Monday, June 13, 2011

“Three Strand Friendship”


The Biblical figures David and Jonathan were ‘uncommon friends’ and were knit together by something more powerful than circumstances and situations. They spoke their minds without fear and Jonathan was willing to die for him and established his love to David by a generous gift. “Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.”1 Sam 18:3-4. This was certainly a great instance of the power of God’s grace in David that he was able to get respect and honor on a sudden.

Hebrew word ‘qashar’ means ‘knit’; knit is said in King James Version as ‘became one’. “And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.’ 1 Sam 18:1. Jonathan conceived an extraordinary kindness and affection for him, and God so ordering that David’s way might be the clearer and God honoring for future Kingly court’s services.

1 Sam 20: 1-4; is a narration and example of their priceless expressions of deep friendship. The ‘uncommon friends’ spoke their hearts and from the conversation above we can understand that Jonathan didn’t believe that his father King Saul was really trying to take David’s life, but he acknowledged that David’s feelings were genuine and authentic by saying, “Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee.”1 Sam 20; 4. David appeals to Jonathan himself concerning his innocence and Saul’s desire to take David’s life. Jonathan as a dutiful son tried to cover his father’s shame as far as it was consistent with justice and fidelity to David. Jonathan did not agree immediately with David, but he realized that David needed his help and support at this point instead of his doubt. Jonathan’s willingness to listen and letting go of possible potential insults are his great strength and not his weakness. The bonds that strengthened Jonathan and David are much deeper than the width of their differences.

The seed of jealousy sown in the heart of Saul began to grow and fear, anger, bitterness fueled the jealousy which grew out of control; 1 Sam 20:30-33. Saul rages like a lion disappointed of his prey and calls Jonathan his son, a traitor, bastard and a fool and tried to kill him too. Saul failed to acknowledge his rage and jealousy as evil. The conclusion we derive from the above is that in any situation without God’s intervention, one can offer only a small bandage to some one hemorrhaging from uncontrolled emotions. The best recourse when negative emotions begin to control is to fall before the throne of grace and seek God, taking solace that Christ knows how it feels to be tempted; Heb 2:18; 4;15.

Again in1 Sam 20: 25-42; Jonathan tried to protect David from his father’s rage and anger and finally they parted. Jonathan went out into the field and to the place appointed within sight of which he knew David hid, and sent his foot boy to fetch the arrows, which he would shoot at random. Jonathan gave David the fatal signal by shooting an arrow beyond the lad and finally had a personal conversation with David after he had helped him to flee for life.

Jonathan and David were vulnerable with each other and yet retained their dignity and their friendship was a safe place to show feelings and trust. They had separate lives but inseparable bonds and their lives complemented each other. The ‘uncommon friends’ from two different families with different family values were unafraid to share their hearts with one another. “And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the South, and fell on his face towards the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.”1 Sam 20:41.

And Jonathan said to David, ‘ Go in peace, for as much as we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever’. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city;”

1 Sam 20: 42. Jonathan and David took leave of each other with the greatest affection imaginable, with kisses and lots of tears! The separation of two faithful friends is extremely grievous to both of them. In this case for David it was very deplorable when Jonathan returned to his family and friends and to the comfort of his home, while David was out of his comfort Zone, and even out of God’s Sanctuary!

What do we learn here? If an enemy find a man alone, he is likely to prevail against him because with his own strength he may not make it. If he has a friend who would stand by him to fight against the enemy he may prevail. “And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken” Ecc 4:12. Two together are tied to God, and the three fold cord will not be broken because they are closely joined in holy love and fellowship. Christ will come in His Spirit and join with them, as He joined with the two Disciples going to Emmaus, and then there is a threefold cord. Also, it is very encouraging to know that the Spirit of God is more powerful than the spirit of wickedness and love is more powerful than jealousy. “Ye, are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”1 Jn 4:4. The best laid plans of Kings and Queens crumble under the mighty Spirit of God. Greek word, ‘dunamis’; ‘dynamite’ the power, that is God’s power can burst and tear the walls of rage and jealousy within us.

The Spirit of God some times bridges people together to fulfill God’s purposes in the lives of His children. I am pretty sure that God would have never chosen David as the future King of Israel, if He had not plan to sustain him in his life and ultimately deliver him safely to his throne. Both of them were brought together by ‘spiritual ties’ and they had ‘sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord’; 1 Sam 20:42. Their friendship was a bond of three Jonathan, David and God. Jonathan was an important part of God’s whole Divine plan, who risked his own life in keeping the covenant with David and this is a beautiful story of ‘uncommon friends’ knitted by God’s Spirit, which became their common bond!

