THE LORD’S PRAYER
AS GIVEN TO US
AT THE FIRST CHURCH OF FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE
BY
Rev. Ron Allen
MESSAGES AS GIVEN BY PASTOR RON ALLEN TO THE FIRST CHURCH OF FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE, EDMONTON, ALBERTA, IN THE SPRING OF 2001
PORTION’S TITLED "THY WILL BE DONE" AND "AMEN" WERE PREPARED AND PRESENTED BY PETER HELTEN IN THE ABSENCE OF REV. ALLEN
OUR FATHER
Obviously Jesus wanted us to know God as Our Father. Over 1700 times the word father is used in scripture, notably only 257 times as in a reference to God as Father, and almost all of those in the New Testament.
The other, in Isaiah 63:16 - "You oh Lord are our Father, our Redeemer, from everlasting is Your name".
The scripture refers to God as Creator, Judge, King, the Eternal God, the God of Hosts, the Holy One of Israel, the Mighty God; but none of these have the warmth, the feeling, the understanding, of Father. Titles can be cold, formal and unapproachable. Kirbyjohn Caldwell, president Bush’s Texas pastor; speaking at the Church leader’s Inst. at the Crystal Cathedral, emphasized the value of relationships. He shared the meaning of MENTOR. We all need MENTORS in our lives. He defined MENTOR as Meeting Every Need Through Our Relationships. Jesus was offering each of us such value in our knowing God as Father through relationship.
One great quality of the "Our Father" relationship is given in Mark, Romans and Galatians. There you find the term, "Abba Father". Speaking to the deep involvement Jesus had at the time of the approaching crucifixion. Oswald Chambers says, "Are you willing to be offered for the work of the faithful and to have your life’s blood poured out as a libation (an offering)? Are you to become no more than a "drop in the bucket" ... to be hopelessly insignificant? Are you willing to spend and be spent; not seeking to be ministered to, but to minister? Some saints can’t do menial work and remain saints." (from My Utmost For His Highest.)
Romans 8:15-16, also Galatians 4:6 use the term "Abba Father". In every connection it implies a quality of a strong meaningful relationship to assist us in our painful and difficult areas. It brings home the awesome, endearing relationship that we are sons and not servants!
In the story of the prodigal son, God brings to our attention the value of Our Father. We witness the return of the prodigal from his rebellious time to his father. Who runs out to meet him and to clutch him to himself. Over the next few hours he presents him spotless, honored and as his own. The family signet ring is on his finger. He is not a servant, but a son. It is at such a time that the son’s emotions reach out to a new high … that of "abba father". Are you reaching out to Abba Father? John 1:12, "But as many as received Him, to them gave he the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name". I can call Him "Abba Father", let us praise Him, I am a son, not a servant.
OUR FATHER "IN HEAVEN"
Look at the word Heaven as an acrostic:
|
Home,
Everlasting, All things made new. Verily, truthfully, then Everyone and lastly N for Now. |
I’m mindful of many times during our childhood, that one of us kids would invite a pal home to lunch or supper. It was as though we took for granted that our home was the hospitality centre for the community. Dad or Mum never seemed to mind placing another plate or two on the table. Jesus, when He prayed in the Lord’s Prayer, saying "Our Father in Heaven" was acknowledging that we too would be recognized as sons of God! The "our" is such an encompassing, accepting kind of word!! Think for a moment… Heaven was His home and He was welcoming us; literally, inviting us to His home.
No wonder there are so many songs about Heaven: It’s like we’re "going home". Think of the words "Beyond the Sunset, oh blissful morning when with our Savior, Heaven is begun… in that fair homeland; we’ll know no parting" Another hymn comes to mind; "When the roll is called up yonder". . . when the chosen ones shall gather, to their home beyond the skies.
Almost every memorial Service, I read the words of John 14:2, and share the words of Jesus, "I go to prepare a place for you."
Heaven means Home. Heaven means Everlasting Life. Jesus in the Lord’s Prayer is saying "Welcome Home"! Welcome Home to Everlasting Life. Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy 1:16 of those who are going to believe in Him for Everlasting life. Jesus also said "very assuredly, I tell you, he who believes in me and my Father who sent me has everlasting life John 5:24. Heaven offers so much; a Home, Everlasting Life and of All things New. The "Our Father in Heaven" includes All Things New. Paul, in Colossians 1:3-5, "We give thanks to the Father always for you… for the hope laid up for you." Jesus, in Revelation, speaking of heaven says "I make all things New. No more sorrow, tears, death, all things New"!
Our Father in Heaven: H for Home; E for Everlasting; A, for all things new. V means Verily, as in truthfully. Verily, Verily. He that believes in me and the Father who sent me, has everlasting life. Truthfully!
The artist Bill Zdinak tells of a disastrous period in his life in the book, "His Mysterious Ways". His painting career had become very successful, having contracts with well-known firms in North America. But little time for God! He tells of a summer he accepted an invitation to a fishing trip in the Canadian wilderness. Strangely, while taking a shower, a faulty tap and shower door almost did him in. He was scalded so bad, plus injured on exiting in a rush through a broken glass shower door, that he ended up in hospital. Two years were required for recovery, and even then his hands returned to only partial ability.
Would he ever successfully paint again? His church was having an art show and asked if he would be able to contribute. He said half heartedly “yes”, but after trying he threw his brushes down in disgust! As he did so, a flash of light filled the room, and a picture formed in his mind. It was the face of Jesus with tiny faces of adults from every nation of the world within it. He says, “I began to paint, without missing a stroke; 15 hours of frenzied painting and it was done. A painting like I’d never done in my life! As people look at it today, their lives are changed. I have not taken any proceeds from the picture. It was the handiwork of God. Bill has discovered the "verily, verily" of God is true and begins Now!
