Distorted Portrait

2 Chronicles 32:31

But when envoys were sent by the rulers of Babylon to ask him about the miraculous sign that had occurred in the land, God left him to test him and to know everything that was in his heart.

I didn’t know the story of Dorian Gray until last week. The 2009 movie version appealed to me only because it starred Ben Barnes - the actor who played Prince Caspian, the father of the Narnian name I gave to my son. Sadly though, here he was a young Englishman who became too absorbed with his beauty that he pledged his soul for a painting which kept him from aging. The portrait reflected the rottenness of all the vanities he pursued. By the time he realized it couldn’t make him happy, he shifted to doing good. But still, it couldn’t save his disfigured soul. For deep in his heart, even morality is just for vanity’s sake.  

I have no idea of the looks of King Hezekiah, but he sure was attractive to many - - all three G’s: a godly, good man with lots of gold! In this chapter, he became even more famous because of the defeat of Assyria’s Sennacherib and the supernatural movement of the sun on the occasion of his successful fight against a fatal illness. The coming of the envoys from Babylon to his palace placed an all-time high on his record. Sadly, it mirrored differently in God’s held-portrait of him. His deceitful, proud heart was found decaying. Instead of telling everyone the truth behind the recent miracles – that it was all God’s doing – he spoke of his own glory. Unlike Job who came out righteous when God left him tested, he found himself humbled, even paving the way to the soon-Babylonian captivity.  

Verse 5 says ‘He did not respond to the kindness shown him’. How many times do we flippantly do the same?  With the blessings God is showering us daily, how come we fail to mention His name in every ‘How are you?’ questions we face? Worse, we represent Him wrong by carrying our faces long. That’s us distorting His beautiful image! Without God in the picture, guess who takes the lead role in our every conversation?  Ever tried counting your first-person pronoun usage? Pride is in every ‘me’. Sounds like an enemy, right? Deuteronomy 8:14 warns us that the moment ‘our heart becomes proud, we will forget the LORD.’ That’s what our enemy wants. He deceitfully will not draw us to sin or to him, for who will be lured seeing the dark side? But if he can shift our focus to ourselves - our needs, our dreams, our strengths, our issues - then, he has won in keeping our gaze off from God. 

Plagiarism

2 Chronicles 28:1

Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD.

Senator Tito Sotto’s name linked to plagiarism hit a second time this week. His controversial speech against the Reproductive Health bill was found to be an exact translation of Robert Kennedy’s 1966 speech. Before this, he was already on hot seat for copying from a US-based blogger without attribution. But what is disturbing in both instances is that he never saw it as wrong. He even considered himself as cyber-bullied.  To his detractors, he demanded answers to population control and abortion issues. But to the Filipino people, his excuses to plagiarism are wanting. He may continue to ignore the ethical argument here, but will it  make him right?

The first verse in King Ahaz’ account says ‘he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord’. By implication, we can say that all he did was what was good in his eyes and maybe everyone else. He indulged in idolatry, copying the kings of Israel; he sacrificed his sons in the fire following the ways of the nations around him; and, he was unfaithful to the Lord as the rest of Judah were. At one point, he even offered to the gods who defeated them, for he thought, ‘Since the gods of Aram helped them, I will sacrifice to them so they will help me.’  It seemed right, looked right, many-said right, in-Aram’s-record right, even felt alright - - but because it wasn’t God-right, he was wrong. Sadly, in God’s time to execute His justice, he became even more unfaithful. Unlike King David who readily repented at first rebuke, Ahaz himself shut the Lord’s temple doors as his last resort.

Senator Sotto argued there was no law against plagiarism. His lawyers were obviously on his side. What surprised me was Senate President Enrile’s defense that many views on earth were also copies from others. Even the word ‘democracy’. Shall we take their word for it? BUT shall we also rally to the other side because the Netizens are in and ‘we feel smart already’ by sharing their ground? Have we even once asked what God really has to say about this? Don’t you think it falls under the ‘Do not steal’ and ‘Love One Another’ commandments? And why do you think God’s anger burn against idolatry and ungratefulness? Isn’t it because He was robbed the glory due His? In His eyes, we’re all guilty here. Now will we do what is God-right?

Whose Right?

1 Chronicles 10:13

Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance.

When the Declaration of Human Rights was drafted then adopted by the United Nations in 1948, it was in the hope that world wars would never happen again. It’s a vow to protect and promote man’s fundamental freedom, without discrimination. Yes, we have right to life, equality before the law, freedom of expression, the rights to work, social security and education, but alongside these is the obligation to respect it in relation to others. That’s why they called it interdependent. It’s like my kids mutual agreement to follow a schedule so that they’d not end up fighting for it’s-my-turn-this time. But like adults, they transgressed those lines, found ways to outsmart the other, cry louder if necessary - - but never to fight for another’s rights. It’s always to serve their own.

