Life as a cue sport

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In cue sports a pool player hits a cue ball with a cue stick. The Cue ball in turn hits another ball called a billiard ball. There are many variations of the game. The most popular variation in the USA is called eight-ball. The goal of eight-ball, which is played with a full rack of fifteen balls and the cue ball, is to claim a suit (commonly stripes or solids in the US), pocket all of them, then legally pocket the 8 ball, while denying one's opponent opportunities to do the same with their suit, and without sinking the 8 ball early by accident. A good pool player knows with how much strength, at what angle, and in which direction to hit the cue ball, so that it hits the desired billiard ball and pocket it. If done well, this process can be repeated, because the balls will always react the same way on impact. In other words, although it is a game the process is pure physics. Also, since the balls acts according to the impact they receive, you can predict where the ball will go. The ball merely reacts according to the laws of physics. They live in the law. Being that these balls are mere objects, they cannot disobey these laws.

The cue ball cannot asses the situation of how hard it would be to hit the yellow ball. The cue ball cannot make choices. Once the cue ball is hit it will go in the direction and speed it was 'told' it should go – whether it hits the yellow ball or not. This is what the law says; this is what the ball does. Is the ball obedient? Not if you use the biblical definition. In the Bible obedience means to listen, to hear, to strive to capture every word and heed to it. The cue ball cannot hear, therefore it cannot obey. The ball is not therefore concerned about the law, it just 'exists' by the law.

God made us different than cue balls. He gave us free will. We know this from a reading of Genesis 3. This means we can choose to respond, instead of reacting. God also gave us the capacity to hear and listen. So when we hear the Word, we can choose to listen or not, and we can choose to heed or not. We do not have to react to any impulse or impact given to us. When the cue stick hits us, we can choose what to do – which direction to go, how fast, and whether to go at all. This is why the law is a concern to fallen human beings, because they can, and in fact do, break it. Human beings choose not to hear the word of God or not to heed it. They are by nature rebellious toward God and His Word.

What if you hit the cue ball and it does not move? What if ball is glued to the table? This means the ball obeys the glue and not the cue stick. Is this still different than us? Well, yes, the ball cannot glue itself; much less choose to do it. But, we can choose to 'glue' ourselves to the power of Sin, and therefore disobey God's Word. However, when we choose to 'glue' ourselves to the Righteousness of God, we will listen and heed to the word of God. As it says in Romans 6: 12-17,

Romans 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Romans 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

So when we yield to the Holy Spirit, the Law of God is not a concern, because when we heed the Holy Spirit, we keep the law. After all, as God, the law describes His character. And, there is no difference between His thought, action and Word. Every thing He says is the word of God, and according to the law of God. Everything He will have us do, He will empower us to do, and will be in agreement with the law.

How does this apply to Ecclesiastes 11? Let us read verses 3 and 4,

Ecclesiastes 11: 3 If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.
Ecclesiastes 11: 4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.

Everything that happens can be a cue stick hitting us to go in a different direction. When we abide in the Spirit and the Spirit in us, storms, whether literal or metaphorical, are not a concern either. We know that He also controls the rain, the high winds, and the falling trees. When we abide in Him and He in us these become mere challenges that we can overcome by God's grace. We can choose to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in the midst of the storm. Sometimes He will make us run for cover; sometimes He will allow us to get wet. It is His prerogative and for our sanctification. If God wants us to hit the yellow ball, He will open the way for us to do so. Our part is to listen carefully and do as He says.

The Special Insights web page resides at:
http://www.1888message.org/sabbathschool/

Wisdom

Wisdom

There was a man called Raymond. Raymond was a self professed atheist. Everywhere he went he found a way to argue that God did not exist. Raymond was pretty good at it. His logic seemed flawless. He could always find a weakness in the arguments of those who dared to argue against him. After which he would pounce them. Once he had out argued and humiliated his opponents, he would proceed to gloat and brag about his victories.

One day he decided to pick on this young lady – Rose -, who unaware of Raymond’s operating mode, lovingly mentioned the name of Christ. Raymond approached her as he approached the rest, with a smile, and speaking softly, words carefully chosen to arouse. This is where he thrived. As she heard his voice and the words coming from his mouth, she realized it fit the profile of the man she had been warned about. She looked at him and said, “So, you’re the one that claims he’s an atheist.” He replied indignantly, “Excuse me, what do you mean by ‘claim to be an atheist?” Rose replied calmly, “Well, my grandfather always told me, that there is no real atheist. I believed him.” Raymond answered with a mocking tone, “Ha! Your grandfather? What can that old man know? What reasons does he give for his assertion?” Rose looked at Raymond compassionately and said, “He told me, ‘the Bible says that the fool says in his heart that there is no God.” But, let that fool feel like he is dying, and immediately he calls on the God he said did not exist.’” Raymond laughed loud and sarcastically, and then said to her, “That will never happen to me.” She said softly, “Never say, ‘never.’”

