Loneliness - my greatest fear?

It’s been happening slowly, ever so slowly. I want to say I began to wonder about it in 2016 or 17 when, during one of the acts of teenage rebellion, we had a runaway on our hands. But that wasn’t it. It was just a notable event which caused great pause.

Today I pulled up behind my two boys unawares. I had forgotten. And my mind was in auto pilot, never park behind the Honda! But they were taking Jonny’s car and he typically stays home, so it’s a safe parking bet. However, they put the car in reverse and I honked! After situating myself behind the Honda I waited for them to back up. We rolled down the windows, and they said “We’ll see you tomorrow!” They had loaded up the car and were ready for a trip to Milwaukee to see RiseAgainst. I had forgotten - suddenly I felt compelled to alert them that I wouldn’t be home tomorrow, because of a 1-day work trip. We’d see each other Thursday. All at once I felt a wave of uncertainty fall over me for their sake. Parental jitters. Ben in 26 and Jonny’s near 22, but I was fearful. I told them I’ll be praying for them while they’re gone.

No, this feeling has been coming on for a very long time.

I waited while they finished leaving but I could feel it coming on. After parking I came in to see my wife Julie. We greeted each other and she went into the other room. All at once it happened. I began to weep. But why? I let myself cry for a few moments, it felt good. Then, before my wife returned I wanted to preserve my manly dignity, so blew my nose and washed my face. She saw right through it. “Are you ok? Your eyes are bright red?!” I admitted my concern and began to think about it.

The house is pretty quiet these days. And I do like my peace, but it’s too quiet. I tried to sit and think and the cat jumped up for a scratch. She was in luck, I was in the mood. But not for long. I just couldn’t sit around after that emotive. So, I got dressed for the yard and raked up half the fall leaves in the back yard. A truly vigorous workout and while out there I could think. No particular thoughts - just clarity.

I was afraid. Not of losing my boys, they love us and they know we love them. Just of the loss of influence I may have in their lives as they continue to take the independence all men must have.

But I think I was most afraid of the loneliness I felt. What is loneliness? One dictionary defines it as “Solitude; retirement; seclusion from company.” This certainly nails the definition, but that is not the reason for my fear. I have misidentified it. Times of solitude are actually very necessary for the soul.

Fear is the real issue. Fear itself. Loneliness is just how I first felt it. The real fear is loss of influence and fear of becoming inconsequential in the grand scheme of things.

We only have 80 or 90 years to hope for these days (Psalm 90:9–12). My Dad is still with us, having reached 80! My Father in law is already 84 and I expect in his case he may make it to his nineties! Both his parents lasted into their low nineties. And while my Dad is doing great, Mom only made it to 61!  So I figure, if the law of averages holds, I got 20 or 25 more years to go. But all this thinking is faithless mathematics. No one really knows the day God calls them. And suddenly I realize the issue.

Fear of death! Yet, isn’t it the case that as a Christian, death has been swallowed up in victory (Isa. 25:8; 1 Cor 15:54-57)? It is! But there are times we all look at the life we have lived up to now, and count the days, feel very much cheated by our own selfishness. Why haven’t I cared more for others? Have I truly loved those closest to me with unselfish motives? At times, yes, but other times - I shudder to think of the hurt I brought.

The Scriptures state plainly one unalterable and powerful fact - perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). It states simply that love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). And this is the best of it - God himself is love (1 John 4:16-18).

Think about what this does! The fear just melts away as I remember that though I have not been as loving as I ought, He demonstrates the most perfect love in sending His only son to die in my place (Rom. 5:8-11)!

Praise Yah!

Not only do I begin to feel joy over my own forgiveness before God, I can have all hope that He has demonstrated to all - and my own grown children fall into that category - while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

I don’t need to be influential in their lives. He is all we need! If my influence were to have its way, apart from Christ, my children would follow the ways of the wicked. My real hope and joy is in Christ and when I die, Christ’s influence in their lives continues on forever!

Well, that sure makes a guy feel better!

 

What is Freedom of speech?

(This post is from the perspective of a US Citizen - I do not know the rights of other nations citizenry; however, you may find principles that are useful to your situation.)

In the Constitution of the United States, the first amendment reads:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

It seems as though we have a misguided citizenry, if you read the various social media posts. One might even get the idea that our first amendment rights are being quashed actually. As I write this, I do so as a US citizen, and also as a Baptist Christian. In addition to that I am a licensed Amateur Radio operator, call sign N9ITE, and each of these roles informs my writing.

