Exalted in Justice

Posted on August 20, 2020 by Pete

Shouldn’t be surprising that within the heart of man, and woman, there is, most often, an innate desire for justice. What defines “just” may vary, and it may be skewed and distorted in our fallen and sinful world, but whatever “just standard” one has, we want to see it played out. We have a sense that things should be “fair.” We get frustrated when someone seemingly gets away with something that we think is wrong. So, for many, especially in today’s online culture, they are ready to not only jump in and call out an injustice, but are ready also to play the role of accuser, prosecutor, judge, jury, and executioner.

Generally, I don’t think it’s working out that well. Perhaps that’s why the Spirit exhorts:

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

(Romans 12:17-19 ESV)

Ultimately, for the believer, justice comes down to a faith thing. Not that we don’t seek to live justly. Not that we don’t engage to bring about justice. But ultimately, our confidence that justice will eventually reign, that it will “roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24), lies not in our efforts but in the promises and person of our Sovereign God. For our God is exalted in justice.

But the LORD of hosts is exalted in justice, and the Holy God shows Himself holy in righteousness.

(Isaiah 5:16 ESV)

That’ the verse I’m chewing on this morning. Jehovah of Hosts is high in judgment (YLT).

A world out of whack when it comes to what is just and how to seek justice, is not evidence of a God who is not in control. It’s more an indicator that our God is “a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Ex. 34:6). Patient concerning sin-skewed views and approaches to justice, “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2Pet. 3:9). For, make no mistake, our God is exalted in justice. That is our great hope.

And it’s a hope not founded just in theory or sustained only by wishful thinking, but a living hope firmly established by the cross.

. . . for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over former sins. It was to show His righteousness at the present time, so that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

(Romans 3:23-26 ESV)

The cross makes no sense to the world, but for those of us graced with eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to receive, it makes all the sense in the world. All the saving, sanctifying, hope-sustaining sense in the world. Demonstrating, and exalting, the just-ness of God and the extent of His love towards an unjust world by Himself becoming the justifier.

We can be confident that justice will one day roll down as river, for our God is exalted in justice. We can rest in the assurance that righteousness will come to pass like an ever-flowing stream, for our God shows Himself holy in righteousness. The cross our great proof that God’s promises and power will prevail.

Lift high the LORD of hosts with me. For He is exalted in justice. Praise God without reservation. For He is holy in righteousness. The cross our great proof. His coming our great hope.

As evidenced by His grace. To Him be glory forever.

Amen?

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The Dross and The Tin

Posted on August 19, 2020 by Pete

Started in on Isaiah this morning. No beating around the bush with this prophet. No “setting up” what’s to come. Nope, he comes out of the gate fast and furious. Decrying rebellious children (Isa. 1:2). Calling out a “sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity” (1:3). Quickly diagnosing the problem, “the whole head is sick, and the whole heart is faint” (1:5).

Religious but rotten. Vain offerings (1:13a). Sacred assemblies infected by systemic sin (1:13b). Enough to weary an omnipotent God (1:14b).

And so, through His prophet, God calls His rebellious children to repentance. Beckons them to turn back to Him, to come and “reason together.” Promising them a way in which sins like scarlet can be white as snow; “though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool” (1:18). A way made possible by a gracious God, but only accessible if “you are willing and obedient” (1:19a).

Then, the prophet turns his attention to the city. Jerusalem. Zion. A composite portrayal of individual pride and rebellion. A collective whole demonstrating the effects of sin. Once a faithful city, now “a whore”. Once the dwelling place of righteousness, but now an inn for murderers. Once shining as precious silver, now dull and compromised by deep rooted impurities. No collective conscience. No awareness of justice. Widows left to languish. (1:21-23).

And what captures my attention this morning is the LORD of host’s remedy for this unfaithful city.

“I will turn My hand against you and will smelt away your dross as with lye and remove all your alloy. And I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city. Zion shall be redeemed by justice, and those in her who repent, by righteousness.”

(Isaiah 1:25-27 ESV)

Smelt away your dross. Remove all your alloy or, more literally, your tin. Dross and tin. That’s what I’m chewing on this morning.

