THROWING INKWELLS

And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” (Revelation 12:10-12 ESV)

            John 10:10 states, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy….” The mission of the evil accuser is to steal a love for God, kill a desire for God and destroy a witness for God. Revelation shows a struggle played-out in the heavenly realm. From the ranks of the devil come accusations. From the kingdom of God comes the authority of Christ.

            Whenever God does something wonderful, indictments from the accuser naturally increase: “Did you really enter into a meaningful relationship with God?  Did you actually get filled with the Holy Spirit? If you truly had faith in God would you honestly think and behave the way you do?”

            You may occasionally feel doubt and possibly torment, similar to what Eve experienced in the Garden when the serpent challenged her with confusing questions. Struggling with faith or experiencing overwhelming fear is not uncommon. The accuser of the righteous is attempting to defeat you. The Lord provides His armor for these moments. Put it on! (Ephesians 6)

            Some mistakenly match the howling of the devil with their own wailing, entering a shouting match with him. Others misguidedly invite the devil into their conversation with the Lord, one moment having communion with God the next rebuking the devil. When in the Lord’s chamber by prayer, why invite the enemy to join you?

            No one should take the devil lightly but he should not be given primary attention either. He is a defeated foe. Time should not be wasted and company should not be kept with such a loser. Your greater focus should be your communion, fellowship and bond with the Lord, your relationship with God.

            You become who you associate with. If your primary focus is fighting the devil, you become like the enemy. If your primary focus is loving the Lord, you become like the Savior.

            What should be your approach when the devil is seemingly getting the best of you? When robbed of peace, cheated of comfort, and short-sheeted by fear, what do you do? Revelation reveals your weaponry.

            First, “the blood of the Lamb!” Keep yourself under His holy covering by fleeing temptations and repenting of sins.

            Secondly, “the word of their testimony!” Live openly pure lives that reflect faith in God. Those who secretively attempt to live for Jesus have the biggest struggle opposing the father of lies.

            Thirdly, “they did not love their lives.” Do not be enamored with self-importance; take an eternal view of life.

In times of conflict it is not only good to remember the word of your testimony but also the word of His testimony. The Bible is a weapon that directly counterattacks the accusations of the accuser.

Martin Luther reportedly got frustrated while translating Scripture into the language of his own countrymen. Sensing the problem was sometimes caused by the devil he literally threw inkwells wherever he thought the devil was standing. Can you imagine the walls of his study?

When you receive a divine blessing and the accuser is trying to take it away, throw an inkwell at him. “But I don’t have inkwells? Inkwells aren’t made anymore?  I don’t even know what an inkwell is?” The ink of your inkwell is dried on the pages of your Bible! Here are four readily available missiles.

If God is for you, who can be against you? (Romans 8:31)

            The first inkwell boldly declares there is no accuser with any overwhelming strength when God is part of your life. You are not stronger than the devil but God is and He is for you.

            “Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10) Some endeavor to be strong by their own standard but the instructions are to stand in His strength. Rest in His authority!

            Only God is all-powerful (omnipotent). No one is His equal. The opposite of day is night. The opposite of light is dark. The opposite of big is small. The opposite of God is nothing. Who is comparable to His supreme essence? Who is His equal that they should be feared? The devil is not parallel with God, he is subservient.

The One in you is greater than the one in the world.  (1 John 4:4)

            The second inkwell is consistent with the first. The devil is not as strong or as great as God. He dwells in falsehood, giving distortion and illusions. He is the master of slander, revilement, innuendos, scandal and insinuations. The power of the father of lies is a lie. He is no match for God.

            Dan Betzer paints a picture of the devil’s trickery in the novel called The Beast. After the rapture the leading character’s girlfriend is thought killed in an accident. At the funeral the anti-christ seems to raise her from the dead. He later talks to Satan and asks if the girl is really dead?

            “Lucifer chuckled, ‘Of course not! I touched her and put her into a deep sleep. It was so convincing that even the morticians believed…had [she] really been killed that day, she would have stayed dead no matter what I did.” Dan writes what the Bible clearly declares; only God gives life for only He is life abundant.

            A songwriter wrote God is greater “than the wisest man…than the power of sin…than the gates of hell…than any tongue can tell.” The accuser is not as great as God.

            A young girl was tempted to do something dishonest. When asked how she overcame the temptation she said, “When I hear the devil knocking on the door of my heart, I ask Jesus to go see who it is.” Good idea!

