The Baptism of Jesus: Identity and Assignment, Matthew 3:13-17; Isaiah 42:6-9

 Earlier this year I was given the opportunity to preach on Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist. The key thought of the sermon was simple: Identity comes before assignment. What God says is more important than any other word. Below are the notes for my sermon. The material comes from my own research and from others who have treated this topic. I hope this is a blessing to you! 

Baptism of the Lord Sunday (January 11, 2026)

The Baptism of Jesus: Identity and Assignment, Matthew 3:13-17; Isaiah 42:6-9 (supplementary—Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 29)

Jesus’ baptism marks the beginning of God’s kingdom on earth. This story reminds us that God provides our identity and from that identity God gives us our call. Identity comes before assignment. What God says is more important than any other word. We have to know who we are in order to accomplish best the service to which God calls us.

Introduction: On the first day of school, a parent walks their child to the door. The child is nervous—new teacher, new classmates, unfamiliar hallways. Before the child steps inside, the parent kneels down, looks her in the eye, and says something like this: “Remember who you are. I love you. I’m proud of you. You’ve got this.” The child doesn’t yet know the schedule, the expectations, or what challenges might come. But she walks in carrying something far more important: She knows she is loved.

Something similar happens at the baptism of Jesus. Before Jesus preaches a sermon. Before he heals a sick person. Before he casts out a demon. Before he walks the road to the cross. Before he begins his “official” ministry.

God speaks. God calls him “beloved.”

Baptism of the Lord Sunday invites us to stand with Jesus at the Jordan River and to listen—to hear who Jesus is, and to remember who we are. This story reflects a conflict of cultures between how God sees things and how humans often respond to those things. For now, let’s recognize that at Jesus’ Baptism, God speaks. What God says is more important than any word. More than a parent’s affirmation, more than a spouse’s declaration of love, more even than the kind words of a friend—God’s speech reveals who we are and directs us to what we should do. What God says is more important than any word.

Read Matthew 3:13-17. Let’s address the hard question. Why is Jesus baptized? Baptism is about washing your sins away—but Jesus had no sin! John the Baptist had said, “I baptize with water for repentance”—but Jesus didn’t need to repent! Why would Jesus receive baptism? The answer in Matthew’s narrative is: Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of what God had promised. He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He did it for us. His baptism was God ordained.

Two things happen at Jesus’ baptism: God made a claim, and God issued a call. At Jesus’ baptism, the kingdom of God invades the earth, and when God shows up, people respond. Let’s see some responses to this event in Matthew.

Point 1) The first response is identity. Jesus identifies with sinners even though he is sinless (note John’s question—“I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”). John’s baptism was a call to repentance because “the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Many people came out of a sincere desire to produce fruit of repentance because of their sins. Jesus identifies with those who come to God honestly, and God declares that Jesus is his beloved. God claims Jesus, and in Jesus he claims us. Are we willing to be his people?

Jesus identifies with sinners, but God declares Jesus to be his “beloved son.” In Isaiah 42:1, 4 (read), God identifies Jesus as his servant, his chosen one, the one through whom justice/righteousness comes to the earth. This servant is upheld by God, chosen by God, and—this is important—delighted in by God. God does not merely tolerate his servant. God does not reluctantly approve. God delights in him. He is favored by God!

This favored servant brings justice not by crushing the weak, but by preserving them (even identifying with them!). God’s salvation comes gently, faithfully, patiently. God’s holiness does not trample wounded people. It heals them. Some may intentionally resist God’s will, but we should embrace it.

Jesus identifies with humanity. He willingly stands where sinners stand. He enters the waters where sinners identify as broken. He begins his ministry not from a throne but from the river. This is the shape of God’s salvation, the beloved servant. God does not save us from a distance. God intentionally steps into the waters with us.

Jesus is the source of our true identity. Read Isiah 42:6-7. In Jesus, we are God’s covenant bearers, we are called to bring his light to others because Jesus brought us out of darkness to light; from bondage to belonging. Are we willing?

Jesus’ obedience identifies how God wants every human to be. In Jesus, God has claimed us for his own, but we must return that claim by accepting the identity God has given us in Jesus. God has claimed us; now we need to claim God. 

Jesus identifies with us in his baptism, so also we need to find our identity in him as we face a culture and a world that resists or opposes him. Like Jesus, we must identify with the weak and the broken to bring them the salvation of God. People may not understand our message, they may question our motives, but we must obey God and bear his message. All who trust in God’s Beloved Son can be beloved! What God says is more important than any word.

Point 2) The second issue revolves around understanding. Jesus acts out of obedience to God: “It is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” John is confused by Jesus’ request. He isn’t quite clear on what is happening, but he defers to Jesus. This is a reminder to us that obedience should be our response to God even when others do not quite understand it. John was confused, Jesus obeyed. God spoke into John’s confusion, and God’s word affirmed Jesus’ work and identity. What God says is more important than any other word.

Obedience to God’s Word does not always remove confusion, but it provides identity and direction. God acknowledges Jesus as his Son, and in Jesus God calls us his children. We must remember this truth. Of course, this truth is quickly tested. We juggle many different names and roles. Some of them fit in well with the idea of being a child of God, while others may not. And sometimes, instead of letting God proclaim who we are, we allow the world around us to define us. 

Patricia J. Calahan writes:

“…as we grow, we sometimes forget the heavenly voice, and we begin to listen to other voices that confuse us. Perhaps we hear voices…that tell us that we are not smart enough.…we hear voices…who tell us that we are not cool enough…we hear voices that tell us we are not successful enough…Somehow, as God’s voice gets drowned out, we listen to these other voices, and we are tempted to forget who we are. We are tempted to forget that God…claimed us as beloved children.”

We need reminders of this divine claim. We need to hear God, claiming us not just in moments of our obedience but throughout our lives. When others express confusion at our obedience, or even confusion at our commitment to hear and to follow God, we must return to what God claims, to what God says. Remember, What God says is more important than any word. Jesus is his final Word, and we must find our identity in him. We must also learn to walk in humble service as Jesus walked. He is our example.

Point 3) Jesus give us an example to follow. Humility (read Phil 2:5-8)—Even though he is God, Jesus does not use his equality with God to benefit himself. He humbles himself. He gets baptized. He hears the Spirit and obeys. He does not immediately start a ministry, he waits on God’s guidance.

Many Jewish leaders came to see what was happening at the Jordan. They apparently wanted to be a part of the action. Earlier in Matthew 3, John chastises them and warns them of their lack of repentance. The Jewish leaders may be trying to manipulate John’s ministry or to get in on the “newest” trend, but they are not responding with humility. They are working contrary to God’s kingdom. They are trying to improve their situation on their own terms. They want to use God for their own advantage.

But God issues a different call—a call to humble service. The coming of the Spirit on Jesus is a reminder to us that God has called us by his Spirit to imitate the example of Jesus. Like our Lord, we have a call to serve. As Christians, we are called to become like Christ in word and in deed. We know we can’t do it alone, so it makes sense that God would reach out to us through his Spirit, to help us be the kind of servants that are described. We can reject the call if we want. God has given us free will (think of Jonah or Moses). There are all kinds of calls, but if you’re a follower of Jesus, you’ve got one.

So, you say, “How am I supposed to know what God is calling me to do? How do I find my call?” A theologian named Frederick Beuchner said, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” 

Think of it this way: Take your two hands. With one hand, get a grip on how God has made you. What are your gifts, your talents, your abilities, your passions? And then with the other hand, get a grip on the world around you. What do you see going on? What are the needs out there? What problems in the world keep you awake at night? And then bring your two hands together in prayer and your call will emerge. God will make it clear. Hear his voice, obey him, let his Word identify you: What God says is more important than any word.

Isaiah (42:6-7) describes what God’s servant will do: “I…will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.”

