The Dead Pool
Or are you ignorant that all who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Romans 6:3
Death – Someone once asked George Muller what was his secret for serving God? In his reply, Muller said, “There was a day I died to George Muller, his opinions, preferences, taste and will, and died to the world, its approval or censure. Then I must be occupied in some other way in the service of God, to glorify Him is the object of my life.”
Christians hold up Muller as an amazing model of a life of prayer. We cite the instances of miracles in his life. We almost envy how God used him. But when we hear these words, we’re not so excited. Death is the end of things. At least it seems so to most of the world. It means that all those dreams I have, all those plans I have, all those things I still want to possess pass away – they’re gone – into the grave. That’s what Paul is pressing us to understand. A slave of the Messiah has no personal agenda! He or she is dead to private plans and projects. That’s why baptism is not regeneration. It is a funeral. I die under the water just as surely as if I had drowned.
When I come up from that dead pool, I am alive only because the Spirit has generated a new me. Now I answer only to the call of my Master. Now God can use me without a fight.
At least that’s the theory, isn’t’ it? Unfortunately, most of us seem to have held our breath when we were baptized. We really weren’t ready to die. We just wanted to be cleaned up a bit. We would rather have gone through a wash cycle than a funeral. Maybe that’s why God has so much trouble using us for His great and glorious purposes. I have no doubt whatsoever that God desires to explode our lives with His goodness. I have no doubt at all that He is capable of doing so. But my own experience tells me that the reason I don’t see spiritual fireworks is more often due to washing rather than dying. The history of Israel is exactly like my history. Too often I am not quite willing to let out all the oxygen and trust that God will raise me from the dead. That’s really what it comes down to, isn’t it? It’s a matter of trust. I don’t really trust God to bring me back to life. I know He can, but I’m just not sure He will. Or worse, I think He will but it won’t be the life that I wanted.
There is no rescue without dying. There is no resurrection without the cross. And there is no life without a funeral. We are called to die. God will do the rest.
Topical Index: death, thanatos, George Muller, Romans 6:3, baptism
If you’re interested, you might want to read this.
Skip …. this is a real tough one for me. Oh don’t get me wrong …. I’ve got no problem with the theory, or will not deny that this is what The Word entails.
The issue deals less with my personal desires, interests, worldly concerns, et. al (as far as these things … I am dead)! The issue for me is the struggle of “earning a living/my job” and the impacts that it brings.
Some days I am lamenting the fact that I need to work to support my family and should be doing more of His work. Other days I am just so thankful for the provision and the ability to support my family, as well as the opportunities that He brings for me to do His work within the confines of my job. When I objectively consider my continued employment it is hard not to see His protective hand in the matter. At least through today … Praise His Holy Name!
I have prayed for release to do more of His work but I’ve been advised by some wise brethren that if Adonai wanted this to be so that He would deliver. I suppose in the end it gets difficult when I look around and perceive that others are being more useful for the kingdom than I might be personally. Somehow the Greek mind creeps back in and whispers that “more useful” for the kingdom must equal “more dead” to this world. Yet I also know that dead is dead and not the same as usefulness! One impacts the other but they are not identical.
I’ve been told (as late as last evening by a brother in this community ( 🙂 ) that I should simply follow Yeshua’s advice …. worry only about today and not tomorrow. It is of course wonderful advice!
Any way I thought I would share this personal issue because somehow it seems to gnaw at me from time to time. Does anyone else in our community confront this issue?
Shalom
AC
I have noticed something in the last few years of re-reading the text. The Hebraic view rarely separates secular and sacred. That means that tent-making is a sacred task and saying the Shema is a secular occupation. There is no distinction. Avodah is both. Now, if that’s the case, then my concern about being more available to His service as opposed to my occupation is really a dichotomy that comes from a different worldview. Do you suppose that the sovereign Lord of the universe does not have you right where He wants you to be? Do you think that service to Him is really the goal here? Isn’t it that you and I learn devotion – and in the process convert everything about our way of living into a pantheon of praise?
I am with you, brother. Right there, trying to figure it out.
