A Little Bit(e) Of Knowledge

We love having information. The opportunity to access immediate data through Internet resources has opened doors to a whole new addiction for many “gotta’ know” individuals. However, wanting details or the inside scoop is as old as dirt…well at least as old as the Garden. Eve desired the knowledge of good and evil to the point of sacrificing paradise. Her lust for the power of knowledge pumps through the veins of her offspring’s blood as an earthly toxin. The serpent suggests knowledge is the path to godhood and she takes a big bite.

“You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like god, knowing good and evil,” (Genesis 3:4-5 NIV).

Is it any wonder that the pursuit of knowledge has become highly regarded in this world? Can you hear the snake’s hiss through the world’s claim that knowledge is worthy of great praise…reverence and adoration. The Internet is our pop-culture Tree of Good and Evil. For through our fingertips we take hold of both good and evil in the pursuit of knowledge online…and it all began with an Apple. Coincidence? I don’t believe in coincidences. Interestingly, Apple’s logo has a bite taken out of it…a haunting symbol of the fall of man in pursuit of becoming like God. I dare say many have come to worship knowledge. Oh yes, I can hear the hiss of the cunning serpent as he draws men and woman to the keyboard for their instant gratification in sights and sounds. Child beware!

Computers or the Internet are not evil or bad anymore than the forbidden fruit. However, the enemy of our souls knows how to take the gifts of God and transform them into the most ungodly things.

Pondering Eve’s encounter with the father of lies so many lessons come into view. Still the issue of trust is what ties into Oswald Chambers’ devotional, “Unquestioned Revelation,” from My Utmost For His Highest. Chamber’s states: “In that day” you will be one with the Father just as Jesus is, and He said, “In that day you will ask Me nothing,” (John 16:23). Jesus was speaking to his disciples in regards to things they did not know and were eager to understand. Two thousand years ago, the followers of Christ had questions like we do. Questions, they hoped had answers that would calm their fears or anxieties. Perhaps some just craved understanding. Regardless, they hungered for a bit…or rather a bite of information.

While the bible gives us insight to many things—the best of these being God’s love and redemption plan for man--it does not provide answers to all questions. This is what Jesus is trying to convey to His disciples as He mentions His departure to come. Jesus was calling them to rest in their knowledge of Him: how would Jesus see, hear, talk, or react to certain things? Their experience of His faith in the Father, His love, power, wisdom, righteousness, goodness, kindness, compassion, generosity, etc. was able to provide reason for their complete trust in Him. Their faith would be tested. Trust would be their comfort and peace in life…not information. The same is true for followers today.

When we are one with Jesus in spirit--as He prayed we would be--answers are not important or sought. Trust in Jesus is the balm for every wound, the answer to every question and the peace in any situation.

Knowledge absolutely has its place in our lives however, all things are to remain under Christ. It is through trust in Jesus that we can come into oneness with our Savior. For when we trust Him we will obey without question and we will praise without doubt. The result is a life of freedom…sweet freedom. And this I am certain tastes better than any bite of apple!

Sinking In A Sea Of Adversity

What are we to do when we blow it? I spent hours alone in the night pondering how I seem to miss the mark with my extended family. Every effort to witness the unconditional love of Christ and godly living seems washed out to sea in a single tense exchange. The devil gets a foothold and like a riptide no matter how hard I tread, I am stuck in deep water. I cried out to Jesus for help for fear I was sinking!

The reality is the harder I fight the undertow in my own strength, the weaker I become. I am not equipped with what it takes to fight generational sin. Nor am I expected to by God. His desire is for me to let go and allow His strength to guide me safely back to shore. Yet at times I am too busy trying to save myself and thereby endanger my skin and sometimes others.

Releasing our grasp on the thorns in our side and trusting the Lord to care for our wounds is necessary for peace. When we try to take care of these irritants or daggers ourselves we can do so much harm: even when our intentions are good. However, if we’re honest with ourselves, more often than not, our intentions are bent on putting one in their place or retaliation. It takes a giant at times to extend the hand of grace, love and mercy when afraid of drowning in circumstances. If only we would remember we have a Giant God standing on the crest of the wave ready to help us the moment we cry out…”Lord save me!” like Peter. The key to getting free is always the right angle…

In the night I frantically flailed my arms and kicked my feet, batting at all the reason why I was justified. The Lord patiently waited at my side until I was done splashing in the water. Exhausted and finally humbled, I quit kicking. Like a wave carrying me back to the sand, God lifted me up and guided me from my misery. There on the sand He was finally able to speak a word to my newly opened ears. A gentle rebuke and then an encouraging promise, that what I do for others I do for Jesus. One simple reminder that it is all about Him and my rebellious spirit is drawn back in line. Suddenly the taste of salt is strong upon my tongue and compassion reinvigorates me. I can forgive…I will forgive because of Jesus.

When dealing with others who pain or frustrate us, we forget sometimes that our feelings are not most important. God does not require of his children obedience when we feel like it. Oswald Chambers reminds us that the disciples of Christ had to wait for the anointing of the Holy Spirit before they journeyed forth on the Lord's behalf. In the same way, Christians should tarry just enough in trials and temptations for the welling up of the Spirit. Only when acting under the guidance of the Spirit of God are we safe in such encounters. Jesus walks on a path of grace, mercy and forgiveness always. Anytime we allow something contrary to govern our walk…we fall out of step with Christ. The guidance of our Shepherd’s staff is not always welcomed, but in the end certainly not resented. If we are not on our guard indignation can weigh us down like an anchor.

So I have been humbled. And though the night was long, the freedom I feel this morning is rich. There was work to be done to finish reconciliation which was started yesterday. Yet, in the strength of the Lord, love brings us back from deep waters of strife and difference. Safe on the beach we gain back our perspective, and seek to serve the Lord once more. Love overcomes the flesh and peace is restored.

I am never surprised God’s principles work. Still, like a misty breeze which chills on a hot day the Spirit's work refreshes. Looking back to the water once struggled in, I ponder what made the difference between sinking and swimming. The answer came like Christ's quick hand…hearts governed by the Spirit were purposed to be reconciled. Love in Christ empowered us to overcome issues which threatened to pollute our shore and drown relationship.

Hope is Jesus: the Savior who rescues from self, the devil and a sea of adversity. God be praised!!