Jesus’ baptism launches a mission of restoration and liberation. This event marks not an ending but a beginning. In Acts 10:37, Peter later reflects on this truth, saying that Jesus’ ministry began “after the baptism that John preached.” From that moment forward, Jesus goes about “doing good and healing all who were oppressed.”

What begins at the Jesus’ baptism continues through the life of Christ—and through the life of the church. We are now called to humble service and obedience like Jesus. Paul says: “Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus.” Will we lower ourselves to serve when our culture encourages us to exalt ourselves? Will we die so that others may live? Will we obey even when others are confused about God’s declaration? Will we be immersed in Jesus and in his identity, obedience, and humility? Will we accept God’s call and the identity and assignment he provides? What God says is more important than any word.

How will we respond?

1. Remember Your Identity

In Jesus, God claims us. In Jesus, God names us. In Jesus, God sends us.

As a follower of Jesus, your life should be grounded in grace not achievement. You are not defined by your failures. You are not reduced to your fears. You are beloved. Read the following passages and learn from them what God says about you and what he wants you to do: Exodus 3; Isaiah 49; Psalm 40; 1 Corinthians 1; John 1.

2. Live Gently and Faithfully

Jesus’ way is marked by compassion, patience, and faithfulness. In a harsh world, the church is called to reflect the gentle strength of Christ. In divided times, we bear witness through love. In weakness, we trust God’s sustaining power.

Holiness is about God and about relationships. In his holiness, Jesus surrendered his life and died for human sin. Holiness requires relationship: with God and with others. Holding on to selfish desires does NOT promote relationship. Holiness is not selfish, it is humble and selfless; it is dialogue instead of monologue.

Holiness is not withdrawal—it is love made visible.

3. Step Into God’s Mission

Jesus’ baptism sends him into the wilderness, into ministry, into the world. In Jesus, God sends us too: To serve quietly. To love faithfully. To bear witness to God’s grace in ordinary places.

We are not sent because we are perfect—we are sent because we are loved.

Returning to the Voice of God

Remember the child in our earlier story. The identity of the child was in the voice and authority of the parent. The parent defined the child as loved, accepted, and capable. The voice of the parent was the strong foundation for the child’s life and action. So also, God’s voice provides these things for his children. Those who are followers of Jesus must remember that before they had answers, before they had clarity, before they had strength, God had already called them “beloved.”

Today, we may not stand physically in the Jordan River hearing the literal voice of God—but spiritually, we return to the voice that thundered over the waters. What God says is more important than any word.

We remember who Jesus is. We remember who we are. And we listen again for the voice that says, “You are my beloved child.”

Invitation

Today, I invite you to respond in one of several ways:

• Take a moment to renew your commitment to Christ—remember God’s grace and your calling.
• If you are longing to hear again that you are loved, come forward for prayer.
• If you are sensing a call into deeper obedience or service, offer yourself anew to God.
• And if you have never been saved or baptized, hear this invitation as an open door—God’s grace is already reaching toward you.

The heavens are still open. The Spirit is still moving. And God is still speaking love over his people. What God says is more important than any word. Amen.

Obedience is Success: Darkness will not overcome Light

You hear it, an almost incessant buzz in your mind causing no little irritation right behind your eyes. The refrain is almost always the same . . . "It doesn't matter what you do, you will probably blow it." Like gnats ruining a beautiful summer picnic, the constant nag of failure buzzes around your mind and your heart as you try to put the "good face" on and persevere.

I've heard that buzz before. It seems to be the haunt of the human species. It hovers in the background (especially when life appears to be going off the rails). The song is not one we like, but it seems like a constant soundtrack.

If you are hearing the siren song of failure lately, let me offer this attempt at encouragement. Your attempts to do the right thing are not failures. Things may not have worked out as you hoped, that is true! Things may even seem to "blow up" as you try to do what is right. Been there, done that. Nonetheless, the fact that you looked for and attempted the right thing speaks of success and not failure.

Obedience is success. I've discovered that there is an obedience to faith. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that obedience is the evidence of faithful loyalty to God and to his Messiah. If you have attempted to obey God, if you have aimed yourself in the direction of following Jesus faithfully, then you have not failed.

Yes, there may still be darkness and the stagnant soundtrack of "failure" may still play in your head. I understand, but I have also learned that the song of failure rarely plays when I do nothing. Remember, there is no shadow without the light. When you faithfully follow the Light, there will no doubt be some times when the shadows show up.

In 2 Corinthians 1, Paul admitted to some dark moments in his ministry. He even notes that he was overwhelmed "beyond our strength ​— ​so that we even despaired of life itself." (2 Cor. 1:8). Elijah (in 1 Kings 19) despaired of his ministry and in fear of his life hid in a cave. The Bible shows us many examples of people who did the right thing and shortly after encountered shadows.

Why? It is reminder that the world we live in now has darkness, but the better news is that a dawn is breaking and light is shining. The same God who delivered us from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light will be faithful to complete the work he began in us.

I wish I could take the shadow away, I wish I could sing a song that would replace that woeful failure soundtrack once for all. I am not that talented, but I know that one day these things will pass. One day we will see the Light of God shine with no shadow. One day we will be in his presence and the song of Moses will replace the soundtrack of failure. Soon . . . hopefully very soon . . . Satan will be crushed beneath our feet.

Until then, know that I am praying with and for you. I understand what it means to feel fragile, to be in the valley of "failure." Nonetheless, I want us to turn our faces to Jesus, the one who enlightens every person, and I want us to walk faithfully towards that Light. Come on, you can even lean on me if you need (and we'll no doubt find ourselves leaning on him--the Solid Rock). I see you, and I am confident that God will honor your obedience. Further up and further in. Head towards the Light, weary pilgrim . . . we are almost home.

Sermon: Grow Up, Learn, Discern Hebrews 5:11-14

 A couple of years ago I preached a sermon series entitled "Look to Jesus" at Forest Community Church. This sermon comes from Hebrews 5:11-14 and is entitled "Grow Up, Learn, Discern." I will post the sermon notes below as well as a link to the video. Please be aware that the video may not completely line up to the notes below. We had some announcements before the sermon, so the sermon itself starts around the 3:00 mark on the video. Thank you for watching and reading!

Video: Sermon Hebrews 5:11-14

Hebrews Series: Look to Jesus  

Hebrews 5:11-14—Grow Up, Learn, Discern  

Intro: The language of Hebrews shows a decided interest in the words “hearing” and “obedience.” There is a very close relationship between hearing God’s voice and obeying God’s commands. In Greek the words “hear” and “obey” are even related. The point seems to be that obedience demands attentive or responsive listening. Learn Obedience Like Jesus.

The author of Hebrews utilized Psalm 95 and the incident at Kadesh Barnea to drive this point home to his readers. Behind the formulation of Psalm 95:7-11 stands the insight that listening and obedience are related aspects of faith. Reluctance to listen and disobedience are related aspects of unbelief. Listen and obey is the goal.

Hebrews 5:1-10 reminded us that Jesus listened and obeyed (remember, he “learned obedience;” the reference here to learning and obeying is similar to the expectation the author has for his readers). Jesus actively obeyed God when he offered himself for us. He experienced fully the significance of obedience. It is as the “Obedient One” that he has been exalted (5:9). He is God’s Final Word—the final and complete Revelation of God—he is the one to whom we must listen and obey. We need to learn obedience.

The insight that obedience begins with attentive listening is essential to understanding Hebrews 5:11-6:20. The author of Hebrews has introduced Jesus as a priest after the order of Melchizedek, but before continues that line of thought he must deal with problems in his church. He thinks that his friends are no longer listening to the voice of God as revealed through Jesus, the final Word of God. They are acting as immature people, and they need to grow up. In 5:11, he mentions that they have become hard or dull or sluggish in their hearing. The development of a hearing problem is a significant danger for men and women who are called to obey God. The close proximity of 5:9 to 5:11 underscores the importance of attentive listening as a prerequisite of obeying God. Starting with 5:11, the author now introduces the central division of his sermon. He encourages his readers to grow up, to learn, and to discern.

