Ready

Posted on September 18, 2020 by Pete

Wrapped up Isaiah this morning. “Did not my heart burn?” I think as I sit back and reflect on this year’s journey through the prophet’s words.

Lots I still don’t fully understand. Not sure I really know how all the dots connect, or will be connected. But this I know, my God is an awesome God. Great in power to deal with sin decisively, yet overflowing in love, calling people to Himself with grace abundantly. A God who is ready.

I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for Me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek Me. I said, “Here I am, here I am,” to a nation that was not called by My name. I spread out My hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices.

(Isaiah 65:1-2 ESV)

Divine commentary in Romans 10:20 tells me that I am “those.” Those who did not ask for God. Those who did not seek Him. Those who were strangers of the call and covenant of Abraham (Eph. 2:11-12). Those who, though they knew God through creation, chose instead to rebel against the Creator in order to walk in their own way (Rom. 1:19-21) — “a way that is not good.”

Yet, while I was not asking . . . though I was not seeking . . . despite the fact I had no direct claim on the promises . . . even as I walked down my own road and followed my own devices, He was ready. Ready to be sought, ready to be found.

Why? Not because He needed us. Not as if before creation He was lonely. No, the all sufficient God of eternity has forever known full communion and fellowship within His triune self — having loved the Son before the foundation of the world (Jn. 17:24) and having known the Son’s perfect love and fellowship in return. No, God didn’t need us. But, wonders of wonders, He wanted us.

Ready to be sought. Ready to be found.

And “long ago, at many times and in many ways”, He said “Here I am, here I am” by the prophets. “But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son” (Heb. 1:1). The hands spread out to a rebellious people the hands of a stretched out Christ on a cruel Roman cross.

“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself.” ~ Jesus

(John 12:32 ESV)

I will draw people who did not ask for Me. I will draw people who did not seek Me. I will call out to them, “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). Yes, I will spread out My hands for them. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34). “It is finished!” (Jn. 19:30).

Why? Because God is love. Because He delights in His creation being loved. And though, at one time, we were not ready to be loved — some of us for many years — He was ready. Ready to love. And love us He has. And love us He will. Even to the uttermost.

By His grace alone. For His glory alone.

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Clay

Posted on September 17, 2020 by Pete

If clay could feel, what would it feel?

Like it was going under again for the third time? Overwhelmed from time to time as it’s flooded by water being poured into the mix so that the mix might remain malleable? Would clay feel a sense of drowning from time to time? Relieved perhaps when the water abates, if only for a little while, so it can catch its breath?

Would it get tired of being constantly kneaded, hammered, and pressed into shape? Aching from the constant stretching? Wanting, at times, just to be left alone. Thinking it might actually be content to remain a formless blob? Maybe?

And what about the do overs? Just when it thinks it’s been molded into its final state, it’s taken, mashed up again, and seemingly things start from the beginning again?

And then, the kiln. What about the kiln? When the heat gets turned up to finalize its form, bake in some endurance, and add some color. Not thinking the fire’s much fun for the clay.

And in this all, what about clay’s self esteem. Until it’s a finished product, not much to look at, really. Kind of drab in color. Not much form, at least to start with. And it can’t even take credit for the form it will eventually find.

So who would want to be clay? Who would want to even be compared to clay? What possible motivation would there be to put on your “I Am Clay” t-shirt in the morning?

But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are our potter; we are all the work of Your hand.

(Isaiah 64:8 ESV)

It’s the Potter who makes us want to be the clay.

Taking on water; constantly being pressed, prodded, and pushed; the do overs and mash ups; even the repeated trips to the kiln and it’s refining fire; all worth it. Not because of the intrinsic value of being clay, but because we’re clay in our loving Father’s hands. The finished product for His perfect purposes.

Might not be fun being clay at times. But oh, the privilege of being formed by the Father and shaped by the Savior. Of being recreated by the Creator and remolded by the Redeemer.

Being conformed to the image of the Son (Rom. 8:29). His workmanship (Eph. 2:10).

So how does clay feel? Blessed . . . even when feeling a bit battered.

All praise be to our Father for the blessing of being but clay in the Potter’s hands.

Amen?

Because of grace. For His glory.

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Heartburn

Posted on September 16, 2020 by Pete

They didn’t see that coming. Lots to talk through and try to process as they headed down the road to Emmaus.

