Healing the Unhealable

Posted on November 28, 2019 by Pete

Funny, the places in Scripture that, kind of out of nowhere, overwhelm you. Holy writ accentuated by the Holy Spirit so that it wholly washes over you.

Already primed for thanksgiving this morning, but didn’t expect fuel for the fire to come from Hosea.

I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for My anger has turned from them. I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily; he shall take root like the trees of Lebanon; his shoots shall spread out; his beauty shall be like the olive, and his fragrance like Lebanon. They shall return and dwell beneath My shadow; they shall flourish like the grain; they shall blossom like the vine; their fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon.

(Hosea 14:4-7 ESV)

“I will heal their apostasy.” Can God really do that? Apparently.

Not sure why, but if we all have that hidden list of sins which we think cross the line (you know, those sins that though we know Jesus died for them, we’re not really sure they can really be overcome), then apostasy probably falls on that list for me.

What more can be done for someone who has turned their back on the faith? Who has tasted and seen the Lord is good, but decides they prefer some other flavor on their lips? Who has walked in the light but then has chosen instead the ways of darkness? When someone who has seen His face turns his back on God, what’s left for God to do?

Such were the ways of Israel. Such were the choices of Ephraim. Such were the reasons for God’s judgment on a people who had been delivered “but when they had grazed, they became full, they were filled, and their heart was lifted up” (Hos. 13:6), and so, they forgot their Deliverer. They walked away. They chose the paths of the world around them. Not out of ignorance, but willfully. Not because they didn’t know the truth, but because they preferred the lie.

And still, God says, “I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely.”

I’m thinking that’s about the only way you can even consider healing apostasy: you need to be willing (and able) to love them freely. To look on the back they’ve given you and still seek their face. To take the first step towards reconciliation, even as they’ve determined to step away.

Isn’t that the love of God? Isn’t that the love that was transformed from mere concept to life-altering action through the coming of the Son? Isn’t that the love “that surpasses knowledge” (Eph. 3:18-19)? The love that, without divine assistance, we could never comprehend it’s breadth, length, height, and depth?

Isn’t that the love that overwhelms with thanksgiving? I’m thinkin . . .

But wait! There’s more!

Not only does such love heal, but it’s like dew that brings life and beauty from death and destruction. Love that comes down so that those healed by it dwell beneath the shadow of its glory and flourish. Not just escape wrath that was due. Not just survive to eke out whatever life can be salvaged. But healed so that they might flourish.

More than just being snatched from the grip of apostasy and its penalty (praise God for eternity if that was but the sum of salvation), but also blessed with “every spiritual blessing in heavenly places” (Eph. 1:3). So much so, that those who were once apostate can thrive. A barren twig becoming a blossoming vine that bears fruit worthy of producing the finest wine. And this, from the sin which I’ve been inclined to think of as the sin that crosses the line.

Our God is the great healer. Jehovah Rapha (Ex. 15:26).

He heals our diseases. ALL our diseases (Ps. 103:3). Even apostasy!

How powerful is the finished work of the cross! Pretty powerful!

Give thanks to the God who loves freely.

Give praise to the God who heals even that which we might consider unhealable.

Bow in awe at the foot of the cross and consider afresh its power to save.

Because of grace. For His glory.

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On Churches and Church Members

Posted on November 27, 2019 by Pete

They were riding the wave. Part of a winning team. Their stats were all going the right way. Love and faith? Service and patient endurance? All trending upwards. Their “latter works exceeding the first.” As a whole, things were going great for the church.

But the One who walks in the midst of the churches “has eyes like a flame of fire” and looks beyond the team stats and takes note of each player’s play. His “feet are like burnished bronze” and so, while pleased with the numbers posted, He is just as concerned with testing each individual’s contribution and is ready to provide “coaching” were needed.

Hovering over the letter to the church at Thyratira this morning (Rev. 2:18-29). Kind of complex. Things going well in so many ways. And yet, they weren’t.

“’I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.”

(Revelation 2:20 ESV)

While their love and faith were growing, they permitted a false teacher in their midst. While they served well, while they kept on keeping on, they failed to restrain “the deep things of Satan” (2:24) from permeating the culture of their fellowship.

They let slide the deceptive and destructive suggestion that you could be a holy people and still engage in unholy practices. By doing nothing, they gave platform to a way of thinking that said you could serve a holy God and still eat food sacrificed to idols. They put up with a seductress in their midst who persuaded others that they could have their kingdom cake and partake of the world’s unclean delicacies too.

