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| "Assault on Mt. Mitchell" - a 63-mile ride UP (6,683 ft) to Mt. Mitchell State Park off the Blue Ride Parkway. Some cyclists begin in Spartanburg, SC; others begin in Marion, NC. July 21, 2013 is the next grueling ride, but it is already 75% filled as of this writing. Mt. Celo Church is on 80 S - an NC state scenic highway and a Top 10 Ride for cyclists (both bicycle and motorcycle) according to some lists. |
1) But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out. Numbers 32:23 There is a whole sermon on this alone and the Biblical account preceding this statement. But for our Bible readings today...Joseph's brothers were able to conceal their scheming for over a dozen years. Now, not only is their sin found out, but they stand before the very brother they sold into slavery. The recent scandal is said to have gone on for over 20 years. God's timing is not ours.
2) "We are truly guilty concerning our brother, for we saw the anguish of his soul when he pleaded with us, and we would not hear; therefore distress has come upon us. (Gen. 42:21)...Their hearts failed them and they were afraid, saying to one another, What is this that God has done to us?" (Gen. 42: 28) Often the anguish of the soul is not in the one who committed the crime but in the souls of the family members, employees, friends...others close to the one(s) committing the crime.
3 And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her." (Matt. 14:9) This was, of course, Herod speaking. He had ordered the beheading of John the Baptist (even though he was sorry to do so) as a "gift" to his new wife's daughter. John had told Herod it was unlawful for Herod to marry his brother's wife. There is a high price to be paid for speaking the truth even today. Jesus was crucified and tortured, John the Baptist was beheaded, the disciples were martyred (according to tradition) except for John, who was exiled, most of the prophets were killed. Many of the people who spoke out against this recent scandal were sued and their professional and private lives seriously damaged.
4) "All these things are against me." Gen. 42:36 This is Jacob, the father of Joseph and the scheming brothers. Yet, all these things were working together for good for Jacob and for Joseph - the betrayed. Even more, God used these things to bring about the repentance of the brothers (not just saying they were sorry - but changed lives) and the restoration/reconciliation of the family. This is important for Judah, the line/tribe of Jesus is within the guilty group. It is in the midst of these sins and crimes that Judah will step forward as the "savior/leader."Gen 44. New leaders are born out of adversity. Truth can begin the way for healing. That is our prayer for our nation, for the souls of the people involved in this international scandal.
5) "Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18 Enough said.
6) "Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character." 1 Cor 15:33 Judah (and even Reuben) seemed to understand that their lives would continue in the downward spiral unless they stepped away from the evil influence of their brothers. Unfortunately, Herod chose the evil influence of his adulterous wife and the daughter chose to grant her murderous mother's wish. We may have to move away from family, friends, co-workers, businesses, employers who lead us into sin or corruption.
The more we read about this recent scandal we see that family was betrayed, a believing spouse divorced, "friends" lied to and ruined when speaking the truth. We see corporations and governing bodies aiding and abetting the scandal. The short-term choice may be very difficult. We, as believers, must always keep the eternal perspective.
7) When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself...when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him...when Jesus saw the great multitude, He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. (Matt 14: 13- 18) This was the response to Jesus hearing of the beheading of John the Baptist. The passage continues with the feeding of the 5000 plus women and children. This is our hope, our healing, our sustenance in the fallout of our lives. When we follow the wrong heroes, or our own unwise choices, we are led down a slippery slope. We come to Jesus in these times of disillusionment, of being forsaken, of being found out in our sin...and we feed on His Word and are comforted. But more...we are transformed and are sent out to impact the world for Christ. And, oh, how we and the world are in need of Him!
Secularism teaches us that we ought to look to
this world. Christianity teaches us that the best way to prepare for this world
is to be fully prepared for the next. Charles H. Spurgeon
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