Nothing can separate you from the love of God. (Romans 8:38-39)

            For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39 ESV)

            The third inkwell describes the measure of God’s love.

            Neither death nor life! His love is so far reaching it does not stop at the grave. He loves those experiencing eternal damnation. He does not send anyone to hell, that option every person must weigh and decide. Some choose not to have a relationship with God but this does not end His love for them.

            Nor angels, nor demons! No created being can pull you out of the firm grasp of God.

            Nor the present, nor the future! Circumstances cannot sever you from God.

            Nor height, nor depth! Feelings and moods cannot stop His love.

            Nor anything else in all creation! Spouse, family, friends, employers, cannot remove you from God.

            Life situations cannot separate you from His love!

            My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. (John 10:27-29 ESV) What a wonderful word of encouragement.

            A person can backslide, walk away from God, but that action is not the emphasis of Romans 8 and John 10. The two Scripture passages declare no outside influence can take away a relationship with God.

            The accuser does not have the ability to sever your ties with the Lord.

God will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

            The writer of Hebrews gives a quote from the Old Testament: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) “Them” applies to any evil opposition.

            The fourth inkwell comes with a challenge, be courageous. When God reveals His plan and shows the way, step out in faith. Reach out, venture out and trust Him. He will not fail you.

            God is not in the deserting business; abandonment is not in His vocabulary. When the accuser comes, the “Paraclete” (the One called alongside to help, the Holy Spirit) is with you.

Application

            Many other Scripture inkwells are at your disposal. Heave them with spiritual might. “Take this, you devil: God is for me, greater is He that is in me, nothing can separate me from His love and He will not forsake me.” When the accuser is covered with blotches and backs away, do not give him another thought! Focus on God, He alone is worthy of your undivided attention.

LEAVING EGYPT 2, PHARAOH

The LORD said to Aaron, “Go into the wilderness to meet Moses.” So he went and met him at the mountain of God and kissed him. And Moses told Aaron all the words of the LORD with which he had sent him to speak, and all the signs that he had commanded him to do. Then Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the people of Israel. Aaron spoke all the words that the LORD had spoken to Moses and did the signs in the sight of the people. And the people believed; and when they heard that the LORD had visited the people of Israel and that he had seen their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshiped. Afterward Moses and Aaron went and said to Pharaoh, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.’” But Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and moreover, I will not let Israel go.” (Exodus 4:27-5:2 ESV)

            The first article gave attention to the concessions Pharaoh offered to Moses in an effort to keep his slaves. This article addresses his actions.

            Everyone is made aware of the only living God by creation, by proclamation or by revelation. Most people become aware of God through His handiwork. Many hear about Him from committed believers. A few (very few) have a supernatural encounter. God is making Himself known to the world.

            Although God reveals Himself in a variety of ways everyone must personally acknowledge His Lordship. One thing is certain: No one will be able to stand before Him blameless on Judgment Day. “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20 ESV)

            In the duel between Moses and Pharaoh two things were at stake: Israel receiving their inheritance and Pharaoh discovering God. What is often overlooked in the Exodus narrative is God’s love for the Egyptian ruler. The Lord desires for none to parish and for everyone to enter everlasting life. Pharaoh was given several opportunities to respond to God and ultimately refused.

People today have numerous opportunities to know God and many refuse. The message of Jesus is presented in publications, heard on radio, viewed on television, obtained on the internet, mentioned in homes and offices, and proclaimed in churches around the world, week after week. To not know Jesus reveals a Pharaoh mentality. His responses still happen today.

Absolute refusal

            Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and moreover, I will not let Israel go.” (Exodus 5:2 ESV)

            Egypt was a mighty empire and Pharaoh perceived himself a god. His world evolved around him. Why should Pharaoh serve the God of slaves? He owned them.

            Pharaoh had power, honor, prestige, and respect. What more did he need? What more could the God of slaves do for him? Why serve Him? Even a troubled soul is numbed of its need by the things someone possesses. What personal benefit could be derived from an outlandish request given by a guy spending 40 years as a desert nomad?

            People naturally have a “What’s in it for me, where are the benefits?” mentality. Some consider the phrase, “Give all to Jesus!” as not making sense. With no conscience about sinning, having no regard for eternity, many only look at the tangible present. Like a Pharaoh some harden their hearts and ignore the inevitable. They fail to recognize this world is passing away and earthly endeavors fall short of heavenly blessings. When someone refuses to look at their eternal need, they fail to discover the one true God.

