Outline
1. Inner disciplines
i. Solitude
ii. Silence
iii. Simplicity
iv. Fasting
v. Listening
vi. Reflection / meditation
vii. Study
viii. Prayer
2. Repetitiveness
3. Invocation of saints
4. Mariolatry
5. Relics
6. Corporate disciplines
i. Community
ii. Submission
iii. Service
iv. Confession
v. Secrecy
vi. Worship
vii. Celebration
viii. Encouragement / discipleship / mentoring
ix. Tithes and offerings
i. Solitude
ii. Silence
iii. Simplicity
iv. Fasting
v. Listening
vi. Reflection / meditation
vii. Study
viii. Prayer
2. Repetitiveness
3. Invocation of saints
4. Mariolatry
5. Relics
6. Corporate disciplines
i. Community
ii. Submission
iii. Service
iv. Confession
v. Secrecy
vi. Worship
vii. Celebration
viii. Encouragement / discipleship / mentoring
ix. Tithes and offerings
Silence
Sometimes words can get in the way. Job's friends at first sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights (helping him observe shiva?) and no one spoke a word to him because they saw that his suffering was very intense (Job 2:13). It was when they began talking that they got into trouble (Job 42:7-8).
Sometimes in our desire to pray we don't let God get a word in edgewise. As with a person we respect, it is important to spend as much time listening as we do speaking. It is in silence that we can show respect for God.
The word translated here "be still" is translated "stop" in 1 Samuel 15:16. We need to build in times when we simply stop; when we cease our frantic business and simply try to recenter ourselves in God's holy presence and remember for whom it is we are do all this. Silence can be a way to show reverence.
Sometimes in our desire to pray we don't let God get a word in edgewise. As with a person we respect, it is important to spend as much time listening as we do speaking. It is in silence that we can show respect for God.
- Psalm 46:10, NIV. "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
The word translated here "be still" is translated "stop" in 1 Samuel 15:16. We need to build in times when we simply stop; when we cease our frantic business and simply try to recenter ourselves in God's holy presence and remember for whom it is we are do all this. Silence can be a way to show reverence.
- Habakkuk 2:20 HCSB But the LORD is in His holy temple; let everyone on earth be silent in His presence.
Simplicity
But we encourage you, brothers, to do so even more, to seek to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, so that you may walk properly in the presence of outsiders and not be dependent on anyone. - 1 Thessalonians 4:10b-12 HCSB
Francois de Fénelon[1] made a habit of encouraging his friends to live a quiet life. To one he wrote: "Your mind is too much taken up with your circumstances, and this hinders you from understanding the mind of God . . . I think it is such a hindrance to the kind of quiet meditation in which God reveals Himself. You must learn to be humble and simple . . . Be content with leading a simple life."
The Thessalonian Christians had lost their joy. Peace evaded them. And their hope for the future had all but vanished. Many stopped working, allowing idleness to permeate their ranks. Others had fallen into a state of restlessness and gossip.
What was the problem? What emissary was so powerful and mighty that it had the ability to discourage and sway these early Christians away from what Christ had called them to do – to live for Him and to anticipate His victorious return?
The Thessalonian believers were known throughout Asia Minor for their faith, hope, and love. Yet they had allowed a degree of false teaching to persuade them to believe something other than the Gospel Paul had presented. As a result, the focus of their lives had shifted from God and His promises to the unstable ideas of false prophets. Their minds were no longer firmly set on Christ and His infinite ability. Instead, they had fallen victim to anxiety. Questions plagued them: Had the resurrection taken place? Had they missed it?
The Christian life is not complicated but when we allow fearful thoughts to invade our lives, we suddenly find that they have turned into struggles. God's wisdom is sure, uncomplicated, and unwavering. He never meant for the Thessalonians to be captured by doubt or the frantic pace of their society. Instead, the Lord wanted them to learn to live simply – to be satisfied with what they had been given and to be diligent in their work and also for the Lord. [2]
In times of uncertainty, God's Word is a mighty, stabilizing force. Emotions and feelings often lie to us. We cannot trust them, but we can trust the wisdom we find in God's Word.
Paul does not belittle these believers for becoming frightened or paralyzed by their thoughts. His message to them is straightforward and simple: get back to work, stop talking badly about one another, and know that God's love and promises to you have not changed. "Faithful is He who calls you," writes Paul, "and He also will bring it to pass."[3] Jesus would return, and those who believed in Him would be with Him in glory.
Living with godly simplicity does not equal inactivity. It is not an encouragement for mental or physical laziness. Simplicity, when it is handled properly, removes the noise and clutter that threaten to steal our sense of peace and intimacy with Christ.
We should never tire of doing even the smallest things for God, because He isn't impressed so much with the dimensions of our work as with the love in which it is done. We must not be discouraged if we fail in the beginning because the practice will eventually cause our efforts to become a pleasurable habit that we will do automatically, without thinking.
We should simply dedicate ourselves to the development of an attitude of faith, hope, and love. We need not be concerned about anything else. All other considerations like work, ministry or family are simply is not as important. They should only be regarded as means by which we get to the final goal which is being entirely lost in the love of God.
Every age has its own particular traits - the iron age, the agrarian age, the industrial age, or the information age. Right now, with the cultural diversity and religious relativism that characterizes our age, we are being overwhelmed by complexity. The simplicity of the Gospel was never more needed than now. We try to replace that simple gospel and the means by which is it spread, by which I mean the Church, with programs, methods, organizations, and a world of nervous activities. Like our electronic entertainment, these occupy time and attention but can never satisfy the longing of our hearts.
We try to satisfy ourselves with shallow weekend retreats and hollow self-serving worship. Our sickly attempts to imitate the world’s programs and promotional methods only serve to demonstrate that we have not yet fully experienced the real thing. We still know God and His peace only imperfectly else we would be dissatisfied with everything else.
Simplicity brings freedom. It is not the absence of control or convenience. Instead, it is the pinnacle of true abiding and fellowship with God. Francois de Fénelon writes: "O, how amiable this simplicity is! Who will give it to me? I leave all for this. It is the Pearl of the Gospel."
In regaining their spiritual balance, the Thessalonian Christians embraced the discipline of simplicity. They refocused their hearts and minds on Jesus Christ, knowing that He would never fail them.
