Does God Expect Perfection?

This is a question I used to ask all the time, but then I read this verse in the bible and it got me wondering again.

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Mathew 5:48

Jesus says this during his sermon on the mount. He just gave teachings like the beatitudes and covered topics such as adultery, murder, and prayer. Jesus concludes this by a verse saying "Be perfect."

If God expects perfection, we're all doomed. There is absolutely no way we can be perfect. And isn't that exactly what Jesus wanted to get across? In Exodus, the law was established to show Israel just how messed up they were. (Romans 3:20) We cannot uphold the law on our own. There's just no way that could happen. If the end of the story was that we need to be perfect, there would be no hope. Aren't you glad that this was just the beginning?

Jesus came to die, but before death, he had to live a perfect life. He came be perfect because he knew we couldn't. He fulfilled the law because God knew we never could.

If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
Psalm 130:3-4

Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins.
Ecclesiastes 7:20

These two verses say it. We can't stand before God on our own. We cannot be perfect.

You guys probably knew that already. I just wanted to make sure we were all on the same page. So now, let's get back on topic.

If God expected perfection from us, he never would have sent Jesus, his son.

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
Luke 19:10

Jesus said this to Zacchaeus. He told Zachaeus that his sins were forgiven (Luke 19:9). He doesn't expect us to be perfect, God, the righteous judge, needs some atonement for sin and that would be Jesus.

Jesus wasn't lying, he wasn't just saying something. He said what he said in Mathew 5:48 to make a point, and I think that is this: There needs to be perfection for us to get to heaven. Be glad Jesus is willing to be that perfection for you.

The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
Hebrews 10:1-4

Photo Credit:

http://gallery.yopriceville.com/Free-Clipart-Pictures/Angels-PNG/Cute_Angel_Free_PNG_Clipart_Picture#.UvFErz1dWSo

Micah: Powerful Prayer (Part 3)

Because of this I will weep and wail; I will go about barefoot and naked. I will howl like a jackal and moan like an owl. For Samaria's plague is incurable; it has spread to Judah. It has reached the very gate of my people, even to Jerusalem itself. Tell it not in Gath; weep not at all. In Beth Ophrah roll in the dust.
Micah 1:8-10

In the previous post, Micah prophesied about Samaria being destroyed. Micah is distressed because Samaria started sinning by worshiping Baal and sacrificing their children to their idols, but it spread like a plague to Judah. Micah weeps before God and God answers his prayers.

So the LORD was very angry with Israel and removed them from his presence. Only the tribe of Judah was left, and even Judah did not keep the commands of the LORD their God. They followed the practices Israel had introduced.
2 Kings 17:18-19

2 Kings 17 describes the attack of the Assyrians and the sins of Israel. It is the devastation Micah prophesies about, but God heard Micah's mourning. God spared Judah, even though they were infected with sin, God heard.

Pass by naked and in shame, you who live in Shaphir. Those who live in Zaanan will not come out. Beth Ezel is in mourning; it no longer protects you. Those who live in Maroth writhe in pain, waiting for relief, because disaster has come from the LORD, even to the gate of Jerusalem. You who live in Lachish, harness fast horses to the chariot. You are where the sin of Daughter Zion began, for the transgressions of Israel were found in you. Therefore you will give parting gifts to Moresheth Gath. The town of Akzib will prove deceptive to the kings of Israel. I will bring a conqueror against you who live in Mareshah. The nobles of Israel will flee to Adullam. Shave your head in mourning for the children in whom you delight; make yourself as bald as the vulture, for they will go from you into exile.
Micah 1:11-16

Seeing his own people suffer was painful, so he wept, he prayed. God didn't destroy Judah because of prayer.
This is why we must pray. God doesn't have to answer us with a yes, but you're prayer can never be answered if it's never asked.

