Commitment that Compromises

Have you ever wondered exactly how valuable your devotion to Christ is? How much does it mean to you when you know that you know you are devoted to Him, you are determined to follow Him no matter the circumstances, and have decided that even if it gets to the point where you have to die for this, you are not going to give up? How about in other people? Is it enough to know that so-and-so is a die-hard Christ-follower, and will stop at nothing to be with Him? Is that enough?

Let's do a bit of investigation and see what we find. Matthew 26:31-35 is going to be our text of choice:

"³¹ Then Jesus said to them, 'You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, "I will strike down the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered." ³² But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.' ³³ But Peter said to Him 'Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away.' ³⁴Jesus said to him, ' Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.' ³⁵ Peter said to Him, 'Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.' All the disciples said the same thing too."

Try not to finish the blog post for me.

In the flow of this account there is some tension building before this point. Jesus and His disciples have just left the upper room where Christ made the troubling announcement that one of them would betray Him. Judas had already made arrangements to do so in verses 14-16, but apparently nobody else knew about it since they were "deeply grieved, [and] each one began to say to Him, 'Surely not I, Lord?'" (vs.22).

After instituting what we now call the Lord's Table, singing a hymn, and setting off for the Mount of Olives, Jesus breaks some more disturbing news to His disciples. The former announcement pertained only to an individual (i.e. only one of the disciples would turn out to be a traitor). This, however, had to do with all of them. After years of being with Christ and many unique experiences with Him, Jesus tells His disciples that this very night all of them would fall away. This went for everyone: if they were with Christ now, they would leave Him shortly. As He goes on to explain, Christ wasn't merely guessing or going off His gut-feeling about His followers. Their flight had been predicted long before this moment when Christ brought it up. In fact, the prophecy was older than the men themselves. It was predicted way back in Zechariah 13:7 that God Himself would be responsible for disassembling the group. So it was in Scripture, God was going to do it, and Jesus repeated it in His own words. I'm not sure how much more set in stone something could get besides already happening.

Now things get interesting. You don't even have to read past the next three words to know that: "But Peter said...". Any time Christ says something and it's followed up with "but someone else said...", you've already got a problem. That's what we would anticipate here. If we think about it, though, what Peter says in contradiction to Christ doesn't seem all that bad. Essentially, Christ said they all would fall away, but Peter said he would not. He was going to be the exception, he was going to remain loyal despite 1) the inspired prediction that he would leave, 2) Christ's statement that he would leave, and 3) the fact everyone else might leave. He was going to be a unique case.

Here's what it boiled down to: Peter was convinced that he was more devoted than Scripture was true. He was more committed than Christ was accurate in what He said. So we see that it immediately became a contest between Peter's commitment and Scripture's reliability, and in Peter's mind it was settled. It didn't matter what the Word of God or the Son of God said, Peter was not going to be separated from Christ.

Now that's devotion, isn't it? Today we think very well of people who have such a strong commitment to Christ. They, of all people, are surely legitimate. If anyone is the real deal, it's got to be them. They are so earnest and so sincere, it seems they will stop at nothing to remain faithful. They will do anything and give up anything to stay with Christ.

So would Peter. But look what he compromised. He believed his own commitment to Christ more than the words of Christ or the Old Testament. He would dismiss anything to maintain his steadfastness to Christ - including what Christ Himself had said.

Moving on in Matthew 26, Jesus responds to Peter in an interesting way. He doesn't rebuke Peter for contradicting Him, nor does He ask what Peter supposed Zechariah 13:7 actually meant. Instead, He sets Peter up for unique failure.

³⁴Jesus said to him, ' Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.'

 Remember, Peter had just claimed that he would be unique because of his particular faithfulness. Now Jesus responds by telling him that he would indeed be unique, but it would be because of his particular failure. 

Peter's next response is almost entertaining:

 ³⁵ Peter said to Him, 'Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.'

