CHAPTER 12
LUKE WARM:
LIFE-CHANGING MERCY
“... God said to Moses, “I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.” So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it...” (Romans 9:14-16 NLT). “...HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). God is“... RICH IN MERCY…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). (Isaiah 63:9 NASB). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).
*
Issachar hadn’t preached or taught anything since last year it was almost April and they wanted him to bring the Easter message. He’d been keeping a journal, which he started in REHAB. What should he preach about?
Miraculously, his doppelganger, David Anderson was dead and so was his wife, Sheila Anderson. The accident had changed him and Broad Street no longer appealed to his appetites. Why had God given him a fresh start? Who does that?
He and Virtuous were talking and connecting again or maybe for the first time, ever. She’d even let him kiss her on the lips the other day, but he’d hurt her really bad and she was a slow thaw. Nonetheless, for some reason, she had shown and was still showing him nothing but kindness
Issachar had sent her through many problems. She’d SUFFERED from some serious heart-break and he wasn’t worthy of her. He was surprised and grateful she was still with him. Why did she bother?
Both as Issachar L Warm and David Anderson he’d been OUT of control, disrupted her life, negated her feelings, and turned her dreams UPSIDE down. I don’t deserve to even be in her presence.
He’d caused his wife GREAT harm. His behavior had IMPACTED her spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally life, but she took “good” care of him anyway.
Issachar faced his mistakes, wrongs, asinine behaviors, and his inflexible pride, stubbornness, and rebellion, but it was hard to face what he’d done to Virty. If she left him he wouldn’t blame her.
In addition, it was hard to face what he’d done to the church body. The only thing he’d done genuinely was play an active role as a parent. He provided for them. He protected them. He disciplined them. He was dependable when it came to their sports games, recitals, and any other school events. He tried his hardest to plan his ministry trips around his family and not the other way around.
During last Christmas, together, his children told him how they appreciated how he stuck with them through thick and thin. They liked how he got involved with their many shenanigans, showed compassion, valued their mother, was empathetic through their awkward stages, expressed his love, and demonstrated his care. I don’t deserve their love or praise either.
Plus, he felt a tinge of guilt when they said he’d valued their mother, but Virty had NEVER told them different. She felt a good father made a difference in a child’s life. Issachar did fatherhood well. He was a pillar of strength, support, happiness for their children. In spite of all the negative things she knew and had experienced with Issachar, he WAS a good father.
He had been a lost soul for most of their marriage, their family life, and his private life. Now Jesus had come into his life to SEEK and SAVE “...that which was lost...,” which was Issachar. As he read the words he’d read so many times before, they became MORE than words, but LIFE. “…[God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus].... came to seek and to save THAT WHICH WAS LOST…” (Luke 19:10 KJV). “ ...receive the word (Jesus) implanted, which is able to SAVE YOUR SOULS….” (James 1:21 NASB).
“…What shall it profit a man (woman), if he (she) shall gain the whole world, and lose his (her) own soul (LIFE, person)?...” (Mark 8:36 KJV). “...And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life (soul, person)...” (Job 2:6 KJV). “...you must spare his life..." (Job 2:6 NIV).
The SOUL, Issachar, was learning was who he was or that immaterial part of him. It is the SOUL that is SAVED and set free. The bible says: “…a man's (woman’s) life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he (she) possesseth…” (Luke 12:15 KJV).
When Issachar surrendered and accepted Christ as his Savior, he didn’t think he’d be interested in Christianity any more. Why was God interested in a USER LOSER like him anyway?
Issachar had only come to the Christian faith for its RICHES and ADVANTAGES. He was “NO” Job. “...Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face...” (Job 1:7-12 NIV).
Job had a genuine heart for God and he OPENLY expressed his opinion about his personal “trials and tribulations”. “…Shall we (God’s children) accept good from God, and not trouble?...” (Job 2:10 NIV). Many of God’s people can say: “…‘We’ve GIVEN up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).
It seemed, to Issachar, that no MATTER what was LOST or GAINED, God’s children continue to LOVE and TRUST HIM will ALL THEIR SOUL. “…[They are to] ...love the Lord [their] ...God with all [their] ...heart and with all [their]... soul and with all your strength and with all your mind…” (Luke 10:27 KJV).
Virty said, she knew, through it all, “…he [God, the Holy Spirit would remain]... faithful, for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). The bible says: “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).
“…[Thus,]...a man's (woman’s) life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he (she) possesseth…” (Luke 12:15 KJV). “…Anyone who wants to be [God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus’]... follower must love [him] far more than he (she) does his (her) own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters—yes, more than his (her) own life —otherwise he (she) cannot be my disciple...” (Luke 14:26 NLT). “.. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever...” (1 John 2:16-17 NLT).
Amazingly, King David said: “... I desire you more than anything on earth...” (Psalm 73:23-26 NLT). “….everything else (people you treasure, material wealth, the earthen vessel, etc.,) is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [God’s children’s]… Lord...” (Philippians 3:8 NLT). “...I ...belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever...” (Psalm 73:23-26 NLT). “...Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none [and nothing].... upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever...” (Psalm 73:25-26 KJV). “... I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you...” (Psalm 16:2 NLT).