Hebrews 5:11-6:20 serve as the preparation of the congregation for the rest of the sermon. This section consists of two major sections: 5:11-6:12—the peril of spiritual immaturity; 6:13-20—a basis for steadfastness. The author offers two possibilities—promise or peril. “They may expose themselves to extreme peril by closing their ears to God, or they may find a basis for stability by listening to the voice of God as expressed through oath and promise.” Bill Lane, Hebrews: A Call to Commitment

This section can be divided into four paragraphs with alternating tones: Paragraph 1 (5:11-14)—pessimistic; Paragraph 2 (6:1-3)—optimistic; Paragraph 3 (6:4-8)—pessimistic; Paragraph 4 (6:9-12)—optimistic. This alternation is the author’s way of trying to motivate his readers by warning and encouraging them. He is calling them to attentive listening and obedience in spite of the possible dire circumstances of their future. Our focus today is on the first pessimistic section—Read Hebrews 5:11-14

Here the author admonishes his people to grow up, to learn, and to discern. He reminds them that growing up requires practice. Failure to practice causes immaturity. Point 1—Age Alone doesn’t produce maturity/the marks of immaturity; Point 2—Maturity comes by constant obedience/practice.

Point 1—vv. 11-12: Age Alone Does Not Produce Maturity—the marks of immaturity (Growing Up takes Practice): This pessimistic section starts with a confrontation (5:11). The members of the church who received this sermon have grown “sluggish” or “slow to learn.” They are not keeping pace with their situation. There may even be a serious erosion of faith and hope within the congregation. The lack is not due to time or growth. In fact, the author notes that “by now” they should be teachers—people mature enough in the faith to help others understand (5:12). Instead, they had regressed to point where they needed someone to teach them “again” the fundamentals (i.e., the ABC’s) of the faith—they needed milk, not meat (i.e., they have become infantile). They had learned these things before, but due to their sluggishness in hearing and obeying they needed some to go over their lessons with them again.

Ray Stedman (Hebrews, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series): “Immaturity is self-identifying. It has certain clear marks which provide a simple test that anyone can take to determine whether he belongs in this classification or not. There is an inability to instruct others.” 

Immaturity is costly too. Our author will spell this out more in chapter 6, but here he reminds his readers that stunted growth is NOT healthy and is in fact deadly. If we aren’t growing in maturity, we are languishing in the arrested development of immaturity. We need to move forward, we need to be mature, we need to be teachers of each other.

These individuals had received a rich exposure to God’s Truth, and yet they had regressed to being infants. The author is telling them that they must resume their responsibilities as adults. They cannot remain in an infantile stage in their hostile society. To remain immature will cost them dearly, they must move to maturity. They must grow up, but to do so requires learning and discernment. They must practice to grow up.

Point 2—vv. 13-14: Maturity Requires Practice—we must learn to discern, and to do that we must OBEY. With biting irony, the author addresses his audience as though they were on a “milk diet” instead of on a steady diet of adult food (5:13-14). They are “inexperienced in the word of righteousness.”

What is the reference to this “word of righteousness”? To what do these words refer?  Right speech; Moral actions; Proper theology; General teachings of Christianity; Instructions about Christian righteousness; teaching about Messiah (and his righteousness). Bill Lane (Hebrews: A Call to Commitment) thinks it may refer to instruction that stresses the cost and responsibilities of discipleship. Lane notes that the phrase is used with regards to persecution (in some cases—Polycarp). The phrase may be a technical reference of some sort. Lane states “The expression ‘word of righteousness’ signifies instruction concerning a willingness to experience martyrdom.” He uses Polycarp as a model (Cf. Mark 8:34-38).

Perhaps the members of this church were recoiling at the possibility of martyrdom due to persecution or the coming crisis. That is, they were still paralyzed by the fear of death (Heb. 2:15). Their regression to spiritual immaturity is a response to a life-threatening situation. The “adult” Christian recognizes the moral claim of God on his or her life even if it exposes the Christian to possible death. This is the situation that sets up our next major warning passage in Hebrews 6.

Conclusion:

If we no longer want to be immature, how we may clearly identify our arrested spiritual development and correct it? Are we concerned to consider the serious consequences of this immaturity?

Are we on milk or solid food? The babes who desire only mild doctrinal study are immature, whereas the mature desire solid food. Are we feasting on the Word of God, or do we go to listen only to what you already know. Is there a passion not for the religious fads, but for Christ and a greater knowledge of Him? How do we grow up? How do we mature in the Christian life? We grow by the use and frequent study of the Bible. We study it and meditate on it and put it into daily practice. Luther: “I study my Bible as I gather apples.  First, I shake the whole tree that the ripest might fall.  Then I shake each limb, and when I have shaken each limb, I shake each branch.  Then I look under every leaf.” We need the solid food of God’s Word. We must read it and obey it. We must put it into practice. Get into the Word of God. All spiritual progress is made by putting into practice what you already have received. Manna not eaten breeds worms. Milk undigested turns sour. This week read the following: Jeremiah 32; Psalm 91; Amos 6; 1 Timothy 6; Luke 16.

Are we teaching others? These Hebrews had been converted long enough to be ministering to others. Instead of teaching and making disciples, they need someone to teach them and to disciple them. They are so spiritually dull they need someone to teach them the same truths over and over again. They have no interest in hearing and obeying God. When we make ourselves available to God the Holy Spirit equips us to teach others. He nurtures us so we can build up others (Ephesians 4). We need to be sowing the truth God has taught us into the lives of other people. To be mature, we must ALL be teachers giving from our increase to others. This week write down a list of the things God has taught you in the past few months. Then make a point to share that list with someone else. Put obedience to your hearing!

Finally, walk in truth. This week obey God as he makes his desire known. Listen to him and then obey what you hear. Grow Up, Learn, Discern.

Sermon: Learn Obedience--The Road to Humility, Hebrews 5:1-10

I have the privilege of preaching occasionally at a church here in Forest, VA. A couple of years ago I did a series on Hebrews entitled "Look to Jesus." This particular sermon is called "Learn Obedience--the Road to Humility" and covers Hebrews 5:1-10. You can find the notes/outline below (NOTE: the video posted may not follow the notes exactly!). Here is the video link: Hebrews 5:1-10. There are announcements prior to the sermon which begins around 3:00 on the timer. 

Learn Obedience: The Road to Humility, Hebrews 5:1-10

Intro: The first 10 verses of chapter 5 seem to go best with the last 3 verses of chapter 4. At the end of chapter 4, our author introduces us to the idea of Jesus as our “great” high priest who has passed through the heavens. The idea here is that Jesus didn’t simply pause at the “Holiest place,” but rather that he went all the way through to the immediate and unfiltered presence of his Father. Since he is in that position, we then have an amazing opportunity to come to God’s throne of grace with boldness. (Don’t harden your heart; strive to enter God’s rest; nothing is hidden from God). In other words, we have a seat at God’s table due to Jesus’ service as our great high priest. Because of Jesus’ role as high priest, we have mercy and find grace to help in our times of need; we can come boldly to God’s presence (like a child to a parent—frankness of speech). Jesus is the means by which we receive mercy and help when we are helpless or attacked. He is our access to God (Romans 5:1). Our author now begins to examine Jesus as our high priest and how that should influence our response of faithfulness to God’s faithful word. This introduction of Jesus as a “great” high priest causes the author to consider some issues related to the high priestly office. Verses 1-10 discuss these issues. These verses are evenly divided between a focus on the role of the Levitical priesthood and the role of Jesus as our high priest appointed by God. The focus is, of course, on humility. In this respect, Christ is thoroughly qualified to be our high priest.

