Tag: God

A Year of Drought: Navigating Faith in Times of Despair

A Year of Drought: Navigating Faith in Times of Despair

The path of faith rarely has a smooth ascent; more often, it resembles a winding trail through varied terrain punctuated by unexpected valleys and arduous climbs. For those who have walked this path through multiple trials, there inevitably comes a point of profound challenge—a spiritual “wall“ that tests the very foundations of their conviction. While it’s never advisable to lash out in anger at the divine, even the most devout individuals can succumb to moments of profound despair, uttering words they might later regret. A compelling parallel can be drawn between Jeremiah 15 and Jeremiah 17, revealing that even prophets, chosen by God, are not immune to shamefully low points.

In Jeremiah 15:16-18, we witness the prophet Jeremiah in the throes of a deeply personal lament:

“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty. I never sat in the company of revelers, never made merry with them; I sat alone because your hand was on me and you had filled me with indignation. Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable? You are to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails.” (NIV)

Jeremiah’s words are not a thoughtless outburst but the culmination of intense self-examination. He has taken stock of his life, dedication, and perceived righteousness, concluding that he suffers despite his faithfulness. He asserts that he has diligently fulfilled God’s commands, declaring, “I bear your name.” He emphasizes his unwavering commitment, stating that he avoided sinful company and steadfastly detested what grieved the Lord. Yet, despite obedience, his struggle seems endless, his pain unaddressed.

The core of Jeremiah’s grievance stems from a profound internal despair. His agony arises from the paradox of living in accordance with God’s will while simultaneously experiencing relentless discomfort and suffering. So consumed by frustration is Jeremiah that he essentially accuses God of being a deceiver. The latter part of verse 18 is particularly striking: “You are to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails.“ In his raw honesty, Jeremiah feels as though God has lied to him, that the divine promise has proven hollow. While steeped in self-pity, this outburst reflects the profound frustration of doing what is right yet seemingly failing at every turn. Thankfully, the Lord’s patience is vast; He is not easily offended by our ignorant cries. Jeremiah is enduring a “year of drought,” caught in Judah’s collective judgment and chastisement, even though he bears no personal guilt. The wrath meant for the many has enveloped him, pushing him to the brink.

When overwhelmed by frustration, our words often lack wisdom. These are the moments when we need a divine intervention, a shaking that exposes our limited understanding. In Jeremiah 17:7-8, the Lord provides His profound response:

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (NIV)

While Jeremiah fixates on God as a “deceptive brook,” an unreliable source that occasionally dries up, God shifts the focus to Jeremiah’s capacity to stand firm during a time of drought. For those who place their trust in the Lord, they will not lose heart when trials inevitably arise in their service. Jeremiah doesn’t yet grasp a profound truth: God allows trees to experience droughts precisely to strengthen their roots, enabling them to endure even more difficult times ahead.

From a Christian perspective, Jeremiah’s lamentation in chapter 15 is a remarkably raw and honest expression of prophetic suffering. It vividly illustrates the inherent tension between a prophet’s unwavering faithfulness and the often-harsh realities of their divine calling. Jeremiah, often called the “weeping prophet,” embodies the deep emotional toll that prophetic ministry can exact. His feelings of abandonment and perceived deception by God are not isolated incidents in biblical literature; similar sentiments resonate in the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 22) and even echo in the words of Jesus on the cross. This profound biblical honesty underscores a vital truth: Faith is not a perpetual euphoria but frequently involves wrestling with doubt, pain, and the sometimes unsettling sense of divine absence.

However, the powerful juxtaposition with Jeremiah 17:7-8 offers a crucial theological corrective and a deeper understanding of God’s intricate ways. The evocative imagery of the tree planted by the water serves as a profound metaphor for steadfast faith. The “year of drought” is not, in God’s economy, a sign of His abandonment or deception, but rather a divinely appointed opportunity for deeper reliance on Him. The roots of the tree, representing our trust and dependence, are compelled to grow deeper into the earth in search of sustenance when surface-level resources are scarce. This often painful process, far from being punitive, ultimately leads to greater resilience and fruitfulness.