[1] French Theologian and tutor to the young Duke of Burgundy for whom he wrote Telemaque(1699)
[2] 1 Thessalonians 4:11
[3] 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Francois de Fénelon[1] made a habit of encouraging his friends to live a quiet life. To one he wrote: "Your mind is too much taken up with your circumstances, and this hinders you from understanding the mind of God . . . I think it is such a hindrance to the kind of quiet meditation in which God reveals Himself. You must learn to be humble and simple . . . Be content with leading a simple life."
The Thessalonian Christians had lost their joy. Peace evaded them. And their hope for the future had all but vanished. Many stopped working, allowing idleness to permeate their ranks. Others had fallen into a state of restlessness and gossip.
What was the problem? What emissary was so powerful and mighty that it had the ability to discourage and sway these early Christians away from what Christ had called them to do – to live for Him and to anticipate His victorious return?
The Thessalonian believers were known throughout Asia Minor for their faith, hope, and love. Yet they had allowed a degree of false teaching to persuade them to believe something other than the Gospel Paul had presented. As a result, the focus of their lives had shifted from God and His promises to the unstable ideas of false prophets. Their minds were no longer firmly set on Christ and His infinite ability. Instead, they had fallen victim to anxiety. Questions plagued them: Had the resurrection taken place? Had they missed it?
The Christian life is not complicated but when we allow fearful thoughts to invade our lives, we suddenly find that they have turned into struggles. God's wisdom is sure, uncomplicated, and unwavering. He never meant for the Thessalonians to be captured by doubt or the frantic pace of their society. Instead, the Lord wanted them to learn to live simply – to be satisfied with what they had been given and to be diligent in their work and also for the Lord. [2]
In times of uncertainty, God's Word is a mighty, stabilizing force. Emotions and feelings often lie to us. We cannot trust them, but we can trust the wisdom we find in God's Word.
Paul does not belittle these believers for becoming frightened or paralyzed by their thoughts. His message to them is straightforward and simple: get back to work, stop talking badly about one another, and know that God's love and promises to you have not changed. "Faithful is He who calls you," writes Paul, "and He also will bring it to pass."[3] Jesus would return, and those who believed in Him would be with Him in glory.
Living with godly simplicity does not equal inactivity. It is not an encouragement for mental or physical laziness. Simplicity, when it is handled properly, removes the noise and clutter that threaten to steal our sense of peace and intimacy with Christ.
We should never tire of doing even the smallest things for God, because He isn't impressed so much with the dimensions of our work as with the love in which it is done. We must not be discouraged if we fail in the beginning because the practice will eventually cause our efforts to become a pleasurable habit that we will do automatically, without thinking.
We should simply dedicate ourselves to the development of an attitude of faith, hope, and love. We need not be concerned about anything else. All other considerations like work, ministry or family are simply is not as important. They should only be regarded as means by which we get to the final goal which is being entirely lost in the love of God.
Every age has its own particular traits - the iron age, the agrarian age, the industrial age, or the information age. Right now, with the cultural diversity and religious relativism that characterizes our age, we are being overwhelmed by complexity. The simplicity of the Gospel was never more needed than now. We try to replace that simple gospel and the means by which is it spread, by which I mean the Church, with programs, methods, organizations, and a world of nervous activities. Like our electronic entertainment, these occupy time and attention but can never satisfy the longing of our hearts.
We try to satisfy ourselves with shallow weekend retreats and hollow self-serving worship. Our sickly attempts to imitate the world’s programs and promotional methods only serve to demonstrate that we have not yet fully experienced the real thing. We still know God and His peace only imperfectly else we would be dissatisfied with everything else.
Simplicity brings freedom. It is not the absence of control or convenience. Instead, it is the pinnacle of true abiding and fellowship with God. Francois de Fénelon writes: "O, how amiable this simplicity is! Who will give it to me? I leave all for this. It is the Pearl of the Gospel."
In regaining their spiritual balance, the Thessalonian Christians embraced the discipline of simplicity. They refocused their hearts and minds on Jesus Christ, knowing that He would never fail them.
[1] French Theologian and tutor to the young Duke of Burgundy for whom he wrote Telemaque(1699)
[2] 1 Thessalonians 4:11
[3] 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Fasting
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that is used as a means of seeking the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:3).
Fasting is associated with confession of sin, prayers, worship and Bible study (Nehemiah 9:1-3).
Our Master, the Lord Jesus practiced fasting (Matthew 4:1-4).
His disciples did not fast as long as they were with Him (Mark 2:18-19).
However, they were to begin fasting once He ascended into Heaven (Mark 2:20).
Fasting is a way of demonstrating our intense need for God's help (Judges 20:26-28; Ezra 8:21).
It can accompany our intercessory prayers as a way of demonstrating our sincerity to God and our total dependence on His provision (2 Samuel 12:16).
Fasting can grant spiritual power to its practitioner, if done with the right heart. In fact, some spiritual acts can only be undertaken preceded by fasting (Mark 9:25-29).
Fasting may be practiced as a part of mourning (1 Samuel 31:11-13).
Paul fasted before he was baptized and the early church took up this practice (Acts 9:9, 17-18; Didache 7:4; see also Justin Apology of Aristides 1:61 and Tertullian De Baptismo 20).
It can accompany an announcement of a national calamity (Joel 2:15).
The Day of Atonement entailed, among other things, a regular fast (Leviticus 16:29-34).
Fasting can involve a simple diet (Daniel 10:2-3).
However, fasting can also be a time of celebration of our dependence upon a good God (Zechariah 8:19).
It is considered to be a meritorious act of piety and a regular staple of those who worship Hashem in a disciplined manner (Luke 2:37).
For fasting to be of any true worth, it must be accompanied by compassion (Isaiah 58:3-12).
Fasting should not be done to impress other people (Matthew 6:16-23).
Fasting is associated with confession of sin, prayers, worship and Bible study (Nehemiah 9:1-3).
Our Master, the Lord Jesus practiced fasting (Matthew 4:1-4).
His disciples did not fast as long as they were with Him (Mark 2:18-19).
However, they were to begin fasting once He ascended into Heaven (Mark 2:20).
Fasting is a way of demonstrating our intense need for God's help (Judges 20:26-28; Ezra 8:21).
It can accompany our intercessory prayers as a way of demonstrating our sincerity to God and our total dependence on His provision (2 Samuel 12:16).
