Deuteronomy 29:5 (God Kept their Sandals from Wearing Out)

Deuteronomy 29:5

Yet the Lord says, “During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet." 

People pray about significant things in their lives (healing for family, strength for pastors, faith for unbelievers). There are also seemingly insignificant things for which people pray, such as winning a game, getting recognition or having decent weather on the weekend. Common sense says whatever is less significant is also less important. Since this is the way humans tend to think, we can often believe God sees things the same way. It is easy for one to imagine God hearing their prayers and thinking, "You're asking about this? It's really not something I care about." When someone thinks their insignificant prayers do not matter to God, then it can be difficult to pray for anything. It can make someone wonder, "What is significant enough for God? What does God care about?"

The Isrealites might have wondered the same thing, when they were in the desert. They prayed to God for food so they would not starve, and He answered this prayer (Exodus 16:2-5). Then, the Isrealites prayed for meat, but not so they would not starve. They wanted meat, because they had "lost their appetite" for what God gave them (Numbers 11:4-6). God was angry at them for rejecting Him, but He answered their prayers and made them eat meat for "a whole month—until it came out of their nostrils," (Numbers 11:18-20). Over and over the Isrealites "willfully put God to the test," (Psalm 78:18). They "vexed the Holy One of Israel" (Psalm 78:41), and yet they continued to call on Him. They prayed for food and they probably prayed for other things, such as clothes. Some of them, though, might have thought, "God answered our prayers for meat, but we aggravated Him, and now I'm going to call on Him for a tunic and a pair of sandals. Why would God care about whether I have shoes?"

Well, whether the Isrealites thought this way or not, God heard their prayers. He said to them, "During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet," (Deuteronomy 29:5). God did not just make sure the Isrealites had food. He made sure they had shirts and shoes, and He kept them in great condition. He did this for the people who angered Him; who asked for insignificant things. He kept their stomachs filled, and He also kept their backs out of the sun and their feet above the sand. He did this "so that you might know that He is the Lord your God,” (Deuteronomy 29:6). He cared enough to cause divine intervention for sandal straps.

The Bible says, "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the
Lord establishes their steps," (Proverbs 16:9), so God took the time
to create every step someone takes, before they take it.
No footprint is unimportant to God.

God cares. He says that not even the smallest birds fall to the ground outside of His care, (Matthew 10:29). He speaks through His Word that those who follow Him should cast "all their anxiety on Him because He cares," (1 Peter 5:7). He even cares for His enemies, and He asks His followers to "pray for those who persecute them," (Matthew 5:44). God cares for the most insignificant things. 

So, when the thought crosses your mind that God does not care about this, ignore that thought. Instead, think on this: Anyone who is a child of God can boldly go before Him and ask for anything (James 1:6). "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us," (1 John 5:14), so "pray continually," (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)

Why Can't People Say What they Mean?

Life would be easier, if everyone would say what they meant. If someone could perfectly describe their thoughts, then they could effectively communicate with anyone on earth. People would know exactly what someone is thinking, without having to inspect their words. Groups could do amazing work, if they had no miscommunication. Yet, no matter how hard people try to listen to others, it seems inevitable that even the closest of friends will (at some point) misunderstand each other. Why is it apparently impossible for people to speak clearly?

The Bible reveals the origin of miscommunication. It is recorded in Genesis chapter 11. At the world's beginning everyone "had one language and a common speech," (1). With everyone on earth able to perfectly understand one another, they all gathered to build "a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that they may make a name for themselves," (4). As they built, God looked down upon their tower and the city around it. He said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them," (6). The Lord then said, "Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other," (7). Having done this, the Lord scattered all the people and caused them to stop building (8). So it was that God "confused the language of the whole world," creating different forms of speech, dialects and other aspects which lead to miscommunication (9).

God made humans unable to perfectly understand each other, so humanity would not be able to "make a name for themselves," (Genesis 11:4). What this means is the Lord did not allow people (or any person) to make themselves into a lasting name, or rather a legacy. It might appear unjust for God to be "a jealous God," making sure only His name lasts forever (Exodus 34:14). The truth, though, is it would not be right for anyone to have a name that can challenge God's. The Lord  is the good creator and sustainer of all things, so anyone who chases after another name (even their own) would be a fool. No name or legacy can compare to the Lord's. He is "far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come," (Ephesians 1:21). Everyone should "praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens," (Psalm 148:13). If only God's name is to be exalted (praised above all), then it is good that no other name comes close.

Concerning humanity's name, the Lord gave people misunderstanding, but concerning His own, He did something different. It was after Jesus (who is God) resurrected and ascended into heaven. 12 of His apostles gathered in a city in an upper room (Acts 1:12-14). What happened next is recorded in Acts chapter 2. As the apostles were praying, a great wind from heaven filled the upper room (2). Then all 12 apostles "began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them," (4). Many in the city heard the apostles and said, "How is it that each of us hears them in our native language?" (7-8). They even exclaimed, "We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" (11). The apostle Peter then stood before them and began to preach (14-17). He did not preach his own name, but the name of "Jesus of Nazareth" (22). After the people in the city heard of Jesus' legacy, many of them committed their lives for His namesake (38,41). So it was that "all the believers were together and had everything in common," understanding each other and what was preached about God (44).

Communication is a powerful tool, however people primarily use it to explain themselves and get others to do what they want. This main way that humanity uses communication is self-serving. God, however, did not create people so they could simply serve one another (Colossians 3:23). He created people so they could glorify the Lord (Isaiah 43:7). This is one reason why God brought confusion down upon the self-obsessed who tried to build up their own legacy, but He brought understanding to those who praised Jesus' name. God's purpose for communication is for all people to speak of His wonders and glory. With this in mind, anytime humans misunderstand each other they should see it as a sign; the only human whose name should be lifted high is the name of Jesus.

