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Out In The Desert

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“a voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'” (NIV) Mark 1:3 & Isaiah 40:3

The gospel of Mark begins with a prophesy from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah. Some 700+ years before Christ’s birth, the prophet Isaiah said that John the Baptist would be ordained to prepare the way for Christ’s coming. John’s job would be to challenge people to turn from their sinful ways and instead, look to God. He would bring the good news (the gospel) to the people of Jerusalem. That good news could be summed us as: “Here is your God” (Isaiah 40:9).

John the Baptist was to prepare a path out of the wilderness of a lost world and lead people to Jesus. Jesus commands all Christians to do the same. We are called to share the good news. . . to be a voice in the desert preparing the way to the Lord. Today’s desert may not be the same as the desert John the Baptist preached in, but any life filled with sin is a wasteland.

Who do you know that needs to know the way to the Lord? Who do you know that is struggling for a new direction, searching for meaning, for protection, for peace, and for truth? Can you remember how desperate things were for you before you knew the good news? . . .when you were stuck in the desert?

You don’t need to know all the answers. Christ is the answer! You just have to make a path for them to Christ. Reach out, tell them how following Christ has changed your life. Cry out to them “Behold your God!”

Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger

Imitating God’s Forgiveness

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Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV) Ephesians 4:32

One way to imitate God’s forgiveness is to make four specific promises when you forgive someone:

1) I will not think about this incident. In other words, I will not keep track of the wrongs suffered (I Corinthians 13:5).
2) I will not bring this incident up or use it against you. In addition, I will not allow my mind to dwell on the offense (Philippians 4:8).
3) I will not talk to others about the incident. I will not gossip about another person’s sins (Ephesians 4:29).
4) I will not allow this incident to stand between us or hinder our personal relationship. From now on, I will seek to restore fellowship with you, as far as is Biblically possible (Romans 12:18; 11 Corinthians 2:6-8).

Key thoughts on forgiveness:
** Forgive others in your heart and mind even before they ask to be forgiven (Mark 11:25).

** To cover up our disobedience in forgiving others, we sometimes think things like: “I forgive her. I just don’t want to have anything to do with her again.” Just think, how you would feel if God said to you, “I forgive you. I just don’t want to have anything to do with you again.” Praise God that He never says this! Instead, He forgives us totally and opens the way for genuine reconciliation with Him.

** Forgiveness is the love of Jesus Christ in action. Biblical forgiveness can be costly. Forgiveness is often difficult, but it is possible (based on 2 Corinthians 3:5-6; Philippians 2:12-13).

Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger

Our Response to God’s Forgiveness

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Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV) Ephesians 4:32

How are we to respond to God’s forgiveness of our sins? Simple. We are to forgive others just as God has forgiven you. You are expected to willingly grant forgiveness whenever another person confesses sin to you. You may be thinking: “Not a prayer of a chance! I can’t do this!” Well there’s hope. God has enabled you to forgive others. You can love even your enemies (Matthew 5:43-48). But, remember, both forgiveness and Biblical love are not dependent upon your feelings, but instead, upon an act of your will (John 14:15; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15) as you respond to God’s love for you.

What we forgive:
Forgive any type of sin, no matter how severe or devastating it might seem to you.

How often we forgive:
Forgiveness is to be granted without limitation when requested. (Matthew 18:21-22; Luke 17:3-4, 10)

Why we forgive:
We forgive on the basis of grace, not upon the merit of the person you are forgiving – remember, forgiveness gives the offender that he needs, rather than what he deserves.

What to expect after forgiveness:
You are to expect a renewed relationship with the one who is forgiven.

Forgiveness is not always easy. It may be costly to you when you grant forgiveness. And it may be difficult because forgiveness should include comforting those who have sinned (and have repented). On top of that, you are to reaffirm your love to them (2 Corinthians 2:6-8). . .and when you forgive completely, you are not to remind the forgiven person of his sin in an accusing manner. (NOTE: It may not be appropriate to release the offender from all the consequences of his sin. There are times to remind the individual of his sin for his own restoration or for teaching purposes. But, even then it must be done with a spirit of gentleness).