In essence, God is teaching Jeremiah—and, by extension, us—that true blessedness does not lie in the absence of hardship but in the unwavering trust in God’s faithfulness through hardship. It serves as a powerful reminder that even when God’s presence feels as unreliable as a “deceptive brook,” His ultimate character is that of a never-failing spring. The drought, therefore, transforms into a divinely ordained process of spiritual formation, meticulously designed to strengthen our faith and produce lasting spiritual fruit. This profound perspective directly challenges the simplistic notion that righteousness guarantees an easy or comfortable life; instead, it promises that righteousness, when deeply rooted in trust, equips us to thrive despite adversity.

Violent Shaking 

Violent Shaking 

The account in Mark 1:21-28 offers profound insights into the nature of spiritual warfare and the process of deliverance. While the narrative itself is straightforward, a closer examination of the details, particularly the violent shaking experienced by the demon-possessed man, reveals a crucial aspect of encountering the power of Jesus Christ.

Upon entering the synagogue in Capernaum on the Sabbath, Jesus immediately distinguished Himself from the scribes through the inherent authority of His teaching. This authority, stemming from His divine nature, directly confronted the spiritual darkness present within the congregation. The immediate manifestation of this confrontation was the outcry of a man possessed by an impure spirit. This entity, acutely aware of Jesus’ identity and power (“I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”), recognized the imminent threat to its dominion.

Jesus’ response was direct and authoritative: “‘Be quiet!’ said Jesus sternly. ‘Come out of him!’” It is in the immediate aftermath of this command that we observe a significant detail often overlooked: “The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek” (Mark 1:25-26).

This violent shaking is not a mere incidental detail. It underscores the intense resistance of demonic forces when confronted by the power of God. The unclean spirit did not willingly relinquish its hold; rather, it was forced to depart, and its departure was marked by a physical and visceral manifestation of its struggle. This violent convulsion serves as a potent reminder of the reality of spiritual bondage and the forceful nature often required for true liberation.

Consider the implications for our own lives and the lives of those we minister to. The passage suggests that deliverance from the grip of Satan and his forces may not always be a serene or comfortable experience. There can be internal turmoil, external pressures, and a significant shaking as the strongholds are broken. This shaking can manifest in various ways: emotional upheaval, relational strain, or even physical symptoms.

For the serious Bible reader, this episode cautions against a simplistic or passive understanding of spiritual liberation. It highlights the active and often forceful intervention of divine power necessary to overcome the resistance of the adversary. Just as the impure spirit violently shook the man before its expulsion, those bound by spiritual oppression may experience a period of intense struggle as the forces of darkness are dislodged.

Furthermore, the reaction of the onlookers (“They were all so amazed…”) underscores the unprecedented nature of Jesus’authority. His word alone was sufficient to command and effect deliverance, a stark contrast to the often-ineffectual methods of the religious leaders of the time. The violent shaking served as undeniable evidence of the power unleashed by Jesus’ command.

The detail of the violent shaking in this account is not to be dismissed. It serves as a crucial theological point: the liberation from demonic influence is often a forceful and disruptive event, signifying the intense battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. For serious Bible readers and Christians, this passage offers both a realistic perspective on the challenges of spiritual warfare and a powerful assurance of the ultimate authority and delivering power of Jesus Christ. The shaking may be intense, but it is often the precursor to the shriek of defeat from the enemy and the profound peace of true freedom.

I am Your Share and Your Inheritance

I am Your Share and Your Inheritance

There has never been a time when the economy was courteous to all people. This generation’s economy promises to be consistent with all others. Few people will thrive while the masses will wonder if they will ever experience financial relief. A generation ago people hoped for two things to happen in their lifetime. One was to earn enough money to comfortably pay a mortgage while maintaining a savings. The second hope was to be able to pay off the mortgage in time enough to retire with a financial nest egg to withdraw from. A generation ago it was more than conceivable, even expected, that a person would pay off a thirty-year mortgage working for one company. If you had more than three jobs in thirty years you were labeled a “job hopper”. The economy, still not fair to all, was undeniably more stable then. Today, homeowners may work for a dozen employers before paying off a mortgage. This means it is going to be difficult to generate a comfortable retirement for those who have never been able to stay with a company long enough to become vested. This is the reality for generations X, Y and Z. It is plausible that these generations will live longer than any other, but they should expect to work longer, retiring much later than the age of sixty-five.