Follow the Verily with E for Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself. 1 John 3:3. Did you get that?? There was a time when I read that verse to say, "because I’m a believer in Christ, I’ll strive to live a more pure life." It does not mean that at all. It says, "Because I believe I have been made pure in Christ… by Christ". Then the beauty of this truth, "Our Father in Heaven" is that I can count on the relationship being confirmed. NOW! The last letter in HEAVEN... "N", meaning NOW!
Hebrews 4:14-16, "seeing then that we have (Now) a great high priest (Jesus) let us come boldly to the throne of grace and experience mercy and find grace. Now! Heaven my Home, my Home Everlasting, All things new, Verily, Everyone’s hope, Now.
HALLOWED BE THY NAME
"Hallowed" to honor, as sacred, to regard as holy. Note: as the "Sabbath" in Jeremiah 17:22 and Jeremiah 17:24. Also as in Aaron’s robes and accessories in Exodus 29:29-31. Even the "50th" year as a time of forgiveness and liberty.
"Name" what is "His" name? As in Hallowed be Thy "Name."
Is it God? As spoken numerous times. Is it Lord God? God Most High? Genesis 1:4 the Everlasting God of Genesis 21:33 or maybe God Almighty found in Genesis 28:3? Maybe it’s the, I AM of Exodus 3:14! Possibly, just simply Lord as in Exodus 6:3 or even Eternal God from Deuteronomy 33:2. Possibly Holy One of Israel from Isaiah 43:3. Jeremiah 32:8 calls Him the Mighty God, while in 1 Timothy 6:15, Paul says Sovereign. The Stone of Israel and the Shepherd Genesis 49:24 commonly and universally, God is thought of as God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The Lord’s Prayer suggests we call Him simply "Father". Looking back to Aaron’s time we see where everything that he was required to do in worship involved the "hallowed" aspect. His clothes required the act of being hallowed; his accessories; the tabernacle itself. It was a hallowed people, place and thing.
Ancient Times leads us to believe that the person’s name was involved as an influence upon the bearer, his character, his qualities, even in the use of his name could carry implications. The Prayer of Jabez book brings this truth home to the reader. Jabez - meaning to be born in severe pain. This thought carries over in saying the name of God.
It was not permissible to say the name of God, as God had given it to Moses. He simply called Him Jehovah.
However, when we come to the New Testament times, Jesus has no rigorous requirements involved in worship. No difficult or involved procedures as in Leviticus. Jesus emphasized the practice of the heart, of love, justice and mutual forgiveness. In fact He said, "Only the ones who do the will of my Father will enter Heaven". From that, I’d say it was important to know the will of the Father in Heaven.
Jesus wants you in Heaven. God wants you in Heaven. The Holy Spirit is, moment by moment, urging us to be there! 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is patient towards you; not willing that any perish; but for all to come to repentance." Jesus, immediately prior to His ascension, speaking to the disciples, said, "The scripture was written, that Christ would suffer, rise from the dead after three days and then repentance for forgiveness of sins would be preached to the whole world. Behold! I’m sending you forth!" Paul urges us to "glorify the Father" 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Paul says "Christ became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God".
Today, I stand before you in Christ as the righteousness of God. You stand before me in Christ, the same way. That is # 1, the best way we can hallow or honor His Name.
I hallow His name as one of His family. I read a story this week of a translator in China; as he worked for two weeks steadfastly on translation. Then he came to the Missionary and said, "What a book. It tells me exactly about myself. The One who wrote this book must have made me!"
Hallowed Be His Name!
THY KINGDOM COME
"Thy Kingdom Come". This thought was indeed already known well to Jesus. One of the prayers he learned as a child, the Kaddish, begins "Magnified and holy be Thy name and let Thy kingdom rule be established in our day."
We must realize that the petition of the "Coming kingdom" is the central theme of Jesus prayer. The new order of things; when God alone will reign. He encouraged them to look forward to it and to live for it. Be mindful of His words, "seek, first the Kingdom of God".
We are mindful of Palm Sunday. The "crown Him King of Kings" concept; the "let's set up the Kingdom" idea. But it was not yet time! I look at Revelations 4:11 and the words, "You are worthy, O Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things and by You all things were created and have their being."
Edward Perronet (1726-1792) wrote the noted hymn, "All hail the power of Jesus name." Listen to verse 1 "Bring forth the royal diadem and crown him Lord of all." Edward’s deep faith came from a French Huguenot family; who fled for their lives from France to Switzerland, then on to England. Some years later Edward found himself in ministry with the Wesley brothers. He chose to respond to the call of the hope and to the message of the Kingdom, to follow Christ the King!
Music and the song’s message have a way of impressing us. The hymn "Lead on O King Eternal". The thing that reaches out to the church, to the body of Christ and to the world; is that the Kingdom will be set up! The King will be crowned and we will receive our Heavenly citizenship, displaying the Royal seal.
Let me take you back almost two hundred years ago to the Cannibal Islands, as some called them. The story is told of a Tonga war canoe that made it’s way some two hundred and fifty miles across the sea to Fiji. Fiji had already been influenced by Christianity, but the Tongas remained totally savage! As the war canoe approached Fiji there was a great fear. However the Tongas had not come to kill, but to get a copy of the "black book"; that they had heard the Fijians had. A missionary returned with the canoe, as well as a black book, which they would not have been able to read anyway! By the year 1862, King George of the Islands gathered some five thousand residents from Tonga, Samoa and Fiji in a grand declaration. The King, who had been a cannibal, now declared his faith and his country Christian.
The crowd now echoed the words of the hymn in their own language, "Jesus shall reign where’re the sun. doth it’s successive journey run." LORD, LET THY KINGDOM COME.
The Lord’s Prayer thrusts upon us the secret of success to the coming kingdom. It is found in the next line to the prayer, "Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven." It confirms that, "God’s will is completed in full… there."
Paul details in Ephesians 6:12 why we have so much trouble putting into effect the realities of the coming kingdom today, "We wrestle against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age; against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavens; take on the whole armor of God".