            Pharaoh asked, “Who is this God that I should listen to Him?” He was about to find out.

Lying to God

            Then Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron and said, “Plead with the LORD to take away the frogs from me and from my people, and I will let the people go to sacrifice to the LORD … But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, as the LORD had said. (Exodus 8:8, 15 ESV)

            Divine power was revealed and Pharaoh sought relief, not God. In an effort to get rid of a problem he gave the Lord lip service, gave a vow with no intention of keeping. Without fear or reverence he lies to God.

            When facing difficulty, do you simply seek relief?

             “Oh, God, get me out of this financial mess and I’ll start tithing – I promise.”  Failing to tithe could be the very reason for the problem in the first place. You know you should give, God’s knows you should give.

            “Oh God, relieve my suffering, deliver me, and I will serve you – I will do whatever you want me to do.” How many times does this vow get forgotten? Numerous times!

            “God spare me from the consequences of my crime! I will never do it again.” Only after being caught are many willing to quit. Maybe it would be better to face the consequences? God’s help is sometimes a problem becoming exposed and finally being addressed.

            People cry out to God for help with no intentions of keeping a promise. God intervenes and vows become conveniently misplaced. Lying to God, giving Him lip service, manifests the heart of a Pharaoh.

Bargaining with God

            Then Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron and said, “Go, sacrifice to your God within the land.” … So Pharaoh said, “I will let you go to sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only you must not go very far away. Plead for me.” … But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and did not let the people go. (Exodus 8:25, 28, 32 ESV)

            Pharaoh attempted to find leverage with God. He rationalized, “Is leaving necessary as long as they sacrifice? Can a retreat or temporary excursion suffice?”

            Are you trying to meet a commitment to God while still pursuing self-interests? One way people attempt to address the need of their soul and still satisfy selfish longings is by filtering Biblical terms through greed: “authority” becomes “superiority,” “success” becomes “prestige,” and “faith” becomes “achievements.” Living for God becomes altered when carnal definitions are given to Biblical concepts.

            Spiritual living must be defined by Biblical definitions: “authority” is “servitude,” “success” is “humility,” and “faith” is “perseverance.” Followers of Jesus move in directions contrary to the world and eternal life is not achieved through worldly pursuits. There is no bargaining in opposites, only enmity. There is no bartering with God in order to fulfill selfish desires.

Confession without repentance

            Then Pharaoh sent and called Moses and Aaron and said to them, “This time I have sinned; the LORD is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong. … So the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people of Israel go, just as the LORD had spoken through Moses. (Exodus 9:27, 35 ESV)

            Pharaoh realizes he is having an encounter with the Lord God Almighty. He confesses his sin and seeks forgiveness. When things ease up, however, he turns away from God.

            Some start a relationship with God but quit, they turn away after genuinely experiencing the full measure of salvation. Living for Jesus is not always a “tip-toe through the tulips” kind of experience, causing some to give up. The Holy Spirit provides keeping power as long as someone wants to be kept.

            Others never come to know God. Though they desire His forgiveness, they are unwilling to change. There is no such thing as conveniently confessing when it serves self-interests but willfully doing as before. People expressing a committed confession will change. Confession without repentance is no confession at all.

Surrender

            Then he summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Up, go out from among my people, both you and the people of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as you have said. Take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone, and bless me also!” (Exodus 12:31-32 ESV)

            Pharaoh was defeated. Egypt was in ruins and he suffered personal loss. Refusal, lying, bargaining, and insincere confession all failed. He surrendered because his options ran out. Surrender comes out of defeat, after being beaten down to nothing. People can be crushed mentally, trampled emotionally, forced physically, but remain inwardly defiant.

            Pharaoh unconditionally surrendered but with an unrepentant heart he still considered God an enemy. Pharaoh possessed a deep-down, clenched-fist inward rebellion: “I yield because I have no choice. Though I don’t want to, I will do what I must. I will never, however, willingly serve the God of slaves.”

            God desires submission, not surrender. Submission is the act of willingly giving up something for a greater cause, a courageous act coming from a position of strength instead of weakness. Jesus was submissive to the will of the Father. “Although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself” (Philippians 2:6) The Son of God came to earth as a man and submissively died on the cross.

