The One Who Serves

Posted on August 28, 2020 by Pete

I’ll take lesser known names of Christ for 500, Alex.

Ok. The answer is: The title Jesus took for Himself as a means of contrasting greatness in His kingdom vs. greatness in the kingdoms of the world.

Um . . . What is Deacon or, in the original, Diakoneo?

Correct!

A dispute also arose among [the disciples], as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And [Jesus] said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the One Who Serves.

(Luke 22:24-27 ESV)

“But I am among you as the One who serves.” Literally, as the Diakoneo. Chewing on that this morning. Evokes awe and conviction.

Evokes awe because this is the Christ we’re talking about, the Word. The Word who was in the beginning. Who was with God and was God. Who made all things, “and without Him was not any thing made that was made” (Jn. 1:1-3).

So call Him El Shaddai, God Almighty. Declare Him to be El Elyon, the Most High God. Bow before Him as El Olam, the Everlasting God. But El Diakoneo? The Servant God?

A catalyst for wonder because this is the Son of God we’re talking about. The radiance of God’s glory. The exact imprint of God’s nature. The One who upholds the universe by the word of His power. The One through whom, in these last days, God has made His appeal to all people. (Heb. 1:1-3)

So speak of Him as Jehovah Jireh, The Lord Will Provide. Point to Him as Jehovah Shalom, The Lord Is Peace. Gather to Him as Jehovah Nissi, The Lord My Banner. Stand fast in Him as Jehovah Tsidkenu, The Lord Our Righteousness. Follow Him as Jehovah Raah, The Lord My Shepherd. But model Him as Jehovah Diakoneo, the Lord Our Servant? Hmmm . . . did I mention awe AND conviction?

“But I am among you as the One Who Serves.” Yes He is.

Not only did He come 2,000 years ago “not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45), even now He is the great Diakoneo, the One Who Serves, though He is always the One Who Reigns.

Even now, through His Spirit, He is the One Who Serves in us. Enabling, empowering, engaging in our struggles against the flesh and our propensity to be drawn by the temptations of the world. For “it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Gal. 2:20).

Even now He is the One Who Serves at the right hand of the Father where He lives always to intercede for us (Heb. 7:25). His desire? To save to the uttermost. To save to the fullest extent. Having saved us from the penalty of sin, He continues to serve us in order to save us from the power of sin and, eventually, from the presence of sin.

And to the end — to the saving from the presence of sin — He is the One Who Serves as He prepares a place for us. Working now in anticipation of that day when He will come again and take us to be with Himself, “that where I am you may be also” (Jn. 14:1-3).

Jesus is the One Who Serves!

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Might I reflect Him more as one who is content to serve.

By His grace. For His glory.

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Drawing Near for Mercy. Finding Grace.

Posted on August 27, 2020 by Pete

Have you ever played peek-a-boo with a baby? They can’t walk, they can’t talk, but they can smile and giggle. And, for some reason, the surprise of seeing your face pop out from behind your hands primes the pump, and the sustains the flow, of what seems like perpetual joy. And though you do it over and over and over and over again, it never seems to get old. If your experience has been like mine, you’ll usually tap out before they’re done being delighted.

That’s the dynamic that comes to mind this morning as I chew on drawing near for mercy, and then finding grace.

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

(Hebrews 4:16 ESV)

Receive mercy. Find grace. That’s the confidence we’re to have every time we choose to deal with our time of need by drawing near to the throne of grace.

And what kind of need are we talking about? Though I’m confident it can apply to all types of need, I think specifically it’s the need to somehow deal with our sin.

I think the “then” of let us then looks back to a living and active word which splays the human heart and soul and discerns the thoughts and intentions of the heart (4:12). That its context is the fresh realization that nothing is hidden from God’s sight, “but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (4:13). And that’s problematic. Everything laid bare before the One to whom we must give account.

But then, there’s Jesus. A great High Priest who has passed through the heavens. One able to sympathize with the weakness of our flesh and our repeated failure to do the good we want to do, and frustrating propensity to keep on doing the evil we don’t want to do (Rom. 7:18-19). One who knows what it is, in every respect, to be tempted as we are, yet without sin (Heb. 4:14-15).

In light of this then: in light of being exposed; in light of the weakness of our flesh and the repeated failure of our will; in light of a great High Priest; in light of it all, draw near to His throne, the throne of grace. Draw near to receive mercy. And when you do, find grace.