Some churches no longer sing, Onward Christian Soldiers. In fact, the hymn is removed from many hymnals. But the war continues. Look at the struggles around us when Christ tries to be found in politics? When Christ tries to get into school with the Lord’s Prayer; look at the rampant divorce situations, the great growth in addictions, in teen-age crime etc. We truly do wrestle against the powers of darkness. I cry out for a suffering humanity; a hurting world, "Let Thy kingdom come."
THY WILL BE DONE
What is God’s will for me? What does He want me to do in a particular situation? This is a question I probably hear the most from new believers as well as those that have been part of the body of Christ for a while. We must all make decisions about our families, our jobs, our homes, money, the use of our time, etc. So how do we know?
I believe there are a number of principles we can follow that can guide us. In fact God promises to guide us, and also says, when He guides us, we’ll recognize it (Psalms 32:8 & John 10:3-4). He longs for us to discover His will (Ephesians 2:10). We must simply remember that God has a God plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11 & Romans 12:2). We need to consult God before making major decisions (Isaiah 30:1-2) and always know that Jesus is our supreme example (Luke 4:1 & John 5:19). Our attitude also needs to be one of humility and fear of the Lord (Psalms 25:9 & Psalms 14:1-7).
How do we discern God’s will? The Alpha course gives five different methods by which we can approach this question. I have one more to add. They all have the same acrostic: CS (Commanding Scripture, Compelling Spirit, Common Sense, Counsel of the Saints, Circumstantial Signs, and Character of the Supreme).
Commanding Scripture:
Be assured that God’s general will is revealed in the Bible. He will not lead us to do anything contrary to His word. However, His will is always clear from scripture (Psalms 119:105, Psalms 119:130-133).
Compelling Spirit:
Jesus indicated that His sheep will know His voice (John 10:2-5) and that He will lead them (Acts 16:7). God often speaks to us as we pray (Acts 13:1-3). He gives the good though, very strong impression as to directions & certain feelings the Holy Spirit brings forth. These all need to be tested by these questions; Is it loving? (1 Corinthians 14:3). Does it bring the peace of God? (Colossians 3:15). He sometimes gives us a strong desire to do something (Philippians 2:13). Sometimes we are guided in more unusual ways, such as prophecy, dreams, visions, angels, or an audible voice.
Common Sense:
John Stott – God’s promises of guidance were not given to us to save us the problem of thinking (Psalms 32:9 & 2 Timothy 2:7).
Counsel of the Saints:
Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 15:22 & Proverbs 20:18. We should get input when faced with major decisions. The only thing that keeps us from getting it, is usually pride. We can go into a whole series of messages on that alone. Just suffice it to say, that seeking counsel of the godly men and women around us will create more of a spirit of humility in us and not a spirit of dependence. Just remember that the decisions are our responsibility. Don’t choose people based on agreement, but make your choice based upon spiritual authority.
Circumstantial Signs:
Proverbs 16:9. Sometimes God closes doors (Acts 16:7) and sometimes He opens them (1 Corinthians 16:9). Watch the circumstances but don’t put too much weight on them.
Character of the Supreme:
We have been called to be Christ-like. Through studying commanding scripture, by listening to the compelling spirit, by using common sense, listening to the counsel of the saints, and being watchful of circumstantial signs, we become more aware of the character of the Supreme that desires that none should perish.
ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN
The Lord’s Prayer proposes an ideal Christian lifestyle. Looking around the world you realize that the six billion people, more or less, are not following the pattern of the "ideal" Christian lifestyle. Listen to the news highlights. "Eight children killed by deranged man in an elementary school in Osaka, Japan. Many others injured." Come nearer home; Calgary, and "Mother arrested for circumstances related to the death of an eighteen month old child, three month old baby also missing." Even nearer home, "Drive by shootings continue in Edmonton, this time in the Hermitage area."
Looking at this month’s Charisma magazine I am staggered by the barrage of articles noting the continuing onslaught against the church around the world. The account is there of Sister Peng, who as a Christian teenager is delivering newly printed bibles to the Henan province to Christians, only to be arrested. A stock prod is used to make her confess to "ante-government" acts. She is thrown into a cell for eight months. Left to sit, sleep etc. on a cement floor. No blankets, coats; only the same pants and tee shirt the entire time. No hygiene items, only two bowls of watered down soup per day. She managed to lead thirty-two cell-mates to Christ in the eight months.
The Charisma magazine pictures article after article of the God of Heaven being the God of Earth!
Even though the devil and his filthy, rotten, evil ways, still has access to us, we, by the Spirit of God can make choices. Pastor Shi, considered an apostle of China’s underground church, tells of a city crusade they had where so many people came, the streets were crowded and eventually closed down. The Sheriff came to arrest a bunch of them. He pointed out the ones he wanted arrested. The Sheriff’s arm remained stiff as he pointed. He could not move his feet. His soldiers took him back to his office; as he left he told the Pastor, he wanted to see him in his office. Later that day, they met him there, prayed for his deliverance, after which the Sheriff became a Christian!
Charisma this month is like reading the book of Acts. The "on earth as it is in heaven" is happening. You read about the Moluccas in Indonesia, about Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey and Iran. Everywhere, the story is repeated. In a way, I think the Lord’s Prayer and it’s "on earth as it is in heaven" takes into consideration Matthew 28:18-20. Jesus exhorted the 11 disciples (even the disciples "some doubted"). "All power is given Me in heaven AND in earth. Go teach, baptize, teach them to observe and remember, I’ll always be with you!"
COMMUNICATION can be such a problem. Do we understand this part of the Lord’s Prayer? Note the words "AS IT IS IN". Think FOR A MOMENT. It MEANS God’s will here! Today! Now! This MOMENT for you! For me! Did you get that?
