Bret's Blog

September 16 Why Did God Get Angry at Moses?

There are several times that God got angry at Moses in the book of Exodus.
One time it was so serious that God was going to kill him. Does it interest
you to know why? Uh, me too. I don't want God mad at me:

"Then the LORD¹s anger burned against Moses and he said, "What about your
brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his
way to meet you, and his heart will be glad when he sees you." Exodus 4:14

God got very angry at Moses when he demonstrated some fear about speaking in
public (isn't that a fear for most people?).

Here's the problem: In the Book of Acts, it says this about Moses: "Moses
was taught all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he became mighty in both
speech and action." (7:22)

So, Moses wasn't the frightful public speaker that he makes himself out to
be-- he's just being disobedient! And disobedience angers God. Moses had
the ability, he just didn't want to exercise it.

This happened again:

"On the journey, when Moses and his family had stopped for the night, the
LORD confronted Moses and was about to kill him. But Zipporah, his wife,
took a flint knife and circumcised her son. She threw the foreskin at Moses¹
feet and said, "What a blood-smeared bridegroom you are to me!" (When she
called Moses a "blood-smeared bridegroom," she was referring to the
circumcision.) After that, the LORD left him alone." Exodus 4:24-26

At first glance, this is a weird and troubling passage. But it is pretty
easily explained. God would have required Moses to practice circumcision
(the sign of His covenant with His people). Zipporah undoubtedly thought
the practice was "cruel and unusual" and Moses hesitated to have his son(s)
circumcised. Disobedience angers God.

Zipporah's response to the circumcised foreskin shows her contempt and
Moses' ultimate obedience.

Bottom line: do what God says- all the time...even if you don't understand
why.

Bret

September 6 Because Christ Lives in Me...

From 2 Corinthians 4-5, because Christ lives in me:

• I never give up (v. 1)

• I have no reason to use shameful methods to communicate Christ, I simply preach the truth about Him with His power (v. 2)

• I preach the Lord Jesus and not myself (v. 5)

•  I have power that is from God and not from myself (v. 4)

• I am pressed on every side but not broken (v. 8)

• I am perplexed but I don't give up and quit (v. 8)

• I may get hunted down, but God never abandons me (v. 9)

• I may get knocked down, but I keep going (v. 9)

• Through suffering, this body of mine constantly shares in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in  my body (v. 10)

• Though my body is getting older and dying, my spirit is being renewed every day (v. 16)

Whew.  There's more but that's enough to chew on today.

Bret

August 27 The Lord Rescues Them from Every Trouble

I came across a really encouraging verse today and a promise:

"The righteous face many troubles, but the LORD rescues them from each and
every one. For the LORD protects them from harm--not one of their bones will
be broken!" Psalms 34:19, 20

I wish that verse said "The righteous have no problems for the Lord protects
them from any of them." But that is not what it says. It does say that the
righteous face many troubles-- but the Lord rescues them from each and every
one of them.

Now that is some promise.

Remember too, God's promises are VERY SURE. They are like (well better
really) like government checks to be cashed when you need them-- they are
very reliable.

Today I have my share of "troubles"-- much less than many people in the
world but I know I can claim the promise of God that He will rescue me from
each and every one of them.

Bret

A Widow's Distress

There is a really powerful verse in James 1 that says this:

"This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to
visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by
the world." James 1:27

I have read that verse and often wondered what exactly is a "widow's
distress?" What do orphans go through? Then, of course, the whole question
of keeping oneself unstained by the world. That's huge.

But back to the first question: what would a widow be feeling and thinking
and experiencing where somebody else could help them and in so doing
practice "pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father."

Then, last week I was led to visit my aunt Shirley. Shirley is 78 years
old, and has the greatest laugh in the whole world. She is a special lady
and I am just sorry I haven't been able to be near her more to enjoy her.