Skip
We all struggle with that . However on closer look into my own heart, is it that I want to serve Him more, or am I more like the disciples who argued who would be the greatest in the kingdom. Do I want to be great in the kingdom because of what I have done for YHVH. “God forbid!” I find it better to “study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;” Do you remember the movie, ” It is a wonderful life? You do no know the impact the simplest actions or words have on the world. Just someone inviting a guy off the street to a Bible study changed the heart of a youth leader of the Hamas when he saw in the scripture “love your enemies”. And that has had an impact on a whole people.
Hello!!!
As far as I can perceive we live in a sphere of tension…tension between what I know and what I do. Paul summarizes it, almost in a perfect way in Romans 7. If we are not able to distinguished this two opposites poles and learn how to harmonized them, we will live hell here on earth.
IGS
One of these days we are going to read this Book and pay attention to what it says. I have found, it is always good to give focused attention when YHYW speaks. His words bring us life. In this particular verse from the book of Romans, Paul is asking “do you not know” these things? We were baptized (immersed) into His death. But this is not the “rest of the story.” We, just like the apostle Paul, have been crucifed with Christ, baptized (immersed) into His death, and now (here’s the fun part!).. we have been raised to walk in newness of life! This is the “union of two houses,” the human and the divine. We have been, and are today, united in the death,burial and resurrection of Messiah. His victory is our victory over death, sin, and the grave. O death where is your sting, O grave where is your victory? Our Savior has conquered all and because of the sacrifice of the Son, the Father has given unto Him a name which is above every name and He has given unto us who receive Him the authority to become the sons of G-d, even to them who believe in this saving name. Yeshua is Salvation. You wanted a conquering Messiah? Who has by His death, burial and resurrection given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness? Who has conquered death? Who has conquered the grave? Who is the Victor? Who ever lives to make intercession for us? Who is this king of glory? What is His name?
This one is for Drew.. I have a “secular” occupation. I am not on the payroll of a local “church.” I can empathize fully with your position and desires and continually struggle with these same issues. We are not alone in this, no- not at all. This “sin”drome is common among those who are followers of the Way.
How do I deal with this? I recognize the sovereignty of G-d and I strive to “bloom” where I am planted. The salt only does good where it is applied and the light is needed in dark places. I work among heathens and that is not only a good thing, it is a “G-d thing.” We (you and I) are ambassadors for Christ and we shine as lights in a dark place. We are sometimes the only “Bible” these people will read. Whether we drive a bread truck or sweep streets we should do all for the glory of G-d. I “fantisize” about “full-time” Christian service but dear brother let me testify we “all” are engaged in the service of the King, whether preachers,pirates,poets, or plumbers, we (all) are people G-d uses as He sees fit and are (all) engaged in the service of mankind and in the ‘work’ of the ministry. I have had ample opportunity to witness for the LORD- the key is to be ‘low-key’. Let G-d lead you dear brother in this wilderness and He will provide marvelously every day and in every way. We will have no lack. From one servant to another, we (all) serve the King. P.S. This is no easy path He has called us to, but we know He is the Way. Blessed be the Name.
Carl … Skip … thanks brothers! 🙂
I suppose at times the flesh just meanders into the picture to create doubts. I simply forget that Adonai can put me or anyone else wherever He deems appropriate.
Ultimately I will concur with you both and others …. what is important is my devotion to Him and the quality of my relationship. Above all things He is worthy of my love, praise and worship. I suppose if one keeps this in mind throughout the course of any day then His purposes will assuredly be served! I suppose being an ambassador in the lion’s den is no worthless position indeed.
Despite the sting of your questioning the real goal Skip ….. (ouch … and it did hurt) …. you have my gratitude. Doubting the Lord’s competency in running my life deserves a good rebuking! Besides …. He may have me where I can not do much damage … LOL!
Carl …. thanks brother! I’ll just need to make sure that His light shines a little brighter in the darkest of places! 🙂
Shalom
No rebuke intended – and I apologize. The questions are for ME! I know how to write what I often cannot live.
Thanks for the chuckle. “Where I can’t do damage”. Hahahahahahah.
Greetings!!!!