Fasting can grant spiritual power to its practitioner, if done with the right heart. In fact, some spiritual acts can only be undertaken preceded by fasting (Mark 9:25-29).
Fasting may be practiced as a part of mourning (1 Samuel 31:11-13).
Paul fasted before he was baptized and the early church took up this practice (Acts 9:9, 17-18; Didache 7:4; see also Justin Apology of Aristides 1:61 and Tertullian De Baptismo 20).
It can accompany an announcement of a national calamity (Joel 2:15).
The Day of Atonement entailed, among other things, a regular fast (Leviticus 16:29-34).
Fasting can involve a simple diet (Daniel 10:2-3).
However, fasting can also be a time of celebration of our dependence upon a good God (Zechariah 8:19).
It is considered to be a meritorious act of piety and a regular staple of those who worship Hashem in a disciplined manner (Luke 2:37).
For fasting to be of any true worth, it must be accompanied by compassion (Isaiah 58:3-12).
Fasting should not be done to impress other people (Matthew 6:16-23).
What Is "Death to Self"?
Elohim is not interested in religiosity or ascetic practices. What He seeks first and foremost is a broken spirit. He is always attracted to broken, humbled hearts.[1]
While it is true that He considers our physical deaths valuable,[2] what he truly seeks from His disciples is an ability to take up their cross (whatever burden, affliction, talent, resource, authority or responsibility they have in this world), die to their own ambitions and sinful desires and follow Him.
Those who seek to “save” their lives, clinging to their pitiful hopes and dreams at the expense of obedience, will lose them. Those who are willing to “lose” their lives, recognizing that they don’t even really know what “good” is, will find true life.[3] Thus, in every situation, regardless of the context, the Ransomed seek to make the Lord Jesus’ authority and glory increase while they willingly step aside and allow their own to decrease.[4]
In this we imitate our Master who was willing to disregard His own desires and comfort for our sakes. Though He existed in the form of God, He did not consider His stature or position as something to be used for His own advantage. Instead, He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death--even to death on a cross.[5] Like a grain of wheat, He was willing to die and be buried so that a large, living crop could be harvested.[6]
This death - this sacrifice that our Lord took on for us - we always carry with us. It marks us, changes us and uniquely identifies us. The principle of ego-death is the very basis of the Ransomed life. We seek to reveal, to illustrate, to explain and elucidate this wonderful truth in our very lives. We make our daily lives conform to the principle of death to self so that Jesus’ life may be revealed in the daily activities of our mortal flesh.[7]
As difficult as this may be, we do not give up knowing that even though our desires, ambitions, philosophies and thought patterns are being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. The momentary light afflictions we suffer thereby, we consider to be absolutely incomparable in view of the eternal weight of glory. We do not focus on what is seen: promotions, success, materialism, personal favor, or even human relationships. Each of these is temporary. Instead we focus on the eternal and (to the world) invisible kingdom of God.[8]
We rise each morning with this thought on our mind, “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live today in the flesh, I will live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”[9]
Then we go out to face our challenges, seeking ways to exemplify love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and self-control, knowing that God’s law prohibits none but actively exhorts each of these. To do this properly means we have to crucify our passions and desires. We have to live in the power of the Spirit and follow His promptings. His sensitivity to sin means there is no room for conceit, envy or prideful provocation in this. We constantly struggle to remove all bitterness, anger and wrath, insult and slander from ourselves, along with all wickedness. Instead we practice being kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave us in Christ.[10]
Everything we used to consider valuable or important has become a loss to us because of Christ. In fact, everything else in life is expendable. If there is a decision between gaining something of this world and losing a degree of intimacy with the Master or losing something this world considers highly and gaining some knowledge of Him – there is no decision. The things of this world are just so much filth to us. We consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord.[11]
He is our righteousness, our Way, our truth and our life. To know Jesus the Son is to know Yahweh Elohim the Father.[12] There is no righteousness, no hope outside the righteousness of God which is granted on the basis of our obedient faith.
To die to self means we no longer place our trust in human religious practices. Having publicly proclaimed our desire to school ourselves to His death in baptism, we are now raised to a new lifestyle and mentality through the Holy Spirit who raised our Master from the dead.[13]
To die to self means we no longer concern ourselves over the sins that our “old man” accumulated. The wages of death that our previous sins earned are no longer held to our account because He forgave us all our trespasses.[14]
To die to self means we no longer must answer to demonic rulers and authorities. Their authority over us died the moment that we died to ourselves and were raised to the new, Ransomed, discipled life.[15]
Dying to self means we no longer stand condemned by the old quasi-ascetic judgments of human religion; religiously unclean food or drink, ceremonial festivals, new moons or Sabbath days. These things are mere shadows; insubstantial, ephemeral ghosts of the real thing – which is the Messiah.[16] Since we have died with Christ to the elemental forces of this world, we no longer live as ones who belong to the world. We no longer feel bound by its ridiculous regulations, “Don’t handle, don’t taste, don’t touch.”[17]
However, that does not mean that we live unjudged, undisciplined lives.[18] We daily put to death whatever in us is worldly: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire and greed which is the very definition of idolatry, anger, wrath, malice, slander, filthy language and dishonesty. We live honest, wholesome lives, constantly renewing our knowledge according to what we have learned of Him so that we can better conform to His image.[19]
We know this death principle is trustworthy and we count on the expectation that if we have died with Him, we will also live with Him. If we keep working these principles of death into our lives[20] without quitting, we will reign with Him.
However, to the degree that we deny Him access to our lives or worse yet deny His lordship and sovereignty in our lives to others, we will find ourselves denied on Judgment Day. However, we hold on to the hope that though we are faithless, He remains faithful for He cannot deny Himself.[21] What He has promised He will deliver.[22]
Those who place their trust in the Messiah’s saving power will one day find themselves before His throne and worship the One who lives forever and ever. Even there the death to self principle will remain. We will take our crowns, our rewards and plaudits that we have gained while in this temporary place, and will cast them at his feet. We will raise our hands and cry out “Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because You have created all things, and because of Your will they exist and were created.”