In the past few years there has been a noticeable shift in the polarization of parties. This shift has created a gulf between parties who, seeking to express themselves in such an atmosphere, have become generally less civil than in other times.

So, I quote the 1^st amendment of our constitution. And such a right to speech which is free of government meddling is obvious to any plain interpretation. Here is my objection. How is the censoring of individuals, as for example, on Facebook an abridgment of their free speech? Clearly there is a misunderstanding of the government’s role and our citizenship rights. Even as I couch the argument, it should be apparent that Facebook censoring my posts, or even removing my access to their site does not actually impede my free speech by law of congress.

I hear my first objection - But Facebook is a public platform and I live in the USA. So, let’s consider that question. Is Facebook a public platform? Certainly it caters to public access and dissemination of information publically. But, are its resources publically owned, as for example, the sidewalk in front of my home? Not at all. In fact, it is a corporation, owned publically and traded on NASDAQ as FB. And unless you are a majority stockholder you have very limited rights to its resources.

Let me offer another point of view - that of an FCC licensed Amateur radio operator. For the most part, my transmissions are protected by the first amendment, so far as they originate on American soil and are direct transmissions from one party to another. And while I am ‘free’ to speak in this venue it is not free, in the sense that I purchased a great deal of equipment, and studied to pass the various exam levels (I am an Extra licensee, which affords me the broadest scope of frequencies to transmit).

One of the very first frequencies many radio operators use is the 2 meter frequency, which typically at 5 - 10 watts may travel as much as 30 miles. But often we use a tower called a repeater to retransmit (on a higher physical plane and with more power) to a much greater potential audience. Those whom I speak to can be much further away and will hear me much more clearly. The use of a repeater is a privilege - not a right. In much the same way as I spent time and money to become licensed, the repeater owner also spends time and money to establish his tower. He owns the equipment, and while typically the use of it is free, the owner may indeed impose rules that he establishes. He is allowed to do this because he owns the equipment. As a matter of fact, I am free to purchase the equipment and buy land for a tower, and set up for myself and my interests, a repeater of my own.

I own my home. And the ownership comes with privileges. I can establish who I let enter, and if I do not like what they say, I can eject them from my home. If Facebook bans some language or censors a particular person, they have that right and for the same reasons I do in my home.

In actual fact, the very amendment many are claiming grants them freedom to express their viewpoint, is what protects Facebook’s right to censor whatever their liberal hearts’ desire.

Let’s ask a what if question, to illustrate. What if you lived in North Korea and you wanted to write news articles in the local paper? Could you do so? Maybe - but you’d have to be certain not to have your content offend the dictator, since he is the only free person in the nation. What if, in your North Korean town you had the money to produce a newspaper all your own, and began to publish content that did not accord with the dictatorship? You’d have the same constraint - you’d better not offend the regime! This is what free speech is about.

No one ever argues we are free to say anything we want in any space we choose. We all know about the old example of shouting, “Fire!” in a crowded theater. It’s obvious on its face that we are not free to do such things.

I’d like to close with an argument from Justice Antonin Scalia. He speaks as eloquently as anyone ever did on our ‘freedoms’ and I think, if you consider his argument, you will have a very much broader understanding of our rights as US citizens. Antonin Scalia was a justice for 29 years until his death in 2016. Here is one of his common arguments and it greatly enlightened me. I hope it does you as well.

I ask them, “What do you think is the reason that America is such a free country? What is it in our Constitution that makes us what we are?” And I guarantee you that the response I will get – and you will get this from almost any American, including the woman that he was talking to at the supermarket – the answer would be Freedom of speech, freedom of the press, no unreasonable searches and seizures, no quartering of troops in homes. Those marvelous provisions of the Bill of Rights. But then I tell them, “If you think that a bill of rights is what sets us apart, you’re crazy.” Every banana republic in the world has a bill of rights.

