God's sentence upon the rebellion of Israel was captivity in Babylon. The persians were the super-power of that day, and deliverance did not look humanly possible--and it was not. But time was ripe with God. And Babylon, the chastening nation of Israel would find themselves being chastened--their evil way of treating Israel was not counted as righteousness. Babylon, too, was doomed--as prophesied--to fall, and be left in rubble forever (Jer. 51:26). They would suffer everything they had made Israel to suffer. It was marvelous how Babylon fell.
For the first four years of the reign of Darius, rebel leaders stored in supplies for war. Darius had moved the capital to Susa. In the fifth year the flag of revolt was raised. Darius responded immediately with everything force and statagem could devise. The river water supply was diverted. Darius almost despaired of taking Babylon. Then--one day Zopyrus, his nobleman and friend came in his presence with his nose and ears cut off. Bloody wounds covered his body. "What on earth." "You did it sir," was the reply. "The desire I had of serving you put me into this condition for I was sure you would not consent, so I have consulted no one but my zeal for serving you."
A plan evolved between the two by which Zopyrus would defect, with his infallible marks of Darius' wrath, to the other side. The leaders of the revolt fell for the trap. Three battles were fought in the ploy which cost Darius 7000 troops. (Wonder where we got that W.W. II term, They Were Expendable.") Then, on the pre-arranged signal, Zopyrus opened the gates of Babylon and Darius marched in without a shot. Generalissimo Zopyrus's deception had worked. He had been above suspect. Upon entering Babylon, Darius promptly ordered the gates torn down, and the entire walls leveled so the proud city would never again revolt against him. The people had killed off their own population in their fight against Darius. And thus did God recompense his own people because the Babylonians had greviously treated them. No wonder the historian Paul would emphasize that we "reap what we sow."
Several lessons for us emerge. 1. That God will avenge the "apple of his eye."; 2. That he will fill his promises to the letter. 3. That the chastening nation will itself be chastened. B. Loe
The Loe-Down
The faith and wisdom of Emmett Baxter Loe as told in his own words.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
"..he that touches you, touches the apple of His eye" Zech. 2:8 (8/24/1975)
ALONENESS (10/4/1981)
The earliest net result of the sin of Adam and Eve was loneliness, and ever since that time mankind has been devising various ways of coping with loneliness.
Several years ago, as a new Rotarian, I attended a Fireside meeting; a meeting to orient new Rotarians, only to be shocked to hear the host address the meeting by saying: "Gentlemen: welcome to the lonely, professional men's club!" I hadn't really connected my new venture with loneliness, but as I meditated, it was certainly true.
Over Eaters Anonymous in attracting new members stress that it is for persons who express their loneliness through over eating.
Then there are the really lonely. Houses, noisy from silence shout at them. Others, guilty of misconduct, feel alienated from man as a race. It is all a legacy of our proto-parents--Adam and Eve.
God, merciful to our alone-ness, has gone to every length to heal aloneness. First, he provided the idea of home--a place for children to be born into where love is to be given freely as water flowing downhill, just because we exist.
He provided the nesting it takes to make a home when two decide to put an end to the aloneness and become one. Ideally that will take care of heart-loneliness for decades to come. Unfortunately, however, many do not bring the commitment to the union to keep the oneness. It then becomes aloneness again.
Then, for a rounding out of a person's needs for being a part of and not apart from, came the ecclesia--the called out. Those who form the oneness of the Lord's body. BL
Several years ago, as a new Rotarian, I attended a Fireside meeting; a meeting to orient new Rotarians, only to be shocked to hear the host address the meeting by saying: "Gentlemen: welcome to the lonely, professional men's club!" I hadn't really connected my new venture with loneliness, but as I meditated, it was certainly true.
Over Eaters Anonymous in attracting new members stress that it is for persons who express their loneliness through over eating.
Then there are the really lonely. Houses, noisy from silence shout at them. Others, guilty of misconduct, feel alienated from man as a race. It is all a legacy of our proto-parents--Adam and Eve.
God, merciful to our alone-ness, has gone to every length to heal aloneness. First, he provided the idea of home--a place for children to be born into where love is to be given freely as water flowing downhill, just because we exist.
He provided the nesting it takes to make a home when two decide to put an end to the aloneness and become one. Ideally that will take care of heart-loneliness for decades to come. Unfortunately, however, many do not bring the commitment to the union to keep the oneness. It then becomes aloneness again.