Forgiveness can be tough. . . but, isn’t it wonderful that no matter what sins we have committed that God never withholds His forgiveness from us!

To Forgive or Not to Forgive, That Is the Question

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Who do you need to ask forgiveness of?Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. (NIV) Genesis 45:3-5

Joseph was betrayed and sold into slavery by his own brothers. He was falsely accused and imprisoned for what he did not do. He was hurt by those closest to him. Unfortunately, even those who love us will hurt us also. Genuine forgiveness is the first step when you are hurt. Unfortunately, even though Christians have experienced the greatest forgiveness in the world by God, we often fail to extend that forgiveness to others. When you refuse to forgive, you sin (James 4:17). It is that plain and simple!

As a Christian, when you fail to forgive another, you show that:

  • You have no gratitude for God’s forgiveness of you (Matthew 18:32-33)
  • You are not following the example of sacrificial love that God demonstrated through Jesus (Ephesians 4:32; 1 John 4:10-11)
  • You are choosing to disobey God’s Word by holding on to a wrong suffered – or in other words, you are harboring a grudge (1 Corinthians 13:5; Ephesians 4:32).

The consequences of unforgiveness are steep:

  • For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV) Matthew 6:14-15
  • When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world. (NIV) 1 Corinthians 11:32
  • And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” . . .No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (NIV) Hebrews 12:5-6; 11

But, you may be saying, “You don’t know what he or she did to me! I don’t feel like forgiving!” It’s not a matter of how you feel. . .you can and must obey Scripture and forgive others as God has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13)! It’s not a question of if you feel like it. . . it’s a matter of obedience.

Living A Life That Is Different

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“And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.” (NIV) Genesis 41:33; 38-40

Potiphar, Joseph’s master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did. Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. The prison warden saw that God was with Joseph. God showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison. Then Pharaoh of Egypt saw that God has made all known to Joseph how to interpret his dreams and that there was no one so discerning and wise as Joseph. So Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of his palace, all the Egyptians, and in charge of the whole land of Egypt.

What made Joseph different? Why was it evident that God was with him? The Bible reveals to us some of his character through his story. Here are a few. . .

  • While Joseph was imprisoned his eyes were looking for those he could serve and help. His eyes were open to those who were dejected and sad and offered to help (Genesis 40:6-7)
  • Joseph did not give in to temptation. (Genesis 39)
  • Joseph did not try to take credit for himself when he knew he was empowered by God. He knew that God would not share His glory. (Genesis 41:15-16)
  • Joseph consistently pointed others, even powerful leaders, to God (Genesis 41:16, 25, 38)
  • Joseph trusted God with his trouble and suffering (Genesis 41:51-52)
  • Joseph was compassionate towards his brothers even though they had sold him into slavery (Genesis 42:24; 43:30)
  • Joseph understood that although he was the one who suffered, that God had a purpose with his life. He knew that God was preserving his family through his life and service in Egypt. (Genesis 45:5, 7-8)
  • Joseph was kind to his brothers. (Genesis 50:21)
  • Although his brothers had mistreated him, Joseph provided for them. He gave them property in the best part of the land as Pharaoh directed. (Genesis 45:10-11; 47:11-12)
  • Joseph was forgiving of his brothers when they were afraid that he might hold a grudge against them. (Genesis 45:3; 50:15)
  • Joseph trusted God. He summarizes his attitude towards his brothers by saying: “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. (Genesis 50:19-21)

If your story was written would others see character in you that is similar to Joseph?

Rejected and Alone

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When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. (NIV) Genesis 37:4

Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other 11 sons. Out of love he made a richly ornamented robe for Joseph. But, when his brothers saw that their father loved Joseph more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. The hate grew. After Joseph told his brothers about a dream he had, they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said. On top of the hate, his brothers were jealous of him and they plotted to kill him.