They had gone to Jerusalem for an annual feast and were returning home having witnessed an unjust execution. They had waved palm branches before the One they hoped would be their redeeming king, but now they just shook their heads as their last memory of Him was more that of a slaughtered sacrifice.

That was three days ago. And today, just as they were ready to head home, they heard the rumors of His body missing from the tomb and of angels declaring He had risen (Luke 24:13-24). Nope, didn’t see that coming.

Pretty confusing, really. What to make of it? Who knew?

But then, the risen Jesus, cloaking His identity, joins them on the road as a curious stranger. And, upon hearing their Jerusalem story, He helps them connect the dots.

And He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into His glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

(Luke 24:25-27 ESV)

The effect of this 1-on-1 encounter of the divine kind? Heartburn.

They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the Scriptures?”

(Luke 24:32 ESV)

He talked to us . . . He opened to us the Scriptures . . . and our hearts burned. True then, true today.

True this morning as I read, hover, and meditate. Glorious heartburn!

How we give away the opportunities for the risen Christ to speak to us by not providing Him opportunity to open to us the Scriptures.

I feel like a broken record sometimes, but I really think it’s this simple: Wanna encounter God? Open your Bible. Wanna hear the voice of God? Read His word.

It’s a living and active word (Heb. 4:12). And the Spirit living in us has taken up residence, in large part, to illuminate that Word and lead us into all truth (Jn. 15:26, 16:13). So determine to seek some heartburn. Gonna take a bit of persistence and practice, but the heartburn will come.

Might not answer all the questions right way. Might not dispel the confusion immediately. But hear Him speak as He opens to us the Scriptures and your heart will burn. You’ll know that you’ve met with the God of creation even while the things of earth still remain so crazy. Might not bring more understanding right way, but oh, you’ll know the blessing of the heartburn. And that blessing will fuel faith and increase confidence in the One who holds tomorrow.

He talked to us . . . He opened to us the Scriptures . . . and our hearts burned.

Part of His amazing grace. That we might enter more fully into His everlasting glory.

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Overwhelmed

Posted on September 15, 2020 by Pete

I don’t know if I’ve ever been as overwhelmed by the combination of my morning readings as I am this morning.

Waves rolled over me as I read Isaiah 56 thru 58. The prophet trying to connect the hardship of their “season” with the “reason for their season.” A people that needed to hear the clarion call to keep justice and do righteousness in light of the LORD’s soon coming salvation (56:1). But a people who were “children of transgression” and “the offspring of deceit” (57:4), burning with lust and slaughtering their children (57:5), worshiping idols (57:7-8). Doubling down and pursuing their evil ways even more intensely (57:10) as God turned up the heat on the pressure cooker they lived in. God warning them that, though He offers a way of peace, there is no peace for the wicked and, apart from His way they can expect only a “tossing sea” which cannot be quieted (57:20-21).

But they continue to “do church.” To observe the Sabbath when convenient and to offer the sacrifices as long as they’re not too sacrificial. So, in response to the “hard season” they are in, they fast. But they are confused because God doesn’t respond to their fasting (58:3a).

God lets them know why. They fast, they turn to God and pray, because they want things to go back to normal. So they can return to seeking their own pleasure, oppressing their workers, and quarreling and fighting among themselves. “Fasting like yours this day,” says the LORD, “will not make your voice to be heard on high” (58:3b-4).

Instead, the fast God chooses is one in which repentance of wickedness is evidenced by the pursuit of righteousness. Where the bonds of wickedness are loosed and the yoke of sinfulness is undone. Where the oppressed are set free. Where bread is shared with the hungry among them. Where the homeless are brought into their homes. When they care for others above themselves, then will “light break forth like the dawn”, and their “healing shall spring up speedily.” Then, with righteousness going before them and with the glory of the LORD covering them from behind, will they call and the LORD will answer (58:6-9a).

“If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.”

(Isaiah 58:9b-11 ESV)

I want to be careful not to read more into pandemics, protests, putrid politics, hurricanes, and “scorched places” then is really there. At the same time, as I’m reading in Isaiah this morning I can’t help but think that reflecting, repenting, and returning would seem to appropriate behaviors to consider at this hour.

And then my reading in Luke . . . totally out of context, I know . . . totally overshadowing what’s often been one of my favorite Jesus stories. But this is what pops:

And [Jesus] said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!”

