SEEING GOD’S GLORY!

Time with Jesus - Sunday, 12 February 2012

Hi all,

God’s glory: This is what Moses asked to see. He had been having a discussion with God. That’s when Moses found the courage to ask Him to see His glory. I must confess that I have wondered what it was that Moses expected to see. The dialogue was as follows: ¹⁸ Moses responded, "Then show me Your glorious presence." ¹⁹ The LORD replied, "I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will call out My name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose. ²⁰ But you may not look directly at My face, for no one may see Me and live." ²¹ The LORD continued, "Look, stand near Me on this rock. ²² As My glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. ²³ Then I will remove My hand and let you see Me from behind. But My face will not be seen." Exodus 33:18-23 NLT

When we use the word “glory” or “glorious” we tend to think of something visibly impressive. For example, I remember that when I was a teenager, the “four minute mile” was thought of as almost impossible. No man had ever managed to run the mile in under four minutes. Many men had tried, but it was still thought of as a “bridge too far”. Then at about the same time as the coronation of Queen Elizabeth, Dr Roger Bannister achieved the impossible. The news of the achievement spread like wildfire. It was described as a “glorious” achievement. However it wasn’t long before other athletes had followed Bannister’s achievement. Henceforth to run the mile in under four minutes was not quite as glorious.

One of man’s greatest achievements was walking on the moon in 1969. The TV pictures of the event flashed all around the world. For those watching the TV that day, the sight of Neil Armstrong stepping onto the moon was a glorious event! His words, "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind." are now famous in history.

Was this the sort of thing Moses expected? It’s hard to state with any degree of certainty. We know that He had “seen” the Lord “in action”. The plagues, the opening of the Red Sea, these signs and others he had witnessed. So it would seem that Moses expected to see something spectacular. I’m not Moses, but I must confess that after seeing all these displays of God’s supreme ability, I would expect to see something along these lines.

But God’s ideas and man’s ideas are always different. We expect a King to be born in a palace, not a stable. We expect the king to be served. Jesus came as a servant. Almost everything we associate with “going up” in the world, God sees the very opposite in His Kingdom. To be the greatest, I must become the least. That’s God’s idea!

¹⁹ I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will call out My name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose. ²⁰ But you may not look directly at My face, for no one may see Me and live." Exodus 33:19-20 NLT

I suspect Moses expected to see “the display of a Royal King”; a picture of great power and ability. That’s certainly what I would have expected to see. But God does not think as we do. His glory is expressed in terms of goodness, mercy and compassion. This is the opposite end of our scale of values!

What was there about this that Moses could not see? He had already spoken face to face with the Lord. ¹¹ Inside the Tent of Meeting, the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Afterward Moses would return to the camp, but the young man who assisted him, Joshua son of Nun, would remain behind in the Tent of Meeting. Exodus 33:11 NLT

Now I’m not trying to establish some new theology. But what I do suspect is that the glory of God is so different from anything we know, the full revelation would instantly annihilate us. What we have already “seen” is quite sufficient for us to serve Him and each other.

In today’s meditation, I've tried to express the effect of God’s glory on mortals.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Seeing God’s Glory!

We have never seen God’s glory; not while we are living here. We’d be blasted from existence, if His glory came too near. That is what the Lord told Moses. Certainly He got it right. But when God had passed right by him, Moses caught a tiny sight. It was not too overwhelming. Just enough so he could cope. Adequate to banish darkness and leave Moses filled with hope. Have I ever seen the Master? Frankly I would love to do. What for us is terrifying; Tell me if you’d like that too? Could I ever stand and take it, as the Lord of life appears? Just the concept is so scary it ignites my inner fears. That is why I’m vacillating. Can I do it? Will I die? Part of me is all a tremble, if His glory should draw nigh. Peter had a little sample, on his fishing boat that day. He’d already been out fishing. “It was useless” he could say. Then this wandering Jewish teacher told him to let down the nets. Then he got a load of fishes! He could settle all his debts! Then he turned and looked at Jesus. “Do not come too near to me. Sorry Lord, I am a sinner and You are Divinity. Do you comprehend his feelings? Part of Him would just rush in. But somehow he sensed the danger, brought about by all his sin. So he stood there and he wavered. “Dare I do it? No I can’t! Part of me want’s to embrace him. But through fear, I know I shan’t”. Have you been in this position? If you have, what did you do? Did you kneel before the glory, of the One confronting you? I have often thought about it. Secretly it’s my desire. Just the very thought of Jesus, fills me with celestial fire. There is no one more important than my Lord and God to me. If Your glory will consume me. Even so Lord, let it be! Just like Peter, I’ve been sinful, in my sojourn in this place. But I know I long to see Him! Stand before Him face to face! Do I think that it will happen? Friend it is a certainty. Some day in my dying moment, Jesus Christ will come for me. Then His glory will not matter. Surely I’ll be dead and gone. But until that very instant, I’m content to soldier on. What about my friends and loved ones? What about my family? So I’m trusting in my Saviour. That He’ll take my wife and me. We will both behold His glory on that not so distant date. Go and be with Him forever! Not too early – not too late. Jim Strickland – Written Sunday 12th February 2012.