Before God can restore justice, before He can re-establish righteousness, before the city could be faithful again, the LORD turns up the heat and deals with the dross and the tin. Revealing the impurities, removing the hypocrisies.

Bringing to the surface the deep-rooted scum of sin so that it might be removed. Exposing the fake piety of intertwined religion and idolatry; the weak alloy of sacred appearances mixed with worldly affections. Removing the tin which, though possessing a somewhat shiny appearance, has none of the properties or realities of silver able to reflect the glory of God. Having dealt thus with the dross and the tin, God is able to restore judges and counselors, justice and righteous wisdom.

And I’m thinking that what God said He would do in ancient Jerusalem is still operative, even in today’s church. Permitting times when the heat is turned up in order to deal with the dross and the tin. The impurities and the hypocrisy. The secret sin and the facade of righteousness. Searching the soul, knowing the heart, testing the thoughts, in order to expose and deal with the “grievous way” so that He might lead us “in the way everlasting” (Ps. 139:23-24).

Redeemed by justice, the justice of the cross where Christ, once for all, atoned for our sin — paying the price we could never pay to remove the dross. Redeemed by righteousness, the righteousness that comes by faith. True righteousness, not tinny self-righteousness. Christ’s righteousness credited to our account. God’s righteousness becoming more of who we are through the Spirit’s sanctifying work. Authentic, enduring righteousness replacing the dross and the tin smelted away and removed by God’s loving discipline.

Don’t like the heat. But wanting the doss and the tin to be dealt with.

And that too an evidence of His abounding grace. Tested and purified for His everlasting glory.

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Restrained Words. Cool Spirit.

Posted on August 18, 2020 by Pete

Pausing over a proverb this morning. Contemplating a saying and experiencing some conviction. Recognizing an “opportunity” here. Not gonna lie, these encounters of the divine kind can get a bit uncomfortable.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I rarely make “a long story short.” In fact, I have the tendency to a make a short story long. I’m pretty comfortable letting words flow. The most flattering spin that might be put on it is that I am a “verbal thinker”, often hearing for the first time myself what I’m thinking when others do.

I think on my feet. I tend to process information quickly and give an answer quickly. Not boasting about it. Just being real.

It can be a strength. But sometimes, as you might imagine, it can also get me in a bit of trouble. It’s why I think I find myself often offering this disclaimer, “Don’t let my confidence and quickness in answering suggest that I have the answers. I’m just sharing my initial thoughts and opinions.”

It’s how I’m wired. For much of my career it’s actually part of what I was paid to do. I even consciously worked at getting better at it. But that isn’t offered as some form of justification. Because I know the wiring is broken. And that the Spirit of God, through the Word of God, is in the business of re-wiring me — transforming me through the renewing of my mind (Rom. 12:2). That’s why I’m thinking the Sanctifier of my soul has me chewing on the merit of managing my words.

Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

(Proverbs 17:27 ESV)

The person who knows a thing or two uses words with restraint. Ouch! A calm demeanor is evidence of confident discernment. Ouch, again!

Restraint. To withhold. To keep back. To put in check. Believing that, in most cases, fewer words are going to be better than many words. Choosing words carefully. Speaking words judiciously. Willing to go against how I’m wired, and offer words sparingly. (Did I mention how uncomfortable this can be?) That’s what I’m picking up this morning.

Maintaining a cool spirit. Keeping a cool head. Taking a breath every once in awhile. More interested in effectively communicating an idea than in always winning an argument. I love a good argument as much as the next guy, but am I loving my fellow arguer?

Restrained words. Cool spirit. Thinking it’s what I need. And to be honest, thinking it wouldn’t hurt in the public square, as well.

Carefully managed words. Spoken with a self-controlled spirit. That’s the way of wisdom. That’s the way of Christ. That’s the way I want to be.

Only gonna happen as I align my thinking with His and confess my sin as sin. Able to become a reality as Christ, by His Spirit, lives in me and through me.

By His grace. For His glory.

