Salt of the Earth?????

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Matthew 5:13-16 continuing…

So far in looking at the Sermon On the Mount we have looked only at the “Beatitudes”, and concerning our attitudes. Happiness in Christ is possible as we yield our all and all to Him. I have called these “Beatitudes” “A DISTINCTIVE SPIRITUAL ATTITUDE”, because attitudes are important. “Attitude” meaning ‘the position of something in relation to something else’, and in the case of the Beatitudes would be the position of our attitude in relation to “poverty”; in relation to “mourning”; in relation to “meekness”; etc… Our attitude should be that that will bring glory to our Savior and His Father.

These distinctive spiritual attitudes will then lead us to “A DECISIVE SPIRITUAL ACTION”. What is the work of the Christian? How are we to live? We just learned in the previous studies that we are to be HAPPY, ie. fulfilled in Christ Jesus. Will our attitude determine our action, or at least have an impact on our actions? I certainly believe so.

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” Matthew 5:13 (KJV).

Does one’s attitude have any affect on their actions or behavior? I would think that there are many lives that bear witness to the truth of the statement, “Yes one’s attitude has an affect on their actions and/or behavior”. I know of myself, if I have a bad attitude about something my actions or/and behavior is usually bad. Several years ago I was going to our Associational Children’s Camp at Baptist Hill. I was going so that I could help in the kitchen. That is what I was told they needed me for, and that is what I went for. I had a good attitude about that. However, when we arrived at the Hill, they were short of Counselors; and the counselors had to sleep with the children, play with the children, teach the children, keep the children under control. They then told me they had plenty of kitchen help, “Would you mind being a counselor?” I was there. I was handy. I was sure disappointed.

Please do not misunderstand me. I had purposely gone at other times to be a counselor for children, for a total of about 10 years, and I thoroughly enjoyed it and one year had the privelege of leading about five boys in my room to faith in Jesus. When they asked, I said, “Okay. I will”, but I said it with a whole lot of reservations. None named; only in my attitude. I want you to know, that, I had a long miserable week; and I probably made the boys lives miserable too.

That attitude affected my being salt to those boys. It affected my bright and shining, smiling personality :). I am dreadfully afraid that my salt that week was trampled under foot and some of those boys went home, never to return to any camp again.

Along toward the end of the week I did realize how I had been. I asked God’s forgiveness and I began to have the right attitude, but I still fear that those first two days were torture to some at camp.

A few years later, I volunteered to go back to camp as a counselor. I had the right attitude. I had the love for those boys that I should have had. I enjoyed telling them about Jesus. The week went by so swiftly, it was as though I had never left home. I learned a lot about attitude and behavior or actions that one long week. I am still learning, however.

Worshippers of the LORD God

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Genesis 4:1-26 conclusion…

“And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD” Genesis 4:25-26 (KJV).

I do not know about you, but I am sure thankful for these final two verses of chapter four. Without them there would be no need to continue. The LORD God blessed Eve with another son. Seth, ‘The appointed’, the substitute who takes the place of Abel.

Since the Cainites (which must include the majority of all the other sons and daughters of Adam and Eve) are in gross rebellion against the LORD God He raises up a new line who will offer Him true worship. The Cainites gradually wander away while the Sethites begin to establish worship to the LORD God once again.

Keep your heart and mind right with God. Follow the path of Seth whose heart was for the worship of the LORD. Through Seth the lineage continues. Through you and your faith the lineage of Jesus continues today. It continues by sharing with others the glorious Gospel message that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and He rose again the third day according to the scriptures.

A Tribute to Jerry Falwell

/ Tim A. / 5 Comments

The man who has been heard and hated around the world.  He has impacted the lives of everyone in the United States of America.  Some see the impact as being good and others not so good.  To me Jerry Falwell was a heroic man of faith.

The faith of Jesus Christ was never shunned by Dr. Falwell.  He never stuttered when it came to presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  When he spoke you knew what he was saying.  He would not anyone to worship him, for he preached that we should worship Jesus Christ the Son of the living God.

I only had one opportunity to hear him preach in person, and that was at a Bible conference in Arnold, Missouri.  First Baptist Church of Arnold had an annual Bible/Evangelism Conference sponsored by Bailey Smith’s evangelistic organization and the church there.  It was a blessing to hear him speak in person.  I enjoyed many of his messages as he proclaimed them on the Old Time Gospel Hour as well.

Let’s be sure we pray for his family – his wife, and their children.  The sons will have their hands full taking on all the responsibilities that are at hand.

You may disagree with me about Jerry Falwell, but I believe all would agree, that he always believed in whom he preached.

The Way of Cain

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Genesis 4:1-26 continued…

“And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch. And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech. And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle. And his brother’s name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ. And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah. And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold” Genesis 4:17-24 (KJV).

Now, who would be Cain’s wife? Is there another race of people out there? Was there another Adam and Eve, maybe with different names, and Cain and all Adam’s sons married into those families? Cain married a wayward sister is the only probable answer. The reason I say “Wayward” is because she would of had to have hated God too in order to wed Cain. Unless, she would have been like so many “Christian” girls today who think they can marry a lost man and with prayer and living right before him win him to Christ. Most times girls; that just does not happen. Be warned to do so puts you on the wrong side of God, and if He chooses to save that lost man of yours, it is solely His doing not yours.