WHAT LIFE IS ABOUT!

Time with Jesus - Saturday, 11 February 2012

Hi all,

The Hebrew people of the Old Testament were remarkable. Their language was simple and very expressive. Their thought patterns had not been influenced and downgraded by Greek culture and thinking. As a result we read beautiful pictures. The mountains skip like a calf. The trees of the field clap their hands. We know that this was their way of expressing the glory of God in nature. Modern thinking looks at such language and describes it as “quaint”. It is not logical and fails the “truth test”. It follows that it annoys modern rationalists who are trapped into an inflexible mindset that fails to comprehend the beauty of such expressions.

What I find exciting about this is that it challenges my own thinking. Perhaps I’ve got no understanding of modern art. But, “I likes what I fancies and fancies what I likes!” It may sound comical, but I really enjoy this form of Hebrew thinking. It appeals to me to think that nature gets so excited about God that the trees clap their hands. I suspect that if others could get excited about God, they would also love to see nature honouring the Creator in such a beautiful way.

The first three verses of Psalm 1 likens upright men to trees planted next to a stream of water. The tree may not be free from trouble. It’s the same way as Christians are subject to the normal trials of day to day life. But those who follow God and walk in His way have a wonderful promise. They will have a fruitful life. Everything he does prospers. ¹ Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; ² but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. ³ He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:1-3 ESV

Today many Christians regard prosperity as consisting of an accumulation of things. Big cars, big houses, big ministries and all the trappings that go along with being rich have defined prosperity for too many of us. By this standard, Jesus was a failure. He died alone, naked and ignored. He didn’t attend a Seminary and get a PhD. He didn’t build a school and was hated by all the influential people. What little money He did have was taken care of by a thief with sticky fingers. His only means of transport was his own two feet. The donkey He rode on was not his. He didn’t even have a grave of His own. So much for the greatest man who ever lived.

Paul’s definition of prosperity is vastly different from ours. ¹¹ Not that I was ever in need; for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. ¹² I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. Philip 4:11-12 NLT It seems to me that he encapsulated genuine Christianity in these magnificent words.

Many years ago Phyllida and I were listening to a tape by Bob Mumford. I can’t remember the topic but we do recall one of his statements. He said, “I’ve known what it’s like to be rich. I’ve known what it’s like to be poor. Believe me, rich is better!”

In some respects, Phyllida and I agree with him from personal experience. Furthermore, I don’t suppose we’ll ever know what it’s like to be really rich. But we do have something or rather Someone who would make Paul Getty look like a pauper. His name is Jesus Christ! All we are looking for is, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Nothing is of greater importance.

Today’s meditation is about the beauty of creation. Nature might be described as God’s garden. He spoke of His creation as being “very good”. That’s what life is all about; looking for and finding God everywhere.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

What life is about!

God did us all a favour, when He created trees. The beauty of creation is what His people see. The birds that flap their feathered wings and fly into the blue. The cats, the dogs, the reptiles. O Lord You made them too. The wild goats and the pine trees, rock badgers and the stork; The parrot and the cockatoo that do their best to talk. Lord, Your imagination and the creatures you have made, Truly are stupendous and they all make the grade. In fact when we see anything and mark it out of ten, It seems you’ve scored eleven! But in the world of men, You certainly excelled Yourself. Your image is our mould. And every person You have made is worth their weight in gold! You gave us what we needed; our minds to help us think. The power to make decisions, may take us to the brink Of nuclear destruction. So You gave us restraint! A quality essential in each and every saint. You gave us a root system that goes down very deep. Perhaps it isn’t like a tree; but what we sow, we reap! And You have given knowledge. It’s wisdom that we lack. And with all our inventions - there is no turning back. We've unlocked many details of what you first designed. Some doctors can restore the sight of those who have gone blind Our medical practitioners have learned what makes us “tick”. And vehicles to get there if needed double quick. We understand that many things we’ve used have made You sad. But on the odd occasion, we’ve made Your great heart glad. We know that all the plant life is standing in its place. The pine tree and the cedar can’t flee from what they face. They have to grin an bear it, or we will chop them down, Because we need the lumber to expand our little town. You give us the ability to choose what’s right from wrong. We could enslave our neighbour for you have made us strong. It isn’t many years ago we walked upon the moon. We’ve even got atomic clocks to tell us when it’s noon. You haven’t put restrictions on those things which we can do. But we still have the problem of listening to You. We all get old and wither. And then we will sign out. And face your final judgement; that’s what life’s all about. Jim Strickland – Written 11th February 2012

