by Tim Hall

When he was discovered, he was barely recognizable. Those who had known him in better days were shocked at his present appearance. He once was strong, well-groomed, cocky and the picture of command. Now, however, he looked like the homeless man he was. He was filthy, his hair was matted, his beard long and unkempt, and he acted almost incoherently. Could this be the man they had once feared?

By the way, we're not describing last week's capture of Saddam Hussein – though we could be. Instead, we're elaborating on the information found in Daniel 4:28-33 regarding King Nebuchadnezzar. Ironically, Nebuchadnezzar reigned in the same land as Saddam. The great city of Babylon was located only about fifty miles south of present-day Baghdad. Both rulers were feared by their subjects, and both boasted of great things. In time, however, both were brought down from their lofty perches (though Nebuchadnezzar heeded his warning and repented).

Isaiah 14 contains "a proverb against the king of Babylon" (v. 4) that well describes the fate of Nebuchadnezzar, Saddam Hussein, and any others who exalt themselves against the will of Almighty God. Consider these lines: "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; . . . I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.' Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit" (Isaiah 14:12-15).

In a sermon on the day Saddam Hussein's capture came to light, Proverbs 29:23 was noted: "A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor." Pride is perhaps man's greatest stumbling block. Humility is our greatest need. We have again witnessed a dramatic illustration of the truth God has long tried to teach.

Doubtless there will be others to rise up and sit on Nebuchadnezzar's throne of arrogance. They, too, will be cast down in due time. Those who are wise, however, will consider these examples and learn.

by Tim Hall

Before us are two individuals. Both are studious people, spending much time reading the Bible and other books. Both have attained advanced degrees in their studies, attested by diplomas gracing the walls of their offices.

But which of the two is wise? What does God think?

James raised this question in his letter to Christians: "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom" (Jas 3:13, NKJV). It's a rhetorical question, designed to make the reader think. A similar question is found earlier in his letter (2:14) when he asks whether inactive faith can save a person. In other words, is it really faith if it's not the kind of faith God commands? And regarding wisdom: Is it really wisdom if it doesn't behave in the way God desires?

Paul had sounded a warning about so-called wisdom in 1 Corinthians 8:1: "Knowledge puffs up." It's a graphic image, bringing to mind a person who puffs out his chest with an air of arrogance. "I'm a learned man," this person might boast. "I have more understanding that the common person." It leads to disdain toward others, and an expectation to be treated like a celebrity. How common such puffed-up people have been throughout time! But are they really wise according to God?

James, in our text above, made it clear that wisdom, if it comes from God, will be demonstrated by "good conduct ... in the meekness of wisdom". One of the marks of wisdom is that it is meek. James had earlier pointed to the value of meekness in 1:19-21: "Therefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."

The puffed-up individual does not receive instruction; they already know it all anyway (they think). Try to teach them something from God's word and you'll be interrupted or will receive an angry glare. "Do you think you can teach me anything?" they are thinking. The meek, however, know that there is a continual need for instruction. They are glad to receive the word, knowing it will lead to the salvation of their souls. Because they are meek, they are slow to speak and thus they are most apt to learn.

James himself seems to be a good model of meekness. There are strong reasons to believe he was the half-brother of Jesus. He had the credentials to make himself a celebrity. Instead of being puffed up by his good fortune, though, he introduced himself simply as "a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" (Jas. 1:1).

If we need more motivation to work toward becoming meek, let's remember that Jesus described Himself as "meek and lowly in heart" (Matt. 11:29, KJV), a trait of the Lord mentioned by Paul in 2 Corinthians 10:1. Was anyone more learned than Jesus? Yet look at what wisdom led Him to be.

Let no one condemn the pursuit of knowledge; it is encouraged often in God's word. But those who become puffed up by their advanced levels of learning show by their actions that they don't yet understand godly wisdom.

by Tim Hall

Two brothers made a promise to follow God. For a time, they were true to their word, submitting to God's wisdom, obeying His will. In time, however, one decided there was more reward to be found from the world. He abandoned his commitment and walked in paths the Lord had forbidden.

God described that tragedy through His prophet Hosea: "Ephraim has encompassed Me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah still walks with God, even with the Holy One who is faithful" (Hosea 11:12, New King James Version).

What made the difference between these two brothers? As Hosea said, one trusted in the faithfulness of God, while the other apparently did not. That trust makes all the difference. If we believe something is going to be worthwhile, we will endure great obstacles. But when our hope for reward is weakened or taken away, we quickly give up.

God's faithfulness is a prominent theme of the Bible. Paul noted it in his letter to Corinth: "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:9). Remove the certainty that God will bless our efforts, and who is willing to give up his will for the Lord's? But Paul had no doubts about God's willingness to bless. "He is faithful", Paul assured them.

James, too, pointed to the value of knowing God's faithfulness. He compared the Christian's life to a farmer's labor. There are times, between the early and the latter rains, when the farmer wonders if his efforts will be in vain. But then the rain comes and his patience is rewarded. "You also be patient," James concluded. "Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand" (James 5:7,8).

As Christians see the world doling out riches to the ungodly, it's hard to hold onto our faith. Why not let go of things we can't see and grab for the world's golden rings? After all, this talk about heaven may just be fantasy. As time goes by, our resolve to live by faith weakens, and many decide to take what is before them. Demas was one such Christian (2 Timothy 4:10).