One name is higher

One name is stronger

Than any grave, than any throne

Christ exalted over all

The only Saviour, Jesus Messiah

To You alone our praise belongs

Christ exalted over all

- Vertical Worship

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Open Bible Info: Name Above All Names
• John Piper: Created for Glory
• Vertical Worship: Exalted Over All

Philippians 3:1 (The Same Things Again)

Philippians 3:1

Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.

Okay, I'm only going to say this once: "Don't make me repeat myself." That's because people don't like saying the same things twice. They don't like describing their day as the "same old, same old." If someone teaches the same thing multiple times, their students likely say, "We've been over this already." The implication behind these phrases is quite clear: people tend to believe repeating information is a waste of time. If this is what humans tend to think, it's worth asking what God thinks about this. What does the Bible say about repeating information?

God's Word is full of repetition. Right at the start, the Bible says the same thing twice. In Genesis chapter 1 God makes the heavens, the earth and every living thing. In Genesis chapter 2 He does it again, or rather the author redescribes what God has done. The repetition doesn't stop there. Keep reading, and there are family genealogies given more than once, laws about the Sabbath repeated a few times, and multiple psalms about Moses and the Isrealites in the wilderness (Psalm 78, 90, 107 and others). God is an author who highlights the "same old, same old"; a teacher who makes His students say, "We've been over this already." God repeats Himself, yet God is good (Nahum 1:7).

Hearing about God's goodness over and over again is, evidently, a beautiful thing. When the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, he told them to "rejoice in the Lord," and he said it three to four times (Philippians 1:18, 3:1, 4:4,10). Paul knew his audience would look negatively on his repetition. Perhaps, this is why Paul writes, "It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you," (Philippians 3:1). The word for safeguard in this text is ἀσφαλής (asphalés). It commonly refers to an assuredness of fact, such as in Hebrews where it reads, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure (ἀσφαλής)," (6:19). Paul is saying to the church in Philippi, as well as all churches, it is good to repeat Biblical information. God repeats Himself, and God is good (Psalm 136:1). The repetition of God's Word acts as a safeguard (a maintaining of assuredness) to keep the Church actively rejoicing in the Lord.

With the God who will make all things new (Revelation 21:5), sometimes the best thing He can give is the "same old, same old." Jesus, who is God, "is the same yesterday and today and forever," so why would it ever be a bad thing for Him to repeat Himself? (Hebrews 13:8). The Lord commands all His followers to preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:2) and God isn't writing anymore words in the Bible (Revelation 22:18-19). Because of this, God's followers will naturally repeat themselves, since they are all reading from the same book forever (Matthew 5:18). This repetition, though, is not a waste of time. It should be seen as a safeguard and a beautiful thing. Afterall, God repeats Himself, and God is good (1 Peter 2:3). Hey, did I say this already?

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Bible Hub: Safeguard/Assuredness

Is the Bible a List of Do's and Don'ts?

How many times have you heard a Christian say the following: "Hey, what are you doing? Don't do that! You should do this. Why? Because the Bible tells you so." The thought process behind these words is fairly logical: "The Bible says people should do something, so I'm going to tell them to do that." It makes sense for a Christian to think like this. Someone who speaks this way, though, makes God's Word appear to be a series of commands. In more common terms: This kind of teaching makes people believe the Bible is "a list of do's and don'ts." Is that all the Bible is?

Now, the Bible is absolutely the authority on what is "useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness," (2 Timothy 3:16). It is full of commands; all of which have been given by the only wise God (Job 12:13, Romans 16:27). Those who do not respect God are fools who "despise wisdom and instruction," (Proverbs 1:7). Someone who respects and fears God is humble. They will be richly rewarded, because "humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life," (Proverbs 22:4). This is one reason why it is written, "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord," (Psalm 1:1-2). Those who obey God are His "treasured possession," (Exodus 19:5); the ones who respect God's "do's" and avoid God's "don'ts".

If a believer, though, only sees God's commands as "a list of do's and don'ts," then they are gravely mistaken. Ray Comfort, founder and CEO of Living Waters ministry, says most people misunderstand why God gave His commands. People wrongly think "God's law was given as a standard for us to live by. Well, try and live by it." God's law is to love the Lord with your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as you love yourself, (Matthew 22:37-40). This is "the essence of the law" and Comfort rightly acknowledges "we can't do it." Jesus says, "No one is good except God alone," (Mark 10:18), yet He commands, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect," (Matthew 5:48). No one can be perfect. If God's law was just a way to show how much stuff someone needs to do to be blessed, then no one would ever experience one sunrise or eat a decent meal. The Law was not given to simply teach people what to do.

When we try to simply make people behave better, and I know that there are fruits to that. I get that it is better that there's pro-life legislation. I'm not trying to completely obliterate any benefits, but we need to keep our eyes on the prize. What is the prize of moralism? Failure.

- Todd Friel

The Law was not given just so people could obey God, but was given so everyone could be saved. No one can obey God enough. No one can perform a satisfactory amount of "do's" over "don'ts", and "no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin," (Romans 3:20). This is meant to cause people to cry out for salvation from themselves, (Romans 10:13); salvation made possible through the blood of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:1-2). Those who believe this will become righteous in the Lord's sight. He will give them His Spirit and "move them to follow His decrees and be careful to keep His laws," (Ezekiel 36:26-27). A believer will show they have God's Spirit by their "love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law" that teaches these virtues outside of God's Word (Galatians 5:22-23). The Law was given so people can see themselves, as if looking in a mirror (James 1:23), and when they see themselves rightly they will call on God and be rescued (Psalm 91:15).