The sentence structure is peculiar. Usually it is four letter words that get our attention. Not so here! Here it is four – two letter words. Note the word "as". In my dictionary the word "as" takes up twenty lines for its description. It is an adjective, a conjunction, a pronoun and a preposition. In fact, in the Lord’s Prayer it is used as a preposition and in a colloquial manner… meaning informal, due to the words "as it is". As a preposition the word construction indicates the “equality or sameness of two things”.
God affirms the ability of His peace, His power and His will being done… even as in Heaven, but only as our wills acknowledge His will is possible.
"The Lord doesn’t force us to do things, but sometimes He is very convincing." Further to this thought, Sharon Brani, writing in Billy Graham’s Decision magazine details the battle she has over "fears". Philippians 4:6-7 came to her mind. "Do not be anxious for anything. In all things by your prayers presented to God you’ll find peace beyond understanding". "I learned that my thoughts centered in certain ways would minimize my problems. I learned how, that God’s will rose to the fore and my fears no longer controlled me."
Grady Cothen, past President of the Oklahoma Baptist University, says it so well; "The freedom of humans has caused the catastrophic and tragic events that crowd the pages of history. God permits us to inherit the results!"
Because we made these choices, does not mean God is no longer in control. There will be a glorious end. Eternal life is both "eternal" and it is "life"
Captain A.B. Leggett tells how, at the end of W.W.2, while their naval ship had been tied up at the Philippines, they received orders to "head for home". All of a sudden, behind us, was Okinawa, and Iwo Jima, general alarms, the minefields, the bombers. All began to fade. We’re going home. Soon the gangplank will hit the dock and we’ll step ashore. WE’RE GOING HOME!
Then and only then, will we experience "as it is in heaven".
Wow!
GIVE ME THIS DAY
MY DAILY BREAD
Now we come to "Give me this day my daily bread". Did you ever realize that most of us in our church share one identical meal together every day. You might say we savor the appetizer; we dig into the main course then heartily finish up with dessert.
It’s called "Our Daily bread". Today the appetizer was John 14:6. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me". The main course comes with a history lesson about Alexander MacKenzie and his misguided discovery, as he anticipated the waterway to Asia, only to arrive at the Arctic. Then, of course, did you eat the dessert? "Those who put their trust in Christ are never disappointed."
OK. So that’s one way of looking at Our Daily Bread. However, is that what you are thinking when you pray "The Lord’s Prayer"? What did Jesus think when He thought "Daily bread"? Today’s’ scripture reading should help us clarify the matter.
Notice the reading today mentions Martha welcomed Jesus to her home. She was in charge. This was her place. She was concerned about the cobwebs in the corner; about the dust on the furniture, about the dinner being served attractively and on time... but Mary; she’s sitting at the feet of Jesus!
Mary, at the feet of Jesus failed to hear Martha’s repeated requests for help. Anxiously, Martha said to Jesus, "Can’t you get my sister to help out? I’m peeling the potatoes, I’m setting the table, I’m doing the roast of lamb, I’m baking the bread!!!" "Martha, Martha; I can see you are worried and troubled, but Mary has chosen the more needful part." Luke 10:42
Possibly the booklet "Our Daily bread" is more needful than we realize. Jesus reminds us in Luke 12:22-28, "Don’t worry about what you eat or wear. Life is more than either one. Consider the lilies of the field. They don’t toil or spin; yet Solomon, in all his glory, wasn’t as attractive." This past week one of the N.B.A. basketball players bought a home on the north side of L.A. for $20 million dollars! It has water slides and a pool like in Disney Land. The community was all abuzz about having this star moving in. I thought of the 600,000 refugees in Sierra Leone and of how $20 million dollars would more than feed all these people for 3 months. Daily Bread can be so complicated; depending who you are and where you are.
This past week there were a couple of times when I really felt down. The many problems, the illness of a few that had reached really tough times, the loss of a couple, the visiting, the counseling. Frankly, I was drained… almost beside myself. Then it hit me! I was hungry! Oh, not just for T-bone steak or a banana cream pie. I was hungry, like Mary, to sit at the feet of Jesus. My hunger pangs left me feeling empty. Oh, I had read several devotionals, but I needed to visit with Jesus!
I was like the two disciples who trudged along the dusty road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. The death and burial of Jesus had just happened. Now some people said his grave was empty and that He had been seen alive. Now, in fear and delusion the two walked in dismay along the six-mile journey.
Then a stranger joined them and asked why they appeared so sad. They related their story. It was Jesus who was with them, but their eyes were not allowed to perceive who He was. As they arrived at the inn, they asked Him to join them for the evening meal. He did so, and then as He blesses and broke the bread… they knew. It was Jesus!
Give us this day our daily bread! My prayer for you and my prayer for me, is that we will recognize Him; that we will include Him in "the supply" of need for every circumstance, the "bread" of daily moment by moment living. Listen to the words of the poem the Lord has given me.
I was on my way to Emmaus,
I didn’t know the Lord was near
I was on my way to Emmaus,
My heart was filled with fear
My heart was filled with fear.
My heart was filled with fear
I arrived in the town of Emmaus,
My dinner before me was spread,
I arrived in the town of Emmaus
For the breaking of the bread
I didn’t know the Lord was near.
I didn’t know the Lord was near.
Are you on the road to Emmaus?
Is your heart too, fill with fear?
Are you on the road to Emmaus?
You don’t know the Lord is near?
And you don’t know the Lord is near.
And you don’t know the Lord is near.
AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS
AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS
We are dealing with the concept of debts and debtors, sins and sinners, to trespasses and trespassers.
But notice first, the sentence starts with the conjunction "and" which closely ties the thought to the previous one, which was "give us this day our daily bread". Obviously, what I’m saying about debts and debtors is subject to the ideas presented in the previous chapter about "our daily bread". Take time to reread it.
I would conclude that Jesus felt that the spiritual and physical needs that concern us are very much related to our actions.