Adam and Eve have had many other sons and daughters by this time (See chapter 3:20 and 5:4). We must remember that the human race was purer genetically at that time, than what it is now, and it was God’s way of propagating humanity. It was not till the time of Moses that the practice of marrying one’s sister was forbidden.

There are amazing similarities and contrasts between the lineage of Cain and Seth – Cain’s genealogy is seen in the above verses 17-24; and Seth’s we find in chapter 5:1-32 – NOTE THESE SIMILARITIES:

  • Each had a son named Enoch;
  • Each had a son named Lamech;
  • Each had a son named Methusael or Methuselah.

The devil has always been a good counterfieter. He often mocks what ever God does. Unlike in Seth’s genealogy Cain’s offers no hope only wrath and condemnation, because they are away from the presence of the Lord.

Although Cain builds a city, it is a perilous place. They have agriculture, arts, industry, but they also have religion without God. Are there any Cainites today? In like faith and practice there are more of these than of the godly.

Cain’s city was destroyed. No Cainites survived the flood which came years later. Just as surely as the Cainite civilization was destroyed so too will be the godless civilizations of our day.

Cain’s Lamech was a proud and arrogant defier of marriage, and bragged of killing a man. “Lamech was the seventh from Adam on Cain’s side and displeased God; while Enoch was the seventh from Adam on Seth’s side (5:21-27) and walked with God and pleased God (Heb. 11:5).” WARREN WIERSBE. NOTE: Tubal-cain was a metal worker. He probably made weapons of warfare. It is possible that Lamech took one of these weapons, killed a man, then boasted of his power, and the need of God for his protection, no longer. If so, this would be one of the worst expressions of pride and arrogant defiance and warfare in Scripture. It is the first.

In giving this genealogy and the Seth lineage following it maybe that God, inspiring the writing of scripture, gives us the contrast between the good and the evil. This lineage which we have just looked at has separated themselves from God, His presence, and will for their lives, and went after their own will. O, what a dreadful path they tread. O, what a dreadful, wicked, life and death. The best way will be shown us, and it is God’s presence, God’s sacrifice, God’s way.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

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I want everyone who visits Fire and Hammer to know how much I appreciate your visits, and thank you for the comments you leave.

However, today I want to especially show appreciation to all those mothers who visit here.  You are a blessing to your family.  You are especially a blessing to your children.  Love them and cherish them, give them to the Lord, and you love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

God bless you all this Mother’s Day.

Their’s Is the Kingdom

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Matthew 5:1-12 conclusion…

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12 (KJV).

These two have the tendency and practicality of standing together, so I will include them together. What is your position in relation to persecution? If you are a normal, red blooded American, then you probably don’t like it, won’t tolerate it, and would despise wherever it came from. Nobody likes persecution, and most people would seek means of staying away from it. There are however, reasons to stand your ground, and face the trials of persecution. The best reason of all is for the person of Jesus Christ. When you are living by faith in Christ you will suffer persecution; “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12 (KJV).

Anyone who has heard of “The Voice of the Martyrs” knows that there are many cases of persecution going on in the world today. There are many instances of Christians suffering because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Many of them have turned from Islam to face angry parents, employers, city leaders, and supposed defenders of peace and placed on trial, rejected by their families, fired from their jobs, and treated ruthlessly by the police. Let me be clear that it is not only Islam which persecutes those who turn to Christ. It is also Hindus, and various other religions of men. Stand firm in the faith; stand firm.

The “Blessed(s)” in these two statements are not just toward anyone who stands firm in what they believe. The object of their belief is of utmost importance. If one is to receive these “Blessed”, then it will be because of their stand for “Righteousness” and that only comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Righteousness – simply put; means being right with God. No one – man, woman, boy or girl; and no matter what the color of their skin – is right with God except through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

If you are being persecuted because of your faith in Jesus, then, be assured that there will be a day of reward in Heaven. You are in good company. They also persecuted the prophets. Jeremiah was thrown into a pit; he was beaten and mocked by his own people. It is said by tradition that it was Isaiah the prophet who is mentioned in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews as being “Sawn asunder”, and some say it was while he was stuffed into a hollowed out tree. When it comes to Jesus Christ; in Him alone you have reason to “Rejoice and be exceeding glad”, but also in knowing that you are in a great company of others who suffered for righteousness sake through Jesus.

After looking at these “Beatitudes” can you see that this is not a thing attainable by human desire? There is deffinitely fulfillment in the lives of those who live the life of the “Beatitudes”, but it is only possible by grace through faith in Jesus.

Out of the Presence

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

Genesis 4:1-26 continuing…

“And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me. And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden” Genesis 4:13-16 (KJV).

Some things to note concerning the curse of Cain:

  • He is marked by God;
  • He becomes a fugitive;
  • He is out of God’s presence – this does not, however, mean that God does not know what Cain is doing – Cain cannot come into God’s favor;
  • He can no longer harvest food from the ground – anything he would sow would not serve any purpose. It would amount to nothing.

It seems that Cain was more overwhelmed by the loss of his crops, than he was not being in God’s presence any longer. First John 2:15 says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him”, he is therefore “out from the presence of God”. What a sad estate for a man, woman, boy or girl to find themselves. To become so hung up on the world and its “Pleasures” to forget about God and be “Out of the presence of the LORD”.

