FATHER IN THE LORD

I recently had three emails shot gunned to me from an older fellow I recently met. Now I am not going to go into the fellow, but in one the fellow's emails he mentioned, "due to my maturity in God I am a father in the LORD." Now this fellow is a nice, stately, older man (really do not know him that well), very busy for God (maybe too busy), but older than I so I will respect him, but his statement really struck me odd. I thought how does one become a father in the LORD? What are the scriptural qualifications one must accomplish for God to be called a father? Do we have to be in service to the LORD for a certain amount of time, give a certain amount of money, or do mighty miracles, signs and wonders? I looked in the Bible and could NOT find any qualifications or requirements one must master to earn this title. Now I know where he and many in the church get this title. I cannot believe how title hungry some Christians can be. The push for knowledge, degrees, and such (in some circles) over revelation is very sad to me. After all the Holy Spirit said He will teach (see John 14:26) us all things. But back on thought. In 1 Corinthians Paul was chiding the Church at Corinth to pay attention, to "take heed" to themselves for they were not learning the lessons and teachings he brought them when he established the Church at Corinth and now he is coming back so he was scolding them for their wavering from the truth and their mixing of other religions with the Gospel message. Paul writes, "I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me." (1 Corinthians 4:14-16) Paul said of the Church at Corinth they gathered together for the worse than the better. Paul again writes, "Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse." (1 Corinthians 11:17) They had every gift of the Spirit in operation, yet they were filled with strife, division, self-serving ambition, ungodliness, and great perversion. Paul was NOT telling the people to call him a spiritual father oh no, Paul was using an analogy, drawing into contrast the requirements for a son to learn from his earthly father. From this one verse (and maybe others) countless Christians think of themselves as spiritual fathers to other Christians whose light may not be as bright as theirs. After all if we can find another Christian whose light is not as bright as ours, well that makes our light even brighter. Sadly we see things in the Bible that appeal to our flesh and project them into our walk with the LORD and with our brothers and sisters. Who would not want (not me) to have many spiritual children under their wing? Those babes in the LORD who lack initial guidance to get their feet on the ground. Heck you can even get money for this. The church (but we really know we are the church) of today is obsessed with titles such as being a Father in the LORD, positions, functions, and duties. Many Christians try to see how many letters they can get before and after their names. As if God is impressed with our degrees and accomplishments. I am sure when we stand before the LORD on judgment day (and we all will) He is not going to call us by our titles and degree. The only thing God is impressed with is our ability in Him to lower and humble ourselves before Him and our brothers and sisters in humility. In Romans Paul gives great advice to the Church at Rome and we should take heed to it also, "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." (Romans 12:3) The biggest title we can have in God is to be called a nobody. My friend the way up is down. The lower we can go in God the higher we can go in God. Jesus had a few titles while on earth, but never a father in the LORD or any title most Christians would like to identify with. Jesus had great titles like, "son of sorrows" or "son of man." In Luke we read, "And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 59And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. " (Luke 9:57-59) "No place to lay his head" who wants to follow someone with no place to live? Most Christians want a big home, nice car, good job, and all the distracters of life. At least this guy was honest he did not have the heart and stomach to follow Jesus. I wonder how many Christians would like to identify with these words here of Christ? I cannot believe how fast some Christians become Bishops. In the Catholic Church it takes many many years of dedicated service, but in Protestant churches just start one new church somewhere and BAM you are a Bishop. This is really big in Africa. Funny I looked in the Bible at the qualifications to be a Bishop and I found nothing about starting churches. Paul writes to Timothy (who was not a Bishop), "This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil." (1 Timothy 3:1-7) If you look at the words: elder, deacon, bishop, and teacher are all basically the same word used in the same context. Pastor (in KJV) is only used one time (Jeremiah 17:16) Strong's # H7462 and means; companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman. And the word "pastors" (in KJV) is found 8 times (seven times in Jeremiah) and once in Ephesians Strong's #G4166 with the same meaning. I think we need to remember the warning, "not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; I am sure when we stand before God He will not call us elder, deacon, bishop, teacher, preacher, minister, first lady, or pastor, but He will be looking for the qualities of Himself in us, He will be looking to see if we have learned the lessons He has been trying to teach us, if not we may enter in, but we will suffer loss. Again I do not see how a Christian graduates from being just a plain Jane, lowly Christian to become an apostle or prophet. Again there is no qualifications in the Scripture for this, but I can tell you how the folks (not sure if I can call them all Christians) I know who call themselves an apostle or prophet became apostles and prophets, they were made an apostle or a prophet by another person who call themselves an apostle or a prophet. Something is not right here. Man cannot bestow God's spiritual authority. Man may be able to ordain someone into a denomination from a certain Bible School or organization, but man cannot ordain another man with God's spiritual authority. In Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul was pleading with the Church at Ephesus for unity (because they were not in unity) he was NOT defining the five-fold ministries of a church. Read the context of entire 32 verses of the chapter, feel Paul's heart for the dysfunction. Paul writes, "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:" (Ephesians 4:11-12) Paul was not talking about offices, but attributes that need to be found in the functions of a Spirit filled Body of Christ. He (being God) gave "some" who, "some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;" for the Body of Christ. Paul is not talking about offices and duties (where you can get a job and make money), but qualities and attributes that must be operating in people for the Body of Christ to be in unity. We see the same message to the Church at Corinth, "And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way." (1 Corinthians 12:28-31) The "some" are people (not titles or offices religion does this) who have the attributes and qualities of God to edify the Body of Christ in these areas. After "teachers" (no evangelist or pastors here) are miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues." They do not sound like titles or offices to me. If Paul was establishing offices and titles in the Body of Christ he forgot two major functions. Paul even corrects the Christians at the Church in Corinth, "Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?" Sounds like what is going on today in most churches. I guess it is true there is nothing new under the sun. Now do these happen in the Body of Christ? Yes absolutely 100% and they need too. God has provided to every child that comes unto Him the ability to do these things 24/7 and more if they desire to walk in obedience to God. The requirement and qualifications to be able to flow in these spiritual qualities and attributes will take us to the school of hard knocks (what I like to call the wilderness) so He can knock us down, break us so He can fix us, but when we stand up in God we will have something to give of eternal value. Am I a father in the LORD? I would say no. I have been walking with the LORD for over 58 years at differing degrees, but that does not make me a father in the LORD only "some" one who needs to be more humble and open to God. Anyhow Jesus told us not to go after such things. In Matthew he said, "And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." (Matthew 23:9-12)

