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Attempts at Honesty

Reflections on the interplay of the Bible and Culture

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Home Archives for First Epistle to the Corinthians

The Illusion of Security Apart from Christ

Posted on June 3, 2011 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment

Security is Elusive

 

TightropeIt is in the best interest of politicians and merchants to maintain the illusion of security. They tell us that if we elect the right person or party into office, if we invest properly, if we follow the prescribed diet, if, if, if . . . then we will experience security.

The problem is that those activities never provide the peace of mind that they promise.

We are heading into a presidential election year, promises will abound. Watch to see how much of the campaign rhetoric is geared toward promises of security. We have governmental departments and programs with “security” in their titles. The entire government purportedly exists to enhance our security as individuals and as a nation. We long for that security and will vote for the people we think best qualified to give it to us.

Since Genesis 3, mankind has been trying to establish his control over his own destiny. Yet, most of a man’s circumstances remain beyond his control. In spite of great scientific advances, we are at the mercy of our environment and other people. Where then can security be found? Is there a source?

Security can be Found

If you take the New Testament documents to be reliable (I do), they show us a good place to start our search for security. In a physical sense, death is the ultimate enemy. If a man proved that he could conquer death, that person might be a good resource in the quest for security.

Death has been conquered by Jesus Christ. His resurrection from death displays his power over death. He promises to provide this power for those who are willing to believe in him an surrender to him.

It is the death and resurrection of Jesus which provides the means whereby death can be robbed of its sting (1 Corinthians 15:55). Jesus also promises to be with us forever (Matthew 28:20). Paul asks the question, “if God is for us who then can be against us?” (Romans 8:31), the implication being that no-one can be against us if we are in Christ.

Why then do I often respond in insecurity? Why does much of the rhetoric of Christendom resound with fear and insecurity? It is because we fail to believe and appropriate the promises that God has given us.

May we go into this weekend believing the promises and living them out. The world needs us to do this.

Filed Under: Bible Reflection Tagged With: Christ, Christendom, Death, First Epistle to the Corinthians, God, Jesus, Jesus Christ, New Testament, Sin

Jonathan Gets a Clue

Posted on December 7, 2010 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment

#2In our never-take-no-for-an-answer, pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps culture, perhaps it is difficult to understand Jonathan’s actions in 1 Samuel 20:12-17. We live in a world where self-promotion is expected; encouragement to “look out for #1” is covertly or overtly stated in almost every advertisement. We often look for validation in job titles, paychecks, hit counts and followers.

Jonathan is the man who, according to normal succession rules, has the right to become king upon the death of Saul. Conventional wisdom would teach Jonathan to align himself with the people who will help him gain and keep power.

Along comes David. This is the same David that was anointed by Samuel as Saul’s replacement. Also the same David who is being blessed by God in everything that he sets his hand to do. The young shepherd boy who had the audacity to think that he could take on a giant and live to tell about it becomes acquainted with Jonathan.

Jonathan faced a choice. He could accept or reject what was becoming increasingly clear. God’s program was for David to be the next king.

Jonathan’s response shows that he believed God was behind Samuel and David and he chose to align himself with what God had revealed. Jonathan’s actions show that he understood that he would be #2 in the kingdom and he was OK with that. He wanted to be right where God placed him.

The question I have to ask myself is whether I am comfortable doing the tasks and being the person God has called me to be? Or, am I questioning my worth as a result of comparing what God has me doing with someone else who is being used in a ministry that has a large following or wide influence? Am I OK with being a #2 or 3 or 10 or 150 or not being recognized at all?

We know from 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12 that God so arranges the Church that every member has a role that is necessary for the health of the whole body. Some are given very prominent roles others are given roles that are hardly even noticed. Yet very role is important. The believer is to discover that role and be obedient within it. Our job is to be a faithful steward of the responsibility we have been given (1 Corinthians 4:2).

I am grateful that we have an example in Jonathan of one who was confident in God and confident in his status before God and allowed himself to be “demoted” for the benefit of the nation. As a result, Jealousy and resentment had no foothold. May it be so in our congregations.

Filed Under: Bible Reflection Tagged With: Books of Samuel, David, First Epistle to the Corinthians, God, Israel, Samuel, Saul

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