Let the watchman do his job- and respond the right way!

Ezekial 33: 2 Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman:

3 If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people;

4 Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.

5 He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.

We have seven dogs in our home. This means that we have seven watchdogs. None of them are small. They range from about 70 pounds to 110 pounds. So anyone who's foolish enough to break into our home will most definitely be in trouble!

However, the dogs will usually bark and growl and carry on to let us know something is up and to warn the person or people outside that there will be consequences if they don't leave. Unfortunately, we sometimes don't want to be bothered to check out the commotion. Sometimes, we yell at the dogs to "shut-up!" 

In ancient Israel, the cities were walled. They kept watchmen on the walls to scan the landscape- checking for any danger. God ordered that they be there. It was to warn the people and spur them to action. God told them that if the watchman sounded the alarm and the people did not respond, they would die- and their blood would be on their own hands.

Just as with our dogs, many people would ignore the sound of the warning trumpets. Some would be irritated. Some would even yell at the watchman to shut-up! 

But, what of the watchman themselves. 

6 But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand.

If a city came under attack, and the watchman didn't warn the people, then people would die. Because he didn't warn the people, God held the watchman accountable for every death he allowed. 

In the military, if you're on guard duty, you can get in serious trouble if you slack off or go to sleep while you're on guard. The guard is required to be diligent. If he is not, people could die- including himself. In a time of war, the guard can be executed if he doesn't do his job and people are hurt and killed because of it. 

God is just as serious about watchman as the military is about its guards. 

God told Ezekial: 

 7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.

8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

9 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

God told Ezekial "I'm going to give my people warnings through you. If you tell them and they don't hear, you and I are okay, but they're in trouble. But, If you don't tell them, you have a problem with me!" 

Ezekial was arrested, jailed, and hung up (not with a noose) in one of the castle dungeons. People were telling their Watchman to "Shut-up!" Ezekiel went through a lot to obey his calling and his Lord. 

Today, God still has watchmen. They're called preachers. Preachers, be they Pastors or evangelists, are to listen to God. When God gives them warnings, they are to tell the people to "Repent!" Whatever sin(s) the Lord leads them to call out, we the people should listen in the fear of the Lord. Why, because the warnings are coming from God almighty, not the preacher. If we refuse the warning, our blood will be on our hands. We could go to hell. God is not playing! NO sin will enter into heaven. 

Too many times, we want to tell the preacher to shut up! Too many times, we want to ignore the preacher. We don't want to be bothered with having to change. If he irritates us bad enough, we may want to persecute him or try and get him fired. But, the preacher doesn't work for us. He works for God. The preacher is God's watchman to us. 

But, if the preacher chooses to scratch our ears and tell us what we want to hear, rather than what God is telling us, then we will still go to hell! We won't be able to tell God, "He didn't warn me." God gave us a conscience and most of our homes have a Bible in it. We can pray and seek God and read His word ourselves. In fact, scripture tells us to do just that. 

But, the preacher who refused to warn us will go to hell as well. He doesn't get off the hook because he refused to warn us. 

Beware, people, God is not mocked! God will one day call all of us to judgment. He is not playing with sin. If our preacher is warning us, don't fight him. Repent! And thank God you have a preacher that will stand in the gap for folks. If our preacher is not warning us, we need to find another preacher. The one we have is in it for personal gain of some sort and has no love for God or people. 

So let our watchmen do their jobs. Pray for God to warn them and for them to hear and deliver the warning. When the warning is given, let us seek God in true love and repentance! 

Pray for the watchmen and the state of the world. Jesus is soon returning and we all need to be ready when he returns.   

hedge trimmers

Job 1:9-10 King James Version (KJV)

9 Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?

10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

The term "build up a hedge" about (x)" is used a lot in Christian circles. It is usually couched as a prayer of protection. Asking God to put a fence around us or someone so as to protect them (us) from the attack of the devil and his demons. 