Not how it works, says the Son of God. The collective end would not justify the individual means. For it’s not churches, and their overall sanctification and service, that will be judged at the bema seat of Christ, but church members (2Cor. 5:10, 1Cor. 3:10-15). Being part of a growing, happening local fellowship couldn’t cover for a lack of personal fidelity and faithfulness. Solid, morning services on Sunday didn’t excuse the fact that saints were being seduced on Monday. Good teaching on the weekend, couldn’t simply offset complacent tolerance of Jezebel’s teaching during the week.

The Lord in our midst reminds us that, while He is pleased when a church is doing all the right stuff, He is more concerned that members of the church are maturing in the right way.

And all the churches will know that I am He who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.

(Revelation 2:23b ESV)

He searches mind and heart. He cares about purity of thought and purity of motive. At an individual level. We should too.

He is a jealous God (Ex. 34:13-15). He will not tolerate playing fast and loose with the ways of Jezebel–either as a church or as a church member. We shouldn’t either.

Might we be churches that post all the right numbers for the right reasons — growing in metrics of grace. Might we also be church members that pursue the kingdom only, and not the world. That love Him only, and no other.

By His grace. For His glory.

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Does Jesus Know?

Posted on November 26, 2019 by Pete

We know it’s not about our works. But reminded this morning that He knows it is!

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of Him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.'”

(Revelation 2:1-4 ESV)

Started in on the letters to the seven churches in Revelation. Blessed, says John, are those who read them, hear them, and keep them — for the time is near (1:3). And what I’m reading this morning, and what I’m hearing loud and clear, is that the One who walks among the churches (2:1) knows our works. He monitors our performance. He has an opinion about what we do and why we’re doing it.

To be sure, as I scan over all seven letters, He knows a lot of other stuff too. Our patient endurance (2:3). The tribulation we go through (2:9). The context in which we dwell (2:13). Our lack of power and yet our desire to keep on keepin’ on (3:8b). But what strikes me is that in five of the seven letters the Lord of the churches leads with this:

I know your works.

Does Jesus know? Yeah, He knows. Perfectly, actively, perpetually. The One who called us to live for Him knows how we’re living for Him. The one who wants us to walk a worthy walk (Eph. 4:1) sees without restriction how worthy our walk is. The One who wants to live in us and through us is actually aware of how in us and through us it’s going.

A little intimidating? I’m thinkin’ . . .

But the One who knows about our works is also in our corner. With straight-up correction, solid coaching, and spiritual capital to overcome. For those who have ears to hear, there are promised blessings to obtain. And this because He knows our works.

Something I heard, or read, comes to mind: He loves us just the way we are, but He loves us way too much to leave us just the way we are.

‘Cause He knows. He knows our frame. He knows our failures. And, He knows the fullness that is ours in Him and through Him.

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

(Psalm 139:23-24 ESV)

Does Jesus know? Yeah, He knows.

Does Jesus care? Oh yes, He cares!

Because of grace. For His glory.

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On Being John’s Partners

Posted on November 22, 2019 by Pete

John introduces himself not only as a brother, but as a partner. A companion of common experience. A fellow participant. Surely, as he wrote, he was thinking of those not on the island who were experiencing some of the same persecution that resulted in his exile to the island. But, as I was taught, while he may have written to them he also wrote for us. Thus, we too are partners. John’s partners. And, as such, it tells us something about we can expect from kingdom dynamics.

I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

(Revelation 1:9 ESV)

The tribulation. The kingdom. The patient endurance. That’s what I’m chewing on this morning.

All of them are in Jesus. All come with salvation. All of them part of the deal.

To be sure, we expect to get the kingdom. After all Jesus came proclaiming the good news of the kingdom (Mr. 4:23). To those with ears to hear, He also was prepared to make known the secrets of the kingdom (Mt. 13:11). And for those who received the kingdom by faith, He encouraged them to seek first the kingdom (Mt. 6:33). For the kingdom is like a treasure in the field worth selling all in order to obtain it (Mt. 13:44).

Yeah, John, I’m in. A participant in heavenly things above while still on earth. A partner in the kingdom in Jesus.

But the tribulation thing? Who signed up for that? Uh, evidently we did.

I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

(John 16:33)

As long as the kingdom of light exists amidst the dominion of darkness, there’s gonna be tribulation. Despite being new creations, we’re still living among the old corruption — so there’s gonna be some dissonance. Though we’re people of the Way, we’re still navigating the world. We can expect some bumps, scrapes, and bruises along the way. And this too is in Jesus.

