Courage - Day 5 (Ezra 10:4)

Ezra 10:4 -- "Arize, for it is your duty and we are with you. Be strong and brave and do it!"

The themes that are revealed in this scripture are very similar to those discussed previously. However, rather than an implication (as in 1 Chron. 28:10), the above verse explicitly states that it is Ezra's duty to perform the appointed task (in this case, removal of the heathen women from Israel). This is more similar to what we saw in Joshua 1:5-9, where God explicitly chooses Joshua to succeed Moses and lead the Israelites.

An interesting point is that it isn't God speaking directly in the scripture above. It is Shecaniah, son of Jehiel addressing Ezra, who was prostrate in mourning and repentence. It reminds me that often God speaks through other people, and we do well to take the advice of our peers and superiors into consideration. Here it was a sort of comissioning. Much like the scene in Lord of the Rings where Boromir tells Aragorn that he would have followed him to the end (of course, then he dies, so its not really THAT similar...), Aragorn needed to hear that to assume the role that he had been intended to fulfill. In a similar way, Ezra was given authority to lead by his peers, and we see that this was in line with God's will, as the end result was the (nearly) complete rejection of heathen wives and the obedience to God's command.

The final key point is the phrase "be strong and brave." This would be the word "Châzaq," which means to be bound fast; strengthened; to be strong and courageous; to conquer, sieze, retain, and hold fast. (This would be an antonym to the word "passive," for all of you Christain men who feel humility and passivity go hand in hand. -- You're wrong, by the way... Conquering, siezing, retaining, and holding fast have nothing passive about them! Sorry -- I digress...) It is a word used often in the description of battle scenes, and in the previous verses discused, the only other place it is directly stated is in Joshua 1:5. Again we see the command to "be strong and brave" is given at the beginning of a great challenge where the victory would only come following some form of battle.

Courage - Day 4 (2 Chronicles 32:7-8)

2 Chronicles 32:7-8
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said."

The historical context of this verse reveals the extreme to which God really expects us to be strong and courageous. There is an Assyrian horde marching on Jerusalem. In verse 5, it says "Hezekiah took courage," and then in 7-8 he "spoke encouraginly" to Israel, telling them to "be strong and courageous."

Over these past four days, the command has been very consistent: "be strong and courageous." In each instance, we see great adversity (leading all of Israel, a monumental building project, bringing great moral reform to one's land, and now, a murderous horde marching towards the city), but we also see God delivering His people from them all. An important note is that there is always a close tie between divine deliverance and the leader seeking after God and living obediently (today is 2 Chron. 31:20-21).

Today's passage really emphasizes (in stark contrast to yesterday) the fact that while we labor, it is God who delivers us. Hezekiah's talk shows his faith, trust, and reliance is fully upon God, not on strategic maneuvers or the defensive preparations they had taken. "With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and fight our battles." (Emphasis mine)

Another thing I find interesting is that though they relied on God, they still made defensive preparations (v 2-6) and that they were fairly extensive ones! Despite their ability and their refusal to be slack, lazy, or idle, Hezekiah trusted in God, and God delivers them all.

Finally, what I find to be most intriguing is that it only says Hezekiah trusted in God initially. The people heard the words of Hezekiah and were encouraged. His faith and prayers kindled the faith of the people. This reminds me of studying the Armor of God in Ephesians 6, where it refers to the "shield of faith." The Roman Legions would use their shields to defend their neighbor as much as themselves, prompting me to think that if we fail to apply our faith, others could suffer as a result. We see this clearly in the scripture above. The influence of one is tremendous!

Courage - Day 3 (2 Chronicles 15:7)

2 Chronicles 15:7
"Be strong, therefore, and let not your hands be weak and slack, for your work shall be rewarded."

Reminiscent of Joshua 1:5-9 and 1 Chronicles 28:10, God instructs us to "be strong." This continuity and recurring theme seems to be important...