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A Conduit for Refreshing Hearts

Posted on August 17, 2020 by Pete

It really was a big ask on Paul’s part. Receive back a runaway slave as a brother. No punishment, though it was due. No making him an example before the others slaves, though it would have been prudent. No demanding restitution for whatever monetary loss was incurred from his insurrection, though it would have been just. Nope, nothing owing. Just receive again into his house Onesimus. And that, as he would have received Paul himself — think guest room, hospitality, fellowship, drink, food, and fireside chats. Yup, Paul’s ask of Philemon was a really big ask.

And yet, Paul’s letter isn’t written with the tone of a “hail Mary pass.” Not just tossing up some outlandish idea in a last ditch, wishful effort to mediate reconciliation. Not desperately hoping that Philemon might pick up on what he’s trying to lay down. But writing with confidence, pretty sure that Philemon was going to run with his recommended, unprecedented behavior — pretty sure that Philemon would even exceed expectations (Phm. 1:21). And how come? Because Philemon had a reputation for being a conduit for refreshing hearts.

For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. . . . Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.

(Philemon 1:7, 21 ESV)

Refresh. To give rest. To cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labor in order to recover and collect his strength. Thus, to refresh the heart is to set it at ease. To interrupt, if only temporarily, the inner turbulence of concern and anxiety. To provide respite for the weary soul. To intervene in such a way that the storm calms down and the raging sea becomes placid. Philemon loved the people of God, engaged the people of God, and in some manner brought rest, respite, and revitalization to the hearts of the people of God.

But what catches my attention this morning is that Philemon was not the source of refreshment, but the conduit. The hearts of the saints had been refreshed, not by him, but through him. Even as Paul anticipated being the recipient of such refreshing when Philemon graciously received Onesmius back as a brother. Paul knew that such respite of heart would come through Philemon in Christ.

Philemon had the means. And, he was willing. He opened his home, loved on the saints, even received back an AWOL bondservant. But the rest and revitalization realized by others, though it came through Philemon, was sourced in Christ. Philemon was but the conduit for refreshing hearts.

That’s why we’re told to “contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality” (Rom. 12:13). So that Christ might provide some rest for revved up souls. It’s why we are exhorted to do good to everyone, “especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). So that the Good Shepherd might provide some still waters for weary sheep.

Sure, we benefit from being obedient to the ask. We eventually reap the reward of sowing seeds of good deeds (Gal. 6:9). But the reason we’re called to such acts of kindness is so that the Spirit of God might refresh the hearts of the people of God. Refueling running-on-empty tanks. Being used of God to renew the inner man, the inner woman, of other laboring sojourners.

A conduit of Christ. A pipeline of Holy Spirit power. Realized through our love for the saints. Possible by simply opening our hearts and homes to others. Not out of compulsion, but of our own free accord (Phm. 1:14).

Refreshing hearts in Christ. Christ refreshing hearts through us.

By His grace. For His glory.

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Adorning Sound Doctrine

Posted on August 13, 2020 by Pete

Sometimes a morning reading will “pop” and I’m not exactly sure why. No obvious, apparent reason why those particular words should grab me. And so, I default to being pretty sure the Holy Spirit is wanting me to pick up something that’s being laid down. Other times, not that it’s any less a Holy Spirit thing, a passage pops and the reason is pretty obvious — it’s speaking into something very present and active in my world. This morning such is the case.

Paul’s been exhorting Titus to “teach what accords with sound doctrine” (Tit. 2:1). And while we might be quick to think that what accords with sound doctrine is more sound doctrine, it becomes pretty obvious, pretty quickly, that what accords with sound doctrine is actually sanctified behavior.

Paul instructs Titus as to what to teach older men and older women, younger men and younger women, concerning their behavior so that they might show themselves “in all respects to be a model of good works” (2:7a).

He even goes on to lay out how bondservants, redeemed by Christ, are to relate to their masters. And for what purpose? “So that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior” (Tit. 2:10b).

Adorn. I love that word! To make the teaching of God our Savior “more attractive” (NIV). To embellish it with honor. Dress it up with meritorious action in the things of everyday life. The greatest magnifying glass for right teaching is right living — according to the Word, empowered by the Spirit, for the sake of the gospel.

