After resting on the Sabbath after Jesus’ death, the women return to the tomb to anoint His body (Luke 24:1-12). But there is no body! Confused (4), they are frightened by men (angels) who explain that Jesus told them all this. “Remember how He told you” (6)—and as they remember, they rush back t tell the others, who also don’t believe. Peter goes to check it out himself and leaves marveling (12). It is notable that every disciple here is caught off-guard. They are “perplexed” (4), “frightened” (5), “did not believe” 11), and are left “marveling” (12).

The empty tomb is not expected. There is no vigil, no sea of witnesses, no “told-you-so”s. They must be reminded of what Jesus said—and even then they struggle to believe.

There is comfort in this. It puts to rest the idea that they made this story up. Even the Jewish leaders have a better handle on it than the apostles (Matthew 27:63-66). It is a reminder that Jesus’ words don’t rely on our understanding to be true. Real is real—whether we see it or not.

The empty tomb is something we would not dare to hope for after such an awful death. Yet it is the ultimate statement that the ugliness of this world will not last forever—that there is a happy ending still in store after death.

You’ll be disappointed in my not beginning this article with reference to Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” (Jn.18: 38), but I’m not going to mention it. Instead I’ll let that remind you that there are devious ways to shade, warp, and avoid truth. As one country philosopher put it, “I’d tell the truth five or six different ways before I’d tell a lie.” There may be times when silence is more in order than speaking the truth (Jn.19: 9), if the silence itself is not deceptive. But when truth must be spoken, it should be forthright, plainly stated, the product of an honest heart. There are few things more needful in our present society than genuine honesty.
We have lied to ourselves, that we know the truth, until we have crippled our hope of learning truth. Or, we have convinced ourselves (another lie) that there is no certain truth, so that even faith becomes a leap in the dark, an essential to avoid despair. Or maybe truth (?) is treated subjectively, every man to himself. We know that truth in the material universe is not so vacillating: 2 + 2 = 4 to all men; but God is different.
Is He, as respects truth? His manifestations are history, occurrences in time and space. Jesus lived, “approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know” (Acts 2:22). He died on a cross: attested by the same sort of records that tell us all past events. And the tomb was empty on the third day following, despite the Roman Empire’s efforts to seal it. His enemies could not produce the body on Pentecost, when to have done so would have cut the heart out of the message they despised. His followers did not deny His resurrection, though their steadfastness offered no earthly gain, and resulted in horrible deaths. They testified instead that HE LIVES. And their message was accompanied by many “signs, wonders, divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost” which, unlike “feel better” claims of our day, convinced experts of deception (Acts 8:9-24; 19:11-20).

We can not know God, but we believe as the result of an objective approach to evidence. We accept as TRUE the message of His ambassadors because they demonstrated the source of their news to be Divine. Yes, many professed followers have not determined these matters for themselves; their faith is not well founded. But it need not be so.

TRUTH is available for the seeker! “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (Jn. 17:17).

