The Italian Memorandum

R.S.V.P. – repondez s’il vous plait

(“please answer”)

“… when I called, you did not answer”

(Isaiah 65:12)

The calling of God, and man’s answer to that call, is a great theme of the Bible. Many times throughout the Scriptures, we read of God’s calling out to man: “But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9); “…God called to him out of the bush, Moses, Moses!” (Exodus 3:4); “…even us whom he has called” (Romans 9:24; 8:28,30; 11:29). But, whenever God calls to man, that call contains an R.S.V.P., “please answer.”
It is customary for occasions of formal gatherings, such as a wedding, or a social event–by invitation only–that the recipient of the invitation reply with a decision of attendance or non-attendance of the event. We may refer to this custom as etiquette. This etiquette is a type of ticket, entrance or admissibility. But, in the Bible, the call of God’s is never mere etiquette. The call of God goes beyond human conventions; it enters a sacred domain.

1. The call of God involves God’s expectations for man (see Isaiah 42:6).
2. But, human choice is never abolished (see Isaiah 65:12; 66:4).
3. God’s calling is never mere etiquette, but a momentous privilege (Romans 8:30; Hebrews 3:15).

With every assembly, we have opportunity to RSVP. With every opportunity to serve, to worship, to live, we give answer. What will be your answer today? R.S.V.P. while you can: “Please Answer!”

-Robert M. Housby

“Don’t Stop Now!”

“Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley”

(Genesis 19:17)

The December heavens of 2004 dropped over 10 inches of snow on our City of Roses recently. It was a cold gray afternoon, with temperatures dropping fast. I was enroute to the church building and approaching the south entrance. As I came up the little hill the car began to bog down and slide in the deep snow. I hesitated briefly to reassess my position; the tires began to spin; and I knew that to stop now would surely get me stuck. So, I gunned the engine! The back-end swerved and the engine roared, but we made our way through it.
In the Bible story of the Rescue of Lot (Genesis 19), we may observe that Lot’s wife, “looked back, and she became a pillar of salt” (Genesis 19:26). In the New Testament, it is related that Demas stopped too soon (2 Timothy 4:10). In these examples, and others, certain characteristics seem to appear:

1. Too much hesitation.
2. Too much concern with the cost of going on.
3. Too much concern with leaving the safety of what’s behind.
4. Too little determination to give-it-all for the cause.

Inactive Christians are lingering in the valley. Now, that may not sound too bad. But, this isn’t just any valley (Joel 3:14). All for Christ, and nothing is lost that shall not be restored. Make your way. Make your way right now (John 14:6).
“Don’t stop now!”

-Robert M. Housby

“For the word of God is living and active…”

(Hebrews 4:12)

Books can be stuffy things. But, the Bible is not one of them. Intelligent men for thousands of years have burned the midnight oil to learn of this unseen God, who proposes to guide men from his inspired word (2 Timothy 3:16,17). There is a sequence that lies embedded in the Book; and, that sequence runs from language to relationship.

1. Psalm 119 begins with biblical language —“the law of the LORD” (119:1); “his testimonies” (119:2); “his ways” (119:3); “your precepts” 119:4);“your statutes” (119:5); “your commandments” (119:6); “your righteous rules”(119:7).
2. Psalm 119, however, from that language, always infers the possibility of a relationship with the living Lord:

a. 119:94 – “I am yours”
b. 119:151 – “But you are near; O LORD”
c. 119:114 – “You are my hiding-place”

As we enter 2005, man is confronted again with the great questions and the ultimate realities: ranging from word to worship; and, from language to living : (John 6:63). Can you say, “I am yours in the New Year?” (See Romans 6:4 on “Newness”). Can you verbalize, mobilize, and glorify in Christ?

– Robert M. Housby

“And he shall be like a tree planted by the

streams of water, That bringeth forth its
fruit in its season, Whose leaf also doth
not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall
prosper. The wicked are not so…”

(Psalm 1:3,4, ASV)

The Cappadocian biblical scholar, Basil, (c. A.D. 329-379), said the Book of
Psalms “foretells coming events; it recalls history; it frames laws for life; it
suggests what must be done; and, in general, it is the common treasury of good
doctrine” (Basil, Homily 10,1,2). As such, we shall make some brief comments
regarding the “tree” of Psalm 1:3 (quoted above).

