Month: December 2025

In rapid order, between Job 38:1 and 42:6, God asks more than 70 questions of Job. With none of then related to Job’s suffering or God’s vindication…but rather to help Job realize that God’s ways are higher than man’s. The Old Testament Prophet Isaiah penned it this way, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord.” (Isaiah 55:8) With question after question, God made it crystal clear…He is worthy of our complete trust even in the most desperate of circumstances…enabling us to then rest in the hands of a Sovereign and good God Who is not our enemy. (I Peter 4:19)

Conviction of our sinfulness stirs our conscience and brings us into the awkward reality of just how unethical, immoral, and wicked we are. And as that uncomfortable view of our shortcomings sink in, there is sorrow. Either sorrow for making foolish mistakes and being caught, or deep contrition for sinning against God. For if we say, “I have sinned Lord.” and mean it, repentance follows…which is the prerequisite and necessary condition for Salvation. What comes next is God’s forgiveness, for I John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Throughout Biblical history God dealt with man through covenants…establishing the relationship between Him and His people. Covenants were usually certified by visual symbols…in this case, a rainbow to remind mankind that God would never again destroy the earth. (Genesis 9:11) The Jews regarded this particular covenant between God and Noah, after the great flood, as the basis of the relationship between God and all mankind to come. The rainbow in the Bible has always been viewed as the pinnacle of God’s astounding creation, (Ezekiel 1:28) His glory and power, (Revelation 4:1-3) and His splendor. (Revelation 10:1) But for us, seeing a rainbow in the sky after a fierce thunderstorm can produce hope, faith, and gratitude for the enduring gifts of grace and mercy… all rolled up in those beautiful colors of God’s promise.

When we say “Yes” to Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes and makes His home within each Believer. This third part of the Trinity is the One who works to make us holy, and to conform us to the image of Christ. We must then work with the Holy Spirit to grow in holiness, (or in Sanctification as it’s called.) And this means not giving in to immoral urges, carnal pleasure seeking, or deceptive greed. But that’s very difficult to do living within our corrupt human body & nature. That’s why a few verses later, Paul explains & encourages us with, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:24) In other words, the cross of Christ broke the grip of our sinful flesh. And like Christ, we have now been raised to new life…for we are now a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” (II Corinthians 5:17) Thus, we can walk in the power, and with the help of the Holy Spirit. (Colossians 3:1-5)

In this Psalm, David is asking God for help in avoiding sins that stem from pride or arrogance. Another name for these type of willful sins in the Bible was presumptuous sins…intentional acts of rebellion against God’s commandments. It’s when we think we know better than God, or as Numbers 15:30 warns us of high handed people who sin defiantly, having no regard for God or His Laws. It’s plowing ahead with a selfish desire and then asking God to bless it in hindsight. Or asking someone to pray about a decision you need to make…all the while having already made it… overstepping God’s counsel and assuming you know best.

The 38 Chapter of Genesis is a story of deception, human failings, and how God can still work through very flawed people. Judah, Jacob’s forth son, had three sons of his own. His first son, Er, married Tamar but died before they had children. Onan, Judah’s second son then had the responsibility for continuing his decreased brother’s lineage…but also died for refusing to uphold the law & custom of kinsman redeemer. Judah then promised his youngest son, Shelah, to Tamar when he was grown…but in all reality didn’t intend to do so in fear he’d lose Shelah also. After a long time, Tamar decided to take matters into her own hands in a desperate attempt to secure her rights. She disguised herself as a harlot, playing on Judah’s vices and bore him twin sons. When Judah was confronted with his failure to follow through on his promise, lack of integrity, and immorality, he finally was forced to acknowledge his wrongdoing. Thus, despite human failings on both sides – Tamar, for not allowing God to work on her behalf, and Judah, for his blatant dishonesty – the Messianic line was still preserved with the birth of Perez.

To a good Jewish son, the demands Jesus made seemed radical and against all established traditions. But Jesus was showing the disciple that following Him required unwavering commitment and overrode all earthly loyalties. From the first time Jesus called Simon Peter and Andrew with, “Follow Me.” in Matthew 4:19 to today, He continues to call us to a radical love so unreserved that all other earthly loves pale in comparison. Yes, this does mean sacrifice and a releasing of control on our part, but in return, we will become part of an abiding and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

If there was any time that this verse would be most applicable…it would be during the month of December. The whirlwind of Holiday decorating, baking, celebrations, and gift buying can leave us at the end of the month exhausted…and without a moment to contemplate the true meaning of Christmas. The Writer of Hebrews wasn’t speaking to the general public here, but rather to the Community of Believers belonging to Christ through His sanctification. (Hebrews 2:11) So this month, make a point of “fixing your thoughts on Jesus” in common faith with your brothers and sisters in Christ…celebrating the birth of a baby in Bethlehem that would save the world.