Examining this verse, the "therefore" is a little interesting (some translations won't have it, the above is from the amplified version). If one reads the previous verses of 2 Chronicles, we see in verse 2 that if we seek God, He will be found by us (reminiscent of 1 Chronicles 28:9, from yesterday). The verses that follow talk of how Israel was without God, a teacher, and the law, yet how in their desperation when they sought God, they found Him. (It seems this is something that often happens with us -- we only seek God in desperation, after everything has gone wrong. What would happen if instead of relying on our own strength, we took things to God before they became a problem and allowed Him to guide and direct us through life?) Lastly, the preceding verses talk of the Israelites lack of peace, their afflictions, the disturbances, and the adversity in their lives (interesting connection here, summed up by a bumper sticker: No God, No Peace. Know God, Know Peace).

In light of this all, the "therefore" makes more sense. If we look at all of these challenges that were facing the Israelites, it makes sense that they would have to be strong as a result, and that they could not be lazy or idle.

In the Key Word Bible, the word "be weak" is Ràphà, which is to be idle, lazy, diheartened, or feeble. It can also mean "to lose courage." Unfortunately, the word for "hands" is not listed, but if it is the word Yàd (Ps. 18:19-20), this can mean power, strength, and assistance. So we could potentially rephrase this verse as "Be strong and do not lose courage or be lazy in applying your strength..."

Finally, what really leaps out at me is the explicit statement that God rewards our physical labor. Often it seems easy to forget or ignore that God is totally in control and that He is who decided how we perform in any situation. Experientially we know that the harder we work, the better we (often) will do, but we must also remember that it is, not because of our efforts that we succeed, but because God rewards our labor.

This also reminds me how foolish it is to simply sit around and wait for God to do something for me. (Essentially, "God helps those who help themselves.") I must get up, be diligent, work as though it depends on me, while praying as though it all depends on God, because God rewards our labor.

Courage - Day 2 (1 Chronicles 28:10)

Sorry about not having this up yesterday -- My Bad! The day got busy on me and I apologize to anyone who may have noticed, but most likely just for my guilty conscience.

1 Chronicles 28:10
"Take heed now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong and do it!"

The first thing that really struck me as noteworthy is that God chooses specific people for different tasks. In this case, Solomon is building a temple for the Lord. He was chosen specifically to perform that task. In my life, this translates to me starting as a missionary at UNC. The point is, God doesn't just randomly select people or change His mind. He doesn't make mistakes. So, if He's calling you to do something, He has been preparing you (or will prepare you) for that task at hand. Moreover, if you resist Him and don't do it, He still has that plan for you.

I listened to a podcast on regrets by Steven Furtik at Elevation Church in Charlotte. He had some really good points when talking about regretting things that might have been (the "what if..." type regrets). One of the things that really stuck with me is that God is more like GPS and less like MapQuest. If you're following a GPS while you drive, it will speak to you and warn you of upcoming turns. If you miss the turn anyway, it recalculates a new route. It doesn't care at all about where you were, and only cares about your destination. If God has something in mind for you, it doesn't matter if you took some wrong turns (He actually knew you were going to do that -- He's God), He will get you to where He has called you to go! (Massive digression that wasn't there when I first wrote this...)

Anyhow, knowing that God calls specific people to specific tasks is reassuring to me because I know that God has brought me here for this reason, and has appointed me to this task. Not only does this mean that He has been preparing me for it (despite my unawareness and sometimes in spite of myself), but also that there is nobody else that is meant to fill this role. In the words of Steven Furtik, "I am Gods #1 draft pick." A surprising, but comforting observation.

The next thought that occurs is the part where it says "take heed now," implying urgency to one's actions and thoughts in aligning to God's will. Not to resist or deny His callings, or even to delay in following them. If God speaks something, get on board! Start working now for this is what God wants to do with you, and the safest place to be is walking in God's will.