1. The “tree” is the “blessed” man (See Psalm 1:1).

2. The “tree” is the man who avoids wicked counsel (See Psalm 1:1,2).

3. The “tree” has a reliable resource from which to grow (Psalm 1:3).

4. The “tree” produces its intended fruit (Psalm 1:3).

5. These traits of the “tree” are not common to the wicked (Psalm 1:4).

Christian growth is very much like the tree of Psalm 1: rooted (Colossians 1:23);
raised (Colossians 3:1,2); ruled (Colossians 3:15,17); and, realized (Colossians
1:10). Often, we put up excuses for our own lack of growth; blame others; shift
responsibility away from ourselves; and find others who are like-minded (hell).
Instead, we should be striving to be the tree of Psalm 1.

– Robert M. Housby

“If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen
the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom
helps one to succeed.”

(Ecclesiastes 10:10)

A proverb is a brief pithy statement meant to convey wisdom. As such, we see that Ecclesiastes 10:10 conveys the wisdom that a dull axe will require considerable more strength than a sharp axe. This information is both simple and sound. But, biblical proverbs often have farther reaching implications than their immediate applications. Such is the case here. An individual may also be sharp or blunt. We tend to associate dullness with I. Q. (Intelligence Quotient). However, while there is a connection between succeeding and natural ability, we have known plenty of smart individuals who live very stupid lives. We have all heard the adage: “He’s not the sharpest knife in the drawer.” Therefore, we are persuaded to think of sharp or dull in terms of Ecclesiastes 7:18: “…for a man who fears God will succeed…”(NEB).

It is important that we stay sharp. Consider three dynamics for staying sharp:

1. God wants his people to succeed (Deuteronomy 29:9; Joshua 1:8;
Ecclesiastes 7:18; 10:10; 3 John 2). See that God is involved in one’s life.
2. God provides wisdom that his people may succeed (Proverbs 1:1-7;
Colossians 1:9, 28; 2:2,3; 3:16). See that God’s plan is a power to succeed.
3. Stay sharp and work smart (Ecclesiastes 10:10). Respond to God.

Perhaps, you have been sharp, but are now going through a dull period. You can feel your strength being taxed to the point of burn-out. God has a way to whet your edge. And, it all begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). Dullards will suffer. So, stay sharp and work smart.

– Robert M. Housby

“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?”

(Proverbs 1:22, ESV)

The local weather forecast is not the only place where dense fog shows up. According to the Proverb writer, the simple the scoffer and the fool all live in the same dense fog (Proverbs 1:22). This fog is the way of darkness in which the simple walk (Proverbs 2:13). In fact, one of the premier purposes of the book of Proverbs is: “…to give prudence to the simple” (Proverbs 1:4).

A. Who are these “simple” ones of the book of Proverbs?

1. They are actually in love with being simpletons (1:22).
2. They are digging their own grave by rejecting biblical counsel (1:32).
3. They are equated with children who never grew up (7:7).
4. They thrive on immediate gratification and are easily duped (7:8,18,21).
5. They fail to prepare for the future and suffer because of it (27:12).

B. How may the “simple” rise above the denseness of this personal fog?

1. They must commit themselves to biblical understanding (Psalm 119:130).
2. They must understand that the LORD can preserve the simple (Ps. 116:6).
3. They must learn prudence (Proverbs 8:5).
4. They must become more thoughtful and less gullible (Proverbs 14:15).
5. They should realize they are virtually folly magnets (Proverbs 14: 18).
6. They must learn some hard lessons (Proverbs 19:25; 21:11).

“There it is fog, atmospheric moisture still uncertain in destination, not quite weather and not altogether mood, yet partaking of both” (Hal Borland, Sundial of the Seasons, 1964). There is a possibility of a dense fog ahead. So, how’s the weather where you live?

–Robert M. Housby

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”

(Galatians 1:6-9, English Standard Version)

The children’s book, “What Makes A Raphael A Raphael?” is an attempt to explain art. We happen to think this is an excellent question. We ask in this article, “What makes a gospel sermon a gospel sermon?”

In Galatians 1:6-9, the apostle Paul presents a scathing criticism against misrepresenting the gospel. Four points arise from within the biblical text:

1. It is possible to distort the gospel message (1:7).
2. Distortions may be detected by a departure from the New Testament (1:6,7).
3. The gospel is not to be changed, by apostles, angels, nor men (1:8,9).
4. Preaching “a different gospel” gets an accursed rating (1:8,9).

We might point out that Raphael was a painter, not a preacher. Attempting to understand Raphael is one thing, and believing the gospel is very much another matter. Psalm 119:89 reads, “Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.” The gospel is a settled matter. It was settled when Paul wrote Galatians; it is settled today, and will abide tomorrow and forever (1 Peter 1:25). Is this your faith?