The key thought is simple: if we want to learn humility, we must first learn to obey. Learning obedience is the road to humility. Our author spells that out in these 10 verses by showing how one’s appointment should lead to obedience, and obedience leads to humility. Let’s take a look at Hebrews 5:1-10.

Point 1: Levitical Priests—Appointed by God to be Obedient (vv. 1-5). High priests were appointed by God to learn obedience and to serve humbly. The appointment of the OT priests was pretty straightforward. Verses 1-5 explore the basic qualifications for the high priest. The high priest originates from among the people. He represents the people before God. He ought to be humble because he is sinful. This weakness enables him to have compassion, and he offers sacrifice for himself as well as others. God calls or appoints the high priest. No human “calls” himself to this position. It is God-appointed and God-ordained. Why? God wants the priest to realize that the power of this ministry comes from God and not from human ability.

The first three verses reveal some interesting (and maybe novel) understandings of the high priesthood. The high priest is chosen from among the people, and that appointment shows to some degree the high priest’s solidarity with his tribe and people. In other words, it is no “stranger” who represents the people before God. It is one of them--someone from their own people. This is particularly clear in verse 3 where it seems that the Day of Atonement sacrifice is considered. He is one of them ethnically, but he is also one of them in sin. He too needs purification from sin. 

Verse 2 is a bit odd in describing the high priest as “humble” or even aware of his own shortcomings. This statement has no clear parallel in other Jewish writings in the first century. Typically the high priest’s exalted status is praised but not his humility. The reference to the high priest’s gentleness or weakness may stem from the author’s reflections on Jesus in 4:14-16. He may be indicating, then, what the high priesthood “ought” to be. The high priest’s own weaknesses should cause him to moderate his justified anger or displeasure at the sins of the people. In fact, he must offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as for those of his people. He was not “without sin.” As a result, he should have compassion on others. The high priest should be humble also because he does not “choose” his position; he is chosen to it.

The high priest is appointed to do what God has asked him to do. It is a role of obedience. The ritual, the sacrifices, almost every aspect of the high priestly ministry requires the individual human to respond with obedience to the instruction of God. This obedience is a road to humility as it reminds the high priest that God is the focus. It is not about what the high priest desires. It is not about the high priest’s position, prestige, or power. It is about doing what God has required. It is subsuming human pride to God’s will. It is submission. Philippians 2:5-8 exemplifies this idea of obedience as humility. The present age worships prestige, position, and power, but the kingdom of heaven esteems humility, service, and selfless living.  Can people tell to which we belong? Let’s look to Jesus as the model we should seek to emulate.

The priests of the OT were appointed by God to obedience and to humility, but they didn’t always learn obedience as they should. On the other hand, God sent a Son who would never fail to obey as God intended. God appointed his Son as a high priest to set the standard for human maturity and for human life. We are appointed by God to learn obedience, but the standard is Jesus the Messiah, God’s only Son, the only one of his kind. Learning obedience is the road to humility, and Jesus shows us what that looks like.

Point 2: Jesus as Priest—Appointed by God to Learn Obedience (vv. 6-10). These five verses remind us that Jesus (although a Son of God) is appointed as a high priest, and that this appointment led to his learning obedience. Jesus’ humility is the key to his obedience. Let’s look at vv. 6-10.

The depiction of the high priest’s “humility” is the transition to our author’s discussion of a comparison between Aaron and Jesus. This comparison is not as explicit as the comparison to Moses earlier, but it is a comparison nonetheless. Like the comparison to Moses, Jesus stands in continuity and likeness to Aaron, but he also is superior to Aaron. Like Aaron, Jesus is appointed as a high priest. Unlike Aaron, Jesus is appointed to an eternal high priesthood after the order of Melchizedek (Psalm 110:4—this idea is dealt with in detail in Hebrews 7).

The primary proof that Jesus’ humility is a requirement for the office of high priest is exemplified in Scripture. Psalm 2:7 and 110:4 emphasize God’s declarative action. Jesus didn’t “put in” for a promotion, he was “appointed” by God himself. It was a declaration of appointment by God.

In this way our author now associates the words “Son” and “priest.” In 1:1-4:14, Jesus is depicted as the Son of God. In our current chapter the author begins to define Jesus’ role as high priest. There is a shift in emphasis here. The reference to Psalm 110:4 in Christian writing is unique to Hebrews. This Psalm armed our author with a biblical basis for his distinctively priestly portrayal of Jesus.

Verses 7-10 are confessional in nature and link Messiah’s humiliation (in death) and exaltation (in resurrection) to the theme of an appointment to priesthood. The idea here is that Jesus participated fully in the human experience. He was genuinely tested just as we are—he is in solidarity with us. (Remember, he was tempted in all ways as are we). These verses lay out in a summary an overview of Jesus’ earthly ministry in a striking formulation.

Dr. Lane offers three comments on the formulation of v. 7: First, when the author says that Jesus “offered” prayers and supplications, he uses a technical term that is often used to refer to the offering of sacrifices. That is, he sees Jesus’ prayer ministry as sacrificial. This may not be a reference to Gethsemane or Golgotha, but to the totality of Jesus’ high priestly office. Second, the phrase “he was heard” may be equal to saying that Jesus’ offering was accepted by God. Third, Jesus’ passion is described in its entirety as a priestly prayer. The reference to “cries and tears” describes prayer in a time of crisis. Verse 8 then describes the new dimension of Sonship Jesus entered by virtue of his incarnation and sacrificial death. Jesus “learned” obedience by what he suffered.

In verse 8, the word “to suffer” is used to refer to the Passion of Jesus (i.e., “to die”) as in the rest of the book of Hebrews. He “suffered death” (Hebrews 2:9—“tasted” death), and this has reference to Jesus’ unique redemptive sufferings endured in his high priestly office. In the statement that Jesus “learned obedience from what he suffered,” the term “obedience” has a specific meaning. It signifies obedience to the call to suffer death in accordance with the revealed will of God. He was appointed to die.

The eternal Son of God was appointed to suffer death. In vv. 9-10, the idea of “made perfect” refers to God’s validation of Jesus’ perfect obedience as the priestly representative of his people. Jesus showed “maturity” in submitting to God even to the point of death. He was “mature” or “perfect” or “made valid” as our sacrifice by his obedience even to the point of death. His high priestly status is settled and established on the foundation of his willingness to die and on the promise of his resurrection and return. He is the “perfect” example of the submitted disciple, the willing participant, the obedient child. He sets the standard for his followers. He learned obedience so that we may follow his example. Jesus clarifies the title “high priest” that is first introduced way back in 2:17.

Jesus’ obedience requires our obedience in response. Jesus’ obedience confirms his appointment as a priest eternally “after the order of Melchizedek.” Jesus’ faithfulness is still seen as the basis for our fidelity to God. His death on a cross and his continued faithfulness to God lays the foundation for us to respond to God faithfully even in hard times. 

When the bottom falls out, we can be faithful to our faithful God because Jesus has gone ahead of us and paved a path of faithful obedience. Nonetheless, we must humble ourselves to obey, we must learn obedience in our own suffering so that we may be God’s eternal people. The cruciform life means being willing to die, to die for God but even to die for those who will betray and deny us. Humble service for God means imitating his humble service in Jesus. How are we doing?