One of the most dramatic ways of stirring people’s hearts is music. A song has mobilized nations for war. The National Anthem brings tears to people’s eyes. A song has also mobilized the Lord’s people for war against the schemes and evil of the Devil. There is nothing more stirring than a large group of Christians singing together. Years ago, Shirley and I attended a singing at a local auditorium. There were about 1,200 to 1,500 members of the church there. One person on the stage asked the audience to stand and sing along with him in old, standard hymns that almost everyone knew. The sound of several hundred sopranos, several hundred altos, tenors, and bases was truly awe inspiring. The very memory of such events will cause the heart to leap, and bring new resolve to move forward.
When people are happy, they often respond with music. Often, when a small child is happy or content, that contentment will be expressed through singing. Adults will do the same thing by humming, singing, or whistling a tune.
Singing can also be a source of strength and comfort in times of trial or adversity. When Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi, they sang songs to God. That was not something unusual. It was a natural way of expressing confidence and faith. When the Communists took over in China, all congregations and worship was banned, and many church leaders were imprisoned. Records have stated that prison officials were frustrated, because those men would encourage other prisoners through the singing of hymns. It was a way of spiritually preparing for whatever lay ahead.
Psalm 92 begins by declaring, “It is good to give thanks to the LORD and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High…” That statement is very powerful, because there are few more beautiful ways to praise God than through music. When a congregation sings together, it is a shared praise to the Lord. Singing stirs the soul and can transform the nature of a service. It is indeed good to praise the Lord in song and music.
Because of the hope and promise found in Christ Jesus, Christians should be known as people who sing out of joy. Who has greater reason to sing, than an individual who can call the Living God “Father”? May this activity never be diminished in the minds and actions of Christians!
In verse six, the psalmist shifts from praise of the Lord to a tragic side of life. “A senseless man has no knowledge, nor does a stupid man understand this:” What a contrast between two lifestyles! The first part of the psalm presents a joyful theme of praise to God, but there are also those who will have no part of a relationship with the Lord
There are many people in that category. They go through life like all people do. Yes, there are times of joy, sadness, excitement and all the other experiences of life. Many people flourish in this life without the Lord. However, if there is no relationship in Jesus Christ, there is no real hope of eternal life. What purpose is there to life? What expectation is there beyond the dwindling days of this life? Their heroes are just like them – people chasing after dreams and goals that are only temporary.
Without the Lord, what hope or guidance exists for those in the midst of trials, disappointments or personal tragedy? What comfort is there for those who find themselves alone? What answer can there be when a person feels unloved and unwanted? Without Jesus, there is only sadness and eventual destruction. Poor soul, poor senseless person, poor fool.
The hope and promise is real! “The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, he will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God.” (12-13) Palm trees and cedars grow in areas where other plants will not grow. They handle the adversity of nature.
Problems and trials affect all people. Faithfulness does not automatically lead to wealth and security in this world. However, Christians have a hope, an assurance which cannot be affected by anything in this life. Each Christian has received power from God to achieve happiness and contentment in this life. Each Christian has been given a task of great and lasting importance – rescue those who are perishing. Being a Christian gives meaning to life NOW and confidence for life in the future. When a life in the Lord is compared to a life in the world, there is no comparison! “They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green,”
Each Christian, sing out! “For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.” Psalm 92:4

Isaiah 66: 2 says: “But on this one will I look; on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My Word.” The same sentiment is echoed in the Psalms, where it says: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart-these O God You will not despise” (Psa. 51: 17). The contrite spirit is the brokenhearted person who is crushed beneath the weight of his sin. The humble spirit is the person who bows before God, and with a warm and tender heart, acknowledges his sinfulness and total dependence on Him.
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said His kingdom would be composed to those with this disposition. “Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” and “Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted” (Matt. 5: 3-4). “Poor in spirit” points to what a man IS, not what he HAS! It describes one who recognizes he is spiritually bankrupt, and knows within himself there is nothing to justify him before God. Understanding his condition, he MOURNS over his sin, and his only plea is “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Lk. 18: 13). James 4: 7-10 is appropriate here. One must submit to God, which involves clean hands and a pure heart. “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart” (Psa. 24: 3-4).

Only when we realize our own ignorance will we ask for God’s guidance. Only when we realize our own poverty in the things that really matter will we seek for the riches of God’s grace. Only when we realize our own spiritual weakness will we draw upon God’s strength. Only when we realize our own sin will we realize our need of a Savior, and of God’s forgiveness. So long as a person regards himself as independent of God he is on his way to ultimate collapse and defeat. Therefore, our prayer should be like that of David, who prayed: “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy loving kindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies. Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions…Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psa. 51:1-3, 10).

The way to acceptance with God is through true humility and contriteness of spirit. This teaches us that the “way up to God is first down.” The road to genuine greatness is along the way to complete surrender. Those who turn to God in penitence and obedience, however great their sin, can be assured of full and complete pardon.
What about you, my friend? Is your heart humble and contrite? Do you tremble at His Word? Think on these things.

Dennis Abernathy—White Oak Church of Christ
P,O, Box 454
White Oak, TX 75693
(903) 736-1822
Dennis.abernathy845@gmail.com

Isaiah 66: 2 says: “But on this one will I look; on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My Word.” The same sentiment is echoed in the Psalms, where it says: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart-these O God You will not despise” (Psa. 51: 17). The contrite spirit is the brokenhearted person who is crushed beneath the weight of his sin. The humble spirit is the person who bows before God, and with a warm and tender heart, acknowledges his sinfulness and total dependence on Him.

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said His kingdom would be composed to those with this disposition. “Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” and “Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted” (Matt. 5: 3-4). “Poor in spirit” points to what a man IS, not what he HAS! It describes one who recognizes he is spiritually bankrupt, and knows within himself there is nothing to justify him before God. Understanding his condition, he MOURNS over his sin, and his only plea is “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Lk. 18: 13). James 4: 7-10 is appropriate here. One must submit to God, which involves clean hands and a pure heart. “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart” (Psa. 24: 3-4).

