1/5/20 - Mistreated For Doing The Right Thing

Esther 1:12-22 records an event where a person doing the right thing (Vashti) was mistreated by those around her. Vashti did the right thing by not submitting to her husband’s drunken demands (Est. 1:10-12). Instead of receiving praise for standing, or at least her husband acknowledging that wrong was done, however, she was mistreated by her husband and his advisors.

Sadly, this is not an uncommon response. Joseph was mistreated and imprisoned when he obeyed God and refused his mistress’ advances (Gen. 39:7-20). Elijah’s life was threatened when he obeyed God and withstood (and killed) the wicked prophets of Baal (I Kings 19:2). When we read the New Testament, we also see times when God’s people were persecuted, imprisoned, and even killed when they were faithful to God (II Cor. 11:23-28; II Tim. 3:12; Acts 12:1-3; Rev. 6:9-10).

Do we have the strength of heart to do what is right when others we know, and love oppose us? Will we stand for what is right at school, at work, and anywhere else? Jesus said that when we act like Him, the world will mistreat us the way they mistreated Him (Jn. 15:18-20). How are you being treated by the world? If you are a Christian (Acts 2:38, 11:26), does anyone know it?

1/4/20 - True Riches

Jesus said, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Lk. 12:15). Passages such as Proverbs 15:16, 16:16; Ecclesiastes 4:6, 5:10-16; and I Timothy 6:6-8 also remind us of the true riches of this life.

Contrast this with the life of Ahasuerus, or Artaxerxes, the king who would one day marry Esther. He had such an opulent lifestyle that he was able to stage a party that lasted six months (Est. 1:4)! When that was done, he had another one that lasted yet another week (Est. 1:5)! His earthly power, riches, and military strength would have impressed us, no doubt. However, these things said nothing about the condition of his soul. It told us nothing about whether or not he was ready for eternity.

Jesus asked one time, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26). This is still a valid question! It is a soul-searching question that demands an answer. If you could throw a six-month party for all the people you knew like Ahasuerus, if you had the money to stage a year-long party and impress friend and enemy alike, what does this say about our soul’s salvation? It says nothing! Prepare for eternity (II Cor. 6:2; Mk. 16:16)! Set your mind on pleasing God rather than man (Gal. 1:10; Col. 3:1-4). This is the most important goal we have in life (Ecc. 12:13-14)!

One thing that stands out to me about the book of Esther is God's depiction of bravery. Vashti and Esther showed bravery in their own way. Vashti refused to submit to the drunken demands of a king, her husband (1:11-12). Esther addressed a king uninvited and revealed her lineage/race when both actions meant certain death (4:16, 5:1, 7:1-6). Their bravery to stand and speak when needed changed the course of their lives and also teaches us how to act. (Rom. 15:4).

Think about your life. When you have been called to be brave in the past for the Lord and spiritual truth, what did you do and why? Were you brave like these two? Did you shrink away and allow fear to take over? What consequences did you face? How did you feel later when you cowered in fear? One never regrets being brave even when they see that others don't appreciate it. One will always regret giving in to fear.

Make 2020 a year of bravery for you as you serve God (Prov. 28:1; I Thess. 2:2; Acts 4:13; Phil. 1:20; Heb. 4:16, 13:6).

“What Prevents Me From Being Baptized?”

Jarrod Jacobs

            The above question was asked by an Ethiopian many years ago. As Philip preached Christ to him (Acts 8:35), they came to a certain water and “the eunuch said, See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized? … and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him” (Acts 8:36-39). The question the eunuch asked is still valid. What is preventing you from being baptized?

            Is false teaching preventing you? Many people today are taught that baptism is not necessary for salvation. They are told to simply believe or to say a sinner’s prayer for salvation. Isn’t it telling to see that when the preachers of the New Testament taught folks, those listening wanted to be baptized! Yet, when many preach today, people do NOT want to be baptized!

            Please read Acts 8 and notice that when Philip preached Christ to the people in Samaria (Acts 8:5), he taught them about “the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ” and baptism (Acts 8:12). “Simon the sorcerer believed, and after being baptized, he continued with Philip” (Acts 8:13). When Philip spoke to the eunuch and “preached unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:35); the first time he saw plenty of water, he wanted to be baptized. Are we seeing a pattern? The teaching concerning baptism began with Christ (Matt. 28:19; Mk. 16:16). The apostles and disciples of the Lord then carried this message to the world (Acts 2:38, 10:48, 18:8, 22:16; I Pet. 3:21; Col. 2:12; Gal. 3:26-27). When the people heard the New Testament heroes preach, they wanted to be baptized. What is hindering you from being baptized?

            Are friends and family preventing us? Depending upon our friends and family, they can pressure us to do the right things or the wrong things. Have they pressured us into not obeying the Lord? The Bible says: “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Jesus said: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matt. 10:37). In order to please our Lord, we must obey His command to be baptized for the remission of sins regardless of what others might say about us (Phil. 3:8). What is hindering you from being baptized?

            Does the urge for popularity prevent us? It is not popular to be a Christian. In fact, Jesus promised His apostles that men would hate them for no other reason than they served the Lord (Jn. 15:18-20). Peter said that some men would be “surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery” (I Pet. 4:4). We need to decide whether we wish for popularity with this world or to be the friend of God. We cannot have it both ways (Jas. 4:4)!

            Could selfishness be preventing us? Some people refuse to do anything unless it is their idea. Could that be my attitude? Have I not been baptized simply because I didn’t want to? The Bible says that I need to put away such attitudes and place Christ’s kingdom first (Matt. 6:33). I need to love God even more than my own life (Lk. 14:26-27).

            Whatever is hindering you from being baptized, realize that this hindrance is keeping you from enjoying spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3); from being in a covenant relationship with Christ (Gal. 3:27); from having your sins forgiven (Acts 2:38, 22:16); from being a child of God (Rom. 8:16-17); and from a home in Heaven (Col. 3:1-4; Rev. 2:10). Is this really worth it?

Some Thoughts About Diotrephes

Jarrod Jacobs 

            Diotrephes is mentioned in only two verses in the entire Bible. Yet, what is said about him echoes to this present day. His life and actions stand as a warning to us in the 21^st century. The apostle John said, “I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church” (III Jn. 9-10).

            After reading about Diotrephes and his actions, let us consider his life and make some applications to ourselves. 1) Diotrephes loved to have “preeminence” among folks. Yet, did we notice that there are only two verses in the entire Bible that even mention him? 2) In those two verses that mention him, he is referred to as a very wicked man. Think about it! 3) Jesus told His followers (and us today), “Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matt. 23:12). We are warned about the dangers of pride in passages such as Proverbs 16:18, James 4:6, and many others. Let us examine our lives and see if pride is keeping us from doing what is right. Friend, is pride ruining you, or are you too proud to admit it?