We speak of truth and lovely things, but transparency and honesty can sometimes be messy. That is fine, though, God doesn't mind messy. If Jesus is truth, then why are we so quick to lie to each other as Christians? Are we really that concerned with how we "look" to others? Too often I compare myself to others whose situation is no better--without Christ, they are also nothing. Jesus is the Model to imitate. Church should be community, and community is sometimes messy. Unity only comes when we humble ourselves and serve others. My brother/sister may look quite different, but our unity is based on what Jesus has done and the example he set. Come to grips then with this truth--you are not God, but you need God. The only way God fills your need is by Jesus, his Incarnate Word. If you find a substitute to fill your void, you will always have "less-than-God." This idol will always fail. It cannot do anything less. God became one of us to reach us. He served humbly, what more can he ask of us? To love one another calls for humble service. It is enough.

Let us learn obedience and by learning obedience let us learn humility.

Conclusion: How do we respond to these things?

Some things we should note in this passage—First, the orientation of this section is intensely practical. The emphasis is on the need for earnest prayer. Prayer creates a sanctuary of sorts when no actual place is available. This week let us make a plan to spend time in a prayer sanctuary with the God who gives us free access to his grace in Jesus. This week, set aside at least 5 minutes a day to pray. Pray for family, for those who do not know Jesus, for your church family, for your city, for your nation. Most importantly, come boldly into God’s presence because of what Jesus has done. Spend time in God’s presence for your own sake. Soak in his presence!

Second, the new redemptive relationship between God and the human family inaugurated by Jesus establishes a firm basis for Christian decision/faithfulness. In other words, through what Jesus has done he now enables us to do—show faithful obedience to God. This week, as you read Scripture, as you pray, set your mind to obey what God says—then do it. Do ONE thing you know God called you to do. Don’t discuss it, do it. See what humility God will teach you when you simply obey. Trust and obey.

Finally, spend time in God’s Word asking his Spirit for direction. As you read, ask God what lesson you need to learn and how you can obey this word from Scripture. Read Jeremiah 18; Psalm 139; Deuteronomy 30; Psalm 1; Philemon 1; Philippians 2.

Remember, Jesus is God in the flesh. He is God among us. He is Immanuel. If we hear God’s voice today, we should NOT harden our hearts. We should strive to enter his rest. Nothing is hidden from God. We should learn obedience to him.

We claim to serve the great King, then spend decades building little fiefdoms to our own glory. We are often petty children who wish to be noticed as important or accepted, and we misunderstand the glory of the One who, though he was equal with God, humbled himself to serve others, even to the point of his own death. A glorious kingdom must be built on a solid foundation. In God's economy, that kingdom begins with humility and death. Lord, help us to die to our own petty kingdoms and prestige and teach us to live like Jesus. Philippians 2:5-8 is still the standard. Let us ever more search after that Truth!

Hear God, don’t harden your heart. Strive to enter his rest. Nothing is hidden from him. Learn obedience. Look to Jesus.

Thanks for reading! 

Sermon: Don't Resist A Rest, Hebrews 3:7-19

 I have the privilege of preaching occasionally at Forest Community Church in Forest, VA. Over two years ago I began a series on Hebrews entitled "Keep Your Eyes on Jesus." I decided to post the links to the videos for any who would like to watch them. This sermon covers Hebrews 3:7-19 and is called "Don't Resist A Rest." The sermon was originally preached on July 24, 2022. I'll post the notes/outline below (NOTE: the video may not follow the notes exactly!), but here is the video link: Hebrews 3:7-19. The sermon starts around the 3:00 minute mark. 

Hebrews Series: Look to Jesus

Do Not Resist A Rest, Hebrews 3:7-19

Prayer: O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Intro: Importance of God’s Word and obedience for rest—Adam and Eve; Abraham, Isssac, and Jacob; Moses; children of Israel; David; Jesus. When we refuse to listen to God and obey what he says, we are resisting a rest. Rest comes from walking with Jesus (come to me) but can be resisted. Today, our author reminds us: Don’t Resist A Rest. God’s rest is something we can resist, and to avoid doing this, our author gives us three points to remember: 1) Israel Resisted God’s Rest—the Word (vv. 7-11), 2) Israel’s disobedience came at a price—the Warning (vv. 12-15), and 3) We don’t want to miss our opportunity—the Why (vv. 16-19). 

Main Point: Do not harden your hearts to rebellion like the Exodus generation. Do not resist a rest!

Word (vv. 7-11); Warning (vv. 12-15); Why (vv. 16-19)

If the first 6 verses of this chapter are the positive example of faithfulness, then the rest of this chapter focuses on a negative example and sets the tone for the discussion in chapter 4 where the author discusses the “rest” of God. This section begins an exhortation to the readers regarding faithfulness. To accomplish this goal, the author introduces a quote from Psalm 95.

The Word—Israel Resisted God (vv. 7-11): The reference to Psalm 95 would no doubt be familiar to the Jewish readers of Hebrews:

This Psalm was often read during the Festival of Tabernacles or Booths. It happened in the autumn, and people would go outside and live in little huts that they made. They would take their meals there for seven days to remember that they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. And they would remember their mistakes that led to the wilderness (and to death for many in that wilderness). And they would remember God's grace and provision as well.

The author of Hebrews quotes Psalm 95:7-11. The Psalm may be divided into three parts:

Exhortation: “do not harden your hearts”

Example: “as you did in the wilderness”

Judgment: God speaks “Therefore I was angry”. Note: part of worship is to listen for God’s speech, and in this case God gives a harsh word.

The author of Hebrews brings this Psalm into the present experience of his readers for the following reasons:

They would be very familiar with it.

It was a sober reminder of the people’s lack of faithfulness..

It describes the importance of listening to God’s voice

It underscores the tragic price of faithlessness/refusal to hear and to act on God’s Word.

As the author interprets Psalm 95, it becomes clear that he has the events of Numbers 13-14 (Kadesh Barnea) in mind (Bill Lane--Call to Commitment):

People come to the edge of the land of promise. God tells them to send in 12 spies. Ten come back with a negative report. The people responded with hardness of heart to God’s Word. The people despair, and God judges them. The people try to respond after the fact (more hardness of the heart maybe?) and receive a crushing defeat (late obedience is often half-hearted and rarely rewarded—obey NOW! Do not wait! Do not resist a rest).

The point here is that “hardness of heart” seems to signify treating the Lord and his Word with contempt. It is a refusal to believe God and to act on that belief. Do not resist a rest by refusing to hear and to obey God. When he calls, obey immediately. If we resist a rest, there is trouble ahead. Let’s consider the warning—they paid a price for resisting! Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.

The Warning—They paid a price for resisting. (vv. 12-15): In Hebrews 3:12-19, the author underscores the urgency of listening to and properly responding to God’s voice. George Guthrie states that he uses ideas like “heart,” “day,” “today,” “hear,” “enter,” “test,” “rest,” and “unbelief” from the Psalm to create a commentary and exhortation for his readers.

There are two clear exhortations here (Guthrie--NIV Application Commentary):

Take care to listen to God and avoid hardness of heart.

Encourage each other daily.

The price for resisting God is a loss of rest—judgment. We need to be careful NOT to resist a rest. We need to encourage each other and press each forward to obedience and faithfulness. Resisting a rest comes at a price, so we need to be careful that we don’t miss our opportunity. Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.

The Why—Don’t Miss Our Opportunity (vv. 16-19): In a type of “question and answer” format, the author weaves his commentary by quoting parts of Psalm 95 and responding with the corresponding events in Numbers 13-14 (Lane--Call to Commitment):

V. 16 “who heard and provoked God” (Psalm 95)—were they not those who “came out of Egypt with Moses” (Numbers 14)

V. 17 “With whom was he angry for 40 years” (Psalm 95)—”Was it not with those who sinned, and whose bodies fell in the wilderness?” (Numbers 14)

V. 18 “To whom did he swear” (Psalm 95)—those who were “disobedient” (Numbers 14)

Our author is warning his readers to avoid the hard hearts of the Jews and the judgment of Kadesh Barnea (Psalm 106 too!). The preacher then draws two significant conclusions:

We have become partners/partakers with Christ (v. 14), but this presupposes a firm intent to continue faithfully to the end

Israel was unable to enter God’s promised rest due to unbelief and disobedience (v. 19)

Hebrews’ author ends his section with a continued call to faithfulness. The example of Jesus (and Moses) form the positive model. The example of the Jews in the wilderness are the negative.

