Jacob Jackson – Worthy Walking

II Corinthians 6:17

During these times when we cannot meet as often as we would like, here are a few verses and some thoughts to encourage us.

“’Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘And do not touch what is unclean; and I will welcome you.’”
II Corinthians 6:17 (NASB)

Lately, with a disease spreading unchecked, there has been a lot of talk about cleanliness. There are recommendations to cover our mouths, rigorously wash our hands, and even avoid touching both handrails and elevator buttons. All of this discussion is an acknowledgment that things we touch can be dirty, and touching dirty things can cause disease.

In the Old Testament, God taught his people the difference between dirty and clean. He taught them not to touch certain things, and if they were forced to or accidently did touch those things, they were to wash and separate themselves in order to be clean. The physical benefits of being clean are obvious to us today, but back then the people needed to be instructed. The point was not simply to be clean physically, but to learn the concepts of dirty and clean.

Because of God’s instruction on cleanliness, the Israelites were unique, or separate, from the people around them. They would have abstained from behaviors that were common among other people. They also would have removed themselves from the presence of people who were willfully being unclean. In the passage above we see the same instruction for us today. It is not simply enough to abstain from certain behaviors while still allowing those close to us to continue. Instead, we ought to separate ourselves from those practicing wrong. We are to come out from among those who are not clean so that we may not be touched by them. If we do not separate ourselves, we condone their behavior and prove ourselves to be likewise unclean. The dirty will not be made clean by simply being in the presence of the clean. Instead, the dirty thing will always cause the clean to become dirty. Why then do we allow our friends and family to be unclean around us?

Instead, we ought to separate ourselves from unclean behavior and wash up. Washing to become clean is not easy. It is said that many people do not wash their hands properly. It may be that washing properly takes too much effort. Our spiritual selves are no different; it takes real effort to scrub ourselves from unclean behaviors and associations. It probably takes even more courage to teach others to clean themselves properly. Thankfully we are not alone. God has given us a church of people who are also separate and clean. It is much easier to keep ourselves clean when we prefer the presence of our spiritual brethren. If we prefer the presence of the world, we will find ourselves having to clean ourselves up more often. We might even get to the point where we can’t tell we are dirty anymore.

Perhaps we are washing our hands a little more often than we were before. Each time we wash our hands, let’s consider whether or not we need to cleanse our heart as well.

Ephesians 1:19-20

During these times when we cannot meet as often as we would like, here are a few verses and some thoughts to encourage us.

“And what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 1:19-20 (NASB)

Very often people feel powerless in life. Right now many feel powerless for various reasons. Some because they have been confined to home; some because they are told they cannot work to eat. Others because they perceive a sickness, for which there is no cure, to be spreading unchecked. Often times the narrative surrounding the sickness is that there is no escape and the prognoses is dire.

Christians see things differently. This is not because we think we are immune to the sickness; we understand the precarious nature of life. We have a different perspective because we know the power God has given to believers. The world does not know this power, and in fact denies the power and even denies God himself. This is at the root of what can only be described as hysteria in the media, as well as a general lack of proportionality on the part of government.

To believers God has given a great power. A power that is greater than any person, government, or physical illness. He has given to us the same power that he demonstrated in Christ—the power to be raised from the dead. Many have accused Christians of believing God will keep them from getting sick. True believers know that he has not promised to keep us from getting sick, but he has promised to raise us again just like he raised Christ. Christians should not be reckless with the precious life God has given to us, but we certainly have no reason to fear death. No believer is powerless as long as they have the ability to overcome death.

Romans 2:29

During these times when we cannot meet as often as we would like, here are a few verses and some thoughts to encourage us.

“But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.”
Romans 2:29 (NASB)

Under the law delivered through Moses, the people of God were compelled to perform many physical rituals. These rituals were difficult both to keep track of and perform appropriately. Additionally, if anyone were to keep the law perfectly, the law could never completely remove sin. Even still, that law was the only way to be pleasing to God.

Now, since Christ died as the perfect sacrifice for our sins, we are freed from the rituals of the old law. We can’t perform physical rituals in a quest to keep the law perfectly. It wasn’t possible for God’s people then, and it still isn’t possible today.