And in that context, comes this exhortation.

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.

(Titus 3:1-3 ESV)

When I’m reading I’m on the lookout for commands to obey. There’s seven of them. And, not gonna lie, I think our overall adornment of sound doctrine these days would come across much better in the public square if we were more mindful of them.

We don’t need to agree with our rulers and authorities, but we can display a humility, seeded by our obedience to God, as we purpose to be submissive to our rulers.

What’s more, rather than be ready for a good fight over some controversial topic, we could, instead, focus intently on being ready for every good work.

What if we determined to speak evil of no one? Like actually, no one! Nobody. Not a single person. Determined to show dignity and respect to all people as image-bearers of God, we purpose in our hearts not to slander them. Tell me that’s not gonna be a game changer in our discourse and debate.

Avoid quarreling? Give our thumbs a rest? Pause the post? Resist the re-tweet? Could remove some distracting haze around the light we’re called to proclaim.

And when we do engage, to do so with gentleness, showing perfect courtesy toward all people? (There’s that all people again.) Tell me it wouldn’t make a difference in how the cause of Christ is viewed by a world mired in disobedience, incivility, and fist-shaking, angry yelling at one another.

Not judging, for we ourselves were all once foolish, but suggesting that such a filter might make more of difference than we’d suppose when it comes to adorning sound doctrine and making more beautiful the gospel.

Just sayin’ . . . Just thinkin’ . . .

By His grace. For His glory.

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The King Who Loves the Church

Posted on August 12, 2020 by Pete

Hovering over Esther 2 this morning and my mind goes down the path of Esther as a type, or a foreshadowing, of the church.

. . . the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. Then the king gave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther’s feast.

(Esther 2:17-18a ESV)

This no-name nobody from nowhere finds herself the object of the king’s love. She is the recipient of his grace and favor. He crowns her as his bride. It all being culminated at a great banquet table where their marriage is celebrated. Get the connection?

We too, as the church, have known the abounding love of a King. Through no accomplishment, stature, or claim of our own we have won grace and favor in His sight. We have been promised a crown of righteousness (2Tim. 4:8), and a crown of life (Ja. 1:12), to be presented on that day when we are ushered into His presence, face to face. And a feast? Talk about your celebration when the King’s bride presents herself clothed “with fine linen, bright and pure”, having made herself ready for the wedding celebration. “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb” (Rev. 19:7-9).

Yup, like Esther, like the church. Her story, kind of our story. Or . . . is it?

Chewing on the chapter a bit more and I see a couple of notable exceptions. Ways in which Esther, perhaps, is more of an anti-type of the church.

The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at . . .

(Esther 2:7b ESV)

Esther had not made known her people or kindred, for Mordecai had commanded her not to make it known.

(Esther 2:10 ESV)

First, Esther was a looker. Possessing a natural beauty which drew the attention and favor of those who saw her. Attractive. Pleasing to behold. In a sense, it isn’t hard to imagine how a hot-blooded king could be attracted to this young, beautiful woman.

Second, Esther had a secret. While the king might have been able to behold her beauty, he didn’t know her background. While she was ready to put on the cosmetics, the perfumes, and the apparel, she wasn’t prepared to let her suitor in on her history.

So, in many ways the king’s love for Esther may really have been more of a superficial infatuation based on the beauty he saw and the past he didn’t. (That the king’s love may really have been a shallow love makes sense if you consider how he treated his previous bride, Vashti).

But our King is not like that king.

Our King is all-knowing. Looking not as man does, on the outward appearance, but seeing the heart as well (1Sam. 16:7). No secrets before our Suitor. No past that He isn’t aware of. No story He isn’t familiar with. Knowing us better and deeper than we know ourselves.

And having laid bare the thoughts and intents of our heart, we really had no beauty to bring other than the corrupted shadow of the image we bear of our Creator. No matter how we may have tried to pretty ourselves up, no amount of makeup, perfume, or clothing could shield the evidence that we were dead in trespass and sin. Marred and scarred by the consequence of rebellion.