Photo Credit:
http://www.theomegadays.net/topics/minor_prophets_micah1.htm

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Next (Coming 7/14/13)
First

Micah: Introduction (Part 1)

The word of the LORD that came to Micah of Moresheth during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah—the vision he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.
Micah 1:1

Micah is one of my favorite books because to me, it shows the power of God. The book of Jeremiah even quotes Micah:

Some of the elders of the land stepped forward and said to the entire assembly of people, "Micah of Moresheth prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah. He told all the people of Judah, 'This is what the LORD Almighty says: " 'Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets.' "Did Hezekiah king of Judah or anyone else in Judah put him to death? Did not Hezekiah fear the LORD and seek his favor? And did not the LORD relent, so that he did not bring the disaster he pronounced against them? We are about to bring a terrible disaster on ourselves!"
Jeremiah 26:17-19

There is also a Casting Crowns song that has lyrics based on Micah. In their song "Courageous," there is one line towards the end that says "Seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God."

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8

The first thing Micah writes down (after his opening) is about when the Lord comes. Micah holds on to the hope that Jesus will come, and we hold on to the hope that Jesus is coming back. God has not abandoned us, He will return.

Look! The LORD is coming from his dwelling place; he comes down and treads on the heights of the earth.
Micah 1:3

Photo Credit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Micha.jpg

Next

Men in the Bible: Jabez

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him in pain." Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request.
1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Jabez's story is right in the middle of 4 chapters worth of genealogies. Jabez's story doesn't seem to fit where it was placed. Here are a few things we can get out of these two verses.

1. He came into the world without a welcome.
Hopefully non of reader have a name that means pain or sadness or death. Most parents give their child a name with a pleasant meaning. For whatever reason, Jabez's mother received him with fear or sadness.
There are many reason this might be the case. It could have been the death of his father, financial difficulties, the child might have been shameful for whatever reason...we can only guess.
But while his mother was predicting a dark future, God was planning something better. And despite the his name Jabez became the most honorable of all his brothers.
2. Faith wins
Mothers are designed to nurture their children and to encourage them, but Jabez experienced quite the opposite. His mother gave him an awful name, one that would stick with him his whole life.
Jabez probably didn't have a lot of friend and he didn't have the support of his family. His family was expecting failure at everything he did.
Jabez was more honorable than his brothers because he has faith. He had faith that God would get him through.
Here is what Jabez prayed:

"Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain."

Jabez prayed to be free from pain. Jabez was probably talking about the pain of bearing his name I can say this because if he had an awful disease, he would not be ruler of a territory because in his times, anyone with a bad disease was sent away from the town and lived with others who had that disease. So this pain he speaks of is probably not from a disease, but more likely from how others look at him.
He wanted to be free from the doubt, from the those who were waiting for him to fail. He wanted success. And when Jabez prayed faithful, God answer. Jabez was better than his brothers because he had faith, even when the odds were against him.

Next: Ananias

Sources:
Men of the Bible: Some Lesser-Known Characters

Prayer

I've been doing a study on prayer (and how God wants us to pray) for a few days, and I am going to share what I found out about prayer.

Preparation:

• Pray alone. (Mathew 6:6; Mathew 14:23)

I am not saying group prayer are wrong, the bible actually does encourage it (Mathew 18:20). What I mean by this point is that the group prayer should not be the only praying you do. While group prayers are good, you also need some time to talk with just God.

• Awareness (Romans 8:26-27)

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.
Romans 8:26-27
Be aware that you prayers are never going to be the way God wants them to be (We don't even know what should pray about). Just be aware of the fact that you can't pray in the right way.

What does God look for in Prayer?

• Heartfelt reverence (Hebrews 5:7)

During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.
Hebrews 5:7-9

• Emotion (Hebrews 5:7)
• Praise (Mathew 6:9; Luke 11:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:12)
• A humble spirit (Proverbs 28:9; Mathew 6:7-8)
• Boldness and Persistence (Luke 11:8; Hebrews 5:7)
• Thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; James 5:13)
• Admitting your needs and the needs of others (Luke 11:3-4; Mathew 6:11-12; James 5:13; Philippians 4:6; Ephesians 6:18) 
• Asking for strength when your tempted. (Luke 11:4; Mathew 6:13)
• Prayer for your enemies (Mathew 5:44)

Conclusion:

God wants us to pray all the time! (Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Psalm 8: What is Man?

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.

Psalm 8:1

*One of the dominant messages of the Scriptures is that the Lord God is sovereign over his creation. The creation reflects his glory because it is his handiwork. It is perfectly under his control. No "big bang" theory could produce such a magnificent piece of clockwork as our universe. The more universes and galaxies the scientists discover only emphasizes the glory of the Lord God.