(Luke 24:25 ESV)

And while I know Jesus is referring specifically to what the prophets have written about Him, if we’re ignoring the “bad news” of the prophets, we’re really not going to be all that interested in paying close attention to the good news.

Then, throw in 14 verses of Proverbs where people groan under a wicked ruler (29:14); where such a ruler corrupts even his officials around him (29:12); and, where fools are marked by giving full vent to their spirit (29:11), and, like I said, for this guy in this seat this morning it’s somewhat overwhelming. Rarely have I found myself praying so consistently while I’m reading.

But then . . . oh, how I love that word “but” . . . but then these words in my reading in Hebrews.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. . . . Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.

(Hebrews 12:1-3, 12-13 ESV)

Look to Jesus. Consider Him. Bow at the foot of the cross. Gaze at the throne in heaven.

Run the race. It’s not a sprint. It’s not even a marathon. But how it feels like a spartan race — miles and miles of imposing obstacles, one after another.

And know that through it all God is training us as a Father lovingly trains His children. At times painful, wearying, and yes, even overwhelming. But in the end, yielding “the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (12:11).

So, for now, “Keep on keepin’ on,” he says to himself.

“Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God,” quotes the inner voice (Micah 6:8).

Lift up the hands that want to droop by your side. Stand fast in the gospel, even if your knees are shaking. And know, that according to His promise and by His power, far from going out of joint, they will be healed as He makes straight paths for your feet.

By His grace. For His glory.

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Commended Through Their Faith

Posted on September 14, 2020 by Pete

They were people of promise. A promise that they would be an innumerable people, that they would possess a land flowing with milk and honey, and that they would know, and make known to all nations, blessings unimaginable (Gen. 12:1-3). But when all was said and done, generations upon generations of those who had received the promise never really realized the promise. At best, some experienced but a foretaste, others had eyes to dimly see but a foreshadow.

Sure, a few experienced “victory” and a sense of advancement toward the promise. But for many, they were tortured for the promise, “suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.” Other were stoned, sawn in two, and killed with the sword for pursuing the promise. And for those not released by death, “they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated . . . wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth” — all for the promise. And the testimony of the One who’s testimony is the only testimony that counts at the end of the day, was that these people of the promise were people “of whom the world was not worthy” (Heb. 11:32-38).

Makes the current conditions and hardships of what this person of promise is enduring today pale in comparison. And yet, this is the time and place and circumstance that this person of promise has been given by God to pursue the promise. And so, just like the “great cloud of witnesses” (Heb. 12:3) which have gone before, this person of promise longs to also be commended through their faith.

And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

(Hebrews 11:39-40 ESV)

Their testimony wasn’t founded on having lived a “victorious life,” but on being faithful even to death. Their approval lay not in the amount of material goods left at their departure because of their hard work, but in the treasure which they had laid up in heaven through their obedience. Their eternal reputation not based on their temporal relevance, but on their steadfast submission. Not a success by the world’s standard, but also not worthy of the world in the Creator’s estimation.

They walked by faith, not by sight (2Cor. 5:7). And for that, they were commended through their faith.

That’s all I can aspire to, to walk this day by faith — in these circumstances, with limited understanding, apart from tomorrow’s certainty. Standing firm on His promises, holding fast by His power. With the desire that on that day I too will be commended through faith.

By His grace. For His glory.

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Promise and Desire

Posted on September 11, 2020 by Pete

I won’t get to the part about escaping lions, and fires, and swords until tomorrow, Lord willing. Won’t chew on what motivates someone to be willing to accept torture rather than release, or be willing to endure mocking, flogging, chains, and imprisonment rather than renounce. But I know it’s coming. And it makes the first sixteen verses of Hebrews 11 all the more sweet and sobering.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

(Hebrews 11:1 ESV)

or, as I memorized it way back when,

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

(Hebrews 11:1 NKJV)

Yes and amen!

Was “set up” for chewing on faith this morning in my Isaiah reading:

Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the LORD and rely on His God.

(Isaiah 50:10b ESV)

We sing (or used to at least) “Trust and Obey.” But who doesn’t know times when we could use a song written by someone to remind us to “Trust and Rely.”

