Author: Phil Meade

¹ Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. She had a female Egyptian servant whose name was Hagar. ² And Sarai said to Abram, “Behold now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. ³ So, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife. ⁴ And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived.

Genesis 16:1-4a (ESV)

 

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OUR TIMING vs. GOD’S TIMING

 

As we noted yesterday, Sarai has reached the limit of her patience with God. The promised child from which a great nation would arise has not yet arrived. Genesis 16:2 records Sarai telling Abram that God has “prevented me from bearing children.” This is the first indication that Sarai is desperate, and has taken matters into her own hands. She is basically usurping the sovereignty of God, and acting on her own timing.

Sarai feels pain from what seems like an empty promise of God. She feels shame for not being able to bear a child. Deep down inside, she must feel that her prayers have been unanswered, and she probably blames God for her barrenness. All this anger, guilt, and shame push her to consider an option that is not in keeping with God’s plan and timing.

We cannot place all the blame on Sarai. She approaches Abram with her plan to produce an heir through their Egyptian servant, Hagar. Abram does not question the plan, but does as Sarai asks. While this custom of having children with one’s servant (and thereby producing a rightful heir) was not uncommon in ancient times, the decision to proceed was fully made by Sarai and Abram, with no direction from God. They could not wait on God’s timing.

God’s timing, like His very essence, is perfect. Solomon notes, “Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit” (Eccles 7:8). The prophet Habakkuk writes, “For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay” (Hab 2:3).

We do not know the sovereign plans of God, and that is what makes waiting so difficult. But as Solomon notes, waiting patiently will result in a better ending. God’s plan is infallible, and although it may seem slow in unfolding, it will surely come. Alejandra Tash writes, “The time between the promise and the fulfillment is the time God has allotted to create a special provision for this thing that we are waiting for with so much anticipation.”

My challenge for you is to wait patiently on God’s timing in whatever situation you are facing. When you try and speed up the process by taking matters into your own hands, unintended consequences are often the result (as we will see as this story unfolds).

 

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Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children…

Genesis 16:1 (ESV)

 

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IMPATIENT MAN MEETS PATIENT GOD

 

We live in an impatient world created by a patient God. Webster’s dictionary defines patient as: “bearing pains for trials calmly or without complaint; not hasty or impetuous; steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity; able or willing to bear.” A cursory glance at the last days of Jesus’ life will give you the perfect picture of patience as described above.

When you read the story of the Jewish people wandering in the desert for 40 years, the one word that often appears is “grumble.” The people were constantly grumbling about their conditions, and patience was a virtue that they had yet to learn. There are many synonyms for the word patient. The ones that stand out have to do with time (enduring, persevering, persistent, untiring), and with attitude (meek, serene, and unruffled). I think we can all safely say that patiently waiting (time) with a calm outlook (attitude) is not one of our strengths (if it is a strength for you, we will all be attending your next seminar on the subject)!

As we pick up the story of Abram and Sarai, it has been ten years since God promised Abram, “I will make of you a great nation,” (Gen 12:2a), and later told him, “‘Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be’” (Gen 15:5b). Abram is in his mid-eighties, and Sarai is in her mid-seventies. Not exactly prime child-bearing years. Genesis chapter 16 begins with a simple statement of fact that Sarai is barren. The promise has not yet been fulfilled, and Sarai’s patience is wearing thin. As we journey through Genesis 16 this week, we will see how a lack of patience on one side, and an abundance of patience on the other side, plays out for all of humanity.

God does things in His own timing, for His purpose, and for His glory. The prophet Jeremiah reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jer 29:11). Peter told his readers, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Pet 3:9). We should all thank God for that patience!

God has a plan for each of us, fulfilled in His timing. However, our patience is often lacking as we wait for the story to unfold. Paul reminded his readers that, “if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience” (Rom 8:25).

My challenge to each of you this week is to investigate your own life, and strive to wait patiently based on the hope that Paul describes. It will be worth the wait!  

 

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Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

16 “Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

 

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PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

 

The word “pray” (and other forms of the word) are found over three hundred times in Scripture. We are reminded again and again to take our cares and worries to the Lord in prayer. Nothing is too small and out of sight of our Creator. We are promised that “… whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith” (Matt 21:22). John also reminds us to have confidence, and “if we ask anything according to his will he hears us” (1 John 5:14).