You will notice that it was Cain who went out from the presence of the LORD. When we find ourselves out of God’s presence it is not because He has moved; but we have. All it takes to get back into His presence is to go back to where we got out. Not necessarily a place, but an heart attitude.

Your Brother’s Blood

/ Tim A. / 4 Comments

 Genesis 4:1-26 continuing…

“And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground. And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand; When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth” Genesis 4:8-12 (KJV).

It would be great if we knew what Cain talked about with Abel, but we do not. It almost seems that by his talking he lures Abel out into the field. Cain is identified in 1 John 3:12 as a child of the devil and the devil is a liar – “For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous” 1 John 3:11-12 (KJV); he is also a thief and a murderer. Jude 11 says, “Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core” (KJV). There is almost no doubt that Cain murdered Abel in premeditation – meaning he had planned it, then, attempted to cover it.

The question asked Cain by God is similar to the one He asked Adam. We have a distinct picture of being given personal responsibilities. God is concerned that we care for our spiritual, personal relation to Him, and that we have concern for our fellow man.

“Am I by brother’s keeper?” was Cain’s denial to God that he had done anything, or knew anything about Abel. I guess Cain did not hear it. The blood of Abel was crying out. God already knew Abel was dead the ground was weeping for the blood shed of Abel. The blood is the life of the flesh (Lev. 17:11). It was Abel’s blood, his life, his testimony that cried out to God. When an innocent life is taken the murderer may escape the justice systems of man, but none can escape God’s justice, because “The blood is the life of the flesh.” God knows every drop of blood – especially the blood of man that is shed.

Because of the murder Cain is cursed by God. He will no longer be able to reap a crop. God seems to be saying, “I will not give you any increase”, as a matter of fact; that is what He is saying to Cain. He is to be a wanderer, having no roots, no basic area of his own. He is a fugitive from God.

The death penalty is given later on by God, for human government to carry out upon murderers. It could be asked, ‘Why didn’t God take Cain’s life?’ We cannot be certain. It could be because there had been no law given concerning the taking of human life. However, his continuing to live may be a reminder to us of God’s grace and mercy. The type of life Cain lived also reminds us of God’s judgment upon sin.

A Saturday in May

/ Tim A. / 4 Comments

I believe it has been some time since I posted anything on Fire and Hammer on a Saturday, and this will not be a very lengthy one.

Just wanted everyone to know that my wife and I are grandparents once again.  Our son Philip and his wife Sarah J., on Friday May 4, 2007 gave birth to Natalie Joyce.  She weighed 8 pounds 10 ounces, and is 21 and one quarter inches in length.

There is a possibility that I will not have a post here on Monday 7th of  May as I usually do.  If I do it will be posted much later in the day than usual. 

If you come here and I have no new post then feel free to click on any one of the links which are listed here, and I am sure you will be blessed, or informed, and possibly both.

God bless you all, and have a great weekend.

Children of God

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“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” Matthew 5:9 (KJV).

Many use this Beatitude to lavish praises on those who work for world peace, or peace from a certain war going on at that given time. Let’s think again of ‘Attitude’ – ‘the position of something in relation to something else’.

John MacArthur writes concerning this verse in THE MACARTHUR NEW TESTAMENT COMMENTARY on Matthew Vol. I, pg. 211; “The essential fact to comprehend is that the peace about which Jesus speaks is more than the absence of conflict and strife; it is the presence of righteousness”. It seems that a very deffinite verse of Scripture could be Romans 5:1, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”.

Peace in the world would be a wonderful thing. Peace with God is an even greater thing. As long as men are at war with God; not believing Him or in Him; not believing His Word; not trusting in His truths; there will never be peace with God. No peace with God. No peace with men; and to complete a phrase I have seen; Know peace with God. Know peace with men. “Men can stop fighting without righteousness, but they cannot live peaceably without righteousness” IBID. Having peace with God makes one righteous. Some where, some time in days to come there will be peace on earth. That will be when Jesus Christ the King of all kings sets up His kingdom on earth.

How do we help people have peace with God? By taking the Word of truth to them. Preaching God’s love through the cross of Jesus Christ. Letting the Holy Spirit take the Word and convict of sin and convince them that Jesus is the Christ; the Son of God who died for our sins, was buried and He rose again, and ever lives to intercede for us.

Though it is the Spirit of God who uses us to lead a soul to peace with God we have this verse in Proverbs 11:30; “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise”. Those are the “Peacemakers” who shall be called ‘the children of God’. When your position with God is right; you will have peace with God, and you too will be a “Peacemaker”.

The Holy Threat of God

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Genesis 4:1-26 continuing…

“And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him” Genesis 4:6-7 (KJV).

When God is approached by us, and we attempt to worship Him our own way it soon becomes evident. Cain certainly was not pleased that God had rejected his offering. Had Cain been ignorant of the form required, or the attitude of his heart, yet been willing to learn and yield he would have submitted to God’s correction. He would have confessed his sin, repented, and maintained fellowship with God, and his brother Abel.

Cain may have been somewhat concerned of his rights as the elder brother (NOTE v. 7b). God reasons with Cain, and warns him of the “lion” of sin which lies at the door waiting to pounce on and devour him (1 Peter 5:8). Sin, thus, enslaved Cain because he refused to heed God’s warning. The holy threat of God must needs be carried out to the finishing of sin.