Only when we realize our own ignorance will we ask for God’s guidance. Only when we realize our own poverty in the things that really matter will we seek for the riches of God’s grace. Only when we realize our own spiritual weakness will we draw upon God’s strength. Only when we realize our own sin will we realize our need of a Savior, and of God’s forgiveness. So long as a person regards himself as independent of God he is on his way to ultimate collapse and defeat. Therefore, our prayer should be like that of David, who prayed: “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy loving kindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies. Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions…Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psa. 51:1-3, 10).

The way to acceptance with God is through true humility and contriteness of spirit. This teaches us that the “way up to God is first down.” The road to genuine greatness is along the way to complete surrender. Those who turn to God in penitence and obedience, however great their sin, can be assured of full and complete pardon.

What about you, my friend? Is your heart humble and contrite? Do you tremble at His Word? Think on these things.

Dennis Abernathy—White Oak Church of Christ
P,O, Box 454
White Oak, TX 75693
(903) 736-1822
Dennis.abernathy845@gmail.com

“Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling” (Proverbs 26:27).

“The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it” (Proverbs 27:12).

“Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty” (Proverbs 28:19).

One of the hallmarks of wisdom is the ability to look a little into the future and see where a present course of action will lead. While we do not have the ability to see the future as God, wisdom is able to project and see possible consequences of foolish and questionable behaviors as defined by God. It is a barrier to what naturally happens from our own folly and sin. Wisdom is our eyes on the road ahead to take note of the twists and turns that will surely come our way.

Wisdom also helps us develop a conscience that is rightly trained to detect and discern good and evil. It is the mark of maturity: “For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil” (Hebrews 5:13-14).

Wisdom does more than ask whether something is technically right or wrong. It asks, “Does this show good discernment? Is it prudent? Is it helpful? Does it show a heart for God or is it selfish? Does it demonstrate discretion and understanding?”

How will we show wisdom today?

Doy Moyer

Those who have made a study of such matters tell us that we tend to measure up to what certain peers expect of us. If those to whom we look as leaders or models indicate their high hopes for us, we strive to meet those goals. If they indicate a lack of trust in us, a feeling that we will fail, we may lose confidence in ourselves— and fail. I do not believe man is completely programmed by his environment, but it takes a lot of inner strength —built-in character available to those who look to God for the standard of integrity and righteousness (Prov. 11:3-6) —to buck the predictions of failure, and succeed in spite of the gloomy odds against us. Sinful man must be encouraged to believe that he is made in Gods image, and is capable of living to the glory of God.

The Hebrew writer recognized this principle, for throughout an epistle directed to backsliders, that necessitated many warnings of failure and of its dire results, he repeatedly encouraged. They were brethren with Christ, and in Him could be glorified (2:10-13). They were partakers of the heavenly calling (3:1). Gods oath and promise offered them strong consolation (6:17-20). And after a direful warning he reminded them of past successes (10:31-f) and says, But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

The back-slappers have stretched this principle to include insincere compliments—using us (and our pride) to accomplish their ends. They would palaver us into doing their bidding or buying their products. By the same reasoning some would rule out all negative teaching and correction —including that of the Apostle Paul, I suppose. Such maneuvering we abhor.

But elders, preachers, and parents (to name a few) may do a gross injustice to those who look to them for guidance, by failing to properly encourage. Must we always assume the very worst? Love thinketh no evil (1 Cor. 13:5-6), but tends to place the best possible interpretation on matters. It most assuredly rejoice not in iniquity. (Think that one over!) Lawlessness calls forth sadness, compassion, a desire to help, on the part of those who love.

Some much needed teaching re: the church, creedalism, fellowship, and many other subjects, has been ineffective and is rejected, because the teachers assumed a superior attitude and spoke or wrote as though they did not expect the message to be heeded. We do not advocate a Pollyanna, head-in-the-clouds attitude. Rather, suggest it is very realistic to expect that brethren in Christ really want to do what is right. True, many are cumbered with traditional concepts, and may have a somewhat sectarian view of the church. But this is rarely by choice. They have inherited such error, over a period of years, and the surgery must be done with TLC and consideration. It is a fair assumption that genuine saints desire to be rid of all human error.