"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
will be saved," (Joel 2:32).

The Bible's commands are not "a list of do's and don'ts," but are given to show how "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," (Romans 3:23). God's laws show His glory, because all His commands are a reflection of Himself. For example, Jesus' law to sinlessly submit to human authorities (Matthew 22:21) reflects how Jesus sinlessly submits to His Father in heaven (John 6:38). Another example is that God commands His people to make sure their neighbor's animals do not wander off (Deuteronomy 22:1). This demonstrates how God will make sure all of His lost sheep come back to Him (Isaiah 53:6, Luke 15:4-7). All of God's laws are depictions of His love, and "if anyone obeys His Word, love for God is truly made complete in them," (1 John 2:5).

The Bible should never be used to simply tell people what to do and what not to do. In fact, the Scriptures prophesy that those who use the Bible in this way are leaders who do not listen to the Lord. These words of woe (meaning sadness and grief) are written of these teachers in Isaiah chapter 28 from verses 9 to 13:

“Who is it he is trying to teach? To whom is he explaining his message? To children weaned from their milk, to those just taken from the breast? For it is: Do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that; a little here, a little there.”

Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues God will speak to this people, to whom He said, “This is the resting place, let the weary rest”; and, “This is the place of repose”—but they would not listen. So then, the word of the Lord to them will become: Do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that; a little here, a little there—so that as they go they will fall backward; they will be injured and snared and captured.

God's glorious commands are meant to strengthen people's love for God, so it is devastating  when His laws are misrepresented. Those who simply teach the "do's and don'ts" of God's commands will be like the unwise who dig a pit and fall into it (Proverbs 26:27). They are teachers who feed their listeners only milk, and "anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness," (Hebrews 5:13). God's true teachings are a resting place of repose. Jesus says, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls,” (Matthew 11:28-29). Those who believe in God will never find rest, until they rightly honor God's teaching and learn from Him. As one of God's commands is to honor your father (Exodus 20:12), so believers should honor their father in heaven by "correctly handling the Word of Truth," (2 Timothy 2:15).

Those who know the teachings of righteousness
will be able to say, "Let the wicked fall into their
own nets, while I pass by in safety," (Psalm 141:10).

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• American Gospel: Christ Alone
• Wretched: Moralism Teaching

Matthew 4:4 (Live on God's Word)

Matthew 4:4

Jesus answered, "It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

Hunger may be the greatest felt need in all the world. (Research suggests it's the greatest motivation, over thirst and fear.) Men have renounced their inheritance (Genesis 25:30-32) and "women have cooked their own children" to escape starvation (Lamentations 4:10). Hunger bites at anyone's will. It even consumed God's people in the wilderness and made them want to go back into slavery. Their reasoning was simple: When they were slaves they "ate all the food they wanted," and they thought they would starve in the desert (Exodus 16:3). God heard their cries, and He spoke to them, "In the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God," (Exodus 16:12). Everything happened as God said, so the Lord and His assured Word brought food to the Isrealites. Concerning this historic moment, it is written that God humbled His followers by prolonging their starvation. God let people go hungry (their greatest felt need) "to teach them that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord," (Deuteronomy 8:3).

God's Word is more valuable than bread. The poets who wrote the psalms knew this well. They proclaim God's Word is healing (Psalm 107:20). They tell of blessings for those "who find great delight in His commands," (Psalm 112:1). They say God's Word is "flawless, like silver purified in a crucible," (Psalm 12:6). The psalmists even remark that it is better to endure suffering than to avoid the Word of God. One poet writes, "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn Your decrees. The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold," (Psalm 119:71-72). They plead with God saying, "Never take Your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in Your laws," (Psalm 119:43). They declare, "How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Psalm 119:103). God's Word is precious; greater than jewels, comfort or food.

Eating food is important, for it is not good when someone
forgets to eat (Psalm 102:4). God made food to be eaten
and savored (Genesis 1:29), so "eat your food with
gladness," (Ecclesiastes 9:7), but remember Jesus' food
was "to do the will of Him who sent Him," (John 4:34).

It is more important to read Scripture than it is to eat, so it is also more important to give people the Word of God than to feed them. Jesus taught this. He once spoke to a large crowd who asked Him what He would give them to show His power. They reminded Him that their ancestors ate bread in the wilderness (John 6:30-31). Instead of offering temporary food to appease their hunger, Jesus gave them something better. He declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry," (John 6:35). Jesus says He "is the bread that came down from heaven. Their ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever," (John 6:58). After He said this, many "turned back and no longer followed Him," (John 6:66). Jesus' disciples, though, did not leave. One said to Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life," (John 6:68). The disciples knew anyone could give them delicious "food that spoils," but only Jesus gives "food that endures to eternal life" (John 6:27).

Opposed to Jesus, though, some believe God's Word does not offer enough sustenance. Many assert they can do better than living on His Word. (Some examples can be seen here, there and here.) The Sadducees believed this. They subtracted from God's Word, by claiming there would not be a resurrection unto eternal life (Mark 12:18). For this, Jesus says to them, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God," (Matthew 22:29). More than the Sadducees, though, the Pharisees also believed God's Word could not give people what they need. They added to God's commands, but the Bible says, "Do not add to what God commands you and do not subtract from it," (Deuteronomy 4:2). Jesus says of the Pharisees, "They worship Me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules," (Mark 7:7). So, He refers to their teachings as yeast to ruin His perfect commands (Matthew 16:11-12). Jesus shunned these foolish teachers (Luke 9:26), so too should God's people shun teaching that strips away or mixes into the bread of life.

