It Was Then, And It Is Now

But he did what was evil in the LORD’s sight. He followed the example of Jeroboam son of Nebat, continuing the sins that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit. [2 Kings 13.2] 

It really does not matter who this statement is about because this statement was symbolically declared over many as if it was universal.

The point of the statement is that the example left by Jeroboam was notorious and never-ending.

Anyone I know who has ever actually read the Old Testament will, at some point, invariably note the repeated sin of God's people found therein. Usually, this notation is with an attitude of disgust, and is often followed with some form of the following statement: "I just don't understand how God's people could not see their problem!"

Failure to understand is symptomatic of idolatry... It was then, and it is now.

Jeroboam's example was idolatry. There were many forms and variations of it, but it was still idolatry. The recurring sin of God's people in the Old Testament was idolatry. If we lose sight of this fact, we lose sight of our own condition.

Idolatry's strength is found in its "cloaking" mechanism. Idolatry has a unique and very effective way of blinding man to its presence and practice. 

Their idols are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot  speak, and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, and noses but cannot smell. They have hands but cannot feel, and feet but cannot walk, and throats but cannot make a sound. And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them. [Psalm 115.4-8] 

The idols of the nations are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, and mouths but cannot breathe. And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them. [Psalm 135.15-18]

The irony of idolatry's strong blinding effect is that those idols are made by the very people who are blinded by them! Idols are the epitome of the cliché, "digging your own grave."

Only the light of God's Word reveals the presence and practice of idolatry. The strength of idolatry is the people's ignorance of God's Word, and therefore, of God. What's more, "leaders" contribute to the problem.

My people are being destroyed because they don’t know me. Since you priests refuse to know me, I refuse to recognize you as my priests. Since you have forgotten the laws of your God, I will forget to bless your children. [Hosea 4.6]

It is simply not enough for a person to read the Bible and shake their head in disgust at the repeated sin of God's people. One must ask the questions, "Who?, What?, Where?, When?, Why?, and How?"! Only when a person explores the answers to these questions will they "see" the truth:

Who? God's people.

What? Idolatry and the blindness that accompanies it.

Where? Anywhere they failed to eradicate it.

When? Any time they took their eyes off God and His Word.

Why? Because of their fallen nature. Adam and Eve could "see" when they ate the forbidden fruit that gave them knowledge of good and evil. The problem with seeing evil is that it blinds one to God (could explain why the first couple only "heard" God after they sinned, and could explain why Paul wrote that faith comes by "hearing" the Word of God). Idolatry's first self-preserving defense is to blind it's patrons to God and His Word. Given enough time however, it damningly deafens them too.

How? Trusting any and everything other than, or in addition to, God.

The modern-day application of the Old Testament history of God's people with idolatry is exactly the same as the New Testament history of God's people with idolatry! Ignorance of God's Word ONLY and ALWAYS results in idolatry. The one, more defined definition of this fact is that New Testament people have the additional revelation of Jesus as the Word of God.

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except  through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. [John 1.1-5]

He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. [John 1.10-14]

Jesus explained it perfectly. He never spoke the words "idol" or "idolatry" because He didn't have to. His word pictures (parables) of ever-present, ever-practiced idolatry would have been clear to anyone with only a general understanding of the Scriptures available to them in His day.

His disciples came and asked him, “Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?” He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. That is why I use these parables, For they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand. This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says, ‘When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes  cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’ “But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it. [Matthew 13.10-17] 

For this reason, Jesus was very exclusive and crystal clear when He announced the active faith solution to the timeless error of idolatry:

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24 (also, Mark 8.34 & Luke 9.23)]

Yes, the example of Jeroboam is still among us today. It is, however, as much more refined in modern times as man himself. Man's idols reflect man's ingenuity because they are the products of man's own making. One has only to follow the money to find his idols. The industries of debt, insurance, medicine and technology all fit the B.O.L.O (Be On Look Out) description perfectly - they are, in fact, the example of Jeroboam on steroids.