As before, our author warns of the consequences of continued disobedience or unfaithfulness—there are, in other words, problems when we neglect God:

Neglect of God leads to hardness of heart

Hardness of heart leads to loss of rest

There is retribution for ignoring God and his voice

Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.

Conclusion:

Bill Lane asks the following questions for application of this passage:

Do we possess a hardened heart?  Do we display a deeper concern for the counsel of others than for the counsel of God?

Does an attitude of unbelief characterize our lives?  Are we living in fear of the “giants in the land” instead of relying on God for provision?

Does our disposition display a quickness to grumble and complain about our circumstances?

Do we tend to extend a calloused and unappreciative attitude towards one another?

At a critical moment the Jews refused to listen to God.  Their refusal to listen reveals a lack of faith or a fundamental refusal to trust God.  Their rejection of God reveals this shocking truth:

“A participant in the redemption provided by God can choose to disbelieve God.  It is possible to display unpardonable indifference to the promise of God.” (Bill Lane--Call to Commitment)

What do you think?

Five principles of faithfulness are found here:

A healthy focus on Jesus encourages one to faithfulness.

Faithfulness is volitional as well as intellectual or emotional.

The twin failings of sinfulness and unbelief hinder faithfulness.

The faithful persevere in their commitment.

Faithfulness is communal, it is not simply individual.

What do you think? How would you apply this text to your community of faith?

Passages: Amos 8; Psalm 95; Numbers 14; Matthew 11; Colossians 1

Thank you for reading! 

The Ministry of "Staying Put" Part 2

 Hello all:

I've been thinking a lot lately about the ministry of "staying put" and patiently waiting on the Lord's direction. People have a variety of opinions on how Christians should respond when a ministry or place of service turns difficult or veers off of its proper mission. Some people think that the best thing a Christian can do in that situation is to cut ties with the offending ministry and look for a "better" place of service. Others think that staying in place and being a "light shining in darkness" is the best option. Scripture seems to offer a variety of stories depicting both of these approaches. I want to share with you my personal experience. It is by no means intended to be the "measure" by which you should decide your course of action; rather, I would desire that you earnestly seek God's face and then obey his directions. That is the measure of a successful disciple--obedience to his Lord. So, dear reader, as you read my experience, take to heart these words: "Who are you to judge another's household servant? Before his own Lord he stands or falls. And he will stand, because of the Lord who is able to make him stand." (Romans 14:4) Obey God and you will be successful in the eyes of the only one who matters.   

I remember living in Waco, TX when I encountered a bit of trouble and seriously considered leaving the church I attended at the time. As my wife and I prayed about our situation, I kept returning to Psalm 37. Verse 3 of that Psalm says, "Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness." As I read this Psalm from David, I was reminded that sometimes the best thing I can do is simply wait before the Lord. I have learned that sometimes I simply need to "be still, and know that God is Lord." 

We are often tempted to take what I call an "American" approach to ministry:  We "work" our way up the ladder and progress from a "smaller" ministry to a "larger" one. We try sometimes to "help" God out by making our own opportunities instead of working diligently at the work God has placed in front of us. I'm not saying it is wrong to leave one work from another, I am simply stating that sometimes we need to "stay put" until we know God wants us to move to the next thing. We are full of anxiety, and we want to "make our mark." We should be listening to our Shepherd's voice. Does he want us to stay or to go? Obedience is success. 

Sometimes, however, that requires patience and humble waiting on marching orders from God (an area in which I know my own deficiency!). Others may move on to "bigger" and "better" things, but God sees fit to keep us in the "small" thing or in the "unknown" or even "difficult" ministry. We are told to remain somewhere that is hard, while others are freed by God to pursue ministry in what appears to us to be less difficult pastures. It is a hard word, but one that we need to hear. Sometimes the ministry in front of us, the ministry of "today" is best for the moment. Being faithful in the little things sows seeds for faithfulness in the larger endeavors. The goal is to find where God wants you, then stay there until he releases you to a new opportunity. Remain faithful, and let God lead. 

If you are in a "waiting period" at the moment, I want to share a poem I found in Streams in the Desert with you.    I hope it is a blessing to you. It is entitled "Patience in the Routine." 

"Stay there until I tell you."  (Matthew 2:13)

"I'll stay where You've put me;
I will, dear Lord, Though I wanted so badly to go;
I was eager to march with the 'rank and file,'
Yes, I wanted to lead them, You know.
I planned to keep step to the music loud,
To cheer when the banner unfurled,
To stand in the midst of the fight straight and proud,
But I'll stay where You've put me. 

"I'll stay where You've put me; I'll work, dear Lord,
Though the field be narrow and small,
And the ground be fallow, and the stones lie thick,
And there seems to be no life at all.
The field is Thine own, only give me the seed,
I'll sow it with never a fear;
I'll till the dry soil while I wait for the rain,
And rejoice when the green blades appear;
I'll work where You've put me. 

"I'll stay where You've put me; I will, dear Lord;
I'll bear the day's burden and heat,
Always trusting Thee fully; when even has come
I'll lay heavy sheaves at Thy feet.
And then, when my earth work is ended and done,
In the light of eternity's glow,
Life's record all closed, I surely shall find
It was better to stay than to go;
I'll stay where You've put me." 

Oh restless heart, that beat against your prison bars of circumstances, yearning for a wider sphere of usefulness, leave God to order all your days. Patience and trust, in the dullness of the routine of life, will be the best preparation for a courageous bearing of the tug and strain of the larger opportunity which God may some time send you.

Last month I posted a note entitled "Others May You Cannot." It deals with a similar issue, and you can find it here if you'd like to consider it as well: Others May You Cannot. 

 Thanks for reading!  

"Others May, You Cannot" by G. D. Watson

 While in college (several decades ago), I came across a tract named "Others May, You Cannot." I read it over and over for years until the tract fell apart. Before that happened, I made a handwritten copy of the contents, and later I typed them into my computer. Periodically this little article comes back into my life, and recently it was posted by a friend. I share it here for others who may need to hear the message.

Others May, You Cannot

If God has called you to be really like Jesus, He will draw you into a life of crucifixion and humility, and put upon you such demands of obedience, that you will not be able to follow other people, or measure yourself by other Christians, and in many ways He will seem to let other good people do things which He will not let you do.

Other Christians and ministers who seem very religious and useful, may push themselves, pull wires, and work schemes to carry out their plans, but you cannot do it; and if you attempt it, you will meet with such failure and rebuke from the Lord as to make you sorely penitent.

Others may boast of themselves, of their work, of their success, of their writings, but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any such thing, and if you begin it, He will lead you into some deep mortification that will make you despise yourself and all your good works.

Others may be allowed to succeed in making money, or may have a legacy left to them, but it is likely God will keep you poor, because He wants you to have something far better than gold, namely, a helpless dependence on Him, that He may have the privilege of supplying your needs day by day out of an unseen treasury.

The Lord may let others be honored and put forward, and keep you hidden in obscurity, because He wants you to produce some choice, fragrant fruit for His coming glory, which can only be produced in the shade.

He may let others be great, but keep you small. He may let others do a work for Him and get the credit for it, but He will make you work and toil on without knowing how much you are doing; and then to make your work still more precious, He may let others get the credit for the work which you have done, and thus make your reward ten times greater then Jesus comes.