Here is what I saw as a widow's distress:

-- she was lonely. She didn't say it but she was thrilled when I called and
thrilled when I showed up with lunch and sorry to see me leave. Her husband
of many years died several years ago. She did not re-marry. Her only son
also died a few years ago. Her two granddaughters (now in their early
40's) provide the most care for her.

-- she was frail. She needed some assistance in walking and when we went to
look at her fruit trees I was afraid she could fall. What if she fell in
her yard one afternoon and it was 100 degrees outside? She has a hard time
driving her car any more because her reaction time has diminished.

-- she was scared. Shirley had had a biopsy of her lung and was awaiting
word of whether she had cancer. Who do you share that fear with when your
mate is gone and you spend most of your days alone hoping the phone will
ring?

So, I understand better now what a widow's distress is. And God sees every
widow in every place. I wonder how often God prompts us to go see somebody
like this and we don't do it. But when we do, we live out "pure and
undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father."

Bret

August 7 When God Withdraws from Your Life

I have experienced times of amazing closeness to God.  He has seemed so close and real and personal, I could almost touch Him.

Then there are other times when He seems so far away.

Why does He do this?

I have often seen this in new Christians.  For the first six months or so after their conversion, God is powerfully (I mean powerfully) on their side and near to them.  Then He backs away for a while.  I counsel new Christians to expect this.

I found a verse today that helps to make sense of this:

"However, when ambassadors arrived from Babylon to ask about the remarkable events that had taken place in the land, God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart." 2 Chronicles 32:31

Hezekiah was a good king.  He was faithful to God and God blessed him.  But in the blessing, it says he became proud (2 Chronicles 32:25). 

Someone reading might ask:  Does God need to pull away from our life to see what is really in our heart?  Doesn't He know everything?  My answer: yes, He knows...but we don't and once He pulls away and we respond then both we and God can be honest about it.

If God seems far from you today, it could be a test.  How will you respond?  Will you get bitter?  Will you still trust?  Will you be as obedient when His incredible presence is right there or not?

Bret

August 2 The Minneapolis Bridge Collapse

[This is not my writing but very timely and powerful.  John Piper is a "mentor-from-afar" for me.]

Putting My Daughter to Bed Two Hours After the Bridge Collapsed

What Do Tragedies Like This Mean for Us?

August 1, 2007
By John Piper

Read this resource on our website.

At about 6 PM tonight the bridge of Interstate 35W over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis collapsed. I am writing this about three hours after the bridge fell. The bridge is located within sight of Bethlehem Baptist Church. Most of us who minister at the church cross this bridge several times a week. At this point I don’t know if any staff was on the bridge. Desiring God offices are about a mile from the bridge.

There are no firm facts at this point about the total number of injuries and fatalities. When we crossed the bridge Tuesday on our way out of town, there was extensive repair work happening on the surface of the bridge with single lane traffic. One speculates about the unusual stresses on the bridge with jackhammers and other surface replacement equipment. This was the fortieth anniversary of the bridge.

Tonight for our family devotions our appointed reading was Luke 13:1-9. It was not my choice. This is surely no coincidence. O that all of the Twin Cities, in shock at this major calamity, would hear what Jesus has to say about it from Luke 13:1-5. People came to Jesus with heart-wrenching news about the slaughter of worshipers by Pilate. Here is what he said.

There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish."

Jesus implies that those who brought him this news thought he would say that those who died, deserved to die, and that those who didn’t die did not deserve to die. That is not what he said. He said, everyone deserves to die. And if you and I don’t repent, we too will perish. This is a stunning response. It only makes sense from a view of reality that is radically oriented on God.

All of us have sinned against God, not just against man. This is an outrage ten thousand times worse than the collapse of the 35W bridge. That any human is breathing at this minute on this planet is sheer mercy from God. God makes the sun rise and the rain fall on those who do not treasure him above all else. He causes the heart to beat and the lungs to work for millions of people who deserve his wrath. This is a view of reality that desperately needs to be taught in our churches, so that we are prepared for the calamities of the world.