Our only chance of "seeing and hearing" this truth is to "see and hear" Jesus, God's Living Word. God's Word, was, in Old Testament times, the solution to man's sin, and God's Word, Jesus Christ, is the solution for man's sin today. "Grace" does not exempt us from following Jesus.

Father, Your Word is full of revelation for all who will "see and hear." May we be found with eyes to see and ears to hear so that we might forsake the idolatrous "example of Jeroboam" and so that Your power might manifest among us when we do. May our eyes and ears be opened as we give up our own way, take up our cross, and follow Jesus. So be it.

Where Are The True Prophets Of God?

Yet the LORD sent prophets to bring them back to him. The prophets warned them, but still the people would not listen. [2 Chronicles 24.19]

With only a little review of the Old Testament writings, it becomes evident that all the true prophets of God mentioned in the Bible pretty much addressed the same problem: idolatry (and the sin born of idolatry). For this reason, prophets were usually less popular than others. Quite often, their address of idolatry dealt with future events only further alienating them from the status quo crowd.

It should come as no surprise that the office of the prophet is little understood today because the problem of idolatry is all but overlooked or worse, ignored. Or, it might just be that the problem of idolatry is not recognized because there are no true prophets of God warning the people!

As much as religious people like to downplay to role of the prophet today, there is convincing evidence of its validity in New Testament times through the writings of the Apostle Paul:

Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages. [1 Corinthians 12.28]

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. [Ephesians 4.11]

What does this mean? To be sure, New Testament recognition of the role of "prophet" is confirmation that idolatry remains a valid topic of warning today just as it has throughout the entire history of God's people.

The unpleasant truth however is that people still will not listen...

Even though Jesus pointed this out early in His ministry, people still will not listen:

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. [Matthew 7.13-14]

The true prophet of God in the Old Testament pointed to the Ten Commandments that presented God as the ONLY way with no substitutes or additions (idols).

“I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. You must not have any other god but me. [Exodus 20.2-3]

The true prophet of God in the New Testament points out that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to God with no substitutes or additions (idols).

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. [John 14.6]

“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24 (also, Mark 8.34 & Luke 9.23)]

Jesus did not make these demands because idolatry would never again be a problem! He made these demands because He knew full well that, as history continues to repeat itself, idolatry would pace the advancements of humanity requiring continued warning. In Jesus' own prophetic way, He knew idolatry would be worse today than it has ever been... 

Where are the true prophets of God?

Father, restore true prophets to us today - not those who tickle our ears making us feel good about ourselves, but those who will boldly decry idolatry and its blinding effect upon Your people ...before it's too late. So be it.

What Do You Know About Peace?

King Joram demanded, “Do you come in peace, Jehu?” Jehu replied, “How can there be peace as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother, Jezebel, are all around us?” [2 Kings 9.22] 

In a most amazing way, "peace" is a critical indicator that idolatry is absent. In other words, where there is idolatry, there is no peace and where there is peace, there is no idolatry. 

What do YOU know about peace?

It would behoove us to study "peace" just a bit, and the context of 2 Kings 9 gives us a good introduction. First, we should consider what took place before 2 Kings 9.22 above...

Then Jehu got into a chariot and rode to Jezreel to find King Joram, who was lying there wounded. King Ahaziah of Judah was there, too, for he had gone to visit him. The watchman on the tower of Jezreel saw Jehu and his company approaching, so he shouted to Joram, “I see a company of troops coming!” “Send out a rider to ask if they are coming in peace,” King Joram ordered. So a horseman went out to meet Jehu and said, “The king wants to know if you are coming in peace.” Jehu replied, “What do you know about peace? Fall in behind me!” The watchman called out to the king, “The messenger has met them, but he’s not returning.” So the king sent out a second horseman. He rode up to them and said, “The king wants to know if you come in peace.” Again Jehu answered, “What do you know about peace? Fall in behind me!” [2 Kings 9.16-19 bold added]

Even though it seems abrupt to do so, with "What do you know about peace?" in mind, we should fast-forward to the Advent of Jesus to understand just what the angels were actually declaring about Him:

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” [Luke 2.14]

Jehu was pointing to Jesus! Consider what Jehu said above, then compare it to what Jesus said below. 

“Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. [Matthew 10.34 (also Luke 12.51)]

Jesus came to bring a "sword" against idolatry and witchcraft just as Jehu did! And what is this "sword" that Jesus brought? Himself! The Word of God!

What do we know about the sword of the Word of God?

...and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [Ephesians 6.17]

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. [John 1.14] 

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. [Romans 10.17 NKJV] 

The sword that destroys idolatry brings peace to those who are truly believers:

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. [John 14.27]

Even though Jesus never mentioned the word "idol" or "idolatry," He didn't have to. He instead used parables and word pictures that anyone who actually knew the Word of God (the Old Testament at that point) would immediately recognize as references to idolatry, namely, every reference to "peace" and every reference to "seeing and hearing" most easily recognized in Matthew 13.15:

For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes— so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’  [Matthew 13.15]

The Old Testament passages that most clearly identify "seeing and hearing" as references to idolatry are in the Psalms:

Their idols are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot  speak, and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, and noses but cannot smell. They have hands but cannot feel, and feet but cannot walk, and throats but cannot make a sound. And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them. [Psalm 115.4-8] 

The idols of the nations are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, and mouths but cannot breathe. And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them. [Psalm 135.15-18]

Jesus' use of the word "peace" accomplished the same "recognition" as did His use of the words, "see and hear" - they were all symptomatic of undivided faith - faith in God ALONE.

But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side. They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not recognize it when God visited you.” [Luke 19.41-44]

"God" who "visited you" in the passage above is Jesus, Who, in complete harmony with God's desire for undivided faith, made the following well-known, but most often avoided demand:

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24 (also, Mark 8.34 & Luke 9.23)]

Unless one has forsaken every other god (including "self"), the following passage has no meaning (let alone, application): 

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” [John 16.33] 

But, for those, and only those who in undivided have faith forsaken all idols, Jesus left the following commission:

Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” [John 20.21-23]

The power of God, starting with the power to forgive, comes only in the peace of trusting Christ ALONE.

So now, what do you know about peace?

Father, Your Word is amazing as the words of Jesus reveal His knowledge of the Old Testament (as we call it) with references to "peace" and "seeing and hearing." These words of Jesus reveal the ever-present problem of idolatry as long as man occupies the earth. May we be found intentional in giving up our own way (the way of idolatry), taking up our cross (the way of Jesus), and following Him. So be it.

It Is Time To "See" Jesus

When he went in to his master, Elisha asked him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” “I haven’t been anywhere,” he replied. But Elisha asked him, “Don’t you realize that I was there in spirit when Naaman stepped down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to receive money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, and male and female servants? [2 Kings 5.25-26] 

What time is it?

If, in Elisha's time it was not time to receive money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, and male and female servants, then how much more is it not time today to receive money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, and male and female servants?

Today's One Year Chronological Bible Reading reveals it is time to "see." Specifically, it is time to see Jesus in Elisha's story.

Only when we "see" God's Word do we really see the world around us for what it is. This was precisely the case for Elisha. 

In light of the statement above, we can know that we are seeing the Word of God (Jesus) for what it (He) really is when the things of this world mean nothing to us.

It can be argued that Elisha performed even greater miracles than did his predecessor, Elijah. From yesterday's article To "See", we can understand that Elijah's life spoke prophetically of Jesus and the necessity for us to keep our eyes on Him. With this in mind, something Jesus said makes much more sense about the double anointing that Elisha (representing true believers) desired from Elijah (representing Jesus) ...if we truly "see" Jesus for Who He is:

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. [John 14.12]

In contrast, Gehazi represents those who don't "see" Jesus: their worldly desires dominate and they are powerless over disease. 

