What are you allowing to influence your life?

Psalm 115:1–18 (ESV):

Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, 

for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! 

 2  Why should the nations say, 

“Where is their God?” 

 3  Our God is in the heavens; 

he does all that he pleases. 

 4  Their idols are silver and gold, 

the work of human hands. 

 5  They have mouths, but do not speak; 

eyes, but do not see. 

 6  They have ears, but do not hear; 

noses, but do not smell. 

 7  They have hands, but do not feel; 

feet, but do not walk; 

and they do not make a sound in their throat. 

 8  Those who make them become like them; 

so do all who trust in them. 

 9  O Israel, trust in the Lord! 

He is their help and their shield. 

 10  O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord! 

He is their help and their shield. 

 11  You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! 

He is their help and their shield. 

 12  The Lord has remembered us; he will bless us; 

he will bless the house of Israel; 

he will bless the house of Aaron; 

 13  he will bless those who fear the Lord, 

both the small and the great. 

 14  May the Lord give you increase, 

you and your children! 

 15  May you be blessed by the Lord, 

who made heaven and earth! 

 16  The heavens are the Lord’s heavens, 

but the earth he has given to the children of man. 

 17  The dead do not praise the Lord, 

nor do any who go down into silence. 

 18  But we will bless the Lord 

from this time forth and forevermore. 

  Praise the Lord! 

What are you allowing to influence your life? Is it the living God or things that are created by human hands?

In the days this psalm was written, people worshipped man-made items which represented gods. This still happens in different religions and cultures, but in Western civilisation it is not as common. This does not mean that we are immune from idol-worship though. How about trusting in money, working to get a great house or saving for your dream car? Then, once that has been attained, endeavouring to protect, develop, appreciate and trust in the beauty, structure, success or safety these things seem to provide. This is how everyday things, stuff that we desire, or believe can make a foundational difference to our lives through their beneficial aspects, can become idols. Anything that is man-made that we find undue joy in, fascination or desire for, becomes an idol as we allow it to influence our lives. When an object begins to  have an impact on your behaviours, efforts, affections and finances, it has become and idol. 

Yet these things are designed and manufactured by mere mortals, by human hands, they will not last and will not fulfil your desires. They are designed for a purpose, but they are not meant to be worshipped and admired to the degree that they influence the pattern of your life. Ultimately the things that become idols  will not satisfy, bring hope, the joy they provide is short-lived and the security you find in them will wane. Something better might come along, there may be a disaster that strikes, and that thing will let you down. It was never meant to have such a prominent place in your heart and mind. What happens when the idol no longer satisfies, brings what you thought it would, or fails?

One of the problems is; idols have no hands, feet, ears to hear you, eyes to see you, or a mouth to speak to you. They cannot encourage you, comfort you, develop you or challenge you, yet they can change you. Be aware of how much you love and invest in stuff. Be on guard about how much of your attention and affection you provide to things. For the promise of this psalm is that those who desire such lifeless things ‘become like them’. Mute, immoveable, uncaring, stiff and lifeless. This is a stark warning. Is there is anything in your life that you are looking to for; satisfaction, security, guidance, hope, or a future, that isn’t God? Then consider - is it worth it? Surely you do not want to become as worthless, immoveable and mute as these idols! There is only One who is worthy of worship, who deserves all of your time, attention, finances and energy - that is the Lord God. Everything else should be in submission to Him. For in reality, He is the One who made everything, He alone is your help and shield, and is deserving of your trust. He alone can listen to and speak to you, He can comfort you, aid you and protect you. So, why worship the created when you can worship the creator?

‘Trust in the Lord’. He is the One who can offer real, intentional help and protection (v11). He has a mind to remember you (v12), He can bless you (v13) and impact your family for good (v14). Other things cannot, so do not give your life over to something that offers you less. Do not waste your time, money and efforts in attempting to build safety in man-made things. Do not put hope and joy in stuff, but consider where can you get real relationship, real security, real hope. Live your life trusting God and worshipping Him, the One who steadfastly loves you and is faithful. He will provide you with an everlasting security, hope and future, are you trusting in Him only?

The king, the chief guard and the exile

 

Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste and said thus to him: “I have found among the exiles from Judah a man who will make known to the king the interpretation.” *26*The king declared to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to make known to me the dream that I have seen and its interpretation?” *27*Daniel answered the king and said, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, *28*but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream and the visions of your head as you lay in bed are these: *29*To you, O king, as you lay in bed came thoughts of what would be after this, and he who reveals mysteries made known to you what is to be. *30*But as for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because of any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your mind. 