Here in Job 1, we find that God will do just that. The devil wanted Job, but he could not get through the hedge of protection that God had placed around him. And we should all rejoice, that are born again of the water and the spirit, that the Lord does protect us. The enemy cannot just attack us without the Lord's permission.  

However, this leads to some questions, doesn't it? 

If God has a hedge around us, why do we go through hard times? 

We know that Job was very wealthy before the Lord lowered his hedge in limited fashions. Because the Lord agreed to lower the hedge, Job lost his kids, his wealth, and his health. 

We also know that it was for a limited time. After Job learned what he needed to learn, the Lord restored unto Job 7 times what he had lost. Great ending! But a horrible struggle until the Lord replaced the hedges he had around Job. 

But, are there things we can do to lose our hedge of protection? 

Job was a righteous man in the eyes of God. Why did God allow this to happen?

First, to test Job and prove his relationship with God was solid. God already knew the answer, but Job needed to know the answer for himself. It's easy to trust God when things are going well, but it's not until we find the "gold tried in the fire" within ourselves that we truly know we are on solid ground with God. 

However, a careful study of Job 1 reveals one disturbing thing in Job's life:

Job 1:4-5 King James Version (KJV)

4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.

5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

Apparently, Job was in the habit of trying to live for God FOR his kids. His kids got together for a party. It's telling that Job wasn't invited and wasn't there. What kind of goings-on were involved in his children's little gathering? Job's prayer reveals that he prayed for them in case they had sinned! Apparently, there were things they did at these parties that God would not be pleased with! 

I believe that it was because of this tendency to try and act as a go-between for his kids to God that actually opened the door for God to allow Satan's attack. 

Ecclesiastes 10:8

He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.

When we engage in actions (or dwell on sinful things in our minds and hearts) that are contrary to God and his word, we are actually removing some of our hedge of protection- and things will get through and hurt us. God allows this in order that we can learn from it, repent of our sins, and he can then rebuild the areas that we've torn down. 

Remember Moses warning to the children of Israel: 

Deuteronomy 28 King James Version (KJV)

28 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:

2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.

15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:

We, like Israel of old, are given a choice: Obey God and be blessed and protected. Disobey God and be cursed and lose our protection. If we keep disobeying:

Isaiah 5:5

And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down:

If we do not repent, however, after however many attacks we've endured due to our sinful tearing down of our hedges, then God truly brings out the big guns: He will absolutely tear the rest of our hedges down. This opens us up to even more traumatic and even deadly attacks. 

It's not that he's totally given upon us. Rather, he's taking a spiritual switch to our spiritual backsides. He's giving us a good blistering! Why? So that we might come to the end of ourselves and repent. That way, he can cleanse us, restore us to right relationship, and rebuild the hedge around us. 

But, if we do not repent, God tries one more thing. He looks for someone else that will pray on our behalf that God would intervene in our lives before it's too late. 

This is why intercessory prayer is so important. We pray for the sick and the lost. But, we also pray for the saved that are on the verge of being lost. 

But, in this case, we are the ones in need of prayer. When noone responds in prayer for us, though:

Ezekiel 22:30-31 King James Version (KJV)

30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

31 Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord God

Then, God has no choice but to bring full-scale judgment against us. And this judgment can destroy us, leaving us forever lost. 

But, they cannot gloat when we are judged. The next one in need of intercessory prayer just might be them!.

When Jesus tells us, "I'll be there in a minute, just..." More lessens from our dogs

This afternoon I heard my daughter talking to her dogs.

They were in her room. She was in the kitchen doing something.

They wanted her attention and her presence. She was busy doing something.

They started whining. She was busy doing something.

They started yapping, she yelled out to them from the kitchen, "I'll be there in a minute."

They started whining and yapping. She responded, "I'll be there in a minute."

Finally, they started barking and whining and yapping. She marched up to the doorway and said, "I'll be there in a minute. Let me finish what I'm doing."