The Holy Spirit will put a strict watch over you, with a jealous love, and will rebuke you for little words and feelings, or for wasting your time, which other Christians never seem distressed over.

So make up your mind that God is an infinite Sovereign, and has a right to do as He pleases with His own. He may not explain to you a thousand things which puzzle your reason in His dealings with you, but if you absolutely sell yourself to be His love slave, He will wrap you up in a jealous love, and bestow upon you many blessings which come only to those who are in the inner circle.

Settle it forever, then, that you are to deal directly with the Holy Spirit, and that He is to have the privilege of tying your tongue, or chaining your hand, or closing your eyes, in ways that He does not seem to use with others.

Now when you are so possessed with the loving God that you are, in your secret heart, pleased and delighted over this peculiar, personal, private, jealous guardianship and management of the Holy Spirit over your life, you will have found the vestibule of Heaven.

G. D. Watson, in Living Words

Thanks for reading! 

A Communion Meditation for Epiphany: Hope Among Unrealized Expectations

This Monday, January 6, will mark Epiphany on the Church calendar. Epiphany usually means something like “a moment of sudden insight or understanding,” but in the Christian calendar it represents the day that Messiah was manifest to the Gentiles when the wise men came to visit. So, January 6 is Epiphany, the last of the 12 days of Christmas, the day when the wise men from the east came and found Jesus. As of that day we will have officially ended the Christmas season and are starting the build up to Resurrection Sunday. As we started Advent, we spoke of hope—the hope revealed in the first coming of Christ and the hope in his imminent and sudden return at the end of the age. We are at the “in between” time of that hope. Jesus has indeed come, and his coming is not for the Jews only, the Messiah is born for all nations. Here are a couple of passages for Epiphany as part of our communion meditation.

Isaiah 60:1-5 (HCSB) “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD shines over you. For look, darkness covers the earth, and total darkness the peoples; but the LORD will shine over you, and His glory will appear over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your radiance. Raise your eyes and look around: they all gather and come to you; your sons will come from far away, and your daughters will be carried on the hip. Then you will see and be radiant, and your heart will tremble and rejoice, because the riches of the sea will become yours, and the wealth of the nations will come to you.”

Matthew 2:1-11 (HCSB) “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem, 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.’ . . . ‘In Bethlehem of Judea,’ they told him, ‘because this is what was written by the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah: because out of you will come a leader who will shepherd My people Israel.’ . . .  After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was--the star they had seen in the east! It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed beyond measure. Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by another route.”

The passage of Isaiah contains some extravagant promises. The prophet speaks of “brightness,” “glory,” “radiance,” and overflowing heart, and the “wealth of nations.” And who first heard these glowing words? Exiled Jews who had just returned home to a Jerusalem in ruins. Somehow, the words of the prophet didn’t quite match up with the realities on the ground. But that didn’t stop these believers from committing themselves to God’s work to see the glory that God had promised to them.

Similarly, how did the wise men recognize an earth-shaking event in the humble birth of Jesus to Joseph and Mary? Even the religious and political leaders of Israel missed the coming of Messiah. So how could these foreigners fall to their knees so readily, and offer such valuable treasures to this lowly child? Again, their expectations didn’t match up with what they found when they first laid eyes on the Messiah.

The wise men represent the “nations” mentioned in Isaiah, and as they come bringing gifts to Jesus they are the beginning of the fulfillment of the promises of Isaiah. They brought gifts to a promised king that they had never seen until that day. They also represent true worship by their humility (they kneel before this child, the king of the Jews) and later they obey God by not returning to Herod to tell of Jesus’ location. Like the exiles in Isaiah, their situation was not ideal, but they trusted in the God who promised.

Like the wise men and the returning exiles, we find ourselves in an interesting time, one that is not always ideal. Maybe our situations and circumstances are not what we expected. We came through the joy and celebration of the Christmas season, but for many of us the joy seems short lived. The “reality” of life around us seems to darken the sky once lit bright with hope and joy. We celebrated the birth of Jesus, the incarnation of God, but maybe after the new year we no longer feel like celebrating.

Yet, the New Year is a promise of new beginnings, and it is the promise of God’s continued watch care. We can trust him. The New Year is a time to look back and see God’s hand, and a time to look forward with expectation to his continued faithfulness and grace. It is a time to surrender to God and offer a gift of obedience. We start this new year with a recognition of our Messiah, the one who came for ALL people, the one who came as a Lamb to be “slain, and to purchase for God with his blood people from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” We celebrated Messiah’s birth, and we celebrate his obedient death in the Lord’s Supper.

When we come to the communion table, we renew a covenant made long ago at a place called Golgotha. The elements here—the bread and the cup—symbolize the body and blood of Jesus. When we take these elements, we remember that Messiah Jesus gave his life for us. At the beginning of the new year, we can do nothing more appropriate than to come to this Table and let Communion be for us an act of consecration, an act of giving ourselves again to the Lord Jesus our Messiah.

On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread. He blessed it and broke it. He said, “This is my body, which is broken for you.” This bread is his body, eat it as often as you eat it in remembrance of him. Jesus also said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood.” Drink it as often as you drink it in remembrance of him. Paul reminds us to take time to consider our lives before we partake in this supper. It is time to prepare our hearts for Communion. Make sure you have nothing between you and God or between you and another human. Look at yourself, and then look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Consecrate yourself to God.

As the hymn says:

Take my life and let it be Consecrated, Lord to Thee;

Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.

Take my feet and let them be, Swift and beautiful for Thee;

Take my voice and let me sing, always, only, for my King.

Take my silver and my gold, Not a mite would I withhold;

Take my moments and my days, Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my will and make it Thine, it shall be no longer mine;

Take my heart, it is Thine own, It shall be Thy royal throne.

Let’s pray: Thank you, Father, for the way you have traveled with us so far, and for the journey that lies ahead. As we begin this new year, remind us of your faithfulness and grace. Remembering these things, we come to celebrate this supper, and we remember the last meal between Jesus and his disciples. His body was later broken for us as a way to remember the greatest gift ever given, his life for ours. We ask that you bless us to your service. Lord Jesus, you taught us how to serve. You taught us to be faithful. You have blessed us in so many ways. May we be reminded daily of the ultimate sacrifice given for us through the giving of your blood, and may we find the courage to offer our lives to you in obedience. We ask these things in the blessed name of Jesus. Amen.

Thanks for reading! 

Dealing with Discouragement Jeremiah 20:1-13

Back in July, I had the honor of preaching at Providence Bible Church in Culpeper, VA. My sermon came from Jeremiah 20:1-13 and was entitled "Dealing with Discouragement". If you want to hear the sermon, you can find the podcast here on Providence's web page: Dealing with Discouragement . I will include the sermon notes below for those who want more details. Thank you for reading!

Sermon: Dealing with Discouragement (with special thanks to Rick Ezell for his sermon Rise Above Discouragement, Jeremiah 20, whose notes were very helpful to me)

Scripture: Jeremiah 20:1-13

Introduction

Discouragement is part of life. Discouragement comes most often when we do right things but experience poor results. We work hard, but we don't seem to make progress. We show up to practice every day, giving it our all, but we lose anyway. 

Discouragement eats a hole in our hearts. It makes us want to quit, saying things we shouldn't say, shaking our fists at God. That's how Jeremiah felt. God called him to speak a harsh message to a rebellious people. He was obeyed. Yet on one occasion Jeremiah so angered an assistant to the high priest and chief security officer for the temple, Pashhur, that the man arrested Jeremiah, beat him, and threw him in jail, locking him in stocks so that his body was contorted, writhing in pain. Here was a man in deep distress. He endured physical, emotional, spiritual, and professional anguish. He walked into deep despair, all for doing God's will.