Daniel 2:25–30.

In the book of Daniel, we have already met these three characters, but not all in the same place at the same time. It is interesting to see how they interact, as it reveals the content of their characters when we see them together. So, today we are going to see what we notice about each of them;

First up we have the Captain of the king’s guard, Arioch. He is mentioned a few verses previously as he rushes to carry out the kings command to kill all the wise men, and now he is rushing to bring in Daniel. It seems this man knows the importance of his position, and he is anxious to fulfil it. The role Arioch has, has become who he is rather than just a job. He rushes around in self-importance as if it all depends on him, the kings problems are his problems, and he feels responsible for sorting it all out. Probably for good reason, as he recognises the reality that if he doesn’t do what the king wants, he will join the fate of the ‘wise men’ he’s had to do away with already. 

Arioch clearly finds his value in how well he completes his job. It has become who he is rather than a part of his identity. Now, don’t get me wrong, being in charge of the kings bodyguard is an important role, but have you ever met someone who seems to take their job a bit too seriously? As in their job becomes their life, rather than just a part of it? Someone who defines themselves by their success or failure? This is how Arioch is portrayed. He is dedicated to his role and to the king, and he rushes about trying to do his best for his boss, without really thinking through if it is the best idea or if the decisions are morally right.

It takes someone like Daniel to slow him down and consider what is actually in the best interests of those involved, including the king.

We also see the self-importance and pride that Arioch has, for in the introduction he gives he says, “I have found from among the exiles  from Judah a man who will make known to the king the interpretation”. I don’t remember reading that Arioch was on the look out to solve the mystery of the kings dream, do you? The last I recall was that Arioch was following the murderous plan to slaughter all the wise men who may have been able to help! It was only when Daniel challenged Arioch in the urgency that Arioch slowed down a bit. In fact, Daniel approached him, and asked for time., offering a solution.  Arioch didn’t go out searching for an answer to the king’s problem, instead he went out searching for those to kill. However, now, he is quite happy to take the credit for ‘finding’ Daniel and being a part of the solution! In order to look good in the kings eyes he’s quite happy to take the credit. I am sure we can all probably think of those who take credit where it is not due. Maybe that’s you, and you need a Daniel to pick you up on it.

The next person who speaks is the King, Nebuchadnezzar. Before this interaction we have already deducted how he is feeling; the king is sleep-deprived, angry, feels distrust towards the other ‘wise men’ and is concerned about being deceived. I doubt his condition has improved since he spoke with the enchanters, astrologers and astronomers. Yet, he gives Daniel a chance. Eventhough he has ordered the murder of all the people society considers wise (and Daniel is among them), he still allows Daniel to have a go. Perhaps because he is so desperate for a solution that he has just the smallest amount of hope that this troublesome dream can be solved. So he asks, “Are you able to make known to me the dream that I have seen and its interpretation?”. 

I would like to know the tone in which this is asked, wouldn’t you?  Is the king asking if Daniel can do this thing because he is astonished that this young man before him claims to have more understanding than the well seasoned ‘wise men’ he has already called upon? Is he asking through disappointment and annoyance? Or even in an exhausted, exasperated manner? We do not know how Nebuchadnezzar asked this question, and we are not meant to know, because actually it does not matter. Daniel does not rise to the manner in which the question is posed, but simply answers it. 

Next, we shall consider the final character in this scene, the young man, the ‘exile’, Daniel (Belteshazzar) . He comes into the king’s presence, without any ceremony. In fact, he comes in great humility. He is the only one out of the three that demonstrates humility - and he’s the one with the answers!

From the start of this interaction, Daniel acknowledges, that he is, like the others the king has called upon, merely human and that no human being can help with the king’s ‘mystery’.  (I am sure that didn’t improve the kings mood!) However he also acknowledges that there is a God in heaven capable of revealing mysteries, and Daniel has accepted his part in being a messenger from God to the king in order for Nebuchadnezzar to better understand himself. 

Daniel is aware and unashamed of his usefulness as a messenger and is content to be the go-between. He makes it clear that he is merely a messenger from God to the king, that he has no understanding of these things themselves, but that God has used him so that the king can have better understanding. He takes no credit. He gives all responsibility and honour to God - How different to how Arioch enters the room! 

Really, after Daniel’s admission, it is kind of surprising that the king carries on listening! Yet, Daniel continues, in confidence, and assures the king that God has imparted to him, ‘the thoughts of your mind’. Daniel recognises that this has been revealed to himself and his friends, not because they are more intelligent or respected or powerful than anyone else, but because the have sought God for the solution. They asked for the impossible, and got it, and it was not for them to keep to themselves, but the revelation that was received was to hep soothe a troubled mind and reveal something of what was to come.  