"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep
you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion
does not come from the One who calls you. 'A little yeast
works through the whole batch of dough,'" (Galatians 5:7-9).

Whether the world believes it or not, the best thing anyone can do is preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:1-2). People's greatest need is salvation (Romans 6:23). Many on earth are already dead, like those who ate manna in the wilderness, (Ephesians 2:1). They need new life, and they will receive this if they believe in Jesus (John 3:16). "How can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" (Romans 10:14). The world needs preaching (Mark 16:15), but there are teachers in the Church who don't offer God but indulge in "godless chatter," (2 Timothy 2:16). These teachers "worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women," (2 Timothy 3:6). Why do God's people stand for this? Their reasoning is simple: They want to “gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear," and not what they need (2 Timothy 4:3). What a foolish world, salivating for temporary spoiled yeast ruined worm infested bread, instead of the sustaining delicious life giving Word.

Never searching just accepting

Feeds the mind enough to get you by

Scratching the surface

Yet to dig deeper down...

Wisdom from the sacred page

Is turned and ignored

In a world that's wired for sound

- Michael W. Smith

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Answers in Genesis: Psalms Teach about the Word of God
• G3: Psalm 119
• Bible Study Tools: Food
• Got Questions: The Pharisees
• Michael W. Smith: Wired for Sound

How Does Someone Give God a Hug?

How does someone show God love? It's possible everyone's considered this question, especially one of Jesus' closest disciples, Mary Magdalene. She was a sinner from whom Jesus cast out seven demons (Luke 8:2). Some even speculate Mary was the adulteress Jesus saved in John chapter 8. What is certain, though, is Mary loved Jesus. She loved Him so much that His death on the cross devastated her (John 20:11). She was crying at His grave, until she cried out with joy when she saw her Savior alive (John 20:16). One could imagine Mary rushed to give Jesus a big loving hug, and this might be why Jesus tells her, "Do not hold on to Me," (John 20:17). How could someone not hold on to their Savior? The most common way people show love is through physical affection. How then can someone show love to God, if they can't give Him a hug?

One way someone can show love to God is by serving Him. Now, God does not need anyone's service (Acts 17:25), but He grants His children the privilege of doing so. Jesus explained this, when He told a parable about "the Son of Man coming in His glory," (Matthew 25:31). In His parable, Jesus says to those who follow Him, "I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited Me in, I needed clothes and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you came to visit Me," (Matthew 25:35-36). Naturally, those who hear this will be confused. If God does not need service (no need for food or clothes), then how can someone serve God (feed Him and clothe Him)? In response, Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me," (Matthew 25:40). What any Child of God does for another son or daughter is ultimately done for God Himself. So, if a Child of God gives a comforting hug to one of Jesus' disciples, then they have given Jesus a hug.

"If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one
of these little ones who is My disciple,
truly I tell you, that person will certainly
not lose their reward," (Matthew 10:42).

So, it is possible to give Jesus a hug, but is a hug the best way to love Jesus? Physical affection may be how people instinctively show love, but God's ways are greater than anyone else's. He says, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts," (Isaiah 55:8-9). If someone wants to love God in the best way, then they must learn what God's thoughts are on the matter. The apostle Paul affirms this, when he says a Christian's love abounds "more and more in knowledge and depth of insight," (Philippians 1:9). A Christian's love for God will develop, as they grow in knowledge of Him.

One way people can grow in their knowledge and love for God is by learning His commands. In fact, God shows people His ways through His commands. When God gave the titular ten commandments, He described Himself, saying "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me," (Exodus 20:2-3). God's giving of commandment one illustrates how He sets people free (John 8:36). When someone obeys the ten commandments, they acknowledge that only God can save them. Their obedience shows they know God. If love grows through knowledge, and knowledge of God is shown through obeying Him, then to obey God is to love Him. Right along with this, Jesus says, “If you love Me, keep My commands," (John 14:15). So, it's possible God loves hugs, but Scripture says a better way to show God love is by learning about Him and obeying Him.

"In fact, this is love for God: to keep His commands.
And His commands are not burdensome," (1 John 5:3).

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Keith Green: The Sheep and the Goats (Inspired by)

Romans 6:5 (A Resurrection Like His)

 

Romans 6:5

For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we will certainly also be united with Him in a resurrection like His.

Jesus died for the sins of the world, but He's not dead anymore. He is risen! He was killed by the rulers of the world, but He raised Himself to life "on the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:4). His resurrection (not a resuscitation by others, but a resurrection by Himself) occurred just as the prophets foretold, (Matthew 12:40). The way Jesus lived was not incidental, but was the fulfillment of the Word of God. It is written, "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work," (1 John 3:8), and the devil's work was to bring about death (Genesis 3:13-15).

Now, because Jesus is resurrected, He has put an end to the power of death, for "He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ," (1 Corinthians 15:56-57). This victory is revealed in God's words, "I will give Him a portion among the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong...For He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors," (Isaiah 53:12). So, Jesus makes a way for people to join Him and He lets His followers share His wealth. Everyone who has put their faith in Christ has been "crucified with Him," and "if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we will certainly also be united with Him in a resurrection like His," (Romans 6:5-6). With this filling our hearts, let us, as believers, see the power of the resurrection that is alive in us.