 

Every president for life has a Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights of the of the former evil empire, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was much better than ours. I mean it literally; it was much better. We guarantee freedom of speech and of the press. Big deal! They guaranteed freedom of speech, of the press, of street demonstrations, and protests, and anyone who is who is caught trying to suppress criticism of the government will be called to account. Whoa, that is wonderful stuff! Of course, just words on paper, what our framers would have called ‘a parchment guarantee’. And the reason is that the real Constitution of the Soviet Union – you think of the word Constitution, it doesn’t mean a bill, it means structure say a person has a sound constitution, here’s a sound structure – the real Constitution of the Soviet Union – which is what our framers debated that that whole summer in Philadelphia in 1787, they didn’t talk about the Bill of Rights. That was an afterthought wasn’t it? That constitution of the Soviet Union did not prevent the centralization of power, in one person or in one party. And when that happens, the game is over. The Bill of Rights is just what our framers would call a parchment guarantee.

 

So the real key to the distinctiveness of America is the structure of our government. One part of it of course, is the independence of the Judiciary. But there’s a lot more. There are very few countries in the world, for example, that have a bicameral legislature. Oh, England has a House of Lords for the time being, but the House of Lords has no substantial power. They can just make the Commons pass a bill a second time. France has a Senate, it’s honorific. Italy has a Senate, it’s honorific. Very few countries have two separate bodies in the legislature, equally powerful. That’s a lot of trouble, as you gentlemen doubtless know! To get the same language through two different bodies, elected in a different fashion. Very few countries in the world, have a separately elected chief executive. Sometimes I go to Europe to talk about separation of powers. And when I get there, I find that all I’m talking about is independence of the judiciary. Because the Europeans don’t even try to divide the two political powers, the two political branches, the legislature and the chief executive. In all of the parliamentary countries, the chief executive is the creature of the legislature. There’s never any disagreement between them and the Prime Minister as there is sometimes between you and the president. When there’s a disagreement, they just kick them out. They have a no confidence vote, a new election, and they get a prime minister who agrees with the legislature. And you know, the Europeans look at this system and they say, “Well it passes one house it doesn’t pass the other house. Sometimes the other house is in the control of a different party. It passes both and then this president, who has a veto power, vetoes it!” And they look at this and they say, “Ahh, it is gridlock!” And I hear Americans saying this nowadays. And there’s a lot of it going around. They talk about a dysfunctional government because there’s disagreement. And the framers would have said, “Yes! That’s exactly the way we set it up. We wanted this to be power contradicting power, because the main ill that beset us” as Hamilton said in the Federalist, when he talked about a separate Senate, he said, “Yes, it seems inconvenient, but in as much as the main ill that besets us, is an excess of legislation, it won’t be so bad.” (U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia delivers opening statement before a Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on the Role of Judges under the U.S. Constitution. Remarks delivered 5 October 2011. https://youtu.be/Ggz_gd--UO0)

 

Download a copy for personal use: https://ln.sync.com/dl/21e041990/qnib4say-6exutn2g-xrcr8cum-6hah3z3p 

The Compassion of Christ (Mark 6:30-34)

Message preached at Covenant Reformed Baptist Church 6/2/2019 - Audio: https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=62191955572
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPxNUWgalko&t=18s


5000 pt. 1

Mark / Mark 6:30–34

The Compassion of Christ on the people was driven by an Active Love for them. 


Theme of Mark in Mark 10:45


Mark 10:45 NKJV
45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”


2 by 2: True Witnesses for Christ - What Christ gave to the Apostles to do – isn’t always exclusive to them. All Christians have a responsibility to be witnesses for Christ. (Mark 6:7-13) 17-Mar-2019


Promises Promises! - A significant part of our Christian witness is how we conduct ourselves in the world – do we keep our promises, or does our witness do damage to the honor of God? (Mark 6:14-29) 3-Apr-2019


Today we will begin to look at one of only two miracles in the whole of Scripture with a fourfold witness. Jesus’ own Resurrection (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20), arguably the greatest miracle of them all; and the feeding of the 5000. Since there are 4 distinct accounts we will be examining the miracle at least twice and possibly a third time, should the Spirit direct me.


The verses we’ll be considering are what I am calling the preamble - the first 4 verses. The Compassion of Christ on the people was driven by an active love for them. (Thesis) If I were to give our message a key verse it would be verse 34.


Dealing with the text


  Mark 6:30–34 (Matt. 14:13-14; Luke 9:10–11, John 6:1-4)


  Mark 6:30–34 NKJV
  30 Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. 31 And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. 32 So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves. 33 But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him. 34 And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.