Yet, knowing every secret we would have preferred to remain secret, seeing without hindrance the ugliness of our sin, the King loved us. Not with a superficial, I-might-love-you-if-you-clean-yourself-up-enough kind of love, but with an eternal, I-will-go-to-the-cross-for-you kind of love.

. . . but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

(Romans 5:8 ESV)

No natural beauty to behold. More stuff in the past than we’d care to admit. And still, the Bride of King Jesus won grace and favor in His sight.

O love of God, how rich and pure!
  How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure —
    The saints’ and angels’ song.

The king loved Esther. But while their story might contain the hint of another love story, it fails in comparison to the story of the King who loves the church.

By His grace. For His glory.

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A Connection

Posted on August 11, 2020 by Pete

I was listening to a podcast on “cancel culture” yesterday. And what was kind of interesting is that the commentators confessed they were somewhat fearful taking on the subject lest they themselves should offend and themselves be “canceled.”

Probably not surprising that at one point they started talking about the enabling power of the internet in this modern day culture of everyone being able to have a voice as accuser, judge, jury, and executioner. That you needed to be careful about what you posted, or tweeted, or re-tweeted because of how quickly “news” could travel. What’s more, not just what you did or said yesterday, but what you did or said 10 or 20 years ago. Because, as has often been pointed out, while a tweet or a picture might take only a minute to post, once it’s on the internet, it’s there forever.

One of the take aways? Be careful what you put out there, because you never know who’s listening or watching.

But what if that’s always been true? Even before the internet? Even before computers? What if Someone has always been listening and watching, knowing every word spoken and every deed done?

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.

(Proverbs 15:1-3 ESV)

Since our men’s study in Proverbs last year, I’m reading Proverbs a bit differently. Trying not to just see each verse as a random thought about different aspects of skillful living, but open to seeing them, at times, as intentionally grouped together. While each verse can stand alone, sometimes they are ordered purposefully in proximity. And in that, can convey some of the deeper connections and workings of the way of wisdom. This morning, the first several verses in Proverbs 15 seem to have a couple of repeated themes which, in proximity, can have a powerful impact.

The big idea I’m reminded of this morning? Be careful what you say, and what you do, because the eyes (and ears) of the LORD are in every place.

Some form of speech is mentioned 7 times in the first 11 verses. And the omnipresence and omniscience of Jehovah, “the existing One”, is mentioned twice. Is there a connection? Me thinks there could be.

Remembering that our God knows every word, and the heart behind every word, can have not only a purifying effect on our speech, but a governing effect, as well.

“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” ~ Jesus

(Matthew 12:36-37 ESV)

Cautious with our speech not out of fear of being “canceled” by God, for “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1Jn. 1:9). But aware of every word in reverent fear of grieving our saving God, not wanting to “sin so that grace may abound” (Rom. 6:1).

Cautious with our speech because we are ambassadors of the way of Wisdom. Wanting to “set the believers an example in speech” (1Tim. 4:12). Wanting our speech to “always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Col. 4:6). To be marked with “sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us” (Tit. 2:8).

Wanting Him who knows every word and every deed, to be pleased with those He’s called to speak of the kingdom of His rule.

Wanting to avoid the verbal stumbling blocks of harsh words, or foolish talk. Not out of fear of some “cancel culture” but out of service to the One who calls people to a consecrating culture.

That’s the connection I’m chewing on this morning.

And that, by His grace and for His glory.

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Seeking the Seeker

Posted on August 10, 2020 by Pete

They were both seeking that day. One, desperately. While the other, however, was just “passing through.”

The desperate one could barely see above the crowd for he was “small in stature.” But the Other saw everyone, and everything, clearly — even knowing the thoughts and intents of the heart. The small guy was a chief tax collector, a sinner, AND was rich — a triple whammy when it came to the pursuit of righteousness. The One who seemingly was about to pass by was the King of kings, the Savior of sinners, the God with whom nothing was impossible, even ushering a rich man into the kingdom of heaven (Lk. 18:24-27). Very different men.