Now I have resurrection power living on the inside

Jesus, You have given us freedom

I'm no longer bound by sin and darkness

Living in the light of Your goodness

You have given us freedom

I'm dressed in Your royalty

Your Holy Spirit lives in me

And I see my past has been redeemed

The new has come

- Chris Tomlin

Jesus came back to life (Mark 16:6)

On the first Easter morning Jesus walked out of His grave. It is assured that all of God's children will do the same. They will live anew in their spirit, because Jesus has "made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions," (Ephesians 2:5). Not only the children of God will live, but one day everyone who died will live again. There will come a day when "death and Hades [will] give up the dead that [are] in them," (Revelation 20:13). Jesus says that on this day "those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned," (John 5:29).

Jesus put off His old clothes (John 20:6-7)

When Jesus breathed again, He took off His wrappings and linens. He removed His burial clothes, and so will those who follow Him.  Just as someone takes off a shirt and wears another, God's children will resist their old habits of death and put on Christ's righteousness. They will "be made new in the attitude of their minds; and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness," (Ephesians 4:23-24). God's children are also to keep their brothers and sisters from going back to their old grave clothes (Jude 1:23). Just as Jesus cast aside the things of the dead, so believers should "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles," (Hebrews 12:1).

Jesus comforted believers (John 20:15-16)

The first people who saw Jesus's empty tomb were afraid, but after they saw Jesus their tears were replaced with joy (Matthew 28:8-9). Jesus' disciples, too, can comfort those who hurt. Their God is "the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort," (2 Corinthians 1:3) and those who believe in Him can "encourage one another and build each other up," (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Jesus's resurrection gives His children strength to "rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn," (Romans 12:15), and God will turn our "wailing into dancing," (Psalm 30:11).

"I am the Living One; I was dead,
and now look, I am alive for
ever and ever," (Revelation 1:18).

Jesus made clear the Scriptures (Luke 24:25-27)

After Jesus comforted many of His followers, He then appeared to two men who were walking to a nearby town. These men were confused about the writings of the prophets, and in their confusion they were downcast (Luke 24:17,19-21). In response Jesus "explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself," and as He explained these things their hearts were set ablaze (Luke 24:27,32). Now, Jesus' disciples on earth can explain the Scriptures and lift up the hearts of others. It is through the resurrection that the mysteries of the Bible can be "disclosed to the Lord’s people," (Colossians 1:26).

Jesus was unharmed by weapons (John 20:27)

When Jesus died He was speared right through to His lungs and heart (John 19:34), and when He lived His body still showed this mortal wound. There was a hole in Jesus' side and it had no apparent effect on Him. This will be true of all who believe, for anyone in Christ can trust that "no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD," (Isaiah 54:17). Yes, the world hates God's followers and will kill many of them (John 15:20), but "do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul," (Matthew 10:28).

Jesus restored broken relationships (John 21:15)

During Jesus' trial, His disciple, named Peter, denied and cursed Him three times (Matthew 26:69-74). Peter's sin filled him with grief (Luke 22:62), but on Easter morning Jesus commanded His angels to say, "He has risen!...tell His disciples and Peter," (Mark 16:6-7). Even though Peter sinned terribly, Jesus restored Him back to His family (John 21:17). In this same way, those in the Church who sin can be restored. It is written, "If anyone has caused grief...the punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow," (2 Corinthians 2:5-7). Thanks to the resurrection of Christ, "as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us," (Psalm 103:12).

Jesus returned to His Father (John 20:17)

On the day Jesus rose, He promised He would ascend into heaven, and forty days later He did (Acts 1:3,9). Dear brother and sister in Christ, you too shall rise to be with your Father (Luke 16:22). Jesus says, "I shall lose none of all those God has given Me, but raise them up at the last day," (John 6:39). Right now, you live as a foreigner on earth (1 Peter 2:11), but one day you will "dwell in the house of the Lord forever," (Psalm 23:6). You will see God face-to-face (Matthew 5:8), and it will be just as He says, "To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be My children," (Revelation 21:6-7).

Jesus rose again and everyone who lives in Him will
have eternal life (John 3:16) and life in abundance
(John 10:10). His life assures us that "whoever obeys
His words will never see death," (John 8:51).

Jesus rose again from the dead, and showed His power, righteousness and love. Those who see the glory of the resurrected King should do as the women did, when they "clasped His feet and worshiped Him," (Matthew 28:9). They should not be like the soldiers who took a bribe to hide the truth (Matthew 28:13-15). Instead, everyone should recognize Jesus, and call to Him. They should say, as the disciple Thomas does, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). Jesus is God, and the only one who can bring the dead to life.

Today, Jesus ascended into heaven and is standing at His Father's right hand (Acts 7:56), and "what does 'He ascended' mean except that He also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe," (Ephesians 4:9-10). This means that God took on flesh to live and die just like anyone else, and anyone can have communion with Him, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are," (Hebrews 4:15). Those who believe in this are God's children (John 1:12), and "if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory," (Romans 8:17). Jesus' resurrection demonstrates the new life that all those who believe in Him will have, just as it it is written in 1 Peter chapter 1 from verses 3 to 5:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Chris Tomlin: Resurrection Power
• John MacArthur: See God's Face
• John Piper: The Passion of Jesus Christ (Inspired by)

Was Jesus a Superhero?

"Look up in the sky! Is it a bird? No, it's...a flying man!" I imagine this is how the first crowds reacted when they saw a man ascend to heaven (Acts 1:9). They were in awe, but not for the first time. Oh, no. The man they saw soar above also performed incredible feats of strength. He walked on water (Mark 6:48), flipped tables (Matthew 21:12) and was impervious to spears (John 20:27). More than this, He had the power to heal any sickness (Matthew 4:23), combat the forces of evil (Luke 8:30-33) and face any challenge (Matthew 4:1-11). Who was this man? By day He worked among the people as Jesus of Nazareth (John 9:4), but when the need arose, He revealed His true form (Matthew 17:1-2). He is the God-Man, and when you describe Him this way, He sounds like a superhero!