"And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." The message Bible of Eugene Peterson’s translation says "Keep us forgiven with You and forgiving others." The Good News Bible, in Luke, words it this way, "Forgive us our sins for we forgive everyone who does us wrong". Roland Leavell, in his commentary on Matthew, relates these words saying, "That all relationships between man and man are to be subject to the authority and direction of the King". E.F. Scott writes in his book, The Lord’s Prayer, "We must forgive in order to be forgiven; not because God repays us what we have earned, but because our wills must be in harmony with His own will. While we cherish our small resentments, there is a barrier between Him and us, and it must be broken down. Forgive those who have injured you and you can speak to God in a language He can understand." Tyndale’s commentary on Matthew words it this way, "Unless we show a forgiving spirit we cannot expect to be forgiven."
Debts and debtors, trespasses and trespassers, sins and sinners. Let us look at Isaiah 58:1, Isaiah 58:6-11. "Cry aloud. Spare not, lift up your voice like a trumpet and show my people their sins. Is not this the fast I have chosen, to loose the bondage of the wicked, to ease the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free? Is it not to give bread to the hungry, refuge to the homeless, and clothes to the needy? Then you’ll walk in the light of a new day, your health will improve and your righteousness will be apparent and God will award you with His glory. Then you’ll call out to the Lord and He will answer. Then, as you meet the needs of the hungry and the afflicted, your darkness will become as the noon day… You will be as a watered garden; as a spring that will never fail."
This past week 100 Huntley Street featured a precious, committed and loving couple from Cambodia. They miraculously lived through the "Killing Fields". God found a way, in the midst of hell on earth, to reach them with His love. Both of their families suffered dearly. Setan Lee’s family lost thirty-eight members; aunts, uncles, parents, brothers and sisters. Most of the well-to-do, educated people in the country were killed. Even if you wore glasses! One half of the population of seven million died. Rhand Lee, Setan’s wife, as a twelve year old girl, witnessed her own father being dragged to death. She was not allowed to open her mouth in anger or show any emotion re the happening, or she too would have been killed.
Rhanda and Setan now head up the largest Christian organization in Cambodia. They have churches in more than half the country. They told of last year ministering in Pol Pot village, where, mostly, everyone had been of that regime. They had been invited to come and tell about Jesus. A thousand became believers. As they gave out bags of rice to many needy people, Rhanda said, (with tears running down her cheeks) how, as she handed out bags, she looked into the eyes of some of the ones responsible for her families death! She thought of how Jesus had forgiven her, and now she could forgive these who had done so much evil to her.
Forgiveness is truly part and parcel of a committed Christian life. Any man, woman, boy or girl, who claims to walk with God, cannot allow the deceiver to stand in the way of being forgiven and forgiving!
This week, also, Huntley Street featured a woman who had served this past year in Rwanda. Along with some forty others from numerous denominations from Canada, they served as a unifying body of believers ministering to the broken relationships between tribes and villages. Over one million had died there in the rebel uprising. They gave of themselves in whatever way they could for the love of Christ. What can you do where they have all suffered broken hearts, shattered dreams, destroyed spirits and a loss of everything?
They did as Jesus did with the disciples; they washed their feet. Westerners, the men took off their ties, a typical feature of the western culture, then used them as a rag to wash the feet
Isaiah cried out, "Show my people their transgressions." We need to realize the Lord is available to guide, that He is able to guide and that He wants to guide. He says we will be like a watered garden; like a spring never failing. Imagine those qualities in the midst of a barren Israel!
The Holy Spirit is talking to us all about an area of forgiveness that needs to happen… before the peace, the joy, the presence of the Lord, can be fulfilled in our moment by moment relationship with Him. Will you give it to Him and ask Him what He wants you to do about it? To ignore it is to ignore the Lord’s leading in your life.
Studdert Kennedy’s poem, included in the book "Sons of Martha" by Beverly Ketchen, seems so fitting to close with. It deals with our indifference to Christ.
When Jesus came to Golgotha,
They hanged Him to a tree.
They drove great nails
Through His hands and feet, they made at Calvary.
They crowned Him with a crown of thorns
Red were His wounds and deep.
For those were crude and cruel days
And human flesh was cheap.
When Jesus came to Birmingham;
They only passed Him by.
They did not hurt a hair of Him;
They only let him die.
For men had grown more tender,
And they would not give Him pain.
They only passed Him in the street
And left Him in the rain
Still Jesus prayed, "Forgive them,
For they know not what they do."
And still it rained the winter rain,
That drenched Him through and through.
The crowd went home and left the street
With no one there to see,
And Jesus, couched against the wall,
"cried out for Calvary"
Did you feel that?
AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION
In studying the Lord’s Prayer these past many weeks, I am prone to agree with E.F. Scott, who, in his book entitled The Lord’s Prayer, says, "Christ made every sentence stand out by itself, so that we might try to realize how much is involved in it. It is in doing the simple things, which prove, in the end, to be unfathomable. Jesus sought to impress on us the significance of things we take for granted. His prayer, which on the face of it is so simple, is perhaps the most baffling of all known utterances." He states further, "There are phrases, which, in the prayer, would be perfectly clear in the Aramaic, but in the Greek translation, have no exact translation. There is hardly a sentence in which we are faced with this difficulty."
Frankly, I don’t think the Lord’s Prayer says what it says to us... if you know what I mean.
In contrast to what we think the Lord’s Prayer says about temptation, there are ever so many verses about temptation and how, if, when it happens, and is accepted correctly, the event can even be beneficial to the believer. Therefore, when He says "lead us not into temptation" I don’t think he said it that way, but was saying, "Lead us not to "yield" to temptation."
Let me explain. Suppose I said, "I’ll meet you over at the Royal Gardens or I’ll meet you in the Royal Gardens". Would the one not mean, just outside the door, the other inside the hall? The Lord’s Prayer is actually telling you, that the evil is not in the temptation, but in the yielding. Some of our old hymn books have the hymn, Yield Not to Temptation, in them. Remember it?
Yield not to temptation,
For yielding is sin.