The very fact that he even says anything more is itself almost entertaining. The first time he spoke he was contradicting Jesus (which is a bad idea by the way). After Jesus only makes things worse for Peter and reiterates His point, what does Peter do? He contradicts Jesus again!

This is a pretty odd picture. Here is Peter, the fisherman, arguing with God incarnate! Really? Did he really think he could win? Did he forget that he had been the pupil all these years and Christ was the teacher? Had he forgotten who it was he was talking to? Did it not strike him as ironic to correct the very One he was so determined to be faithful to?

Further, let's suppose Peter was actually right and Jesus was the One who was wrong. Would Peter really want to continue to be loyal to someone who had erred so badly? Should he really stick around with someone who made a false prophesy and whom he had to correct? Did he really think through what it would mean if he was right or, more specifically, if Christ was wrong? Suddenly not only Jesus but the Old Testament was a liar, and it was Peter who had it right. Did he stop to think what was at stake for him to be right? Either way, here is Peter, trying to convince Jesus that his faithfulness was going to prove God wrong.

So what does Jesus say at this point?

Nothing.

There is no record that He rebuked Peter or continued the conversation. According to Matthew He let things hang where Peter left them, and allowed the events of the next few hours demonstrate who was right. Even in Luke and John, where the story ends a bit differently, Jesus stops talking when He warns Peter that the near future held failure for him.

We know how it turned out, don't we? Peter was convinced, he was devoted, dedicated, and determined. But he was also wrong. His belief in his commitment to Christ compromised his belief in the words of Christ. And, only a short time from this conversation, the accuracy of Jesus' words would be demonstrated in Peter's unfortunate failure.

One more note on this passage: Jesus did not lead the disciples through this without hope. It is true that He predicted His own death, the treason which one of themselves would preform, and that all of them would be scattered. Yes, that's a pretty bleak picture, but look back at verse 32:

"But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee"

This assumes His death, which He had already foreseen (Mt.26:1), but what else does it refer to? His resurrection. He would indeed die, but that was merely temporary - it would be reversed. Not only does He say this, but He also tells His disciples where to find Him once He's alive again. Despite everything happening and about to happen, the death of their leader and the scattering of these followers, this would not be the end for Christ or His disciples. The story continues, so to speak.

So what do we observe from this interaction? In summary:

It is far better to believe the words of Christ than anyone's devotion to Christ.

This goes for ourselves and anyone we may interact with or hear about. What Christ has said is much, much more trustworthy than our resolve. It's such a strange dynamic isn't it? We think well of folks who even have a positive attitude towards Christ, let alone such a blatant commitment to Him. You wouldn't think that you would need more than devotion, more than eagerness to be with Christ. But Peter has set an example for us of what it looks like when a person has more zeal for Christ than belief in what He says. I don't think that heart died with Peter. If we look, we can no doubt see it again today. Is a person a dyed-in-the-wool Christian, relentlessly determined to follow Christ, and even willing to die for it all? That's good. But what I want to know is what happens when Christ speaks? How do they respond when Scripture is explained to them, as Jesus did for Peter and the rest of His disciples? Further, when it comes to myself, I'd rather listen and believe what Christ has to say as well as the rest of Scripture than know, that I know, that I know, that I'm a dedicated follower of Christ. Zeal without listening and believing is merely misguiding eagerness.

Perhaps you're reading this and have thought to yourself in the past something like "if only I knew I was saved, if only I could be confident that I am committed to Christ". Maybe this is something you continue to struggle with, and it only brings uncomfortable frustration when it comes up in your mind. Whether that's the case or not, I submit to you that confidence isn't everything. Peter learned that the hard way, right? Just think to yourself about the people you've met who seemed to have the very confidence you envy, only to turn around and act in such contradiction to who they seemed to be before. I can think of people myself who appeared to just want to know Christ and know the Truth and really get it right and be so earnest about it, but eventually it seemed like something was still missing. Perhaps their hearts are so full with devotion to Christ that there is no room for believing His words.