            Some surrender, admitting the Lord is God with no intention of submitting to His leadership and guidance. In lieu of surrender, be submissive. Willingly yield control of your life. He is not the Savior until you make Him your Lord.

Total ruin

            When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, the mind of Pharaoh and his servants was changed toward the people, and they said, “What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” So he made ready his chariot and took his army with him. … The Egyptians pursued and went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. … The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen; of all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, not one of them remained. (Exodus 14:5-6, 23, 28 ESV)

            Pharaoh asked, “Who is this God that I should listen to Him?” He is the absolute and supreme Ruler. Failing to submit, nothing was left. Only so much can be done for a stubborn heart.

            Every response reveals Pharaoh attempting to gain his own way and being his own god. His actions stemmed from selfishness. Salvation comes only through submission and heart change.

Application

            Pharaoh is an example of what should never happen to anyone. His actions are similar to someone seeking escape from a devilish hell rather than establishing a relationship with the Lord God almighty.

            While serving as Assistant Pastor in a Montana church, two teenage girls came forward one evening to receive Christ. Both wept at the altar, both started attending church and both joined the youth group. It was not long before differences became evident. One was spiritually progressing while the other kept arguing, “God accepts me as I am and I can still do what I’ve been doing.” She was wrong!

God takes you as you are but makes you as He is. If you have not witnessed a change since confessing Jesus, question your relationship with Him. If you resent what He wants from you, your attitude reflects surrender more than submission.

LEAVING EGYPT 1, COMPROMISE

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, ‘Let my people go, that they may serve me.’” (Exodus 8:1 ESV)

            Many know about the battle of wills that took place between Moses and Pharaoh. No other story in the Bible shows such a conflict. When reading of Israel’s struggle to leave Egypt, people generally focus on the plagues. Interwoven in the narrative of Egypt’s unbending spirit is the drastic attempt by Pharaoh to keep his slaves.

            The Nile River was turned to blood and made undrinkable for seven days, followed by an infestation of frogs. Lice covered every man and beast. The land was raped by a swarm of insects. Pestilence fell upon livestock. What followed was painful boils on everyone, killer hail, destructive locust and total darkness for three days. The land of Goshen, the home of the Hebrews, was spared.

            As a final blow to Egypt’s dignity the firstborn died as the angel of death “past over” the people of Israel, commemorated by the Jewish Passover festival. Pharaoh finally ordered the people of Israel to depart.

            The ruler during this period of judgment attempted to negotiate a compromise with Moses. He sought to spare the land and the people while keeping his slaves. He thought God should be worshiped in Egypt. Four times Pharaoh offered compromise and four times Moses refused. Moses had met the Lord and knew exactly what was wanted. There could be no compromise. The proposals Pharaoh offered are the same ones presented today, concessions that keep God’s people in a corrupt world system while still attempting to fulfill devotion to Him.

            The world, for the most part, feels it can handle Christianity, at least the non-offensive Christianity sometimes offered. The radical faith offered by Jesus, including the transforming power of Pentecost, is more than this world is willing to accept. Worldly people endeavor to negotiate a compromise with godly people, wanting unacceptable practices to have a normal role in everyday life while still honoring God.

            The world does not want to lose professing Christians. Politicians regularly seek their voting bloc and filmmakers occasionally desire their promotional influence. Yet some concessions are wrong and biblical solutions must be applied.

            Four compromises were offered by Pharaoh, still being offered today.

Do not leave world values to worship God

            Then Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron and said, “Go, sacrifice to your God within the land.” (Exodus 8:25 ESV)

            The world says, “Why leave to worship?  Do it right here. Why not even incorporate world values into your worship. We’re savvy of what people like. We can help make worship more appealing, more palatable. Build the church with marketing more than miracles. Make worship more light-hearted, more pleasant – no one wants to face life issues on a day off. Worship God, if you have to, we can handle that, but you don’t have to leave to do it. Sacrifice in the world to God.”

            The truth, however, is the world does not understand God’s sacrifice, an all consuming sacrifice. Worship involves total submission and servitude, things normally belittled by the world. To worship in the world only opens the door to ridicule and mockery. The peer pressure of society forces pure worship to be suppressed.