Superheroes are modern legends created by authors and artists, capturing people's imaginations with their stories. Many who read these comic tales are also intrigued by the stories of Jesus. It makes sense, since Jesus shares commonalities with superheroes. Jesus tried to have a secret identity (Mark 7:36), but like Iron Man He couldn't keep it for long (John 8:58). Jesus foiled the plots of dastardly villains (Matthew 22:15-22), much how Batman does. Jesus assembled a team in His name (Luke 6:13), which Captain America did. It may sound strange, but Jesus even communicated with fish (Luke 5:4-6) a couple times (Matthew 17:27), and that is uncannily familiar to Aquaman. Of course, anyone could share an amount of qualities with someone else (be they impressive or ordinary attributes). To get the bottom of how our caped crusaders compare to Christ, it would be best to examine Jesus next to the most famous superhero, Superman.

Some have said Jesus is the original Superman, but how is the match-up between the last son of Krypton and the only Son of God? Well, Superman is not from earth. Similarly, the earth is not Jesus' or any of His followers' home (1 Peter 2:11). Superman enjoyed telling people about his home planet, Krypton, and Jesus also told of His beautiful home, heaven (Matthew 13:44). Superman lived on earth and appeared human, but he was an alien. Jesus did not just appear human (John 1:14) but was fully human (Philippians 2:7). Superman had the power to do, essentially, whatever incredible thing he wanted. Jesus, though, could only do what His Father in heaven wanted (John 5:30). Superman had an altar-ego, Clark Kent. Jesus, however, did not wear a costume when He appeared before crowds (Matthew 21:10-11) or when He was at their homes (Luke 7:36). When Superman would pretend to be Clark Kent, he would change his attitude and demeanor, so people would not know who he was. Jesus did not put on an act, and He told people that when they would see Him they would see that He was the fullness of God in flesh (John 14:9). When you start to look at the superhero of heroes versus the King of Kings their differences quickly overshadow whatever they have in common.

Here's the final round between these two mighty men: The way they died. Superman died unexpectedly and suddenly. He stayed dead for a long time and many great men and women mourned at his grave. Eventually, Superman came back to life, thanks to the help of others. This is nothing like Jesus' death. Jesus knew He would die (Luke 9:22) and knew how He would die (Luke 24:7). He stayed dead for a brief time (Matthew 12:40), and the only ones at His grave while His body was there were the guards watching Him (Matthew 27:65-66). On the third day, Jesus came back to life, without help from any man or force (Luke 24:6-7). In fact, Jesus raised Himself to life, for He says, "I lay down My life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord," ( John 10:17-18).

If superheroes overcome unforeseen challenges with great power,
then what do you call someone who charged in to defeat
the world's greatest threat by surrendering Himself?

Jesus is more than a silly superhero. Every comic book character was created by an imperfect person, but no one created Jesus (John 1:1-3). Any whacky masked vigilante is a mere work of fiction, but Jesus really lived, and He is still alive, for "He cannot die again; death no longer Has mastery over Him," (Romans 6:9). No person can master Jesus, but He is master over all as "Lord of Lords," (Revelation 19:16). He is not the work of imagination for people's entertainment. He is the fulfillment of all good works (Matthew 5:17), in order to be everyone's savior (1 Timothy 1:15). So bring on the best the world has to offer, and see how they fall before Jesus (Philippians 2:10). He will one day come back to earth (Revelation 1:7), and I imagine everyone will look up on that day and say, "Is it a hero? Is it a warrior? No, it's...God!"

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• The Superman Prayer (for putting this in my head, since summer camp)

2 Corinthians 5:21 (Jesus Became Sin)

2 Corinthians 5:21

God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

Jesus suffered and died for sins, and the way He died was how He paid for them. He was set apart "before the creation of the world" (1 Peter 1:20) to die "according to God's eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord," (Ephesians 3:11). This means the way Jesus died was not incidental but was designed. Consider that if Jesus was on earth today, was wrongly convicted, incarcerated, and then given the death penalty, that death would not have been enough to pay for sins. Modern death penalty methods do not cover the scope of pain Jesus needed to bear.

The prophet Isaiah remarks that Jesus being speared and whipped was how He would heal people from their sins, for "He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed," (Isaiah 53:5). Take note how Isaiah describes Jesus' death as a personal matter, in the way he uses the pronouns "our," "us," and "we." Jesus died in our place (Romans 3:25), so the way Jesus paid for sins shows how people should have paid. "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us" (2 Corinthians 5:21), so Jesus' suffering and death illustrates the true punishment all sinners deserve. With this in mind, let us see what it took for Jesus to redeem sinners and make them righteous.

He became sin, who knew no sin

That we might become His righteousness

He humbled himself and carried the cross

Love so amazing, love so amazing

Jesus Messiah, name above all names

Blessed redeemer, Emmanuel

The rescue for sinners, the ransom from Heaven

Jesus Messiah, Lord of all

- Chris Tomlin

Jesus was caught and exposed (Mark 14:46)

On the night when Jesus would suffer for sin, He was arrested by a large crowd (Matthew 26:47,50). Jesus was caught the same way every sinner will be caught. No one should deceive themselves, for "you may be sure that your sin will find you out," (Numbers 32:23). Someone may think they can hide their sins, but Jesus says, "There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known," (Luke 12:2). Even though Jesus was in the dark, the crowd who came for Him brought torches (John 18:3). Jesus was exposed and brought into the light the same way all sin will be (Luke 12:3, Ephesians 5:11).