References:

1.The Matthew Henry Study Bible, ‘King James version’ The best of Matthew Henry’s Notes in a Handy One Volume Reference Bible, World Bible Publishers, Inc; 1994, Iowa Falls, U.S.A.

2. David Seeking A Heart Like His, ‘Beth Moore’ Life Way Christian resources, Nashville, Tennessee, 2010, pgs: 44-50.

3. Jay E. Adams, ‘Critical Stages of Biblical Counseling’ Finishing Well, Breaking Through, Getting Started, (New Jersey: Zondervan, 2002, p.6-7)

4. Jay E. Adams, ‘How to Help People Change’ The Four-step Biblical Process, (Grand rapids: Zondervan, 1986, p. 20-28)

5. John F. MacArthur, JR. Wayne A. Mack & The Master’s College Faculty, ‘Introduction To Biblical Counseling’, “A Basic Guide To The Principles And Practice Of Counseling”(Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers,1994, P. 76-77)

6. Jay E. Adams, ‘The Christian Counselor’s Manual, The Practice of Nouthetic Counseling’ (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1973, p. 15-16, 21-23; 92-97)

7. Jay E. Adams, ‘Lectures on Counseling’ (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978, p.192-203)

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

The Folly of the New Age!

The ‘Wiles of Satan’; wiles mean ‘ingenious trap’ or ‘snare’. The Bible portrays Satan as a master deceiver and a counterfeiter of truth and comes as ‘an angel of light’. “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light”2 Cori 11:13-14. Hypocrisy is a thing not to be much wondered because in this world Satan has great influence on the minds of many, who rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience. He does anything in order to promote his kingdom of darkness, and his ministers and instruments do the very same. “Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers are also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2 Cori 11:15. The story will be unfolded at the end confirming them as deceitful workers, and their work will end in ruin and destruction.

Very often, in today’s context the way Satan influences the minds of people are through New Age. Few people any more are not affected by New Age spirituality, and its influence is partly accelerated by internet, increased communication technology and its influence is found in all well established world systems, religion, business, education, medicine, holistic healing and alternate health , self-helps and not to forget arts and media. The sad thing about this is that these experiences seem so real and convincing and very often even the elect fall a prey to it. Does this sound ‘demonic’ or something not right? I am sure that those who do not believe God’s Word, and some may even believe but do not want to live by it, may say ‘no, there is something godly about the whole thing’.

The hurt one experience is not necessarily a bodily hurt, but a spiritual hurt. This is not talking about the persecution, but a secret poisoning and infection in their souls, which should rob them of their purity and afterwards their peace. Heresy is a poison in their soul, working slowly and secretly, but will be bitterness in the end. So many new translations in Bible, in today’s society do not help the above difficult ‘ingenious trap’ either. I am grieving as I write about an incident which happened to a friend of mine who is a Bible Scholar recently. She felt strongly that deception was creeping in through the multiple Bible versions now on display, was admonished by her Spiritual leader in her church, who even called her "satan to the church."

For the above deception to be very effective and influential ‘Satan’ has to come as ‘an angel of light’ and we have to know his claims and statements. Satan said, “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High.” Isa 14:14. He did not say that he will be the Most High, but he would be like the Most High. The same deception which occurred in the Garden of Eden “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” Gen 3:4-5, is happening today. It is the subtlety of Satan to blemish the reputation of the Divine Law as uncertain or unreasonable, and so to draw people to sin. The New Age Movement as a whole fits the above description and the alluring, that looks and feels like valid is the enemy’s strategy to move towards the kingdom of darkness in a slow and steady process.

The enemy denies that there was any danger in it, insisting, that it might be the transgressing of a precept, but not the incurring of a great penalty; “ye shall not surely die” Gen 3;4b. The enemy teaches men to doubt first and then to deny God’s Word, the Truth. He makes them skeptics first, and then on a sliding scale, on a slippery slope he makes them Atheists. King Saul is another prime example in the Old Testament who ignored God’s Word totally and went to mediums; “So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the Lord, even against the Word of the Lord, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of the one that had the familiar spirit, to enquire of it; and enquired not of the Lord: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse” 1 Croni 10:13-14.

When Christ comes with power into the soul, He begins to conquer these enemies, and He goes on conquering in the progressive work of sanctification till He has gained us a complete victory. Some how for those who fall a prey to this New Age influence, the power of the Cross, and the blood of Jesus Christ shed on the Cross 2000 years ago because of God’s dying love for this sinful world does not seem to be enough!