            The world suggests, “You don’t want to be thought odd, do you? Don’t take your belief in God so seriously. You can have a relationship with God and still live selfishly. Enjoy a little sin once in awhile – you’re only human. Don’t offend anyone by refusing alcoholic beverages and, for heaven’s sake, don’t pray in public over a meal. Keep your faith in God to yourself, act like everyone else.”

            The world offers you the opportunity to worship, only in the way they do it. “You don’t have to go to church to worship. Stay home, do something leisurely or experience the beauty of nature. You don’t have to gather as a community to have an encounter with God.”

            Followers of Jesus need to come away to worship the Lord.

Keep within reach of world values

            Pharaoh said, “I will let you go to sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only you must not go very far away.” (Exodus 8:28 ESV)

            The world says, “Go to church, if that is what’s important to you, take a short excursion to do your worship, but don’t disassociate yourself. Don’t cut yourself off from what the world has to offer. Commute on Sunday morning but then the rest of the week belongs to you. You don’t have to be different to worship God.”

            The world desires people of God to be just like them and then they are willing to tolerate some little quirks. “What has living for God have to do with business practices? What does faith in God have to do with social behavior? What has love for God have to do with politics and government policies? Why do your morals and activities need to be so different than ours?  Keep worldly vices and go to church on Sunday – God will forgive you.”

            Jesus must be Lord of even the margins of your life:

            “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”(Jeremiah 29:13 ESV)

            “I will give them a heart to know that I am the LORD, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart.” (Jeremiah 24:7 ESV)

            “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 ESV)

            Faith in God is not a temporary excursion but life-changing and for all time. Faith is not a momentary retreat but an eternal transformation.

Let the old people worship but leave the youth behind

            Pharaoh said to them, “The LORD be with you, if ever I let you and your little ones go! Look, you have some evil purpose in mind. No! Go, the men among you, and serve the LORD, for that is what you are asking.” (Exodus 10:10-11 ESV)

            Founders of various world philosophies know that little can be done to change the minds of elderly. Those who embrace false ideologies go after the youth, the young idealist. They want you to leave your children behind.

            Some say, “I don’t push my personal beliefs about God on my children, they can choose for themselves.” Why not encourage your children to embrace your faith?  Everyone else seeks to influence them. If you do not enter the wrestling match over their soul you are showing little love for them.

            My sister did not profess God as an adult but she was not always indifferent toward Christ. A college class influenced her decision toward a different path. There is no such thing as children making up their own mind. Beliefs are shaped by people they admire and respect. Too many are leaving their children behind.

            Some say, “My child needs a good education.”  That in itself is not evil. But then they do not have the same standard when it comes to learning about Jesus. “My kid can’t go to youth service, pastor – too much homework and they need their rest.”

            Some say, “I want my child to have a job so they learn responsibility.” That is very admirable. But then they do not give guidelines about the job not being in conflict with church activities or compromising Christ-like standards. “My kid can’t go to church, pastor – they need money and they also need some time for fun.”

            The greatest tragedy is many times parents are simply attempting to live vicariously through the child. They want their child to have the best in life because they long for it. They want their teenager popular because they were not accepted.

            Biblical instruction and spiritual habits are as important as intellectual and cultural training. Most children go through a period when they do not want to go to church, like so many other things they do not want to do. If it were only church then there would be cause for alarm but they do not want to anything – wash dishes, clean their bedroom, do yard work, go to school, participate in sports.

            Everything is a chore. Teenagers mainly want to lounge. Some young people think a school break is an excuse to avoid household duties but they are wrong. Yet parents argue, when it comes to church, “I don’t force them to go to church because I don’t want them to grow up hating God.” If children do not go now there is greater potential they will not go later.

            Children sometimes say, “Church is boring!” Everything is boring to a young mind. Ask about school and “It’s boring!” Do you stop sending them to school?

            I have never heard a parent tell me, “I don’t force my child to go to school in fear they might grow up hating knowledge.” Some small children do not like to bathe but no one ever says, “I don’t make my little boy take a bath because I’m afraid he’ll grow up hating soap and water and become a dirty old man.”

            What kind of message are you giving your children? You wake up on Sunday morning to a little rain and say, “There, there little Johnny, you do not have to go to church today.” But should the inclement weather persist into Monday he finds, much to his chagrin, the same rule does not apply to school.

            Are you telling your child that intellectual pursuits are more important than spiritual development? Are you telling your child good work habits are more important than God? You are leaving your child behind in Egypt.