Jesus did not defend Himself (Matthew 27:12)

Jesus was put on trial for His crimes, and while He was tried He did not defend Himself. Instead of pleading His case, Jesus "did not open His mouth; He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth," (Isaiah 53:7). This is how sinful people should respond, when God puts them on trial. God will "judge the world in righteousness," (Psalms 96:13) and everyone He judges will be "without excuse," (Romans 1:20). Every sinner has broken God's law (1 John 3:4), and "whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God," (Romans 3:19).

Jesus could not be bought back (Matthew 27:3-4)

One of Jesus' disciples, named Judas, betrayed Jesus. Judas' reward for betraying Him was 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-15). After Jesus was found guilty, Judas "was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders," but the priests would not take Judas' money back (Matthew 27:3-4). Sin, too, cannot be bought back from God, for the Lord "accepts no bribes," (Deuteronomy 10:17). Greed can lead to sin (1 Timothy 6:10), and the money someone gains in their sin is not enough to buy them out of their sin.

Jesus was beaten and wounded (John 19:1-3)

While Jesus was in custody, He was beaten by those who guarded Him (Luke 22:63). Indeed, the same way Jesus was physically wounded, the Bible says sinners should be beaten. In God's law it reads, "If the guilty person deserves to be beaten, the judge shall make them lie down and have them flogged in his presence with the number of lashes the crime deserves," (Deuteronomy 25:2). Out of God's love, He has ordered that any sin deserving of physical punishment should receive the wounds due (Proverbs 13:24). Adam's sin resulted in the earth and humans being pricked by "thorns and thistles," (Genesis 3:18) and Jesus had these thorns pressed into His head (Mark 15:17). Those who do what is wicked should be physically harmed for their sins, and "the understanding of this message will bring sheer terror," (Isaiah 28:18-19).

"The Son of Man did not come to be
served, but to serve, and to give
His life as a ransom for many,"
(Matthew 20:28).

Jesus was nailed down (Luke 23:33)

Jesus's death was by crucifixion, so He was nailed down and pierced through His hands and feet (Psalm 22:16). He was locked in place and unable to escape. This is the fate of unrepentant sinners (Matthew 25:41). Even the angels who rebel against God will be put in chains and locked away for judgment (2 Peter 2:4). Jesus says that sinners will be nailed down by God, so "see to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from Him who warns us from heaven?" (Hebrews 12:25).

Jesus was mocked and shamed (Mark 15:30-31)

While Jesus was crucified, the crowd there mocked Him. God, too, mocks and laughs at sin, for "the One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them," (Psalm 2:4). The prophet Elijah mocked those who dared to oppose God, and Elijah's actions were honored by the Lord (1 Kings 18:27,38). Sin is shameful, and someone who sins is like a person found naked and afraid (Genesis 3:7,10). Just as Jesus was naked and shamed by those who crucified Him (Matthew 27:35), so too is sin shameful. Those who sin should "come back to their senses as they ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame," (1 Corinthians 15:34).

Jesus died (John 19:30)

On that cross, for everyone to see, Jesus died. It is assured that "the wages of sin is death," (Romans 6:23). Those who die in their sin "will go away to eternal punishment," (Matthew 25:46). "They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever," (Revelation 20:10). The suffering Jesus experienced on the cross will be their suffering. Just as Jesus thirsted while He died ( John 19:28), those in hell will go without even a drop of water (Luke 16:24). On the other side of eternity, those who have put their trust in God will be given relief, but "He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might," (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9).

Jesus died and He was buried (Mark 15:46-47), and
everyone who dies in their sin goes down to
"the realm of the dead," (Psalm 9:17). His death
cries out to sinners, "Unless you repent,
you too will all perish," (Luke 13:3).

Jesus suffered for sins the way that everyone deserves to suffer. When someone looks at the cross, they should see the punishment they deserve. They should think of themselves as the murderer who goes free at Jesus' expense (Luke 23:18-19). They should not act like the criminal who insulted Jesus and said, "Save yourself and us!" (Luke 23:39). Instead, everyone should act as the other criminal who said, "We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But He has done nothing wrong," (Luke 23:41). Jesus never sinned, and after He was punished, He cried out, "It is finished!" (John 19:30). Therefore, Jesus suffered and died as a criminal, so you would not have to.

The punishment for sin has been paid in full, and now everyone who Believes in Jesus will not have to experience any punishment for their sin. This is assured, "otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But He has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself," (Hebrews 9:26). He suffered and died once "to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit," (1 Peter 3:18). Because Jesus paid for sins, "whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them," (John 3:36). Jesus suffered the full scope of God's wrath on the cross, in order to bring lost sinners back to Him, just as it is written in 1 Peter chapter 2 from verses 23 to 25:

When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted himself to Him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by His wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Wretched: The Cross is not the Electric Chair
• Chris Tomlin: Jesus Messiah
• Knowing Jesus: Bible Verses by Topic

Should Christians be Certain?

"Are you certain?" If you haven't asked this question, chances are someone has asked it to you. Why are people concerned about certainty? It's because people are truth seekers. The highest rulers and the lowest citizens have asked, "What is truth?" (John 18:37-38). Many people, though, claim they have found the truth, even Christians. When someone tells others about the truth they have found, do they have to be certain? How certain does someone, even a Christian, have to be?

