Hardman Truth – Page 7

Is it I, Lord?

Blood Money

He answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”

Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?”

He said to him, “You have said it.” — Matthew 26:23-25

“Lord, is it I?” The disciples have asked in turn, and Jesus now answers. “He who dipped his hand with me will betray Me.” Consider the callousness of a heart that could betray a man to death and then sit and eat a meal alongside Him, with no one else being suspicious. Jesus confirms the path He is on to death, but says “Woe to the man by whom the Son of God is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he’d not been born.”

The betrayal of Jesus will not go unmet. Judas, perhaps like a child, unsure if he’d truly been discovered, and faced with the shame which comes with the expressions of disbelief and disgust from his peers, asks: “Rabbi, is it I?” Judas didn’t have to ask, he’d already been paid. He had already collected. Judas calls Him “Rabbi”, or Teacher. No room has been made in the heart of Judas for Christ Jesus as Lord. Jesus, where Judas is concerned, remains Rabbi. Jesus responds to Judas’s question, “You have said it.”

At this point, Judas has only asked a question, but Judas did say it as he negotiated with the chief priests. What Judas thought had been accomplished in secret was known to Jesus. He had been discovered in the very act.

Who is Jesus to you? Is He an ancient teacher? A novelty of your church experience? Part of your family traditions and customs? Is He Lord? What betrayal of His precepts and trust do we still find ourselves guilty today? Will the Lord God fail to interpret our misdeeds and motives?

Move forward men. Stop eating with Jesus while violating His Lordship. Prepare your heart to receive Christ in truth, as a betrayer in need of His saving. Will we ask, “Is it I Rabbi?” Or will we cry out to Him— “Lord, it has been me, but cleanse me!”?

Vance Durrance

Idle Pleasures?

Goats and Sheep

“Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’

“Then they also will answer ^[a]Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ — Matthew 25:41-45.

Men, at the end of the tribulation, after the sheep are gathered to His right and goats to His left, Jesus will say to those on His left, “Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels”. Jesus was given no food while hungry, no drink when thirsty, nor was any other charitable deed done on His behalf. Jesus, with Holy Spirit, searches out the heart of mankind. Jesus grants opportunity for those desiring to be His to be His hands and feet.

If we reject Him here, deny Him here, or disregard Him here, an everlasting fire awaits. “Everlasting” here is as long as the eternity that those on His right will experience.

Those on His left ask when they missed an opportunity to serve Jesus. Jesus answered, when they failed “to do unto the least of these”. Interestingly, this judgment is not about the violation of a command or statute. This judgment is poured out upon the sin of idleness. They did nothing, when they should have done something.

Today, in our time, it is becoming more and more common to withdraw from the world around us and hide behind our castle doors where we have everything brought to us. We numb ourselves to the pain and brokenness around us by immersing ourselves into sports, entertainment and small cliques of like minded peers. Obviously, no one among us can be everything to everyone, everywhere at every time. But to those on His left, the indictment reads, they did nothing. What can you do? And will you?

Move forward men, feeding, clothing, visiting and praying for those in need. We may not have more than a whole hearted hug for a brother in need. So be it. Let that man be held with the love of Jesus through you. Do something, for something for someone in need is more than doing nothing, and doing nothing is damning. Where is Christ’s heart broken within your reach? Go and serve.

Vance Durrance

Enter Together

Noan and Family Entering the Ark

“You will enter the ark—you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you.” – Genesis 6:18b, NET

This is the first time the family is mentioned to be included in the purpose of the ark. Noah was not to be alone in this large vessel, but to bring along “seven others” (2Pe 2:5), totaling “eight souls [to be] delivered through water” (1Pe 3:20).

Did you know the Chinese word-picture for boat = vessel + eight + people. And the Chinese word-picture for flood = water + total (which breaks down into together + earth + eight). Think about this. I believe this is not only a testament to the validity of a worldwide cataclysmic flood, but a beautiful reminder that salvation is for the family—together.

“For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.” -Acts 2:39, NET

This is why God made the instruction of the family central to the prosperity of His people (Deu 4:9). Discipleship starts at home. Much more than a pleasant verse adorning our walls, it should be a defining mark on all our works, our thoughts, and how we live (our goings and comings) (Deu 6:8-9; 1Co 2:16; 2Co 10:4-5). The words of God should be incorporated into EVERYTHING we do—whether we sit, walk, lie down, and get up (Deu 6:7-9). God’s blessings depend upon it (Deu 11:19-25).

Not only this, but everything is futile apart from God (Ecc 1:2), including raising and building a family. If the Lord is not in it, a house is built in vain (Psa 127:1). If Christ is not at its center, then it is a worthless endeavor, for all its labor will be burned up in the end (1Co 3:12-13).