After establishing Israel’s lineage, the chronicler in chapter 10 began to retell specific fragments of their history to guide the remnants in rebuilding their nation. Seventy years in exile was something no one would want to go through again. They had to make it right this time. But before they could draft their hopes, it is necessary to first identify the faultline. Two verses unite for the answer: unfaithfulness. The word used was ma’al, or the sin of transgression. It is a breach of trust, an invasion of rights, a violation of God’s holiness.  It is used of Achan when he kept the forbidden spoils; of Ahaz when he promoted idolatry; and here of Saul, when he consulted a medium instead of God.  In bringing them back to Saul’s timeline, the chronicler’s intention was to orient them of God’s right. Yes, God’s right! As Creator and Lord, their allegiance and praise should all be due Him. It’s written in their Law, with benefits and obligations. The decades they suffered in Babylon were because their kings breached that contract. In pride, they pursued their own rights to beliefs and enjoyment. It may seem interdependent because of majority votes, but it still was independence. Achan, Ahaz and Saul died for that right. And they were so wrong.

We all want to be heard, to express ourselves, to fight for our freedom. We demand it as our rights and will call everyone to rally behind us. We have the transgenders and gays plead for their claim to identity; womanizers and adulterers saying they’re entitled to happiness (and privacy); avengers and rebels calling it their shouts for justice. They may feel it’s right for them, but is it right for all? Is it right at all? Have they considered their parents’ disappointments, their partners’ heartbreaks, the families they left in ruins? And they want equality? We have no perfect, earthly system to serve all claims. But praise God for His Word we have a standard for life and rights. Truth is, life not all about you. It is never about one’s happiness, or safety, or career path, or marriage. Life is about God. It’s His exclusive right. Fight for His honor and glory and He will make sure you’ll experience His goodness and abundance. Fight against His will and holiness, and your transgression will meet His wrath and justice. Your choice. Would you rather be an independent, sin-slave, or a God-dependent, rightful child?  

VIP Treatment

1 Kings 17:11

He called to the LORD and said, "O LORD my God, have You also brought calamity to the widow with whom I am staying, by causing her son to die?"

When I arranged for my parents’ visit in Cebu, one of the main concerns was how to literally transport my dad here. For a handful of years now, he’s been having difficulty standing and walking for long periods of time. He even has a standby high chair in church when he’s preaching.  It was a relief to know that the airline has a wheelchair service at request. And so I made the call. Next issue was to convince my dad to sit there. Good thing my brother’s coming with them. His down syndrome could be my dad’s excuse if his pride creeps in.  When they finally got here, my parents told me how glad they were for that wheelchair. They felt like VIPs skipping all check-in lines and being assisted to their seats. Now I doubt if my dad will ever resist taking that service again :>

Taking in a prophet in her house could be her wisest step of faith ever. This widow of Zarephath was assisting God’s VIP and so was receiving unlimited provisions by just being near him.  Famine was throughout Israel’s land, stretching even in Sidon, and her house could be the only place where fear was not found. I imagine her more accommodating than ever, kinder than ever to Elijah. I’m sure her thought-balloon was for him to stay in her upper room forever :> All of a sudden, his son became ill and grew worse and worse and finally stopped breathing. That was unexpected. With her faith and kindness and Elijah there, shouldn’t she be immuned from any harm? She was understandably disoriented and disappointed. Elijah had no answers for her either. But he did not attempt to give her any just for comfort’s sake.  All he knew was God has His reasons. And only to God he directly asked and pleaded.

We all tried to delight ourselves in the Lord and seek first His kingdom in the hope that He will give the desires of our hearts and the ‘…all these things shall be added unto you’.  We hold on to His word that obedience has His blessings and service has its rewards. And so we pursue it. Then comes the storm and suffering and we wonder why. ‘Was it my past sins Lord?’ ‘Have I done something to harm Your people?’. Exactly the words of the widow. And sometimes we won’t have logical answers. God’s operating process is unlike any human equations. Even His prophets were not exempt from famines and pains. Most of the time, their paths even leads there. But it doesn’t mean He discredited their faithfulness. It was more because it will bring more glory to Him. Imagine if God only looked upon the widow’s cry or Mary and Martha’s or the disciples’? Isn’t raising people from the dead worth more rejoicing and praising God than plain healing? Let go of that VIP treatment expectation. Isn’t knowing and soon being with the ultimate VIP far outweighs them all?  

They’ll Say Wow!

1 Kings 3:28

“When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.”