It sounds like a familiar conversation to me.

When we are stuck in a situation in our lives that we have no control over. And we realize we cannot do anything about it. So, from the area we are stuck in, we cry out, "Lord, I need a little help here!"

The Lord responds, "I'll be there soon."

That's not the answer we want to hear, So we start crying out louder, "Lord, I really need you to move in the situation now!"

The Lord responds, "I said, I'll be there soon. I'm working on something."

Again, in our lack of patience, we really start bawling and squalling, "Lord, you said you'd never leave me nor forsake me. I'm really stuck in this problem and I can't get out. Can you please move now!"

So, the Lord, in His mercy moves into the doorway of our situation and speaks across the trouble that makes us feel like we're divided from him: "I will be there in a minute. Let me finish what I'm doing. When I finish what I'm working on, you won't be stuck, you won't be separated anymore."

The first time we cry out, Jesus is essentially telling us:

Revelation 22:7

"Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book."

In other words, "Trust in me and my promises. I'll do what I said I would do. Just hold on."

The second time we cry out, Jesus is telling us: 

Revelation 3:11

"Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown."

In other words, "I'm still working. Don't lose faith. Your deliverance is closer than it was before."

The third time, in his mercy, he moves closer to us. His presence is in our vicinity. We can hear his voice clearly:

Revelation 22:12

"And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."

In other words, "You've remained faithful to me. Just a little longer and I will fulfill the desires of your heart. My purpose will be accomplished even though you think it may never happen. Just hold on." 

All of this put another way: 

Matthew 7:7-8 King James Version (KJV)

7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

So, brethren and sisters. Whatever you may be facing. Whatever you may be going through. Hold on. Keep crying out. God will finish the work and accomplish his purpose for our good and his glory. 

The word "quickly" actually means "suddenly" in the Greek. It may take some time for God to work situations and people into the order and places they need to be. It may seem to us like our dilemma is going to last forever, our trial will never end. All the while, the situation, and the enemy whispers, "All will be lost."

But, Jesus says, 

"I'm working on it to accomplish what I mean this situation to accomplish in your life. I'm taking some bad stuff out of you and putting good stuff into you. And when it is time, I will suddenly move in and set you free!"

All will not be lost. As long as we stick with Jesus, HE will win in the end- and us with him. 

The last eye drop

Revelation 21:3-5 King James Version (KJV)

3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

My daughter has an eye condition right now. She takes medicine and has 2 different eye drops that she must take several times a day. This morning, she had already had one of them and asked if someone would put in "the last eye drop" for her. 

That triggered something in my heart and mind. In this life, there are many hard times. In this life, there are many "eye drops" (tears) that we shed. Whether it be over sickness, financial hardship, unfaithful friends, and many other difficulties, there are times of tears. 

Of course, the best tears are shed in prayer with our Lord and savior! Whatever is going on, we can "cast (our) cares upon him" and allow him to take control. He can handle the problems we cannot. He can defeat the enemies we cannot. He will love us when so many people will not. He will lift us up when so many want to push us down. 

And when we have given him our cares, he gives us the opportunity to share the burdens of others through intercessory prayer. The most powerful of those times usually involves tears. Not tears for ourselves, but tears for others. What a privilege to be able to share the burdens of others in prayers. 

But there is coming a day when we will stand before Jesus and be judged. Those who are not right with him will go to hell for eternal punishment. But, for those who have been born again, and endured until the end (right with him when they die), judgment is a great day! 

All our burdens will be gone. All our worries no more. And our tear ducts will become a useless thing for there will be no more tears! Jesus himself will wipe them away and welcome us into eternal life! 

When we're going through life's struggles, let us remember that- if we hold onto him- one day there will be no more tears! May we find strength from knowing that day is coming. 

The prince and the princess: How to effect the culture war through your home.