But what Zacchaeus and Jesus had in common is that they were both seeking.

And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, . . . And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

(Luke 19:2-3a, 9-10 ESV)

Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus. The reputation which had preceded the Teacher from Galilee had rooted itself in the heart of this Roman-serving, countrymen-oppressing, little rich man. Whatever he had heard about Jesus, it compelled him to know more. Even if it meant scurrying amidst the crowd, bumping into butts so that he might wind his way towards the tree which would help him rise above the crowd. He was seeking the Seeker.

But when Jesus looked up and saw this “big man” tax collector humbling himself as he precariously balanced above the crowd, putting himself literally out on a limb, Jesus said, “Come down, for I must stay at your house”, as if it had been His plan all along. As if passing through Jericho had always been with the intent of a rest stop at a sinner’s house. For Jesus, too, was seeking the seeker.

I’m sure there’s some theological term or explanation for how someone who is dead in trespasses and sin (Eph. 2:1) comes alive enough to seek the Author of life (Acts. 3:15). But, to me, it’s a mystery. The wonder of the Seeker seeking the seeker. Even stirring his, or her heart such that he, or she would find themselves seeking the Seeker.

What so compellingly prompts a proud, little man to so humble himself in order to rise above the crowd, and climb a tree in front of those who despise him? What makes the Son of God humble Himself, take on flesh, be hanged on a tree, and be lifted up before a mob set on deriding Him? Both were seekers. Both were seeking. Both were seeking the seeker.

Amazing! The actions of both men defy comprehension, really. But that the One who was in the beginning (Jn. 1:1), and made everything that was ever made (Jn. 1:3), and holds together everything that is being held together (Col. 1:17), would Himself come to seek and save the lost? Jaw-dropping.

Pretty familiar Sunday School story. Kind of easy to blow by it. But pause, be still, and noodle on it a bit, and it’s enough to send the awe-o-meter off the scale.

Because of His amazing grace. For His soul-seeking glory.

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We’re Gonna Sing

Posted on August 7, 2020 by Pete

To sing, or not to sing, that is the question. At least for some. And, a few weeks ago, for us as elders as we anticipated our church gathering again in our building this Sunday. Lot to think about when it comes to shifting from shelter-in-place to coming together. To sing, or not to sing, is one of those things.

We didn’t deliberate long over the question, but we did ask the question. Came to the conclusion fairly quickly that singing is something the gathered church does and thus, when we gather together, we should sing together. Certainly, to do so mitigating risk as much as possible, but declaring His praise in song, nevertheless. Not saying it’s the right answer, but we’re thinking it’s what the Lord would have us do.

But here’s the thing, even having made the decision, in a sense the question never goes away. As new information comes in, whether that’s reports of COVID outbreaks in other congregations, or feedback about discomfort with singing from our own congregation, for me at least, there’s always the question percolating in the background, “Lord, is this what You would have us to do?”

And it’s into that sort of context that the word of God often speaks. Such was the case this morning for me.

And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres. . . . Then I brought the leaders of Judah up onto the wall and appointed two great choirs that gave thanks. . . . So both choirs of those who gave thanks stood in the house of God . . . And the singers sang with Jezrahiah as their leader. And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.

(Nehemiah 12:27, 31a, 40a, 42b-43 ESV)

Not sharing this as some “proof text” of why congregations must sing when they gather. No, just an illustration of how God in His goodness can communicate to people individually who are asking questions specifically if we read His word faithfully.

And I know that every text has a primary meaning and that we need to be careful about making unwarranted interpretations and applications just to give ourselves the answers we want. But at the same time, when the hearts desire is, “Word of God speak!” . . . often it does. Sometimes the living and active Word is actually living and active and speaks into current situations and, answers percolating questions.

Been pretty anxious about getting everything ready for this Sunday. Lot of details to work through. So, as the “to do” list grows so does my anxiety. Not sayin’ it’s right, but it’s kind of how I’m wired. It’s the flesh the Spirit has to work with as it conforms me increasingly into the likeness of the Son. Maybe, someday, I will actually get to the point where I am not “anxious about anything” because I’m quicker to pray about everything (Php. 4:6-7), but for now, it’s still a battle. But it’s into that battle that God, in His patient grace, speaks. And, most often, speaks through His Word.