The Accepted Sacrifice

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

Genesis 4:1-26 continuing…

“And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell” Genesis 4:3-5.

The question could be asked here, “Where did they get the idea for making an offering?”, and my answer to that would be assuming that Adam and Eve must have taught the same, and done the same, because they had seen God make the offering for them.

In this chapter there is much focus on Cain. It might be called, by some, a very negative chapter. There is truth here, however, that God wants to make definitely clear. There is only one way to approach God, and worship Him. That One way is His way.

Cain and Abel seem to have gone to the one place where their mother and father had gone. The one place showing us that there was one place of worship. It seems that the two of them also went to that place at the same time, thus, giving a prescribed day. In that, one offering was offered and received by God, and the other rejected implying to us a prescribed means of worship which is acceptable to God. Thus we have 1) One place; 2) One time; and 3) One acceptable offering; equalling one acceptable means of worship. It is the place where God is. It is the time of worship – NOW. The offering God accepts is the offering of His Son. When all these conditions are met it is the acceptable means of worship. Cain failed to meat these requirements in full. Abel met them.

This place of worship for the Adamic family could very well have been at the entrance to the garden of Eden. Eden itself being the dwelling place of God – that is where He walked with Adam and Eve – and the Cherubim and flaming sword forming a “Mercy seat” on which to get a “Foretaste of glory divine”, by the worshippers of the thrice holy God. The true place of worship for those who would approach God and have a personal relationship is at the mercy seat of the cross of Jesus Christ where His blood was shed.

The time they worshipped was most likely the “Seventh day” – that was the day God rested from creating. In that Cain and Abel were there together shows that God approves of corporate worship. That is what Christians do on each Sunday we gather together. There is to be individual worship the other days of one’s life as well. Of Cain and Abel which one would you pick as the one who was a full time worshipper of God? Why? The answer is two-fold: 1) The attitude of the giver/worshipper, and 2) The form of the gift.

Cain came with the wrong attitude; without a submissive heart and full of pride in his own labors. His offering/sacrifice was without blood (Heb. 9:22). It was an attempt to cover with ‘Fig leaves” all over again. Surely Adam and Eve had taught the boys the proper offering.

Needless to say God rejected Cain’s sacrifice. Because God accepted Abel’s and rejected his; Cain became angry. The way God accepted the offering of Abel was, most likely by fire from Heaven (Lev. 9:24). Cain showed no faith in God’s Word or dependence on the sacrifice of a substitute.

They Shall See God

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The Be-Attitudes continuing…

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” Matthew 5:8 (KJV).

Purity is such a sweet word. When we think of purity we might think of fresh fallen snow; without any yellow spots, of course. We might even think of a new born baby boy or girl. When it comes to Christianity we should think especially of Jesus Christ, for He is the essence of purity. The word “Pure” according to the MIRRIAM/WEBSTER DICTIONARY ‘Unmixed with any other matter: free from taint’ also, ‘Free from moral fault: innocent’. There was/is nothing about Jesus that is tainted. He is fully God and fully man, and free of any mix, and free of any taint; His life is free of any moral fault; He is innocent. He was innocent as He was condemned by men to die. As an innocent man He died for guilty men, that we might be made pure through His own blood.

The only way any other person can be pure of heart, ie., ‘holy’ is by the very holiness of Christ Himself. No one can see God without a pure heart [holiness], “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14 KJV). None can appear before God without a pure [holy] heart – “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully” Psalm 24:3-4 (KJV).

There is a pure heart only by looking to Jesus. As you look to Jesus you see God.

…A Man from the LORD

/ Tim A. / 5 Comments

Genesis 4:1-26 continuing…

“And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground” Genesis 4:1-2.

As we begin looking at the life of the man and the woman outside paradise, and outside the best of God, we find Adam and Eve filled with promise and hope. Remember they had had a perfect environment, only to reject God, and to be cast from it for the entire remainder of their natural lives.

We have in these first two verses the first evidence of their copulating and bringing children into their world. We do know that they produced more children. For one thing we will see later is that Cain marries a wife. She had to come from somewhere. That is going to turn some people away to think that a man married his sister, but that was at that time the only way to propagate the race of man. At that time their would have been no problem with marrying so close of kin as there is now. The Word of God later forbids a man marrying his sister, but until that law was given, it was allowed.

We do not need to be alarmed by this chapter and learning of the brother sister marriages and such. After all it was the LORD God who commanded Adam and Eve to multiply and fill the earth. That is what they were doing. There are some who believe that sexual intercourse was the “Original sin” which caused the fall of the man and woman. That is not so, because God had already given them commandment to multiply, and fill the earth. Sex is a God honored act of marriage between a husband and his wife, a wife and her husband. In the book of Hebrews we read, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Heb. 13:4 NKJV).

The phrase, “Adam knew Eve his wife” is refering to the intimate, pleasurable act of marriage. It is a means of pleasure between a man and his woman in marriage, and for the purpose of procreation.

In these two verses God fulfills a promise. In chapter three and verse 16 we read, “Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children…”. Though it seems a bit shadowed by the curse there is within it the promise of “children”. The promise of children was not only a promise of continuation of the human race, but also the promise of a Savior. What good, or what count would this life be without the hope of a Savior who would come and be our substitute for sin? Expecting pain in the childbearing, she still looked longingly for that time those children would be born.