It is interesting to note how both of those two verses contain the tiny word “if.” It is a powerful word, and it reminds us that we must have faith when we approach the Lord in prayer. We also must ask “in God’s will” so that he can hear us. I have often heard the statement “God is not our cosmic bellhop” (source unknown). That means we cannot just ring the “bell of prayer” and He will cater to our every whim. We must approach the throne of grace with humility and reverence, asking in Jesus’ name, and God’s will be done.

As those of you who attend NorthStar know, we are in the beginning stages of a building campaign called “Whatever it Takes.” Don’t panic, I am not asking you for money (however if the Spirit is leading you in that direction, feel free to respond). I bring this up only as a reminder of what the power of prayer can do. Prayer has been an integral part throughout the history of NorthStar. Prayer got this church off the ground. Prayer has sustained NorthStar as we approach thirty years in existence. Prayer will see us through this next season.

Just like those three thousand souls that were saved at Pentecost, people will come, the Word will be heard, the Spirit will empower, and lives will be changed for eternity. As your week wraps up, take a moment to pray for God’s will to be revealed in your life. Thank Him for His many blessings, and pray for the Spirit to embolden you to walk strongly in the Lord. As Jesus reminds us, “13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13-14).

 

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Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword”

Matthew 26:52 (ESV)

 

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EMPOWERED BY THE SPIRIT

 

We pick up the story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane after Peter has hacked off an ear of one of the servants in the crowd that has come to arrest Jesus. Peter took action, empowered only with the finite power of a human being. Charles Spurgeon notes, “It would have been far better if Peter’s hands had been clasped in prayer.”

Jesus reacts quite differently. David Guzik explains, “At the moment when it seemed that Jesus had nothing and no advantage, He knew that He still had a Father in heaven, and access to His Father and all His resources through prayer.” We too have access to all the resources of heaven simply by praying.

Peter has a long list of failures and brash moments. He walks on water, but quickly sinks when his faith weakens (Matt. 14:29-30). He argues with the other disciples about which one is greatest (Luke 22:24). He has the nerve to tell Jesus that this whole “suffer and die and rise again” plan may not align with Peter’s plans for Jesus (Matt. 16:22). He refuses Jesus’ attempt to wash his feet (John 13:8). Finally, on Jesus’ last night of his life, he denies his Lord three times, twice to lowly servant girls (Matt. 26:69-75). All of these missteps are because Peter is only empowered by his earthly abilities.

David Guzik summarizes Peter’s action that final night noting, “With his sword, Peter accomplished very little. He only cut off one ear, and really just made a mess that Jesus had to clean up by healing the severed ear (Luke 22:51). When Peter moved in the power of the world, he only cut off ears. But when he was filled with the Spirit, using the Word of God, Peter pierced hearts for God’s glory (Acts 2:37).”

We all have “Peter” moments. We think we can conquer the world, fix every problem, and right any wrong. Without the Spirit of God, we are severely limited in what we can accomplish. With the Spirit of God dwelling in us, Jesus promises that we can move mountains (Matt. 17:20). Peter and the other apostles received the Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Peter preaches to the crowd, and three thousand “souls” were added to the church that day (Acts 2). That is just one example of the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells inside us. How do we tap into that power? Pray!

 

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Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”

Matthew 26:49-54 (ESV)

 

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THE POWER OF PRAYER

 

We pick up the story as Judas and a large crowd (some armed) converge on Jesus. Among the crowd of people are chief priests and elders. They have come to arrest Jesus, and take him away (v. 49-50). One of Jesus’ disciples (you can probably guess who) draws his sword and cuts off the ear of a servant (v. 51). In John’s account of this incident, Peter is named as the swordsman (John 18:10). Jesus then rebukes Peter (v. 52), and heals the servant’s wound (Luke 22:51). Jesus also reminds those around him that if he wished to do so, he could call down over twelve legions of angels to come to his rescue (v. 53). A Roman legion in the first century would normally comprise five to six thousand soldiers, so twelve legions at a minimum would total over sixty thousand angels!  

David Guzik comments, “With one sword, Peter was willing to take on a small army of men, yet he couldn’t pray with Jesus for one hour. Prayer is the best work we can do, and often the most difficult.” We as Bible-reading Christians always tend to give Peter a bum rap. Was he impulsive? Yes. Was he a type A? Probably. Did he occasionally leap before he looked? Most definitely. Jesus, who only has hours left to live, is following God’s will while also explaining one last time the reason for his presence on earth. He is showing the world that prayer is stronger than the sword.