Our only plea for sin is mercy — and if we think we have no sin, we deceive ourselves (1Jn. 1:8). All we can seek is God’s kindness in not giving us what our sin deserves. Our confidence to do so founded in the once for all sacrifice for sin, when Jesus our great High Priest offered Himself as the spotless Lamb of God to atone for all our transgressions. I draw near to receive mercy.

But when I draw near to receive mercy what else do I find? I find grace. Not only do I not get what I deserve, but I find that I also get what I don’t deserve. God’s kindness but the key which unlocks the floodgates of God’s grace. Finding myself not only forgiven through the finished work of the cross, but also loved with an everlasting love. Not only deemed holy because Jesus is holy, but delighted in as a son or daughter because we have received the Spirit of adoption.

We come to the throne, again and again, over and over and over, confessing our sin and repenting of our flesh-fueled actions — the way to the throne a well-worn path to the cross.

And, again and again, over and over and over, we are surprised by grace. His unmerited favor unexpected. Overwhelmed with the fresh reminder of being blessed in Christ with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places (Eph. 1:3). Overcome, knowing again that, despite ourselves, we have been raised up with Him, and seated with Him in heavenly places “so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:6-7). Experiencing, as if for the first time all over again, His abundant love and unfathomable acceptance washing away our guilt and shame.

We seek mercy, again and again, over and over and over. Confident not in ourselves but in the blood of Jesus. Shed once, applied forever.

But, while we come to receive mercy, again and again, we find, in addition, grace, over and over and over. And we don’t know whether to laugh with unexpected joy or cry with heartfelt appreciation. Often we do both.

Drawing near for mercy. Finding grace.

To God be the glory.

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The LORD of Hosts Has Purposed

Posted on August 26, 2020 by Pete

Before we take on another book of the Bible in September, we’re doing a mini-series at church, “Lessons Learned During Shelter in Place.” We’re two weeks into considering four lessons learned: Change is Hard; The Flesh is Real; Unity is Work; and, God is Sovereign.

Pandemics have a way of forcing one out of one’s normal routine. Of learning new skills one never thought they needed to learn. Of adopting practices that are uncomfortable, and dropping habits that for so long have defined stability. Change is Hard. But, as the Scriptures remind us, hard is used of God to train us “that we may share His holiness” (Heb. 12:10b). And, while it may be painful for the moment, hard has the potential to yield “the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (Heb. 12:11b).

But the process of purification brought about by hard, first reveals the dross, the impurities, the stuff we’d just as soon stayed hidden. These past several months have revealed that enduring, stubborn reality of the flesh — the sin nature still resident which wars against the Spirit. Put people in a pressure cooker and stuff starts coming to the surface. And I don’t need to look beyond myself in order to see the stuff and realize why sanctification is a thing. A very necessary thing. A sometimes slow, work-in-progress thing.

And when I’m dealing with my stuff and you’re dealing with your stuff and we see stuff differently, then we realize afresh that we really do need to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit” (Eph. 4:3a NIV). With our world turned upside down, and with very different views of how to deal with such a world and walk in such a world, we no longer have the luxury of relying on superficial, non-confrontational relationship as a facade for unity. Can’t just talk about sports when we “fellowship” — because, for a long time, there was no sports. Instead, we’re being forced to interact on other simple, straight forward things (not), like assessing appropriate COVID responses, determining how to deal with degrees of systemic injustice, and how to think about such things as peaceful protest which, so often, isn’t. Those topics of discussion will spark some animation around the dining room table.

It’s in light of those three lessons learned, those three operative realities, that the fourth lesson learned becomes so imperative. God is Sovereign. Reminded of that this morning in Isaiah.

The LORD of hosts has sworn: “As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand . . . ” For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?

(Isaiah 14:24, 27 ESV)

Isn’t so much of the stress of this season related to areas where we feel powerless and out of control? I’m thinkin’. Things that we once did without a second thought are now almost impossible (small example . . . think crossing the border into Canada without an acceptable plan on how to quarantine for 14 days . . . been there, done that), and that can be frustrating. And we have no idea how long we’ll have to surrender control over these no-brainers. That adds a couple of points to the stress chart. And that’s just one small example. We all have enough of those kind of things adding up points on our stress charts.