The birthing of that first son, Cain, gives her encouragement, meaning, and purpose for living. While Adam tills the ground “From whence he was taken” by God’s hand, “So Eve the woman with divine help produced the man, Cain. She sees in creating Cain the realization of her divinely assigned role.” KENNETH A. MATTHEWS, N.A.C. Commentary Vol. 1a, page 265. The woman is God’s instrument of continuation. She is the one who endures nine months of pain, excess weight, and the agony of the birth. Yet, she is joyful all through this time, full of expectation and hope. God’s promise fulfilled in the woman’s bearing children (1 Timothy 2:15).

Eve brought forth another son. The first, Cain, and Eve could have expected him to be the deliverer, but she soon learns otherwise. The second son is Abel.

Cain is a tiller of the ground walking in his father’s footsteps. Abel is a shepherd. Remember, God has cursed the ground (3:17). To labor in the field is the efforts and works of the man. The sheep on the other hand, another form of farming or ranching, grow as they are blessed by God. This is in no way to denegrate farmers or agriculture. This way of living is one of the most honorable and rewarding of all forms of vocations or occupations. There is no other, whether it is the raising of cattle, or the sowing of seed, that requires more work, faith, patience, and endurance. Anyone who has ever planted a garden seed could tell you the truth of the curse of the ground. Weeds spring up and choke off, and/or hinder the growth of the seeds planted, unless there is a tending to that garden, and weeds are pulled, cut back and/or destroyed.

Cast Out of the Garden

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

Genesis 3:1-24 conclusion

“And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life” Genesis 3:22-24

“The man is become as one of us…”. The MacArthur Study Bible on this note reads, “This was spoken out of compassion for the man and woman, who only in limited ways were like the Trinity, knowing good and evil — not by holy omniscience, but by personal experience (cf. Is. 6:3; Hab. 1:13; Rev. 4:8).” From pg. 21. When God made man in His image, it was with the ability to reason, will, and think, also to create [from what was already made]; which in God’s Creating was from nothing.

Look at the LORD God’s concern now for the man and woman. Can you imagine living in sin unable to die? Would you want to live in such miserable conditions? Think about these conditions. A body being consumed by a cancer, stricken with pain. Growing older and older, and older, with the joints of the body growing more and more painful each day. Some of these things are hard for us to imagine, but without death, these would be possible. God drives (v. 24) the man and woman from the garden. He tells us why, “…Lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever…” (v. 22).

The garden of Eden is shut off to the man and woman after they are driven out. It is kept secure by Cherubims [angelic beings], and a flaming sword which turned every way to keep them from the tree of life. Adam was now to till the soil, plant the seed, then keep it weeded, and the soil nurtured through some growth processes to help the seeds grow. There were the insects now that afflicted them and their crops.

The garden was a place of LORD God’s constant presence. The two made in the image and after the likeness of God were cast out of His presence the labor, toil, and judgment their disobedience had brought them. Death is separation – not cessation. In the expulsion they experienced a death worse than anything – separation from God.

Adam and Eve were cast out of the garden in judgment. They awaited a day when the LORD God would send a Savior, the Substitute, in order that the way to the Tree of Life might be open once again. All who trust the Substitute for sin, Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection will have access to the Tree of Life, in that final garden the “Heavenly Paradise” (Rev. 22:1-4).

Beginning Monday April 23, 2007; the Lord Willing, we will begin in chapter four, and Genesis will be a Monday publication, and the Gospel of Matthew a Friday publication.

Hope With Covering

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Genesis 3:1-24 continuing…

“And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living” Genesis 3:20.

We find here the name of the woman whom God had given to Adam. It does seem that her name is not given until after the sin which cursed all things created. She has just been called ‘Woman’ and ‘Wife’, but without a name. That leads me to assume that the time following her creation and the time of the fall were a short period of time just following her presentation to Adam. This naming of Eve following the curse is an expression of faith by Adam; believing that God in His grace would provide a way for them and their descendants.

“Mother of all living”, and, “…In sorrow thou shalt bring forth children…” are expressions of hope. God in His grace gives mercy to Adam and Eve and provides a way of salvation through the bearing of children (1 Timothy 2:15), eventually to lead to the coming of the Savior of the world – Jesus Christ.

“Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them” Genesis 3:21

God had warned Adam that in the day they ate from the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they would surely die. There may be some who would say, “Well, they didn’t die that day”. What most do not understand is that there is more than one way to die. Most times when we think of death we think of the physical body, the body going back to the dust of the ground; but there is a death far worse than that, and that is separation from God. Death is separation. Speaking of physical death it is the separation of the body from the soul and spirit. Speaking of spiritual death we speak of separation from God. Speaking of eternal death we speak of an eternal separation from God.

The death of Adam and Eve on that day was a spiritual death which also led to physical death a few hundred years later. They were meant to live forever physically, but now they would not. At least not in this physical state.

Because of sin the father and mother of all people was required to see death upclose and personal. At least, that is my belief. The LORD God would, most likely, have killed an animal or two [probably sheep] to clothe Adam and Eve in the garments that were pleasing to Him. Remember figleaves were not sufficient to please Him. The figleaves represented their rebellion and pride in their own abilities, and was no where near the standard which God required.   Death was the requirement for sin.  For the justice, holiness, and righteousness of God something must die.