So, I want to encourage us all to busy ourselves with studying, believing, obeying Christ's words as well as the rest of Scripture instead of worrying about our lack of confidence, or being satisfied with any confidence we are convinced we have. You don't want to be like Peter at this point in his life, who's resolve in devotion to Christ outweighed his belief in Christ's words. Further, don't be convinced by other people's apparent commitment either. Instead, be curious to know how they respond to Christ's words and all of Scripture. There is indeed more to it than simply being convinced.

The Stupidity of Stubborness

One of the hardest things to swallow is a dose of good, old-fashioned reproof. Reacting against it and (honestly) hating it comes much more naturally than embracing it. However, such tedious maintenance of our personal comfort-zones is actually to our own harm. Here's why:

  "He who hardens his neck after much reproof will suddenly be broken beyond remedy" ~ Proverbs 29:1                                                                                                

Here we find a picture of someone who has be reproved again, and again, and again, but in spite of it all he simply will not listen. There's no room to say he just didn't get the memo - we're talking about "much reproof", not a little side comment or suggestion. He has had full opportunity to face the situation and consider what he's being told, but instead he "hardens his neck". He will not bend. He is resilient and stubborn, and not interested in changing his position.

What happens next? Of course, "[he] will suddenly be broken beyond remedy". It's almost as if we can picture this like a stick. Imagine yourself going outside, picking up some stick off the ground, and applying pressure to either end of it, maybe over your knee or something. Initially, you should expect the stick to do one of two things: bend or break.

That's the choice this fellow had: bend or break. He could either soften his neck and listen to the reproof, or stiffen up and refuse it. Either choice has a consequence, and we are given the latter one here: he breaks, both suddenly and permanently. He would not bend, so now he cannot bend - and there's no going back. Notice that there is indeed a time factor involved. There comes a point when it is too late to listen. That reminds us of Proverbs 1:24-33, right?

"²⁴ Because I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention;
²⁵ And you neglected all my counsel and did not want my reproof
²⁶ I will also laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when your dread comes,
²⁷ When your dread comes like a storm and your calamity like a whirlwind, 
When distress and anguish come upon you.
²⁸ Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;
They will seek me diligently but they will not find me,
²⁹ Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD. 
³⁰ They would not accept my counsel,
They spurned all my reproof.
³¹ So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way 
And be satiated with their own devices.
³² For the waywardness of the naive will kill them,
And the complacency of fools will destroy them.
³³ But he who listens to me shall live securely 
And will be at ease from the dread of evil."

Notice that in verse 28 Wisdom (the one giving this speech) switches from saying "you" to "they". Why? Well, it is arguable that at this point Wisdom is not even talking to these people anymore, only about them. There was a time when they could have turned to her and could have listened, but they would not. Now it's too late. Time's up, and that window of opportunity has closed. Verse 28 also tells us that they eventually do get around to seeking her, but by then it's just a case of the right thing at the wrong time, and Wisdom's offer is no longer valid.

So, remember: that which will not bend will be broken. The fellow back in 29:1 actually loses in the end. Whatever his motives were, he doesn't succeed in guarding his personal preferences, keeping himself from discomfort, or fostering self-benefit. On the contrary, his persistent stubbornness led to his permanent brokenness.

Rebuke may be uncomfortable. It may be hard to take. However, that does not at all mean it's a bad thing or is actually bad for you. What is bad and what is unhealthy is refusing rebuke. Further, the fact that you were rebuked doesn't mean you're not wise. Refusing it does:

"Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, reprove a wise man and he will love you.
Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, teach a righteous man and he will increase his understanding. " ~ Proverbs 9:8-9

"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid" ~ Proverbs 12:1

"A fool rejects his father's discipline, but he who regards reproof is sensible."  ~ Proverbs 15:5

 "He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.
He who neglects discipline despises himself, but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding." ~ Proverbs 15:31-32

"A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred blows into a fool" ~ Proverbs 17:10

There are more, of course. But we'll sum it up for now by saying that the fact that someone is rebuked doesn't mean they are or are not wise. That can be discerned by how they handle the rebuke, not whether or not they got one.

