The Power of Mockery

Perhaps one of the most demeaning aspects of the life of Jesus was the mockery He endured during His trial and crucifixion.

Pilate asked Jesus if He was a king and Jesus said that His kingdom was not of this world. After that, Pilate referred to Jesus as the king of the Jews. In doing so, he mocked the Jews who accused Jesus, but he also mocked Jesus.

Before being crucified Jesus was scourged (whipped) like a criminal. The Roman soldiers dressed Him in purple as if He were a king: mockery. They twisted a crown of thorns and put it on Him: mockery. They called to Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Mockery. They beat His head with a stick, spit on Him, and were bowed before Him: mockery.

The Jews were no different. As Jesus was displayed on the cross to passer-byers (mockery), the religious leaders of the Jews said, “He saved others; He cannot save himself.” Mockery. Those passing by wagged their head at Him and sneered: mockery. Some were saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” Mockery.

Even the two criminals who were crucified with Jesus insulted him: mockery.

It is my opinion that no one reading this has been mocked like Jesus. And yet, all mockery is the same, perhaps just different in severity.

A little child would say that he/she was made fun of. Mockery is ridicule that insults and shows contempt toward another person. People may mock ideas or ideals that are held by others. Mockery is usually a verbal expression that sharply puts someone down or devalues something held to be true. Mockery may also be non-verbal.

A young man tells his girlfriend, “If you love me you will….” Then he tries to coax her into compromising her sexual purity. He is mocking love and mocking his girlfriend for his own pleasure.

A friend group pressures a reluctant teen to shoplift as an initiation into the group. They mock the law and they mock the teen for his reluctance.

A young lady is left out of future outings with friends when she insists on abiding by her parents’ curfew. Her friends mock her obedience and, in doing so, also mock God’s word that instructs children to honor their parents.

A person declares, “You have your interpretation of the Bible; I have mine.” He mocks the existence of knowable truth.

A college student scoffs at the biblical account of creation claiming a conflict with science. She mocks genuine scientific inquiry and, at the same time, the divine revelation of God.

Mockery may be experienced through an accusation on social media or ridicule for something you did or said that offended someone. Your boss may take advantage of your Christian values and in doing so, mock you and Christianity.

Solomon said that there is a time to answer mockery and a time to remain silent. (See Proverbs 26:4-5.) We need discernment.

Jesus answered mockery by fulfilling His earthly mission. He was then enthroned as King of the kingdom of God!

The power of mockery lies in those who listen, who give mockery relevance. Some believe they must defend the truth. Yet, in reality, truth defends itself and in doing so mocks the mocker.

Do not fear powerless mockery. 

God is your Judge, and He is your Father.

Fulfill your purpose.

Mark Stinnett

December 22, 2024

Psalm 23: Why Keep Sheep?

When we read about the offering of lambs in the Old Testament, we probably do not think much about shepherds. We usually focus on some aspect of sacrifice and make connections to Jesus or to Christians. On the other hand, when we consider passages about shepherds and shepherding, we probably do not think much about altars and sacrifices. We tend to focus on the vulnerability of sheep and the role of the shepherd as it applies to our relationship with God. All of this is fine. It accords with scripture.

Isn’t it amazing that the shepherd knows his sheep, each one? That close relationship demands careful attention on the part of the shepherd.

The shepherd spends time with his sheep providing care and assistance. He recognizes and wards off potential trouble before it can become a serious threat. He spends his time away from the sheep in search of good pasture and clean water.

When a sheep wanders off, the shepherd leaves the flock to search for the lost sheep. The good shepherd cares deeply for his sheep. So...

Why Keep Sheep?

Have you ever thought about the connection between the shepherd and the sacrifice?

It would be easier if we simply considered the shepherd as a dealer in wool. Every season he would shear his sheep and sell the wool in order to make a living. However, this would leave an incomplete picture.

A shepherd eats his sheep. He also takes the best of his sheep to offer as a sacrifice to God. During the time of Jesus some shepherds would sell some of their sheep to provide Passover lambs for travelers who could not supply their own.

A cow is sold or slaughtered. It has value, but it is a cow. A sheep is sold or slaughtered or sacrificed but it has a name and is known by its shepherd. So...

Why keep sheep?

When Jesus was baptized by John, the Spirit of God visibly descended and remained on Him. It was a sign from God: The one on whom the Spirit descends and remains; this one is the Son of God. (John 1:29-33) God then announced Jesus as His Son, in whom He was well-pleased. (Matthew 3:17)

The next day John was with two of his disciples and he saw Jesus and said, “Look! The Lamb of God!” (John 1:34-35) “Lamb of God” is not a title or a name. It indicates a relationship. Jesus was the lamb that belonged to God; God’s lamb.

Not only was God the Shepherd for King David but also for Jesus of Nazareth.

There was a year in history that was different from all other years. That year, at the Jewish Passover, a most unique sacrifice was offered: The only Lamb of the Great Shepherd. God took his Lamb in whom He was so pleased, and He presented His Lamb as a sacrifice, not for His guilt, but for the sins of the world. His Lamb was not a dumb wooly animal, but His own Son who was devoted to the will of the Father. His Lamb did not go to the ‘altar of sacrifice’ (the cross) unwillingly, but yielded Himself to the Great Shepherd. In that way the Great Shepherd offered His only Lamb as the perfect and supreme sacrifice for all mankind for all ages.

It is amazing to think that The Shepherd is still in the sheep business. But that was the real reason for His sacrifice. He sacrificed His beloved Lamb for all those who were lost. The Great Shepherd loved the sheep in such a way that He gave up His one precious Lamb to go in search of the ninety-nine who were lost.

For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

Mark Stinnett

December 8, 2024

Psalm 23: Now...and Forever...

My cup overflows. 

Surely goodness and lovingkindness 

   will follow me all the days of my life, 

And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. 

—Psalm 23:5-6

The shepherd David viewed himself as a sheep in the care of the Great Shepherd. After considering all the care, provision, and protection of the Great Shepherd he could draw only one conclusion: My cup overflows.