Notice, “you” proceeds the others. In order to instruct, we must hear His commands first (Deu 4:10). So let us make sure as they follow us, we are following the one that provides the rest (1Co 11:1). And we MUST make every effort to enter that rest, assuring that no one behind us follows a pattern of disobedience (Heb 4:11). If we neglect so great a salvation (Heb 2:3), we will surely have the blood of our children on our hands (Psa 95:7-11; Eze 3:18)? At the very least, we will subject our families to wilderness wanderings (Num 14:33).

Do not delay like Lot, being content to live among the world, enjoying the honor of men and their pleasures (Gen 13:10-11; 19:1). Living in anguish over evil is not enough (Gen 19:7; 2Pe 2:7-8). You will end up sacrificing your family to please men (Gen 19:8). Do not wait for the final moment when you are ripped from your home (Gen 19:16), barely escaping with your life and suffering great loss (1Co 3:15). You will only leave behind a legacy of death (Gen 19:26) and disgrace (Gen 19:36).

Endeavor whole-heartedly to bring your family aboard the ark of life. Only sons (of God) and wives (of the Lamb) may enter salvation (Gal 4:7; Eph 5:32; Rev 21:7,9). So make every effort to enter together, expending our lives to bring others into the family of God and thus into His great ark of salvation.

Billy Neal

Covenant

“But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall come into the ark,” –Genesis 6:18a, ESV

There is such a disconnect for us when it comes to covenant keeping. Our society thinks little of integrity, honor, and honesty. We have developed complex and crafted contracts, because we are always looking for loopholes, ways to escape responsibility. We miss the visual of “cutting a covenant” (Gen 15:9-11,18), the gore of sacrifice, the flowing blood that is trampled upon by the parties that pass through it—symbolizing the future of those that do not hold the word as binding.

“The Lord said to him, ‘Take for me a heifer, a goat, and a ram, each three years old, along with a dove and a young pigeon.’ So Abram took all these for him and then cut them in two and placed each half opposite the other, but he did not cut the birds in half. When birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. When the sun went down, Abram fell sound asleep, and great terror overwhelmed him.” –Genesis 15:9-12, NET

So we think little of God’s covenant with mankind, our inability to uphold our part to be “blameless” (Gen 17:1), no matter how much we promise (Exo 19:8; 24:3,7; 32:1-6; Jos 24:16-21). No wonder Abram was terrified. He saw the assurance of his doom.

But God does not abandon His people to their futility and shame, but upholds the covenant with a promise (Heb 6:17-18). His predestined plan, made before the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4-12), will be accomplished by His immense power (Eph 1:19-21). It is impossible for man to thwart it (Job 42:2), even in our stubborn rebellion (Num 11:23). And in this “everlasting covenant,” God Himself walks through the blood for us (Gen 15:17—He is Spirit, and so His presence is represented by type and shadow), atoning for our guilt and shame (Eze 16:63).

“When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking firepot with a flaming torch passed between the animal parts. That day the Lord [cut] a covenant with Abram.” –Genesis 15:17-18a, NET

“I will establish my covenant with you, and then you will know that I am the Lord. Then you will remember, be ashamed, and remain silent because of your disgrace when I make atonement for all you have done, declares the Sovereign Lord.” –Ezekiel 16:62-63, NET

O LORD, press upon our hearts Your great sacrifice. Let us see the enormity and preciousness of the blood paid on our behalf. Let our minds perceive the judgment to come and race to enter your ark of rest—Jesus Christ!

Billy Neal

Serving Up Proper Food in Due Season

lunch lady

“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. — Matthew 24:45-47

Men, the end will come, like a thief in the night, but in the meanwhile… “who then is a faithful and wise servant?” Jesus says that He will make servants “rulers” over His household, to “give people food in due season”. “Blessed is that servant whom his Master, when He comes, will find so doing.”

Jesus is “the Word”, who called Himself “the bread of Life”, who gives “living water”. The servants of God serve people the Word, the message, the Way the Truth and the Life. As a High School lunch lady comes early, prepares the appliances and ingredients, taking responsibility for the needs of all who come in hungry, the faithful servants will be found at the end diligently, prayerfully seeking the Truths, Wisdoms, Counsels and Revelations of the Lord our God in the Law, the prophets, history, and the narrative provided to us by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus says that His servants will be given authority in His household to administer to the needy out of the abundance of His own household. Ephesians tells us “we have been given every Spiritual blessing under heaven for good works”. It has been “given” to us.