Because you have done this, you and your descendants will suffer from Naaman’s leprosy forever.” When Gehazi left the room, he was covered with leprosy; his skin was white as snow. [2 Kings 5.27] 

Leprosy broadly represents the "disease" of not "seeing" Jesus. Jesus addressed this condition in no uncertain terms:

For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes— so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’ [Matthew 13.15]

Pride, greed and lust are all fruits of idolatry. Idolatry is trusting anything other than, or in addition to, God. "Anything" trusted other than, or in addition to, God includes "self." Such was the case for Gehazi. He was not "seeing" God's Word but allowing his eyes to selfishly see other things: money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, and male and female servants. In contrast, Elisha had entirely rejected Naaman's gifts. 

Think about it... Gehazi's religious "God" conscience would not allow him to request all the gifts Naaman had brought - but as the Scriptures reveal, his idolatry, even the simple idolatry of a little "self" in addition to God, still yielded diseased powerlessness in Gehazi's life.

As much as modern man would like to justify his pursuit of money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, and male and female servants, God's Word simply does not allow it. The New Testament Age of Grace ushered in by Jesus does not allow it. Proof? Jesus said:

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24 (also, Mark 8.34 & Luke 9.23)]

It is time to "see" that the powerless condition of the Church today is not some new dispensation of the Church ("grace" or otherwise), but rather the same old problem of idolatry that it has always been. 

But will we "see" it?

Father, as much as we would like to ask for "eyes to see," it is a fruitless request as long as we refuse to take our eyes off the world. May we take to heart Jesus' demand that we give up our own way (selfishness and idolatry), take up our cross (without a care for our lives), and follow Jesus. So be it.

To "See"

When the group of prophets from Jericho saw from a distance what happened, they exclaimed, “Elijah’s spirit rests upon Elisha!” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him. [2 Kings 2.15] 

To "see." Now, that's a tall order!

As we look into the Word of God, nothing matters more than that we "see."

Interestingly enough, in today's One Year Chronological Bible reading, Elijah was very clear with Elisha about the significance of "seeing."

When they came to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.” And Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.” “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah replied. “If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t.” [2 Kings 2.9-10]

"Seeing" meant everything for Elisha to inherit a double portion of Elijah's spirit. And, it should be pointed out that Elijah said this would be a difficult thing. Jesus mentioned something would be difficult too:

But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. [Matthew 7.14]

The power of God in Elisha's life hinged upon his "seeing." In particular, it hinged upon his seeing Elijah taken up...

I make no claims as a Bible scholar, however, I believe there are distinct references to Jesus in all this story. I believe it is no coincidence that from Elisha's time, Jesus would later mention the significance of eyes that "see."

Then when they were alone, he turned to the disciples and said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you have seen. [Luke 10.23]

In addition to pointing out the significance of the disciples "seeing," Jesus was also clear about the significance of people in general "seeing."

For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes— so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’  [Matthew 13.15] 

One can hardly deny the significance of Bethel, Jericho, and the Jordan River mentioned in Elisha's story as locations that also held significance in the life of Jesus! Most interesting is the fact that Jesus last passed through Jericho, as did Elijah, on His final journey to Jerusalem where, not only would He be crucified, but He would rise again and ascend to heaven.

It was important that Elisha stay focused on Elijah in Jericho because the next stop was where Elijah would ascend to heaven. It is important that we stay focused on Jesus in Jericho because His next stop was Jerusalem where He too would ultimately ascend to heaven.

Not ironically, as Jesus entered Jericho, he healed a blind man. Coincidence?

As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road. When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was going by. So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” “Be quiet!” the people in front yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him. As the man came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord,” he said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too. [Luke 18.35-43]

There is simply too much to discuss regarding the three locations on Elijah's and Elisha's story. However, there are some points to consider.

Bethel is where Jesus' friends lived, Lazarus and his sisters. Seeing Jesus in Bethel is necessary, but, not enough.

Jericho is the geographically the lowest place on earth (846 feet below sea level) and ranks among the oldest. Should we not see a significance in Jesus passing through the "lowest place on earth" before facing His death, burial and resurrection?