Adam and Eve would have seen the blood flow from the “lamb” as the LORD God took their lives in the stead of Adam and Eve. God’s clothing [Righteousness, holiness, justness] required death’s blood. The man and woman had sinned. In His grace He claims a substitute.

Can we not see them standing before the LORD of all the earth, as the blood of the lamb was shed on the altar of the earth, for their sins. Compelled to watch. Compelled to look as the blood flowed, and the skins were prepared to cover their nakedness.

What a glorious picture we can see in this of the day when the God of all creation became a man, and went to the cross as a dying Lamb for the sins of mankind, and there, too, God offered His holy and sinless Son a sacrifice for our sin. “…Striken, smitten of God, and afflicted” (Isaiah 53:4). The guilt of the sinner; the unrighteous; placed on the account of the Righteous [Jesus], and the Righteousness of the Righteous One placed in the account of the sinner (2 Cor. 5:21). Clothed no longer in the ‘fig leaves’, but in the Righteousness of the Lamb of God.

The Curse of Sin

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Genesis 3:1-24 continuing…

“And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return” Genesis 3:14-19.

We have already looked at the ‘Edenic Covenant’ in chapter one verses 29 – 31. In these verses of chapter three we have what has been called the ‘Adamic Covenant’. Things have drastically changed. Adam and Eve are no longer innocent; they are in fact vile sinners, and the Adamic Covenant is basically nothing but the results of sin’s curse. The curse has been put on all of creation. We see this when the apostle Paul writes, “For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” Romans 8:20-22.

Let’s take a look now at the results of the curse of sin: 1) The serpent would move on his belly; 2) There is enmity between the serpent and the seed of the woman (although this enmity is found in every child and sensible men, this speaks more clearly of the enmity between Christ and satan); 3) The woman would experience sorrow in child bearing: NOTE: the mysterious promise of the continuation of humanity (“in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children”); 4) The man’s judgment was a curse on the ground – where the ground had once been fertile and fruitful, it would now be hard, toilsome and less fruitful; 5) Death, man would return to the dust from which he was made – this does not mean the man ceases to exist; it does mean his body will return to the dust. Since God “Breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul”, thus making him an eternal being; 6) The animal kingdom would rise up against one another and mankind, and some would become carnivores – the lion and the lamb would not be eating together anymore; the calf and the wolf would not eat from the same place any longer; and 7) The whole universe would be in turmoil, especially seen on the earth with storms, earthquakes, etc. though these would probably not come for several years yet.

Even though there is sin in the world there is still an answer. We must turn to our Creator. The One who made all things and holds them together. He is the same one who went to the cross, paid our sin debt, and rose from the grave. “All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made” John 1:3. See also John 1:1, 14 and Colossians 1:16-17.

Naked and Afraid

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Genesis 3:1-24 continuing…

“And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat” Genesis 3:9-13

The question God asks as He calls out to Adam is not because He needs information. He already knows where Adam is. He wants Adam to know where Adam is. Now there may be some reading that statement who will not realize what that means. Adam knew he was hiding from God among the trees of the garden. What had probably not ‘hit home’ with Adam yet, was where he was in his relationship with the LORD God. If God was asking him where he was, things were not good between them.

It is now confession time. “I heard Thy voice…, and I was afraid…, I was naked; and I hid myself”. This best part about Adam’s confession is that he heard God’s voice. It goes downhill from there. Sin is what makes us afraid of God. It was sin that made Adam and Eve naked and ashamed; hiding themselves. Whether we realize it or not we are all physically covered with figleaves, made from manmade materials, and materials grown from the ground; such as polyester, and cotton.

God questions Adam and Eve concerning the knowledge of their nakedness. Again, this is not for His information. God already knows these things. There is nothing new He can learn. Adam begins to accuse God for the giving him the woman Eve, “The woman whom Thou gavest to be with me…” Adam is not just blaming Eve; he is outrightly blaming God for giving him the woman. Blaming others for our mistakes is more than a human thing, it is a sin thing. They had never done this before. Eve, then, blames the serpent. Someone has said, “The poor serpent didn’t have a leg to stand on”. :>)

When we are in sin we will always try to blame others for our mistakes and errors. No one wants to take responsibility for their own. When Jesus comes into one’s life there is a driving desire to be right with God, and to be right with others. When we have Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and we are living right with Him we will take responsibility for our actions and sins. We will take them to the Lord in repentance, and we will receive the forgiveness only the Father can give.

They Shall Obtain Mercy

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The Be-Attitudes continuing…

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” Matthew 5:7 (KJV).

When you are in the right position with “Mercy” it is most likely because you have obtained mercy. (See Matthew 6:14-15; and Luke 7:41-42). We live in a very competitive world. Many believe it is okay to exact revenge on someone who has bettered you. You could call that “Get-Even-Ism”.

That is not the way of mercy. That is not the way of God. In the Luke reference given it tells us, “There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?” (Luke 7:41-42). The answer given to this question was, “The one who was forgiven the most”. Mercy is what all of us have received, but very few practice it toward others.

To define Mercy, it has been defined this way. It is not receiving what we justly deserve – that is judgment. We have all received mercy from God, because He withholds the judgment in order that many might, at least have opportunity, to be saved.