So, what can we learn from these three people? Has anything stood out to you in the way they bear themselves? Have you been inspired by how Daniel responds under pressure, amongst those deemed ‘greater’ than himself?

Can you detect any of the characteristics of these three men in your own life? If so, pray. Whether it is in gratitude or repentance. 

For me - I see that God needs those who are willing to step up and step out. No matter who they, or anyone else, considers them to be. We all have a purpose and we are all created with a piece of God inside of us, so we should not be ashamed of that. We also should not be ashamed of admitting that this is how God has made us - of giving the glory and credit to God like Daniel does. I shall endeavour to be more intentional in that.

Perpetuation of sin

Sin is dangerous. Ignoring God's rebuke is dangerous. It is dangerous for you and the generations that follow. If you're reading this today and know there are things in your life that God doesn't like, make a decision today to get rid of it because it will get hold of you and destroy you, your faith and your family. Don't believe me? Think i'm being over-dramatic or too harsh? Then lets look at the Bible and consider the generations that followed Cain....

*17*Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. When he built a city, he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch. *18*To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech. *19*And Lamech took two wives. The name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. *20*Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. *21*His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe. *22*Zillah also bore Tubal-cain; he was the forger of all instruments of bronze and iron. The sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah. 

*23*Lamech said to his wives: 

Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; 

you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say: 

I have killed a man for wounding me, 

a young man for striking me. 

*24* If Cain’s revenge is sevenfold, 

then Lamech’s is seventy-sevenfold.” 

We do not know much about some of the generations that are in-between Cain and Lamech, but look at the perpetuation of sin that occurred in the generations between Cain and Lamech. Considering that they would of known and understood that they are descended from the first ever people on the planet who walked with God, look how far away from God’s perfect plan they wander; Lamech has not one wife but two for a start, this clearly does not reflect God’s design that two become one flesh (- what do 3 become?) Then look at Lamech’s speech, or i would call it a boast; how he murdered someone for injuring him, how he seeks revenge and seems to have a lust for vengeance. 

The generations between Cain and Lamech are not mentioned much beyond their capabilities, they certainly do not mention that any of them have faith in God (maybe they did but it doesn't seem to be as signifciant a part of their life as their accomplishments). Yet we get this snippet about Lamech, which clearly shows the level of degradation humankind had got into. 

It all stemmed from pride. Cain was proud and would not accept instruction, down the line this led to Lamech's pride in murdering someone! can you see how sin gets out of hand?

You may not see your wrongdoing as a big deal. it is. It is a big enough deal to separate you from God (who is supremely holy), and warrant the death of an innocent man who willingly went through torture so you and your descendents could be free from the entanglement of sin. 

Temptation, pride, disappointment, even success can quickly descend into sin. It can overcome you if you do not allow God or His people to correct you. If you choose to go your own way instead of God's then you can see your life, and the lives of those who come after you descend into wickedness. If Cain had listened to God’s warnings, if we listen to God’s warnings instead of doing what we want, how different our lives and the lives of those around us could be. 

So, the question is, what kind of legacy do you want to leave behind you? 

How your descendants turn out could well depend on your obedience to God today. 

Made in the image of God

God made man in His own image;

‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.’

Genesis 1:26

This tells us that; YOU ARE MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD! You may not physically look like Him, but in some way you demonstrate what God is like. He wanted to reproduce, so He made humans to be like Him in some way. 

Doesn’t that just give you a WOW moment? It should! 

In your inherent being, far beyond nature, genetics or evolution, you were handcrafted to display, in some way, God’s image. God put in you part of Himself, you were created to show others what God is like. Doesn’t that just blow your mind? 

If you’ve ever wondered what your purpose in life is, or struggled with self-esteem issues then take time to consider this: God made you to display what He is like, He put something of His own self within you to show the world what He is like! Then, once He had created mankind, do you know what He said? “It is very good”, not just good or alright, but very good! God made you well and God doesn’t lie. 

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”/ 

27 So God created man in his own image,

/in the image of God he created him;/ 

/male and female he created them./ 

*/28*And God blessed them./ 

Genesis 1:26-28

obedience

'In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. *8*Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. *9*And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him'
Hebrews 5:7–9.

I think these verses are a beautiful demonstration of Jesus humanity.