Each victory will help you,
Some other to win.
Fight manfully onward.
Dark passions subdue;
Look ever to Jesus,
He’ll carry you through.
Notice, He’ll carry you through. The trouble is not in the temptation, it is in the yielding.
God allows temptation on purpose. He has done that since time’s beginning. In fact, James 1:12 says "Blessed is the one who endures temptation, for God has a special award for him". He accents that in James 1:2 as he writes, "count it joy in every way, when you face different temptations". To be subject to temptation does not mean to be submissive to temptation.
Norman Rockwell’s painting, some 50 years ago, of a little freckle faced, red headed boy, with his nose pressed against a bakery store window, eyeing the cookies, cakes and cream puffs, says what I’m trying to say. It was only one picture, but it holds a thousand words.
Yield not to temptation.
This week the Lord probably allowed you to press your nose against the devil's store window. He has so many apparent goodies! Today’s scripture from Matthew 4:6-10, tells how the devil took Jesus through repeated temptations. He knows the scripture, you’ll notice, but not how to use it correctly. He tried to deceive Jesus... Christ did not yield!
We have a mediator, who can be counted on during our times of testing; He was tried in every way, yet never sinned. Hebrews 4:15-16 in such times we can come boldly to Him for mercy. God not only allows temptation, but provides it with a purpose!
Genesis 22:1-2 tells how God tempted Abraham. "Take your son, your only son, whom you love and offer him as a love offering". Even today’s scripture, reading in Matthew 4 says, "Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to be tested of Satan." Ask the one in the military if in training, "the school of hard knocks" is a good thing? And they will reply "Yes Sir!"
The devil reaches out to every one of us about temptation. Even as lately as this morning! Did he suggest about coming to church "You were tired; you had too many other things to do; Maybe the car didn’t work, or someone else had something for you to do!" Oh, he tries ever and always to "detour" you from the will of God. Remember when Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane said to the disciples, "Pray that you don’t enter into (yield to) temptation"... and they promptly went to sleep! The devil knows our weakest link; it’s usually related to the body’s cravings and desires!
To defeat these desires we need to be rooted deeply in His word. Remember how the Sowers Parable had seed spread on the rocks? It grew, but never survived. There was "joy" for a while then if fell away… the case of so many believers. We are tempted in so many ways… our cravings: for food, money, a better car, a happier relationship, a nicer home, for chocolates, cigarettes, a drink. We crave better health, position and recognition! Yield not into temptation.
Let me tell you about farmer Joe. He decided to take a trucking firm to court for injuries received when truck ran into Joe and his mule Bessie. The firm’s lawyer said of Joe, "Didn’t you say that the scene of the accident 'you were fine?'" Joe started to talk about his mule Bessie. The lawyer said, "Answer my question." Joe once again starts to give a detailed account about the mule. The lawyer interrupts and says, "Your honor, he refuses to answer my question." However, the judge wants Joe’s story. Joe tells all the details. How the police officer arrived, saw the sad scene, the mule battered beyond recovery, lying in agony. Gun in hand, he approaches it and pulls the trigger. Similarly, still gun in hand, he walks up to Joe with his broken bones and midst his pain. He looks at Joe and says, "I just shot your mule, she was so bad off. How are you?"
The peril of circumstance often gets us into temptation but it never should make the decision that we yield to it!
And lead us not to "Yield" to temptations.
BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL
What is evil? Growing up during the depression years of the thirty’s, my older brother Bud and I probably thought "evil" was having the job of carrying out the commode (the pot) as one of our daily chores. I remember the day when all of our family were squeezed into our 1933 Chevrolet as we excitedly anticipated the 35 mile trip to Kindersley; a visit to Hawes Bakery and Ice Cream Counter, for a five cent cone and to get together with some of our friends. Then the question from mother, "Did we empty the pot?" When it was decided it was my turn I ran up the stairs to the bedrooms, poured it into the bucket and taking two steps at a time, ran down the stairs... only to fall and to spill everything on the steps, up the wall, and all over my clothes. About then, you ask me "What is evil?" What would be my reply? I had been delivered "into evil!"
What is evil? My dictionary says, "Anything morally bad or wrong. Wickedness, depravity, sin". Another definition is "anything that causes you pain, harm, misery, disaster." Also the definition goes on to say "the evil doer, the devil, Satan."
So really, when you look at the definitions, the accident on the stairs I had as a kid, could apply. But I don’t think Jesus had that in mind when He said, "deliver us from evil".
Recently many of us were reminded of the Pine Lake Disaster with the loss of many lives and so much property… Most of us would conclude that the tornado was evil, but think with me for a moment… In Luke, Jesus gives us the Lord’s Prayer, but follows it with a story of someone who had to go next door to a friend, at midnight, to borrow three loaves of bread. Unexpected company arrived from afar and had not eaten. He didn’t have enough bread so in dire straits went to his neighbor, only to have him reply, "My kids are asleep and can’t rise to get you any". Jesus goes on to say. "If a father has a request from his son for bread, will he give him a stone? If you being evil know what to do; how much more your Heavenly Father." Lord, deliver us from evil!
Last week I emphasized the "Lead us not into temptation": Especially the word "into" as meaning "Yield to" temptation. Does it come any clearer now, as to evil and to yielding to temptation? But all around us is temptation. Jesus reveals the temptation, as something we might never consider. It’s as if I display a lack of compassion or care. Notice the words the so-called friend and neighbor used, "trouble me not". In reality, "I don’t want to be troubled about the hungry."
Luke 11:13 is so true. And we know the truth hurts. Not the words, "If you then being evil". None of us really like that definition. However, more and more we are seeing that quality in evidence. The daily skirmishes between India and Pakistan. An average of two hundred killed a month over the last two years. Some northern provinces in Nigeria; establish Muslim law, where the Christian churches are being burned and the pastors killed. The rebel forces in Sierra Leon that raped and brutally maimed thousands of children and young ladies, until the United Nations forces brought about control. I don’t want to be troubled... evil is without question a reality. But the promises of God tower like a Mount Baker about the surrounding woodlands.