Trust and rely
When there’s no other why
You will stand fast in Jesus
Just trust and rely

And as I hover over the first part of Hebrews 11, amidst all the observations that can be gleaned about faith, a couple stand out. Faith is tied to promise. Faith evokes desire.

By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.

(Hebrews 11:11-16a ESV)

Sarah gave birth to a child but never really saw the promise of land, seed, and blessing fulfilled. But she believed they’d come because she considered Him faithful who had promised. Faith is the substance of things hoped for because it is faith in promises given by a faithful Promiser.

And when we focus on the Promiser, our faith takes on a certainty. It is assured. Not just some I-wish-I-may-I-wish-I-might kind of fairy faith, but a rock-solid, both feet firmly planted, kind of faith. Not because of how much faith we can muster (some times it’s just a mustard seed), but because He is faithful.

And promise-based faith, which brings assurance, is power-giving faith which evokes desire. Though we experience but small, intermittent tastes of what’s in store, we greet the full-meal deal from afar. Reminded that this world is not our home, we seek the homeland we were created, and re-created for. As we gain clarity on the substance, or lack thereof, of this country, we desire a better country. Faith evokes desire.

Trials below set our hearts on things above. Testing here and now give us a hunger and thirst for there and then.

So, we believe. Assured of things hoped for. Spirit affirmed evidence, building an enduring conviction, resulting in an insatiable desire for a better land yet to be seen.

Love this chapter! What an oasis.

Because of grace. For His glory.

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We Have Therefore Let Us

Posted on September 10, 2020 by Pete

Who hasn’t heard people talking about “the last days” over these last months. Folks wondering if the craziness that’s been 2020 is actually the beginning of the birth pains (or even the full on labor) that will deliver the return of Christ. But as I reflect on some who think these may truly be the last days of the last days, I see a disconnect. That, while the signs of the time have led to much speculation on their part, for many it really hasn’t resulted in a renewed desire for congregation on their part. And, as I chew on a golden passage in Hebrews, I’m thinking it should.

If, in fact, we are witnessing the playing out of prophecy, it’s not intended to paralyze. While we might shelter in place for safety, we’re not to withdraw and retreat. In fact, if masking up keeps us in the game, then we should be willing to become all things to all people. What’s more, if we can meet — and we know it’s not safe for everyone to meet — we should meet. And all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Therefore, brothers [and sisters], since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that He opened for us through the curtain, that is, through His flesh, and since we have a Great Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

(Hebrews 10:19-25 ESV)

We have, therefore, let us. That’s what I’m noodling on this morning.

We have confidence. Not in ourselves, but in who we are by the blood of Jesus. People who have residence in the holy of holies. Proximity to, and a relationship with a holy, holy, holy God who is wholly over all things. We have a new and a living way to walk in. A way architected and mapped out through the curtain. Confident in who our God is. Steadfast in who we are in His beloved Son.

And we are not alone within the veil. We have a High Priest. The Son of God, our Savior. The Shepherd of the sheep. The Head of the body. The Lover of His bride. The Ruler of His house.

So, because we have such confidence and such an Advocate, let us . . .

Let us draw near. Let us hold fast. Let us consider how we might spur on our brothers and sisters in Christ. And all the more as we see the Day drawing near.

Have said it here before, right behavior comes from right belief. We discern the signs of the time not to save ourselves, that’s been covered. No, we discern the times in order to be reminded that we never know how much time there is, and so, we make the most of time. Fighting off paralyzing fear as we know afresh who we are in Christ and know again who He is — our ever-present, ever-interceding, High Priest.

And having done that, we draw near, we hold fast, and we encourage one another.

What that looks like in individual situations is, of course, dependent on individual situations. But at least one thing it should not look like is neglecting to meet together. We really do need one another. It seems to me that, whether we assemble physically as a larger congregation or as a smaller group, or gather technologically via video conferencing of even frequent phone calls, this should be a time when the need for one another is heightened and not ignored. And the onus is ours not others. The command isn’t “let them”, but “let us.”

Even if these aren’t the actual last days of the last days, we still should recognize that the Day is drawing near. So, let us!

Because we have by His grace, let us for His glory.