Of course, we still have commandments to observe today. However, we don’t observe them to somehow make the flesh clean. Instead, we focus on the heart; we allow the gospel to cut away the things that keep us from pleasing God. The process of correcting the heart brings about changes in the flesh. We have chosen, out of love for him, to not let fleshly cares take priority over serving him.

Tomorrow is the first day of the week. Should the world continue, we will have another opportunity to serve him. To those who serve him in spirit, that service won’t be a burden. On the other hand, many people consider serving him to be a burden, so they simply won’t serve. Worse still, many will serve him as if worship is a weekly ritual to check off a list—much like the physical requirements of the law. But those who worship in spirit and in truth will do so simply because they love him.

Psalm 92:1-2

During these times when we cannot meet as often as we would like, here are a few verses and some thoughts to encourage us.

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night.”
Psalm 92:1-2 (NASB)

My family went out tonight to eat in the dining room of a restaurant. It was the first time we have done so since the government restrictions were put in place many weeks ago. As we entered the restaurant two employees opened the double doors to let us in. I thanked them in passing, in the way that you do to be polite. It struck me that both of them emphatically replied that they were happy to open the door for us—strongly implying that they were thankful to have the opportunity. This was no longer routine for them; they were excited to be back at work. My conscience was pricked at the thought that I had not been more grateful for their service; they were obviously grateful that we were coming to support their business.

Inside, the other employees were no less excited to see us. They thanked us multiple times for coming both as we walked in and as we were leaving. Once again it occurred to me that these people were not just thanking us because it was a job requirement. By the time we left, their attitude was wearing off on me. I was more thankful than usual for their service, and I was more thankful than usual for the simple opportunity to sit in a restaurant.

In my experience so far, the mornings and the evenings come and go at regular pace. It happens so predictably that I take it for granted. Yet, the morning and evening come and go because of God’s loving kindness and faithfulness. The experience tonight caused me to examine myself and wonder, “What else am I taking for granted?” Of everyone, God’s people ought to be the most grateful. We know that everything, no matter how small, is a thoughtful gift from God. We should look around us and intentionally notice things to be thankful for. We won’t have to look hard, and the realization that he is responsible for so much will cause us to sing praises to his name.

It will be obvious to others that we are grateful because, by definition, gratitude cannot be hidden. The employees of the restaurant, being more grateful than usual, made the experience more exciting than a normal trip to a restaurant. Just as their attitude was contagious, people will be moved by our gratefulness to God. Our attitude can cause others to want to be part of what we have. If we have poor attitude about being a Christian it can drive people away; or, at a minimum, make them indifferent. Especially during these stressful times people need something to grasp on to. Let’s remember to find ways to be grateful.

Philippians 2:4-5

During these times when we cannot meet as often as we would like, here are a few verses and some thoughts to encourage us.

“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,”
Philippians 2:4-5 (NASB)

A cognitive bias is a systematic deviation from rational judgment. Sometimes biases can help us make faster decisions by narrowing down the possible options. Sometimes biases can help us reject false information because it does not align with previous experience or knowledge. Biases can cause us to overlook otherwise obvious and important information. This unhelpful bias is often called a blind spot. It is a blind spot because it keeps us from seeing the things that we ought to see. One such blind spot is called the distance bias. The distance bias causes things that are closer to be valued over things that are farther away. In other words, things that we can look upon or physically touch are going to appear more valuable to us than things that are out of sight. After all, out of sight, out of mind.

Again, the distance bias causes us to put less value on things we cannot see. Paul writes that we are to look out for the interests of others. What if we never look at the brethren? If we come to the point where we are neglecting or avoiding the brethren, then the next step will be to subconsciously devalue those relationships. God understands how we are made; after all, he is the one who created us. He understood that we would give more consideration to those things that are closer rather than far away. This is just one reason why remote worship services cannot replace an assembly. The distance bias will cause the experience of watching a worship service over the Internet to be less valuable than assembling with brethren locally. It should be obvious that the devil is pleased that many brethren have so easily consented to separate from each other. And while doing so, they have convinced themselves that watching worship from a distance is a suitable replacement for an assembly. Furthermore, this completely neglects the command and example to greet one another physically (Lk 7:45; Ro 16:16; I Co 16:20; II Co 13:12; I Th 5:26; I Pe 5:14).