ASK THE HOLY SPIRIT

Time with Jesus - Friday, 10 February 2012

Hi all,

Eleven years ago, Phyllida and I were in Syria. We lived in Homs and formed a close attachment with a number of people. This accounts for our interest in what is happening in Syria and Homs at present.

The vast majority of the Syrians are Muslim. There is a small number of Greek Orthodox Christians and a few Jews, all of whom were more or less integrated into the population. There was also a number of Palestinians among the inhabitants. People who claimed they were displaced from the land of Israel when it was established as a country in 1948. Strangely enough these people were not anti-Jewish. Their “beef” was with the state of Israel.

Living in a Muslim country was a fascinating experience. We found the people hospitable and very welcoming. They also introduced us to concepts that were strange to us. Among them was their concept that anyone who came from UK or America was a Christian. Of course, we knew better. But we all make assumptions about what other people are like in foreign lands. Phyllida and I were never asked whether or not we were Christians. There was no need for them to do so. We were from a Christian country so we were Christians. So we were all “lumped together” as Christians regardless of our denominational or non-denominational preferences.

This is a very common error; one which we tend to make ourselves. Saying “Syria is a Muslim Nation” does not take into consideration the many different Muslim sects found there. It follows that when we say we are living in a Christian country, some errors immediately spring into the conversation. The biggest error is to say that a country is Christian. By definition that is impossible. Only an individual can be a Christian. There is no such thing as a Christian horse. Likewise, there is no such thing as a Christian country. A piece of real estate may belong to a Christian. But the real estate can never be Christian.

Taking this a little further, we must understand that within Christianity there is a plethora of different belief systems. To gather everyone into one belief system is foolish. A Roman Catholic and a Baptist are not the same. Fundamentally, they may share a number of beliefs. But they are very different.

Sadly, the word “Christian” is misunderstood and is hated in some quarters. Too many wicked things have been done in the name of Christianity. That’s why Phyllida and I have dropped the word in favour of “Christ Follower”. It is more descriptive of a life style. Perhaps we should go back to the original expression, followers of “the Way”?

In today’s meditation, I’ve contrasted the beliefs of followers of “the way” with those of a typical modern Liberal Christian, New Age Believer, agnostic or atheist. These views and opinions are very different. Sadly, “Christ Followers” are seen as fundamental extremists. But if the cap fits ……….?

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Ask The Holy Spirit

We’re told the human body, is mainly H2O. Another word for water, for those who do not know. And water is essential, for those who want to live. For people who are thirsty, its essential that we give, Water that is drinkable and largely free of salt. If you do not give it, they’ll die and it’s your fault! Back there in the wilderness, Moses got it right. “Strike the rock” God told him and they beheld the sight, Of water flowing freely, from a rock that looked so dry! Their thirst was quenched completely and so they didn’t die. For forty years it happened. They dined on heaven’s food. We’re told it had the flavour, according to the mood, Of everyone who tasted, the water and the bread. About two million people would drink and they were fed. We wonder why God did it. He’d sentenced them to death. So why not kill them quickly? Why let them waste their breath? But that is not the method, which God would ever choose. Forever He’s compassionate and wouldn’t hold such views. This happened in the physical, while they were on the earth. Then Jesus made His visit and spoke of second birth. He spoke of “living” water. His “body” was the bread. It may sound very strange to us, but that is what He said. His Spirit would be in us and we would overflow, In ways that only God above could understand and know. This special kind of water, we’d get from Him for free. An undeserved gift of grace, He’d grant to you and me. It never could or never would, be based on what we’d done, But only on the Master; God’s One and only Son. But people want to work for it. They think that they can earn, The gift of Christ the Saviour. Some folk will never learn. They think that by self effort they’ll get to God Most High. They keep on working desperately for somewhere in the sky. They do not want the Spirit. “It must be done my way!” Is what this kind of person will think about and say. They think that the atonement is immoral and is wrong! They think that they are good enough and they will join the throng Of those who are developing into divinity. That Jesus Christ was just a man Who looks like you and me. They’re on their way to godhood. Religion’s all the same; That we are fundamentalists and that our silly claim, That Jesus Christ is God most High. They say it is “hate speech”. That all the “god’s” are equal and all within our reach. But they have been deluded by, humanistic aims. And so refuse to tolerate God’s realistic claims. So what is the solution? What can God’s people do? Let God’s Holy Spirit speak from deep inside of you! Jim Strickland – Written Friday 10th February 2012