You have an idea of what happened next. Raymond wakes up in the middle of the night, gasping for air. He felt his esophagus burning. Before, he could think about it, he muttered the words, “Oh, God help me!” Immediately, Raymond’s throat cleared up, and he was able to breath. The next day Raymond decided to go to the Doctor’s office to make sure all is well. No one in the office would dare speak, afraid of one of Raymond’s outburst. However, Raymond waited patiently for his turn and he started no arguments. This concerned every one in the office, but they were all afraid to ask.

Raymond’s name was called, but he still had to wait for the doctor. Finally, a dignified and distinguished old man, with a white beard and a pleasant disposition walked in. They exchanged the usual pleasantries. After this the old Doctor asked Raymond, “So Raymond, What can this old fool do for you?” Raymond remembered Rose. He remained silent for a few seconds. Raymond did not know what to do; He put his thoughts together and answered the Doctor. Raymond said shyly, “When I met your granddaughter she told about your thoughts on how atheists call on God when they feel they are dying. Well, it happened to me. I called on God. In fact, I even think He answered.” The old man listened attentively and then answered, “What happened?” Raymond told him with vivid details what had happened the night before. “Well, Raymond, you were wise to call on Him. You were wise to come here for a checkup. However, in a few days you memory of what happened will start to fade, and you will go back to your old foolish ways. It happens all the time. You will forget about the wisdom you have heard now. And, soon enough you may even despise it.” Raymond just listened silently, as the Doctor checked him.

The story reminds me of the one Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 9:13-16, let us read,

Ecclesiastes 9:13This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:
Ecclesiastes 9:14 There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it:
Ecclesiastes 9:15 Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.
Ecclesiastes 9:16 Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.

Like the Raymond and the people in the little city many only remember God only in times of crisis. And, soon after the crisis is over, and life goes back to the same old routine they forget Him. You see, very likely the reason there was a crisis is because they ignored and despised His wisdom. So, they plead with God, and God bails them out. But, God’s wisdom not only bails out, it also may spare us from the impending crisis by giving us discernment to avoid it. God’s wisdom may also give us the strength and insight to go through with the crisis. But, for this we must be imbued with His wisdom before, through, and after any crisis. It is easy to do this when we realize the extent of our sinfulness and are grateful about the extent of His sacrifice for us. It is easy when we learn to listen to and trust the voice of His indwelling Holy Spirit. He is the source of God’s wisdom in us. Will you let Him dwell in you? He will make you wise.

The Special Insights web page resides at:
http://www.1888message.org/sabbathschool/

The Lord of Meaningless

The Lord of Meaningless

She was a little apprehensive at first. Walking to the temple was intimidating. After all this was the House of God. Furthermore, there were large crowds surrounding them. She was afraid she would be trampled or harassed by any of them; especially, the Roman soldiers, the temple guard, or one of the Pharisees. They intimidated her. But, she was impressed to continue. She felt something was leading the way. In her heart she felt the conviction that she was doing the right thing. This comforted her. She walked her way through the crowd of merchants, foreigners worshiping, and finally to the door of the temple. She looked inside. She saw men majestically dressed, speaking loudly and arguing ever matters she knew little of. She found her way inside to the treasury. There men were boisterously bragging about how much money they were giving. The crowds cheered as they learned of how much money were in the bags of these men. She felt discouraged. What could her two little mites do? She felt that she and her offering were insignificant. But, a voice in her heart encouraged her to go forward. This gave her courage.
Focused on her pursuit, she did not notice a Man that was looking at her. She approached the basket and dropped her two mites. Silently she whispered a prayer, than turned around and walked away. No one but this Man noticed her. Mark 12: 41 – 44 describes in this way, let us read,

Mark 12: 41And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
Mark 12: 42And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
Mark 12: 43And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:
Mark 12: 44For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

What we consider insignificant God considers significant. What we shun and dismiss, God emphasizes and praises. What a contrast to the way mankind views things. Man’s efforts to the preacher are always “vanity, a striving for wind.” Solomon says in Ecclesiastes 7: 29, “Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.” Man has abandoned the simple ways of God. He calls them meaningless and insignificant. IN its stead now pursues his own ways and boasts about them.