But take the kingdom, add in some tribulation, and through the indwelling, empowering Spirit we can also know the patient endurance. It’s the third mark of being in Jesus.

You know the people of God are the people of God ’cause they keep on keepin’ on — with a strength beyond themselves (Php. 4:13), a grace that truly is sufficient (2Cor. 12:9), and a peace that passes understanding (Php. 4:7). They press on for the prize (Php. 3:14), they fight the good fight (2Tim. 4:7), because they believe that they are more than conquerors through Him who loves us (Rom. 8:37).

The result? Patient endurance in Jesus.

The tribulation. The kingdom. The patient endurance. Not sure you can only have one in Jesus and not the others. Thinking they might be a set.

So, if we are John’s partners, thinking that’s the deal.

By God’s grace. For God’s glory.

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Go Your Way

Posted on November 21, 2019 by Pete

His had been a long life. Kingdoms had come and gone, but he remained. Bosses had come and gone, and he had served in their royal courts. Thus, he had seen a lot. And not just the visible realities of shifting worldly cultures. But Daniel had also seen things no man had seen. Been privy to realities no one could fathom. Had been permitted to peer into the future, the details of which ultimately were to be “shut up and sealed until the time of the end” (Dan. 12:9). Much he had seen, but so little he really fully grasped.

So what was he to do with all he understood? What next considering all he didn’t yet understand?

“But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.”

(Daniel 12:13 ESV)

Go your way. That’s the command given to Daniel at the end of the last vision he was given. The command given to him by “the Man clothed in linen”–the Man whose description is remarkably like that of the One John saw in a vision centuries later on island called Patmos (Rev.1:12-18).

Go your way till the end. That’s what Daniel was to do.

He was to take all the knowledge he had acquired over a lifetime–knowledge of things seen and unseen–and go his way.

He was to take all the questions he add accumulated over a lifetime–questions about the here and know and the there and then–and still, go his way.

All the knowledge he had been privileged to gain served only to reveal how much of the mystery he still didn’t understand. For every question answered, ten more came to mind. But regardless of all he had come to know, and despite all he still didn’t get, this he could count on: he would rest and he would rise. So, until then, he should go his way.

And I can’t help but think that what was true for Daniel back then is true for this guy sitting in this chair this morning.

By God’s grace, there’s a lot of stuff I think I get–about life, and about the abundant life. But honestly, a lot of stuff I still don’t get, a lot of stuff that spawns as many questions as it provides answers. So what to do?

Go your way until the end.

Keep on keepin’ on. Remain faithful. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Rest knowing one day you’ll rise.

I don’t worry o’er the future
For I know what Jesus said
And today I’ll walk beside Him
For He knows what lies ahead

Many things about tomorrow
I don’t seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand

~ “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” by Ira F. Stanphill.
© Warner Chappell Music, Inc, Capitol Christian Music Group

So, I’ll go my way.

By His grace. For His glory.

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The Path and The Promise

Posted on November 20, 2019 by Pete

It’s not something he was prepared to talk about (Dan. 7:28). After all, the tables had been turned. He who had, over a lifetime, gained a reputation as a dream-teller was now the one confounded by a dream. He who had become known as the premier vision interpreter now needed someone to interpret visions. Just as others had lost sleep and been disquieted in soul from the night terrors they witnessed, so too Daniel now knew firsthand what it was to be anxious in spirit, greatly alarmed, and to have the color drain from his face because of what he saw as he lay in bed (7:15,28).

And yet, as I hover over Daniel 7 this morning, I wonder at his anxiety when the interpretation of the dream was clear at least about this one thing: the saints win!

“These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth. But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever. . . . And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; His kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.’

(Daniel 7:17-18, 27 ESV)

Sounds like good news to me. The Most High, who rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He will (Dan. 4:17, 25, 32; 5;21), will one day receive the kingdom for Himself. An eternal kingdom. A kingdom that will never be destroyed. A kingdom where the Most High has dominion forever. A kingdom inhabited by His people. A kingdom for His people.

So why lose sleep? Why the thoughts that greatly alarm? Why the ashen face?

Because of what Daniel was told would transpire between his time and then. Though cloaked in metaphorical imagery, what was clear was that the path between Daniel’s day and the day when the Son of Man rules (7:13-14) would be a hard path. A path of increasing darkness. A path of more determined rebellion. A path of more overt opposition. A hard path for those who would walk it while waiting for the kingdom to come.