Just look at the experience of Jesus - at times, he became so distressed that he prayed with ‘cries and tears’. He called out to God and petitioned Him for things. Jesus felt his own weakness, distress and trouble. Do you ever feel like that? And feel like there’s nothing else to do but cry to God? Jesus, the very son of God, also felt the same.
He recognised that he needed help, and that there were parts to human life he didn’t like, so he called out to God. He cried out to the one he knew could change things, he shed tears in front of God, and even asked for things that his own humanity wanted. Jesus even asked for his situation to change - that he wouldn’t have to be tortured and crucified, he asked to be released from suffering and pain - don’t we all do the same at times? We all want relief not pain. Jesus had the same inclinations. So, he asked God for a way out - he didn’t get it, but he asked. Jesus, even though he poured out his fears and longings to God, he continued to hold God in reverence - he didn’t shake his fist at God and blame Him for his situation, but he requested assistance and demonstrated incredible obedience and faith. Jesus understood that God, ‘was able’ to change the outcome, yet Jesus also submitted to whatever it was that God wanted even when it was different to his own desires.

Jesus remained obedient. Even when his desires were not fulfilled, even when he knew he couldn’t escape the pain that was coming, he still did what he knew was right and what God wanted.
In fact, these verses state, ‘he learned obedience through what he suffered’.
Jesus grow in understanding, knowledge and obedience. Jesus had to learn these things, just like we do. Jesus learnt how to be obedient, and what better way for obedience to be tested than through adversity. It’s easy to be obedient when we are asked to do things we want to do, it’s when we are asked to do things we don’t want to do that our obedience, relationships and loyalty are tested. Jesus experienced the same. He had to learn to be obedient.

Jesus had to learn and grow like we all do. He also
had to suffer pain like we do.
How wonderful that our God has had the same experience of living this human life, he was just like us. He did not escape feeling sad or happy, lonely or crowded, comforted or in pain.
Jesus lived in such a way that demonstrated his humanity, obedience and godliness. The result of all this was that Jesus was, ‘being made perfect’. That could only happen through him learning obedience through suffering.

So, next time you enter a situation of suffering, don’t despair. Know that, like Jesus, this is a time for you to learn obedience and that through the experience you are, ‘being made perfect’.

suffering temptation

‘For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted’
Hebrews 2:18.

Do you often consider that Jesus suffered?
Do you know that eventhough Jesus did not sin, he still underwent the same temptations as us?
The only time we really consider Jesus suffering is when he entered the last days of his Earthly life as he was; beaten, betrayed and crucified.
Yet, if Jesus was a regular human being, don’t you think he suffered in his daily life, like you? Isn’t there more suffering involved in life than death?

The verse above indicates that Jesus underwent the same everyday challenges and temptations that we do. Jesus had a normal human life. He experienced the life of a frustrated toddler, an inquisitive infant, and the terrifying teens! He knows the temptations of each of these stages of life. Jesus was an average Jewish boy, who lived with his parents, in a community, who learnt, played, worked and grew. He had to handle the same difficulties with people and self-control that we do. Jesus had to grow up in this world too. He had to deal with the emotions, hormones, peer pressure, frustrations and misunderstandngs that this life involves. The normal growing up process applied to Jesus. He had similar thoughts and persuasions to do the wrong thing. Jesus also had to overcome the battle in his mind as we do. The temptation to be selfish, popular and fulfilled existed for Jesus too. He was a normal human being. Therefore he had to deal with all the trials, testosterone, and temptations that brings!

This should give us comfort and hope.

Jesus does truly understand our troubles. He knows the power of the devil, who comes along uninvited and often in our weakest moments, to tempt us to sin or forget who we really are. Jesus knows the very real battle we have within ourselves to do what we want verses what God wants. He knows the persuasion to get up to things when no-one is looking or could ever find out. He battled temptation too - the verse above tells us that. Jesus suffered temptation. It was not easy for him either, he struggled with it just like we do. Jesus understands the very real internal war we have each day for:

‘We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need’.
Hebrews 4:15

Jesus can understand and come alongside us in our temptation and troubles because he has gone through the same mental battles, yet, he fought temptation and he was victorious every time. Jesus lived the everyday fight for purity, he battled against his own desires and the torments of the devil just like we do, and he won. He knows what it’s like. He understands the mental anguish, heart-felt prayers, battle of the heart and mind to do what is right. He suffered the agony of denying self to accept God. That’s why we can trust him to help us out.