But I’m reminded this morning as a I read in Isaiah (and it primes the pump of thinking through our mini-series in lessons learned), that our loss of control really is an opportunity for faith. That our piles of plans dumped on the trash heap can point us to the One whose plans never fail. That dealing daily with a lack of normalcy, is another day to thank God that what He has purposed will stand, and that nothing stands unless He has purposed it.

“For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it?”

It’s the bottom line for coping, isn’t it? The bottom line for hoping. The bottom line that keeps us trusting. The fuel that keeps us going. God is Sovereign.

For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm!
God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne.

(Psalm 47:7-8 ESV)

Our God reigns!

The Lord of hosts has purposed. And it shall stand. And we can rest.

By His grace. For His glory.

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Careworn but Confident

Posted on August 25, 2020 by Pete

I don’t know about you, but these days I awake most mornings with a certain level of burden. Sometimes I can identify specific issues and situations which contribute to the weight on my chest I feel even before I’ve gotten out of bed, but in this COVID season, the season itself seems to be enough to maintain a low-level oppression. Oppression, not depression. (At least I don’t think it’s depression).

I was asking myself this morning, “Self, how would you describe the feeling?” To which I answered, “It’s the opposite of being carefree.” So I looked up antonyms for carefree. Found anxious. Yeah . . . don’t like that one, it sounds too disobedient (Php. 4:6). But then I read careworn. Hmmm . . . didn’t know that was even a word. Careworn. Yeah, that describes it. This COVID blanket over everything brings with it a whole new set of cares and concerns. And, eventually, it wears on you. Or, at least it wears on me. Careworn.

Wondering if that’s why the following verse seemed to grab me this morning.

“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life . . .” ~ Jesus

(Luke 21:34a ESV)

Jesus says, “Watch yourselves.” Don’t let your heart get weighed down (sounds like how I woke up). And then an unlikely trio of weights are called out together: dissipation (think hangover); drunkenness (think the cause of a hangover); and cares of this life (think anxiety . . . or, if you prefer, think careworn). One of those things doesn’t seem like the other two. But they all can have the same effect. A weighing down of the heart. A dulling of the mind. A way to take you out of the game.

The context for Jesus’s warning is being ready for “the Day.” Watch yourselves, He says, for being over-burdened with cares can be just as debilitating as over-indulging with strong wine. Unchecked anxiety can lead to unclear thinking. The cares of this life can have a way of distracting us from our confidence concerning the life to come.

Cue some verses from my next reading . . .

. . . but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a Son. And we are His house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope. . . . Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.

(Hebrews 3:6, 12-14 ESV)

The writer to the Hebrews is contending for those thinking about cashing in the faith. Following Christ has cost more than they perhaps thought it would. Has been harder than perhaps they expected it should. They’re careworn as well, it seems. So much so, it’s trying their faith. And so they are encouraged to hold fast to their confidence, to grab onto it with a two-handed, vice-like grip. And to hold firm to the end.

Not to be overly simplistic, but I’m thinking that the remedy for being careworn lies, at least in part, in holding fast to our confidence.

I need to recognize that the cares of this life, while inevitable, can also lead to the sin of unbelief. That an unchecked, weighed-down heart can become a hardened heart. That legitimate concerns can lead to a slippery slope. So, I need to “take care.” But I also need my family in my corner, my brothers and sisters in Christ. We’re to “exhort one another every day.” Every day? Really? Yeah, really! Especially when everyday you wake up careworn.

How much do I need to diligently focus on my confidence, on my hope? Pretty diligently. Daily in His word. Reminded of His presence, His promises, and His unfailing power.

How important is staying connected to gospel community? Pretty important. Needing to hear my brothers and sisters urging me to keep on keepin’ on, if not every day, well, at least on Sunday. We were never intended to run the race alone, or to fight the good fight solo. We hold fast our confidence to the end when we do it together.

. . . for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.

(2Timothy 1:12 ESV)

And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

(Philippians 1:6 ESV)

Careworn? Somewhat. Confident. To the end!

By His grace. For His glory.

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Straighten Up and Raise Our Heads

Posted on August 24, 2020 by Pete

However one might think it plays out, I’m thinking that most believers see hard times as being a sign of the end times. That’s why more than one person has asked me over the past several months, “Do you think we’re in the end times.” What they mean, of course, is, with a 100+ year event like the pandemic, the seeming implosion of civil society, the upside down-ness of what was once recognized morality, and global tensions rising, could Jesus be coming soon? Simple answer, yes. But maybe not as we understand “soon.” After all, in “heaven years” soon could be a pretty long ways away (2Pet. 3:8).