The reason that the New Age is wrong is simply because it takes the glory, devotion, trust and worship from the One who created us and it was given to man and the rebellious spirits who deceives men into self-glorification. Glory belongs to God alone who is wise and who gave His Son Jesus Christ for the world, and gave His Holy Spirit abundantly to His children. Every believer who has Christ’s Spirit abiding in them has a special royal privilege and calling to challenge the validity of the New Age message that ‘we are gods’!

References:

1. Warren B. Smith, “ A Wonderful Deception” The Further new Age Implications of the Emerging/ Purpose Driven Movement, Lighthouse Trails Publishing, Eureka, Montana, 2009; Pgs: 139-161.

2. The Shack, William P. Young; Amazon.ca.

3. Ray Yungen, “A Time of Departing” How Ancient Mystical Practices are uniting Christians with the World’s Religions, Lighthouse Trails Publishing, Eureka, Montana, U.S.A, 2002; pgs: 91-110.

4. The Matthew Henry Study Bible, ‘King James version’ The best of Matthew Henry’s Notes in a Handy One Volume Reference Bible, World Bible Publishers, Inc; 1994, Iowa Falls, U.S.A.

5. Ray Yungen, “For Many Shall Come in My Name” How the “Ancient Wisdom” is drawing millions of people into mystical experiences and preparing the world for the end of the age; 2nd edition 2007, 3rd printing 2008.

Websites:

1. Do not be deceived about the Restrainer - Last Days Mystery

Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the .... to deceive even the elect--if that were possible” (Matthew 24:24). ...
www.lastdaysmystery.info/restrainer.htm - Cached -

2 .Deceive Even the Elect by Dene McGriff

DECEIVE EVEN THE ELECT. Matthew 24:24b. By. Dene McGriff. The Bible tells us thatin the “last days” Christian will deliver up Christian, thinking they are ...
www.the-tribulation-network.com/.../deceive_even_the_elect.htm - Cached - Similar

3. Recognizing Deception and Apostasy Chapter 15 - Can Christians be ...

Do we think the great deception of the last days will be obvious? The Bible ...
www.the-tribulation-network.com/.../ch15_can_christians_be_deceived.htm -Cached - Similar

Show more results from the-tribulation-network.com

4. The Shack; The protagonist of author William P. Young's novel meets God in person. Features author's personal story, blog, online ordering, forum, and news.

The Missy Project - Get the latest news about The Shack - The Shack Interactive

www.theshackbook.com/ -

5. Oprah and her New Age mystics arise for end time deception

18 Apr 2008 ... Oprah and her New Age mystics arise for the great end time deception.
www.thepropheticyears.com/.../oprah-and-her-new-age-mystics-arise-for-end-time-deception.html

Other References:

1.John F. MacArthur, JR. Wayne A. Mack & The Master’s College Faculty, ‘Introduction To Biblical Counseling’, “A Basic Guide To The Principles And Practice Of Counseling”(Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers,1994, P. 76-77)

2. Jay E. Adams, ‘The Christian Counselor’s Manual, The Practice of Nouthetic Counseling’ (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1973, p. 15-16, 21-23; 92-97)

3. Jay E. Adams, ‘Lectures on Counseling’ (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978, p.192-203)

4. Lewis Sperry Chafer, ‘Systematic Theology’ Volume One, Abridged edition, John F. Walvoord, Editor, Donald K. Campbell, Roy B. Zuck, Consulting Editors, (Indiana: BMH Books, 1988, p. 94-95)

5. Wim Malgo, ‘Biblical Counseling’ From Twenty- Five Years of the International Ministry by Wim Malgo, (Columbia: The Mid Night Call, 1979, p.9-12; 20-21)

6. Gary L. Almy, M.D., ‘How Christian is Christian Counseling?’ The Dangerous Secular Influences That Keep Us From Caring For Souls, (Illinois: Crossway Books, Good News Publishers, 2000, p. 56-63)

7. J. I. Packer, Author of Knowing God, ‘Concise Theology’ A Guide To Historic Christian Beliefs, (Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc, 1993, p. 3-22)

8. Jay E. Adams, ‘Critical Stages of Biblical Counseling’ Finishing Well, Breaking Through, Getting Started, (New Jersey: Zondervan, 2002, p.6-7)

9. Jay E. Adams, ‘How to Help People Change’ The Four-step Biblical Process, (Grand rapids: Zondervan, 1986, p. 20-28)

10. David G. Benner & Peter C. Hill, ‘Baker Encyclopaedia of Psychology & Counseling’ Second Edition, (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1985, 1999, p.568-569)