Next, we see it says Solomon was "to build," implying definite action. Granted, there was a lot of preparation to be done, but God provided a very definite course of action. I think it is wise to wait until this path is provided (at least the next step) before one begins trying to pursue it -- don't just wander aimlessly. That said, one must also be very honest with themselves that they are waiting because they do not know the next step, rather than because they are proud or afraid.

If we look a few verses earlier in 1 Chron 28:7-9, we see a similarity with yesterday's reading as the scripture emphasizes blessing and success under the conditions that Solomon knows and applies God's word. This is important, because the verses close by saying "Be strong and do it!" This suggests the task ahead will not be easy. If the task were easy or if one who were weak would be able to do it, there would be no need for this command. Moreover, it seems to serve as a warning not to give up, implying this task will require something of us.

Finally, an interesting thought is that Solomon was chosen specifically to build the Temple of the Lord, or "a house for the sanctuary." The "sanctuary" is where the Spirit of the Lord would dwell in the Old Testament. Essentially, God's Spirit on earth. What is interesting is that in the New Testament, after Jesus was crucified as a sacrifice for all of our sins, scripture indicates that the Holy Spirit lives inside of each of us who hold the divinity of Jesus as truth. This means that today, we are the sanctuary -- the place where the Spirit of the Lord lives on earth. And again, God calls each one of us to build a house for the sanctuary. We are to live in a way that glorifies God, respecting our body, for our body is His Spirit's dwelling place on this earth today.

Courage, Day 1 (Joshua 1:5-9)

Joshua 1:5 - 9
"No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

As I read this verse, it jumps out the number of times God says "you." It is clear that God is speaking to Joshua, equipping him to lead, and telling him (multiple times!) to be strong and courageous. It is humbling how much pressure this might put on him. "...because you will cause these people to inherit the land..." Studying the King James Version (above is the NIV, the original study I did with the Amplified) gives some further light to which "you" (as in plural vs singular, in this case, all of Israel vs just Joshua). It becomes apparent Joshua, as the leader, is responsible for Israel as a whole!

As it is very clear that God promises to go before them and that they are to be "very courageous," one must also recognize that there must be a reason behind this warning. God wouldn't say "be courageous" if there wasn't going to be the temptation to fear and turn back.

Perhaps what jumps out at me the most is in the middle where God directs Joshua to follow "all the law" (pursue uncompromising righteousness), and that he was to continually speak it and meditate on it. Contingent on this is that his way would be made prosperous and with good success (v 8 - 9). Interestingly enough, this theme appears throughout the entire Bible. Reliance upon God's word in conjunction with the sincere pursuit of righteousness leads to a divine favor and blessing (though one must be very conscientious of the orientation of one's heart -- if one pursues righteousness for the sake of blessing, rather than for God's glory, they've been deceived and completely missed the point. We glorify God with blessing as consequence, rather than glorifying God as a means to an end of receiving blessing. A subtle, but very crucial difference).

As one continues through the book of Joshua, we see that Israel is met with success and divinely blessed (though there are some painful lessons to be learned -- e.g. their defeat at Ai -- which looked like failures at the time). When we get to Joshua 8:32, 34-35 we see that Joshua had been faithful in knowing and applying the law. It says he was able to read the Law of Moses in front of all of Israel and then write it down. Cultural studies have shown that at this time period, this would have been done from memory, indicating he would have had to study it extensively, spending long hours repeating it.

So, same quck takeaways:
1. Be Courageous and don't fear! God is with you, always!
2. Other people may depend on you and your courage (as the Israelites depended upon Joshua).
3. Know and apply God's Word (it won't do you any good to hear it if you won't obey it)
4. Obedience to God and humbly living in a way that glorifies Him will lead to life of blessing and prosperity (is not necessarily related solely to finances -- God is so much bigger than the bottom line!)

28 Days of Courage

So, what follows (I hope -- providing I don't get caught up and busy) will be 28 days of reflection off of a Bible study on Courage (and Fear). I actually started it three days ago, but I'll try to keep adding one verse and reflection each day. There will be about 3 days in May where I don't post (due to training with the Marines) and who knows what might come up between now and then.