An increasing number of scientists are preferring to the intelligent "design" of biological systems, inferring that a creator–God is at work over against an evolutionary process. There is a Master designer behind the immense universe. The intelligent design is becoming increasingly evident to the skilled scientist.
The glory of God is magnified in his creation. The exalted position of man is the capstone of the entire universe.
Wonder of wonders is the fact the Lord God can hold the Milky Way in one hand and take infinite interest in me.*
*Taken From: http://www.abideinchrist.com/messages/psa8v1.html

From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.

Psalm 8:2

*This psalm is a solemn meditation on, and admiration of, the glory and greatness of God, of which we are all concerned to think highly and honourably. It begins and ends with the same acknowledgment of the transcendent excellency of God’s name. It is proposed for proof that God’s name is excellent in all the earth, and then it is repeated as proved in the last verse. For the proof of God’s glory the psalmist gives instances of his goodness to man; for God’s goodness is his glory. God is to be glorified,

1. (v. 1) For making known himself and his great name to us.
2. (v. 2) For making use of the weakest of the children of men, by them to serve his own purposes
3. (v. 3, 4) For making even the heavenly bodies useful to man.
4. (v. 5-8) For making him to have dominion over the creatures in this lower world, and thereby placing him but little lower then the angels

This psalm is, in the New Testament, applied to Christ and the work of our redemption which he wrought out; the honor given by the children of men to him and the honor put upon the children of men by him, both in his humiliation, when he was made a little lower then the angels, and in his exaltation, when he was crowned with glory and honor.*

*Taken from http://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?AuthorID=4&contentID=1131&commInfo=5&topic=Psalms

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.

Psalm 8:3-5

God made so many things for us to use and enjoy. God even sent Jesus to suffer through trails of life. I spent 2 hours making this list of stuff that Jesus went through along with places in the bible that talk about how he suffered through things that we go through every day.

• Betrayed (Mathew 26:14-16)
• Friends didn't trust in him (Mark 14:66-71; Mark 16:14)
• Made fun of (Luke 22:63-65)
• Plotted against (Mathew 26:3-4)
• Tempted (Mathew 4:1-11)
• Rejected (Luke 4:20-30; Luke 23:20)
• Doubted (Luke 8:23-25; John 11:1-16; Mathew 14:28-31; Mathew 16:1)
• Ignored (Luke 10:38-42)
• Not Been Thanked (Luke 17:11-16)
• Forsaken (John 6:60-66; Luke 22:39-46)
• Not Wanted (Luke 23:20)
•  Friend/Family Died (Matthew 27:5; John 11:1-33; Matthew 14:1-12) (Judas, his disciple; Lazarus, his friend; John, his cousin)
• Cried/Been Sad (John 11:35; Mark 14:34)
• Disappointed (Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 14:32-41)

Jesus went through all of that and more, but he didn't sin. He never thought an ugly thought, or have a sinful rage. He was never ashamed. He never fought with his siblings, and he had at least six of them (Matthew 13:55-56; Mark 6:3). "what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?" Man did nothing to be honored or respected or ever noticed by God

You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.

Psalm 8:6-8

And you’d think we’d thank God for all of this and be really grateful. God has given us everything we need and then some. In fact, God loves us so much that angels wish they could be like us.

It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

1 Peter 1:12

When a lot of angels rebelled against God, they were not given the chance be saved from their sin. Angels want God to care about them like God cares about us. You’re lucky to be human because God took the time to care about you. Angels serve God all of their life (unless they’re Satan’s Angels) and they never get to have a relationship with God the same way we do. They want that so bad.

When was the last time you thanked God for giving you the chance to be a Christian? Or food? Or the computer/phone you’re using to look at this?

Those angels that are watching over you right now (Psalm 91:9-12) are wishing that they could be you, because living with the sin that you live with is worth getting to know God the way that only you can.

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Psalm 8:9

Sources:

http://www.abideinchrist.com/messages/psa8v1.html

http://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?AuthorID=4&contentID=1131&commInfo=5&topic=Psalms

http://jasonwaller.wordpress.com/2012/08/20/angels-want-what-we-have/