  1 Number of words in the Greek - Mark 115, John 71, Matt 61, and Luke 58! Again - against all odds Mark has the most to say!


  2 Unique information from Matthew - We are told that Johns’ death was at least one  of the reasons for Jesus desire to get away from the crowds for awhile (Matt. 14:13) We also see a distinction in Matthews’ account - Jesus alone is being spoken of -


    Matthew 14:13 NKJV
    13 When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities.


    This may appear to be a contradiction - It is not as we shall see.


  3 Unique information from Luke - He tells us in Luke 9:10-11,


  Luke 9:10–11 NKJV
  10 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing.


  Two Contradictions? Resolving the where & how...


    A) Where indeed did they go?


      The reason this is a difficulty is that in Mark 6:45 we read that,


      Mark 6:45 NKJV
      45 Immediately He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He sent the multitude away.


      There were two places in Israel, not far from each other, called Bethsaida. One of these was a city of Galilee, situated on the western side of the Sea of Galilee, a short distance north of Capernaum. It was the birthplace of the Apostles Peter, Andrew. and Philip. The Saviour often visited it. (Matt. 11:21-23; Mark 6:45-53.)


      The other Bethsaida was a city in Gaulonitis, north of the same lake, and east of the Jordan. It was originally a fishing village, but was enlarged by " Philip, tetrarch of Iturasa and of the region of Trachonitis," and named Julias, in honor of Julia, the daughter of Augustus. It was "in a desert place," near this Bethsaida - probably on the hillside at the south-eastern angle of the little plain - that our Lord fed the 5000. (Luke 9:10-17.) - Ancient Geography (https://www.bible-history.com/links.php?cat=40&sub=523&cat_name=Bible+Cities&subcat_name=Bethsaida)


    B) How did they go?


      The purpose of this question is to acknowledge and deal with Matthews account and Marks account of the same event.


      The answer to this dilemma is that Jesus went to the place separately from his apostles. I especially like the way the Lexham translation words the verses 31-32:


      The Lexham English Bible Chapter 6
      31 And he said to them, “You yourselves come privately to an isolated place and rest for a short time.” For those who were coming and going were many, and they did not even have time to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to an isolated place by themselves.


      This also agrees to his practice - as we see in Mark 6:45 just referred to, Jesus didn’t always travel with his apostles.


  The crowd arrived first, it appears that Christ arrived next, and then the Apostles.


  Reasons for the getting away (4):


  1 While one reason Jesus wanted to get to a private place was to grieve John, 2 another was to get away from the people! 3 To rest awhile 4 There was no time to eat!


  • The feeding of the 5000 was the first of two great feedings, the other is known as the feeding of the 4000 and attested by Mark and Matthew. In the near future we’ll consider what the miracles tell us - but today we want to look at the Savior’s actions and motives leading up to this great miracle.


The Theology derived from Christ’s actions and instruction


  The Compassion of Christ is seen in his active love for people.


    KEY VERSE - And getting out of the boat he saw the large crowd and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.


Even though he was weary, grieving, and desired both food and rest, Jesus was more interested in the large crowd.


  He saw them - How often do you and I miss a ministry opportunity because we are not looking?!


  Not only did he see them - He had compassion on them. This is to say he was deeply moved with pity on them.


    because - this indicates that which drove his compassion - he saw them as sheep with no shepherd.


  Do you see those around you as needy people? Jesus did.  We tend to look at those around us a nuisances, problems to be dealt with - work.


  How does this inform our interpretation of Jesus’ actions?  Only a love for them could have caused such a response. Think about it -


     When your child needs something - though you be weary, worn out and needy yourself - you respond to him or her; Love covers a multitude of sins and I tell you it helps us overlook the work involved when we are called upon.


     When a dear friend who has carried burdens for you has a need how do you respond? Even though it is inconvenient or difficult the love they once showed to you resonates and you bear for them. That’s love in action!


     When your elderly parent needs care - don’t you and your siblings seek to take action? Even though  the elderly can be irascible - this one you bear with - due to love!


  Listen to the NT speak of such things:


  1 Cor. 13:3  (Without love - all is a waste!)


  1 Corinthians 13:3 NKJV
  3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.


  Gal 5:6 (Faith working in Love)


  Galatians 5:6 NKJV
  6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.