Then, for a rounding out of a person's needs for being a part of and not apart from, came the ecclesia--the called out. Those who form the oneness of the Lord's body. BL
THE DAY THE LORD HATH MADE (10/18/1981)
One morning, Frank Duckworth and I had our little taxi stop so we could watch the sun rise. We had already been travelling an hour so as not to be late to our preaching appointment in a remote village. We had been in India about a month and I had more than two to go, and the prospect was very burdensome. Then, a verse of scripture came to my mind and I said it out loud for tue use of us both. "This is the day the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24). Our spirits were noticeably lifted, as they usually are when we recall the word of the Lord--his will on a given subject. It is wise to savor the moment and enjoy them to the most.
I oft wonder what I would do if I had my days to do again? There would be many changes! I'd go barefoot earlier in the spring! I'd ride more merry-go-rounds and pick more daisies. Yes, I'd plant more trees, and befriend more children. Forget more injuries and gossip injuries to others. Write more letters, and seek more wisdom. I'd give more generously, trust more quickly, and forgive more easily. I'd love more warmly, act more courteously and live more simply. Judge more charitably and pray more expectantly. BL
I oft wonder what I would do if I had my days to do again? There would be many changes! I'd go barefoot earlier in the spring! I'd ride more merry-go-rounds and pick more daisies. Yes, I'd plant more trees, and befriend more children. Forget more injuries and gossip injuries to others. Write more letters, and seek more wisdom. I'd give more generously, trust more quickly, and forgive more easily. I'd love more warmly, act more courteously and live more simply. Judge more charitably and pray more expectantly. BL
Saturday, December 10, 2011
BABE RUTH: "When he struck out it was not failure--it was was effort! (8/24/1980)
Each week, this page is designed, hopefully, to help someone who has experienced a setback, or who feels lower than a snake's belly from guilt or fear or sorrow. This week's story is from a champion who struck out 1330 times and had 851 homeruns. That's a a failure rate of 479 more failures than 'successes.", yet we remember him as a champion. Why?
One day he had been mercilessly booed as he struck out twice successively on three balls thrown. But, "each time," said Frank Bettger, who was observing him closely, he went over and doffed his cap and smiled at the crowd. Late in the game he came up to bat again. ON second strike he flailed so hard he fell to the ground. But he got up! Dusted off and knocked the third pitch out of the ballpark and over some houses! One of the longest hits ever. Bettger, remembering the drama of that great moment in baseball, said: "He went over and doffed his hat again, smiled that same little smile, and the expression on his face was exactly like the one he wore on the first two occasions." Someone asked this man who struck out more times than anybody else, "What do you do when you get in a batting slump?" "I just keep goin' up there and swinging at 'em. I know the law of averages will hold good for me the same as anybody else."
'Brother Gilbert' who discovered him, said: He looked better striking out than he did hitting home runs!" What a statement to be made about someone! In the homeruns, the talent showed. In the strikeouts, the man showed.
Any of us can look good in success, but it is in adversity that we can show ourselves the be the tower of strength we are. For some, that testing comes in aweful sorrow. For others, its tolerating grevious sickness. Still others find their character showing in financial adversity. Or dreams crushed in the ground.
Christianity is that way. It shows most beautifully when undergoing tribulation, when almost casually giving up rights or privileges for peace and principle.
BL
One day he had been mercilessly booed as he struck out twice successively on three balls thrown. But, "each time," said Frank Bettger, who was observing him closely, he went over and doffed his cap and smiled at the crowd. Late in the game he came up to bat again. ON second strike he flailed so hard he fell to the ground. But he got up! Dusted off and knocked the third pitch out of the ballpark and over some houses! One of the longest hits ever. Bettger, remembering the drama of that great moment in baseball, said: "He went over and doffed his hat again, smiled that same little smile, and the expression on his face was exactly like the one he wore on the first two occasions." Someone asked this man who struck out more times than anybody else, "What do you do when you get in a batting slump?" "I just keep goin' up there and swinging at 'em. I know the law of averages will hold good for me the same as anybody else."
'Brother Gilbert' who discovered him, said: He looked better striking out than he did hitting home runs!" What a statement to be made about someone! In the homeruns, the talent showed. In the strikeouts, the man showed.
Any of us can look good in success, but it is in adversity that we can show ourselves the be the tower of strength we are. For some, that testing comes in aweful sorrow. For others, its tolerating grevious sickness. Still others find their character showing in financial adversity. Or dreams crushed in the ground.
Christianity is that way. It shows most beautifully when undergoing tribulation, when almost casually giving up rights or privileges for peace and principle.
BL
WHERE WOULD YOU BE WITHOUT PAUL? (2/26/1972?)
Let's pretend for a moment.