The difference will be that then we will no longer need faith for we will see Him face to face[23] – and only love will remain.[24]
[1] Psalm 51:16-17
[2] Psalm 115:16
[3] Matthew 16:24-25; John 12:25
[4] John 3:30
[5] Philippians 2:5-8
[6] John 12:23-25
[7] 2 Corinthians 4:10-12
[8] 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
[9] Galatians 2:20
[10] Galatians 5:22-26; Ephesians 4:30-32
[11] Philippians 3:7-9
[12] John 14:6
[13] Colossians 2:11-12
[14] Colossians 2:13-14
[15] Colossians 2:15
[16] Colossians 2:16-17
[17] Colossians 2:20-21
[18] 1 Peter 4:17
[19] Colossians 3:5-10
[20] Philippians 2:12
[21] 2 Timothy 2:11-13
[22] Numbers 11:23; Deuteronomy 26:19; Joshua 23:15; Psalm 89:34; 2 Peter 3:8-13
[23] Revelation 22:4
[24] 1 Corinthians 13:13
While it is true that He considers our physical deaths valuable,[2] what he truly seeks from His disciples is an ability to take up their cross (whatever burden, affliction, talent, resource, authority or responsibility they have in this world), die to their own ambitions and sinful desires and follow Him.
Those who seek to “save” their lives, clinging to their pitiful hopes and dreams at the expense of obedience, will lose them. Those who are willing to “lose” their lives, recognizing that they don’t even really know what “good” is, will find true life.[3] Thus, in every situation, regardless of the context, the Ransomed seek to make the Lord Jesus’ authority and glory increase while they willingly step aside and allow their own to decrease.[4]
In this we imitate our Master who was willing to disregard His own desires and comfort for our sakes. Though He existed in the form of God, He did not consider His stature or position as something to be used for His own advantage. Instead, He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death--even to death on a cross.[5] Like a grain of wheat, He was willing to die and be buried so that a large, living crop could be harvested.[6]
This death - this sacrifice that our Lord took on for us - we always carry with us. It marks us, changes us and uniquely identifies us. The principle of ego-death is the very basis of the Ransomed life. We seek to reveal, to illustrate, to explain and elucidate this wonderful truth in our very lives. We make our daily lives conform to the principle of death to self so that Jesus’ life may be revealed in the daily activities of our mortal flesh.[7]
As difficult as this may be, we do not give up knowing that even though our desires, ambitions, philosophies and thought patterns are being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. The momentary light afflictions we suffer thereby, we consider to be absolutely incomparable in view of the eternal weight of glory. We do not focus on what is seen: promotions, success, materialism, personal favor, or even human relationships. Each of these is temporary. Instead we focus on the eternal and (to the world) invisible kingdom of God.[8]
We rise each morning with this thought on our mind, “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live today in the flesh, I will live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”[9]
Then we go out to face our challenges, seeking ways to exemplify love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and self-control, knowing that God’s law prohibits none but actively exhorts each of these. To do this properly means we have to crucify our passions and desires. We have to live in the power of the Spirit and follow His promptings. His sensitivity to sin means there is no room for conceit, envy or prideful provocation in this. We constantly struggle to remove all bitterness, anger and wrath, insult and slander from ourselves, along with all wickedness. Instead we practice being kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave us in Christ.[10]
Everything we used to consider valuable or important has become a loss to us because of Christ. In fact, everything else in life is expendable. If there is a decision between gaining something of this world and losing a degree of intimacy with the Master or losing something this world considers highly and gaining some knowledge of Him – there is no decision. The things of this world are just so much filth to us. We consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord.[11]
He is our righteousness, our Way, our truth and our life. To know Jesus the Son is to know Yahweh Elohim the Father.[12] There is no righteousness, no hope outside the righteousness of God which is granted on the basis of our obedient faith.
To die to self means we no longer place our trust in human religious practices. Having publicly proclaimed our desire to school ourselves to His death in baptism, we are now raised to a new lifestyle and mentality through the Holy Spirit who raised our Master from the dead.[13]
To die to self means we no longer concern ourselves over the sins that our “old man” accumulated. The wages of death that our previous sins earned are no longer held to our account because He forgave us all our trespasses.[14]
To die to self means we no longer must answer to demonic rulers and authorities. Their authority over us died the moment that we died to ourselves and were raised to the new, Ransomed, discipled life.[15]
Dying to self means we no longer stand condemned by the old quasi-ascetic judgments of human religion; religiously unclean food or drink, ceremonial festivals, new moons or Sabbath days. These things are mere shadows; insubstantial, ephemeral ghosts of the real thing – which is the Messiah.[16] Since we have died with Christ to the elemental forces of this world, we no longer live as ones who belong to the world. We no longer feel bound by its ridiculous regulations, “Don’t handle, don’t taste, don’t touch.”[17]
However, that does not mean that we live unjudged, undisciplined lives.[18] We daily put to death whatever in us is worldly: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire and greed which is the very definition of idolatry, anger, wrath, malice, slander, filthy language and dishonesty. We live honest, wholesome lives, constantly renewing our knowledge according to what we have learned of Him so that we can better conform to His image.[19]
We know this death principle is trustworthy and we count on the expectation that if we have died with Him, we will also live with Him. If we keep working these principles of death into our lives[20] without quitting, we will reign with Him.
However, to the degree that we deny Him access to our lives or worse yet deny His lordship and sovereignty in our lives to others, we will find ourselves denied on Judgment Day. However, we hold on to the hope that though we are faithless, He remains faithful for He cannot deny Himself.[21] What He has promised He will deliver.[22]
Those who place their trust in the Messiah’s saving power will one day find themselves before His throne and worship the One who lives forever and ever. Even there the death to self principle will remain. We will take our crowns, our rewards and plaudits that we have gained while in this temporary place, and will cast them at his feet. We will raise our hands and cry out “Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because You have created all things, and because of Your will they exist and were created.”