So, this morning, I read these verses in Nehemiah 12 and almost immediately the question that’s been in the back of mind comes to the front as I sense God saying, “Yeah, you guys sing. It’s what people do who come out of exile.”

And I know it won’t be the same. Fewer people in the sanctuary, socially distanced, only half-face to half-face. But it wasn’t the same for Nehemiah & Co, either. There’s no way the walls resembled the walls of Jerusalem in the glory days. No way the house of God was even a shadow of the magnificent temple built by Solomon. But just as the glory had come down in Solomon’s day, so too the glory would come down as Nehemiah and the people climbed up on those walls, stood in the house of the LORD, and sang the glories of God.

So, Lord willing, we’re gonna sing this weekend. Not recklessly. Not as many songs as we used to. But we’re gonna sing enthusiastically, nevertheless.

Because our God reigns.

And, thank You Lord, because He speaks through His word when you least expect it.

Move evidence of His abiding grace. More reason to give Him all the glory.

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Leaving Home

Posted on August 6, 2020 by Pete

Listened to a podcast awhile back where Ruth Graham was interviewed about a book she’s recently written. The title of the book is “Forgiving My Father, Forgiving Myself.” Forgiving her father . . . you know who that is, right? Billy Graham. The Billy Graham. Certainly the greatest evangelist of my time, perhaps, some might argue, of all time. So what’s he got to be forgiven for?

From the interview it doesn’t sound like it’s one of those tell-all, reveal dirty secrets book. In fact, she says, she idolized her father. But sounds like it’s an honest processing of what it was like to grow up in a home where dad was gone . . . a lot! And sounds like she’s not blaming her dad for “her stuff” and her sin, she owns it, but part of that “stuff” was dealing with feelings of abandonment from her father. Even as her father pursued God’s call on his life to preach the gospel around the world. Hmm . . .

Came to mind as I was reading in Luke this morning.

And Peter said, “See, we have left our homes and followed You.” And [Jesus] said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.”

(Luke 18:28-30 ESV)

Honestly, this has always been a tough passage to noodle on.

It comes right after Jesus’ discussion with the rich young ruler who wanted to know what he needed to do to “inherit eternal life” (18:18)). Figured he was pretty good at keeping the law but Jesus said, “One thing you still lack.” So Jesus tells him to sell all he has, distribute it to the poor, and then he would have “treasure in heaven” and be unencumbered to follow Jesus (18:21). And the young man bows his head and walks away. Too costly. Too great a price to pay. “How difficult,” Jesus says, “it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God” (18:24). Then, Peter said, “See we have left our homes and followed You.”

Hover over that for a bit. Doesn’t that seem like a place too far to go for our modern senses? Not just cashing in your bank account to follow Jesus but also leaving our home. Leaving wife, siblings, parents, and even children!

Our kids? Really? Could that possibly be the cost of following Jesus? Apparently. Doesn’t it strike you, at first, as going too far? But is it? Apparently not. For Jesus says, it will be worth it, “in this time, and in the age to come.”

Hard stuff for me to camp on. Would prefer to quickly read it, check it off my reading plan, and move on. Not this morning for some reason.

Does it make you feel like the rich young ruler? Sad, because it feels like it’s too great a price to pay? Ready to walk away? To settle for a second-best holiness? One that’s within my grasp? One that sets a bar I think I’m able to jump? Or, by His enabling, could I really surrender all. Or at least, being willing to surrender all for the sake of the kingdom?

Am I willing to entertain that to follow Jesus might actually involve not just something as easy as letting go of my material wealth, but also my relational wealth? Not that I’m equating the stewardship of money with the responsibility of caring for one’s family. But would I be willing to trust Jesus with my home if following Him kept me from being there a lot?

Cue introspection. Expel a heavy sigh. Search my heart, O God.

No tidy bow wrapping this thought up. Just something to chew on.

Requires His grace. Could only make sense for His glory.

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