But deliver us from evil! You are faced with evil’s reality. Every day! But you don't have to give in to it. You and I have a choice. 1 Corinthians 10:13, God will not allow you to be tried or tested above what you can bear, and will, with the trial provide a way to escape. God assured us of His presence and provision. Note 2 Corinthians 5:21 God made Christ, who knew no sin, to become sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
THE VICTORY IS WON! Even though the words of Jesus in Luke 11:13 remind us "Even if you being evil are evil" He did something about that. Promise after promise assures us of forgiveness, eternal life and the new life in Christ now. All that is left for me to do is to choose to walk in that newness of life.
BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL. Since we, in Christ, are no longer evil, but new creations of Christ we face each moment of the day and tomorrow with the decision to "Do what Jesus would do to the glory of God".
Note Matthew 6:33. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and I will have all I need. Again I ask for each of us to ask "What is evil?" That which is not fitting to the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Thank you Lord. Deliver us from evil. Amen!
FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM,
THE POWER AND THE GLORY!
In the final page of E.F. Scott’s book, the Lord’s Prayer, he says, "The feeling of many people when they look on the sea for the first time is one of disappointment. They had expected an unlimited space to be rolled out before them. And all that meets the eye is a strip of water, no wider, to all appearances, than their inland lakes. In the same manner there are those who are disappointed in the Lord’s Prayer. But we know, the ocean extends far beyond our vision, and this prayer of Jesus likewise."
For – the tiny three-letter word that introduces today’s subject is very vital to our line of reasoning.
For: "Because". There are other meanings, but none better than "because". Or as the dictionary says of because, "On account of."
That means when you say "for" Thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory, you are saying "because" Yours is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory.
Now I want you to notice something about the Lord’s Prayer. The very same three qualities attributed to God in this last line are found in the first line.
Say the words with me, "Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name, thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done."
What did you find there? NOW NOTICE!
1. A Hallowed Name - The Glory
2. Thy Kingdom Come - The Kingdom
3. Thy will be done - The Power
This means, when I ask Him for my daily bread, when I need my forgiveness of sins, when I look forward to the Kingdom Come – my Heavenly Home, only He has the qualifications. He has the answers!
The evidence of such qualifications happened in the book of Acts, starting with Chapter one.
Jesus appeared after the resurrection to hundreds of believers during forty days. He spoke to them of the coming Kingdom (Acts 1:3).
Later, in verse Acts 1:8 we notice how they received the Power of the Holy Spirit to be witnesses. Then as He ascended up to Heaven, we sense the Power. (Acts 1:9-10)
From the evidence of Acts 1, we are led to believe that the Power, the Place (the Kingdom) and the person (the glory) of the Lord’s Prayer have become one with us; as we are one with Him.
NOW we are called to witness to such truth.
Doctor Thomas Long, a long time Professor at Princeton, and now a Professor at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta Georgia, "One’s witness is always dependent upon something else. One bears witness about something or to something. This image of a witness makes it clear that what is at stake is truth. Witness is a legal name."
He states further, "The culture needs to know the truth about God and humanity, and the witness is telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”
In conclusion, may I bring home the most valued truth of the prayer. That of relationship "The Our Father", meaning MY Father changes the "Thy Kingdom Come" to MINE is the Kingdom, MINE is the Power. MINE is the Glory.
Now. Let’s fulfill Acts 1:3. You shall be witnesses.
Thank you Jesus!
FOREVER AND EVER
Fifteen weeks ago I began the series on the Lord’s Prayer. This is the first time in almost fifty years of preaching that I have presented a series on the subject. Over this period of time I have stressed many varied concepts on what Jesus meant by what is said in the prayer. Remember how I emphasized what Kirbeyjohn Caldwell (president Bush’s hometown minister) said, as he emphasized what mentor meant?
Going on, the word "Heaven" in message two, I reminded you about the hospitality, the friendship, the welcome of Heaven. I illustrated it by reminding how that when we were children, we thought nothing of bringing a buddy home for lunch, or some form of hospitality. Jesus speaks of Heaven this way. It is spoken of as "our" place, as "our" Father and so we should feel forward rather than backward about inviting people there.
In message three; "Hallowed be Thy name." I concluded it by including a reminder to "glorify the Father". To glorify, is one way to "hallow" his name. I referred to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. There Paul reminds us that Christ became sin for us so that we can "become the righteousness of God."
With the fourth message of the series, "Thy Kingdom Come", the emphasis was on the fact that we have a King and that King has a kingdom. Note that Paul declares in Ephesians 6:12 "the time and the people of that kingdom are being established as they battle the powers of darkness; against wickedness in the heavens."
Peter addressed the next thought in the prayer, "Thy will be done." He assured us that we can know the will of God, and one verse he stressed was Ephesians 2:10. "We are the handiwork of God, created to fulfill the will of God in our lives".
The message, "On earth as it is in Heaven", was a bit of a sad one as it emphasized the present day suffering and torture happening in the body of Christ around the world today. Then I highlighted Matthew 28:18-20, the great commission of Jesus. After that I told of a Captain A.B. Leggett in World War Two, when his ship, in the midst of the battle field of the Pacific, received the message "to come home!" All of a sudden the mine fields and the bombing was left behind. So it is with heaven; when we get the message... "It is time to go home!"
Then I followed up with "Give us this day, our daily bread." I dealt with the Mary/Martha situation as they welcomed Jesus into their home... really Martha’s home! Martha was concerned about the dust on the table, among other things. Jesus is more concerned with the "dark" areas of our heart... Our "daily bread" is not only what we set on the table, but what do we nurture the heart and soul with.
The next Sunday I dealt with "lead us not into temptation". I emphasized how we interpret this verse wrongly. The "into temptation" actually means to "lead us not to yield to temptation". Temptation in the scripture is referred to often as a value in the development and strengthening of the believer.
