Spiritual Manna

Self-Control and Sober-Mindedness

But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore of sound mind, and be sober unto prayer (1 Peter 4:7).

Even though they did not always live by it, the ancients considered “moderation in all things” as the ultimate ideal. When and if this ultimate equilibrium could be reached, life would be most pleasant.

Yet we, as humans, are not always well-balanced creatures. We often go to extremes. In some aspects of life, we may practice self-denial; in others, we throw ourselves into consumption. Our imbalances lead to feelings of craving or guilt.

We would do well, therefore, to maintain a “sound mind” and to be “sober,” or, as in other versions, to exhibit self-control and sober-mindedness. These attributes require discipline and balance, striving to be neither too stringent nor too lax (Colossians 2:20-23, Galatians 5:17-21).

Self-control means that we know when to say “yes” and when to say “no,” and to translate that knowledge into action. Self-control knows when to say, “enough,” either in denial or pleasure. Self-control must be accomplished in every aspect of life if it will be of real value. Even though self-control is listed at the end of the manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit, it is hard to see how anyone can manifest the other characteristics without it (Galatians 5:22-24)!

When we think of sobriety, we generally think of not being on drugs or alcohol. Yet sobriety is much more than that– it means that we are free from any and all intoxicants. To be sober-minded means to not allow any thing to intoxicate or control the mind, save the believer subjecting his mind to the will of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). That includes drugs and alcohol, but also includes greed, lust, and anything else that would intoxicate the mind and distract us from our main purpose!

Let none be deceived: self-control and sober-mindedness are not forced upon anyone on account of circumstances. They are qualities that must be consciously developed whether in good times or bad. Are we willing to put effort into disciplining ourselves (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)?

We would also do well to consider why Peter says we ought to be self-controlled and sober-minded: “the end of all things is at hand.” If we knew for a certainty that this would be the last day of our lives, and that Jesus is going to return tomorrow, how would our story end? Would we be found as the “good and faithful servant,” doing the will of the Master despite His absence, showing proper self-control and sober-mindedness (Matthew 24:45-47)? Or would we be as the “wicked servant,” who has not acted as circumspectly, and fallen under condemnation for his sin (Matthew 24:48-51)?

In this circumstance, would knowing that Jesus is returning tomorrow change the way you lived? Would it lead you to “straighten up” and apply yourself more diligently to self-control and sober-mindedness? Even though we may not know for certain whether Jesus will come today, tomorrow, or in a thousand years, the New Testament makes clear that we must live as if He will return momentarily (1 Thessalonians 5:1-10, Matthew 25:1-30). Let us develop self-control and sober-mindedness so that we may be found faithful in the Kingdom!

Ethan R. Longhenry

Strength in Weakness

And [Jesus] hath said unto me, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

It is a general axiom that strength is good and weakness is bad. “Only the strong survive.” Humans idolize strength and figures of strength. Weakness is universally maligned. No one wants to be seen as puny, sissy, cowardly, or anything else that normally is associated with weakness.

Yet Jesus and His Kingdom turn many aspects of “conventional wisdom” on their head. In the Kingdom, if we want to be strong, we must be weak!

Strength, after all, has its down side: it often leads to arrogance and self-reliance. Weakness also has its value: those who are weaker are generally more humble and more dependent on others.

Paul himself needed to understand this reality, as is made evident in 2 Corinthians 12. So that he would not get puffed up on account of the revelations given to him, a “thorn in the flesh” beset him, even though he appealed to God for its removal. Whatever this “thorn in the flesh” was, it significantly weakened Paul.

And yet that is how Paul– along with every disciple of Jesus– learns the source of true strength. It is not within our own endeavors or capabilities. We only find strength through difficulty, duress, and weakness. When we have to face our own inadequacies and realize that we by our own efforts can do very little, that is when we humble ourselves and submit to God’s strength and God’s ability.

And that is when wonderful things happen. That is when we find the ability to persevere and grow (cf. James 1:2-5). When we give up our pride, our pretension of self-reliance, and ourselves, God can then use us for His purposes and His glory and imbue us with His strength (cf. Ephesians 6:10).