What I'd recommend, if you stumble on this post by some chance, is that you read the scripture and reflect on it yourself for 5 - 10 minutes (or so). I've found that writing my thoughts down in a journal not only help me to keep track of what God's been speaking to me (and allow me to remember it later), but also help me to more thoroughly analyze, reflect, and apply scripture in my life. After that, read my post and get a different perspective.

I hope someone (you?) enjoy!

Weakness and Failure

I've been feeling pretty much like a failure of recent. I feel as though I've let a lot of people down because I'm trying to meet too many expectations. I feel as though I've not been sufficiently diligent with seeking God and studying scripture. I feel as though I haven't been praying enough.

I feel like a failure.

This morning as I was journaling, I was reminded of 2 Corinthians 12:9 - "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

Perhaps right now I am, in fact, failing. As I am in Christ, relying fully upon Him, He can use my failures to bring victories. I may actually have to fail in order to learn how to fully surrender to Him. As I fall short, it provides the opportunity for Him to move powerfully and produce inexplicable results, far greater than if we had been "succeeding" by our own strength.

Perhaps our weakness is part of why prayer is so powerful. From a secular vantage point, there can be nothing less beneficial than wasting time "talking to the air." Simply to partake in the act of prayer, we must sacrifice our own time and independence in the belief that it will be redeemed by God in a more powerful manner, specifically because of our prayers. Coming before the Lord in prayer also demonstrates a level of submission. When we pray, we confess that we aren't able to do things entirely in our own power. We admit our total and complete weakness, relying on God, and that allows Him to move powerfully.

More on Perspective

No moral lesson today, just a story and shout-out to my friend and his recent promotion.

When I attached to Supply Co. (-), Raleigh, I was put under charge of a Lance Corporal who shared a common MOS (Military Occupational Specialty... or "job" in the civilian world) of 0311, infantry rifleman. We bonded pretty quickly, having similar experiences in the Corps and because to find another infantry Marine in a supply company is pretty unusual (we just don't belong there). However, quite literally the first thing Supply Co did was to promote me to Corporal. Despite the fact that I knew nothing of supply and had just arrived, I already was in charge of this Marine assigned to be my mentor. It was clear that this irritated him.

Over the year we spent working and training together, we had ups and downs, but were always pretty solid friends. We helped each other in different areas and in different ways. When his girlfriend deployed to Iraq, I was there with a sympathetic ear and what turned out to be good advice. When my jeep blew out a water pump, he drove 2 hours to pick me up and drive me back to Camp LeJeune. We're friends.

In the fall of this past year, my friend pulled every string he had (and several he really didn't) and got himself on active duty orders with a California unit. He was still a Lance Corporal, despite the fact he would be a Corporal had he been on the active duty side of things. Upon reaching Cali, he was pretty much immediately promoted and began training with a Motor Transport unit (he had gone back to MOS school to obtain the proper licenses this past summer). Prior to this morning's phone conversation, the latest update had been that he was working as the Motor Transport Chief for his section... a job designed to be held by a Staff Sergeant, or a Sergeant at the very least. Nevertheless, my friend distinguished himself. He kicked-ass on PT, maintained his responsibilities admirably, and lit the world on fire with motivation. He is a Marine's Marine.

Today he called me to let me know he had been promoted to Sergeant, meritoriously. He now outranks me, and I am eating crow and humble pie. I am genuinely happy for him though, as he truly is an outstanding Marine. Still, there seems to be a certain ironic symmetry to this story.

Anyhow, there is nothing to lament. I just hope to get promoted sometime soon. Until then, here's to you, Sgt C. The Corps' newest Sergeant of Marines!

Kill.

Perspective

Not sure exactly where this post is going, but its been an interesting week, so we'll see.

One of the things I've been thinking about a lot is the perspective I have about different people. Some people look like they're in total control of their life. Others look like the wheels are just about to fall off. Its not that I wonder about the difference, only that I think the outward appearance probably isn't true most of the time.