Virty had experienced so much with him and life period, but she STAYED dependent upon God through them ALL. She said she’d struggled like any other human being, but eventually she would come to a place of rest, because she believed her LIFE was SAFE in God’s hands. “…I have learned to be CONTENT whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV).
“… I can do (be CONTENT in the midst of) all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “… The Lord is my shepherd; I SHALL not want. … …” (Psalms 23 KJV). “…All things [are NOT good, but they]... work together for GOOD to them that LOVE GOD, to them who are THE CALLED to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV). “….all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come…” (Job 14:14 KJV).
“…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [his children’s need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “[God] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (2 Corinthians 12 NLT).
“...Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?...” (Matthew 16:25-26 MSG). “...For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?...” (Matthew 16:25-26 NIV).
Satan told God, the Holy Spirit: “…strike everything [Job]... has, and he will surely curse you to your face?…” (Job 1:7-12 NIV). I am no job.
Virty said God may have allowed adversity into her life, but HE wasn’t trying to HURT her or HARM her. “…the faithful followers of the Lord … keep their promises even when it hurts…” (Psalm 15:4 NLT).
“...The steps of a good man (woman) are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his (her) way” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “..though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). Satan “…intended to harm, but God intended it for ...good...” Genesis 50:20 NIV).
“…The plans [God has]…for [his children are]… plans to prosper [them] and not to harm [them]...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Love does NO HARM to his neighbor …” (Romans 13:10 NASB). “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man (woman), the things which God hath prepared for them that love him...” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV).
Virty didn’t always like the journey, but she knew God was allowing her to be tested. He was also disciplining some of her lingering, unrighteous behavior. “...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV). “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV).
Virty LEARNED to PRAY. God, the Holy Spirit SAYS: “….call upon me …and pray unto me and I will [LISTEN] unto you…” (Jeremiah 29:12-13 KJV). “...I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you...” (Hosea 14:5-9 NASB).
Virty LEARNED to be CONTENT and PATIENT while she WAITED on God’s PERFECT timing. “… [So]...let patience have her perfect (maturing) work, that [God’s people] may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing...” (James 1:2-6 KJV). “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV).
“...He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust...” (Psalm 91 KJV).
“...God is the strength of [his people’s]... heart, and [their]... portion for ever...” (Psalm 73:25-26 KJV).
“...Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler...” (Psalm 91 KJV).
God will “…never leave nor forsake you… …” (Hebrews 13:5).
King David was becoming Issachar’s favorite biblical character. “... I (King David) said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you...” (Psalm 16:2 NLT). “...Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none [and nothing].... upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever...” (Psalm 73:25-26 KJV).
King David expressed that HIS LIFE and his WHOLE WORLD was made up of and attached to God, the Holy Spirit, who was his PORTION. “... my portion for ever...” (Psalm 73:25-26 KJV).
After all he’d done, God, the Holy Spirit, was King David’s INHERITANCE. God through Jesus GIVES each of his children, which included Issachar now, “this” INHERITANCE, equally. “… [Everyone] … who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT). Why would he give to me? I’ve been a wretched, pathetic thief, phony, and a stubborn hypocrite.
God through Jesus Christ was also Issachar’s INHERITANCE. Undeservingly he’d been GIVEN “ALL” the RICHES of his GLORY through Jesus Christ too. “… the riches of the glory (PRESENCE, GOODNESSES, and POWER of God)…” (Colossians 1:27 NASB).
For years Issachar STOLE and tried to STEAL God’s RICHES, when God gave them to his children for FREE.
Issachar went after the WRONG part of God’s RICHES. He’d discovered, there is “... the riches of His grace...” (Ephesians 1:7-8 NASB). “…He is “SO” RICH in kindness…” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT). “…the riches of his glorious inheritance (bountiful spiritual blessings)…” (Ephesian 1:18 NIV). “... RICH IN MERCY (debt of sin, paid in full)…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). (Isaiah 63:9 NASB).“… the riches…of [God’s]….wisdom and … [revelation]...knowledge…” (Roman 11:33-34). “…He is “SO” RICH ...that he purchased [mankind’s]... freedom [from sin]...with the blood of his Son and forgave [“all” their]... sins…” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT). “... the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering...” (Romans 2:4 ASV). “… HIDDEN RICHES of SECRET PLACES…” (ISAIAH 45:3). “…[God] …will generously (RICHLY) PROVIDE all … [mankind’s] need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).
God is the SOURCE of RICHES and FREELY supplies ALL his people’s NEED. “…My God WILL SUPPLY ALL [your need]… according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…The LORD will perfect (take care of) that which concerneth [his people]…” (PSALM 138:8). God’s children, no matter what they lose, while upon earth, are NEVER destitute.
Issachar had treasured his pride, his stubbornness, his rebellions, his WAY, and his self-invented Christianity. NONE of those things were EVER as VALUABLE as the inheritance he’d received through Jesus Christ, who was now WITHIN his heart. “...My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever...” (Psalm 73:25-26 KJV). “...Every good thing I have comes from you...” (Psalm 16:2 NLT). “... the riches of His grace...” (Ephesians 1:7-8 NASB). God is“... RICH IN MERCY…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV).
Issachar THOUGHT: I know what my Easter sermon will be about...GOD’S MERCY.
No comments:
Post a Comment