While the word “cup” is often used in scripture to indicate trials, it is used here to describe bountiful blessings given by God. His cup was not merely filled with enough, his cup was not merely full to the brim, his cup overflowed, being unable to contain all the blessings being poured out by the Great Shepherd. Such was the condition of this sheep...for now.

The final verse in this beautiful psalm completes the picture by looking forward, even to eternity.

The word ‘follow’ more often describes the action of ‘falling in behind someone in order to go where they lead.’ Sheep follow their shepherd. However, in this verse it is not the sheep that is following. The sheep is being followed, or more accurately according to the Hebrew, it is being pursued.

Generally, this term was used in the Psalms to describe the enemies of David as they pursued him. If you were to tell a shepherd that something or someone was in pursuit of his sheep, he would automatically think of the natural enemies of sheep: wolves, mountain lions, etc.

The greater danger was that the pursuit was continual. The enemy of the sheep would not give up until its hunger was satisfied.

An amazing contrast is seen in the life of the sheep in the flock of the Great Shepherd. The Psalmist describes a pursuit, but not by an enemy. Instead, the sheep of the Great Shepherd are chased by goodness and lovingkindness. These two are in hot pursuit and will not give up until their hunger is satisfied. The scene in our minds is almost comical as we picture the embodiment of goodness in hot pursuit continually overflowing the cup of the sheep.

Lovingkindness describes the love of God that motivated Him to make covenant promises to Abraham. At the same time it is the guarantee that He will never break His promises. It is a steadfast love on which the sheep knows it can rely. And this love is in pursuit of the sheep!

As if that is not enough, the final statement conveys a scene that transcends anything our minds can comprehend. Words like infinite, endless, eternal, everlasting, and forever are easily used, yet we cannot possibly understand beyond a trite acceptance of dictionary definitions. How can we truly understand endlessness!?

We can begin counting until we exhaust our language of words to name the next number. Yet the next number exists even if we cannot name it; it is one value beyond the last and there is always another. Eventually, we must simply turn our attention elsewhere because the finality of endlessness does not exist. Perhaps as we consider this thought we would do well to leave off the period at the end of the psalm.

It is within this framework of endlessness that David describes his life in the presence of God. He will not live in a physical structure such as the earthly tabernacle or temple where God’s presence was seen on earth. Rather, he will go to have permanent residence in the true house of God…without end...eternal rest...eyes open...

  And I will dwell in the house of the Lord...

 

 

Mark Stinnett

December 1, 2024

Psalm 23: The Shepherd Protects

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.

—Psalms 23:5

What does a ‘prepared table’ bring to mind?

You probably did not imagine a picnic with a blanket on the ground or a hot dog and drink at a ball game. Whether it is a formal or informal occasion, a ‘prepared table’ is one that has been properly set for a planned meal.

To keep this passage in context, the writer is a shepherd yet reflecting on himself as a sheep under the care of the Great Shepherd, God. So, how does a shepherd prepare a ‘table’ for his sheep?

Ancient shepherds would lead their flock to good pastureland. In late summer the pastureland might be in the high mountain elevations. This land was known as tableland, or in our culture, mesas. (Our English word ‘mesa’ is borrowed from the Spanish language; it means ‘table.’)

Before leading his sheep to the tableland, a shepherd would make a trip alone to survey the land. He would determine where the sheep would graze and for how long. He would note water sources and plan grazing patterns accordingly.

He would not simply look over the land from a distance but would walk through the tableland. He would search out poisonous plants and eliminate them. He would also take note of areas where predators would most likely hide. Then, just before leading his sheep to the tableland, he would return to clean leaves and brush from the water source to ensure clean and accessible water.

Because of his careful planning and diligent preparation, his sheep would find safe pasture.

Our Shepherd has already gone before us and has prepared the way. Our enemy, Satan, is ever present waiting for an opportunity when we are weak or wandering. Yet, as long as we remain close to the Shepherd, we will have comfort and bountiful blessings, in spite of the presence of our enemy.

During summertime sheep would often be pestered by flying insects. One particular kind of fly would attempt to lay eggs in the moist mucus around the nose. The hatched larvae could infest the nasal passages of a sheep causing misery. For relief sheep would beat their heads against trees or rocks and rub them in the soil. Left untreated, the larvae could cause blindness in sheep.

The solution: The shepherd would mix a salve to place on the head of the sheep. Or, as the Psalmist wrote: “You have anointed my head with oil.”

Sheep were also treated with oil, even dipped in oil, for a disease called scab. It was caused by a microscopic parasite and was highly contagious. Once contracted it could devastate an entire flock.

How does our Great Shepherd “anoint our heads with oil”? Most likely it is through the Holy Spirit. In baptism we are promised the ‘gift of the Holy Spirit’ in addition to our cleansing from sin. God’s word was delivered through the Spirit. The Spirit also intercedes for us in our prayers. He undoubtedly assists us in ways unknown to us.

As long as we accept his “anointing” we will be free of the parasite of sin and evil. Yet, we are often like a sheep that twists its head refusing the oil. When we refuse the guidance and correction of God’s word or when we refuse to submit to God’s instruction, we have refused his Spirit.

We will find contentment at the feast God provides, but only if we submit completely to God and to His word allowing his Spirit to work in us.

Anything less rejects the Great Shepherd’s protection and is sure to grieve the Spirit of God.

Mark Stinnett

November 24, 2024

Psalm 23: No Fear

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

--Psalm 23:4

Fear is a powerful motivator often generating a ‘fight or flight’ response. However, there can be such terrible fear that a person is paralyzed. We might call that kind of fear, dread.

Fear drains the emotions, fatigues the mind, crushes the will, and even saps energy from the body. Unpredictable reactions and poor choices are common.

In the 23rd Psalm David described yet another response to fear, but not to fear in general, the fear of evil. The poor economy might shake us up as it threatens our vacation plans, career, or retirement. Health issues can certainly cause fear. We might feel pressures in our home life or at work and, as a result, fear the potential negative results. But evil? Ha! Why fear evil?