So, think positively! Warn in hope! Let your speech be seasoned with salt! Fight sin because you love the sinner!

At first glance, this psalm seems to be a song of praise to God and the covenant relationship that He established with Israel. However, at verse 39, the praise turns to distress and a plea for understanding, because the promise that God had made with Israel had “seemingly” been broken by the Lord.

The fact that the psalm contains both praise and pleas make the first verse even more significant. In verse 1 the Psalmist wrote, “I will sing of the loving kindness of the LORD forever; to all generations I will make known Your faithfulness with my mouth.” It is easy to sing praises to the Lord when things are going well. When a trial is over and the good, which came from the experience, is apparent, a person can acknowledge God’s wisdom. However, when the distress from trials or suffering is at its peak, it is much easier to question rather than praise. Although distress and pleas were on the mind of the Psalmist, praise of God still took priority.

In verse 3 and 4, the covenant made through David was repeated along with the promise that his throne was firm through all generations. It almost seems like the Psalmist was reminding the Lord of His promise. Then, from verses 5 through 18, the writer describes the power, goodness and righteousness of God.

In verse 15-16 the Psalmist wrote, “How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O LORD, they walk in the light of Your countenance. In Your name they rejoice all the day, and by Your righteousness they are exalted.” For Christians, these verses carry special. God’s plan has been revealed! The great gulf of sin has been bridged through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Too many Christians seem to go through life like they are carrying a great burden, but Jesus promised that a Christian’s burden would be light.

Of all people, Christians should certainly have learned to rejoice in the Lord!

In verses 19 through 37, the Psalmist described the love which God showed to David. David was the king that God loved. In fact, the destruction of Judah by the Assyrians was withheld due to the love which God had for David when he was king. The Psalmist repeated God’s promise that his line and throne would endure forever. In fact, even if David’s descendants did not follow the Lord’s laws, God had still promised to protect the line and throne of David.

The first part of Psalm 89 was praise to God and a declaration of how his love was demonstrated through the promise made with David. All of that was written like a man preparing to make a petition before a judge. First, the evidence was shown of God’s love, power and righteousness. Then, the promise made to Israel through David was presented. All pointed to what should be a continuing time of prosperity, peace and strength for Israel.

However, beginning with verse 38, the scene in the psalm shifted dramatically from the praise to the complaint, or petition, of the Psalmist. Verses 38 through 46 pictured an Israel that was weak, helpless and plundered by its enemies. What should have been was not the reality that Israel faced and the Psalmist raised his questions to God, “How long, O LORD? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your wrath burn like fire?”

Any knowledgeable Christian could have answered the pleas of the Psalmist, but for him, the path was not clear, and God’s intent and plan was a mystery. The only thing he could determine was that God had seemingly gone back on his covenant. Yet, the Psalmist also knew that could not happen. What was the answer?

The answer rests in the fact that any promise of God is conditional. God was not pleased with Israel after the reign of David. The leaders and people kept drifting from God to idols – they committed spiritual adultery. For that reason, Israel was punished. The northern kingdom was completely destroyed and the southern kingdom, Judah, was destroyed and the people were taken into captivity by the Babylonians. In spite of that, God’s covenant, his promises and plan had NOT been forgotten. In the “fullness of time” God’s plan and promises were made known through Jesus Christ. God was true to David. The plea, “How long?” was answered in a stable in the village of Bethlehem.

Today, when problems, evil men or powers seem to block the work of Christians, the same plea goes up, “How long O Lord?”

The answer lies in the Good News. Do not fear or doubt. God is all powerful, he is faithful and just. Evil will lose and the faithful children in Christ Jesus will have the victory. The Christians final words should be the same as the psalm, “Blessed be the Lord forever! Amen and Amen”

James Shelburn

Romans 15:4 states that “whatever things were written before were written for our learning that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Many of the “things” written in the Bible are examples, both positive and negative, from which we are able to learn how we are or are not to behave and think before God. A lot of those examples are of selfish people who illustrate the characteristics and consequences having an improper attitude toward self. A consideration of those examples is beneficial for anyone who wants to “deny self” and follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24).