The difference will be that then we will no longer need faith for we will see Him face to face[23] – and only love will remain.[24]
[1] Psalm 51:16-17
[2] Psalm 115:16
[3] Matthew 16:24-25; John 12:25
[4] John 3:30
[5] Philippians 2:5-8
[6] John 12:23-25
[7] 2 Corinthians 4:10-12
[8] 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
[9] Galatians 2:20
[10] Galatians 5:22-26; Ephesians 4:30-32
[11] Philippians 3:7-9
[12] John 14:6
[13] Colossians 2:11-12
[14] Colossians 2:13-14
[15] Colossians 2:15
[16] Colossians 2:16-17
[17] Colossians 2:20-21
[18] 1 Peter 4:17
[19] Colossians 3:5-10
[20] Philippians 2:12
[21] 2 Timothy 2:11-13
[22] Numbers 11:23; Deuteronomy 26:19; Joshua 23:15; Psalm 89:34; 2 Peter 3:8-13
[23] Revelation 22:4
[24] 1 Corinthians 13:13
Prayer
Washington's Prayer
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Prayer is speaking to God. That we, mere humans, are allowed to come into the presence of, and have an audience with, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe is a wonder that we finite creatures simply cannot fully comprehend.
Yet, that is precisely what we do through prayer. Christians have been given the right to fellowship with God through prayer. This right comes solely as result of our position in Jesus Christ:
True prayer is not petitioning God for our needs (or for our perceived needs). Prayer includes petition, but it involves much more. The Lord himself explained what true prayer should include when He taught His disciples how to pray, in what we commonly refer to as the Lord's Prayer (see Matthew 6:9-13). The Lord's Prayer was not meant to be repeated, as it so often is today, as if it were some sort of magical invocation. Rather, it was meant to convey the necessary elements for effective communication
with the Almighty. A popular acronym for remembering the necessary elements of prayer is the acronym ACTS.
A stands for adoration;
C for confession;
T for thanksgiving; and,
S for supplication.
Some cultic groups teach that we can command God through prayer. They teach that if
one has enough faith, anything asked for will have to be granted. That is not what Scripture teaches. Faith is a necessary aspect of prayer, but true faith involves trusting God and acknowledging his sovereignty. God is omniscient -- He knows what is best for His children - we will receive what we ask for provided that it is His will for us that we should receive it. God's answer may be 'yes,' or it may be 'no':
Prayer is mandatory - God requires it. It is a necessary aspect of sanctification. A
Christian who fails to pray often is not only outside of God's will, but is neglecting a most wonderful gift - the privilege of conversing one-on-one with God. True prayer will not be a burden, but rather, will be a time of spiritual refreshment.
Prayer is speaking to God. That we, mere humans, are allowed to come into the presence of, and have an audience with, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe is a wonder that we finite creatures simply cannot fully comprehend.
Yet, that is precisely what we do through prayer. Christians have been given the right to fellowship with God through prayer. This right comes solely as result of our position in Jesus Christ:
- "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).
True prayer is not petitioning God for our needs (or for our perceived needs). Prayer includes petition, but it involves much more. The Lord himself explained what true prayer should include when He taught His disciples how to pray, in what we commonly refer to as the Lord's Prayer (see Matthew 6:9-13). The Lord's Prayer was not meant to be repeated, as it so often is today, as if it were some sort of magical invocation. Rather, it was meant to convey the necessary elements for effective communication
with the Almighty. A popular acronym for remembering the necessary elements of prayer is the acronym ACTS.
A stands for adoration;
C for confession;
T for thanksgiving; and,
S for supplication.
Some cultic groups teach that we can command God through prayer. They teach that if
one has enough faith, anything asked for will have to be granted. That is not what Scripture teaches. Faith is a necessary aspect of prayer, but true faith involves trusting God and acknowledging his sovereignty. God is omniscient -- He knows what is best for His children - we will receive what we ask for provided that it is His will for us that we should receive it. God's answer may be 'yes,' or it may be 'no':
- "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of Him" (1 John 5:14).
Prayer is mandatory - God requires it. It is a necessary aspect of sanctification. A
Christian who fails to pray often is not only outside of God's will, but is neglecting a most wonderful gift - the privilege of conversing one-on-one with God. True prayer will not be a burden, but rather, will be a time of spiritual refreshment.
- "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).
Is Prayer to the Dead OK?
All Soul's night
Is prayer to saints, to Mary or for the dead an accepted practice among the Ransomed?
For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself--a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time. - 1 Timothy 2:5-6 HCSB
The verse above was written right after an exhortation to pray. Paul taught that only one person could intervene on our behalf – God the Son.
People who turn to the spirits of the dead for help are cursed, divided and on the edge of destruction.[1] The Bible is clear in stating that we should not fabricate objects upon which we focus veneration.[2] Offering sacrifices to the dead, like burning incense or candles, in order to appease them and get them to consider our requests is also forbidden.[3]
The prohibition is wide ranging in its application. Not only should we not pray to objects fashioned after something earthly, but also of things heavenly. Prayer to things “under the earth”, a phrase used to indicate the dead, is also forbidden. Yet people routinely carry emblems, kneel before statues or icons and hang statuettes of dead people in their cars.
The sin lies not only with the use of occult mediums and fortune tellers. Generally any form of “inquiring of the dead” is wrong.[4] Similarly Isaiah proscribes consulting the dead on behalf of the living even if the activity is separate from overtly occult activity.[5]
Praying to dead people, asking them to intervene on our behalf, is divination whether it is identified correctly as an occult practice or is cloaked with “Christian” terms. It does not make a difference. Divination, regardless of its trappings, remains sinful.
We are clearly told that we are not to practice any form of divination[6] or turn to anyone who does pray to or call on the dead.[7] God says that anyone who does has spiritually prostituted himself and is cut off from any intimacy with God and the Ransomed.[8]
In fact, praying to the dead is so serious a sin that it was considered a capital crime under the Old Covenant![9] Obviously, because of the principle of “dina d’malchuta dina” (literally “the law of the land is law.”), the elders of our church do not advocate capital punishment for this sin. We are told to “render to Caesar what is due Caesar” and to “honor the magistrate.” In this society in which we temporarily reside, it is against the law to stone those who pray to or consult the dead. Therefore dina d’malchuta dina applies. However, the seriousness of this sin remains clear.
King Saul, in attempting to pacify the Lord, tried to remove all those who consulted the dead from his kingdom, something he should have enacted from the beginning of his reign.[10] However, in his desperation at not hearing from the Lord, he went to the witch of Endor and contravened his own law. He tried to address the spirit of Samuel, a righteous man who would be considered a saint. As a result, he had his kingdom removed.[11]
Jesus loved us enough to die for us while we were yet sinners. Surely there is no need to seek any human help (whether living or dead) in approaching Him? Let God’s children approach His throne of grace boldly confident of their Father’s reception. [12] There is only one mediator between God and man – the man Christ Jesus.