Go but leave your treasures in the world

            Pharaoh called Moses and said, “Go, serve the LORD; your little ones also may go with you; only let your flocks and your herds remain behind.” (Exodus 10:24 ESV)

            Many attempt to serve God with their possessions undedicated to Him. “I’ll serve you God but my possessions belong to me. I earned what I have and plan to keep it that way.”

            Although I never watched “The Simpsons” on television, one review quoted Bart saying grace at his meal as, “Dear God, we paid for all this stuff ourselves so thanks for nothing.”  Many may not say it but believe it.

            God does not need your pocketbook as much as you need His blessing. The actual issue of possessions is a dedicated heart. For most people possessions becomes the issue of His Lordship over their life. Until you come to grips with stewardship, with the financial support of the local church, of missions and of the needy, you will not experience the full measure of His love and blessing. When you hoard your treasures you are refusing a part of your life to God. A part of you has yet to leave Egypt.

Application

            Four times Pharaoh attempted to negotiate and each time Moses stood firm. The question is: Will you stand?

            No compromise is acceptable when it comes to worshiping God. Faith in God is a call to live for Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

            Are you compromising? For eternity’s sake, stop it!

VICTORY AND TRIUMPH, 2

Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? (2 Corinthians 2:14-16 ESV)

            The first article asked the question, “How do you spell victory?”  Some mistakenly spell it “victim!” There is no victory living like a victim. This article gives consideration to the concept of triumph.

The Scripture passage above is a picture from a scene common in the first century. The majority of the then-known world was under the rule of Caesar. Roman soldiers were posted in every part of his empire, maintaining peace and order. The result was the famous Pax Romana, the “peace of Rome.”

Any disturbance was met with a quick response from authorities. Soldiers dealt decisively against any uprising or revolt, protecting the interest of Caesar. They also secured cities from outside invasions. A walled community at any moment could find itself under siege and Roman commanders would engage in conflict. They fought the enemy from the walls and drove them into the battlefield, delivering the citizens. They were greatly feared and highly respected.

Visualize a Roman commander returning victoriously from conflict. As the victor, he leads the processional through the main gates and down the main thoroughfare. Immediately behind him is his army, followed by prisoners. Bringing up the rear are the spoils of war.

Running alongside the processional are incense bearers. A fragrant cloud floats in the air encircling them. The liberated citizens stand along the street smelling the incense and consider the aroma the scent of life. The captured prisoners enter the city and consider the aroma the scent of inevitable doom. The same fragrance has a radically different effect. Some savor the smell and others become soured by the stink. One group smells sweet perfume; the other smells a sickening odor.

            This is the word picture painted by the Apostle Paul. Note the impact and ramifications.

In Christ you are triumphant

            With a sudden outburst of thanksgiving, the Apostle Paul says, “But thanks be to God….” It is the cry of the town’s people cheering their liberation. Jesus, the Victor, is leading the Lord’s Army as the triumphant Commander. He is not leading into triumph but leading an already triumphant army.

            Christ has given you an all-inclusive victory. He has triumph over sins, transgressions and wrongdoings. He has triumph over the tempter, the accuser of your soul. He has triumph over problems, the consequences of wayward living. He has triumph over death, the consequences of rebellion. In Christ you are triumphant – you are completely victorious.

            Grasp the full significance of Paul’s proclamation. When struggling with a rebellious attitude, temptation, lust or sin, in Christ you gain confidence and assurance. Your victory is certain on account of His death and resurrection. The promise of Scripture is you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

            I no longer allow myself to watch competitive sports on television during Sunday afternoons. I become very intense watching sporting events, especially if an avid fan of a player or team. I am unable to relax on the day of rest.

            Several years ago I regularly watched tennis tournaments; the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Bjong Borg was my all time favorite tennis player. He was scheduled to play John McEnroe (the media nicknamed “The Brat”) in the Wimbledon final. I had been watching Borg throughout the entire tournament and desperately wanted him to win the championship. I was feeling overly anxious while waiting for the final match.

             Wimbledon is an English tournament, played hours before shown on American television. Prior to the television broadcast radio news announced Borg had won. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the match. The assurance and confidence of knowing who won removed every sense of tension. In Christ you possess a similar confidence and assurance during earthly struggles. Jesus has already won and you are walking in His triumphant processional.