WTFMT 45 (25 JULY 17 HGM)

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-45

TEXT: "And the children of Israel took their journeys out of the wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud rested in the wilderness of Paran." (Numbers 10:12)

 

I. THE WILDERNESS OF PARAN

A. The Wilderness of Paran will have features which differ from other wildernesses. This is true in the case of every wilderness. They all differ from one another in some aspects. We shall not be considering the physical characteristics of the Wilderness of Paran rather we will focus upon spiritual aspects which are taken from the Bible.

 

II. SO AWFUL

A. In Christian circles believers have been given quite a variety of thoughts on spiritual wildernesses. Some of which may be correct and most incorrect. However a person's experience in a spiritual wilderness may not fit anything that he has been told.

B. For example the totally terrible thing which was reported to me is not nearly as bad as I was led to believe. Most believers have the idea that the spiritual wilderness experience is practically unbearable. If such a person is found in the wilderness then their built-in attitude would immediately translate the experience as terrible.

C. It is almost impossible to convince them that it is beautiful and a wonderful place in which to be. The wilderness does not feel good nor does it appear beautiful. They may have a very difficult time with the wilderness. D. They may have difficulty believing that it should be part of the Christian's spiritual training. They may find it virtually impossible to discover its positive aspects. If they would give their attention to the Word of God and to the wisdom and experiences of others they would indeed learn the ways of God in a wilderness experience. Anyone with an open honest heart, desiring God's best, will gain much from the Wilderness of Paran and from all of God's wildernesses.