[1] Isaiah 19:1-3
[2] Exodus 20:4-6
[3] Psalm 106:28-29
[4] Deuteronomy 18:9-14
[5] Isaiah 8:19
[6] Leviticus 19:26
[7] Leviticus 19:31
[8] Leviticus 20:6
[9] Leviticus 20:27
[10] 1 Samuel 28:3
[11] 1 Samuel 28:6-11; 16-17
[12] Hebrews 4:12
For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself--a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time. - 1 Timothy 2:5-6 HCSB
The verse above was written right after an exhortation to pray. Paul taught that only one person could intervene on our behalf – God the Son.
People who turn to the spirits of the dead for help are cursed, divided and on the edge of destruction.[1] The Bible is clear in stating that we should not fabricate objects upon which we focus veneration.[2] Offering sacrifices to the dead, like burning incense or candles, in order to appease them and get them to consider our requests is also forbidden.[3]
The prohibition is wide ranging in its application. Not only should we not pray to objects fashioned after something earthly, but also of things heavenly. Prayer to things “under the earth”, a phrase used to indicate the dead, is also forbidden. Yet people routinely carry emblems, kneel before statues or icons and hang statuettes of dead people in their cars.
The sin lies not only with the use of occult mediums and fortune tellers. Generally any form of “inquiring of the dead” is wrong.[4] Similarly Isaiah proscribes consulting the dead on behalf of the living even if the activity is separate from overtly occult activity.[5]
Praying to dead people, asking them to intervene on our behalf, is divination whether it is identified correctly as an occult practice or is cloaked with “Christian” terms. It does not make a difference. Divination, regardless of its trappings, remains sinful.
We are clearly told that we are not to practice any form of divination[6] or turn to anyone who does pray to or call on the dead.[7] God says that anyone who does has spiritually prostituted himself and is cut off from any intimacy with God and the Ransomed.[8]
In fact, praying to the dead is so serious a sin that it was considered a capital crime under the Old Covenant![9] Obviously, because of the principle of “dina d’malchuta dina” (literally “the law of the land is law.”), the elders of our church do not advocate capital punishment for this sin. We are told to “render to Caesar what is due Caesar” and to “honor the magistrate.” In this society in which we temporarily reside, it is against the law to stone those who pray to or consult the dead. Therefore dina d’malchuta dina applies. However, the seriousness of this sin remains clear.
King Saul, in attempting to pacify the Lord, tried to remove all those who consulted the dead from his kingdom, something he should have enacted from the beginning of his reign.[10] However, in his desperation at not hearing from the Lord, he went to the witch of Endor and contravened his own law. He tried to address the spirit of Samuel, a righteous man who would be considered a saint. As a result, he had his kingdom removed.[11]
Jesus loved us enough to die for us while we were yet sinners. Surely there is no need to seek any human help (whether living or dead) in approaching Him? Let God’s children approach His throne of grace boldly confident of their Father’s reception. [12] There is only one mediator between God and man – the man Christ Jesus.
[1] Isaiah 19:1-3
[2] Exodus 20:4-6
[3] Psalm 106:28-29
[4] Deuteronomy 18:9-14
[5] Isaiah 8:19
[6] Leviticus 19:26
[7] Leviticus 19:31
[8] Leviticus 20:6
[9] Leviticus 20:27
[10] 1 Samuel 28:3
[11] 1 Samuel 28:6-11; 16-17
[12] Hebrews 4:12
What Are Imprecatory Prayers?
What are imprecatory prayers? What role do curses play in the believer’s life? May we pray curses? Can a Christian be a victim of a curse?
An imprecatory prayer is when prayer is used to invoke a curse. David repeatedly did this.
Many people avoid these Psalms. Some even believe that they are not inspired by God because it does not fit their view of a kind and loving God. However, let’s review shall we? Is this not the God who drowned humanity because they displeased Him?
Is He not the one who confounded the languages of mankind and spread confusion among them when they went against His will and tried to keep from scattering? How many wars have been fought since due to differences of language, culture and race?
Is the Holy Spirit not the One who said:
Many cultural Christians believe that David’s imprecatory prayers run contrary to the Master’s teachings. They take Jesus’ words in His teaching on the treatment of enemies to mean that we can never say a cross word to them or oppose them.
In their view the only option Christians have is to smile sadly and say “God bless you.” However, Jesus Himself had the following to say to HIS enemies:
We need to be careful that the god we are worshipping is not one of our own making. We must take the Lord God on His own terms. Not glorifying Him as He is will lead to some pretty foolish thinking.
Our God’s name is Nathan N’Qamah. He is our Avenger. When we cannot personally or directly act against our enemies, Who better to turn to for justice?
He is our God, our King, our Heavenly Father, our Shepherd. What God doesn’t intervene on His worshippers’ behalf? What King does not defend His people? What Father doesn’t avenge His children? What Shepherd does not kill wolves? This aspect of d’vekut is part and parcel of our covenantal relationship with Kadosh Yisra’el (the Holy One of Israel).
This is why He is called El G’mulah (God of Retribution/Reward). You cannot have a God who rewards the just without also having Him punish the wicked!
God is a holy God and His holiness necessitates judgment of sin. He hates injustice and has repeatedly stated that He will work against those who practice it. When we pray imprecatory prayers against the wicked we are basically joining what Hashem is already doing and saying in essence “sic ‘em God!”
We can do this knowing that Yahweh Mishpat (God of Justice) will never do anything wrong. We may ask but it is His prerogative to act as He wishes.
Can the righteous be cursed? Wicked Balak son of Zippor asked the pagan prophet Balaam to put a curse on our people. However, because it was not within Hashem’s will, the attempt was repeatedly thwarted.
“Greater is He” that is in us than the one who is in the world, the Apostle John proclaimed.
The One in us is the Holy Spirit for we are the Spirit’s temple. The one who is in the world is the devil. With the Spirit installed in our heart’s throne room, we need fear no one.
My advice is to fear the Lord. Fear Him and you need fear no one else.
An imprecatory prayer is when prayer is used to invoke a curse. David repeatedly did this.
- Psalms 5:10 HCSB Punish them, God; let them fall by their own schemes. Drive them out because of their many crimes, for they rebel against You.