We are members of the Lord's church in Antioch. We are showing some signs of growth in godliness and in numbers. We have some excellent teachers among us, we need them--here at home. But the Holy Spirit says, "Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." "We can't afford it" some one cries, "We need them at home," comes the cry. "I know those Europeans, they'll sell their soul for Hershey bar. The whole mess of em are not worth one man." But Barnabas and Paul had the blessing of the majority--God--and they went.
Here are two questions: Did that missionary journey help or hurt Antioch? Their name, was it helped or hurt? Outside of Jerusalem (which was also a missionary church) who can you name that was more blessed of God? Is the name "Antioch" a blessing after 2000 years? Antioch had the rare and unparalleled privilege of being the host and backer of three missionary journeys. The other question I want to ask is simply this, don't run away from it--face it, WHERE WOULD I BE TODAY IF PAUL AND BARNABAS AND SILAS AND OTHERS HAD NOT BEEN SENT TO THE GENTILE? The plain fact is this, brother, you would be an idol worshipper! You would be in the shape of the Hindu today. To accept the grace of God, to accept the gospel of God with the attitude "I was worth it all, but the Hindu is worth none of it" is to be sub-Christian. Beware, if you are against missionary enterprizes, you have become as the dead sea, taking in the fresh, life-giving water, and keeping it, turning it to brine, and dying in the process. The missionary has to die before he goes. He has to settle that ahead of time. Do not be surprised, then, at what other prices he is willing to pay...The Bible says that "One soul is worth more than the whole world." The question reduces itself to this: DO WE BELIEVE THE BIBLE? B.L.
We are members of the Lord's church in Antioch. We are showing some signs of growth in godliness and in numbers. We have some excellent teachers among us, we need them--here at home. But the Holy Spirit says, "Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." "We can't afford it" some one cries, "We need them at home," comes the cry. "I know those Europeans, they'll sell their soul for Hershey bar. The whole mess of em are not worth one man." But Barnabas and Paul had the blessing of the majority--God--and they went.
Here are two questions: Did that missionary journey help or hurt Antioch? Their name, was it helped or hurt? Outside of Jerusalem (which was also a missionary church) who can you name that was more blessed of God? Is the name "Antioch" a blessing after 2000 years? Antioch had the rare and unparalleled privilege of being the host and backer of three missionary journeys. The other question I want to ask is simply this, don't run away from it--face it, WHERE WOULD I BE TODAY IF PAUL AND BARNABAS AND SILAS AND OTHERS HAD NOT BEEN SENT TO THE GENTILE? The plain fact is this, brother, you would be an idol worshipper! You would be in the shape of the Hindu today. To accept the grace of God, to accept the gospel of God with the attitude "I was worth it all, but the Hindu is worth none of it" is to be sub-Christian. Beware, if you are against missionary enterprizes, you have become as the dead sea, taking in the fresh, life-giving water, and keeping it, turning it to brine, and dying in the process. The missionary has to die before he goes. He has to settle that ahead of time. Do not be surprised, then, at what other prices he is willing to pay...The Bible says that "One soul is worth more than the whole world." The question reduces itself to this: DO WE BELIEVE THE BIBLE? B.L.
IF not, what is wrong? (7/20/1980)
ARE YOU HAPPY?
What does your heart of hearts say to that question? What do I say to it? Well, yes, I am happy. I get my share of unpleasant experiences. But, on the whole, life is a wonder to me! It is interesting and exciting and satisfying.
But, people who have a back-slapping, cheer sometimes leaves me cold. There is an excessive 'happiness' that seems to be a facade. Such people are looking for happiness while pretending they have it.
Well, how does one find happiness? What does one do? In my case, I savor the moments. I notice the things that give me the deepest joy and keep company with them. It may be a work, a hobby, a friend, a book. These give me pleasure, but the things that offer me most happiness--pure joy--are those things I do for other people--things that I could have let slide, but didn't, and brought unexpected happiness to someone else. That's when I feel so good inside that my soul sings for joy. Things we do for ourselves may bring justifiable pleasure, but things we do for others are the ones that bring unbridled joy.
If life gets boring, that's time to start working on self--not someone else. The problem of the unhappy is inside--not outside. It is then time to start thinking some interesting thoughts. It is time to think some creative thoughts. One can lie in bed and rehash the problems and disappointments of the day, or he can start over with fresh, creative thinking and praying. On bed is as good a time to think about good things as it is bad things. Meditate on the goodness of god and his world. "Pleasure' your thoughts by "thinking on whatsoever things are lovely...