Today marks the 6th month of the curriculum project I have been assigned to. Let me emphasize: assigned. Given an option, I wouldn’t take it. First, because the material is first of its kind, meaning there’s no luxury for cross reference. Second, it’s my first time to write a full-length curriculum. I feel not just inexperienced, but so unequipped. Third, because I’m one and alone in this department. No option to delegate, I can’t even quit. But since my reasons are all but excuses, it’s still on my lap.  And because this is God’s call and it is His work, His blessings followed.  I may not have comparative studies to refer to, but He opened a thousand windows of related articles as resource; I was new in writing and so He pushed me to daily practice the skill. I’m unbelievably way past my hundredth blog now; I started as the sole writer, roughly finishing the first draft, but two weeks ago, He graced me with no less than one of the country’s best Music Educators as consultant. God is just amazing! I’m in awe seeing His wisdom at work. And it is with hope that soon, many will say wow seeing this project, surely not because of me, but for His undeniable imprint on each of its pages. His glory is my goal! Now that’s my push to keep me going, never quitting. I think I need to copy-paste this on my work folder :>

Immediately after his one wish to have a discerning heart to govern his people, the young king Solomon had his first test. Since God’s gift was through a dream, he may have struggled a bit. Maybe not about God’s sincerity-slash-ability, but more if he heard Him right. ‘Wisdom. Is it really now in me?’  He’s now in his courtroom and before him were two prostitutes, each claiming to be the mother of one baby. That’s all he got. No witnesses, no clues. This was one unprecedented case. Maybe it was first brought to the lower courts. But having no reference to compare notes with, they admitted it was beyond their skills, and so  they decided for the ultimate move up. It’s all up to Solomon now. Inexperienced, unequipped, alone, can’t quit - - I’m sure he felt it all too. The account did not mention that he prayed, but it was nowhere said that he didn’t either. In using a test to surface out the truth proved he was depending on God to provide him with clues. In listening to both sides, he made use of what is all available at hand. He did not dare give a verdict ‘til all ends were tied. He exhausted all efforts. He did his part. And God honored Solomon’s seeking for justice. It was, after all, God’s work through him.

“The people were in awe because he had wisdom from God”.  There was nothing in Solomon to wow the public. He was young, the first heir to be king, and he was new in office. He was here the reflection of the young Jesus who amazed all the teachers in the temple courts with his answers and understanding. It was way beyond his years. But when you’re sitting next to the radiance of God, who would not notice? For when you ask God  for wisdom, He pours it so generously that it’s undeniably out of this world. Our tasks today may look uncharted and unpromising, but if it is God’s work and He’s calling us in to join Him, it will definitely not be without His blessings. And yes, our goal is to wow the public - - for His glory is praiseworthy! His glory is our goal! May it be the push to keep us going, never quitting.

What's Your Ambition

2 Samuel 15:4

“Then Absalom would add, ‘If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has complaint or case could come to me and I would see that he gets justice.”

It’s the popular noontime show question for kids. The common rapport-springboard for teachers too. I remember having varied answers myself. My generation’s usual slumbook entry was to be a doctor, an astronaut, or an engineer. 'What's Your Ambition?' I think today’s kids would post they’d want to be on tv, or go abroad, even sing to us McCoy’s billionaire song. As we grow up, many would be more realistic and shift gears based on economic strata, the workplace demand, and non-quota courses, haha. A handful, more determined others, will disregard boundaries, even willing to break rules to reach those dreams. Is that what we really want our kids to embrace? To have personal dreams? To see wealth and fame at the top ladder? To be ahead of everyone else?

Absalom was everyone’s favorite. Highly praised for his appearance, royalty in his blood, flattery on his tongue. This dream guy has big dreams. Bigger than him. He wants to be on top, now. Like a prodigal son who couldn’t wait for his father’s death, he wants his inheritance now. And like Satan, he was not content in just being God’s subject, he wanted the glory for himself. And so he planned to dethrone his father, the one who deserves gratitude for calling him back from banishment. He disregarded all respect and relationship. His eye was on his ambition. He stirred up discontent and used it to exalt himself. He became the exact opposite of the only verse I know about godly ambition: to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, to work with your hands. He was there at the city gates, bragging about how better it would be if he’s the one sitting as judge, cutting off the line that connects the king to his people’s concerns, and doing nothing as prince of the land. And yes, he got what he wished for. As all determined people could achieve. Now let’s see if he’s really up to his promise of attending to e-v-e-r-y complaint. Let’s see if there’s joy climbing up the ladder at the expense of his father weeping and walking barefoot. Let’s see if there’s blessing without God on his side.

What’s your ambition? Is it God-given, parent-ordered, or self-directed? Of course God can use our parents to guide us and our passions to stir us. Yes it was His design and desire that we push for excellence, to overcome obstacles, to be the best we can be. But not at the expense of others. Not without process. Not for our own glory. Our ambition in life should always come from Him, through Him, and for Him. I pray and hope we parents would teach our kids the best response to this ambition question: to be who God wants me to be, when He wants, where He wants. To see God at the top ladder, the Head of everyone. Say it with me: my goal is His glory! Now that's worth aiming for :>