  1 Cor 12:25 (Members should care for one another)


  1 Corinthians 12:25 NKJV
  25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.


  Phil 4:6 (Be anxious for nothing)


  Philippians 4:6 NKJV
  6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;


  In other words we need to get our eyes off ourselves and on others!


  Jesus barely had any time to grieve for John and he was back at it - looking to the needs of the sheep.


  This tells us at least 2 things - Jesus cares for you, and we should each care for one another - even if it interferes with our quiet time.


  Jesus’ particular response to their need of a shepherd - He taught them many things - specifically about the Kingdom.


    He specifically met their need of a shepherd by being a shepherd to them.


    The lesson for us is that we should not only look to the needs of others, but we should actively seek to do that which is in our power to relieve their need.


     This is so simple I hardly need to illustrate it - a child falls down and scrapes his knee - you clean the wound and bandage it.


    We see Jesus teaching on this exact point in Matt 7:9-11


    Matthew 7:9–11 NKJV
    9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!


    It is in meeting their needs that we demonstrate love to them. Even us evil ones can do this!


   › How do we balance the needs of our loved ones with the needs we have of getting away for a revitalized walk?


  The answer to this is exactly what Jesus does! When we look to the needs of others often we are strengthened by that spiritual work.


  Consider another time when Christ set aside his earthly need for the Spiritual need of another - John 4:5-6, John 4:31–38


  John 4:5–6 NKJV
  5 So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.


  Then we have the familiar dialog with the Samaritan woman.


  John 4:31–38 NKJV
  31 In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 32 But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” 33 Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?” 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.”


  Do you see Christ instructing his disciples to see the people of Sychar as fields white to harvest? This is big! They were to consider these lost people as great blessings to their spiritual life.


  Have you ever explained the gospel to someone? Sometimes it is hard work - but there are times where the seed was planted by others and it is harvest time! Whether the work is breaking up hard ground or watering along the way we know that the Word of God is never empty of it’s power. Spread that seed! Water it! Look to the fields - they may be white to harvest!


Objections


    a. I’m still weak, how can I do anything to help someone else when they are in distress? Shouldn’t I wait until I have had time to prepare - or rest - or at least pray?


    This objection presumes that it is our strength which is so much necessary to the task at hand.


    Don’t get me wrong - we ought always to pray (Luke 18:1) - and our whole life should be a symphony of God working in our lives. We ought to be always ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within us (1 Pet. 3:15)


    b. What about the account of Mary & Martha? Doesn’t this prove we should be preparing more than being busy? Let’s look at it then, Luke 10:40-42,


    Luke 10:40–42 NKJV
    40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”


    This account is not at all an objection to acting in love meeting the needs of those around you, even despite your readiness. Remember our thesis: The Compassion of Christ on people was driven by an active love for them. Martha surely loved the Lord, and Mary also did. But being busy for preparations sake is not the same as meeting a specific need someone you love has.


    When Jesus saw that crowd he did not start looking for the apostles to set them to various tasks to remedy the needs of the people. He did not himself even look around for bread or fish.


    What he did was see them as sheep without a shepherd. This is the key.


Conclusion - Truths to hold


    • In the midst of the busyness of life/ministry - we all need to come away and rest - People were coming and going and they did not even have time to eat.


    • Jesus even went aside himself - Even though he sent the Apostles off by themselves - Jesus also went to a desolate place. Grief requires a setting of oneself aside.


    • We should have quiet time with the Lord, to pray and read Scripture.


    • Even though we have probably all hear this - If the Son of God needed to get away - so do we.


Though this is true - it is only one part of the equation.


  The Compassion of Christ on people was driven by an active love for them.


  There can be a revitalizing aspect to engaging people were they are. When we take our eyes off ourselves, we are reminded that it is God who works in us to will and do his good pleasure(Phil 2:13).
We need to be ready to let go of our plans at times and meet the needs of those around us. We need to see people with Spiritual eyes.


  While you are preparing in your day by day lives - reading your Bibles, praying, and devoting time to love your Lord, do not forget those whom the Lord loves! We do not pray and read and devote time to the Lord for ourselves only. It is to glorify Him and also to do the work he sets before us - whether the time is opportune or not.


   I have had to deal with this personally over the years. I zealously guard my devotional time - sometimes to the point of making it a rule to my day. And yet if I had not looked to the harvest field of my Father or my son, I would not have had some of my most profitable discussions with them.