In general, people do not seem to fear evil, perhaps out of arrogant confidence, but probably more out of ignorance. We are more like a small child in a canoe idly drifting toward a waterfall not comprehending its devastating power. We prefer not to think about evil and its power in our lives.

Satan does not pound at our door announcing himself and his evil intentions. He is subtle and quiet as he offers enticements difficult for us to refuse. If we would simply reflect on our past, we would acknowledge how sin and evil have had control over us. We should fear evil, and yet….

David wrote, “I fear no evil.” He must have known the terror of evil and its incredible strength. Yet, he had no fear because he took comfort in someone who was stronger and able to provide protection from evil, someone able to provide safety.

The shepherd’s rod was a tool used against predators, but it was also used to discipline sheep. The rod represents God’s protection of his sheep from the evil one.

The Apostle Paul wrote that God would not allow anyone to be tempted beyond what he was able to endure. That tells us that temptations do exist that God knows will certainly overpower us. So, He will not allow those temptations.

Paul also wrote that God would provide a way of escape for the temptations He does allow. So, when there are appealing enticements, we can know that God is confident that we can overcome the temptation. He will provide a way of escape so that we can endure the trial.

The Hebrew writer encouraged Christians to have a good attitude regarding the discipline of God. Though discipline is not pleasant, it is for our good. The purpose of discipline is always to restore. Our Great Shepherd uses the rod of discipline to protect us and restore us.

The staff uniquely identifies a shepherd and is used to lead and work the sheep. The staff is virtually an extension of the shepherd’s arm. He uses it to gently pick up lambs and place them with their mother, to nudge sheep before they can wander off, and even to make simple contact with a sheep. In the latter case it is not unlike a father walking side-by-side with his child. The simple touch conveys safety and acceptance.

The rod and staff together represent the Great Shepherd’s contact with his sheep. Whether through a painful lesson learned with the rod of discipline or the gentle reminder of his presence with his staff, our Shepherd is ever near, protecting, guiding, training, leading, and comforting His sheep in the face of danger. With God as our shepherd, there is no reason to fear evil. We can awaken each day with confidence as he leads us in safety to our spiritual home.

Mark Stinnett

November 17, 2024

Psalm 23: Restoration and Righteousness

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul;

He guides me in the paths of righteousness 

For His name's sake.

There is a sweet and refreshing sound to the idea of restoration. When friends drift apart or experience friction in their relationship, how wonderful the occasion is when the relationship is restored.

Two college friends are reacquainted after 20 years. There is a warm embrace and the reminiscence of old times. They share stories of family, career, old friends and new, twenty years of life. They are each thrilled to share past accomplishments but also the sorrow and pain of life’s trials. They laugh ‘til they cry as one remembers her own childish immaturity or an almost forgotten embarrassment. Compelled only by time or circumstances, they part company with a heavy sigh...and they both agree, “We can’t let another twenty years pass! We must stay in touch.”

This last statement illustrates the restoration is a new beginning. Realizing this same truth, David begged God to assist him beyond the beginning of the restoration of his soul:

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

And sustain me with a willing spirit. 

--Psalm 51

David realized that a clean heart was only the beginning, so also, restored salvation. He needed something that would sustain him beyond the initial cleansing. He needed continued assistance.

The shepherd-king affirms one way in which God assures assistance beyond restoration. In the 23rd Psalm David wrote:

He guides me in the paths of righteousness.

The Great Shepherd understands the human dilemma. He understands that a one-time cleansing is insufficient. So, he leads us on a path that will keep our relationship with him pure.

From the beginning of time, it was God’s intent that mankind walk in righteousness. In simple terms, righteousness is doing what is right. Yet it is a reflection of the very character of God. That is to say that God is, in Himself, altogether righteous. As a part of His divine nature God does not ponder over the meaning of righteousness. He does not try to be righteous. By his own character He is the essence of righteousness.

For God to expect or demand righteousness on the part of man is nothing less than a call for us to be like Him. As the Great Shepherd leads us in the paths of righteousness, He is leading us in such a way that we will mature according to His character. Ultimately, we will, by nature, do that which is good and right, fulfilling the goal of restoration.

He does this for His name’s sake. The simple idea is this: If God did not restore souls, and if God did not lead us in paths of righteousness, then the accusation could be made that He did not care for His sheep. Yet that contradicts His nature of love.

For His name’s sake indicates that His actions have truly preserved His name and His character. He is right in showing mercy and grace, because He is the very essence and definition of love.

People may ponder or wonder about the wrath of God, eternal punishment, and the existence of hell. But no one can possibly doubt God’s compassion and love. He has demonstrated these qualities in His divine character, when...

He restores my soul;

He guides me in the paths of righteousness.

For His name’s sake.

Mark Stinnett

November 10, 2024

Psalm 23: The Shepherd Restores

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul…

--Psalm 23:1-3

Sheep can wander off from the flock and sustain injury or become easy prey. Another frequent danger for sheep is becoming cast down. A sheep is cast down, or cast, when it lies down to rest and shifts its weight so that it rolls slightly, drawing its feet off the ground. When a sheep realizes this predicament it will panic by working its legs and body in an effort to stand up. If help does not come in time, the sheep will die.

A shepherd is well aware of the dangers of cast sheep and wandering sheep. He constantly looks for signs of trouble. He will look to the sky for signs of circling buzzards whose eyes are also looking for signs...of dinner. The shepherd will frequently count his sheep to insure that none are missing. If there are signs of predators or a missing sheep, the shepherd will immediately go in search of the helpless sheep in order to restore it to the flock under his watchful eye.

There is an interesting human parallel to the sheep that is cast down. The human dilemma is that of being ‘downcast.’ An individual can be going along life’s way only to fall into desperate circumstances: job loss, family troubles, financial stress, frustration with fellow Christians, problems at work, health issues, death of a loved one, etc. These can bring about a loss of self worth, increased anxiety, a sense of lostness, a burden of guilt, or other negative feelings. It is easy to panic and in frustration lash out at friends and family. These feelings can lead a person into a pit of despair and self-pity. Having given up hope some have even given themselves over to a ‘sinning spree.’

