Turning and Returning

Humanity is plagued with feelings of guilt and shame.  We go to great lengths to rid ourselves of these uncomfortable feelings.  We go to the Psychiatrist, take pills, suffer addictions, practice various self help methods, explore religious philosophies, try to be 'good', ad infinitum…  How often do we consider that these feelings of guilt and shame are from a truth telling, God given, conscience?  We are conditioned to believe these feelings are 'bad', and can even come to believe they are undeserved, or that we have an 'over-active' conscience.

Jesus Christ came with a Gospel – a sacrificial gift – of peace between God and man.  This Gospel includes the practice of ‘repentance’.  Much of today's Christianity has removed the message of the need for repentance, and the guilt of man.  The truth of God's holiness, and Jesus' call to holiness, is most often shunned from the pulpit today.  The focus is on love, and feel good beliefs and practices.  We have come to love having our ears tickled.  In fact, it can be surprising how a normally kind and loving individual can become quite indignant when approached with the idea of the need for repentance.  Terms such as ‘judgmental’ and ‘legalistic' get tossed around.  Yet, Jesus said, “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.”  1 John 1:8.  Everyone is guilty!  Everyone bears shame.  It is entirely appropriate to feel the difficult feelings of guilt and shame.  We, each one, are guilty.

Repentance – the idea of repenting – seems to have come to have negative connotations.  We often seem to have the impression that one need only repent once, and generally, for sin, for all time… if we are ever even given the idea of the need for repentance from a pulpit at all!  We can easily adopt a haughty attitude toward God's mandate of repentance.  It assaults our increasingly important ego – sense of pride.  We are even taught that it is good to have pride and confidence in one's Self – capital 'S'.

Yet, God knows that repentance is the only way to alleviate the consequences of our guilt and shame – those dreadful feelings!  Every single time we feel shame and guilt – even over the same issue – we can repent.  We do not cease until God removes the feelings of guilt and shame, and assures us of our peace with Him.  As often as one feels these awful feelings they can repent!  It helps us in dealing with the feelings of guilt and shame – to bring relief, and even deliverance.
God has harsh words for those Shepherds of His flock which rob His people of His words.  God's words are Life!  They are for help and healing!  Here is some of what God has to say of His words, and the Pastors who refuse to teach them:

“Thus says the Lord of hosts,
“Do not listen to the words of the prophets who are prophesying to you.  They are leading you into futility; they speak a vision of their own imagination, not from the mouth of the Lord.  “They keep saying to those who despise Me, ‘The Lord has said, “You will have peace”’; And as for everyone who walks in the stubbornness of his own heart, they say, ‘Calamity will not come upon you.’”  Jeremiah 23:16-17

“I did not send these prophets, but they ran.  I did not speak to them, but they prophesied.  “But if they had stood in My council, then they would have announced My words to My people, and would have turned them back from their evil way and from the evil of their deeds.”  Jeremiah 23:21-22

“Is not My word like fire?” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer which shatters a rock? Therefore behold, I am against the prophets,” declares the Lord, “who steal My words from each other. Behold, I am against the prophets,” declares the Lord, “who use their tongues and declare, ‘The Lord declares.’ Behold, I am against those who have prophesied false dreams,” declares the Lord, “and related them and led My people astray by their falsehoods and reckless boasting; yet I did not send them or command them, nor do they furnish this people the slightest benefit,” declares the Lord.”  Jeremiah 23:29-32

To repent is a benefit.  Repentance is not just a confession, and to say, “I'm sorry”.  To repent is to turn.  To repent is also to return.  Repentance is a continual turning, and returning, to God!  Two Bible versions of Isaiah 30:15 give us several examples of the one word:

“For thus the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, “In repentance and rest you will be saved; In quietness and trust is your strength.”  But you were not willing.”  (NASB)

“For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.”  (KJV)

Here is how the Hebrew/Greek Interlinear Bible defines this same word ‘repentance/returning' in this verse:
Lexical: שׁוּבָה
Transliteration: shubah
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Phonetic Spelling: shoo-baw'
Definition: retirement, withdrawal.
Origin: From shuwb; a return.
Usage: returning.
Translated as (count): in returning (1). - Lexical: שׁוּבָה
Transliteration: shubah
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Phonetic Spelling: shoo-baw'
Definition: retirement, withdrawal.
Origin: From shuwb; a return.
Usage: returning.
Translated as (count): in returning (1).

In repentance – or returning – we retire, or withdraw, from one thing in favor of the other.  We turn from our sin in favor of God's holiness… and we keep returning.  To repent, then, becomes a continual motion!  We keep turning to God, and waiting (resting) upon His salvation – His deliverance.  “Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.”  Zechariah:1:3

Some insight into the word ‘repent', or 'repentance' found online:  “The word repent comes from the Old French word repentir, which means, "to feel regret for sins or crimes." If you cheat on an exam in school, and feel guilty afterwards, you might repent for your bad behavior by confessing to your teacher.”