Finally our Lord does not leave his children without help! A precious reminder is Matthew 11:28–29


Matthew 11:28–29 NKJV
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.


  • Who are the sheep without a shepherd in your life?


  • Who are those who need a word of encouragement?


  • Are you willing to set aside your own personal needs for the needs of those around you?


  • Do you look on those around you with love & compassion - or are they irritations to your pride filled spiritual hearts? Don’t be pharisees! Love the unlovable!


  • Realize that some of those misguided sheep only need to be reminded of the Kingdom. They may only need a good work of encouragement that God is on the throne and He does indeed care for them. He demonstrated his love for us in Christ dying for the lost.


  • Be willing to die to yourself that another may live to Christ!


The Compassion of Christ on people is driven by an active love for them. Love those in the world - that they may see Christ in you.



Exported from Logos Bible Software, 3:39 PM February 20, 2020.

Promises, promises (Mark 6:14-29)

Message preached at Covenant reformed Baptist Church   . Audio - https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=44191021500

THESIS: A significant part of our Christian witness is how we conduct ourselves in the world – do we keep our promises, or does our witness do damage to the honor of God?

Introduction

Good Evening! As you turn to Mark chapter 6, I want to remind you where we have been and keep the context continually before you. The last time we met and considered Mark we saw Christ sending out his apostles. They went out empty handed, no food, no money, nothing to slow them down. And their ministry was targeted. They were to be true witnesses for Christ.

Follow along as I read Mark 6:14-29, “¹⁴ Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known. And he said, “John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.” ¹⁵ Others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets.” ¹⁶ But when Herod heard, he said, “This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!” ¹⁷ For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her. ¹⁸ Because John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

¹⁹ Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; ²⁰ for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
²¹ Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. ²² And when Herodias’ daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” ²³ He also swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”
²⁴ So she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist!” ²⁵ Immediately she came in with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”
²⁶ And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her. ²⁷ Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in prison, ²⁸ brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. ²⁹ When his disciples heard of it, they came and took away his corpse and laid it in a tomb.” (Mark 6:14-29)

I.                Exploring the text

1)       Laying the groundwork (vs. 14-16)

1. The confusion over Jesus, and the supposition of Herod.

2. Who is this Herod? Herod Antipas - known as Herod the Tetrarch or King Herod. The son of Herod the Great (the baby killer). He also killed James (Acts 12:1-2.) He actually requested of the Roman government that his title be ‘King’ but his official title was Tetrarch.

3. Who is Philip? (also a Tetrarch) and a son of Herod the Great, the half-brother of Antipas.

2)       The arrest (vs. 17-20)

1. Arrested for publically calling our Herod’s sin. Remember John’s ministry to call men to repentance – to make straight paths for the Lord.

2. Did Herod have respect toward John? No - it was politically expedient to hold him and not kill him. (Luke 23:8-12 presents Herod’s motives.)

            a. Wasn’t he “exceedingly sorrowful” (vs. 26)? Verse 27 shows this wasn’t the issue at all. The sorrow was having to deal with a political matter.

3)       The Party (vs. 21-22a)

A routine affair but with many guests. The dance was a part of the festivity.

4)       The oath (vs. 22b-23)

1. Made in frivolity - without due concern of the consequences, or even ability to carry it out.

2. Herod used the very same phrase King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) made to Esther (Est. 5:3-6 ;7:2) yet his kingdom was hardly one, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request, up to half the kingdom? It shall be done!”

5)       John’s death (vs. 24-28)

The execution was swift - proving Herod did not at all struggle with ordering it. His sorrow was to the political ramifications he may face - “All men hold John to be a prophet” (Mark 11:32)

II.              Concerning Oaths

1)       Well known modern oaths:

US President - I do solemnly swear, that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Military - I, (name), do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.

US Flag - I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

England - I, (full name), do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, her heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.

Wedding - 2 parts

The charge: David, wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony, wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as you both shall live?    I Will.

The Vow: I David, take you Julie, to be my wedded wife, I do promise and covenant before God and these witnesses, to be thy loving and faithful husband, in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, according to God's holy ordinance, as long as we both shall live.