Cain—an example of one who had no concern for others (Genesis 4). Most are familiar with the story of Cain—how God rejected his sacrifice while accepting that of Abel, his brother. Cain, jealous of his brother and having no regard for anyone but self, murdered his brother. When God afterward asks him where Abel was, Cain responds with the question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gen. 4:9). All of us must realize we are our “brother’s keepers.” We are to look out for the interests of others (Phil. 2:4) and to esteem others better than self (Phil. 2:3). We must love one another (1 John 4:7). Cain’s selfishness caused him to hate his brother and kill him (1 John 3:11-12).

Ahab—an example of one whose selfishness led him to be concerned about things before he was concerned about people. King Ahab coveted Naboth’s vineyard and pouted when he could not get it (1 Kings 21). His wicked wife Jezebel killed Naboth and then gave his vineyard to her husband as a gift. He was ecstatic. He gave no thought to Naboth or his family. He had what he wanted. Too many people place undue emphasis on things of this world and too little on people. Jesus said one cannot serve God and things (Matt. 6:24).

David—an example of a selfish attitude which caused him to seek fulfillment of his own pleasures with no regard to the cost in getting them. His selfish pursuit of pleasure caused him to sin with Bathsheba. His selfishness then led to lies and murder (2 Samuel 11). God did not allow his sin to go unpunished. He sent the prophet Nathan to expose the sin of David and to announce God’s judgment upon him. Like David, far too many people today are selfishly pursuing pleasure with no regard for either consequences or the impact of their actions upon others.

James and John—examples of those who selfishly desire power and prestige for themselves. They asked for the most prestigious and powerful positions in Jesus’ kingdom (Matt. 20), not to help others, but to have their own egos inflated and fulfilled. The rest of the apostles were greatly distressed at their actions but it seems that James and John had given little thought to what the others thought or how they were affected. They wanted what they wanted and were willing to alienate themselves from their brethren in order to get it. Jesus told them their selfishness reflected the selfish attitude of the worldly-minded. Such ambitious drive today still is opposed to the teachings of Jesus. He said that those who would be great in His kingdom would be a servant of all (Matt. 20:26-27).

The Older Brother of the prodigal (Luke 15)—an example of one who had no compassion or love for others. Jesus stated to His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34). While the older brother seemed to love his father, his lack of love for his brother showed otherwise. The Christian may claim to love God but if, out of selfishness, he does not love his brother, he, in reality, does not love God (1 John 4:20-21).

Do you find yourself in any of these examples? If so, you must take the appropriate steps to rectify the situation. You must stop being so focused on self. You must start living for Jesus. When you “deny self,” follow Him and allow Him to live in you, His selflessness will be a part of your life. Everything will be better once you start thinking like Christ and thinking of God and others before you think of self. Selfishness can only cause you problems. Selflessness in Christ will bring you great blessings.

Gene Taylor

It is one thing to read a text. It is another to ask, “What does that text mean?” Just reading a text word for word does not in itself tell us what it means. Asking what it means will necessitate entering the realm of interpretation. It is inevitable (e.g., try teaching parables without interpreting them). Saying “we don’t interpret; we just read what it says” is naive at best and dishonest at worst. If one truly believes that interpretation is itself a problem, then we should expect only the reading of the text from that person with zero commentary. No one really operates that way. At least I’ve not seen it in my own life.

Interpretation is necessary, but not all interpretation is equal. There is always a need for keeping a passage in context and using terms correctly. Figurative language is everywhere (hyperbole), and even straightforward language has challenges (Why was it said? To whom was it said? How universal is it? Etc.). Making proper connections takes careful study, and knowing something about the way translations work is helpful.

Much of this is done through normal common sense (insert obligatory “common sense isn’t all that common” here). We are continually inferring from what we read and hear (please don’t deny the importance of inference; it’s a bad look). Even the way we read a text can change its meaning. People can understand Scripture, but we need to recognize what we are doing, see the challenges, and work hard at it.

One of the most egregious mistakes we can make is using or changing a text to fit our already-established agenda. This is easy to do because we are already coming to the text with various preconceived ideas and opinions. If we decide ahead of time that our chosen agenda must be true, then we will find a way to support that through how we interpret Scripture. This manipulates the text to serve our own ends rather than letting the text guide our minds to the truth to which we should submit. We are all susceptible to this problem.

Why am I writing this? 1) Because I was just thinking about it; 2) Because it helps me be more careful; 3) Because I see Scripture manipulated to serve worldly agendas; 4) Because this is my page and I want to promote sound Bible reading and exegesis. 🙂
Be careful how you read, what you take from it, and how you use the text. It is not our clay to shape however we want.