But the purpose of discerning the signs of the times isn’t to pick a date, but to be ready today (Matt. 24:44). It isn’t to hunker down, stock up, and hold our position until the King comes in the clouds. But, as I’m reminded this morning in my reading, it’s to straighten up and raise our heads.

“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” ~ Jesus

(Luke 21:25-28 ESV)

“On the earth distress of nations in perplexity . . . foreboding . . . people fainting with fear.” Hmmm, sounds familiar.

So, how is the believer to respond when such is the prevailing reality? If we really believe that what we’re experiencing are hard times indicative of the end times (not saying definitively that they are, but if we really believe it), then what, according to Jesus, should it motivate us to do? Stand up and lift up. Straighten up and raise our heads.

Not a time for speculating or debating as to how it will all play out. Not a time for worrying or wondering how we’re gonna get through. Instead, it’s a time for standing up in anticipation of the fulfillment of our salvation. For raising up our heads in expectation of imminent triumph. Stand up. Lift up. Because your redemption is drawing near.

To be sure, hard times, by their very definition, are going to be hard to handle. Distressing times, stressful. Perplexing times, confusing. But — and not to be trite, but true — dark times are great times of opportunity because “the light shines in the darkness” (Jn. 1:5). Times when the hearts of many are open to those who can compassionately, empathetically, and articulately convey a reason for the hope within them (1Pet. 3:15), even when everything seems so hopeless.

I don’t know if these really are the “end times of the end times” or not. But I do know Jesus is coming, and that His coming could be at any time. Maybe these current “signs of the time” are the actual “signs of the time”, or maybe not. Maybe their intended as early birth pangs to wake up His people. To straighten up the body of believers, that the church might stand strong. To lift up the heads of His disciples, that they might have a laser-focus on things above and be less distracted by things below. To know renewal and revival as they consider afresh their redemption is drawing near and is closer now than when we first believed (Rom. 13:11).

A lot I don’t know. But this I do, I’m thinkin’ we’re called to straighten up and raise our heads.

By His grace. For His glory.

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Lest We Drift Away

Posted on August 21, 2020 by Pete

Last night I was talking with a friend. We talked about work, relationships, kids, and home projects. And then added the pressure of recognizing that God wired us for rest-cycles, and that we needed to figure out how to fit that in, as well. Didn’t take long, actually, until it went from feeling like a lot on the plate to becoming somewhat overwhelming. Oh, and then we added one more thing to pile. We didn’t call it this, but my reading in Hebrews this morning put it into words — we also talked about the need to be careful not to “neglect such a great salvation.”

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?

(Hebrews 2:1-3a ESV)

Lest we drift away. That’s what I’m noodling on this morning.

How easy it is to let the truth of our redemption trickle away. To let the sure hope of eternity subtly escape us. To allow the promises to pass by. To let the wonder of our salvation slip away. And actually, it’s not the truth, or the hope, or the promises, or the great salvation that imperceptibly gets carried off. It’s us. Lest we drift away.

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard.

So my buddy and I talked also about the need to, along with everything else, keep tethered to the Word. Making the time, finding the slot in our margin-less schedules, to pay attention to what we have heard.

I know the context and circumstances for the Hebrews was very different than ours. But I’m thinking there’s a common concern, drifting away. Distracted by things below to the point where we no longer set our minds on things above. So concerned with how to do life that we fail to engage the Author of Life. Still believing, but not doing much beholding. Drifting away.

My time in the word is so much more than just a spiritual discipline. It’s an essential lifeline. Not just a good habit that helps my day go better, but a solid anchor that tethers me to the Rock in the midst of the storm. Not just another thing to check off my already too full to-do list, but a vital reminder that it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.

I need to pay close attention to the things of my salvation, lest I drift away. Because “Out of sight, out of mind.” And, out of mind . . . eventually, out of gas.

Grateful this morning for the Bible on my desk. Keeps me from drifting away. Keeps me from neglecting my salvation — a salvation which has saved me from the penalty of sin; a salvation which is saving me from the power of sin; a salvation which, one day, will save me from the very presence of sin. A great salvation!

Don’t wanna drift away. Paying close attention, this morning.

By His grace. For His glory.

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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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