If we cannot imagine ourselves as weak, humble, lowly, and reliant on others, how can we picture Jesus, who was God in the flesh, and yet humble, lowly, and reliant on the Father (John 1:1; 14, John 6:38, Philippians 2:5-11)? By His weaknesses we are saved. We do not have the time or opportunity to pretend that we are strong and in need of nothing. Let us be weak so that we may overcome through God’s strength!

Ethan R. Longhenry

The Cost of Sacrifice

And the king said unto Araunah, “Nay; but I will verily buy it of thee at a price. Neither will I offer burnt-offerings unto the LORD my God which cost me nothing.”
So David bought the threshing-floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver (2 Samuel 24:24).

David here demonstrates an excellent understanding of the core idea of sacrifice: sacrifice must come at a personal cost.

The heart of the definition of sacrifice is “to suffer loss.” If David accepted the gift of Araunah and made sacrifice, then David would not have really sacrificed anything– he was just using Araunah’s sacrifice for his own purposes. He recognized that such is not really sacrifice– what has he really lost?

It is very easy to seek after “painless sacrifice”: this mirage allows people to have the good feeling of having done some good without actually suffering any loss. The conscience is soothed and life is well. But is that what God is after?

Jesus saw many people putting lots of money into Temple coffers and yet commends the widow for her two mites (Mark 12:41-44). The people were providing painless sacrifices: they had plenty of other resources on which to live. The widow truly sacrificed: she gave all she had!

The way of Jesus is not “painless” sacrifice, but demands true sacrifice. The cross is not painless (Matthew 16:24). Losing one’s life for His sake is not painless (Matthew 16:25). Forsaking all other relations for Jesus is not painless (Matthew 10:34-39).

And, above all, living the life of a humble servant of Jesus is far from painless (Matthew 20:26-28)! As it is written,

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service (Romans 12:1).

A “living” sacrifice– by no means a “painless” one. We can only be a “living sacrifice” when we suffer great loss of all that we have for His purposes– to devote our material resources to brethren and those in need (Galatians 2:10, 6:10), to devote our time to those in distress and for the furtherance of the Kingdom (James 1:27, Matthew 28:18), and to show in all things that Christ is our Lord and Savior (Galatians 2:20).

It will not be painless. Our offering to God will surely cost us. Yet if our living sacrifice is found pleasing to our Lord, the reward will make it all worthwhile (Romans 8:18). As God suffered great loss for us, let us suffer loss for God and His purposes!

Ethan R. Longhenry

Jesus’ Genealogical Surprises

The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judah and his brethren; and Judah begat Perez and Zerah of Tamar; and Perez begat Hezron; and Hezron begat Ram; and Ram begat Amminadab; and Amminadab begat Nahshon; and Nahshon begat Salmon; and Salmon begat Boaz of Rahab; and Boaz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; and Jesse begat David the king. And David begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Uriah (Matthew 1:1-6).

When we come to the beginning of Matthew’s Gospel, it is easy to fall into the temptation of “skipping over” the first few verses that describe the genealogy of Jesus Christ. After all, the Old Testament is full of such lists, and they are perceived as being quite “boring.” What is one doing in the New Testament– beginning the New Testament, no less?

Yes, the genealogy does set forth how Jesus is the descendant of David and Abraham, which is significant for His claim of being the Messiah. But there are also many surprises in Jesus’ genealogy.

First we come to Tamar (Matthew 1:3). Her story is described in Genesis 38: she is married to Judah’s oldest son Er, who dies, and then is married to Onan, who dies, and is held in waiting for Judah’s youngest son Shelah. When Judah does not marry her to Shelah, she takes on the garb of a cult prostitute and Judah hires her service. When the whole situation is revealed, he confesses that she is more righteous than he (Genesis 38:26)! And not only is she an ancestor of Jesus, she is explicitly named in the genealogy!

Next is Rahab (Matthew 1:5). Her story is in Joshua 2. She is the prostitute who maintains an inn in Jericho, and she hides the Israelite spies. She recognizes that the God of Israel is the true God and does not want to share in the fate of her fellow countrymen. Thus, we have a prostitute who deceives civic authorities who is an ancestor of Jesus the Christ, and she also is listed explicitly in His genealogy!