III. WILL WE UNDERSTAND?

 

A. Most (if not all) believers have experienced a spiritual wilderness. These (the believers) have a foundation or platform upon which they can better understand (or understand for the first time) its divine arrangement and purposes. If they have never experienced a spiritual wilderness (which is highly unlikely) then they may have extreme difficulty in understanding.

B. Even some who have passed through a wilderness experience will have a difficult time understanding. This is mainly due to the fact that they do not wish to believe the wilderness is a Godly part of their Christian experience. C. The believer somehow assumes that they must understand everything today. Therefore they press for meanings which do not exist; or they will insist upon enlightenment which is beyond their experience and capacity to know and to carry. The result of such persistence is misunderstanding. The real damage in this is the assumption that a true understanding has been attained.

D. To avoid the dangers entailed in such practice we must first be content not to understand. Secondly, we must be willing to lay aside what we may or may not believe. Thirdly, we must be willing to hold or contain, "Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience." (I Timothy 3:9) That is we must be willing to hear that which we do not understand, receive it, and hold it within ourselves without doing anything with it for the time being, maybe forever.

E. Most of that which Jesus taught His disciples was not grasped by them at the time. Later they understood what they received. What we do not understand today we are to hold in a pure conscience for the future.

 

IV. PARTING THOUGHTS

 

A. The Wilderness of Paran is "glory" or "beauty." This is the meaning of "Paran" a Hebrew word (Strong's #6290). Most of us do not look upon the wilderness as a place of glory and beauty. In order to see the wilderness in such gratifying terms we must first become aware of God's intentions in bringing us into the wilderness. Once we come to this grand awareness we can then begin to understand why and how glory and beauty can be in a wilderness.

B. Scriptures which directly and indirectly relate to the wilderness in question will add to the description. The Word of God will tie things together for us and give us the picture God wants us to see and greatly understand. From the Bible we shall see what is moving in the wildernesses. God's direction and purposes in the wildernesses can be discovered only in His Word.

C. God's direction can be seen and somewhat understood as the Israelites first approach the Wilderness of Paran. This was not their choice rather it was God's choice even it was God's direction for them.

D. The Israelites simply followed the cloud stopping where it stopped moving when the cloud moved. The wisdom of God stopped is in His direction. If we find His direction we will find His wisdom. We must follow this order to find His best.