Peter acted in a way that most of us wouldn’t hesitate to imitate (maybe not quite to the extreme of attacking someone with a sword). When someone we love is attacked, we try and fight back, to right the wrong. What Jesus is teaching is that the discipline of prayer, fueled by the Holy Spirit, empowers us to take on all challenges. If you are seeking to do God’s will in your life, before you act impulsively, you must pray for guidance on how to handle your particular trial. The Secret of the Kingdom is unlocked by prayer, and not by our own physical force.  Peter, as always, was a slow learner.

 

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Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on…”

Matthew 26:40-45a (ESV)

 

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YOUR WILL BE DONE

 

Three times in this story Jesus prays to his Father. He asks that the trial he is about to face be taken away. In the same breath, however, notice how he always ends his prayer with “not my will, but your will be done” (v. 39, 42, 44). Jesus gives us a wonderful example of a humble, sacrificial, servant leader. He knows the path he must travel, he knows the cost, but he totally surrenders himself to the will of the Father!

I know from personal experience how difficult it can be to discern what God wills for my life. We all want to feel like we are in control, flying the plane, so to speak. But giving up control of your life actually makes you feel more “in control,” and less subject to the whims of daily life. The Lord Jesus taught us to pray “Your kingdom come, your will be done” (Matt 6:10). 

My mother passed away many years ago after an arduous battle with cancer. At the time, I prayed for miracle healing, even though the logical, worldly side of me knew the odds were not in her favor. As she neared the end, I began to add “your will be done” to my prayers for her. I have tried to include that little phrase in all my prayers to this day. I also try to remember to ask God that if He wills it to take me through a difficult trial, He will also provide me the strength to endure. If you read Luke’s account of this story, you will see that an angel appeared to Jesus to give him the strength to endure what lay ahead (Luke 22:43).

I challenge you to seek God’s will for your life in all that you do. When you pray, ask in full faith for what your heart desires. In the same breath, ask God to bend your heart to His will, and not the other way around. As D. A. Carson notes, “‘Not your will but mine’ changed Paradise to desert and brought man from Eden to Gethsemane. Now ‘Not my will but yours’ brings anguish to the man who prays it but transforms the desert into the kingdom and brings man from Gethsemane to the gates of glory.”

 

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Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.

Matthew 26:36-39 (ESV)

 

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PRAY WHEN DARKNESS SURROUNDS YOU

 

As this story unfolds, Jesus and his disciples have celebrated the Passover with a meal, taken part in the first Communion, and Peter has emphatically pronounced he will never deny Jesus. It is late at night/early in the morning as the group heads to Gethsemane (a garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives on the east side of Jerusalem). Darkness is everywhere. Jesus picks out the three who have been his closest friends during his time on earth (Peter, James, and John, v. 37), and he asks them to watch as he walks on alone to pray (v. 39).

Jesus knows what lies ahead: an unimaginably painful physical death on the cross; and, an equally unimaginable spiritual separation from his Father as a result of the weight of the sins of the world being placed upon him. Paul wrote, “21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin” (2 Cor 5:21a).

Jesus is “very” sorrowful and troubled, “even unto death” (v. 37-38). Some translations describe Jesus as exceedingly sorrowful, overwhelmed with sorrow, and full of sorrow. Matthew here is describing a violent emotion, something resembling shock. The King of Kings proceeds to “fall on his face” (v. 39), and begins to pray to his Father. Luke describes Jesus as “being in agony,” his sweat becoming like “great drops of blood falling to the ground” (Luke 22:44). In Jesus’ darkest hour, with the night closing in all around him, he lays prostrate at the feet of his loving Father.

At various times in the Gospels, Jesus goes off to pray, often in the hours of darkness. He does this to connect with his Heavenly Father, and to recharge his Spirit. We are called to do the same. When you find yourself in your darkest hour, pray! When the world seems to be closing in all around you, pray! When you reach rock bottom, just remember to look down at the rock of foundation you are standing on. Fall on your knees and pray! James, the half-brother of Jesus, says it perfectly, 13 “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray” (James 5:13a).

God, in the name of Jesus, through the power of the Spirit, hears our prayers. Praise God that He listens!

 

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Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (ESV)

 

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GOD, THE WORLD, AND THE CHURCH

 

In John 3:16, we have three main characters involved: God (in the persons of God and Jesus, two members of the Trinity); the World; and, the believers (the church universal, not necessarily a specific denomination). Let’s look at the interrelationship between these three entities.

God, through Jesus, created the World (see Hebrews 1:2). The World rebelled, and was now separated from God. God entered the World, in order to facilitate a reconciliation. Some rejected God, and they will be separated from Him forever.