Like sheep that wander off, we can easily wander spiritually. There may be no real ‘life drama,’ we simply lose focus on the truly important things, or become distracted by the world. Little by little we veer off God’s path. When we stop and look up, we can be frightened by our lostness.

We are sheep, prone to wander, and easily frightened by the worries of this life. But our God is the Great Shepherd who restores souls.

————————————

A store manager calls over the intercom for the mother of a crying child who has wandered off. Their reunion is a mixture of hugs and kisses along with a tender scolding: “You MUST stay close to mommy,” (hug). “I was worried about you,” (kiss). “Don’t run off from mommy, I love you.”

Love and rebuke in the same breath: Restored.

God warned Israel of the bold and harsh discipline that he would use if they turned away to other gods. Yet with every level of escalating discipline there was tender encouragement promising that He would accept them when they returned to Him. (Read Leviticus 26.)

Jesus seemed harsh when he rebuked Peter: “Get behind me Satan.” He seemed so ‘matter-of-fact’ when he foretold Peter’s denial. Yet, Jesus restored his soul as he commissioned Peter with the task of shepherding His sheep.

The father of the prodigal son represents God. The son was always His son: when he left home, when he was lost, when he returned. We are the son.

Our God is the faithful and loving shepherd who, aware of all external dangers as well as our own personal problems and frustrations, watches over us. He finds us and He puts us back on our feet. Restoration is not about what we do, but about God’s acceptance of us when we are weak and downcast. However, restoration is possible only if we turn to God in humility and faith. Then, we will regain our strength because...

He restores my soul.

Mark Stinnett

November 3, 2024

Psalm 23: The Shepherd Provides

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
—Psalm 23:1-2

Good pastureland may be found at higher elevations at one time of the year and in valleys at another time. The shepherd must take the initiative to find good pasture and then lead the sheep to that place. Without his guidance sheep will graze continually on the same land eating the grass down to the root. The sheep will then become malnourished and sickly. In addition, the land itself will suffer. So, locating good pasture is not only for the present good of the sheep, but by proper land management, it is for their future good.

The Psalmist writes that the shepherd makes me lie down in green pastures. The phrase, makes me, should not be understood in the same way that a parent might make a child clean his room. The Hebrew term indicates cause, not force. It draws attention to the role of the shepherd: The shepherd causes this to happen. He does so by first searching out the green pasture and then leading the sheep to that place. The shepherd brings about this good result, not the sheep.

The shepherd will also be busy searching out good, clean water sources. Without his careful attention, sheep might stop and drink from a mud puddle even when a clean water source is within view.

Because sheep are so easily frightened, the shepherd avoids a stream or river where the water is too swift. Quiet, or restful, waters will promote the well-being of the sheep.

Are you easily agitated or filled with anxiety over your basic needs in this life? Financial difficulties weigh heavily on many people in volatile economic times. There is the fear of a shrinking job pool, college education for the kids, saving for retirement, and care for aging parents. Stress also comes from day-to-day demands involving relationship challenges in the home and at work, sickness or injury, the car, the house, aging, unpredictable disasters, etc.

Jesus taught his disciples to pray: “Give us this day our daily bread.” Later, in the same sermon, he taught that we should not worry about food and drink and clothing. Those are the worries of the people of the world who have only themselves to lean on. Difficult challenges are sure to visit the lives of each one of us. The question is whether we will remain steadfast in our faith in God. He will take care of us.

Like King David, we are helpless sheep who are easily agitated and frightened by the circumstances of life.

Have you wandered off into self-dependence yet find it impossible to maintain control your life. If so, it is time to refocus your eyes on the Good Shepherd. Give yourself over to Him and He will supply rich spiritual pastureland. Drink from the Living Water of Jesus Christ and find answers, find contentment, and find rest through the Holy Spirit of God.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 

—Matthew 6:33

How does this work!?

God has made you a promise without telling you exactly how he will keep it. You must trust that God will keep his promise.

Mark Stinnett

October 27, 2024

Psalm 23: A Shepherd's Shepherd

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”

You undoubtedly recognize the first verse of the familiar 23rd Psalm, a psalm written by King David. Before he was a king, while still young, David was trained to take care of his father’s sheep. That training involved the sheep, of course, but also personal training with the rod and staff, the tools of the professional shepherd.

Artwork often depicts docile animals with a shepherd sitting under a shade tree by a calm stream, happily meditating on...whatever shepherds meditate on. While there would be times of tranquility, the job of the shepherd was not a bed of ease. When his sheep were secure and out of harm’s way, he would often be out searching for green pasture and fresh water. Along his journey he would be in constant thought about the path over which he would lead his sheep. He would be aware of obstacles and potential dangers, his mind always reflecting upon the good of the sheep.

When with his sheep he would watch for potential problems. He would take inventory frequently in case one wandered off. He would constantly scan his surroundings for potential predators. The shepherd would have long tiring days and his nightly sleep could be interrupted at any moment by predators or thieves or even a startled sheep.

The shepherd was provider and protector, leader and disciplinarian. He looked beyond the present moment and place, providing security and comfort even when the sheep could not see and understand his actions and thoughts. He knew his sheep, and the sheep knew the one who deeply cared for them.

Sheep are commonly depicted in artwork as soft, playful, clean, and calm creatures. In reality, they are dirty, stinking animals that are easily agitated. They can become nervous if other sheep are too close. They are easily frightened by an unfamiliar sound or quick movement, and especially the presence of a predator.

A sheep might find a comfortable place in a field and fiercely defend its position. It might also graze aimlessly, wandering off and becoming lost.

Sheep might drink from a muddy puddle with a clean water source within view. They are known to be easy prey for their adversaries. Sheep are dumb.

In one sense it is a marvel that David declared that he had a shepherd. In doing so, he declared himself to be a dumb, stinking, helpless sheep. Of all the animals he could have chosen, the sheep is among the least flattering. And yet, he was not writing about sheep, and he was not writing about himself. He knew his own helplessness, and he recognized the Lord as his Shepherd.