NOT KNOWING IS ENOUGH

Although the LORD does not withhold provision from us as His children (we just think He does at times) we should ask of Him concerning our needs. Then we can express our thankfulness to Him and others who helped when He responds, but if He does not reply when and how we think He ought to (in these times) well . . . not knowing should be enough for us. Whatever we may need we are to first sow to that to the LORD believing that He will multiply it back to us – not just the seed that was sown, but many times more. Of course our greatest need is not things, but more of His Spirit in our lives. Often we do not receive from God because we have stepped out from under God's umbrella of dependence for our lives. Many Christians quote, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19) expecting more than the moon and stars, but God's riches are more than money, jewels, cars, houses, jobs, our health, power, influence, favor, all of those things that stir our senses and move our emotions. Oh no God's "riches in glory by Christ Jesus" are: righteousness, truth, integrity, wisdom, a Godly character, the ability to render righteous judgment and so much more. I do not see any earthly riches here. My friend no farmer would plant seeds in order to harvest the same amount as was sown. One seed planted for one seed harvested this is foolish even for a non-farmer like me. Rather the planter expects an increase greater than what he plants; maybe 60 , 80, or 100 fold. So too this principle is spiritual. What we want we must give that away expecting to get more than what we plant, but (here is the rub) if not what will our reply to God be? Some believers expect to harvest a crop of financial blessings yet they have failed to first plant seed. They may even say, “When my ship comes in, I will give thousands for your ministry.” I then wonder if they had sent their ship out as they fail to give from the resources they already presently have. This type of thinking and Christianity is NOT what the Bible teaches. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians, "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: and 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)" (2 Corinthians 9:6-8,10) Notice in verse 10 that it is the LORD who provides and that He provides two things; seed for sowing (we have no seed unless the LORD gives it to us) and bread for eating. We will never get beyond having our basic needs met, if we do not sow seed. Now I am not talking about money alone, but sowing of our abilities, talents, and intentions. If we eat the seed there will be nothing to plant and therefore no increase. Again I do not see anything in these verses that talks about physical earthly things like cars, houses, jobs, etc. The increase of the seed here the LORD gives and we are to eat of is the righteousness He works in us. It is our righteousness we give away. But who wants to eat from the tree of righteousness? You can answer that question for yourself. We all want God to bless us, but what do we do when God is silent during these times? Are we willing to be like the three Hebrew Children and say, "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." (Daniel 3:17-18) Can we say, "But if not" now there is a place of faith in God. It is easy to have faith in God when all is going well, but allow God to put us to the test (God is good at making us eat our words) and He will see what we are really made of. You know often the path to His provision is through dry places (what I like to call the wilderness) and what do we do when the river of blessings run dry? It is not in the times that flow with milk and honey God is closely scrutinizing our lives oh no, but in the times we allow (it is up to us) Him to lean into us with both feet and give us a gut check to see where we stand with Him. And during this time if God does not answer we need to have enough of God in us to be still and silent holding our request before Him with a pure conscience. Timothy tells us, "Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience." (1 Timothy 3:9) "Holding the mystery of the faith" where? In our heart and thoughts until God gives us the enlightenment. We must look at the LORD's long-term plan and maybe be willing to go through a bit of tribulation in order to reach the promised land of understanding and knowing, otherwise we may quit. We must believe first the LORD will arrange our circumstances. He will make a way through the impossible as we align ourselves with Him and His will for our lives. Second the LORD will allow us to go through a time of testing and humbling because He is more interested in what we are becoming than in what we are doing for Him in the sowing. And third when we reach our promised land we must not forget the LORD. We may be sure that the LORD will take us through these three stages for our own good and for His glory. Lastly this not needing to know everything goes to the heart of our walk with the LORD. If we need not know everything then God does not have to bless our every whim and desire. We will be content and happy as a clam with our mouth shut knowing God knows and He will take care of things for us. Man is a nosey, curious beast and sadly the church feeds this selfish desire by teaching some things that makes man even more inquisitive. In Luke Jesus gives us a warning to be careful in this area. Jesus said, "And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." (Luke 11:9-10) Now many denominations teach if God does not answer keep on knocking, seeking, and asking, well that is NOT what Jesus was saying. Jesus was really saying (just read the words without trying to make them all spiritual) ask and it shall be given you. Jesus was saying if you ask and even keep on asking you will receive something, but it may not be the thing you need at the time you need it. If you seek and keep on seeking you will find something, because everyone that seeks findeth. If you knock and keep on knocking something will be opened to you. Now it may not be what God wants for you, but to some Christians it will not matter. I am not saying not to ask, seek, or knock, but I am saying to be careful, take heed, because God knows what we need before we ask, seek, or knock. Ask, seek, or knock and leave it with God's good graces and if we get no answer we can hold it in our heart before the LORD. I do not know about you, but when our kids were growing up and they kept bugging me for something my resolve not to give it to them stiffened. Other times I just gave them something knowing that it would work a better purpose developing their character. The more we know the more we want to know and the more we know the greater chance we have in getting off track. There are many unanswered questions in the Scriptures and that is out of God's arrangement, but it is funny how man cannot be happy not knowing and just trust God. One of the greatest signs of spiritual growth and development in us is not needing to know everything and leaving the unknown things to God's sovereignty and will. I have been holding many things before the LORD for years and I know in His time and His good graces He will be able to unlock the secrets I have in my heart and unfold the "riches of glory in Christ Jesus."