We already possess the tools, wisdoms, truths and knowledge for all good works as a faithful servant, but we fail to access that “food” from His household. We fail to wield the provisions appointed for use by His servants in the storehouses of heaven, God’s household to meet the needs of those surrounding us. Jesus says the faithful will provide appropriately in “due season”. Not all the hungry are ready for a 4 course banquet. In Christ’s household is milk for the young and meat for the mature. His sufficiency is all inclusive.

Move forward men, blessed when He returns as He finds us diligently working to provide the sustenance of His Word in accordance to the appetites of the hungry who need the bread of Life to strengthen and sustain them. Feed His sheep, all who love the “Son of Man”, the Lord our God.

Vance Durrance

Salvation Work

“Make for yourself an ark….” –Genesis 6:14a, ESV

Let’s revisit the first few words of this passage.

See that Noah was to “make.” In other words, he was “to work, labor, fashion” a means of salvation. Not that his work saved him, for it was “by faith Noah, when he was warned about things not yet seen, with reverent regard constructed an ark for the deliverance of his family,” (Heb 11:7a). Yet faith without works “is dead” (Jam 2:17). We hardly trust God’s warning of future judgment or His promise of deliverance if we do not act on His commands “to build” (Eph 4:12).

And let us note Noah was told to first build “for [him]self.” We cannot save another. We can only make all diligence to “work out [our own] salvation with fear and trembling,” (Phi 2:12), and “make every effort to add to [our] faith,” the attributes of the Spirit such as excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection, and unselfish love, in order to be productive in our work (2Pe 1:5-8). We plead that our faith covers our whole household (ex: Act 16:31), but each is judged independently (Eze 33:20). So let us make our election sure (2Pe 1:10), and be found faithful, even if only we ourselves are saved (Eze 14:14; Luke 14:26).

“So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, continue working out your salvation with awe and reverence, for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort—for the sake of his good pleasure—is God.” –Philippians 2:12-13, NET

Billy Neal

Lawless

lawless

And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. –Matthew 24:12

Men, false prophets will rise up, “and because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” Many generations through the ages past could point to lawlessness and wondered if the end were imminent. Today, we share in that familiar curiosity. There seems to be a plurality of systems and standards. There’s no end to which indiscretions can be overlooked with the right political connections while someone who steals out of hunger is punished harshly. What was treasonous two generations ago is today’s political platform. “Legalease” makes it impossible to trust documents or agreements.

These things are symptoms of lawlessness abounding. Devoid of a genuine standard, humanity is left groping for their version of truth, and leads others to formulate their justice. The shifting sands of today’s justice have led to “social justice” which only serves to highlight further perceived injustice. In frustration, we are shutting our doors to the world around us, focusing our residual love into smaller and smaller circles, and growing cold to our neighbors.

Most of us can identify. Jesus told us to expect it and we still wonder why we’re seeing it happen on Main Street, or on our block, and in our own hearts. Love is growing cold. The divide between those with Holy Spirit, equipped for all good works, and those whom, by choice or not choosing at all, have followed after the ruler of this age, the enemy, expands. Jude says to continue in love, “snatching some as from the fire”.

If we agree on what we’re seeing, and it lines up with what Jesus prophesied in chronological timeline, then we do well to recognize these times, to use these sights as evidence to take confidence in the total work of scripture, and consider deeper therefore what the Word says to do in these times.

Move forward men, resistant to the spirit of the ruler of this age. Do not concede to the fall of lawlessness and love. Take hold of His promises. Recognize the season and prepare.

Vance Durrance

Offense

offense

And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. — Matthew 24:10, NKJV

Men, believers will be hated for Christ’s namesake, then many will be offended, they will betray one another, and will hate one another. No one knows the day nor the hour, but we are certainly getting a sample of what the tribulation will involve.

If one word were employed to describe our current generation it’d be “offended”. This world has not been perfect since the fall, but suddenly, there is a ground swell of crying out against offense. Some offenses may be legitimate; other offenses are largely because the weak minded were told to be offended. Then there are others who are offended by the legitimate offense created by manufactured offense. People groups who have cooperated together in generations before now are encamped in their homes broiling in hate over their neighbor, searching out via social media memes to further justify their disdain.

Hate is everywhere. We’re offended by differing opinions. We’re offended by Truth, and anyone who takes a position from Truth causes an offense. When truth is spoken, sound bites are generated out of context to make it offending, or a character assault ensues to discredit the source of that truth so it doesn’t take root.