He did not declare ‘God’ to be his shepherd. He did not write ‘Master’ or the Hebrew word for ‘Lord.’ He wrote God’s name. He enjoyed a personal and intimate relationship with his God.

It is the nature of sheep to know their master’s voice to the exclusion of any other. The same is true with David. In declaring his God to be his shepherd, he excluded all other gods. Nothing else would be his master. He would hear only the voice of God.

The entire psalm is contained in the first line. David named his God as his shepherd and then declared his contentment. With God as his shepherd he would be nourished, protected, and disciplined. Even when he could not see or understand the way, he would have confidence in his Shepherd and his Shepherd’s leadership.

Reflecting on the first verse of Psalm 23, can you see yourself as the stinking, helpless sheep? 

Can you say...The Lord is my shepherd?

Mark Stinnett

October 20, 2024

The Cost of Forgiveness

Perhaps it was your spouse or one of your children; perhaps a coworker or boss; perhaps a fellow believer…
When was the last time you sincerely and humbly asked, “Will you forgive ME?”
Whenever you asked for forgiveness, what did you expect? Did you expect to be forgiven?
When? Did you expect forgiveness now? Later today? Tomorrow? Sometime in the future?
The last time you asked someone to forgive you, were you forgiven?

Forgiveness is costly to the one that you asked to forgive you!

——————

Asking, “will you forgive me,” is not the same as, “Pardon me.” (Sometimes, “pardon me” has become more of a trite “excuse me” when you do something socially unacceptable. *Burp* — “Pardon me….”)

A governing official, like a president or king, may offer a pardon. That simply means that the one who is guilty does not have to bear the consequences for his crime/offense. The official decides to suspend justice. When a person is pardoned, justice is not served.

——————

Forgiveness is also about justice. Pardon and forgiveness may look similar to the one who is guilty. In either case, he is freed from his debt. However, forgiveness is far different from pardon when it comes to the one who has been hurt by the crime/offense. When a crime is committed (or any offense or sin), an injustice has been done. Someone else bears the pain of the injustice. It might be a minor injustice with minimal consequences, but it is still an injustice.

Pardon suspends justice, while forgiveness deals with justice in a kind of opposite way. Forgiveness is a gift that the injured person gives to the one committing the injustice. The person who is injured willingly shoulders the pain of the injury and allows the offender to go free.

Justice demands an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Forgiveness is one’s choice to bear the pain of the injury saying, “You hurt my eye, but I will suspend justice and endure the injury without demanding that you be injured in your eye. You do not have to pay what you deserve.”

And yet forgiveness is even more than suspending justice and enduring the injury. Forgiveness is about relationship. Forgiveness reaches out saying, “I value our relationship more than I value justice for me. For that reason, I’ll not demand payment for the injustice. In fact, I’ll bear the cost myself.”

——————--

Perhaps it was your spouse or one of your children; perhaps a coworker or boss; perhaps a fellow believer…
When was the last time someone asked you, “Will YOU forgive me?”
How did you feel when YOU were asked to forgive another person?
Would justice be served? Would it be fair to YOU?
Were you able to forgive, truly forgive?
What would your forgiveness require of YOU?
What would your forgiveness cost YOU??

The last time someone asked YOU to forgive them...are they still your friend?


Mark Stinnett

October 13, 2024

Second Things First

To some extent, our society loves the second great command of Jesus.

There is a tremendous push in our society for tolerance. In one sense, that is admirable. We need to be tolerant of the preferences of others, the opinions of others, the weaknesses of others, and so on. Tolerance seems to embrace the idea of love.

And yet, tolerance in our society isn’t what it seems. All too often, tolerance is more accurately: “You need to be tolerant of me.”

When tolerance becomes “You, tolerate me,” then I am embracing me, not love. That is what happens when you put second things first.

When the second great command is placed ahead of the first…

• Man is glorified.
• Man is central.
• Man becomes like...man.
• Man is the motivation.

However, when we keep first things first, the first and greatest command is given priority:

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. 

—Mark 12:30

When we put first things first…

• God is glorified.
• God is central.
• Man becomes like...God!
• God is the motivation for all that we do.

Do you remember the teaching of Jesus…?

Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 

—Matthew 5:41

This teaching, from the Sermon on the Mount, acknowledged that a Roman soldier could force a person to carry his load for a mile. Naturally, that was distasteful to a Jew. The Jewish teachers taught that a disciple of the law should not be pressed into service by the king’s soldiers. Jesus, however, taught people to have a different frame of mind. Voluntarily go another mile.

Now, thinking of that teaching, how absurd would it be for a person to volunteer to a Roman soldier, “Hey, I’d be happy to carry your things a second mile.” That kind of thinking is laughable. A person cannot possibly go the second mile until after going the first.

In a similar way, how absurd is it to think that there is benefit in following the second great command without first observing the first great command? In fact, it is impossible to truly love your neighbor as yourself if God is not first in your life.

“For God so loved the world…” is not about how much God loved, but about the way in which God loved. God’s love is sacrificial; He gave His only begotten Son.

When a person loves God first, they embrace that same kind of sacrificial love and extend it outward to others. Tolerance then becomes exactly what it sounds like, “I will be tolerant of you by sacrificing for your good.”

Tolerance must never sacrifice the holiness and purity of God. Tolerance must never embrace sin. God’s tolerance does not embrace every thought and every lifestyle because not every thought and lifestyle glorifies God.

God loved sacrificially, but He did not cease to be God. We are to love our neighbor, but not without first devoting ourselves to God in love.

Keep first things first! Then, and only then, will the second have relevance.

Mark Stinnett

October 6, 2024

There Is No Faith Pill

When you go to the doctor, what do you want his response to be?

• You must change your diet? No.
• You must eat less and exercise more? No.
• You must slow down and rest? No.

Our society often expects immediate relief, a quick solution. All too often, we expect a pill to heal. And yet, most often the quick remedy is no remedy at all but an aid so the body can heal itself.