The Jordan River is where Jesus was baptized. The significance of this for every believer in Jesus is overwhelming. After crossing the Jordan River, Elijah and Elisha were walking along talking when Elijah was taken. And, what did Elisha say?

As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” And as they disappeared from sight, Elisha tore his clothes in distress. [2 Kings 2.11-12 bold added]

Having established all this, it is prudent to go back to the subject passage above to understand that the prophets from Jericho witnessed (observed, "saw") the transformation in Elisha. 

Do God's people today have this testimony? Have they witnessed (observed, seen) Jesus Christ from the Word of God in us? Have we demonstrated Jesus as our friend? Have we demonstrated having seen Jesus in the lowest place (our "Jericho" - dead in trespasses and sin)? Have we effectively demonstrated how Jesus resurrection and ascension affects our lives?

Until we have seen Jesus, He will not be seen in us.

Father, help us to see Jesus in Your Word. Help us to see that if we fail to "see" Jesus in Your Word, we have missed the point altogether. Help us to see that if we have not seen Jesus in Your Word, there is no way Your power - the power of Jesus - will be seen in us. So be it.

Full Commitment

Jehoshaphat was a good king, following the ways of his father, Asa. He did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight. During his reign, however, he failed to remove all the pagan shrines, and the people never fully committed themselves to follow the God of their ancestors. [2 Chronicles 20.32-33] 

Even with the unmistakable, undeniable, miraculous victory Judah, under the leadership of Jehoshaphat, experienced against the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites (see 2 Chronicles 20.1-30 and The Battle Is God's), the people never fully committed themselves to follow the God of their ancestors.

We should understand the huge indictment this statement makes to the powerless "Church" today:

If Judah experienced the power of God like they did, and they were still not fully committed to God, how much less committed to God then are those who do not experience His power at all?

It should be understood that the "power of God" means a miracle so overwhelmingly, unmistakably, and undeniably attributable as the supernatural work of God and God ALONE that no one would even attempt to say, "That could have just happened randomly..."

In today's One Year Chronological Bible reading, there is further evidence of this:

One day Israel’s new king, Ahaziah, fell through the latticework of an upper room at his palace in Samaria and was seriously injured. So he sent messengers to the temple of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, to ask whether he would recover. But the angel of the LORD told Elijah, who was from Tishbe, “Go and confront the messengers of the king of Samaria and ask them, ‘Is there no God in Israel? Why are you going to Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, to ask whether the king will recover? Now, therefore, this is what the LORD says: You will never leave the bed you are lying on; you will surely die.’” So Elijah went to deliver the message. [2 Kings 1.2-4]

The point of the whole Bible (the passages above included) is to show us that God demands full commitment to Him ALONE. In stark contrast to the modern Church's claim that God uses man's "way of life" costly industries of debt, insurance, medicine and technology, the Bible, when read for what it actually says, overwhelmingly declares otherwise. 

Furthermore, and unironically, "New Testament" Jesus demanded no less full commitment while demonstrating limitless, mountain-moving faith as the way of God (that pleases Him):

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24 (also, Mark 8.34 & Luke 9.23)] 

The Bible is crystal clear on this topic. In contrast, religion, sects, denominations, and the powerless "Church" they all represent, have blinded people with Biblically baseless arguments that "bad things can happen to good people" making it unremarkable that God's power does not manifest among "His people." 

All the while, the "Church" today is immersed in gross idolatry trusting any and everything but God. And, even if they do acknowledge God, they do so claiming their idols ("way of life" costly industries of man's making) are "God's way" to meet their needs. This is NOT the spotless bride Jesus will be returning for! 

The "Church" described above is not only a whore, but a whore who pays its adulterous lovers (idols)!

So, what do we do? We, as individuals, and as the Church, need to become fully committed to God ALONE.

Our full commitment starts with the repentance appropriate for an adulterous, whorish bride understanding that repentance is not an emotion, but an action - turning away from adulterous lover idols and turning to God ALONE (following Jesus). We make a daily practice of intentionally recognizing, giving up, and ridding ourselves of any and everything that even hints of "man's way" (our way). We fearlessly "take up our cross" acknowledging that our lives are NOT ours to preserve in any way, but God's. And therein, we set about to promote the miraculous distinction of the Kingdom of God and the Good News that Jesus makes that distinction (grace) possible in exchange for the undivided devotion of faith - full commitment.