There is a sentence in the teachers edition of the quarterly that says this, “God’s narrow way, while not always obvious, will get us to our final destination”. It is not always obvious because, this narrow way is made up of decisions or choices that seem little, small, meaningless, or even insignificant. What small things build the narrow road? Those things that the Holy Spirit impresses us to do that at the time seem meaningless; only worth two mites. Probably, because they seem inefficient, out of our control, and to slow. We want control and instant gratification. God’s ways may seem slower and inefficient, but they are always effective.

Today we may not boast about how much money we give. It does not look good. (However, many use their giving as a right to make demands in their local congregation.) Today, there are many who boast about their ministry. How many Bible studies offered, how many books and tracts distributed, how many visitors brought to church, and how many people were baptized, are some examples of how we boast. But, it is the little old sister with her two mite smile that keeps you coming to church. When the old sister dies Jesus dies with her, because He does not abide in those who resist his dwelling. No one else can see Jesus smile since she died. Then there is the gentleman who always has two motes encouragement for the youth. He had to leave the area. Jesus left with him. The youth is no longer greeted by Jesus; the others do not have Jesus in them. They are too busy fighting over policy and the way things should or use to be; things that they consider significant. The love of God is not in them. They have more important things to do. Praying, studying the Word of God, and yielding to the Spirit’s prompting is too much of a hassle. They want action and entertainment. And, what does God say about all their inventions: programs, policies, trainings, social events, etc? It is all vanity, striving after the wind. Not worth two mites.

The Special Insights web page resides at:
http://www.1888message.org/sabbathschool/

What A Modern Idol

A local church was going through a major crisis. The church was divided about different issues. Among the issues was a strong discontent with the Pastor. They did not think he had enough leadership skill to run the congregation. Another issue was that of discontent with three members and their preaching. Many thought that it was offensive, others thought it was heresy. Not too much time passed by before these three brethren were feeling persecuted and chastised by the others in the congregation. The Church board met to discuss the situation. After a few minutes of discussion it was obvious that most of them did not agree with the beliefs of these three members. The Board decided that the Pastor should talk with them. The three members were impressed that this would happen, so they were not surprised when the Pastor called on them for a private meeting. In fact, one of them was strongly impressed that the Pastor would probably also suffer from persecution, just as they were; since the sentiments against the Pastor by the others members was well known.

The conversation was serene and friendly. Although the Pastor and the three brothers disagreed in their beliefs they were very cordial and respectful toward each other; even when the one who was impressed that the Pastor would suffer persecution told the Pastor, so. The Pastor kept his posture. Reflected for a few seconds and replied to the three. “Well, I can see how that can happen. I am however not concerned. The denominational conference office will protect me. They always look after the Pastors. They will not let me down, even if this congregation turns against me.” The three looked at each other with sadness. They looked at the Pastor and one of them said to him, “I hope you are right, Pastor.”

Time passed by. The three chastised brethren were forced out of the local church. The Pastor remained with that congregation until he received notice from the conference office that the conference was going through financial hardship. Because of this they would have to let some Pastor’s go. Unfortunately he was one of them. The Pastor put his trust on the organization, which eventually let him down. Could it be that he made the organization to be his idol?

The passage in Isaiah 44: 9 – 17 makes a vivid description of how a man transforms half of a piece of wood into heat to cook his meal and warm himself up. The other half he builds into a statue. We read this in Isaiah 44:17,

Isaiah 44:17 And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god.

The pastor of the congregation may have not manufactured the conference he worked for, as the man in Isaiah did, but he trusted the conference to deliver him as if the conference was his god. Like the Pastor, many choose gods of their own making and expect these gods to save them and deliver them. The examples can be many and diverse. It is normally the thing or things that you believe will pull you through and make you succeed, as long as you can acquire them, have them or keep them. For example: the job, the degree, the connections, the law, the system, the looks, etc. Many of these things are not bad in and of themselves. However, when you put a greater amount of trust in them than you should, you make them into idols.

Another point needs to be made, not one of us is exempt of this danger. Every single one of us will make an idol out of anything; sometimes imperceptibly. Unless we follow God’s advice in Isaiah 45:22,

Isaiah 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

It is only in Jesus that we find salvation, deliverance, and success. A continual looking at Him will save us not only from idolatry, but from any other Sin. But, you do not have to force yourself into looking unto Him. If you allow yourself to experience His unconditional love, you will be so grateful to Him and will in return love Him so much (1 John 4:19), you will not be able to take your eyes off Him. All the things of this world will never save you, and many will forsake you. However, Christ promises to save you and that he will be “with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:20).

The Special Insights web page resides at:
http://www.1888message.org/sabbathschool/