This kind of quick-fix thinking has bled over into Christianity. For many churches salvation is by faith alone, but a faith that is little more than mental assent to the deity of Jesus. Just ask Jesus into your heart, embrace him as your Savior, say a prayer and you’re saved.

That characterization will sound critical to some. And yet, Jesus did not call upon people for mental acceptance; He asked for more.

Yes, the gospel proclaims that Jesus is the Son of God. That, you must accept and believe!

Yes, the gospel proclaims that Jesus is the Savior of the world. That, you must accept and believe!

And yet, the gospel proclaims that Jesus is both Lord and Christ. He is King!

It is a startling realization for some that the cross of Christ was not the end, but the beginning. “It is finished” were the words of Jesus as He completed God’s will as a willing sacrifice for the sins of mankind. However, before ascending to heaven Jesus continued to teach His disciples. And what did He teach??

To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God. 

— Acts 1:3

Jesus kept telling His disciples about the kingdom of God. His death on the cross was indeed for cleansing, but it was also to inaugurate a new covenant. The coming of the new covenant marked the coming of the kingdom of God on the earth.

At the end of Mark’s gospel Jesus…“was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.” (16:19) Peter, in the first declaration of the gospel after the death of Jesus, declared Him to be both Lord and Christ. All these describe One who was enthroned as King!

There is no faith pill that magically makes you a disciple. The King of Kings demands allegiance!

Faith in Jesus demands a radical change of allegiance from all the things of this life to Jesus. Loyalties no longer lie with possessions, family, career, or country. Allegiance to Christ demands loyalty to the King, and only to the King. Allegiance demands loyalty in good times and bad, when life is easy and when life is difficult.

Allegiance to Jesus is first a call to bow in awe and submission, and then to rise up to action. Action may be the discipline of prayer; action may be that of restraining one’s desires; action may be the display of a godly frame of mind in demanding circumstances; action may come with enjoyable service; and action may come with costly and difficult sacrifice.

The cross marked the beginning of a new covenant. Your embrace of salvation at the cross of Christ marks your new beginning in the kingdom. You die to self promising allegiance to Jesus and it will not be easy. His death and your death mark new beginnings. You have died to yourself. Rise to allegiance to Christ where the promise is life everlasting.


Mark Stinnett

September 29, 2024

I Want to Overcome Anger

For many people the title of this article conveys an objective of little interest. In our society, and all too often in the church, people wish to excuse, justify, or even promote anger, not overcome it. Their rationale may sound reasonable: 

• “Anger is natural.” 
• “It is healthy to vent your anger instead of hold it in.” 
• “He/she needs to know how I feel.” 
• “God was angry at times.”

I have warned against anger in my blog because anger is a real problem and God is not fond of anger. In fact, “the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20)

So, if you embrace anger as acceptable, that is an obstacle. If anger is excused, justified, and/or advocated, only one outcome is to be expected: anger. Where anger is accepted and expected, there will be little or no effort for self-control. To overcome this obstacle, you must first adopt a different view of anger so that it is no longer valued, rather, you must value self-control.

Anger is an emotion that perceives an inequity in life and then reacts to it with passion. The perceived inequity may be personal or may be something half-way around the world. The passion within one’s spirit flares up to say, “It should not be this way!” That perception may or may not be correct. When I allow the passion of my spirit to take control, I set myself up as judge and jury...in place of God! That’s why God warned, “Vengeance is mine!” To overcome anger, I must trust that God is just and will bring ultimate justice in the end. For now, I must accept that there will be inequities in this life.

When I perceive that an inequity has occurred and my passions flare, what can I do? In some (many) cases, there is nothing I can do, such as in the case of injustices in places where I do not live. That is the kind of injustice I must give over to God in prayer. Continual anxiety and anger over uncontrollable injustices will only harm myself.

When things are more personal, the passions of the human spirit are often self-asserting and destructive. My spirit may tell my soul to lash out with words or become physical. However, “a harsh word stirs up anger.” In other words, anger produces anger. (Is that really a surprise?) 

When a person asserts himself in anger, he will at the same time devalue others. Jesus taught that very thing in Matthew 5:21-22 and showed that devaluing others opposes righteousness. In great contrast is the beatitude: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Peacemakers value people; anger-makers do not. Anger-makers are not sons of God.

Do you want to overcome anger?

• You must first make it your soul’s desire to overcome anger.
• Stop embracing the myths of our society.
• Accept God’s justice. Injustices may exist now, but in the end God will bring justice.
• Take control of the passions of your spirit. Your soul, the YOU inside of you, CAN control the passions of your spirit. Self-control, not anger, is a fruit of the Spirit of God.
• Make prayer the solution to uncontrollable injustices in the world. Let God be God.
• Do not devalue people. Recognize that our enemy is not flesh and blood, but powers and wickedness that are not of this world.
• Stop making life’s unfairness about YOU. Anger is rooted in YOUR perceptions. YOU are not always right. YOU are not as competent a judge as God. Stop being selfish.
• Consider being a peacemaker as a core value. “A gentle answer turns away anger."

If you are serious about overcoming anger, remember, God's Spirit is given to assist us as we follow Jesus. Ask for help.

Mark Stinnett

September 22, 2024

In Defense of Anger

“No, no, no! It is not a sin to be angry!”

And yet...

Jesus made a rather startling statement regarding anger. He was responding to the way the Jewish teachers had instructed the people concerning murder. Jesus emphasized the seriousness of anger toward another person:

You have been taught that you will bear the judgment of the court for murder. I am telling you that you will bear the judgment of the court for your anger. 

Matthew 5:21-22 (paraphrased)

To ‘bear the judgment of the court’ meant that a person was accountable to the local Jewish court. Jesus did not picture a court proceeding to determine whether a person was guilty, but rather, to hand down a sentence because of guilt. So, Jesus told the people that anger should be dealt with in the same way as a convicted murderer.

Consider what it would mean if the teaching of Jesus became a reality in our day.
If you became angry with your spouse or your parents; off to court to receive a sentence for your anger.

