Tag: 1 Kings 20

An Unapologetic Apologetic

Today’s reading from Isaiah 63:15-66:24 unveils a profound narrative where God appeals to His people, calling them out of their rebellion and into a relationship with Him. This passage vividly illustrates how God reaches out, not just through spiritual means, but through a comprehensive appeal that encompasses historical, scientific, and logical evidence, all of which testify to His reality and truth.

One common critique against Christianity is the perceived lack of proof. However, Christianity uniquely offers robust evidence across various disciplines. Spiritually, God engages with us through personal experiences and transformations, as seen in the heartfelt plea in Isaiah 63:15: “Look down from heaven and see, from your holy and beautiful habitation. Where are your zeal and your might? The stirring of your inner parts and your compassion are held back from me” (ESV). This verse reflects a deep yearning for God’s presence, a spiritual appeal that resonates with our intrinsic need for divine connection.

Historically, Christianity stands on firm ground. The events recorded in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament, are corroborated by external historical records. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are well-documented events that provide a historical foundation for our faith. The consistency of these records with other historical accounts strengthens the credibility of Christianity’s claims.

Scientifically, the intricacies of creation echo the existence of an intelligent Designer. The order and complexity of the universe, from the fine-tuning of physical constants to the intricacies of biological systems, align with the biblical account of a purposeful creation. Isaiah 66:1-2 says, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool… All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord” (ESV). These verses remind us that the natural world is a testament to God’s creative power.

Logically, the coherence of the Christian worldview offers the best explanation for the world we see around us. Christianity provides answers to life’s fundamental questions: the origin of the universe, the nature of humanity, the basis for morality, and the hope for the future. Isaiah 65:17-18 speaks of the new heavens and a new earth, a future hope that gives meaning and purpose to our present lives.

Despite these compelling evidences, many still refuse to see God. Isaiah addresses this rebellion, depicting a people who are obstinate and resistant to God’s call. Isaiah 65:2 poignantly states, “All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices” (ESV). This verse captures God’s persistent appeal and humanity’s stubborn rejection.

As we reflect on today’s reading, let us recognize that God’s call is multifaceted. He appeals to us spiritually, historically, scientifically, and logically, providing ample evidence of His existence and love. May we not be like the rebellious people described in Isaiah, but rather, may we open our hearts and minds to the overwhelming evidence of God’s reality and respond to His call with faith and obedience. In doing so, we embrace an unapologetic apologetic, confidently and assertively proclaiming the truth of our faith.

Is Affirmation the Same Thing as Friendship?

2 Chronicles 18:1-8 tells the story of a synergy between the two halves of the divided kingdom of Israel. With Judah’s upright and Godly King Jehoshaphat and Israel’s wayward and hapless King Ahab meeting as the latter asks the former to aid him in recovering territory lost to an enemy nation. Jehoshaphat quickly agrees to help his former countryman, but insists that they seek the Lord’s guidance.

Ahab agrees and has a swarm of yes men… er…. “prophets” speak into the situation. And wouldn’t you know it; they all think Ahab is making a solid move and that he should totally do it! But Jehoshaphat’s Spidey senses start tingling and he says, “Now hold up a second, cowboy… are any of your prophets going to actually… you know… ask the LORD about this?”

Ahab’s response is next-level. He says, essentially, yeah… there’s one more guy, but I don’t like him! He’s always got bad news. Of course maybe if Ahab was trying to seek the Lord rather than serve his own interests maybe God wouldn’t constantly be shutting him down?

All that to say this one small, simple thing: it is not difficult to find people who will tell you what you want to hear. In fact, we have made quite a virtue out of “affirmation” these last number of years! But that is NOT always what you need to hear! Sometimes what you need is affirmation, but sometimes what you need to hear is rebuke! If none of your friends is willing to say hard things to you, you need better friends!

Go find a friend who is willing to tell you that you’re off base.

Of be a friends who is willing to tell someone that they’re off base.

God in the Chaos?

After embarrassing the prophets of Baal, the king’s wife — Jezebel — swears out a death sentence against Elijah. And so he fled. God sustained him through the journey and brought him to Mt Sinai. Then we have the famous story of Elijah’s experience of the wind and earthquake and fire, but God was not in any of those. Rather He was in the quiet whisper that followed.

My takeaway is this: God is always God. Even in the chaos and noise. Never stop trusting in Him and holding fast to the Rock of our salvation. BUT if you want to hear from God, to get direction from God, to be led by God… don’t sit in the madness and wait for Him to shout over all the distractions and turmoil and bedlam. Find a moment of silence to seek the Lord and listen purposefully to Him without the distractions competing DIRECTLY for your attention. Consider this story about the mother of John & Charles Wesley, via Sharon Glasgow:

When Susanna was young, she promised the Lord that for every hour she spent in entertainment, she would give to Him in prayer and in the Word. Taking care of the house and raising so many kids made this commitment nearly impossible to fulfill. She had no time for entertainment or long hours in prayer! She worked the gardens, milked the cow, schooled the children and managed the entire house herself. So, she decided to instead give the Lord two hours a day in prayer!

She struggled to find a secret place to get away with Him. So she advised her children that when they saw her with her apron over her head, that meant she was in prayer and couldn’t be disturbed. She was devoted to her walk with Christ, praying for her children and knowledge in the Word no matter how hard life was.

If she can do it. You can do it, too. Let’s be intentional about finding time for God!