For the record, I am not the first to acknowledge the difficulty of full commitment but I am merely confirming what has already been said:

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. [Matthew 7.13-14]

Father, open our eyes first to "see" that we have in fact rendered ourselves an adulterous, whorish bride through our trust in idols and, in that condition, are not fully committed to You. May Your Word strike a chord in our hearts calling us to full commitment. So be it.

The Battle Is God's

He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. [2 Chronicles 20.15] 

In every circumstance of life, the battle is not ours, but God's.

     In every circumstance of life, the battle is not ours, but God's.

          In every circumstance of life, the battle is not ours, but God's.

Until God's people really believe the statement above, idolatry will only continue to grow like a cancerous disease among them manifesting in all manner of sin. They will continue to make industrious provisions for themselves to the point that God is merely thrown leftover "religious kudos" after the battle. Oh wait... that it exactly what is happening right now!

Man's idols, in four broad categories: debt, insurance, medicine and technology (represented by a plethora of names), prove increasingly more so every day that man (God's people in particular) does not believe the battle is God's and not theirs. In logical human reasoning, it is often said, "God doesn't expect us to sit around and do nothing!" But that is not what Jehoshaphat's story teaches us...

God DOES expect us to do something! But it is not to fight the battle. It is to revere Him ALONE as God and watch Him ALONE handle the circumstances that oppose us. We might even find ourselves, like Judah, singing a simple little chorus: “Give thanks to the LORD; his faithful love endures forever!” because we believe that the words of that chorus actually mean "the battle is God's ALONE.

Who today is foolish enough to actually believe that the battle is not ours, but God's?

Whoever it is, one man or a group of men, will change the course of modern history. 

But, until then, everything man trusts in instead of God (or even in addition to God) will dominate man in every facet of life (money, protection, health and conveniences). "Godly" men will continue to religiously say God fights their battles, but in reality, continue to fight them for themselves only giving God mention like those credits that scroll after a movie - credits that no one pays attention to. Ironically enough, the "star" of the show is named before the movie even plays out - kind of like: “Give thanks to the LORD; his faithful love endures forever!”

Jehoshaphat's story is consistent with every demand from cover to cover in the Bible that men should trust God ALONE. Religion, intentionally or unintentionally, shamelessly expends inordinate effort to explain that the Bible does not mean what it says, or that it is somehow acceptable that man does not trust God ALONE because of "grace."

God was serious when He gave the Ten Commandments, and the priority of the first three of those Commandments reveals God's attitude about what we trust in:

“I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. “You must not have any other god but me. “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. “You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. [Exodus 20.2-7]

Equally so, and in that same Spirit, Jesus was serious when He gave His call:

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24 (also, Mark 8.34 & Luke 9.23)] 

If we can or will see it, Jesus' Words make clear that the battle of life (every single circumstance we face) is not ours, but God's. 

Again, the man or group of men who actually believe God's Word means what it says will make a mark on modern human history: the world will reject and laugh at them and religious people will do worse... just like they did to Jesus, our example. In this, prophecy will be fulfilled that there will be both a "revival" AND that there will be a "great falling away" before Jesus returns. Until then, it is likely that humanity, including the religious "Church," will continue to grovel along in its ever-deteriorating idolatry and the circumstances it feigns to remedy, ignorant of God's Word and therefore none the wiser.

In every circumstance of life, the battle is not ours, but God's. This is what the Bible teaches and it is how believers in Jesus are to live.

Father, the call of Your Word for men to trust You and You ALONE, forsaking all idols, is becoming more intense to me by the day. I pray my words only reflect Yours bringing this same intensity to all who read them. May we mark history intentionally forsaking fear and its discouragement as we live what we believe - that the battle is not ours, but Yours. So be it.