The faithfulness of God -- how important it is to see this attribute! And how is it that we can make it ever clearer in our minds? Here's Paul's prescription: "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4).

Back to the Bible! In our modern world of sophistication and technology, it sounds just too simple and old-fashioned. But those who wish to endure to the end cannot allow anything to detract them from reading the Bible. In reminding ourselves of how God has faithfully dealt with others in the past, we'll be encouraged to endure, too.

An old Greek hymn of the 8th century speaks the lesson eloquently: "'If I ask Him to receive me, will He say me nay?' 'Not till earth and not till heaven pass away.' 'Finding, following, keeping, struggling, Is He sure to bless?' 'Saints, apostles, prophets, martyrs answer "Yes".'" (From the hymn "Art Thou Weary?")

Is God sure to bless? The answer we hold in our hearts will determine the resolve we have to persevere.

by Tim Hall

"You'll never find that color of paint," said Laurie. "This house must be eighty years old, and I just don't see that color anymore." "I wouldn't think so, either," said Bob, "but I saw an ad on TV about a paint store. They said they could match any color you bring to them."

Color matching is not a new phenomenon. Peter spoke of the idea in 1 Peter 1:6: "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials" (New King James Version). "Various" is from the Greek word poikilos, a word which can also mean "multicolored".

It's an interesting way of describing the different trials we face. Some people suffer due to ill health; others because of poverty, family strife or natural catastrophe. Your trials are navy blue; mine are mint green. No two people suffer in exactly the same way.

Such an observation leads to a quandary, though: "Can God help me with my problems?" There's no doubt He can help others. We've read and heard many accounts of how God has provided the answers others have needed. But what about mine? If my troubles are unique, will He be able to give me aid?

That question is answered in 1 Peter 4:10: "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." The word "manifold" is also translated from poikilos; it's the only other time Peter used that word.

This time, however, it does not refer to the problems people face, but to the grace God is able to provide. The same word is used by the apostle to speak of human trials and divine assistance. It's a perfect match!

Can we really count on God to send us such divine aid? Paul answers with an unequivocal "Yes". In 1 Corinthians 10:13, he wrote about temptations, another form of trials:

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

The paint store was as good as advertised. When Bob brought in his sample, they were able to mix a color that was virtually identical. Hundreds of thousands of Christians can attest to the truthfulness of God's advertisements, too. Every trial laid before Him is matched perfectly by grace that can only come from above. "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

I bring my grief to Thee, the grief I cannot tell. No word shall needed be, Thou knowest all so well. I bring the sorrow laid on me, O suff'ring Savior, all to Thee, O suff'ring Savior, all to Thee.

--Frances R. Havergal, 1870

by Tim Hall

The assignment Paul gave Titus would not be easy. "Set in order the things that are lacking," Paul had instructed him (Titus 1:5, New King James Version). Making matters more complicated was the general tendency of the island population. "One of them, a prophet of their own, said, 'Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.' This testimony is true" (Titus 1:12,13). Paul would not mislead his coworker; his work among the Cretan people would be challenging!

We can imagine how frustrated Titus must have at times become. Old habits are hard to break. New Christians would need time to change their behaviors. In the meantime, great patience would be required as Titus would witness dishonesty and selfishness among people who should know better. Paul's further instructions to "rebuke with all authority" (Titus 2:15) might have been interpreted as a green light to tear into these hypocrites!

But Paul quickly added other counsel to temper impatient church workers: "Remind them . . . to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men" (Titus 3:1,2). Peaceable? Gentle? Humble among people who needed to be sharply rebuked? Paul, how can you expect us to be so restrained among people who are notorious for their laziness and lies?

Here's his answer: "For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another" (Titus 3:3). There was good reason for Paul to point to the Christian worker's own sordid past. If we can outgrow sinful habits, then these difficult brethren can, too. But patience is needed. Be patient, remembering that you were once like them.

Is this not where many of us go astray? We expect so much of other people. That's fine to a point, for God's word has great expectations. (Remember Matthew 5:48? "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.") But sometimes we forget the path our spiritual growth has taken. Our own path began at a very low point. It had many twists and turns, many ups and downs. But over time we have made progress. Given time and encouragement, maybe these Cretan brethren can progress, too.

John Bradford (1510-1555) once observed criminals being taken to their execution. "But for the grace of God there goes John Bradford," he reflected. He was right. True, it takes more than God's grace to change a life, but without God's grace none of us would have opportunity to repent and reform. Take divine grace out of the picture, and we are all condemned transgressors.

Paul realized this truth better than most: "But by the grace of God I am what I am . . ." (1 Corinthians 15:10). When he wrote those words, Paul was a model of Christian discipleship. But it had not always been so. He needed time, patience and encouragement. Sharp rebuke without loving exhortation will cause young disciples to wilt.

It's worth repeating: Sharp rebuke without loving exhortation will cause young disciples to wilt.

The Cretans have many relatives living yet today. The patience of Christian workers can be pressed to the limits by such brethren. But may we never forget that "we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived . . ." Let us do unto others as we would have the Lord do unto us!