And, “Literally, it is a Greek word meaning “change of mind”. ... In the New Testament, the word metanoia is often translated as “repentance”. But this kind of repentance is not about regret or guilt or shame; it implies making a decision to turn around, to face a new direction.”

So, the solution to the nasty feelings of guilt and shame is a continual turning to God, as we rest and wait upon His salvation and deliverance, in quiet trust and confidence in Him.  We turn to our Father through the peace made between God and man offered in the person of Jesus Christ our Lord. Here is this Gospel – this grace – offered through Christ Jesus, and His sacrifice:

“This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us. My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.”  1 John 1:5-2:6

Turn to Jesus.  Take up your cross and follow Him.  Turn, and walk as He walked.

Haman and Queen Esther

Haman was a political adviser to the King of Persia.  He very much enjoyed his status and power - and all the pomp and wealth it afforded him.  Yet, he had a vendetta against a Jew, named Mordecai, who would not bow to him.  Ultimately resentment toward Mordecai, and the Jews, escalated in Haman's heart and mind until he built a hanging gallows for the Jew.  Haman's intention was to persuade the King, through deceit, to eliminate not only Mordecai, yet to eliminate all the Jews.  Neither Haman, nor the King, yet realized that the King's beautiful Queen Esther was Jewish.

As the story goes along, Haman's plan turns on him - the King was exposed to the truth of Haman's conivings and intentions, which would include the demise of even the Queen, Esther.  Esther was complicit in this exposure of Haman to the King.  She was desperate to save her people from this impending monstrosity of doom being inflicted by the proud and hateful Haman.  Haman's deeds, and true nature, became apparent to the King.

In desperation, a terrified Haman realized that he was found out, and was in dire trouble as a result of a now angry King.  Haman, in a moment alone with the Queen Esther, fell upon her to beg for his life.  The King walked in to find Haman upon his wife.  His anger turned to fury.  A eunuch, in attendance to the event, pointed out to the King the gallows Haman had built for the Jew, Mordecai.  The King told his attendees, "Hang him on that!"  So, Haman was hanged on the gallows he built for another.

Live by the sword.  Die by the sword.  Reap what you sow.  Build a prison for others, and find yourself in that same prison.  We are victims of the judgments we inflict on another.  Invoke a curse, live under the same curse.  THIS is why Christ Jesus came... God come to earth, in His Son, Jesus, to take upon himself the curse mankind brought upon himself, and in this way fulfill the terms of the curse so we may be made right in relationship to our Father God.

Christ Jesus resurrected from his death, unto life.  He paid the cost of the curse upon humanity.  In Him, judgment is no longer a curse, and there is no more comdemnation.  So must His follower, too, take up their cross, die (to the old man), so we may rise - transformed (reborn) - with Him. There is no more curse, except that which one brings upon their self in rejection of this gift of salvation.  We end up on the hanging gallows we create for another.  We are bound to the same law, and consequence, we create for the other.  Even then, there is Mercy for the ignorant when we acknowledge our fallen state (sin nature), repent (turn from our fallen way in favor of the way Jesus set before us), daily take up our Cross, and follow Him.

(picture: Jewish Artist, Arthur Szyk)

King Jesus

How was Jesus involved, directly, in politics?  He wasn't.  Yet, He was brought before political leaders, as were many Prophets and Disciples.  He was murdered by the political leaders working in cooperation with the religious leaders.  That said, does God have anything to do with world politics?  Absolutely.  Even if He has given them over to the powers of the air in order to accomplish His purpose.  God's Word will not return void.

Jesus did tell His Disciples to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's when they asked Him about paying taxes.  Then He gave the Disciples coin to do so.  Otherwise, Jesus' primary involvement on the earth, with humanity, was His Gospel.  Jesus emphasized the Kingdom of Heaven to be our ultimate pursuit - to seek God's Kingdom and righteousness above all things!  Then He demonstrated for us how through His living and teaching.  Jesus simply never had political discussions!  That wasn't the direction He was taking people.

Jesus never instructed or directed His Disciples into political involvements for the betterment of mankind, or for moral influence.  Rather, they were to be 'Fishers of Men' for the Kingdom of God.  Their mission was very personal, in bringing Christ Jesus to the individual.  Jesus instructed His Follower to personally care for the poor and disenfranchised.  In the book of Acts those of the early church individually sold what they could, put all the money in a common pot, and distributed it as there was need within the Body.