• If you did not get that promotion;
• A careless driver cut you off in traffic;
• Your in-laws said _________;
• The car broke down…again;
• The preacher, the song leader, the elders did (or did not do) something…

...and you are angry...Off to court.

By nature anger devalues another person. It belittles them by justifying one’s own perceived superiority. Anger judges!

In addition, everyone who calls his fellow man Raca will bear the judgment of the supreme court; and whoever says to his fellow man, “You Fool!” will bear the judgment of God. 

--Matthew 5:22 (Paraphrased)

‘Raca’ was an Aramaic word meaning: empty. In our day it would be equivalent to calling someone empty-headed or idiot.

‘Fool’ comes from the Greek word ‘moros’ (the source of our English word ‘moron’). To call someone ‘moros’ was not mere silliness like moron might be today. It was a humiliating reference that meant worthless. It was an expression coming from an attitude that looked on another person as having no value as a human being. They could justifiably be treated like household garbage, worthless. (That’s how you justify murder.)

The attitude behind anger, raca, and moros devalues people. Such an attitude is a slap in the face of God. By devaluing others it minimizes God’s sacrifice of his Son as something done in vain. 

The anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. 

(James 1:20)

Jesus was teaching us that murder ultimately begins with the attitude of anger. It comes from anger that is left unchecked and allowed to fester. 

The Bible never applauds the anger of man. 

Why...

             do...

                       we?!

STOP excusing the attitude of anger!

STOP defending the attitude of anger!

Anger is not the fruit of the Spirit, but the fruit of something else!

Mark Stinnett

September 15, 2024

Forgiven...Forgiving

Peter asked, “How often shall I forgive my brother?” Jesus replied with an immeasurable value of 70 times 7 times which calculates to 490 times. Jesus also taught his disciples that if a brother “sins against you seven times in a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”

These are difficult teachings. No one imagines having to forgive someone seven times in one day or a total of 490 times. In short, Jesus taught that forgiveness has no boundaries.

We (humans) tend to make forgiveness rules. Perhaps it is because we really do understand the demand of forgiveness. The one who forgives bears the insult or shoulders the pain of the injustice that has been done. The one forgiven is released from his debt. Forgiveness is unfair!

Jesus dealt with forgiveness at the person-to-person level. He taught that forgiveness makes no restrictions; there is no limit to the number of times that you should forgive your brother/sister. If, with regard to his wrong, he says, “I repent,” accept him at his word and forgive him.

Yes, but...

Some folks have difficulty accepting the words of Jesus and then explain what they think He really meant. They suggest certain limitations. Some have tried to define every possible ‘sin situation’ in order to write rules for repentance. Then they use their rules to justify occasions to withhold forgiveness. In the end they create a system for judging whether a person is worthy of forgiveness or whether their repentance is authentic. In doing so they attempt to justify an unforgiving spirit.

It is true that Jesus acknowledged that we will know a person by their fruit. However, that is not some sort of forgiveness loophole in which forgiveness is withheld until the fruit is obvious or judged acceptable. Jesus taught that we are to take a person at their word. It might be the words, “I repent,” or “Would you forgive me,” or “I didn’t mean to hurt you,” or simply, “I’m sorry.”

Anyone who assumes the task of evaluating repentance in another individual has presumed to sit in the judgment seat of God.

Repentance is a change in one’s thinking. We must have patience with fellow Christians as they mature. A changed heart is may be sorrowful but desires to walk in the path of righteousness. However, old habits often linger, and the renewing of the mind takes time. We would do well to reflect on our own past, perhaps not so distant in time, when we stumbled and sinned...yet again. Did God forgive you each time you asked?

What if I am wrong?

What if I am unsure about someone’s repentance? I do not want to forgive where I should not forgive. Yet, neither do I want to withhold forgiveness where I should forgive.

Two facts are evident:

• I am not God, and
• Jesus did not give me magical insight into the hearts of others to know their intentions and their sincerity.

In reality, we may make a mistake where forgiveness is concerned. We never want to encourage sin. Yet, Jesus taught that we will not be forgiven unless we forgive our brother from the heart. When faced with a dilemma in which you are unsure about someone’s repentance, wouldn’t you rather err on the side of forgiveness?

After all, God will judge righteously. In addition, it is wise to remember the warning that Jesus gave his disciples: “If you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.”

May each of us resolve in our heart to have a forgiving spirit toward our fellow Christians. And then, may we truly forgive from the heart.

Mark Stinnett

September 8, 2024

"The End Is Near!"...Again

A respected medical journal reported...
A respected scientific publication claimed...
A team of respected psychologists discovered...

There are many claims made by many people with well-deserved credentials. Yet, sometimes their reports, claims, and discoveries contradict.

Some modern-day ‘seers’ claim to know the future, claiming their source to be the dead. (Do the dead really know the future??)

We read about astounding claims, miracle cures, health scares, economic disaster, our nation’s future, cataclysmic world events, and even the end of the world or the universe.

Does anyone know anything for sure!?

Questions about the future have interested mankind for centuries? Old Testament prophets relayed God’s message to man, but there were also posers, those who claimed to be prophets but had received no revelation from God. The false prophets often spoke of peace while the prophets of God warned of His impending judgment due to sin and unfaithfulness. People wondered who was telling the truth.

God gave the Israelites a simple way to determine whether a prophet spoke from God’s or from his own mind: If the prophesy occurred as the prophet predicted, then he could be trusted. If the prophesy failed, the prophet was a false prophet. (Deuteronomy 18:15-22)

Our society has, in general, followed God’s strategy as an intuitive way of dealing with seemingly unbelievable claims. Many doom and gloom prognosticators have been revealed as false prophets by the passage of time. Yet, many in our society still line up neatly and follow any ’pied piper’ who plays the music of scientific research.

Science and research are excellent resources. Yet, not all science/research has revealed truth. One study predicts another economic depression; another predicts a catastrophic earthquake; yet another, a pandemic disease. Time passes and life goes on as it always has. New research sometimes reveals the flaws of earlier predictions.