We also have Ruth (Matthew 1:5), and her wonderful story of faith in the book bearing her name. She is a Moabitess who clings to the God of her mother-in-law Naomi despite all the adversity they were experiencing. Yet another foreigner who is an ancestor of Jesus of Nazareth!

It is also interesting to note that Bathsheba is alluded to but not explicitly named in Matthew 1:6. She is remembered as being the wife of Uriah the Hittite!

What are we to gain from this? A woman willing to sell herself to her father-in-law to bring forth descendants, a lying Canaanite prostitute, and a Moabitess widow are explicitly named as ancestors of the Messiah, the Son of God. Despite their flaws, and despite their methodology, they are women of faith. Tamar ends up being “more righteous” and perpetuates the line of Judah. Rahab acts as she does by faith. All Ruth has is faith.

And Bathsheba? She acted according to the dictates of King David, engaging in acts of faithlessness. And she is left unnamed.

People of faith are not always pretty, and some of their actions may be hard to understand. And yet Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth have the ultimate testimony: they can claim Jesus Himself as their descendant.

Let us consider the “surprises” in Jesus’ genealogy, and recognize that even when faith is found in the strangest of places, it honors and glorifies God. Let us be found as people of faith!

Ethan R. Longhenry

Man’s Anger and God’s Righteousness

For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God (James 1:20).

Anger is a primal and basic emotional reaction of mankind. It is one of the hardest to control and often causes the most emotional– and sometimes physical– damage.

A lot of people get caught up in their anger. They let it fester and grow, and many times, they end up consumed by it. Their anger becomes their master and they serve its dictates. It is always tragic to see people who have allowed their anger to destroy their lives both physically and emotionally. Many times, those against whom the anger is directed have little idea regarding what is going on.

Unfortunately, other times people act upon their anger. Not a few crimes have taken place on account of people acting in anger. Families are greatly pained by outbursts of anger. Children many times live in fear of their parent or relative because of anger.

We can be angry without sinning if we do not allow the sun to go down upon it and we seek to calmly resolve the matter (Ephesians 4:26). In all things, we must show love, humility, self-control, and patience (cf. Galatians 5:22-24).

Sometimes, however, people convince themselves that they have a righteous reason to be angry. They see sin so prevalently displayed among them, and they get very angry. They justify their anger by claiming that since God is angry about sin, they can be angry about what is going on around them, also.

Yet we must remember James’ exhortation. God’s righteous indignation is just, loving, and merciful– matters of judgment are to be left to Him (James 4:11-12). Our anger– no matter how “justified” or “properly directed”– can never accomplish God’s righteousness. It is too prone to sinful excess. It too easily becomes our master, and we its slave. It is not the way of Christ!

The way that men can accomplish God’s righteousness is to show love, mercy, and compassion despite sin, just as God showed us love, mercy, and compassion despite our sin (Titus 3:3-8). After all, what if God poured out His righteous indignation upon us while we were in sin? Let us not begrudge God’s kindness and patience (Romans 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9)– without it, we would never have a chance!

Ethan R. Longhenry

Seeing God in Jesus

Philip saith unto him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.”
Jesus saith unto him, “Have I been so long time with you, and dost thou not know me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; how sayest thou, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I say unto you I speak not from myself: but the Father abiding in me doeth his works” (John 14:8-10).

We live in a very visual and “concrete” culture. Imagination takes a back seat to entertainment. People declare that they will only believe what they are able to perceive.

In many ways, people have always been like that. For humans to understand things they must have it “broken down” or communicated at their level. That which is concrete is always preferable to abstractions.

How does God, therefore, describe Himself to mankind? He decided to do so fully through Jesus the Christ. As it is written,

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him (John 1:18).

For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily (Colossians 2:9).

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:3).

How can we understand the love of God? We see how Jesus emptied Himself of His station to serve mankind, suffering abuse and dying for sin (Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 53).

How can we understand the power of God? We see Jesus peforming miracles, healing the sick, raising the dead, and being raised Himself (Matthew 11:5, Matthew 28).

How can we understand the wisdom of God? We see Jesus speaking in parables, setting forth profound truths in easily communicated stories (Matthew 13).

Small wonder it is that Jesus represents the Mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5)– He came as a man, bearing the image of God!

