!

The desires and concerns of your heart may not always follow the rules of your religion, oh Christian. You may not even be at “the place” (whatever that means) to pray. But the same Bible that teaches you not to “mind the things of the flesh”, also teaches “casting all your care upon Him because He careth for you”.

You are wrestling with whether or not you should even say such things to a holy God. You think it might not be the most spiritual conversation to start with your Father. But if it’s bothering you, go ahead and talk to God about it!

I don’t promise you that you’re going to get that large coast Sir Jabez; or that breakthrough Miss SP; or that child, Hannah.

What do I promise? Only what is said in Philippians 4:6-7:

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Translation? If you pour out what’s on your heart, you will at least get some much-needed peace on the matter that weighs so heavily on you!

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