– Robert M. Housby

(Rev. 19:10; Eccl. 7:2,3; Gen. 6:6; Rom. 8:26; 12:15; Eph. 4:30; Acts 20:19,31; 2 Cor. 2:4; Phil. 3:8; Matt. 5:4; Ps. 42:3; 126:5,6; Jn. 11:35)

 

“Keep your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for
there is a reward for your work, declares the LORD”

(Jeremiah 31:16,ESV)

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and
weepeth, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with
joy, bringing his sheaves with him”

(Psalm 126:5,6, ASV)

Yes, Jeremiah has come to be known as “the weeping prophet” of God (Lamentations 1;16; Jeremiah 9:1,10; 13:17; 22:10; 31:15,16); and, that he was. Those who work in the role of a servant of God, as Jeremiah did, soon realize that people can wear you out. And, Jeremiah was stressed to the limit with the obstinate and obnoxious people of his day. It is written concerning this people: “…I have become a laughing stock all the day; everyone mocks me”(Jeremiah 20:7). And, then, something happened. God told Jeremiah, “Keep your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for there is a reward for your work” (Jeremiah 31:16). It is this certainty that our labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58), which causes us to continue to care and to continue to carry the message of our God (Matthew 28:18-20).

The “Confessions” of Jeremiah remind us of his constant struggle (10:23,24; 11:18-12:6; 15:10-21; 17:9-11,14-18; 18:18-23; 20:7-18). But, the reminder of the value of the work itself is its own reason for being. Yes, the value of the work itself.

So, the work has value. The only question is, Do we value the work? Never give up; never give in! For, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy!”

–Robert M. Housby

“…Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river…”

(Isaiah 66:12)

“And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace,
for them that make peace”

(James 3:18)

The Lord calls us to a life of peace (Psalm 34:14; 119:165; Psalm 46:4; Proverbs 12:20; Isaiah 26:3; 48:18,22; 66:12; 1 Corinthians 7:15; Philippians 4:7; 1 Timothy 2:2; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Peter 3:14). And, what is this peace? this shalom of the ancient patriarchs and prophets?

1. What this peace is not – This peace is not false optimism. Isaiah (Isa. 57:19-21), Jeremiah (Jer. 6:14; 8:11) and Ezekiel (Ezek. 13:10) all affirm this very point. Jesus, himself, cautioned against unreal expectations of this world (John 14:27). This peace is not the absence of war, nor of tribulation, but the blessed security of having the Lord as our God (Isaiah 26:3).

2. This peace is a gospel peace – When the gospel is preached, a certain peace is proclaimed (Nahum 1:15; Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15). This peace derives especially from the prophecy that Messiah (Christ) would bring a peace by the chastisement of himself (Isaiah 53:5; Colossians 1:20). This we understand to be accomplished through the cross of Christ (Romans 5:1). The message of the gospel preached serves to publish this peace to the world (Acts 10:36-39).

3. This peace is for those “in Christ Jesus” – The scriptures are clear and exact about who the recipients of this peace are: “Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus” (1 Peter 5:14, NKJV). To be “in Christ Jesus,” is to be in relationship with God through baptism (Matthew 28:19; Galatians 3:27). There is this line from Shakespeare, “Smooth runs the water where the brook is deep” (2 Henry VI, 3.1.53). Is there such a depth in your life today?

–Robert M. Housby

“…So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel”

(2 Samuel 15:6)

The conspiracy of Absalom, against King David, serves to remind us that God’s kingdom is not immune from plots to transfer power and lead men astray.(2 Sam. 15:1-12).

A. 2 Sam. 14:33 – The story unfolds with a touching scene of David receiving Absalom with a kiss of reconciliation.
B. 2 Sam. 15:1 – Absalom then got himself a following.
C. 2 Sam. 15:2-6 – Absalom began campaigning for himself privately.
D. 2 Sam. 15:7-12 – Absalom instigated an open plot to make himself king.

So, the scheming actions of Absalom worked: “And a messenger came to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom.” ( 2 Sam. 15:13, 6). It seems that God allows certain things to happen in the world even when those things may bring harm and hurt. This must have something to do with free-will, evil, chance, and, sometimes, an opportunity for God’s grace and the power of Christ to rest upon us (Rom. 7:19; 21; Eccl. 9:11; 2 Cor. 12:8,9).

If Joseph of Genesis, David of the Psalms, Paul of Acts, and Jesus of the Gospels, had plots against them, we shouldn’t think it strange that we, ourselves, may be in the sights of the adversary (Eph. 6:11,12,16; Acts 20:30). This is what we know for sure: All men are sinners, and there is none righteous (Rom. 3:23,10); blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count sin (Rom. 4:8); but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 6:23; John 16:33).

Stolen hearts are nothing new. Nevertheless, sincere and pure devotion to Christ is possible today (2 Corinthians 11:3). Guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23).

–Robert M. Housby