Your Feet Can Leap for Joy

Your Feet Can Leap For Joy!

7How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns."—Isaiah 52:7 (ESV)


Have you ever jump in the air because of excitement felt over an event or experience? I am sure all of us at one point have “leaped for joy” during a moment of exhilaration. In order for us to leap for joy, we need feet! Feet are necessary part of the body to move us from one location to another. Feet set us toward a direction. Feet are necessary for the gospel. Yes, it is true that some people don’t have feet, but nonetheless, this is a connection of your role in helping others leap for joy. Feet and joy are two different subjects. Not necessarily! Isaiah and the Apostle Paul link the two ideas together. Paul picks up the passage in his letter to the Romans in chapter 10. He links confession of Christ in vv. 9-10 with the call for people to exercise their feet so that joy might be experienced. However, they are both linked together. The lame is joyful when his feet are cured and he is able to walk again or walk for the first time. Or consider the great truth in Luke’s gospel when he announces that there will be “leaping” in heaven (“Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.”-Luke 6:23)



Our future reward again connects truth to eternity. The Gospel brings joy so that we may leap for joy. There is a connection of our reward in heaven and the happiness for those who hear the gospel. People leap for joy because the Gospel liberates a sinful life to a joyful life. Drooping people become leaping people! One of the roles that we have is connecting people to the message of happiness which proclaims peace, happiness, and that God reigns over suffering, pain, and discouragement. What better way for the believer to use their feet as bringing joy? The Gospel makes a person leap for joy!



How beautiful are your feet in bringing joy to others? When was the last time you helped someone else leap for joy? Knowing that God is sovereign to open the heart of man and cause his gospel to be fixed in them, our role in bringing the gospel is also pivotal. The scripture says we have beautiful feet. We are God’s agent of the Gospel that brings leaping joy to people. Consider your feet which have ten toes as special devices to bring a leaping joy that can be experienced because God’s grace has been tasted and it is much sweeter than honey!



© Joel Badal. Copyright March 24, 2011. No part of this document may be reproduced without consent of the author.

Stealing the Ground of our Hope

Stealing the Ground of our Hope

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”

--Romans 8:1-2

When I think of condemnation, my mind quickly considers the words “regret,” “failure,” “defeat” or other words that closely match despair. Many of us have made unwise decisions over the years and as a result, we feel regret. We have lost hope and our faith feels shattered. We contemplate questions such as “what if I….” or “If I only….finish the sentence. While it completely natural to do this and to wish that our decisions were better, the place God wants us to be is embracing no condemnation.

Some words immediately become center-stage of our devotional thought. Words help us to evaluate meaning and place emphasis on particular thoughts and direction. They are useful to aiding our interpretation of a Biblical passage.
The first Greek word in the sentence is ouden. The word means “no, not even one, or none”. It is a word that stresses emphasis and is the first word in the Greek sentence, but not clearly seen in our English text. It is a positive statement for us regarding our position in Christ. Something new has happened for the child of God that we need to embrace.
A second word, “therefore” tells us to consider the previous verses. It simply reminds the reader to consider the previous sentences and thoughts before moving forward. Here, in Romans 8, the “therefore” directs our consideration of previous verses (7:14-25). What does he reveal for us? Paul states that his life was messed up. It fights against what is right and does opposite of what he desires. He says in verse 15 that his actions are unexplainable, in that he is unable to explain why he does certain things. He says in verse 17 that sin dwells in him. Big problem that we all have! He has the inability to carry out what is right. Now we see why Paul is excited in chapter 8. He understands the depth of his own inability and sees what sin has done to him. Yet, he does on forget about the amazing hope in Christ’s work.
A third word is condemnation. It comes from the Greek word katakrima a word that only appears three times in his writing (Romans 5:16, 18; Romans 8:1). The word shows us our condition before God. We are punished, doomed, or left out/abandoned. Katakrima is used forensically or better to say, it is a legal word which identifies and the charges levied against us. The word connects the thought of chapter 7 with our new foundation in Christ.
A fourth word or phrase for us to consider brings considerable hope. The phrase immediately leaps out … “for those who are in Christ Jesus”. What an exclamation of praise for the believer. In Greek class, I learned that prepositional phrases are really important in understanding flow of thought. Here the prepositional phrase in must be highlighted. In shows us where forgiveness comes from. In order for us to hope in God, we must be forgiven in Christ. In tells me that I am connected to something new. What was old is now taken away. I have fresh new outlook because I am connected to Christ. Faith is that tangible expression which we cling to and identify with in the Person of Jesus.
Hope does not forget who we are, but rather presses us forward to embrace a new identity in Christ. It tells us to remember, “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?” Who rescues us? In Christ by the Spirit of life is the agent of change. We are freed from hopeless despair by clinging to what is good---Christ our Lord. Our chains are gone and we have been set free was what aroused Charles Wesley to express in beautiful words in the old hymn, And Can it Be that I Should Gain¸

Long my imprisoned spirit lay

Fast bound in sin and nature’s night.