We don’t have to be embarrassed by our troubles, no matter how secret we have kept them. Jesus knows the torture of the tempted mind. He has lived it too, and he has overcome, so we can trust him with our troubles, our fraught mental processes and anguished hearts. We can know that we have a brother who can lead us out because he lived free from the sin that we can so easily entangle ourselves in. Jesus can relate because he engaged in the same battle ‘in every respect’. He knows the reality of the human temptation. He knows the level of mental strife. He knows the power and pull of temptation. That is why we can confidently approach him with it all. Jesus acknowledges our suffering, he has also lived it and he has a story of victory to share. Today you can, ‘receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need’ because Jesus has been there. He can sympathise and give you the power to change. The question is - do you want to?

Is Jesus your brother?

Reading Hebrews 2, there are many indications that Christ-followers are considered family to God, siblings even to Jesus. Have you ever truly contemplated this fact?

We can take it for granted that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, but have you ever truly appreciated your role as a brother or sister TO Christ? Being siblings to one another is one thing and brings a sense of community, belonging and equality. We can easily understand and accept being family to one another as we have all experienced some kind of family in our lives. Being a sibling to Jesus, on the other hand - that’s kind of different, surely that breeds a sense of honour, respect and responsibility? It’s a level up to having a regular brother isn’t it?! Knowing that our brother is in fact the creator of the world, a perfect man and a loving, obedient son.
It makes me realise that I should be living with a different incentive, with a different sense of responsibility and respect for myself, others and God. If I take the fact that Jesus is my brother seriously, then I will consider his thoughts and feelings, his desires and expectations as well as my own. I don’t want him seeing my grumpiness when I’m tired, my late-night eating habits or moody rants at work. I don’t want him to have cause to feel sad, to feel disappointed in me. I am not saying he would, or that he would cause me guilt, but doesn’t being in the presence of someone greater than you inspire you to be greater? How much so then should the fact that we are elevated to the position of sharing the same father and family as Jesus?

Hebrews tells us Jesus is, ‘not ashamed to call them (us) brothers’ (v11), so no matter our faults and mistakes, Jesus doesn’t condemn us, he is not ashamed of us!
Yet are you living ashamed that Jesus is your brother?
I ask this as a challenge - is your life demonstrating that you are proud of your family heritage through Jesus or ashamed?
Do you acknowledge Christ in your daily life? Do you admit your relationship with Jesus, hide it or deny it? If you are wanting Jesus as your brother and saviour, then shouldn’t you be acting like it?! Jesus himself says that those who deny him now will be denied by him later (Matthew 10:33), are you willing to take that risk? Does your everyday life match up to your faith? Are you acknowledging Jesus as your brother in the way you live?

The good news folks is that although we should live aware and concerned about our faith, there is no need to be perfect. There is unfailing love and forgiveness freely available for us, but it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to overcome the things we know are issues for us. Nothing is too difficult for us, we shouldn’t excuse ourselves by accepting our sin or downplaying the strength of temptation. Jesus didn’t. Yes, I know Jesus was perfect, but, ‘he himself has suffered when tempted’ therefore, ‘he is able to help those who are being tempted.’ This is because, Jesus was, ‘made like his brothers in every respect’.
Jesus was just like you and me in his human flesh. He faced the same struggles with people, the world and himself. He battled temptation, he struggled to avoid sin. He sometimes desired his own way rather than God’s way. He struggled with conformity and individuality, he had to contend with the constraints of culture. Jesus suffered and was tempted. He knows what it’s like. Jesus gets it. He understands the overwhelming nature of temptation, the power and pull of self-preservation and self-satisfaction. He knows the expectations others have on us, the reality of peer pressure and the desire to be accepted and live the ‘normal’ life. Jesus understands the internal conflict and mental anguish we go through because he’s experienced it. He is like us, ‘in every respect’. Jesus knew the pain of rejection and persecution, the struggle of sin, the temptation for more, the desire to protect himself, the yearning to have a happy, healthy long life. Jesus was tempted to compromise like we are. Yet….. Yet, he chose to overcome all of the temptation, sin and compromise. He chose not his own life as paramount, but the will of his Father. He chose not what was best or easiest for him, but that which gave his brothers and sisters hope. Jesus, the son of God, our beloved brother, chose the path of obedience and purity. Jesus chose the path that we sometimes wander from. Jesus chose the way that God desired, and the way that led to our life, but to his own torture and death. This is our brother.

Jesus, our brother, knows pain and suffering. He knows the realities of being human. Jesus - completely human, but also completely God. He shares the same, ‘flesh and blood’ as us. He has the same Father, and is unashamed of us; his brothers and sisters.

We are living in such a privileged position, are you even aware of it? Are you allowing the truth of who you are to Jesus impact your life? Is your life reflecting the reality of who your brother and Father are?


‘He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source’.