- Psalms 11:5-7 HCSB The LORD examines the righteous and the wicked. He hates the lover of violence. (6) He will rain burning coals and sulfur on the wicked; a scorching wind will be their portion. (7) For the LORD is righteous; He loves righteous deeds. The upright will see His face.
- Psalms 17:13 HCSB Rise up, LORD! Confront him; bring him down. With Your sword, save me from the wicked.
- Psalms 35:1-8 HCSB Davidic. Oppose my opponents, LORD; fight those who fight me. (2) Take Your shields--large and small--and come to my aid. (3) Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers, and assure me: "I am your deliverance." (4) Let those who seek to kill me be disgraced and humiliated; let those who plan to harm me be turned back and ashamed. (5) Let them be like husks in the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away. (6) Let their way be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them. (7) They hid their net for me without cause; they dug a pit for me without cause. (8) Let ruin come on him unexpectedly, and let the net that he hid ensnare him; let him fall into it--to his ruin.
- Psalms 35:26-27 HCSB Let those who rejoice at my misfortune be disgraced and humiliated; let those who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and reproach. (27) Let those who want my vindication shout for joy and be glad; let them continually say, "The LORD be exalted, who wants His servant's well-being."
- Psalms 55:9-15 HCSB Lord, confuse and confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city; (10) day and night they make the rounds on its walls. Crime and trouble are within it; (11) destruction is inside it; oppression and deceit never leave its marketplace. (12) Now, it is not an enemy who insults me--otherwise I could bear it; it is not a foe who rises up against me--otherwise I could hide from him. (13) But it is you, a man who is my peer, my companion and good friend! (14) We used to have close fellowship; we walked with the crowd into the house of God. (15) Let death take them by surprise; let them go down to Sheol alive, because evil is in their homes and within them.
- Psalms 59:10-13 HCSB My faithful God will come to meet me; God will let me look down on my adversaries. (11) Do not kill them; otherwise, my people will forget. By Your power, make them homeless wanderers and bring them down, Lord, our shield. (12) The sin of their mouths is the word of their lips, so let them be caught in their pride. They utter curses and lies. (13) Consume them in rage; consume them until they are gone. Then they will know to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. Selah
- Psalms 69:22-28 HCSB Let their table set before them be a snare, and let it be a trap for their allies. (23) Let their eyes grow too dim to see, and let their loins continually shake. (24) Pour out Your rage on them, and let Your burning anger overtake them. (25) Make their fortification desolate; may no one live in their tents. (26) For they persecute the one You struck and talk about the pain of those You wounded. (27) Add guilt to their guilt; do not let them share in Your righteousness. (28) Let them be erased from the book of life and not be recorded with the righteous.
- Psalms 109:6-15 HCSB Set a wicked person over him; let an accuser stand at his right hand. (7) When he is judged, let him be found guilty, and let his prayer be counted as sin. (8) Let his days be few; let another take over his position. (9) Let his children be fatherless and his wife a widow. (10) Let his children wander as beggars, searching for food far from their demolished homes. (11) Let a creditor seize all he has; let strangers plunder what he has worked for. (12) Let no one show him kindness, and let no one be gracious to his fatherless children. (13) Let the line of his descendants be cut off; let their name be blotted out in the next generation. (14) Let his forefathers' guilt be remembered before the LORD, and do not let his mother's sin be blotted out. (15) Let their sins always remain before the LORD, and let Him cut off all memory of them from the earth.
- Psalms 137:7-9 HCSB Remember, LORD, what the Edomites said that day at Jerusalem: "Destroy it! Destroy it down to its foundations!" (8) Daughter Babylon, doomed to destruction, happy is the one who pays you back what you have done to us. (9) Happy is he who takes your little ones and dashes them against the rocks.
- Psalms 140:8-11 HCSB LORD, do not grant the desires of the wicked; do not let them achieve their goals. Otherwise, they will become proud. Selah (9) As for the heads of those who surround me, let the trouble their lips cause overwhelm them. (10) Let hot coals fall on them. Let them be thrown into the fire, into the abyss, never again to rise. (11) Do not let a slanderer stay in the land. Let evil relentlessly hunt down a violent man.
Many people avoid these Psalms. Some even believe that they are not inspired by God because it does not fit their view of a kind and loving God. However, let’s review shall we? Is this not the God who drowned humanity because they displeased Him?
- Genesis 6:5-7 HCSB When the LORD saw that man's wickedness was widespread on the earth and that every scheme his mind thought of was nothing but evil all the time, (6) the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. (7) Then the LORD said, "I will wipe off the face of the earth: man, whom I created, together with the animals, creatures that crawl, and birds of the sky--for I regret that I made them."
Is He not the one who confounded the languages of mankind and spread confusion among them when they went against His will and tried to keep from scattering? How many wars have been fought since due to differences of language, culture and race?
- Genesis 9:1 HCSB God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.
- Genesis 11:4 HCSB And they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the sky. Let us make a name for ourselves; otherwise, we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth."
- Genesis 11:7-8 HCSB Come, let Us go down there and confuse their language so that they will not understand one another's speech." (8) So the LORD scattered them from there over the face of the whole earth, and they stopped building the city.
Is the Holy Spirit not the One who said:
- Proverbs 1:24-32 HCSB Since I called out and you refused, extended my hand and no one paid attention, (25) since you neglected all my counsel and did not accept my correction, (26) I, in turn, will laugh at your calamity. I will mock when terror strikes you, (27) when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when trouble and stress overcome you. (28) Then they will call me, but I won't answer; they will search for me, but won't find me. (29) Because they hated knowledge, didn't choose to fear the LORD, (30) were not interested in my counsel, and rejected all my correction, (31) they will eat the fruit of their way and be glutted with their own schemes. (32) For the waywardness of the inexperienced will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them.
Many cultural Christians believe that David’s imprecatory prayers run contrary to the Master’s teachings. They take Jesus’ words in His teaching on the treatment of enemies to mean that we can never say a cross word to them or oppose them.