Paul uses a word that is translated here as “look out.” The connotation of this word is to pay attention to something you can actually see; as in, to be close enough to look upon that thing or person. It stands to reason that we cannot be aware of the interests of those we are never around. If we spend more time with people of the world or alone with ourselves, then we run the risk of putting the world’s or our own interests over the brethren.

During this time of both economic hardship and social disruption, we should be seeking to comfort our brethren in any way possible. The easiest opportunity to meet the needs of others is to provoke one another to love and good works in the assembly. Outside of that, what have each of us done to look after the needs of our spiritual family? Do not ignore the needs of others; the commands of men do not supersede the instructions of God. This time of hardship and adversity offers many opportunities to look after the interests of the brethren. What will you do to look after the needs of your brothers and sisters?

Psalm 126:1-3

During these times when we cannot meet as often as we would like, here are a few verses and some thoughts to encourage us.

“When the Lord brought back the captive ones of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with joyful shouting; then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.”
Psalm 126:1-3 (NASB)

It has been about 2,000 years since Jesus came to die on the cross. Before that, it was more than 4,000 years between the time that Adam sinned and Jesus was born. This means that for most of the time since creation mankind has been captive to sin. However, in our age, God has freed us from this terrible burden.

Because we are freed from sin’s captivity we are most blessed. Instead of taking this for granted, we should have a feeling of disbelief. God did not have to give us a way out of sin, but he decided to do so. In order to give us a way out he had to send his son to be put to death by the very ones who were to be saved. Most of us would not tolerate such circumstances, but God did it willingly. It is beyond our ability to fully comprehend, but when we realize it was specifically for us, it ought to make us the most joyful people on earth.

The world should look at us and see our joy. The world should see the fact that we are different. We know that all our situations here are temporary. Even if we are suffering now, it will seem like such a short time in the end; therefore we have every reason to keep looking ahead expecting the life that is to come. When the world sees how our joy carries us through life they will be reminded of the great things God has done for us. When they see how we live differently from them, because of the things God has done for us, they will glorify him (Job 8:20-22; Mt 5:16; Lk 8:39; I Pe 2:12).

Knowing the great things God has done for us, we are glad.

Hebrews 9:28

During these times when we cannot meet as often as we would like, here are a few verses and some thoughts to encourage us.

“So Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await him.”
Hebrews 9:28 (NASB)

So many people are caught up in the current moment. They may not seem to be burdened with any care in particular, but are just living for now. It is a good thing to be content and many people struggle with being satisfied (Ph 4:11; I Ti 6:6, 6; He 13:5). But we must always remember why it is that we continue to live. The writer has said that mankind’s entire meaning is to respect God and obey him. Sometimes life can distract us; sometimes those distractions are pleasant or unpleasant. Nevertheless, the distractions can take our eyes off of our goal. We teach young ball players to keep their eyes on the ball. This is because we will instinctively grasp the thing we are looking at. We need to keep looking because someday Jesus is going to appear.

When Jesus appears again, if we are distracted, it will be too late. However, if we are ready and watching, we will be ready to meet him. When Jesus appears again he will bring salvation. Peter speaks about this in I Peter 1:3-5. In that passage he describes how we can have access to the salvation of Christ which will be revealed at the end. Again, we must be ready. We can’t stop living as some did in the past (II Th 3:6-13), but we must be ready no matter what we are doing; we can’t be so distracted that we let down our guard and drop the ball.

Peter is speaking about the hope that sustains faith through difficult times such as persecution. The writer of the book of Hebrews is speaking about avoiding apostasy. Apostasy can come during difficult times, but is just as likely to occur as a result of complacency. Things seem to be going along well and we can let our focus drift. Instead, let’s focus on the things we know will please God and the world, pleasant or unpleasant, will take care of itself (I Th 5:6). Let’s earnestly watch for Jesus so that we may be found in a state that will be ready for the salvation he brings.

Colossians 2:5-7

During these times when we cannot meet as often as we would like, here are a few verses and some thoughts to encourage us.

“For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ. Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.”
Colossians 2:5-7 (NASB)

Faith is hard to describe in one or two words. Nevertheless, one of the best words to begin to describe faith is trust. Trust is the foundation of faith. For example, without trust in the character of a speaker it is impossible to believe what they say. Without trust in a system people will not willingly submit to that system. Trust in an outcome makes it much easier to do difficult things when confronted with adversity. During difficult times, trust in some authority is what keeps confidence up and prevents faltering.