His processional has an aroma

            Your life is scented with the fragrance of Christ, the Commander and Chief. By staying close to Him in the unending triumphant march His incense bearers are surrounding you with the Victors aroma. You are received by others as they do Him. Those loving Him, depending on Him and longing to be close to Him are welcoming you, and those held captive to sin, envy and jealousy are uncomfortable around you.

            In His triumph, your life impacts others. You cannot prevent this; you cannot control the reaction. The effect is set in motion by your association with Jesus. You carry, on your person, the smell of salvation. People will think of you what they will and the fragrance of the processional causes mixed responses.

The aroma of death to captives

            Your life communicates eternal consequences. People living in unwholesome ways will be uncomfortable. The only way unbelievers can completely approve, accept and embrace believers is if they compromise their right standing with God. The perfume of truth stinks to prisoners of sin and the odor of lies is more acceptable to them. Approval only comes from letting off a compromising odor, even just a little.

            Natural science reveals darkness never dispels light but light always dispels darkness. In the same way, your life is meant to chase away defiance, to expose the rebellious life and reveal the eternal consequences of waywardness. When this occurs you give off a deadening fume.

            His victory lived out in your life bears witness of deadness. A pure and righteous life stinks of death to the dying, to those condemned. If your ambition becomes gaining social acceptance from those not living for God you are heading down a road of frustration. Those wishing to remain captive to sin will not desire your presence. You are a living and visible death sentence to non-believers. Few, if any, like being reminded of their impending doom and separation from God.

The aroma of life to the liberated

            The smell of salvation is a breath of fresh air to those delivered from bondage, like a liberated city. The Lord’s sweet perfume is upon you – the Commander’s incense has permeated you.

            Has someone you hardly know ever approached and asked, “You’re a believer in Jesus, aren’t you?” How did they know? They sensed the sweet aroma of the Savior.

            Have you ever talked to a stranger and immediately sensed they loved Jesus? How did you know? The Spirit that abides in you resides in them. You smell the perfume of salvation.

            For several years I made regular trips to El Salvador to help a missionary friend Don Triplet. We attended a Sunday service in the capital city during one of those trips. Knowing very little Spanish I figured out the theme of the entire service was the fragrance of salvation. At the conclusion ushers went to every person and put a small amount of perfume on the back of the hand. They demonstrated in a tangible way what Jesus does to everyone loving Him.

APPLICATION

            Those following Jesus are marching in the triumphant processional of the Lord and carry an aroma. Those who are liberated love the fragrance while those held captive shun the odor.

            While pastoring in a small rural Minnesota town, a bus was chartered to bring several people to an evangelistic crusade in Minneapolis. Riding down a rural highway, we drove past a hog farm. Hogs create some of the worse smells of country living. Everyone on the bus immediately started to gag except one lady, a hog farmer’s wife. She loudly proclaimed, “It may smell bad to you but smells like bread and butter to me.” Those not loving Jesus consider the smell of His followers as being similar to a hog farm while those following Jesus know they smell freshly-baked bread and sweet-melted butter. This is the natural outgrowth of marching in His processional. In Christ is a spiritual scent, considered wonderful by some while others wonder, “What is that horrible smell?”

            What happens when a believer chooses to live a compromising life? What happens when someone has one foot in God’s family and the other in worldly greed?  Neither group wants them! The smell seems wrong to both, not sweet enough or stink enough for either.

            My initial years as a believer were filled with compromise – sporadic church attendance, infrequent prayer times, on-again/off-again attempts at reading Scripture. I acted graciously around church people and acted greedily around non-churched people. I attempted to fit in both groups and ended up having no close associations in either. There was not enough of the right scent for anyone to be comfortable with me. No one was at fault for not fitting in, it was all me. Choose to march unreservedly in His processional. Fill your life with the aroma of victory. In His triumph is assurance, confidence and meaningful relationships.

            Peter Marshall, one time chaplain to the US Senate, spoke at a national conference.  As the focal point of his talk, he used the story of the confrontation of Elijah and the priests of Baal on Mount Carmel. He ended abruptly by saying, “If Jehovah be God, then serve Him – if Baal be god than serve him, and go to hell.” If you are determined to be a sinner, might as well be the worse sinner you can be because this life is all you have. If you are going to be a child of God then take hold of all His promises. Live His life and walk triumphantly.