Those who chose to accept Jesus became the church. The body of Christ consists of those who are redeemed by His blood. The Spirit transforms the heart of the believer, leading to an endearing love for and obedience to their Creator. They now have peace with God, and are guided by His Holy Spirit.

The church is in the world, but not of the world. We are not to live as the world lives, nor to “love the world or the things in the world” (1 John 2:15, ESV).  The church is called to take the Word of God to all nations (Matt 28:19, ESV).

This describes a balanced relationship between all three parties. However, take one party out of the equation, and an imbalance will occur. If we have just God and the World, without the church, the proof of God’s love and saving grace is not evident. If we have just God and the church, the body of Christ would be inward-looking, and would lack purpose. Loving our neighbor and sharing the Gospel would be meaningless. Finally, if we have just the church and the World, we would have the modern definition of “spiritual but not religious.” God is now a concept, and transformation and salvation would only be possible through one’s own efforts.

Take time today to thank Jesus that he willingly and lovingly left heaven, was born in a stable, lived a sinless life, died a sinner’s death, and rose again, all so you and I could live with Him for eternity!

This article expounds on the general premise of a commentary on John 3:16 by Wilbert R. Shenk, Professor Emeritus, Fuller Theological Seminary, from the website transformingcommunity.com.

 

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Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.

John 3:19-21 (ESV)

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

John 1:9-12 (ESV)

 

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THE LIGHT AND THE DARKNESS

 

On day one of creation, God spoke into being the light (day), and the darkness (night) (See Genesis 1). This Christmas season, we celebrate the coming of Jesus into the world. Jesus is called the “true light, which gives light to everyone” (John 1:9, ESV). 

Yet many flee from the light, fearing what the light may reveal (John 3:20, ESV). Another reason people reject the light is pure selfishness. John MacArthur explains that people do not believe in Christ (the light) because, “They love their sin. They don’t want to come near Christ ’cause He shines a light on their sin, exposes their sin. Sinners love sin. It’s not ignorance. It’s not lacking the basic faculties of reason. It’s not misunderstanding. Sinners prefer moral darkness.”  

Should we as believers in Jesus fear the light? We all have things about us that we do not wish to be subjected to the light of day. But we are loved by a God who sent his Son into a dark (and getting darker) world to shine a light into the darkness. This merciful, forgiving God knows all our hidden secrets, yet he chose to send his Son as the perfect sacrificial lamb, to offer an atonement for our sins. We should be drawn to the light, the light of truth, so that our good works can be clearly seen (John 3:21), and we will become children of God (John 1:12).

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Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (ESV)

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HE LOVED, HE GAVE, WITH A PURPOSE

 

In John 3:16, God gave us a model for how to live a loving, giving life. God loved, so he gave, with a purpose. He was not coerced into giving. He did not give out of a sense of guilt. He did not give to be noticed (although all that He does is for His glory). He gave because He loved! Even though we are all sinners by nature, he sent his Son into the world to die for my sins and for your sins (see Romans 5:8).

Abraham and Sarah are two examples of God’s loving, purposeful giving. They could not conceive a child, even though God had promised Abraham he would be “the father of a multitude of nations” (Gen 17:4, ESV). Abraham had already tried to circumvent God’s plan (Ishmael), but God told Abraham that Sarah would deliver a son, Isaac. How did the couple react to the news? Joy? Weeping? No, laughter! Abraham was 100 years old, and Sarah was barren, but Isaac was born, and God established His covenant with Isaac. God loved, and He gave, with a purpose.

Jesus walked the earth for 33 years. He spent his last three years living with his group of 12 disciples. He taught them about his heavenly Father, not only in word, but also in deed. He loved them, even unto death (see John 15:13). He gave all of himself to them, willingly laying down his life (see John 10:11). He commissioned them to spread the good news of his coming and going (see the High Priestly Prayer, John 17). Jesus loved, and he gave, with a purpose.

Jesus is quoted by Paul as saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35, ESV). I think that in today’s “I want it all and I want it now” culture, one would be summarily canceled on all social media platforms for espousing that attitude! As you prepare for the upcoming year, open your eyes to the need that surrounds you. Lovingly look for opportunities to give, with a purpose. We are all to some extent gifted with time, talent, and treasure. Use those gifts that God gave you to bless others. God gave us Jesus – Jesus gave us eternal life. Give to others as a way of shining a light in this dark world. Who knows, that light may shine on the path to Jesus for a lost soul!

 

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Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.