Esther 1:19-22King James Version (KJV)

19 If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.

20 And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small.

21 And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan:

22 For he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be published according to the language of every people.

1 Timothy 5:17King James Version (KJV)

17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

OK, you ask? What do these scriptures have to do with the title of this post? 

Bear with me and you will see, dear reader. 

The key phrases we will look at in the Esther passage are, "every man," and "should bear rule." 

In the Hebrew, the word translated as "man" here, means literally, "man, male, (in contrast to woman, female)." The phrase "in his own house" tells us we are referring to a married man. Indeed, the context of the passage lets us know we are referring to a married man. 

Why is this important? 

Simple: our modern culture (even some in the church) has bought into the idea that there are many types of families to choose from. There are "co-habiting" families (a nice way of saying shacked up without marriage)," homosexual families", and "straight families." 

Of course, we know that sin is sin- regardless of what spin we, as a culture, wish to put on it. The only biblical model for a family is one man and one woman, with kids (as God allows). 

But, even in "straight families," there is this popular myth that God places no distinction between male and female. Here's the scripture they like to use to justify a modern family: 

Galatians 3:27-29 King James Version (KJV)

27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

They swoop in and say, "See! There's no more male or female in God! We're all equal now! So the roles in a family are what we decide they need to be. The roles in the church are what we decide they are to be. You can have gay families because there's no more male or female in God. You can have women lead and men are house-husbands because there's no more male or female in God!" 

First of all, this passage is not referring to the God-given roles of our genders. It's referring to salvation. ANYBODY can be born again! You don't have to be a specific gender, race, economic level, etc. Even a homosexual can be born again- if they repent of their homosexuality and obey God's plan of salvation. 

Secondly, if this passage were talking about how we run our homes and churches, then there are a lot of verses that this verse would contradict. In fact, if there is a contradiction between this verse, and what other sections of scripture teach about the home and the church, then the Bible is wrong and we should not listen to it. 

But, we know the Bible is not wrong. The problem is that people will swoop in, take a verse out of context, and throw it around to try and prove their pet false doctrine- in this case, that there are no specific roles (or job descriptions) that men and women and children must follow. It's all up to us! 

No, it is not.

There are many examples. In fact, I have a very long Bible study on this very subject. If you would like to see it, leave me your email in the comments of this post or message me on Facebook. I'll be glad to send it to you.

For the sake of brevity, we're going to focus on Titus 2:

  2 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

Verse 3-5 says:

 that godly older women should teach younger women to be sober (serious) to love (agape- unconditionally) their husbands and children, to be discreet (self-controlled), chaste (pure and clean), Keepers AT home (not keepers OF the home. Caring for the house. Working AT home, A housewife, in other words), good, obedient to their own husbands (to obey, be under subjection to).

So the wife's job, contrary to popular opinion is to be a housewife and mother. She can work out of the home, as the wife in proverbs 31 shows, but her main job is to be a good wife and mother. Her job is not to lead a corporation, make the money for the family, etc. A woman's job is in the home. This is God's design in BOTH Testaments.

By inference (because it says "likewise"), the older men are to teach the younger men that:

The man's job is to be sober-minded (self-controlled), showing a pattern of good works (which means "die" of good vocation. In other words, he's supposed to have a pattern of the hard work of being the breadwinner for the family), his doctrine is to be uncorrupt, grave, and sincere (incorruptible and sound, honor and purity, and sincerity). His speech is to be godly and filled with truth. 

And all this completely flies in the face of the modern family. A gay family is wrong and ungodly. A woman-led family is wrong and ungodly. A shacked up family is wrong and ungodly. A "50-50" family is wrong and ungodly.

And what about children?

Ephesians 6 King James Version (KJV)

6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;

3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

So, the husband is to follow and obey God and lead his family. The wife is to obey God first, her husband second and lead the children. The children are to obey God first and their parents second. 

This is God's plan for the home. 

Scripture calls God's people King's and priests (Revelations 1:6). Therefore our children are little princes and princesses. 

