What Is Man ? Job 7:17 (Part 1)

The question is What is man?  It would seem a fair question to ask, of ourselves, and of the Lord really. If we start really basically the answer is pretty simple. We are made out of stuff.  OK, maybe not that simple. Here is a break down that you are probably more familiar with.  The human body is primarily composed of 65-90% water.  The explains our inability to tolerate too long a time spent without  water doesn't it and why becoming dehydrated has such a detrimental effect on our human performance. 

Another way to measure the stuff we are made of is to look at the various elements that make us up. Incredibly the entire human body is made up of just 6 elements - oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus.  The thing that is surprising to me, is because of this kind of consideration the human body is composed primarily of oxygen. Approximately 60-65% in fact. 

In Genesis 2:7 we read how God scraped up some dirt and molded it into His own image and blew into this dirt scuplture's nostrils the breath of life and he (the dirt-man) became a Living Soul.  The breath of God changed the idea of a man into a Man.  It changed the non living dust into a living soul and created Adam. It still changes man today.

Its not so surprising to me that we are nearly 90% water then because Jesus said to the woman at the well that if she knew who it was that was talking to her, she would ask Him (Jesus) and He would give her Living Waters to drink. This Living Water is even more important to our ultimate health than mere h2o.  Its also not surprising to me that we are made up of nearly 60% oxygen at the same time since it was the Breath, the nesh-aw-maw, the Spirit of God that brought Adam alive.  It is the Word of God that gives us Life. Jesus said that the Words he spoke were both Spirit and Life.  It is the Spirit that quickens or makes alive completely. 

The question was What is man? Well I would suggest that we were primarily designed to be made up of the Spirit of God - Living Water and Life giving Breath/Words.  I need things broken down simple for me to really get it, and this is pretty simple indeed. We need the Word of God to become, and stay alive. At least alive (quickened) so that we can and will be ready when He comes for us at the close of this age or at the end of our race. 

What is man?

Footprints - Psalm 37:23

If you think about it, man has left footprints in some amazing places; in  wonderfully inviting places like the beach, or the golf course, in terribly hostile places like in, on, and around volcanoes, and in very alien places like the bottom of the ocean or on the moon.  

Remember in the movie "Forrest Gump" when Forrest was sitting on the bench talking about his magic shoes.  He said his Momma had told him that a person could tell a lot from a person's shoes. "Where they been. Where they going".  The bottoms of a person's shoes or feet do tell a lot about where they have been or where they have taken them selves.  There maybe stains or scars on the soles of the feet. 

Some steps were planned, maybe some were not; but the sole is evidence of steps taken.  I walk a little pronated so the bottoms of my shoes wear unevenly (I wear the outside of the heels more). The evidence of my steps is in the sole.  Man the analogies are so thick here you have to brush them away from your mind just so you can keep reading.  Keep reading, this is going to be a short one. 

If you have been around toddlers there have been times when you have held your hand out to them to take that step away from the table, couch, or chair that is providing them stability.  They see your hand and it's just out there. Not so far that the idea of taking it is too risky but not close enough to grip them before they let go of their perceived safety.  But, if they trust you, if you have held them up as they have learned to stand and take the first tentative steps, then they trust.  That doesn't make the letting go any less scary, but the fear of letting go is outweighed by the confidence in that outstretched hand. Before you know it, they are in the kitchen cupboards or playing in the toilet water (you know what I'm talking about).

Long after you are a toddler some steps are still scary to take.  On my bucket list is Skydiving.  I really want to do that; but I have no doubt that the first step out of the plane is going to be contrary to every instinct and impulse in my body. I will do it! I will!!  Some steps aren't that dramatic but they are no less scary.  Like that first step down the aisle; you are sure that you love this person and that it is the right decision, but you know everything changes with that first step. Or that last step that we all must take, if the Lord tarries, from this life to the next.  Will there be a hand outstretched for us that we will see or know is there?  Will we hesitate to let go of this mortality and take hold of immortality?? I dont know.  I do know that some steps are scarier than others. 