The next time you are about to release a verbage of criticism on someone over something that has offended you; take a look at yourself. Someone has been merciful to you in the past, and probably over this same thing that has set you off. The prophet Habakkuk prayed to the LORD, “…In wrath remember mercy” (Habakkuk 3:2 KJV). It is the merciful who will obtain mercy. His kingdom way is mercy. What is the position of your attitude concerning mercy?

They Shall Be Filled

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The Be-Attitudes continuing…

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” Matthew 5:6 (KJV).

Remember the definition of “Attitude” is ‘the position of something in relation to something else’. In this case the subject is righteousness. Righteousness most easily defined is; ‘being right with God’. That would involve many things including worship, our deportment, both with God and with others.

The kingdom child is hungry for God and His ways. Righteousness is the way of God, and it is the way of the child of God to hunger for it. His/Her desire is for Jesus Christ and nothing else.

The individual who is righteous, because of grace through faith in Jesus Christ, will have a specific hunger and thirst. That hunger will be to devour the truth of God through His Word, and His Word affecting the direction our lives take for serving the Lord. It seems that it would be accurate to say that when Jesus was being tempted by the devil in the wilderness He had righteousness on His mind. He was physically hungry and thirsty, but when He was tested to turn stones to bread; he was more attuned to being right with His Father rather than disobedience.

The “Blessed” ones who hunger and thirst for/after righteousness, are those who labor in diligent, earnest hearing of the Word of God and prayer. They feed daily at the table of the BREAD OF LIFE. They drink deeply of the One who is the Water of Life.

O, that we as the people of God grew in that hunger; never completely filled; but satisfied with Jesus, wanting more of Him, and His righteousness. The thirst never completely quenched; with longing to drink from the well of the Water from Heaven. Drink from the ‘river of water’ that flows from out of the throne of God Himself (Revelation 22:1).

This hunger and thirst comes only into the hearts of those who have joyously received the free gift of God’s grace. Ones who have seen Jesus as the divine Son of God. The Ones who have seen Jesus dying for the sins of mankind upon the cruel cross so many years ago. The ones who have witnessed the resurrection power of Jesus per a changed life. You have been clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. You will never be filled without that hunger and thirst, and finding satisfaction through Him alone.

The Voice Walking

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Genesis 3:1-24 continuing…

“And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden” Genesis 3:8.

Adam and Eve had just eaten what God had commanded them not to eat. They now have had their first experience with sin, and it will not be their last. They have met their sin master. Previous to this they have had sweet communion with the LORD God. Walks in the garden. Peace in the garden. Comfort in the garden. Now, there is fear, especially when they hear, ‘…The voice of the LORD God walking in the garden…’. Rather than going to Him as they most likely did previously, they now hide.

Who is this “Voice… walking in the garden”? It must be none other than the preincarnate Son of God; ie. Jesus the Christ. They know they have sinned. They also know the LORD God will not be pleased. They also know that they have shattered His glory in their lives. They even know the fig leaf coverings they have made are insufficient to approach holy God. So, they hide.

The initial response of a child who has disobeyed a parent and knows Mom and Dad will be angry with them is to hide. How tragic that is. Most parents would be understanding, forgiving, and the discipline would probably be less severe if the child would come running to the parent or parents saying I have disobeyed, please forgive me.

Oh, how tragic the events in the garden were on that eventful day. To hide from the ‘…Presence of the LORD God…’ is one of the saddest statements in the Bible. Can we not see that sin drives us from God and godliness. Sin causes us shame, guilt, despair, and ruin. Oh, that the sinning man, woman, boy or girl would not flee and hide from God, but, rather flee toward Him, because the Father has made a way through the Lord Jesus Christ. Rather than fleeing from God and hiding from Him; Make a bee line and FLEE TO THE CROSS.

Adam, Say Something

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Genesis 3:1-24 continuing…

“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons” Genesis 3:6-7.

So many times and far too much of the time we are a fickle lot of people. We see, hear, and believe only what we want to. The lie of the devil was very enticing, but it was a desire and longing in Eve’s heart that overcame what she knew to be right. “Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” (James 1:14-15). Turning, and walking away from what tempts us is so difficult, because, what is tempting us to sin, is what we are desiring, even if we know it is wrong, and evil.

There are three phases of temptation – Adam’s and Eve’s and our’s; 1) “The lust of the flesh…’; 2) ‘the lust of the eyes’; and 3) ‘the pride of life” (1 John 2:15-17). Notice how this appealed to Eve: 1) It was appealing for the satisfaction of the physical; 2) it was attractive to look upon; and 3) it offered to make her powerful. These things are very hard to resist. They have appeal to all of us. It seems especially so in the world today. We want immediate gratification NOW, so what ever appeals to our pride, longing for beauty, or satisfaction of physical appetites we do. If you look at the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) you will see that the devil used these same three temptations to try and tempt Jesus away from and around the cross.

Remember Eve was innocent. Innocent does not mean incapable of sin. She was unfamiliar with temptation. Eve was like a very young child who is told not to touch a hot stove. It is, most times, experience that teaches them why they should not touch it. Eve’s temptation had far greater consequences than a child touching a hot stove, but by becoming disobedient to God mankind has felt the heat.