Although the Bible is not a science book or a guide for economic planning, it often reveals truths that apply to the many claims made in our world. The key is to begin with God and allow him to reveal truths about mankind and his world. (Our human tendency is to begin with man’s thinking and then see if God’s word fits what we think we already know.)

As an example, consider ‘climate change.’ One theory concludes that the earth will become uninhabitable due to excessive heat. Another theory predicts a global freeze brought on by a change in ocean currents due to the melting of polar icecaps. These and other theories fly in the face of God’s promise to Noah:

While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter and day and night, shall not cease. 

—Genesis 8:22

So, it’s great to be responsible by putting out the trash, recycling, conserving energy and even hugging a tree if you wish. But don’t be upset by “the end is near” environmental alarmists.

Not every claim made by people will have a clear and direct answer in Scripture. However the Bible will guide us so that we do not have live in fear of modern-day false prophets...even if research seems to be on their side.

Mark Stinnett

September 1, 2024

An Offering

He offered what!? 

(Righteous Lot - Genesis 19)

God sent two angels to warn Lot and his family of the impending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. It was evening when the angels arrived at the city of Sodom and found Lot at the city gate. Upon their arrival Lot, not knowing that they were angels from God, invited the strangers to his home.

Before going to sleep that night men from all over the city of Sodom came and surrounded Lot’s house. They called to Lot instructing him to release his guests to them so they could commit terrible sexual sins with the strangers. Lot refused and advised them against their wickedness.

Then something happened that absolutely stings the mind to even think about. As a parent it is unbelievable and shocking.

Lot called back to the men of the city and...
Offered them his own daughters for their sexual desires...

Was he out of his mind!?!

He offered what!? 

(Jephthah, Judge of Israel - Judges 11)

Jephthah was an outcast among the Israelites; his mother, a prostitute. So he had been driven away.

However, when Israel found herself facing a war against the nation of Ammon, she needed a strong warrior to lead her. The elders of Israel called on Jephthah to lead them in battle.

Jephthah, still bitter over the way he had been treated, agreed to lead Israel in battle with one condition: He would become their head leader. The elders agreed and Jephthah became the general of their armies and the leader of Israel.

The Bible says that the Spirit of God came upon Jephthah as he led Israel. He then made a vow to God. Jephthah vowed that if he was victorious, he would offer as a burnt offering whatever came out of his house upon his return.

It is doubtful that Jephthah could have imagined what would happen upon his return. Most likely he imagined that an animal would exit his house and that he would joyfully sacrifice the animal to God as thanks.

God gave Jephthah success in battle, however, upon his return home it was not an animal that exited the doors of his house. Jephthah was devastated as he saw his daughter rush out of his house to greet him. He knew that he had made a vow to God that could not be taken back.

The scene is mind-numbing. How could a man be so foolish? How could he have overlooked this possibility? How could he possibly keep this vow? How could he not keep a vow to God!?

One’s mind races with thoughts of horror, but the broken hearted warrior kept his promise and… offered his own daughter as a sacrifice...

Was he out of his mind!?!

An Offering
Years after the days of Lot and Jephthah, yet many years in our past, the world was in turmoil. The power of sin reigned and there was no hope for mankind. But Deity looked down with compassion, hearing our cry, and….

Many agree that it is the most well-known verse in the Bible: “For God so loved the world….” You see it on homemade signs held up at football and basketball games. Our children recite it and we are proud of them, maybe even entertained. It rolls off our lips so easily: “For God so loved the world….”

Does it sting our minds more to think of Lot’s offering or Jephthah’s sacrifice than the offering and sacrifice of Jesus?

God offered as a sacrifice his only begotten Son…

Was He . . . !?!

Mark Stinnett

August 25, 2024

We Own Our Lips!

Listen to the boast of the ungodly:

We will triumph with our tongues;

We own our lips –who is our master?

--Psalm 12:4

Just prior to this boasting, David described the one who lies to his neighbor through flattery and deception. We are surrounded by the same kind of flattery and deception in our current society. It breeds mistrust and shallow relationships.

David wrote that empty speech, lies, and boasts describe the ungodly and faithless person.

Jesus said to let your “Yes” be “Yes” and let your “No” be “No.” This was in response to the way in which the people would make a claim or a promise. To swear by the temple was a strong vow. But to swear by the gold in the temple was even stronger. Jesus taught his followers to speak truth with no disclaimers or qualifications or hidden meanings.

Have you ever rationalized a white lie in order to avoid an embarrassing truth? Some call it tact (though that is a gross misunderstanding). We own our lips! Aren’t we clever?

Have you ever greeted someone with words of warmth and interest, yet the greeting was empty. We own our lips! Aren’t we clever?

Have you ever twisted the truth to keep someone from getting hurt? It actually made things go better! We own our lips! Aren’t we clever?

Have you ever made a bold claim or promise without really thinking about whether you could keep your promise? People are impressed and perhaps even inspired. We own our lips! Aren’t we clever?

Have you ever told the truth, but in a way as that intentionally give you an advantage? We own our lips! Aren’t we clever?

It wasn’t adultery, it was an affair. She isn’t rebellious, she’s a free spirit. I am not being deceptive, it is a gentler way to say things. We own our lips! Aren’t we clever?

Have you ever showered someone with complements…so you would appear encouraging? Flattery gets you everywhere. We own our lips! Aren’t we clever?

The joke was a little ‘shady,’ but it was soooo funny. We own our lips! Aren’t we clever?

Have you ever used a word that rhymes with an obscene word or that only suggested something of a sexual nature? We own our lips! Aren’t we clever?

We live in a country that guarantees free speech. It is our first amendment right! We own our lips! Aren’t we clever?

Churches have argued over doctrine. Christians have split hairs wrangling over words. Churches split. We own our lips! Aren’t we clever?

Help, Lord, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men. Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception. May the Lord cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue that says, “We will triumph with our tongues; we own our lips – who is our master?”

--Psalm 12:1-4 (NIV, 1984)

Is the Lord your Master or your arrogant lips?

Truth and genuine encouragement, or silence!

Mark Stinnett

August 11, 2024