In this passage the apostle Paul is pleased to see the Colossians focus on their faith. By focusing on Christ they have achieved stability and confidence. Notice the ways that Christ accommodates faith: He provides stability and discipline (vs 5); he gives the ability to firmly walk on stable ground (vs 6); he is a firm root and provides a foundation so faith can be built up (vs 7). Each of these things builds trust in other areas of our life. Stability and discipline foster trust in the family. Stable ground gives us the confidence to move quickly and without fear of falling. A firm foundation and structure allows us to trust that our house will not collapse on top of us.

We can have confidence, or trust, in our faith because our faith is in Christ. We know without doubting that the teachings of the Bible are dependable. Finally, we will be overflowing with gratitude. We are grateful because we know what it is to be lost. In the flesh there is no stability and certainly nothing to trust (Ph 3:4; I Ti 6:17-19). We know what it means to be abused and buffeted in the world without hope. We are no longer like them; instead we have confidence in our salvation because of the one who has promised. Our salvation is more than enough reason to rejoice.

Romans 1:11-12

During these times when we cannot meet as often as we would like, here are a few verses and some thoughts to encourage us.

“For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established; that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.”
Romans 1:11-12 (NASB)

In the next verse Paul explains that even though he desires to be with his readers, he has been prevented from getting to Rome. I started this series of articles because of the present situation where we are prevented from meeting as often as we once did. Where we once would meet several times a week, now we are prevented. This situation should be distressing to us as if we have been forcibly separated from our closest family.

Paul wanted to come to them because he desired to participate in their edification. He did not want to be with them simply to check some command-box. Many treat the assembly as if it is some answer to a multiple choice question—a Christian only need to choose one answer, and usually the correct answer is Sunday morning worship, in order to pass the test. Others treat the assembly as a la carte where you can choose any one, but you can also have more if you like. The Christians in the New Testament were distinctly interested in keeping each other’s company and meeting face to face. We read of how they were so excited about the good news that many would even meet daily. It was not a sacrifice to them; instead it was a joyous opportunity.

During this present situation, while we are limited in how often we meet, it should feel like a radical change. Sadly, for many it is not. Even worse, many more are entirely unconcerned with not meeting at all and indefinitely. For us, however, it is distressing. To relieve that distress, I write this, as Paul wrote, to keep each of us connected both to each other and to God. Because Paul could not be with them in person, he wrote to them to let them know he was concerned about them. However, Paul desired to be among them because that is the most effective way to edify those we love. Words from afar cannot long replace the assembling of the saints.

Even though Paul could not be among them, it was not because he was at home being idle. He needed to take the gospel to those who had never heard it (Ro 15:18-22). Let us remember to be about the work of God even more during these challenging times. We can talk to those who do not know our God and are living in fear. We can lift up spirits by writing or calling the brethren or even relieve their physical needs if necessary.

As I write this it is Friday. It has been almost a week since we have last assembled. Our hearts should be filled with anticipation knowing that we will very soon be back together.

Psalm 139:1-5

During these times when we cannot meet as often as we would like, here are a few verses and some thoughts to encourage us.

“O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O Lord, You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.”
Psalm 139:1-5 (NASB)

During this challenging time we are separated from each other. It is easier to feel more distant from God when we are separated from his people. This is one important reason to assemble with our spiritual family, not for a few minutes on Sunday morning, but whenever the opportunity is offered. Even though, at times, God may feel more distant than usual, he is still where he has always been. Thankfully, no matter how close to him we are now, we can always get closer.

God has sought to know us and has found us. He knows us even when we go about our daily business; he knows us when we are distracted by the world around us. He knows everywhere we go and where we shelter at night. He pays attention to every word we say—even the idle words that do not edify. During this time we are assaulted by fear from every direction. People, who do not know God or the peace he gives, live in terror of a physical disease. It is easy to feel shaken by the craziness all around us. But we know that he has put a protective wall around our spirit so that we will not be distressed. He has both clothed and fed us and comforts us with his hand.

God is still there and he understands. Draw close to both him and his people and he will be near. Turn to him and he will be near while the cares of the world will flee from you.