Capitalism and Patriotism were not venerated, or even mentioned in the Holy Bible.  The only Holy Nation in the Bible was God's Nation - His Kingdom.  The people of Israel, who are God's own, were entirely idolatrous and rebellious toward their Heavenly Father.  The Kings of Israel and Judah did consult God about whether they should go to war, or not, and what the outcome would be...  Yet, there is no such thing as a 'Christian Nation' on this earth - and there never has been.  There are only the Kingdoms of this earth, and the Kingdom of Heaven - and only one of these is Holy.  There is only One King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.  Only One.  I sure wish I could find a church to attend that isn't sporting an American flag, among other flags...

So, while it is Biblical to give voice for the poor and disenfranchised, beyond that the true Follower of Christ Jesus does not try to exert political power and influence upon the governments of the world.  We are to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world - to individuals.  We are to be Fishers of Men, and feed Jesus' Sheep.  We must remember that it is God who will judge the world - not us.  We are to exercise judgement within the Body, and that not hypocritically.

Normally I would post scriptural references to support my assertions, yet this time I exhort you to test what I am saying against scripture and the Holy Spirit of God.  Seek and find these answers for yourself - prayerfully.  Then walk in obedience to God, and put away rebellion and idolatries.  Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness - not political influence.  Seek Jesus.  He is the ONLY Way into God's Holy Kingdom.  He holds the keys to Heaven and Hell.  He is the Narrow Way.  Amen.

Nothing

I pray in the middle of the night, when I awaken, and the vain noise of the day does not compete against my pursuit of God for my attentions.  I do pray all day long - without ceasing - yet there are so many disruptions that impatiently make demands on me.  Jesus did say, "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33  So, I pray during the day in the vain clamoring, and at night when it is quiet.  My prayers often feel as a groping for God - His direction, protection, and favor.  Sometimes I am so fuzzy headed in the wee hours that I have trouble praying, but I will not let go.  I often visualize myself lying prostrate at the feet of Jesus, holding on to his ankle like a child getting pulled along by their daddy's leg as they refuse to let go.  He patiently lets me hold on, and sometimes I giggle - when I am not weeping.

As I have been praying recently, offering myself wholly to God, I have realized I have NOTHING to offer my Heavenly Father!  All I am, all that I have, and all I offer to give, is already His!  I am His - and I am but a vapor - a blade of grass that is here today and gone tomorrow.  My praise of Him already belongs to Him.  My praise is His, and it is owed Him!  It is right to praise my Heavenly Father, because praise already belongs to Him!  In my obedience I cannot bring God glory, because it is right to obey Him and the glory already belongs to Him!  I was created for His purpose and glory, even since I was but a thought.  God is not in place for my purpose and glory.  There is nothing I have to give my God - even in gratitude - that doesn't already belong to Him, and is owed Him.  My salvation and adoption into His family is all His doing, for His glory and His pleasure.  All of my salvation speaks of who He is - His absolute holiness, goodness, and mercy.  And, I cannot comprehend His affections and attentions to me - His gift of salvation.  To say I am grateful is so insufficient.  I am undone...  All of my capacity to worship Him is wholly His.  And I LONG to worship Him.  "As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God?"  Psalm 42:1-2

I identify with the Psalmist when he says, "My soul cleaves to the dust;

Revive me according to Your word. I have told of my ways, and You have answered me;

Teach me Your statutes. Make me understand the way of Your precepts,

So I will meditate on Your wonders. My soul weeps because of grief;

Strengthen me according to Your word. Remove the false way from me,

And graciously grant me Your law. I have chosen the faithful way;

I have placed Your ordinances before me. I cling to Your testimonies;

O Lord, do not put me to shame! I shall run the way of Your commandments,

For You will enlarge my heart. Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes,

And I shall observe it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law

And keep it with all my heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,

For I delight in it. Incline my heart to Your testimonies

And not to dishonest gain. Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity,

And revive me in Your ways. Establish Your word to Your servant,

As that which produces reverence for You. Turn away my reproach which I dread,

For Your ordinances are good. Behold, I long for Your precepts;

Revive me through Your righteousness."

Psalm 119:25-40

It is only the Good Shepherd who leads me in paths of righteousness, and this for His Name's sake.  He ordains and keeps my steps.  I cannot.  He even causes me to stand, and keeps my feet from slipping!  I am in love...

Jesus Christ (Yeshua Hamashiach) even prayed for those who are His.  While "The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it." Psalm 24:1, not all people are children of God.  Only those who place their trust in Jesus, take up their cross, and follow Him.  One must die to the old man of sin, and be born again in Christ Jesus - made a New Creation!  Here is the prayer Jesus gave to the Father, in our behalf - those of us who are His: 

He said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life. This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they have come to know that everything You have given Me is from You; for the words which You gave Me I have given to them; and they received them and truly understood that I came forth from You, and they believed that You sent Me. I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those whom You have given Me; for they are Yours; and all things that are Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine; and I have been glorified in them. I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me; and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled. But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. “O righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me; and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17

Let us sing along with the angels, "“Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”  Luke 2:14. All praise to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Amen.