So, in conclusion, next time you are on the receiving end of a rebuke, capitalize on the opportunity and listen. It's to your own benefit, not harm. Remember, bend or break!

The Imminent Inevitable

"And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgement, " 
Hebrews 9:27

In the brief time I have today, I wanted to offer a reminder of something I myself have been very unexpectedly reminded of recently. It is this: the reality of death.

Perhaps it sounds a bit morbid or uncomfortable, maybe even a little unnecessary to talk about. However, it is arguably much worse to carry out our lives as if dying is a distant, unlikely, almost insignificant reality which only preoccupies the hearts and minds of the pessimistic, and not normal people. Nevertheless, this is a guarantee: unless Christ returns in your lifetime, you will die. You will. It cannot be avoided, only postponed at best (from a purely temporal standpoint). It is not unrealistic or pessimistic to live aware of that fact.


So, since it is a fact, I wanted to offer three things to bear in mind while we're still breathing and have opportunity to do so.

1) Take God seriously
When you haven't encountered significant trials, it is easier to view God as concerned for your best temporal interest. He is like the sovereign welfare checker who doesn't really want you to get hurt or have a hard time in life. However, we must realize that the same God who gives life and good things, takes life and good things and gives evil and hardship when He pleases - and without owing us an explanation. There was a man named Job who had similar concepts cross his mind a time or two, right?

"But he (Job) said to her (his wife), "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips." ~ Job 2:10

"Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him. ~ Job 13:15

It is true that He "clothes the grass of the field", but it is also true that that grass "is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace" - and God doesn't stop it. The same God who clothes the grass lets it fade and be destroyed. It is worth remembering that the same God you pray to is the God who killed thousands of people as a demonstration of His person:

"For I will go through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgements - I am the LORD." ~ Exodus 12:12

Although He provided a means of evading His fatal visit, don't forget that it was from Himself that God delivered those who obeyed Him. To put it this way, God is much more dangerous than the cosmic care-bear He is all too often imagined to be.

2) Take sin seriously
Judgement is coming. You don't want to live with eternal regret (Luke 16:24). Your Judge takes sin seriously, so should you.

Consider the words of Solomon:

"Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death." ~ Proverbs 11:4

"¹³ The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. ¹⁴ For God will bring every act to judgement, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil." ~ Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

 

3) Take God's Word seriously
We are familiar with God's words to Israel in Isaiah 66:2~

"'For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being,' declares the LORD. 'But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.'"

You don't want to die getting God wrong. Not that you will realistically have a completely spotless theology in one lifetime, but neither do you want to spend your life embracing and promoting some erroneous belief that was wrong in the first place. You are never saved by error, and life is too short and eternity too long to be careless with God's word.

All said and done, we must know that sobriety and somberness are not unwanted character defects, nor are they plagues to your attitude or outlook on life. To put it in the words of Solomon again:

"²It is better to go to a house of mourning than to a go to a house of feasting, because that is the end of every man, and the living takes it to heart. ³Sorrow is better than laughter, for when the face is sad a heart may be happy. ⁴The mind of the wise in the house of mourning, while the mind of fools is in the house of pleasure." ~ Ecclesiastes 7:2-4

Death is inevitable, and often unpredictable. You cannot avoid it, only ignore it for a while. Our lives are just a vapor:

"¹³Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.'¹⁴ Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow, You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. ¹⁵ Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.'" ~ James 4:13-15 

 Even if you are in the early stages of 'vaporhood', don't be so short-sighted as to forget that your life will eventually end. It's only a matter of time. Remember while you still have the chance.