Christianity is often maligned for its “exclusionary” and “intolerant” teaching: Jesus as the only way to the Father. Perhaps it is better to consider the issue differently: if Jesus indeed is the image of God, and when we see what Jesus says and does, we see what God says and does, why would we want to look at anyone else? Where else would we turn to find out about God than the Man in whom God dwelt bodily?

Our belief and confidence, therefore, involves seeing God in Jesus Christ. We learn about the Father through the life and teachings of the Son, and thus be able to devote ourselves to godly living. Thanks be to God for His wonderful gift!

Ethan R. Longhenry

The Power of Contentment

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want. I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:11-13).

It has been made beyond clear that we are entering difficult times. Economies are struggling. Jobs are being lost. People are losing their homes. Uncertainty abounds. Fear is not far behind.

Yet it is at this time that the power of contentment is made evident. Learning to appreciate what you have and not to constantly seek after what you do not have, while not easy, is the only path to true peace and stability while sojourning on the earth.

You may lose your job, but you will still have other forms of support. You may lose your house, but you will still have a family. You may lose your health, but you will keep relationships. And even if you were to experience the greatest of cataclysms and lose your job, house, family, other forms of support, and health, you still have your soul and the love of God our Father through the Son Jesus Christ (Romans 8:35-39).

As it is written,

But godliness with contentment is great gain: for we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out; but having food and covering we shall be therewith content (1 Timothy 6:6-8).

Contrary to what marketers tell you, you do not “need” a flat-screen television, you do not “need” a cell phone, you do not “need” your own house, two cars, and this, that, and the other. You need God and His strength, and when you seek His way, He will take care of the basic human necessities– food and covering (cf. Matthew 6:33).

When we have the attitude that God, daily bread, and shelter are all we really need, we can be better prepared to appreciate other blessings which God bestows upon us– and better prepared to persevere if they get taken away.

Learning contentment is not easy, but it is the only “recession-proof” attitude. Contentment provides inner peace that transcends the highs of economic prosperity and the lows of economic depression, and stabilizes the faith of those who would believe in God. More importantly, it preserves the soul from overconsumption and the service of the idol of covetousness!

Let us decide to seek contentment in whatever circumstance in which we find ourselves!

Ethan R. Longhenry

Fertilizer

And he spake this parable; “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came seeking fruit thereon, and found none.
And he said unto the vinedresser, ‘Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why doth it also cumber the ground?’
And he answering saith unto him, ‘Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: and if it bear fruit thenceforth, well; but if not, thou shalt cut it down'” (Luke 13:6-9).

Agriculture provided plenty of fodder for Jesus when it came to His parables. Jesus perceived that there were many parallels between how plants develop and grow and how His Kingdom would develop and grow, and people readily understood matters of agriculture. Here we have one such parable– one that you may not hear about as often as the others.

We expect fruit trees to produce fruit. Yet we ought not expect excellent fruit to come immediately after such a tree is planted; according to the Law, the Israelites were to consider the fruit of a tree during its first three years as “uncircumcised,” the fourth year devoted to the LORD, and afterward the fruit could be eaten (Leviticus 19:23-25).

The master, therefore, comes to see the fig tree after its three years, and it has not produced any fruit. Without fruit, the tree has no value, and ought to be cut down in his eyes.

Yet notice what the vinedresser tells him. He confesses that the tree has not been productive, yet before any permanent decision is made, he makes a request to have one more year to “dung” it– provide fertilizer– and then see if the plant will produce its fruit. If so, well and good. If not, it can be cut down.

Parables generally have application to Christ’s Kingdom, and this one is no exception. There is much to be gained here!

When people come to belief in Christ, it takes time for the proper fruit to be manifest (Galatians 5:22-24, Hebrews 5:14). It takes time to grow in the faith. Therefore, we should not expect mature “fruit” from immature “trees.”

Yet fruit is still expected. What happens when there is no “fruit”– no indication that there is any growth in a young believer? Should they be immediately cast out?

Absolutely not– we must apply the “spiritual dung,” that is, proper encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25). Sometimes growth does not take place because the proper nutrients are not present, and when nutrients are provided, the growth will come.

This is why it is so important for believers to encourage one another, building up the Body (1 Corinthians 12:12-28). Yet it is not limited to believers. Do we know people who are struggling to get through life, and who do not seem to be getting very far? Consider how to encourage them. Are there people in despair? Seek to encourage them.