Thine eye diffused a quickening ray:

I woke, the dungeon flamed with light!

My chains fell off, my heart was free,

I rose, went forth and followed Thee.

 

Hope sets sinners free and gives us the ability to love God, say no to sin, and follow him all the days of our lives. It teaches us that sin is serious, but our freedom from the law of sin and death is now made new through the life of the Spirit. The Spirit sets us free to live no longer in despair, anguish, and self-condemnation, but provides the guard that we need, saying “no, not even one, none” are doomed if they are in Christ. Condemnation only robs God’s glory of securing salvation in His Son and its confirmation by the Holy Spirit. Live Free not in self, but in Christ—our new identity.
Rooted In Grace


Pastor Joel Badal


© January 12, 2011

Our Shield, Our Glory, & Our Lifter

Psalm 3:3 “But you, O LORD, are a shield about me,

my glory, and the lifter of my head (ESV).”

The beginning of a New Year always prompts us to evaluate a year gone by. So as the calendar changes, let us not forget the great truths in Scripture. They are like the Great Cloud of witnesses that Hebrews 11 speaks boldly about as it says these men and women lived by faith. Faith is a personal trust and hope in God. In a season of turbulence, our faith is tested. The great fact is that Bible calls us back to the place of our hope—in God who is always faithful to His promises. I was deeply encouraged by three unique words in Psalm 3:3. These words have been a comforting reminder of God’s enduring character to love and provide.

First, God is our shield. A shield is a protecting device that keeps objects from hitting us. Biblical scholars have also attested that a shield keeps a military from advancing during war. When we are in war or experiencing the problem of pain, our only alternative is to find a shield. A shield today can be seen in our homes, bank accounts, to even those addicted to behavior which the Bible speaks against. Some shield their pain in drug addiction, sexual promiscuity, and aloneness. However, the David knows he needs a shield when his son Absalom is seeking to kill him. God becomes David’s shield in difficult days. Today, consider David’s words for your life. God is your shield in pain, suffering, struggles, and temptations. So let us pray that God would deliver us. Deliver us from what? God wants to deliver us from fleeting pleasures that captivate our hearts. These are the things that takes us from God’s shield, God’s protection.

Second, God is our glory. This word is often described of God’s character. He is full of splendor, honor, majesty, and might. Paul speaks of God as incomparable (Ephesians 1). None can compare to his majesty and splendor. He is infinitely holy and unmatched by no one. He is supremely in charge of all things. He is heavy כָּבֹוד. It is the Hebrew word that can also be translated honor. It is used over 376 times in the Old Testament. That’s a lot! God is due his honor. He is due his worth. Worship should be the very thing that lifts us up from times of trouble. This what David announces. God! “You’re my glory!” There is no other who I desire to worship. It is similar to the Aramaic word, yāqār. The basic meaning is “to be heavy or weighty”. The term has also been used for description of people. For example, the literal use of the term occurs only in I Sam 4:18, “Eli was heavy” (kābēd, adjective), and II Sam 14:26 “Absalom’s hair was heavy” (kābēd, noun). The term for glory is often seen visibly in the tabernacle. God’s glory is made visible through localize form on earth (Ex 16:10; 40:34; etc.) and also seen within the temple where Ezekiel’s vision of the exile and restoration is portrayed (9:3, etc.). There are other places where his glory is mentioned.

Third, He is our lifter. God lifts up our heads when we are discouraged. Surely, David is feeling the weight of his family upon him. He has brother fighting against brother. His sin is ever before him. He is feeling the weight of being ridiculed. Surely God will redeem his life from the pit (Psalm 103). Yet, David is promised with this foundational hope. God lifts up! The Hebrew word is rather unique. The word (רוּם rûm) has the idea of triumphing over tragedy, insults, and pain. David will be raised up. David will be exalted because God brings salvation. The word can also be derived as being raised from one elevation to another (Dictionary of Biblical Languages With Semantic Domains).

So as the calendar changes, remember three things. God is our shield, our glory, and the lifter of our head. We need him to protect us from pain, suffering, and trials. We need him to be heavy, weighty, and the one receiving honor. We need him to be a God who moves us from tragedy to hope, by lifting our depression to joy. Will you believe this today? Will you embrace this great passage that David writes about God? I trust you will and that it will change your life.