The meaning of the collapse of this bridge is that John Piper is a sinner and should repent or forfeit his life forever. That means I should turn from the silly preoccupations of my life and focus my mind’s attention and my heart’s affection on God and embrace Jesus Christ as my only hope for the forgiveness of my sins and for the hope of eternal life. That is God’s message in the collapse of this bridge. That is his most merciful message: there is still time to turn from sin and unbelief and destruction for those of us who live. If we could see the eternal calamity from which he is offering escape we would hear this as the most precious message in the world.

We prayed during our family devotions. Talitha (11 years old) and Noel and I prayed earnestly for the families affected by the calamity and for the others in our city. Talitha prayed “Please don’t let anyone blame God for this but give thanks that they were saved.” When I sat on her bed and tucked her in and blessed her and sang over her a few minutes ago, I said, “You know, Talitha, that was a good prayer, because when people ‘blame’ God for something, they are angry with him, and they are saying that he has done something wrong. That’s what “blame” means: accuse somebody of wrongdoing. But you and I know that God did not do anything wrong. God always does what is wise. And you and I know that God could have held up that bridge with one hand.” Talitha said, “With his pinky.” “Yes,” I said, “with his pinky. Which means that God had a purpose for not holding up that bridge, knowing all that would happen, and he is infinitely wise in all that he wills.”

Talitha said, “Maybe he let it fall because he wanted all the people of Minneapolis to fear him.” “Yes, Talitha,” I said, “I am sure that is one of the reasons God let the bridge fall.”

I sang to her the song I always sing,

Come rest your head and nestle gently
And do not fear the dark of night.
Almighty God keeps watch intently,
And guards your life with all his might.
Doubt not his love, nor power to keep,
He never fails, nor does he sleep.

I said, “You know, Talitha, that is true whether you die in a bridge collapse, or in a car accident, or from cancer, or terrorism, or old age. God always keeps you, even when you die. So you don’t need to be afraid, do you.” “No,” she shook her head. I leaned down and kissed her. “Good night. I love you.”

Tonight across the Twin Cities families are wondering if they will ever kiss a loved one good night again. Some will not. I am praying that they will find Jesus Christ to be their Rock and Refuge in these agonizing hours of uncertainty and even loss.

The word “bridge” does not occur in the Bible. There may be two reasons. One is that God doesn’t build bridges, he divides seas. The other is that usually his people must pass through the deadly currents of suffering and death, not simply ride over them. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you” (Isaiah 43:2). They may drown you. But I will be with you in life and death.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life . . . will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-38)

Killed all day long. But not separated from Christ. We go through the river. Not over it. He went before us, crucified. He came out on the other side. He knows the way through. With him we will make it. That is the message we have for the precious sinners in the Twin Cities. He died for your sins. He rose again. He saves all who trust him. We die, but because of him, we do not die.

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” (John 11:25)

Talitha is sleeping now. But one day she will die. I teach her this. I will not always be there to bless her. But Jesus is alive and is the same yesterday today and forever. He will be with her because she trusts him. And she will make it through the river.

Weeping with those who weep, and those who should,

Pastor John

Psalm 71:20 You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again.

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You may also be interested in our video team's footage of the collapsed bridge.

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For free resources, visit our website: DesiringGod.org.

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Bret L. Johnson
South Hills Church Community
2298 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway, suite 204
Henderson, NV 89052
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702.616.6700

bret@south-hills.org

--

Check out my blog where I record devotions, thoughts, ramblings, etc..  You can find it at pastorbret.typepad.com

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Visit us at www.south-hills.org

July 29-30 No One Was Sorry When He Died

Here's a line that nobody would ever want written about them:

"No one was sorry when he died" (2 Chronicles 21:20) 

The verse is written about Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat.  He was evil, he put his siblings to death when he became king.  He was "as wicked as Ahab" and unlike his good father. 

His sins:

1) He married the wrong woman-- a daughter of Ahab.  Interesting principle here-- who you marry will have a profound effect on your life.