Depending upon God for strength and wisdom, we pledge ourselves to the establishment of a Christian home, together we will constantly seek God’s will, and honor Christ in our Marriage. This ring I give thee, in token and pledge, of our constant faith, and abiding love. (Ruth 1:16)

2)       Well known oaths taken in the Scripture:

1.               Jephthah’s oath - Judg. 11:30-31, 34-35.

This may be a foolish oath – or not, but the end was not Jephthah’s plan. Notice how the reason given for his not going back on his vow, is to whom it was made. (vs. 35)

2.               King Saul’s oath - 1 Sam. 14:24-45.

King Saul was a rash man, and ultimately rejected by God. This oath plainly demonstrates it. “Cursed is the man who eats any food until evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies...Saul answered, “God do so and more also; for you shall surely die, Jonathan…So the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die.  Here we have an example of a man more interested in the people, than the Lord. He broke his vow to the Lord, and let the people deliver Jonathan.  Whatever we may say of Jephthah – he at least kept the vow.

3.               Paul in his letters - 2 Cor. 1:23; Gal. 1:20.

Paul calls God as his witness – even against his own soul – to make his argument. To call God as witness, is a certain an oath as one can have!

4.               The high Priest to Jesus - Matt. 26:63-65.

Here we have the high priest calling Christ under oath! A very interesting example, for after Jesus’ statement – the high priest betrays himself, calling Christ the blasphemer! For it was he who did not take the word of Christ at face value!

3)       Scriptural teaching on Oaths

1.               Jesus in Matt 5:33-37                          Don’t take them!!

2.               James in Jam. 5:12                              Judgment awaits those who do!

3.               The 3rd commandment, Ex. 20:7       God’s name is on the line when you take an oath.

III.            What’s the point?

1)       Tie in to the character of John the baptizer and Herod Antipas.

Let’s consider the differences between our 2 chief examples in today’s text – John and Herod. As for John, his role in the account is small, but don’t confuse that to mean his role is unimportant. We can glean some important things from his testimony.

So what did John do to get himself thrown into prison? He spoke the truth to Herod that his marriage was not right. He was plain about this. Both Herod and Herodias knew exactly what he was saying. It is not lawful for you to have her. Nevertheless, he told them. He told them knowing what they would likely do. He did not back down. Might you or I back down? What if we are presented with some unlawful marriage situation…which is a very likely matter these days? Will we back down or stand firm?

John was a true witness before Herod. He made sure his Yes, was yes; his No was no. And for this he was arrested by order of Herod himself (the text declares). We know that Herod would have killed him on the spot, if he thought he could have with political immunity. But he feared the people.

And Herod was not simply motivated by Herodias. He was a man of grandiose ideas, but little to measure up to them. This so called king was only a tetrarch, which is a fancy way of saying he was the governor of the provinces of Galilee and Perea; An area roughly the size of the six counties, McHenry, Lake, Kane, DuPage, Cook, and DeKalb. He had requested the title King but was never granted it.

He was quick to kill for political expediency – remember how he was the ruler who had James the brother of John, put to death, and would have done the same for Peter, but for the prayers of the church for him. (Acts 12) The only reason John was not killed as quickly as James was the notoriety of his name. All held him to be a prophet. Remember how the Roman soldiers even came to him to request what they should do?

2)       Remember how it is we are to be true witnesses for Christ.

We are to be so honest, so driven, to hold Christ up before the world, that even those not under our personal influence ask us, “What should we do?” And we should be willing to take it on the chin when necessary. Do we get mistreated at times? Yes. Should we fight for our rights?

Think about that question in light of the political climate today. We live in a time where it is expected that we will simply get behind any politician who is conservative – without any other considerations. Is that really right? I realize we have the privilege to vote. But I speak of other matters, such as posts on Facebook, or Instagram. I speak of bumper sticker politics. Do you tie yourself in to politics so much that people aren’t really sure whether you are a Christian first, or a conservative? And what kind of Christian is it who posts about his politics more often than his Christ? What message does that send?

The same message as if I had rejected Carmen’s eggs or my Nicaraguan lady’s meal. My rights are more important. My comfort – but this is not the way of Christ! Mark’s gospel speaks to the matter of Jesus being a servant to all.

If ever there were a man to claim rights upon you or I it was the very Lord of the universe, and yet consistently his message is authenticity, truth, righteousness at all costs. Have you fallen down? Get back up. Have you been hurt? Remember he’s been hurt far worse, and by you and I; even for you and I – It was for the cross and our sin that he came to live among us!