Psalm 37:23 says that, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delighteth in his way".  I was swept up by that scripture today. I dont know about anyone else, but it's easy for me, when I read a promise like this, to get hung up on the conditional nature of the promise. It's in there, the steps of a GOOD MAN are ordered by the Lord.  Well, that leaves me out then. I guess I am on my own, because I know how not-good I am or I can be.  

That was the line I was offered immediately following the sweetness of the promise that came to my soul.  I could not be qualified for that kind of direction or support given what I know about myself.  Thankfully, Jesus just kept talking to me. "Jim do you think that the Good Man is someone who does it all right? or makes no mistakes regarding Me and my instruction?"  In short that was what I thought.  I made this promise about me and not about Him. See I wasn't good enough to have it apply to my life.  Well that thinking was vain and foolish. If I could just be a little better then I could pay the price of admission. VANITY!! 

I was reminded by the Righteous Judge, that the only way I qualify is because of Him and His sacrifice and seal on my life. I have "right standing with God" not because of anything that I do or don't do, but because he makes up the difference in my life with His Grace.  That's hard to accept if you have fed yourself a steady diet of self-abasement and self-loathing.  Strong words I know but thinking that we aren't or we can't because we don't do something is trying to take the Glory away from God, and He is the Lord and His Glory He will not give to another! 

Giving God the Glory due His Name, takes a lot of pressure off of us, and the focus off of us too. So back to footsteps and footprints.  Some times the step that faces you next looks so scary you end up looking for a reason NOT to let go.  It's not that I don't trust you Lord, it's just well, I'm not that good and I'm not sure this step is ordered by you or not.  Imagine the calamity that might occur if it is not?!?  VANITY!  It is scary. It is a very short long way. But He that Promised is Faithful to keep that promise if we will keep the focus on Him.  He is really just asking for one more step anyway.  Sure it's a long way. It's a long life.  But it's all lived out one step at a time; by design and promise and by His Grace upon the lives of His children, each step is ordered-set-prescribed-determined-established-planned-assured-safe-forward-toward home. 

Focus on the hand that is outstretched and the voice of the One assuring us that the next step will be alright because He has made it right for you.  In fact it could not be a better step. It's the perfect step.  That's a whole "nother" blog isn't. I will end here with this. 

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." Martin Luther King
God Bless you and don't be afraid to take the next step.

Secret Recipe - II Cor 4:3

My what a great weekend my wife and I enjoyed with so many family and friends, celebrating the ministry of my Brother in Law and Sister and their retirement from Pastoring the church in La Crosse, Wisconsin.  Retired from Pastoring but not the work of God. 


Like most really good church functions there was plenty to eat afterwards.  One of the prize dishes, and the one that "I" found the empty Crockpot of, was Gumbo made by a special someone who will remain unnamed (but you know who you are!!)  As I savored the one bowl of Gumbo I was able to get, I was reminded of a scripture, "freely you have received, freely give" Matthew 10:8.  


What does Gumbo have to do with the Bible you may ask? Well it really has to do with the wink-and-a-nod answer we got when we asked about the recipe. Seems it was an old secret recipe. Mmm-Hmmm! So I just went home hungry for more Gumbo and not in possession of my own Gumbo DIY instructions. 


Now that I think about it there have been a lot of those things that people have tried to finagle and sneak outta folks.  There is the secret Coke recipe, and that secret baked bean recipe and the most secretest secret recipe of them all Kentucky Fried Chicken (11 herbs and spices).  That thing is kept in a locked safe, is mixed in parts in different factories and then all the parts come together in another factory where they are mixed together for shipment to the stores and buckets the world over.  You know, I guess even Victoria has a secret.


A secret recipe is really alright when it comes to soup or bread or pies and cakes. I mean everybody likes it when they have done good work and nothing says well done like an empty crockpot.  Too, its good to be special and be the one who is known for bringing the good stuff.  Man what if this brother had brought a fruit cake? He'd be taken fruit cake home again later that day. (oops did I say brother? - well its still mostly a secret who made the Gumbo) Like I said sometimes a secret is OK. 


