The World's Temperance Lesson -- Part II

This is the first "gem" based on my collection of Sunday School Lesson Cards (it is the one pictured at the top left of my blog). In the picture, a great flood of water is rushing through the Northern Kingdom of Israel and destroying it the way God destroyed Pharoah's troops with the Red Sea. According to the children's lesson, this is because the men of Israel had been drinking too much wine. There's even a catchy verse to emphasize the point,

"Eyes keep clear, feet go right
by drinking water fresh and bright.
Hands keep strong, hearts keep true
when old and young God's bidding do."

This is a simplified meaning of temperance and of the passage itself. Apparently, drunkenness was a big problem in both the Northern and Southern kingdoms -- but Isaiah was using the imagery of a drunk to illustrate how the people were throwing away the blessings of God and becoming foolishly self-absorbed. The flood was another use of imagery. Isaiah warned of impending doom, not from a wall of water, but from the Assyrian army which would attack like a flood and desecrate the beautiful valley of Samaria. The Priests and Prophets ridiculed Isaiah for his warnings and failed to see their need for repentance. Ultimately, God is not mocked, and both Northern and Southern kingdoms would suffer for their disobedience.

So, what is the world's temperance lesson? I think the it has less to do with wine, and more to do with what guides your heart. Like it says in Ephesians 5:18 -- "Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life" (a noble thought). And, "instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you" (an even nobler thought).

The World's Temperance Lesson

Temperance is a word that has gone out of style -- but it's something that could use a comeback. It means moderation or self-control and it is usually associated with alcohol. One group that led the movement toward Prohibition in the 1920s was the WCTU (the Womens Christian Temperance Union) -- and it is still active today. Gem #4 is about God's lesson of temperance on the Israelites in Isaiah 28:1-13.

(Summary) The capital of Israel's Northern Kingdom is in for a fall. The people are drunk with wine and their own pride. Consequently, the Lord is going to send a mighty army to bring destruction upon it like a surging flood. Its glorious beauty will fade like a flower. Its leaders, priests and prophets are consumed with alcohol and are totally lacking in wisdom. They've ignored God's warnings and commandments, so He will send an oppressor to teach them a lesson and take them into captivity.

Read the full account of God's judgment in Isaiah 28:1-13 and reflect on its meaning. What can we learn from the mistakes of the Israelites in this passage? What can be said about the evil of alcohol? Why is there such a tolerance of alcohol in today's world? Check back soon.

Pray like Epaphras -- Part II

I agree with Charles Stanley who said, "the model quarterback is Joe Montana" and the "model evangelist is Billy Graham" -- so he must be right when he talks about the model prayer warrior as Epaphras. That's right, Epaphras. The man of few words but ardent prayers. He is Paul's coworker described in just two verses of his letter to the Colossians (4:12-13). Epaphras was a Colossian whom Paul described as a servant of Christ who prayed fervently for his people -- that they would stand firm in God's will. Epaphras wanted the Colossian people and church to be mature and fully assured in their faith. This fits the overall theme of Paul's letter.

As an intercessor, Epapras persevered and allowed the Lord to work through him. Praying for others is hard work because we are called to be diligent in these prayers until God's will is done. As Jesus modeled in his prayer, "thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." I think the takeaway here is that the most effective prayers are those that are the least self-centered and most focused on God's glory. In thinking about this passage, I was reminded of two other great prayer warriors in the Bible: Hannah in 1 Samuel and Anna in Luke 2. Both of these women had God's glory in focus. Hannah's prayers were answered with the birth of Samuel and his dedication to God. And, Anna prayed without ceasing (more than 60 years) and was rewarded by seeing the Messiah and being one of the two first witnesses for Christ.

Pray like Epaphras

Prayer may be the most talked about subject in churches today. You could build a library of books written on the subject. But, perhaps the most illustrious gem written about prayer is in three sentences in Paul's letter to the Colossians (4:12-13). There Paul introduces us to Epaphras -- a man who has it all figured out.

(Summary) Epaphras is a devoted Christian and a fellow Colossian with deep concern for his people. He prays with fervor for the Colossian church -- asking God to make its people strong and perfect, fully committed to God's will. Paul vouches that Epaphras is praying diligently for them and for other believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

Take some time to reflect on the character of Epaphras presented in these few verses. Also, think about what makes his prayers so effective. Who else can you think of that stands out as a prayer warrior? Check back soon.

A postcard to a lady and her kids -- Part II

The central theme of 2 John is to keep a balance between "truth and love". Many churches today fail in that balance by either compromising biblical truth in the name of love and acceptance or, on the other hand, by being exclusive and overly judgemental. Verse 6 is key in that it gives John's definition of love -- not a Hollywood romance or many splendored thing -- but following God's commands. God's greatest command is to love him with all of your heart, soul, and mind -- and to love your neighbor as yourself. It seems the lady in the story was on track loving God and following his commands, but failed to set limits on loving others. She had been deceived by a false prophet who spoke kindly about Jesus, but was clearly a wolf in sheep's clothing. These false teachers use the Bible as their base but either add or take away from its true meaning. John does not mince words calling these deceivers partners with the antichrist and implores his friend to be careful in her associations.

In the 21st century, there are many false teachers who distort the Gospel message. Sadly, Oprah Winfrey has promoted many of them to worldwide popularity including: Eckhart Tolle (A New Earth), Rhonda Byrne (The Secret), Helen Schucmen (A Course in Miracles) and Marianne Williamson (A Return to Love). Anyone who has sought answers to life's questions in New Age spirituality should read Erwin Lutzer's book titled "Oprah, Miracles and the New Earth." What becomes apparent is that New Age spirituality is in fact old age occultism that can be traced all the way back to the garden of Eden. This is not, as one person thought, "Christianity Lite"; it is a satanic counterfeit. And like the lady in 2 John, it would be wise not to accommodate this false teaching.