Next we looked at "but deliver us from evil". This Sunday I illustrated how God has always provided a way 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us "God does not allow us to be tempted above what we can bear, but always allows a way to get around the evil!"
The next Sunday it was "for Thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory." I noted that the "Our Father" at the start of the Prayer assures that I’m in the family of God. In the family! I’m assured the inheritance of the Father. The "Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, the Glory", becomes "mine is the kingdom, mine is the power mine is the glory." Wow!
I’ve said all of the preceding to get you to the "forever and ever" of this message. In one of my earlier messages of the series I mentioned of only two verses in the Old Testament that mention God, the Father.
They are both in Isaiah. A favorite prophetic Christmas verse "For unto us a child is born and His name shall be Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father"... also in Isaiah "Thou oh God, You are our Father and Redeemer." Note: only two verses in the Old Testament refer to God the Father, and both speak of Him as everlasting! Isaiah 9:6 and Isaiah 63:16
Almost everything we buy today has a shelf life date, a good before a certain date, a warranty period. Our canned stuff, batteries, the car you drive or the bread at the bakery. Not so the Father: Our Father in Heaven. He has no difficulty with forever and ever. Revelations 22:3 "There shall be no more curse." When the sin came into the Garden of Eden, so did the curse; so did dying! Revelations 21:4-5 tells us "God shall wipe away all tears. There shall be no more death; no more sorrow, no more crying, no more pain. Behold, I make all things new." John couldn’t believe his ears. The Lord had to remind him as he sat there in a daze, "Write for this is the truth". The wonderful writings of Revelations continue as John describes the Heavenly surroundings. The Lord had to continue to assure John of its beauty and purity. In verse Revelations 22:6 "these things I say to you are faithful and true." Then I really love the Revelations 22:5th verse, which tells us "the Lord shall reign forever and ever."
Recently, Firestone has gone through an unprecedented recall of millions and millions of tires. Faulty tread, no lasting value! God the everlasting Father, does not have that problem.
Even as John had trouble believing what he was hearing and God had to remind him, "John, write it down: for this is faithful and true."
"Moment by moment," As a friend had said I don’t like the hymn "I Need Thee Every Hour", very well; as I’ve found I need Him moment by moment. In verse 1 Whittle says, "living with Jesus… a new life divine." The "forever and ever" part has begun for you already. The moment you said, I believe. I accept the finished work of Calvary for my sin, is the trigger that places God’s forever and ever into place. There is no expiry date! Have you got it?
AMEN
In the past 16 weeks in our study of the Lord’s Prayer, much has been revealed to us. We’ve learned of God’s majesty in the heavens, His holiness, of His kingdom that He is growing here on earth, of His will for us, of His power of provision and His heart of forgiveness, and about His empowering nature when God is actively at work in our lives. This leaves us one final word to look at, AMEN.
The Oxford Companion to the Bible defines Amen as "a Hebrew word meaning certainly or may it be so." It appears 27 times in the Old Testament and 51 times in the New Testament. Today, we’re going to examine a few of the instances where it appears, their context and how we normally use Amen.
The first instance is in Deuteronomy 27:15-26. Amen is used 12 times as Moses is giving a portion of the law to the people of Israel. As Moses was giving each law and its penalty, the people responded "Amen", giving an air of AGREEMENT. There was a unity amongst them all. They voiced their agreement together that these laws were right and just and they were prepared to abide by them. They knew of his love then in very tangible ways after their deliverance from Egypt. They saw the Red Sea parted, the presence of God as a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day, and His provision in the wilderness. They knew His love and trusted Him implicitly.
The next occurrence we should examine is in Psalms 41:13, "Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen." It is surrounded by an attitude of beauty and awe, praise and thanksgiving. A closing benediction with a sense of the eternal hope that is found only in God, filled with joy and assurance.
Finally, although it does not appear in any of our English Translations of the Bible, Jesus used Amen and Amen, Amen not as a closing response but as an opening affirmation of the validity and seriousness of what follows. It is translated for us as follows: Verily, Verily (KJV); Truly (NRSV) and I tell you the truth (NIV). It makes a solemn claim about Jesus’ authority about these things.
When we use the word Amen in our daily lives it is usually in prayer. What does it do for us? I believe that it can be summarized in the acrostic
When we pray, we know that if we ask for things along God’s will, He WILL give them to us. Matthew 16:19 says, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven". What a potent promise. Sometimes it can be too potent. It can scare us. But just trust and believe.
MOVEMENT
The God we serve is not a spoon feeder. The Bible is full of accounts where, after prayer, action was required. The Israelites had to cleanse the land of Canaan in battle, David had to slay Goliath, Peter had to face an inverted crucifixion. And Paul met the executioner’s sword. Fearful times again. This brings me to the next word;
EMPOWERMENT
We must believe that God will empower us by his Spirit to strengthen us in whatever it is we have to do. He will lay on our hearts a quiet confidence to move forward, even in the face of danger. Rack, Shack and Benny (sorry too much Veggie Tales). Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego were challenged by the fiery furnace but God protected them in there. They even entered voluntarily so as no more lives were to be lost to their executioners. (Daniel 3)
NO
Sometimes God says no to our prayers. In 2 Corinthians 13:7-10, Paul describes a situation he had in his life. The problem is never really identified, but God’s reasoning for it remaining with him is. Listen as I read vs 7-10. "to keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given to me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." The root problem is pride. God uses Paul’s affliction to keep his pride in check, to draw Paul ever closer to Himself. That is the omniscience of God.
AMEN
Meeting
Every
Need
Through
Our
Relationships
Then I applied what Jesus meant by using the "Our Father" in his prayer. The "Father" should be Our Father in a mentor relationship.
Acceptance or Agreement
Movement
Empowerment
No
ACCEPTANCE OR AGREEMENT