If we order our homes the correct way, our children will think the right way. If they think the right way, they will act the right way. (As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7). Their right actions and thoughts will bleed over into their homes when they marry. As they run their homes godly, their kids will copy the same pattern. And so on, and so on, till the Lord returns. 

Yes, we are to teach and preach the word. Yes, we are to try and affect our culture in other ways. But, the home is over half the battle. We can win the war. Quietly. One home at a time.  

The Apostle that almost was (the rich young ruler revisited)

Luke 18:18-27 King James Version (KJV)

18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.

20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

26 And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?

27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

This is a very familiar passage of scripture. Many have used it to speak of folks rejecting Jesus in favor of the wealth and things of this world. These people have covered this well. But, I believe there may be a few more lessons to be learned from scripture about this young man. 

Verse 18) It is customary in religious, business, and political circles to address the ego of the person you are speaking to- especially if the person is perceived to be of a superior position than you. When the young man begins his question to Jesus, he starts with "Good Master." He was recognizing the innate goodness of Jesus, as well as Jesus' good works (healing the sick, etc). 

He was also recognizing him as a Master. He recognized Jesus' amazing teaching to all who would listen. Jesus was the new hot thing in the world. This naturally drew some of the who's who in the community. More than likely, he contacted his associates in various local governments to gain their insights into Jesus. Doubtless, this man had sent his people out to see what all the fuss was about. After all, the rich don't just hang out with the "unwashed masses" without having a good reason to do so. The reports he'd received back amazed him. Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, bucked up against the Jewish authority of the day. This was truly a man worth checking out!

So, the rich young man decided that Jesus was worthy of his actually going out to meet him. He orders his entourage to make the necessary arrangements. There was his security to consider, his mode of travel, his clothing, the room or house he was to stay in, his food and drink for the going travel, his lodging, and his return trip. Everything had to be set up just so. He also must've had a man (or men) following Jesus so that he knew when and where to go in the first place. He makes his initial trip and settles down for the night. 

The next day, he learns from his servants where Jesus was preaching and (after a healthy breakfast, no doubt) heads out to meet this famous (or infamous in some circles) teacher named Jesus. 

Imagine the agitation of this young man when he sees the masses huddled around Jesus- hanging on his every word and action. He actually has to wait on Jesus to speak to this rabble! Finally, he begins to make his way through the crowds toward the teacher. Most of the crowd recognizes wealth and nobility and moves out of his way (some willingly, others out of obligation). 

Jesus wasn't dressed in fancy robes and fine garments. His hair was windblown. His robes had dirt on them. But his eyes burned with the Holy Fire of God. But, to this ruler, all these facts added up to someone worthy of use, but certainly not an equal. When he finally meets Jesus, he doesn't even give him his name. 

Falling back on his ways of speaking to someone, he puts on a smile and says, "Good Master."

Verse 19) Imagine the ruler's surprise when Jesus did not respond with the same customary kindness. Instead, Jesus cuts to the chase, so to speak.

"Why callest thou me good?"

Why are you even speaking to me, Ruler? You don't even consider me an equal. You look down on me and the multitudes I speak to. You could feed this whole mass of humanity here and then some with your wealth. Yet, you see in me a way to use me for your own purposes to gain something from me and the crowds to which I minister. Why are you here? You can almost hear the hostility in Jesus's question. 

But, then he lowers the boom that most people miss:

"None is good, save one, that is, God."

Unlike many false interpretations, Jesus was not playing himself down with this statement. He was not pointing out that he was a lesser part of a fictitious trinity. Rather, he was telling this young man and everyone that heard, "I am good because I am God almighty come in flesh (Emmanuel- God with us!)! Do you have enough spiritual understanding to know who it truly is that you are talking down to? 

Verse 20) The ruler had asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, so Jesus, rather flippantly, lists of 5 of the 10 commandments:

"Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother."