Imagine though if some other things were kept secret, the problems it would create.  What it the police and fire department phone numbers were kept secret? or the doctor or the hospital numbers?  What if everyone kept their names a secret? Confusion and disaster would reign.  No, some things are just not meant to be secret.  The whole idea of 911 was to make it as simple for people to contact emergency assistance as possible. It was a great idea that I am sure has saved many, many lives. 


The dictionary sheds just a bit more light on this word Secret:

1. Kept hidden from knowledge or view; concealed.
2. Dependably discreet.
3. Operating in a hidden or confidential manner: a secret agent.
4. Not expressed; inward: their secret thoughts.
5. Not frequented; secluded: wandered about the secret byways of Paris.
6. Known or shared only by the initiated: secret rites.
7. Beyond ordinary understanding; mysterious.
8. Containing information, the unauthorized disclosure of which poses a grave threat to national security.

n.

1. Something kept hidden from others or known only to oneself or to a few.
2. Something that remains beyond understanding or explanation; a mystery.
3. A method or formula on which success is based: The secret of this dish is in the sauce.

Its not really a new definition to anyone I am sure, but think about this idea of secret and the idea of the Gospel.  Paul said if our Gospel is hidden, it is hidden from them that are lost (para).  I like the way the New Living Translation says this verse, "If the Good News we preach is veiled from anyone, it is a sign that they are perishing".  I think its important to remember that according to the Word "this thing was not done in a corner".  In other words it wasnt performed secretly in the shadows but in the middle where it could be seen!  In another place it says that Jesus "spoiled principalities and powers" and made an example of them openly. He grabbed them by the back of the neck and shook them for everyone to see that all their teeth and claws were removed and all they had left was a roar(which they kept to themselves at that moment I am sure). 


Even the heavens declare His glory.  The heavens, the visible sky, the entire universe DECLARE - State, Restate, Count and Recount - they say it over and over and over again. IT IS NOT A SECRET!!


So, if the Gospel is hidden how is that possible?  Clearly it was demonstrated by the Author and Finisher of our faith openly. Plainly if we are blessed enough to name the Name of Christ and to be called Friend by Him, then this truth was not kept secret from us?  Understandably some are willingly ignorant and others are blinded by the god of this world to the truth for a season, but if the Gospel is a secret, I would propose that perhaps it is us who are keeping it so.  


The scripture says that Whosoever shall call upon on the name of the Lord shall be saved! Simple enough I would say, but then matter becomes contingent. It becomes dependent on others. Not to save! That is not our business or ability. God only can forgive sins! But we are needed, and it is made clear if we will read with an open heart.  The power of these words is enough to break you down even as you read them:
"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed ? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard ? and how shall they hear without a preacher ?And how shall they preach , except they be sent ? as it is written , How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" 
Its simple isn't it? They cant call if they dont believe. They cant believe if they have not heard. They cant hear unless someone tells them. No one can tell them unless someone goes. And when the one not willing to keep it a secret shows up, well it is a beautiful thing.!



We cant keep the Good News a secret! Love kept secret does not edify anyone. But love shared blesses everyone.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the completeness of loves manifestation. For God so loved the world  - didnt keep it a secret. Paul said I gave you that which I myself received at the beginning, how that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and on the third day rose again.  No secrets there.  Peter told the gawkers that became seekers in Jerusalem in the upper room that they should Repent of their sins. Be baptized in the Name of Jesus for the washing away (Remission) of those sins. And be filled with the Holy Ghost!.  This was the fulfilling of a promise made before generations to all generations, as many as the Lord could get the Word out to.  Not a secret.   


There is so much more here, but if you have followed me this far you deserve a rest.  If you have not received the New Birth as Jesus planned it and promised it (Acts 2:38) then I dont want to keep it a secret from you.  You can have a completely new life with all of the old shame and stain washed away.  I cant tell you how good it really feels to be free and know it, but you can feel it for yourself if you have that desire.  Let me know if I can share what I have been given and not keep it a secret.  Thanks for reading and may the Lord lead you into His Truth and Marvelous Light. 


Jim