One group of Christians say, "People need to always be certain and never doubt." This belief is taught by those in the "Word of faith" movement. Joel Osteen, senior pastor of Lakewood Church and a weekly televised minister, is a "Word of faith" teacher who says people should say positive words and be certain they will come true. Osteen taught, "Don't use your words to describe the situation - use your words to change the situation," and even if "it may not happen overnight, you have to keep speaking victory, keep calling yourself healthy, keep declaring your children almighty in the land, keep declaring your dreams are coming to pass." Bill Johnson, senior leader of Bethel Church, also teaches unwavering certainty about God's will to heal. Johnson once wrote, "How can God choose not to heal someone when He already purchased their healing?...When He bore stripes in His body He made a payment for our miracle. He already decided to heal." Two more "Word of faith" teachers who want people to never doubt are Kenneth Copeland, founder of Eagle Mountain International Church whose messages are broadcast worldwide, and Benny Hinn, a faith healer whose ministry is broadcast worldwide. Copeland wrote that people need to, "Make a solid decision to trust in and act on the Word of God. Settle it forever. Resolve never to entertain doubts again." Hinn once wrote, "Never doubt the leading of the Spirit. If your inner man is troubled, don't move. Listen to His voice as He speaks to your very soul." Copeland and Hinn believe they receive personal revelation from God that cannot be found in the Bible, so when they refer to God speaking they are often talking about God giving direct messages outside of the Bible. All of these teachers claim people should be undoubtedly certain of what they teach.

These "Word of faith" teachers, though, are speaking beliefs that are not certain. Osteen's teachings contradict what the Bible says about the weakness of one's words, for "you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life?" (James 4:13-16). Even the apostle Paul could not use positive words to speak away the "thorn" in his side (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). Johnson's teachings distort what the apostle Peter tells us "by His wounds we are healed" actually means (Isaiah 53:5). That verse is about how "you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls," so Jesus heals us from our sins to bring us back to Him (1 Peter 2:24-25). On top of this it was not always Jesus' will to heal everyone (Mark 1:34-38). Copeland and Hinn teach that someone should not doubt God's personal revelations to them, and so they deny that believers should test all prophecies and only "hold on to what is good," (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Christians should not be blindly certain of things but should instead, "test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world," (1 John 4:1).

The intensity of my belief doesn't make it so. The object of belief makes it so. Do you hear the difference? Just because I really really believe it, people have been really really wrong. Correct? Right, and that's okay. Just the intensity of faith doesn't mean a thing. It's the object of faith.

- Todd Friel

On the other end of the spectrum, many Christians say "People can never be certain of anything." This belief is taught by those in the "Progressive Christianity" movement. A "Progressive Christian" teacher named Steven Furtick, founder and senior pastor of Elevation Church and songwriter of Elevation Worship music, once taught, "the opposite of faith is not doubt. The opposite of faith is certainty." Richard Rohr, a Roman Catholic Priest and popular author, has taught about the need for uncertainty through non-dualistic thinking. Rohr wrote that this thinking is "our ability to read reality in a way that is not judgmental...Reality is not totally one, but it is not totally two, either!" meaning anything is always something and something else (A=B and B=B, but A and B are different). One more "Progressive Christian'' who teaches about a Christian's need to resist certainty is Brandon Robertson, a gay writer, activist, minister, and religious influencer. Robterson has called himself a Christian agnostic, and said, "Christianity gives me a form, a set of stories and myths to help ground my search for meaning and truth, but I don't believe Christianity itself as a religion encapsulates the fullness of truth, because nothing can do that." Robterson also said, "Jesus is the one in whom I find the most meaning and rhythm for my life...but at the end of the day, I stand in humble reverent awe at the bigness, the mystery, the beauty and the majesty of the universe, and admitting, 'I don't know. You don't know. We can't know.'" All of these teachers agree that the only thing of which people can be certain is that nothing is certain.

This uncertainty among "Progressive Christians" is certainly not Christian. Furtick's assertions oppose the Bible, for it says the opposite of faith is unbelief in God, and those who believe "do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved," (Hebrews 10:39). The faithful should "not throw away their confidence; it will be richly rewarded," (Hebrews 10:35). Rohr's claims about non-dualistic existence go against God's words of "woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness," (Isaiah 5:20). Spiritual things always exist dualistically, for God allies with His own servants and never the forces of darkness (Matthew 12:26-28). Robertson's beliefs that nothing can encapsulate truth, are struck down, when Jesus says, “I am the truth," (John 14:6). It is through reading the Bible that God "sanctifies us by the truth; His word is truth," (John 17:17). The idea that people should be uncertain about God contradicts the way people live their lives. Jesus says of these people, "When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times." (Matthew 16:2-3).

They were saying they could not know how to interpret Jesus and His words and ways. "It's all so uncertain. Who can know? We need more signs; more explanation," but when it comes to their livelihood they trusted their powers of interpretation just fine.

- John Piper

Believers should be certain of God's truth. The Bible is written "so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught," (Luke 1:4) for everything in God's Word is "written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name," (John 20:31). Christians should be certain of these things, for they are reality and reality "is found in Christ," (Colossians 2:17). So, when you, as a believer, tell people about the truth you have found, people will ask back, "Are you certain?" When they do, "be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you," (1 Peter 3:15). Tell others about God's truth and be certain of it, because what does truth matter if you're not certain.

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Joel Osteen: Positive Speaking
• Bill Johnson: God Always Heals
• Kenneth Copeland: Never Doubt Again
• Benny Hinn: Never Doubt the Leading
• Todd Friel: The Object of Faith
• Steven Furtick: The Opposite of Faith
• Richard Rohr: Non-Dualistic Thinking
• Brandon Robertson: I Don't Know
• John Piper: You Don't Live that Way