What prompts this thought is how the first part of my week progressed. I got back from training with my Marines over the weekend, and new mountains of responsibility had been heaped on me -- none of which I really wanted (life is busy enough without more work for the same pay). I was angry about the fact that one of my Marines showed a distinct lack of effort and motivation which ultimately resulted in me doing a lot more work on an 8 mile march than I had wanted. I was bitter about seeing another Marine get promoted ahead of me when he had held none of the same responsibilites that I had. I was frustrated with being slid into a position which had been mismanaged for several months, and then being left to pick up the pieces. Monday was an uncharacteristically bad day.

The more I thought on it, the more this "wheels falling off" type mentality had been present in my life. I pretty routinely feel as though my efforts are insufficient in virtually every area of my life, ranging everywhere from the Marines, to research, to relationships -- I generally feel as though I'm failing. At best, "just getting by." Even when I do things that I know honor God -- pray for people, study scripture, fast -- I always wonder why I didn't do more. I feel guilty, even about doing things that I know are pleasing to God, because I never feel like I've done enough. (Fortunately, some resolution is coming here and it feels as though the clouds are beginning to part...)

Now here's the kicker: despite these feelings of inadequacy and failure, apparently I don't show that. Several times people complimented on how disciplined and encouraging I am (please don't take this as boasting... that is not the intent), despite that my life currently feels like a massive train wreck and that I'm an epic failure on all fronts.

The point I'd make is that there are people that I respect and admire, who in my eyes seem to have everything together, but I suspect sometimes feel just as swamped, frustrated, and inadequate as I do. The only difference between how I see them and how they see themselves is our perspective.

Nervous twitch

Its official. I've developed a nervous twitch. My left cheek twitches, and I'm not entirely sure why. I've been trying to postulate a list of reasons:

1. Working long hours for little pay in a reasonably unsafe environment at the graduate school. For example, I work 50 - 60 hours per week and my salary is right around the poverty line. My professor owns all of my intellectual property (which means, even my thoughts aren't mine). However, I think I'm getting the better end of the bargain here, since as a rule, I just kind of screw things up and do "stupid chemistry." When I'm not actively destroying weeks and months of labor, it generally means I'm eating lunch. This is done about 10 feet from a bucket of chlorinated waste and 15 feet from a bucket of dry waste, which has a propensity to spontaneously ignite, as it did about 2 months ago.

2. Sam, the post-doc I work with, who is slightly unconventional. For example, when the aforementioned dry waste canister lit on fire and shot flames out of the top, rather than utilize the fire extinguisher, the bucket of sand to the immediate right of the fire, or the leather glove (to cover the opening and smother the flames), he chose instead to put a cardboard box over the inferno. Now really, WHAT PART OF THAT MAKES SENSE?! What is more alarming is that it worked...

3. The Marines. More specifically, being held responsible for other peoples irresponsible tendencies and communication failures. Improvising, adapting, and overcoming challenges to benefit the institution as a whole, when in almost every circumstance, the institution is what is causing the challenge which I am called upon to improvise, adapt, and overcome. For example, knowing that I am supposed to give a class on something tonight, but also knowing that I haven't been officially informed of this as of yet. Moreover, how I cannot prepare in advance because 1. We are no longer allowed to utilize flash-drives in government computers, as we can e-mail all documents to one another, and 2. I don't have a government e-mail account, meaning I cannot access anything I might care to e-mail to myself because 3. we aren't allowed to access civilian e-mail accounts from government computers. Yet, if I fail to get said task accomplished, I am severely reprimanded. But really... why should I feel bitter?

Really... I'm beginning to feel as though I'm consistently up against the impossible. Its as though so much is intentionally set against a person, it is ludicrous to even dream of success. All I get is a general angst in my stomach, which is either due to too much coffee (a function of not getting enough sleep) or the development of ulcers (which may be related to the stress and excessive coffee).

Perhaps the nervous twitch is the least of my problems.