Verse 21) The ruler seems ecstatic! Really? That's all? I've done these all my life! He, like many others, did not notice that 5 more commandments had been left off the list.

What commandments did Jesus leave off?

"Thou shalt have no other gods before me." 

By definition, a rich businessman faces a choice on a daily basis. "Do I follow God's laws and make less money, or do I follow man's laws and make more money. Do I follow a righteous God and his commands? Or do I follow whatever god that fits the particular business deal I'm making? 

Most follow whatever god fits the moment for their own self-gain and standing in the community.

"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image..."

This is not talking about an artistic endeavor (though many have used art as an excuse to be gory or pornographic or some other perversion they wish to glorify). Rather, this is referring to the making of an idol that is to be worshipped and adored by the maker and many other people. 

There are still many idols in the world. India, Africa, and South America are full of idols carved from trees or rocks that people bow down before and worship. Japan, though a very westernized culture, still has many that have things set up in and around their homes in order to worship their own dead ancestors. Physical idols can literally be found around the world.

Yet, in Western society, we have other idols: Money, Movie Stars, TV Stars, Cars, Homes, Yachts, Politicians, Political Parties, Churches, Preachers, Singers, etc. The list goes on and on. 

How many business deals and political deals are made that are contrary to God's laws, but are made in the name of Money and religious freedom? How many backroom deals are made in order to work around God's laws and make money from ungodly things (abortion comes to mind as just one example of millions)? 

"Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain."

Contrary to popular belief, this is not simply saying don't use the name of Jesus as a cuss word- though that is certainly a part of it. To take God's name means to become a part of his bride (the church) through the new birth (Acts 2:38).

To take his name in vain means to walk away altogether, or to fall away from a right relationship with him. We, as his bride, are to live, act, dress, think, etc in ways that shun the sin we used to be in and glorify our husband, Jesus, who died for us! 

Most rich folks have never known God in a salvational way. Most of they're choices are made in order to cater to their own flesh and bank accounts!

"Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy." 

The sabbath is the seventh day of the week (Saturday). In the Law of God, no work or business was to be conducted on this day. Jesus fulfilled the rest of the sabbath through his death, burial, and resurrection- and sending us his spirit as part of the new birth (Baptism of the Holy Ghost). I have another blog posting on this blog about enjoying the "rest of the sabbath" that explains this in detail:  https://theauthorspage.blogspot.com/2012/03/shalom-shabbath-enjoy-peace-of.html

Yet, if a person is not born again, he cannot fulfill this commandment. Most rich business owners have never been born again and cannot fulfill this commandment in either their own lives or in their company. 

However, there was a time when businesses were closed on Sunday in honor of Jesus's resurrection and to allow employees time to worship Jesus and spend time with their families. Most businesses are now open 7 days a week and as close to 24 hours a day as they possibly can in order to chase their god- money. 

But in the rich young ruler's day, businesses were to be closed on Saturday (the sabbath). Did Jesus leave this commandment out as well because he wasn't following it, either? 

"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's...(anything)" 

It's okay to have things. It's good to have a godly wife. It's good to have a home. And many other things. 

Yet, one of the natures of business is to grow and acquire more things. More facilities. More products. A larger market share. And, ultimately, a larger profit.

How many business deals have been done in society (and by the rich young ruler) that were done in the name of growing the business- that actually hurt many people. There is no being content with what we have. We've got to have more. 

How many business ventures have been made by marrying the owner in order to gain control of the company? How many wives have been dumped in favor of a new wife in order to solidify the growth of the business? How many political deals have been made the same way? 

Verse 22: Jesus hears his answer and gives him a way to make everything right in his life. He basically gave him the same command he had given the 12 Disciples, "Follow me!" But, he added a stipulation:

"Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me."

Imagine someone telling Donald Trump or Bill Gates, "You've spent your whole life amassing this huge fortune. You've made business deals by many means, some good and some evil. You've buried most of your competition and are on top of the world! But, if you truly want to make heaven and be right with God, Go and sell it all, give it all away so you will be dirt poor, and come follow me." 