- Matthew 5:43-44 HCSB "You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. (44) But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
In their view the only option Christians have is to smile sadly and say “God bless you.” However, Jesus Himself had the following to say to HIS enemies:
- Matthew 23:13-19 HCSB "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You lock up the kingdom of heaven from people. For you don't go in, and you don't allow those entering to go in. (14) ["Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You devour widows' houses and make long prayers just for show. This is why you will receive a harsher punishment.] (15) "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to make one proselyte, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as fit for hell as you are! (16) "Woe to you, blind guides, who say, 'Whoever takes an oath by the sanctuary, it means nothing. But whoever takes an oath by the gold of the sanctuary is bound by his oath.' (17) Blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the sanctuary that sanctified the gold? (18) Also, 'Whoever takes an oath by the altar, it means nothing. But whoever takes an oath by the gift that is on it is bound by his oath.' (19) Blind people! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift?
- Matthew 23:23-33 HCSB "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay a tenth of mint, dill, and cumin, yet you have neglected the more important matters of the law--justice, mercy, and faith. These things should have been done without neglecting the others. (24) Blind guides! You strain out a gnat, yet gulp down a camel! (25) "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence! (26) Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so the outside of it may also become clean. (27) "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men's bones and every impurity. (28) In the same way, on the outside you seem righteous to people, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. (29) "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, (30) and you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we wouldn't have taken part with them in shedding the prophets' blood.' (31) You therefore testify against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. (32) Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers' sins! (33) "Snakes! Brood of vipers! How can you escape being condemned to hell?
We need to be careful that the god we are worshipping is not one of our own making. We must take the Lord God on His own terms. Not glorifying Him as He is will lead to some pretty foolish thinking.
- Romans 1:21 HCSB For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened.
Our God’s name is Nathan N’Qamah. He is our Avenger. When we cannot personally or directly act against our enemies, Who better to turn to for justice?
- Deuteronomy 32:35-36 HCSB (35) Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay. In time their foot will slip, for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly." (36) The LORD will indeed vindicate His people and have compassion on His servants when He sees that their strength is gone and no one is left--slave or free.
- Deuteronomy 32:39-43 HCSB (39) See now that I alone am He; there is no God but Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal. No one can rescue anyone from My hand. (40) I raise My hand to heaven and declare: As surely as I live forever, (41) when I sharpen My flashing sword, and My hand takes hold of judgment, I will take vengeance on My adversaries and repay those who hate Me. (42) I will make My arrows drunk with blood while My sword devours flesh--the blood of the slain and the captives, the heads of the enemy leaders." (43) Rejoice, you nations, over His people, for He will avenge the blood of His servants. He will take vengeance on His adversaries; He will purify His land and His people.
- Psalms 18:47 HCSB God--He gives me vengeance and subdues peoples under me.
- Psalms 94:1 HCSB LORD, God of vengeance--God of vengeance, appear.
- Romans 12:19 HCSB Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8 HCSB since it is righteous for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, (7) and to reward with rest you who are afflicted, along with us. This will take place at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with His powerful angels, (8) taking vengeance with flaming fire on those who don't know God and on those who don't obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
- Hebrews 10:30 HCSB For we know the One who has said, Vengeance belongs to Me, I will repay, and again, The Lord will judge His people.
He is our God, our King, our Heavenly Father, our Shepherd. What God doesn’t intervene on His worshippers’ behalf? What King does not defend His people? What Father doesn’t avenge His children? What Shepherd does not kill wolves? This aspect of d’vekut is part and parcel of our covenantal relationship with Kadosh Yisra’el (the Holy One of Israel).
- Psalms 5:2 HCSB Pay attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for I pray to You.
- Psalms 59:10 HCSB My faithful God will come to meet me; God will let me look down on my adversaries.
This is why He is called El G’mulah (God of Retribution/Reward). You cannot have a God who rewards the just without also having Him punish the wicked!
- Isaiah 59:18 HCSB Thus He will repay according to their deeds: fury to His enemies, retribution to His foes, and He will repay the coastlands.
- Jeremiah 51:56 HCSB for a destroyer is coming against her, against Babylon. Her warriors will be captured, their bows shattered, for the LORD is a God of retribution; He will certainly repay.
- Romans 2:6-11 HCSB He will repay each one according to his works: (7) eternal life to those who by patiently doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; (8) but wrath and indignation to those who are self-seeking and disobey the truth, but are obeying unrighteousness; (9) affliction and distress for every human being who does evil, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek; (10) but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. (11) There is no favoritism with God.
God is a holy God and His holiness necessitates judgment of sin. He hates injustice and has repeatedly stated that He will work against those who practice it. When we pray imprecatory prayers against the wicked we are basically joining what Hashem is already doing and saying in essence “sic ‘em God!”
- Psalms 5:6 HCSB You destroy those who tell lies; the LORD abhors a man of bloodshed and treachery.
- Psalms 11:5-7 HCSB The LORD examines the righteous and the wicked. He hates the lover of violence. (6) He will rain burning coals and sulfur on the wicked; a scorching wind will be their portion. (7) For the LORD is righteous; He loves righteous deeds. The upright will see His face.
We can do this knowing that Yahweh Mishpat (God of Justice) will never do anything wrong. We may ask but it is His prerogative to act as He wishes.
- John 14:13-15 HCSB Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (14) If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. (15) "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
- James 4:3 HCSB You ask and don't receive because you ask wrongly, so that you may spend it on your desires for pleasure.
- John 15:7 HCSB If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you.
- 1 John 5:14 HCSB Now this is the confidence we have before Him: whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
Can the righteous be cursed? Wicked Balak son of Zippor asked the pagan prophet Balaam to put a curse on our people. However, because it was not within Hashem’s will, the attempt was repeatedly thwarted.
- Numbers 22:6 HCSB Please come and put a curse on these people for me because they are more powerful than I am. I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know that those you bless are blessed and those you curse are cursed."
“Greater is He” that is in us than the one who is in the world, the Apostle John proclaimed.
- 1 John 4:4 HCSB You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
The One in us is the Holy Spirit for we are the Spirit’s temple. The one who is in the world is the devil. With the Spirit installed in our heart’s throne room, we need fear no one.
- Romans 8:14-16 HCSB All those led by God's Spirit are God's sons. (15) For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father!" (16) The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God's children,
- Matthew 10:28 HCSB Don't fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
- Luke 12:4-5 HCSB "And I say to you, My friends, don't fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more. (5) But I will show you the One to fear: Fear Him who has authority to throw people into hell after death. Yes, I say to you, this is the One to fear!
My advice is to fear the Lord. Fear Him and you need fear no one else.