SAUL’S FALL

Time with Jesus - Thursday, 09 February 2012

Hi all,

There’s something tragic about the death of King Saul. He had been an impressive young man, standing head and shoulders above most of his countrymen. * He was handsome, strong and modest. He was just what the people wanted. They demanded a king like the surrounding nations.

Samuel went to God and apologetically “told” God, the people didn’t want Him as their king. They wanted someone they could see and follow. Samuel had warned them what would happen if they insisted on making Saul their king. God consented. But even as I read God’s consent, I get the feeling that He was saying something like, “They want a king? Try this one for size.”

Moses had told them that one day that God would grant them a king. He would be from the tribe of Judah. It seems likely that God had already started making preparations for David. God’s only begotten Son would someday be called the Son of David. But the people couldn‘t wait for God’s timing. It’s rather like an advert that used to be on TV. “I want it and I want it now!” They were impatient. They sowed impatience and reaped an impatient man.

For forty years, Saul was on the throne. For most of these years, Saul treated the people much as Samuel warned them their king would behave. But it was too late. They were stuck with him.

We are told that power can drive us mad. If this is true, Saul was a good example. His fine mind crumbled. * He suffered from fits of madness, senseless jealousy and melancholy and became a periodic lunatic. In the end, desperate to hear something – anything from God, he consulted the witch of Endor. It’s interesting to record that she was the only known witch who survived his earlier attempt to rid his kingdom of idolatry and witchcraft!

Finally, he died by falling on his own sword. The Philistines beheaded his corpse and hung his body on the walls of their city. His kingdom was taken over by a red headed youngster who conquered a giant with a pebble and a slingshot. He was a Jew – descended from the tribe of Judah. In spite of all his faults, David was God’s chosen King. God saw Saul’s and David’s hearts. Saul went insane and failed. David went on to be the most loved king the Jewish people have ever known. Only those who have met King Jesus know a better King.

Today’s meditation looks at the fall of Saul and the implications for people today.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

* Some of the information was taken from “Who’s Who in the Bible” by Frank S Mead. A Spire book printed and published in 1976 by Pyramid Publications, for Fleming H Revel Company. Copyright © 1934 by Harper & Brothers. Renewed by Frank S Mead in 1961

Saul’s Fall

King Saul was a Benjamite. A son of Kish was he. The people had selected him. His genealogy, Disqualified from kingship, this tall and handsome man. But when the people wanted him, God told them, “Yes you can!” But it was a disaster. He set off rather well. But when he did a task that God reserved for Samuel, The kingdom was torn from him. He’d broken God’s command; And he was on the downward slope to losing all his land. Of course he didn’t abdicate. He tried to carry on. But in the fullness of the time, his kingly power was gone. His final act was played out, when He went to Endor. He went to see the local witch, to hear from her, his score. She conjured up a person who looked like Samuel. Who said his days were over. Today was his death knell. He’d die next day in battle, along with all his sons. The Philistines would win the day; his army’s day was done. And this is just what happened. Saul’s reign was at an end. This king was going to the grave. Too late to make amends. The Bible makes it very clear, one day we all shall be, Taken to a lifeless grave; the dead can’t hear or see. The grave takes all men captive; and they will be at rest, Waiting for the day they will arise at Christ’s behest. Until our certain ending, the best thing we can do, Is anything that comes to hand, to challenge me or you! There in the silence of the grave, each one of us must wait, Until the Master comes again. That’s when we’ll hear our fate. Christian “believers” will arise to their reward. Those who have resisted Him shall perish by His sword. But what about the “others”. Those who are unprepared? The Word of God tells plainly, they too will not be spared. They’ll join the unbelievers and share their frightful lot. It is the judgement’s sentence. Like it or like it not! I wish that I could change it. I wish I could repent, For those who thought God’s judgement, for them just wasn’t meant. But I have no authority. The Lord God has it all. I’d love to tell all nations the outcome of the fall. I’d love to take them with me. I wish that I could share, The love of the Lord Jesus for sinners everywhere. Jim Strickland – Written 9th February 2012