2) He led the people to worship idols and not the true God.

3) He murdered his brothers probably to protect his position as king and any threat from them.

And no one was sorry when he died.

Bret

July 28 Have I prayed for Osama Bin Laden today?

One of the virtues of being a Christian is extending forgiveness to enemies and praying for them:

"But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!" Matthew 5:44

"Pray for the happiness of those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you." Luke 6:28

So, when was the last time you prayed a prayer of blessing for bin Laden?

Brother Andrew wrote this,

"God loves the world. And in my new book, Secret
Believers, we propose the question, "Have you prayed for bin Laden today?" That question should
shock a lot of Christians. Of course we haven't! That is why he is what he is. We have an evangelical
black list of people we don't want to see in heaven and put bin Laden on top. Saddam Hussein is
probably second."

So, here is my prayer for Osama bin Laden?

God of Isaac and Ishmael, I pray for Osama bin Laden today and bring his life before your throne.  I pray that out of your glorious grace you might meet this man in his quest for you.  I pray that he might have a "Damascus Road" experience with Jesus.  He is a modern-day Paul.  I pray that he would understand the true God and his eyes would be opened to truth.  I pray against any demonic influence in or around his life.  May he meet some tender-hearted but strong Christians who have the guts to tell him about Jesus and explain the way to him.  Bless him today O God and may He really, really seek You. Amen.

Bret

July 25 Joseph's Weeping

One of the things that stands out to me as I read through the life of Joseph again is his weeping.  Honestly, I have not noticed the significance of this nor the frequency:

"He turned away from them and began to weep, but then turned back and spoke to them again. He had Simeon taken from them and bound before their eyes."

"Deeply moved at the sight of his brother, Joseph hurried out and looked for a place to weep. He went into his private room and wept there." "And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it."

"Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterwards his brothers talked with him."

"Joseph had his chariot made ready and went to Goshen to meet his father Israel. As soon as Joseph appeared before him, he threw his arms around his father and wept for a long time."

"Joseph threw himself upon his father and wept over him and kissed him."

"‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father." When their message came to him, Joseph wept." Genesis 42:24; 43:30; 45:2, 14, 15; 46:29; 50:1, 17

Some observations:

•Joseph’s weeping was never because of his own misfortune.  He wept out of gratefulness to God.

•Joseph’s tears were not because of something bad but because of much good.  It doesn’t say that when
Joseph was thrown into prison he wept.  He wept when he was reunited with family and when he saw God fulfill things in front of him.  He wept tears of joy.

•It would seem to me that Joseph was able to weep much because he had suffered much.  He understood sadness and therefore could experience great joy.

•Joseph had a deep and tender heart not because he was effeminate or un-manly but because of His love for God and his walk with Him.

I have heard people talk about the “gift of tears.”  Those who have tears come to their eyes quickly have also had lots of hurt.

Bret

July 23 Joseph and God

I am dong a little side-study on the life of Joseph.  You find the story of Joseph in Genesis 37, and 39-50.  Joseph is a "type" of Christ in that many events and issues in his life are remarkably like Jesus.

In Genesis 39 and 40 much is recorded about Joseph's life-- he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, he goes to Egypt against his will, is remarkably sold into the house of Potiphar, an important official in Egypt.  He serves well except, because of his good looks, he gets caught by Potiphar's wife, then thrown into jail.

But in all of this, we don't hear much from Joseph himself.  But when he does speak he speaks powerfully:

"But he refused and said to his master’s wife, "Behold, with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house, and he has put all that he owns in my charge. "There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil, and sin against God?"" Genesis 39:8, 9

"Then they said to him, "We have had a dream and there is no one to interpret it." Then Joseph said to them, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell it to me, please."" Genesis 40:8

Joseph's speech was entirely God-centered.  If he were to have sex with Potiphar's wife it would be "great evil" and a "sin against God."  Dreams?  They belong to God, according to Joseph.

So, when Joseph spoke, it was about God.  Something to think about today.

Bret