Rooted In Grace

©Joel Badal

December 31, 2010

Firmly Rooted in God's Grace

Colossians 2: 6 Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 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.

Today, I have relaunched my blog.  I was pretty committed to the daily entry and commenting on specific ideas of faith and wanting others to read since 2006.  However, I decided to begin a new blog focusing on faith and grace as that centerpiece of God's Gospel (Romans 1:1).  The theme verse for the blog will be Colossians 2:6-7 as I am committed to seeing faith grow in my own life and those around me.  The necessity to establish long roots allows a believer to stand through the fiercest times of testing.   Storms can be ill health, broken relationships, economic hardships, and or religious persecution.  Establishing these deep roots will enable us to continue faithfully in the promises of God. These roots impact our culture, our walk, our families, and our theology.

The Apostle Paul in verses 1-5 has established that the mystery is the deep wisdom of God in the person of Christ.  For in fact, are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  Some initial key words highlight his thoughts on the person of Christ.  1.  Treasures.  Treasures are something to be kept and hold on to.  They are precious possessions that person can have.  This could be as small as a wedding band, other jewelry, and even common everyday possessions.  However, these treasures do not compare to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ (“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.--Matthew 13:44).  2.  Wisdom.  Wisdom is a grace virtue that is given to believers.  There are wise people all around us.  Medical doctors can be wise in their field.  A structural engineer can be wise in understanding load on a particular column or beam.  Yet, the grace of wisdom given to believers is first shown in Christ.  Believers can be filled with God's wisdom by planting their moorings in God's truth.  This is a grace filled Christian. Paul records in 1Corinthians 2:7 that wisdom is mystery, but now disclosed (But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory--1 Corinthians 2:7).  3.  Knowledge.  Knowledge is another grace expression that describes often times a person's maturity.  Does your knowledge of God show growth or lack there of?  Does your knowledge exceed that of an infant in the faith (1 Corinthians 3).  2 Peter 3:18 addresses knowledge as progressive in quality.  Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.  


The Christian life is to be life firmly rooted in God's word.  It begins by seeing and savoring the person of Christ as Paul outlined in verse 1-5.  Now this plant (us the believer) can grow embracing this precious charis given to us. Since now we have received Christ, the command is simple...walk in Him.  The Faith Walk will be a challenge!  It will have ups and downs!  But the reality of our faith is seasoned with grace.  There is no sin that is so great that the grace of God cannot cover.  This is true.  This is powerful.


Our faith in verses 6-7 expresses both past tenses and future ongoing results.  What a great truth for struggling believers feeling desperation and defeat. Our faith is in the divine mind of God who is active by saving people in order to work the results of sanctification.  One of the results of grace at work in the believer's life is a heart that sings and expresses gratitude of heart.  It is hard to show this especially when the culture believes things are owned to them.  There is a sense of entitlement.  However, God reverses this world-view for one that is rooted and firmly built in Christ.

Jonathon Edwards, the famous Puritan Preacher of the Great Awakening expresses these words while contemplating on grace.  “The more persons have of holy affections, the more they have of that spiritual taste whereby they perceive the excellency, and relish the divine sweetness, of holiness. And the more grace they have, while in this state of imperfection, the more they see their imperfection and emptiness, and distance from what ought to be. And so the more do they see their need of grace…"  I love the words that are expressed from Edwards as "affections, taste, excellency, or even relishing.  The words express that a person has been changed.  These words express a new allegiance while understanding our own imperfections, but to embrace grace all the more.

He says, "Therefore the cry of every true grace is like that cry of true faith, ‘Lord, I believe. Help Thou my unbelief’ (Mark 9:24). And the greater spiritual discoveries and affections the true Christian has, the more does he become an earnest beggar for grace and spiritual food, that he may grow. And the more earnestly does he pursue it by all proper means and endeavors, for true and gracious longings after holiness are no idle ineffectual desires.”  Again, the words that become emphasized are ones of pursuit, desire, and ongoing growth: spiritual discoveries, spiritual food, longing for holiness.  --Jonathan Edwards, A Treatise Concerning Religious Affections (1754), in The Works of Jonathan Edwardsmake us firmly rooted in God's grace.

While this is not end result, but an ongoing application that I would like to explore.  Here are some final thoughts on verses 6-7.

1.  Faith is a past action of God that requires a present and ongoing responsibility of each believer.
2.  Faith is to be firmly planted and built in Christ alone.
3.  Faith expresses a heart of gratitude