Jeremiah was released the next day, emerging with a sentence of his own. He gave Pashhur a new name: "Terror on Every Side." This name described the terror Babylon would inflict on Judah, specifically the fate Pashhur would suffer when God's judgment fell. He would die and be buried outside Israel, which was considered a judgment, for the Gentile lands were labeled unclean. But what difference would that make? He had been preaching lies in the name of God and encouraging idolatry in the temple. So, why not live in a land of lies and idols, and eventually be buried there?

Enough about Pashhur - it is Jeremiah's rise above discouragement on which we want to focus. In this last of his recorded laments, which is similar to Jesus' Gethsemane experience, we find the highs and lows of human emotions: grief and joy, despair and delight, perplexity and praise. Like Jesus, Jeremiah reminds us that even a faithful servant of God can become discouraged. Jeremiah lived above his feelings and fulfilled God's will.

We, too, can rise above discouragement. Here's how.

I. Be honest with God--tell God how we feel (v. 7)

Jeremiah was honest. He felt deceived by God. The word "deceived" means to be enticed or seduced. Obviously, God does not mislead or trick people, but Jeremiah felt that God had lured him into the ministry only to make him a laughingstock. He felt ridiculed and offended. His voice was not making a difference. He was crying out for the people to repent, yet they continued toward destruction and judgment. Jeremiah's intense lament was private – for God alone, not public.

God wants us to talk to him, even when we are angry, upset, and frustrated. He wants us to tell the truth. A lot of dishonesty goes on in relationships, even with God.

People ask me: Is it wrong to be angry with God? First, we must remember that anger is an emotion, and oftentimes emotions are neither right nor wrong: they just are. What we do with our emotions is a separate issue. People are sometimes surprised by the answer I give them: "If you feel anger toward God you should tell him. God is big enough and strong enough to handle your hurt and anger. So tell him about.  He wants you to pour out your heart to him. He wants you to express what is in your heart." 

Consider the Psalmist as an example of one who poured his heart out to God. We should do the same. Hold nothing back when you pray. Tell the Lord exactly what's in your heart, especially the bad feelings. By pouring out these emotions we are freed from their hold, and we enter more deeply into the loving embrace of the Lord.

God does not want us stuck in anger or any other negative feelings we may have. This is why we should be honest with God in prayer. We should go before God as we are, not pretending to be someone we are not. If we are honest with God in prayer, we will feel a sense of deep freedom, and we will find ourselves having a deeper relationship with God and less discouragement.

To bottle up our anger--even anger toward God--usually only causes harm, rarely good. To be dishonest--even in our prayers--clouds our relationship with God. God desires real people, honest and forthright, who pour out their hearts before him, bringing him all their motives and emotions. The truth is that God knows the depths of our hearts--our thoughts, our motives, our emotions--even before we speak them. So, if we fail to be honest with God then we are only deceiving ourselves. Honesty with God can be liberating. 

But being honest is only one part of the relationship, we also need to recognize the quality and character of the One with Whom we have to do. He is God. He deserves our obedience, even when things aren't going our way. So, to deal with discouragement, we need to learn obedience. 

II. Be obedient to God--keep doing what we've been called to do (v. 9)

Because of Pashhur's unjustified actions, Jeremiah was ready to let go of God and leave him out of all conversations. But he couldn't do that. He would not be at peace doing anything else. God's message was like a fire in his bones that he could not put out. He could not be quiet about it. Jeremiah did not preach because he had to say something, but because he had something to say. Not saying it would have destroyed him.

Do you know why most pastors keep at the task despite rejection and anger? Plain and simple, the call of God upon their lives keeps them going. I spent time with a group of pastors. We bemoaned the struggles of our vocation. One said: "Do you want to know what I tell everyone who comes to me asking if they should go into the ministry? I tell them, ‘If you can do something else, do it.'" Another pastor piped up, "You know why I don't do something else? Because I am called."

When a person has a call, that call becomes hard to ignore.

To overcome discouragement, we need to be about the things God has called us to do. We need to get back to the task he put in front of us. What were you doing BEFORE you were discouraged? Was it a task from God? Why not continue to do it? When called, we should obey. Obedience is difficult and painful, yet I suppose disobedience is moreso. To deal properly with discouragment, learn to obey what God has called you to do. 

But honesty and obedience are not the only tools for dealing with discouragement. In fact, to do the first two properly, we must include the third point. We must be focused on God to deal with discouragement. 

III. Be focused on God--know that the Lord is with us (v. 11)

Jeremiah realized that he wasn't alone. "But the LORD is with me like a violent warrior" (Jer. 20:11). He was not on the losing side.  He was going to win because the Lord was with him like a mighty warrior. God would deal effectively, in his own way and time, with his enemies.

Often in our discouragement we look inward--to our problems, our frustrations, and our situation--when we need to look upward to a God who has not abandoned us. He is with us. He accompanies us. He is a present-tense God.

Can we imagine the difference it would make in our outlook if we remained consciously aware that God is with us? Imagine going into a difficult board meeting knowing that God is beside you. Picture entering into a stressful presentation knowing that God walks with you. Envision confronting the status quo with the mighty arm of the Lord surrounding you.

Knowledge of God's presence can help us accomplish significant things despite our discouragement. It provides courage, valor, guts, strength, tenacity, and perseverance.

A. W. Tozer writes:

"The world is perishing for lack of the knowledge of God, and the church is famishing for want of his presence. The instant cure of most of our religious ills would be to enter the Presence in spiritual experience, to become suddenly aware that we are in God and that God is in us. This would lift us out of our pitiful narrowness and cause our hearts to be enlarged. This would burn away the impurities from our lives as the bugs and fungi were burned away by the fire that dwelt in the bush."

Living in the glow of God's presence will enable you to fight on despite discouragement. 

And what is the best way to focus on God? That would be our regular worship of him, Worship is a great way to deal with discouragement. Like Jeremiah, we need to be honest, we need to be obedient, we need to be focused, and we need to develop a heart of worship. 

IV. Be a worshipper/develop a heart of worship - praise God with your whole heart (v. 13)

Jeremiah's despair turned to joy, his defeated attitude turned to triumph, his dismay to courage. The key that unlocked the door to victory was praise. Jeremiah triumphantly proclaimed, "Sing to the Lord! Praise the Lord" (Jer. 20:13).

Praise is the one weapon in the Christian's arsenal against which Satan has no defense. When we praise God we acknowledge that he is in charge--he can do what he wants, when he wants, and how he wants.

Praise is more than just acknowledging God for the good that comes our way. Praise is accepting from God all that comes our way, both the good and the bad. The praise we offer when things don't go our way is far more precious to God than the praise we offer when all is well.

Praise does four things:

A. Praise recognizes a Provider

B. Praise acknowledges a plan

C. Praise accepts the present

D. Praise releases power

When we praise God for the present situation as a part of God's plan, God's power is unleashed. This power cannot be brought about by a new attitude or a determined effort of self-will, but by God working in our lives.

Conclusion

Let me close with a legend that reveals the source of discouragement. Supposedly, the devil put his tools up for sale, marking each for public inspection with its appropriate sale price. Included were hatred, envy, jealousy, deceit, lying, and pride. Laid apart from these was a rather harmless looking but well-worn tool – discouragement - marked at an extremely high price. Why the costly price? The devil answered: "Because it is more useful to me than the others. I can pry open a person's heart with that when I cannot get near her with the other tools. Once inside, I can make her do whatever I choose. It is badly worn because I use it on almost everyone, since few people know it belongs to me."

Many people succumb to this infamous tool of Satan. Maybe you feel its effect 

now. You can rise above discouragement. Will you:

Be honest - tell God how you feel?

Be obedient - keep doing what you've been called to do?

Be watchful - know that the Lord is with you?

Be worshipful - praise God with your whole heart?

Thanks for reading!