Brothers and sisters, we have to recognize what this is. These things are not of God. These things, if currently not part of the tribulation process, could be a result of the separating of sheep from goats. These things could be a foreshadowing meant to wake up a slumbering church to the very real issue of mankind’s wicked heart. The church will not gain ground by not offending. Jesus, the living cornerstone which our Spiritual house is built upon, is the rock of offense. We will offend, even with love in our hearts. Truth offends. The healing conviction of our hearts by Holy Spirit offends our flesh. It’s unavoidable.

Move forward men, offending the world with truth. Better to offend men, than to offend a Holy and just God. Be at peace, in as much as it depends upon us. But live Truth in Christ.

Vance Durrance

Call to Battle

“Happy is the one who endures testing because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full grown, it gives birth to death. Do not be led astray, my dear brothers and sisters.” –James 1:12-16, NET

This Sunday in children’s church, we looked at the tragic downfall of king David (2Sa 11-12), where a moment of lust leads him down a path of adultery, conspiracy, betrayal, murder. But if we look closely at the details, there is a vivid picture of warning for us all.

In that passage, the writer emphasizes that it was the duty of kings to lead their military in battle, the very reason Israel had demanded to have a king “like all the other nations” (2Sa 8:19-20).
But David “stayed behind” (v.1), merely content to send another (Joab). He was not engaged in the war that was being conducted by the people of God. Rather, he was wandering on the palace roof in the evening (v.2). Then after seeing a woman bathing, allowed his sight to linger until the sight enticed him to take and taste what was not his.

How often are we content not to engage in the war with the enemy (Eph 6:12), but content to send another? The context very much suggests that it was through the neglect of his duties that David fell so easily into temptation. Not to say holiday and leisure are forbidden for the Christ-follower, but if it is not the time appointed for us to enjoy such things, we have departed from the mission, left the side of our Commander, and are vulnerable as prey for the enemy. Idleness will certainly expose our weak points (Ecc 10:18). When we lose focus on our hope (Christ), our pace slows into aimless wander (Heb 6:11-12). When we forsake the business given to us, we find ourselves standing on the roof of our success and pleasure, looking out into the world instead of “seeking things above where Christ is,” (Col 3:1). Darkness will undoubtedly close around us (evening) (Isa 59:1-9), the light of God’s word (Psa 119:105) fading from our sight, leaving us foolishly blind (John 11:10). We then begin meddling in the work and affairs of others (2Th 3:11), quickly becoming a tool of Satan (see Mat 16:23). And once desires have given birth to sin, death inevitably follows (see 2Sa 12:18).

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” –Matthew 26:41, ESV

This is why Jesus urges His disciple to remain alert, to “watch” (keep their eyes on King Jesus who leads us into battle and vanquishes the enemy, Rev 19:14-15), and be persistent in “prayer” (engaged in the spiritual battle, Eph 6:18), in order not to fall as David did. This is the time of testing and battle, a fight for victory and the “crown of life”, not some leisure and aimless strolls through life. Be engaged in the battle that wages all around us, and do not allow the enemy to gain a foothold on your heart (Eph 4:27).

“Temptation is not a sin; it is a call to battle,” (Erwin W. Lutzer).

Billy Neal

Humility

humility

But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. — Matthew 23:8-12 NKJV

Men, Jesus has just showcased to the multitude that the Pharisees are all about façade. He goes further now to tell the people not to be called or address anyone on earth as Rabbi, Father, or Teacher. Jesus explains we have One Teacher, the Christ who is now in Heaven, and One Father, who is in Heaven.

Ask me again why I am not a Judaist or Catholic. Elementary interpretation should be sufficient. Jesus adds a familiar line, “he who is greatest among you shall be your servant”. As often as He spoke these words, we should begin to shift our understanding of the order of “great” in Kingdom.

First, no one has served more than Jesus. He told the disciples that anyone who had left family, home, fortunes, etc. for His namesake would be given more in Kingdom. Jesus left Heaven, the Holy Father, His glory, and all the comforts and privilege thereof. He humbled Himself to be born in flesh, live among us, accepted mockery, abuse, torture, humiliation, shame, death, the grave, hell, and then rose to bear witness of the resurrection, ascended and now is seated at the right hand of God the Father. This is our model for “great” in Kingdom.

Plush seats of privilege don’t carry us to greatness. Eloquent speeches, private jets, large extravagant homes and expensive vehicles do not equate to great. Titles, certifications, and worldly success don’t add a measure to great in Kingdom. Humility, submitted to the name of Christ Jesus, serving His people, His will, His name, leads to great. Jesus, and His life on earth are our model to great. Jesus follows this saying “whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Move forward men, humbling ourselves so it isn’t done for us, thereafter, the Lord God will lift us up at the appropriate time in eternity.

Vance Durrance