This paints a grim picture for the working class. We have to face the reality that there is no earthly indication that we will ever enjoy any phase of our lives without experiencing some financial hardship. Of course this is nothing new, it has been the case since the beginning of civilization. To have little or no retirement today will result in the same as having little or no inheritance in biblical times. People who had no inheritance in antiquity found themselves enslaved to an oppressive economic system. There was no hope of relief for the economically disinherited. Without land or legacy they could expect to die while working. We can expect the same if some industry revolution does not reverse this economic instability; just as steel, transportation, computers and the Internet did in the past. The need for an individual to have multiple income streams is rapidly becoming the norm. Soon retirement will be an antiquated idea. Those who don’t have the fortitude to navigate the increasingly competitive job market will have to accept that their days on earth will not be lived gracefully; but with much trepidation.

When suffering endures, with no sign of relief, hope begins to lose its fervor. It is difficult to maintain hope when life refuses to afford you the time, and money to ever realize your own dreams. Instead, all your labor is dedicated to accomplishing the goals of the financially privileged. Our dreams are fueled by the hope that we will get an opportunity to bring them to fruition. What happens to society when a generation loses hope in ever being able to accomplish their dreams? What do they teach their children about life? What happens to their faith in God? The answers to these questions may give some insight to why the most advanced society in human history is in such great moral decline. When the hope of the disinherited is fleeting it is imperative that we hold on to faith affirmations that reinvigorate our optimism.

One faith affirmation can be found in Numbers 18:20. The Lord’s message to Aaron, the Chief Priest of Israel, offers hope to the individual who is struggling to see how s/he will ever experience financial relief in uncertain times. The people of the ancient world were accustomed to hard economic conditions. It was the priest who instilled hope that if Israel honored God and remained faithful they would be relieved of economic worry. As long as they worshipped God in obedience they could expect a harvest. It was the priest’s primary responsibility to ensure that the people remained in right relationship with God. This responsibility yielded little time for the priest to do anything else. Unlike the congregation, Aaron was not able to make a living in the market place or by bartering. Priests were not even allowed to own land. So, their inheritance or financial security heavily depended on the faithfulness of people to give their tithes. Aaron’s job was to prepare the Alter with focus on the people’s penance and devotion to God. The priest would ensure that the people would be taken care of by God through prayer and ordinance, while trusting that they would in turn provide for his own daily sustenance and inheritance. In other words, Aaron depended on the nation of Israel to provide a decent wage and retirement for him. Aware of Aaron’s gullibility about his own financial fate the Lord said to him, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any share among them; I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites (Numbers 18:20).” Wow! This sounds a bit contradictory, especially when considering that God most often provides for us with the use of human hands. It was the people’s responsibility to make sure the priest was taken care of financially. If not the nation of Israel, where would Aaron’s share come from? When we consider Israel’s track record as it relates to obedience to the Will of God, the promise God makes to Aaron offers more relief than query. Like us, the Israelites were extremely hardheaded. Time and time again they would defy the priest. Thus, acting in disobedience to God’s Will for their lives. Consequently God would exercise judgment, dry up the people’s harvest, and allow an economic crisis to spur spiritual cleansing. The priest would not be immune to unstable economic conditions stirred by God’s anger. When the land doesn’t produce a harvest life is harder for everybody. If the tithes and offerings are scarce the priest is left to wonder what will become of his own livelihood.