That's basically what he told the rich ruler. Nevermind your business acumen. Forget all the backroom wheeling and dealing. Give it all away and I will give you the eternal life you seek. You've got to totally submit to me. 

Verse 23: The rich young ruler was offered a chance to be an Apostle! He could've been in the upper room on the day of Pentecost! He could've helped to baptize the 3000 souls that were added to the church that day! He could've preached to thousands, cast out devils, healed the sick, raised the dead, helped thousands to become born again and live for Jesus!

Instead, with his mind blown and his heart broken, the fake smile gone from his face, he walks away from God almighty. All because he'd rather have his current life than the eternal life that Jesus was offering. 

Did you ever wonder what happened to him? Did he even keep up with Jesus after this incident? Did Jesus' words haunt him for the rest of his days? 

I believe the Lord showed me the answer today. As my wife and I were listening to Mark 14 on a Bible app, I heard words I don't remember ever hearing before:

Mark 14:43-52 King James Version (KJV)

43 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.

44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.

46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him.

47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?

49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.

50 And they all forsook him, and fled.

51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:

52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

Yes, I know. This is Jesus in the Garden when Judas betrays him and the disciples flee the soldiers. We all know this story. But, notice verses 51 and 52. 

An unnamed man shows up after the arrest but before the trial. After the disciples flee, but before Peter's denial. Who was he? I believe this was the rich young ruler. 

How do I know? 

The first clue was in the phrase, "having a linen cloth..". The term linen cloth here, in the Greek, means "

1. linen cloth, esp. that which was fine and costly, in which the bodies of the dead were wrapped
2. thing made of fine cloth
1. of a light and loose garment worn at night over a naked body."

  

The second clue came from the same phrase: "having a linen cloth cast about his naked body."

Whoever this was, knew where this was going down. A nobody would've had no knowledge of what was happening. 

So, here's the scenario I believe happened. 

The rich young ruler rejected Jesus's offer, but he could never get Jesus's words and actions out of his mind. He probably kept men near Jesus and received regular reports. He periodically heard from his sources in government and the temple about Jesus' most recent sayings and activities. He heard of the plot to kill him. He may have even tried to work behind the scenes to try and reduce what they wanted to do to Jesus. 

But, this was a secret action by the Sanhedrin and the Governor. By the time the ruler was told what was going down by his informant, there was no time for talking to the governor or the Sanhedrin. His only hope was to get out of his bed and throw on his night garment of fine linen and run to the scene, hoping he could get there in time to use his influence to possibly stop the arrest. Having kept up with him, he knew Jesus often prayed in the garden of Gethsemene. His heart racing, he sprinted to the scene. 

To his horror, when he arrived, he was too late. The disciples were dispersed and Jesus was arrested. 

"and the young men laid hold on him:"

He wasn't even allowed to speak to Jesus. He was grabbed by some young men. It wasn't the disciples. They were Gone. It could only be part of the guards who grabbed him. 

"52 And he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked."

I can see a brief struggle. I can see the other guards pulling Jesus along. I can feel the young ruler's heart crashing as he realized not only could he do nothing, not only was his wealth and power worthless to help, but he might be in trouble just for showing up! He might have crossed a line! 

The guards have a firm grip on his nightclothes, so he wriggles out and runs away. Naked and afraid. 

What happened after that? Was he arrested? Did he lose everything he had clung too for so long as important? Or, was he among the 3000 newborn souls on the day of Pentecost?

 We don't know. But, he had a choice just like we do. Do we abandon everything to serve the God of the universe who created us, became human for us, died for us, defeated death, hell, and the grave for us, and sent back his spirit for us?

Or, do we hold onto our "stuff" and refuse to totally submit to Jesus? 

It's our choice. What do we do? 

Acts 2:37-38 King James Version (KJV)

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.