“Do you wish to know God? Learn first to know yourself” –Abba Evagrius, Fourth Century
Nosce Te Ipsum
Our greatest battles are inside of us. When we comprehend the meaning of being tzelem/demut of God then we can start our greatest journey. If we go to the “Prodigal Son” parable we will find that the axis of the story is when he decided to star the journey to his father house, but that journey start first with a travel toward the inside of his soul. (cf. Luke 15:17) εἰς ἑαυτὸν δὲ ἐλθὼν ἔφη· πόσοι μίσθιοι τοῦ πατρός μου περισσεύονται ἄρτων, ἐγὼ δὲ λιμῷ ὧδε ἀπόλλυμαι. “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!
IGS
Ismael – it seems to me that the soul transformation in the Prodigal Son (“When he came to his senses…” Luke 15:17) is demonstrated in the change of heart revealed in the Prodigal Son’s words and then actions. He goes from saying to his Father “…give me my” (verse 12) to reciting to his Father “make me like one of your hired men” (verse 19). A clear reflection of authority and control (whose – ours or God’s?). What is so beautiful about God’s grace in our lives is that it helps us to see ourselves correctly as God sees us – note that the importance to the Prodigal Son was not how he would be perceived by the stay at home son nor those (like the Pharisees in the audience) who would have written him off the moment he demanded and received his inheritance. The Prodigal Son was only interested in the Father’s opinion of him….As Ken Boa says: “Contrary to our culture, the biblical doctrine of grace humbles us without degrading us and elevates us without inflating us. It tells us that apart from Christ, we have nothing and can do nothing of eternal value…Thus a biblical understanding of grace addresses both human depravity and human dignity. It avoids the extreme of worm theology…and the opposite extreme of pride and autonomy.” The tension here lies inside of us to be sure. But the battle is won not in striving but in surrendering…and that is the hardest part because I cannot be both “full of myself” and “full of God” at the same time.
Two wonderful resources on this parable, incorrectly called the Prodigal Son. It is about 2 sons; both play a crucial role in the meaning of the parable.
Read Henri Nouwen’s book on the parable, then Brad Young’s book on the parables and then listen to Bob Gorelik’s lecture on this parable. You will come away amazed – and blessed.
The book written by Nouwen is based in a picture by Rembrandt. I read that book few years ago, and I agree with you: is marvelous.
IGS
Just one element that I would like to emphasized: this comment started with two words in Genesis 1:26. Then we can add one more element based in the change of one hebrew letter, “alef” for “ayin” in the words light (hebrew “ohr”) and skin. I don’t have time and space to be specific but if you want to do your own research we could find that Adam and Eve had bodies of light and that bodies were covered with “skin” The presence of God, the “tzelem and demut” of God are inside our souls as an invisible evidence that we are made in his image and likeness. If we go back to the parable the turning point is in verse 17. εἰς ἑαυτὸν δὲ ἐλθὼν ἔφη. The key word here is ἑαυτὸν.
His journey to the father’s house started with that though. If we seek the greek text it is evident that he travel toward his inside, toward his soul…there is when the journey start.
καὶ εἶπεν ὁ νεώτερος αὐτῶν τῷ πατρί· πάτερ, δός μοι τὸ ἐπιβάλλον μέρος τῆς οὐσίας. ὁ δὲ διεῖλεν αὐτοῖς τὸν βίον. (Luke 15:12) “The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.”
One more element that is pretty important in the parable is the word used to make reference to the “share”. This word is, οὐσίας. Does this word sounds familiar? Well, if we can remember the Council of Chalcedon we can associate this word pretty easily. It is “ousios”
What is hidden in the use of this word that is translated as “share” if we can perceive that the son is also talking about the essence that made him one similar to his father???
Questions my dear brother, questions… they are what Jesus use to help us find the truth that make us free!!!!
Thank you for your time and attention.
IGS
One more comment: “Whereas the physical universe is measured in time and distance, the mystical universe is measure in terms of levels of awareness. These levels should not be viewed as separated boundaries for awareness is a continuum.” (Rabbi David Cooper) What is inside the word
ἑαυτὸν??? Does this word describes the action of meditation??? Well, in my opinion the answer is a powerful Yes!!!. But if we want to explore the effect of meditation over the human mind/soul I suggest the reading of the book, “How God Changes your Brain.” by Dr. Andrew Newberg.
Thank you again!!!
IGS