When Joseph came to his brothers in the desert, they stripped him of his richly ornamented robe he was wearing and they took him and threw him into the cistern and sold him as a slave to Midianite merchants that came by. Eventually the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials.

Imagine what life was like for 17 year old Joseph. His own flesh and blood hated him so intensely that they plotted to kill him. He was rejected by his own family members. Have you experienced being hated. . . shunned. . . betrayed. . .rejected by a family member or close friend or colleague or church member? If so, you know how much it hurts. You know how uncomfortable family gatherings can be. You know the emptiness it leaves in your life. You know the tears you have shed.

Jesus understands your pain.

  • He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. (NIV) John 1:11
  • He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. (NIV) John 3:32

His own disciples rejected Him and ran away at the time of His death. He told His disciples just prior to His death: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” (John 15:18; 20)

When those closest to you reject you, betray you, shun you or hate you, remember, Jesus understands. Run to Him to find comfort, healing, and protection. And know that you are chosen and very precious to the Father and Son!

As you come to him, the living Stone– rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him– (NIV) 1 Peter 2:4

When Life Suddenly Changes

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Do you let Circumstances rule your life?The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. (NIV) Genesis 39:2

The last that we left Joseph, he was sold by his brothers to Midianites who in turn sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials. Joseph was 17 years old. But, The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered. When Potiphar saw that the LORD was with Joseph and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes. Joseph was put in charge of Potiphar’s household, and was entrusted to care for everything his master owned. As a result, God blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.

All seemed to be going smoothly until the well-built and handsome young man caught the eye of Potiphar’s wife. As she tried to seduce him, Joseph held firm and did not sin against either God or his master. Eventually, Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph and he was sent to prison. But, God was consistent. While Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. Joseph was put in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because he LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. (Genesis 39:22-23)

Joseph stood out among many. It was evident to others that God was with him granting him success in all he did. Although Joseph had been betrayed by his family, sold into slavery, and falsely accused and imprisoned, he kept his eyes on God. He entrusted his circumstances to the One he knew was in control.

How do you handle life when you have been betrayed, sold out, falsely accused or “imprisoned” by your circumstances? Do you go through the “woe is me” pity party? Do you chronically complain to all who will listen? Do you get bitter with the life you have been dealt? Or do you like Joseph entrust your life, your circumstances, and your future to the One who is in control? It’s not easy. But, trust the One who sees all. . .who knows all. . .who holds the keys to the future. . .who never wastes any of our experiences. . .who has His Kingdom purposes prevail. . .and who loves you enough that He sent is only Son to die for you so that you can spend eternity with Him. We may never understand our circumstances, but we can choose to trust the One who is in control.

Jacob

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After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when Rebekah gave birth to them. (NIV) Genesis 25:26

Jacob was given his name because at the birth of the twins, “his hand took hold of Esau’s heel” (Genesis 25:26). Figuratively Jacob’s name means: “he deceives.” The deception did not stop at birth but rather became the pattern of Jacob’s life. Jacob “took hold” of Esau’s birthright that was given the firstborn son (Genesis 25:29-34). He continued to “take hold of” the possessions of others. . .he “took hold” of his father’s blessing (Genesis 27:1-29). . .He “took hold” of his father-in-law’s flocks and herds (Genesis 30:25-43; 31:1). Finally in the most dramatic moment of Jacob’s life, he “took hold” of God (Genesis 32:22-32). Even though Jacob was deceptive and did wrong to achieve his purposes, God in His sovereignty, blessed him.

What excuses do people around you use to rationalize their sinful behavior to achieve their purposes? What sinful behaviors do you rationalize to achieve your purposes? Will you “take hold” of God today, confess your sins, and allow Him to change you?

Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger

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