Encouragement is the fertilizer of life. Use it bountifully among others, and see how much fruit can be borne!

Ethan R. Longhenry

Moving Forward

Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Moving forward. It is something we know we ought to do in our lives, and yet it is often quite difficult to do so.

We have so much that can weigh us down. Sin besets us. We can become discouraged and despair of our ability to do anything. Fear can paralyze us. Even simple inertia can keep us from going forward and making changes.

Yet God calls us to continually and irrepressibly go forward. We have the great cloud of witnesses of the saints of years gone by: their examples of faith in the face of difficulty can encourage us, and we can view them as cheering us on our own journeys.

This is why we must lay aside the weights that keep us down. While sin may beset us, we must believe in God, humbly confess our faults before Him, and break through (1 John 1:9). While discouragement and despair may bring us downward, faith and hope can encourage us (Romans 8:23-25, 1 Corinthians 13:10). While fear may paralyze, God tells us to no longer fear, but trust in Him and His victory (Revelation 1:17-19). Even inertia can be overcome in zeal for God and His ways (2 Corinthians 9:2).

Yet the only way we can move forward is to keep our eyes focused on Jesus. He is the way, the truth, the life, and the resurrection (John 11:25, John 14:6). He suffered temptation and yet did not sin (Hebrews 4:15). Our faith is based in who He is and what He accomplished, and He is the one who makes up for our deficiencies through His own atonement.

The Hebrew author does not deny that suffering will come to believers, but shows us that through suffering we can gain exaltation. He suffered the humiliation and suffering of the cross because of the joy set before Him; thanks to Him, we can persevere through our own suffering, since eternity with God is set before us if we endure (1 Peter 1:3-9, 1 Peter 2:21-24, Matthew 10:22).

The forces of darkness provide every reason to become discouraged, to fall into despair, to suffer in sin, and to go nowhere. Yet God beckons through the example of Jesus Christ to go forward. The saints of God can encourage you by their example. Fellow Christians can encourage you on the journey. But you can only persevere and move forward by looking to Jesus and following His ways in His might and strength.

If we do not move forward, we fall behind. Let us constantly press onward and upward toward eternity with God (Philippians 3:13-14)!

Ethan R. Longhenry

The Greatness of Jesus’ Accomplishments

For while we were yet weak, in due season Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: for peradventure for the good man some one would even dare to die. But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:6-8).

Part of the greatness of what Jesus has accomplished involves the profound contrasts between who He is and what we are. He humbled Himself mightily by becoming a man, let alone a carpenter’s son in the backwoods of Galilee (Philippians 2:5-11). While we humans prize strength, power, glory, learning, and might, Jesus came in weakness, humility, and relative insignificance (Isaiah 53, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Matthew 11:28-29). When humans would expect the Son of God to conquer with the sword, Jesus conquered through dying and being raised again (1 Corinthians 15:57-58).

And even though we are sinners, and deserve nothing but death and condemnation for what we have done, Jesus died for us.

He by whom all things were created died so that we could live (John 1:1-3).

The Author of Life laid His down so that we could live in Him (Acts 3:15, John 10:17, 2 Corinthians 13:4).

He who has all strength took on weakness to deliver us from our own weaknesses (2 Corinthians 13:4).

He who loves beyond measure experienced mockery and derision so that we could be reconciled to God (Matthew 27, Romans 5:11).

The High Priest became the sacrifice so that we could minister to God (Hebrews 7).

And this was all accomplished not because we were holy, not because we were righteous, and not because we deserved it.

It was accomplished despite our sinfulness, despite our unrighteousness, and despite our own lack of love and mercy.

It was finished so that we could learn to love through Jesus Christ. Jesus suffered, and we are to suffer (Romans 8:17). The Word became flesh so that flesh could obey the Word (John 1:14).

Jesus died for sinful man so that man could be restored to His image (Romans 8:29).

When we ponder on these things, it is hard not to be humbled, astonished, and greatly thankful for all that was accomplished despite ourselves.

And it should provide sufficient motivation to go and reflect that love to all men (Matthew 5:13-16)!

Ethan R. Longhenry