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That People May Know

Posted on September 9, 2020 by Pete

A friend of mine captured it well in one of his social media posts: “When I was hoping to get a break from the COVID/politics news cycle, I wasn’t asking for the whole state to be set on fire.” It’s been a crazy 24+ hours. Haven’t been affected directly by the fires in the area, but many in our congregation have had to evacuate. Honestly, feels like a bit of piling on. A once in thirty year wind toppling a power pole that sparks a fire during record-high temps and record-low humidity during a time of an unprecedented pandemic and unimaginable civil unrest. Come on!

Maybe that’s why the following text “popped” this morning:

“I am the LORD, and there is no other, besides Me there is no God; I equip you, though you do not know Me, that people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides Me; I am the LORD, and there is no other. I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the LORD, who does all these things.”

(Isaiah 45:5-7 ESV)

The “you” in this passage is Cyrus, king of Persia (45:1). God’s prophet identifying the pagan king as the one God would raise up, and stir up (Ezra 1:1), to end the exile and return a remnant to the land to rebuild the temple and Jerusalem.

The “I” of the passage? The LORD. The God besides whom there is no God. The One like no other. The One who equips even those who don’t know Him to accomplish His will. The One who is the Author of light and darkness. The One who makes well-being and creates calamity.

Calamity. If ever there was a single word to capture this season, calamity could be that word. And ultimately were does calamity come from? From the Creator of all things, even the Creator of calamity.

And for what purpose?

. . . that people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides Me; I am the LORD, and there is no other.

The LORD, the Creator of all things, wants people, all people, to know Him. So, ask the question again, “And for what purpose?”

“And this is eternal life, that they know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

(John 17:3 ESV)

Lot to pray about right now. A fire still out of control. People displaced from their homes. Firefighters on the front-lines, many without any real break for almost 48 hours. But would I pray too that through this calamity, people might know there is a God? A God like no other? A God who creates even calamity and seasons of darkness that He might draw them to the Light and point them to the way of eternal well-being? I’m thinkin’ . . .

. . . that people may know, there is none besides You . . .

By Your grace. For people’s good. For Your glory.

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Without an Ounce of Exaggeration

Posted on September 7, 2020 by Pete

Funny how on Labor Day most of us welcome the opportunity to cease from labor. Been hovering over Hebrews 9 this morning . . . thought I’d take a “less-labor” approach to sharing something to chew on. Re-posting some thoughts from 2008 . . .

I was recently proof-reading a cover letter for a job application. In it, the writer contended that, among their many qualifications, they also possessed “limitless energy.” While I appreciated that they were truly as enthusiastic a person as I’d ever known, I did provide the feedback that they might want to steer away from such words as “limitless.” No one, I pointed out, has limitless energy. There are just some words that are “so big” you need to be careful how you use them . . . what might be intended as a descriptive attribute to be appreciated, can quickly become an exaggeration which is ignored or dismissed. I came across another word like that this morning in my reading in Hebrews . . . in fact I encountered it three times . . . and the wonder of it all is that the word is used without an ounce of exaggeration.

“But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, . . . Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.”

(Hebrews 9:11-15 NKJV)

Eternal redemption . . . eternal Spirit . . . eternal inheritance. Oh, to pause for a moment and consider the implications of these three realities in my life . . .

Ok . . . so first of all, try wrapping your head around “eternal.” Not the easiest thing for mortal man to grasp . . . from the time we are born, we begin to die . . . we don’t encounter a whole lot that’s eternal on this earth. But “eternal” is what we’re dealing with here . . . perpetuity of time . . . that which always has been and always will be . . . never to cease . . . everlasting . . . forever . . . without beginning and end. It’s trying to fathom the unfathomable . . . to understand the incomprehensible . . . to know the unknowable. But, it is ours to possess . . . ours to pursue the appreciation of . . . ours to live in the reality of . . . that which is eternal.

And it’s about eternal redemption. The price paid . . . our sin atoned for . . . our souls purchased from the marketplace of sin . . . once for all . . . and forever. It’s not a redemption that might fail at some point . . . not a price that might be determined to not be quite sufficient for “that sin.” It is a ransom paid that redeems for eternity . . . that has secured the possession for the Purchaser such that nothing can separate us from the love of God. I can’t fully grasp it . . . but I sure do like thinking on it. It’s beyond my full comprehension, but I understand enough to rest in my long term future . . . and rejoice in God’s amazing grace shown to me.