BL
Thursday, December 8, 2011
THREE MEN AT THE CROSSROADS OF LIFE (2/12/1967)
Betrayal night had dropped a heavy mantle of darkness on the hills of Jerusalem, and Jesus, aware that this was his hour to glorify his Father, had been in prayer agony across brook Kidron in Gethsemane. Judas was in the temple area, fitting price to purpose. Suddenly the night air -- electrified by heavy footsteps and harsh voices; clattering swords and rattling sticks -- was a cacophony of mob sounds. The yellowish glow of the torches revealed black grimy bearded faces bent on violence. It must have been a little incongrous to see them stop silent while one of their number planted a kiss on the cheek of the passive face of omnipotence.
As the mob seized Lord Jesus, Peter's heart, like others, did a turnover...this couldn't happen. This must not happen. "Lord, shall we smite with the sword?" But, before Christ could answer, Peter had already taken affairs in hand. Whack...! Off flew Malchus' right ear! The high priest's servant. Peter missed cleaving Malchus' head right down the middle by about three inches. Peter meant business.
A Christian fighting religous battles with a sword...Peter? "Put up thy sword in thy sheath; for all that take the sword shall perish with the sword" (Matt. 26:52).
Jesus placed the ear back on the head just like a child mends her doll, while and uncomprehending but startled group of people looked on. What a manifestation of Glory!
As the company crossed the Kidron and went back over into Jerusalem that night, three people especially had things to ponder in their hearts...Peter, Malchus and Judas.
Judas just could not stand the remorse and he went out and hanged himself. The man he had death-kissed had put an ear back on...tenderly. Judas flunked the test of repentance and obedience.
Peter, having bumbled so badly, would ponder those words about fighting with swords and profit from having had his carnal nature so greviousy exposed to public eye. I, too, know what it is to have inner-most being stripped naked before public eye. I know a little of how he must have felt. Wonder what Peter did with that sword? Don't you know that sword was as big, heavy and cumbersome as a throbbing thumb? But still, Peter missed the lesson. He was not yet perfected. One more failure loomed large and close before him. He would deny his Lord.
But the man who must have had the most profound revelation was Malchus. In the name of religion, Malchus acting on orders of the high priest, had come out to help take Jesus prisoner. But instead of taking a prisoner, Malchus suffered the indignity of having an ear cut off. One flash of the fisherman's sword and Malchus could understand the full meaning of seeing his ear in the dust...but I wonder if he really understood what it was to have that ear stuck back on again, stitched by kind words and healed with tenderness. He had had an incounter with God and this would awaken to gratitude any but the insensate.
If Malchus became a Christian, did he quibble about a virgin birth? Or theorize about the "God is dead" kick? Or question how many of Jesus' commands demanded obedience? I rather think that he would have said, "Speak Lord, thy servant heareth."
+++Baxter Loe
As the mob seized Lord Jesus, Peter's heart, like others, did a turnover...this couldn't happen. This must not happen. "Lord, shall we smite with the sword?" But, before Christ could answer, Peter had already taken affairs in hand. Whack...! Off flew Malchus' right ear! The high priest's servant. Peter missed cleaving Malchus' head right down the middle by about three inches. Peter meant business.
A Christian fighting religous battles with a sword...Peter? "Put up thy sword in thy sheath; for all that take the sword shall perish with the sword" (Matt. 26:52).
Jesus placed the ear back on the head just like a child mends her doll, while and uncomprehending but startled group of people looked on. What a manifestation of Glory!
As the company crossed the Kidron and went back over into Jerusalem that night, three people especially had things to ponder in their hearts...Peter, Malchus and Judas.
Judas just could not stand the remorse and he went out and hanged himself. The man he had death-kissed had put an ear back on...tenderly. Judas flunked the test of repentance and obedience.
Peter, having bumbled so badly, would ponder those words about fighting with swords and profit from having had his carnal nature so greviousy exposed to public eye. I, too, know what it is to have inner-most being stripped naked before public eye. I know a little of how he must have felt. Wonder what Peter did with that sword? Don't you know that sword was as big, heavy and cumbersome as a throbbing thumb? But still, Peter missed the lesson. He was not yet perfected. One more failure loomed large and close before him. He would deny his Lord.
But the man who must have had the most profound revelation was Malchus. In the name of religion, Malchus acting on orders of the high priest, had come out to help take Jesus prisoner. But instead of taking a prisoner, Malchus suffered the indignity of having an ear cut off. One flash of the fisherman's sword and Malchus could understand the full meaning of seeing his ear in the dust...but I wonder if he really understood what it was to have that ear stuck back on again, stitched by kind words and healed with tenderness. He had had an incounter with God and this would awaken to gratitude any but the insensate.
If Malchus became a Christian, did he quibble about a virgin birth? Or theorize about the "God is dead" kick? Or question how many of Jesus' commands demanded obedience? I rather think that he would have said, "Speak Lord, thy servant heareth."
+++Baxter Loe
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)