Where was Adam while this was going on? Apparently, he was there “with her” according to the text (v. 6b). We have no clue as to Adam’s silence, but this is certainly one point where silence was not “golden”. Reading this text makes me want to scream, “ADAM, SAY SOMETHING. SAY NO! JUST SAY NO!” He could have taken Eve by the arm and said, “Let’s go”, but he did not do it. It could be in their innocence that neither had a place of ‘rulership’ over the other, but stood equal, and because of this Adam remained silent. We really do not know.

We can certainly learn that as men, as husbands and fathers there are times as the prophets, priests and kings in our families we must speak up. Our wives and children need clear direction fromt he Lord, and often times the way they receive that is through us. We must speak or let our families go to ruin.

The saddest state of all is their pride. They realize that they had sinned and were disobedient to the commandment of God. They know they are not alone – God is there. They make themselves a covering of “Fig leaves”. Maybe good enough for man’s and religion’s approval, but not God’s (Isaiah 64:6). It was a fig tree which Jesus cursed. A curse upon the works of righteousness which man can do. A curse of empty religion. Cursed because of fruitlessness (Matthew 21:18-20), offering nothing pleasing to God, or for the real hunger of mankind.

Fig leaves will not cover sufficiently, nor effectively; only the shed blood of the Lamb of God Jesus Christ can cover our multitude of sins.

The Absence of God’s Presence

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Genesis 3:1-24 continuing…

“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil” Genesis 3:4-5.

The devil is a liar, and of that I am sure. Jesus said he is a liar, and that he is the ‘father of lies’ (John 8:44).

In the first verse we are confronted with the devil’s deception by beauty, cunning and guile. In our present verse we have a bald-faced lie. The devil knew the consequences of Adam and Eve eating the fruit. Who knows; he may have ever heard the LORD give them the commandment. His lie, “Ye shall not surely die…” is the old serpents attempt at making God out to be the liar.

He even goes so far as to say to Eve, that God is withholding His best from you. “Your eyes will be opened, and ye shall be as gods [or could be ‘like God’], knowing good and evil.”

The devil knows when to hit. At the moment Eve was admiring the tree; at the moment of her weakness; at the moment we drop our guard; LOOKOUT!!! The devil will attack. That is why Paul the apostle tells us to, “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). Part of the man’s responsibility in the garden was to “Keep it” (Gen. 2:15); guard and protect it from the onslaughts of the enemy. The garden represents the presence of God the LORD. We ought to guard our lives, the place where we are in the presence of the LORD God.

They Shall Inherit the Earth

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 The Be-Attitudes continuing…

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” Matthew 5:5 (KJV).

Someone has defined ‘Meekness’ as “Strength/Power under control”. If there was ever a picture of meekness in men it came from Jesus Christ Himself. It is also said of Moses. ” (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)” Numbers 12:3 (KJV). Meekness can also be called ‘gentleness’. Meekness comes when we realize the greatness of God.

The meek are those who know and realize who they are in Christ, but do not seek to exploit their position, power or person above others. The meek are not quick to defend themselves, but will be quick in defending others, and standing for the righteousness, holiness, and justice of God.

The meek are those who will not complain about the rough spots in their lives, but are grateful, thankful, and trusting that they are in the care of God, and that all things are under His control. This attitude would be the position of the meek in relation to their world. The meek would see the positon of themselves as apposed to the thinking of the world.

The inheritance of the ‘Meek’ is the earth. This is mentioned in the Psalms; “For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace” Psalm 37:9-11 (KJV). Those who are always out for themselves; never defend the holy; never defend the helpless, but are always stepping on others to get their way – they will be “Cut off”; but the “Meek shall inherit the earth”. Notice that it says that of “…Those that wait upon the LORD..” as well.

They Shall Be Comforted

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The Beatitudes continuing…

“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (KJV).

Remembering that the MIRRIAM/WEBSTER DICTIONARY definition for ‘attitude’ is ‘the position of something in relation to something else’ we can see this Beatitude as the attitude of sorrow for something that is not correct. Seeing ourselves in ‘the position of sin and against God’ should bring us to tears and sorrow. Seeing others in sin should cause us to mourn for them.

Because we sin, and when we realize our sinfulness, that should bring us to our knees. People of our day love laughter. They will pay really good money to go hear a comedian make them laugh. They will sit for hours watching situation comedies on television for the laughing. People will set around telling funny, though sometimes vulgar stories just for a laugh. Am I against laughter? Not at all. Are we supposed to spend all the time of our lives in mourning? I do not believe so. There is a time for everything, for everything a season (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). As a matter of fact the Bible even mentions laughter. Isaac; the son of Abraham and Sarah was named laughter – that is the meaning of the name Isaac. The writer of Proverbs said, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones” Proverbs 17:22 (KJV).

For the most part; considering the condition of the hearts of people, and even professing Christians, we should be mourning the situation of our hearts and lives before God. Our lives and the lives of friends and loved ones. Laughter helps us feel better now, but still people are perishing, our lives grow colder, and more distant from God, and we laugh. While we mourn we pray for the perishing; we pray for our growth in grace; we pray for our friends and family. There is comfort for those who mourn.

There will be comfort when we see that lost loved one come to faith. There will be comfort when we can see our lives growing in grace. There will be comfort as we see family and friends blessed. There is an ultimate comfort for those who mourn. It will be when we are forever in the Kingdom of our King. O, such laughter and joy there will be. We can have it now as we see the lost redeemed; as we see brothers and sisters growing in Christ.