It’s also about the eternal Spirit. The Third Person of the Godhead . . . the One who is fully God and who is the active agent in God’s dealings with men. It was through the eternal Spirit that Christ offered Himself without spot to God . . . the Spirit being active and present on the cross. That same Spirit was in the beginning when God created all things. And, that same Spirit indwells me even now . . . at this very moment. He sealed me at salvation as a guarantee of eternal things to come. He now indwells me such that His eternal power might work its work of sanctification, conforming me to the image of Christ. And one day, He will deliver me into the very presence of the Father and the Son! What a thought . . . what a reality . . . the eternal Spirit of God inhabits me.

And finally, there is soon coming a day when I will receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. What will that be like? To be surrounded by the incorruptible and the imperishable and the unfading . . . to dwell in eternity itself . . . before the eternal God. And to think, it is my inheritance . . . as a joint heir with Christ, the eternal King of kings and Lord of lords. The things we think are long lasting on this earth don’t even compare to what awaits those purchased with eternal redemption, those possessed by the eternal Spirit.

Father, thank You for that which is without end . . . for that which is mine . . . my redemption . . . Your Spirit . . . my inheritance. Help me to live in light of their eternal reality . . . to respond in praise and worship . . . to react with a desire to faithfully follow You . . . that I might bring You limitless glory . . . without an ounce of exaggeration . . . amen.

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A Word Fitly Spoken

Posted on September 4, 2020 by Pete

I get that it just might be confirmation bias, interpreting what I’m reading this morning in support of something I’ve been sensing for awhile. But if that “sensing” has been of the Spirit, then I shouldn’t be surprised if He confirms it from the word of truth.

One of the things I think this season has brought clarity to is the need for engaged, meaningful, civil discourse. The ability and willingness to express ideas, and to listen to ideas, respectfully in the public square. Whether that “public square” is the kitchen table, the church foyer, or yes, even a social media platform. I think for too long we’ve been too happy to avoid hard topics and keep our relationships an inch deep and a mile wide. But with everything else this season has brought, it has brought to the surface the reality that many sincere people sincerely see things different on many different life-on-life topics. So, if we’re gonna get along, and grow together, I’m thinking we need to be able to figure out how to have conversations. And that such conversations will be, in the long run, beneficial.

That’s my bias. Here’s the confirmation.

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear. Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.

(Proverbs 25:11-13 ESV)

Beautiful. Valuable. Refreshing. That, says Solomon, is what a word fitly spoken, a wise reprover, and a faithful messenger are like.

A word fitly spoken. A timely word. A word for the current circumstance. A word addressing the present condition. A seasonal word. A spoken word. It can adorn a conversation with the beauty of apples of gold in a setting of silver. But having such a word, it seems to me, requires some work in advance. The need to listen long enough to truly know the workings of the circumstance we’re addressing. The need to seek to understand the language being used, what the words mean, so as to avoid thinking we’re discussing the same thing though we’ve attached different nuances to the words we’re speaking. The need to be careful with our words. The need to not viscerally react when others use words that trigger something within us. A word fitly spoken, that’s what I long to speak.

And beautiful words are not just words of agreement. In fact, they can come from the mouth of a wise reprover. Oh, how we tend to shy away from reproof, rebuke, and reprimand — likely because we have encountered it in harsh and destructive ways. But in the hands, or mouth, of the wise, of those trained in skillfully leveraging the word of God and with Spirit-led insight into the ways of man, a well-spoken, gently delivered word of correction is of great value — like gold. And, when a discussion is marked not just by moving lips but also by listening ears, just see what profit can come of it.

And the motive isn’t to win an argument or to become further entrenched in one’s position. But to be a faithful messenger. To be an envoy of reliable, verifiable truth. Our conversations needing to be grounded in a sincere understanding of the principles and precepts at play in Scripture. Fitly spoken words and wise reproofs not based solely on our own understanding, but drawn from our understanding of what God has revealed in His word. Matters of life below addressed in the context of things above. A biblical worldview, as it’s referred to, addressing the world we view. Not that this will result in agreement, necessarily. But when two faithful messengers engage with one another with words fitly spoken desiring to be a wise reprover — for one another’s good and God’s glory — it has the potential to be a beautiful, valuable, and refreshing conversation.

That’s what I’m thinking. That’s what I’m picking up from what Solomon is laying down. Might be just confirming my own bias. But it might also be the way of those called to be ambassadors of the kingdom.

Only by His grace. Always for His glory.

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