The nation of Israel constantly demonstrated that they were not a trustworthy source of economic stability. What God says to Aaron serves as a message to all of us who find it difficult to trust that our employer, or the economy will yield a satisfactory portion for our retirement. In essence, God tells Aaron that as long as he is faithful in doing what God ask of him God will provide for his day-to-day needs as well as secure his future. Though Israel will prove to be unreliable, God promises Aaron that there will always be a share set-aside for him in one way, or another. God will knit Aaron’s inheritance like a tapestry. It may be comprised of several sources, but in the end God’s provision will be whole. Unlike a merchant who sells product, the priest cannot use market indicators to calculate his future income potential. The priest must have faith that God will supply his every need despite the people’s neglect of their responsibilities. Just as Aaron could not depend on the nation of Israel to be fair to him, we cannot depend on the world’s economy to provide a fair retirement for us. If we accept that God is our share and our inheritance, we can take comfort in knowing that regardless of what the job market looks like, or how many times we get laid off, or how much the cost of living increases, or how much savings we have at the moment, God will provide a way for us to rest from our labor. This message was solidified by Jesus when he said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28).” In times of trouble God is our refuge and our strength. God will ensure that there will always be a share, and an inheritance for those who trust God.

Fingerprints

Fingerprints

My dentist is exceptional. More than a medical practitioner, my dentist has a warm persona that communicates a confidence that makes it easy to relax. If I feel any pain as a result of the work I trust that it was not done out of negligence or malicious intent.  This does not suggest that my dentist is incapable of making mistakes. Nor does it mean I am gullible, believing that everything my dentist does is sincerely for my benefit alone. In fact, I am reminded of my dentist’s shortcomings every time I rub my tongue against my porcelain crown.  Somehow when my crown was molded my dentist’s fingerprint hardened and became a permanent part of the crown. As a result the crown surface is not smooth.  If I had known that there was a fingerprint left on my crown I would not have allowed my dentist to complete the procedure. However, I was too numb from the Novocain to feel the rough surface and missed the opportunity to correct it.  By the time my feeling came back I hardly wanted to return to the Dentist Office.   I remember what the pain was like before I received my crown.  The fingerprint left by the dentist served as a reminder of how important it was for someone to acquire the skill necessary to stop the pain of another person.   It also reminds me that well trained practitioners sometimes leave evidence of mistakes in their work.   Nonetheless, I am a grateful that my dentist is a pleasant person with a warm spirit. Otherwise the permanent evidence of my dentist’s finger tattooed in my mouth would be extremely awkward.

In the same way my dentist is exceptional, are those who provide the biblical witness.  Authors of biblical text were exceptional practitioners of the written word during their time in history.  Apart from its social implications the Bible stands on its own as an exceptional collection of literature.  It will forever be considered a masterful work.  By no means does this conclude that the Bible, an anthology, is inerrant. There are places within the text that are evident of human error. Providing specifics would demand exhaustive explanations, which would redirect the intent of this writing.  Admittedly, one can identify mistakes, misunderstandings, ignorance and misinterpretations in the Bible.  Regardless of such, the Bible is still infallible.  Errant, but infallible; How could this be?   Even with the error of placing a fingerprint on my crown, my dentist accomplished what needed to be done.  Yes, the fingerprint is a mistake, but overall the crown works perfectly. The pain is gone and I understand the intent.  Infallibility, as it relates to the Bible, cannot be defined as something or someone incapable of making mistakes.  Instead, infallibility means the bible ultimately accomplishes what it intends.

The biblical witnesses intended to reveal that God intervenes in human history.  They want us to know that they encountered God. Biblical witnesses struggled with their divine experiences, failed miserably in some instances and triumphed in others.  The Bible is a mere fingerprint of human frailty observed among divine truths. Likewise, the Bible is a mere fingerprint of divine truths observed among human frailty. The fingerprints of human kind are interwoven with the fingerprints of the Divine. In essence, the Bible is an illustration of God and humans holding hands throughout history.

Now that some years have passed I have learned that my fingerprinted crown has served me well. The ridges left by my dentists’ error were not intentional but, they make it easier to shred food which makes for easier digestion. Though my crown is slightly flawed, according to human standards, it proves to work better than the dentist planned.  When we consider the fingerprints of the biblical witness we should remember that they are not without divine intervention. Even with our mistakes God can accomplish more than what we intended.

Read: Romans 8:28