And so I chew on what it was for Daniel to anticipate the path and the promise.

Not to diminish the wonder of the promise. Not to waver at the certainty of that day. But to be realistic of what it might require to get there.

We’re not home yet. We’re still pilgrims. Sometimes enjoying the oasis or the mountain top, but other times having to sojourn–or, sometimes if feels like wander through–the desert. Not looking for trouble. Not wanting difficulty. But also not presuming that some of life might not play out as a bad dream.

Yet, traveling the path with the promise in mind. We do win! True statement.

As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them, until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom.

(Daniel 7:21-22 ESV)

The battle needs to be fought. But the war will be won. The kingdom will come. His will will be done. On earth as it is in heaven.

Let us “keep these matters in our hearts” (7:28). Real about the way. Ready for His return. Walking the path in light of the promise.

By His grace. For His glory.

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The Freedom of Identity

Posted on November 19, 2019 by Pete

It was the last thing they expected. In a journey of many unexpected turns, they didn’t see this turn coming. In three years of seeing innumerable signs and wonders performed, they could never have conceived witnessing this. With every paradigm shifting thing they had experienced, this turned their world upside down, perhaps like no other.

After all, He was the Leader, and they were the followers. He was the Teacher, and they were His students. He was the Master, they, if anyone in this relationship, were His servants. So there’s no way they saw it coming.

What’s more they had come to believe He was the Messiah. To declare that He was the Son of God. To begin to comprehend that He really was from heaven, the only begotten of the Father. Convinced that, whatever it meant, He and the Father were somehow one. And so, what He did that night before dinner couldn’t have been anywhere on their radar.

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside His outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around His waist. Then He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’’feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.

(John 13:3-5 ESV)

Knowing what He knew, Jesus did what He did. Knowing who He was, freed Him to do what He needed to be done.

No way anyone would expect the Sovereign to take on the role of a servant. Unimaginable that the Creator would cleanse His creation’s feet. While you might imagine a royal robe arrayed over the almighty King’s shoulders, who would have conceived of a cleaning cloth wrapped about His waist?

What a risky move. Doesn’t really reinforce being heaven sent. Not the marker you’d expect for Someone in whom the fullness of deity dwells (Col. 2:9). Doesn’t align with the picture formed in the mind’s eyes of Someone who has created all things and holds all things together. Nor the posture you’d expect of Someone who, in all things, is to be preeminent (Col. 1:16-18).

No, not really a very good indicator of who He was. But so appropriate for what He had come to do.

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” ~ Jesus

(Mark 10:45 ESV)

So, knowing what He knew, Jesus was free to do what He did.

Knowing that He had come from God . . . knowing that He was going back to God . . . knowing that He was God . . . and that the First Person of the Holy Trinity, the Father, had given all things into His hands. Knowing all that–knowing who He was and why He had come–He laid aside His outer garments, took up the towel, tied it about His waist, and Jesus washed His disciples’ feet.

Not concerned with how it might look to the world. But focused on what it would communicate about the kingdom. Not worried about what others would think. Instead, wanting only that His disciples would see an example of how they were to live (Jn. 13:14-15).

Chewing, this morning, on the example set by Jesus of the importance of identity. Of the freedom found in knowing who we are.

Image-bearers created by Christ. A redeemed people purchased with the blood of Christ. A holy people, infused with the life of Christ. A holy priesthood commissioned in Christ to declare a kingdom of light.

There is power in identity. Power in knowing who you are and why you are. In knowing that you are loved by God, redeemed by God, empowered by God, and sent out from God.

And in that power, there is freedom. Freedom to live for God. Regardless of how it looks or what others might think or say.

Knowing what we know about ourselves, frees us to be what He wants us to be for Himself.

By His grace. For His glory.

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The LORD Is There

Posted on November 15, 2019 by Pete

Maybe 2020 will be the year. The year I dig deeper into Ezekiel.

Wrapped up the book in this morning’s reading. A lot of it I think I get. A lot of it, not so much.

The apocalyptic unveiling of the glory of God captures the imagination. The departure of the glory of God is heart-breaking. The return of the glory of God, hope inspiring.

There is judgment under an old covenant and the promise of a new covenant. The weakness of the old exploited by idolatrous, rebellious hearts. The strength of the new in divine intervention and the making of new, truth-bearing hearts.

There is also the temple destroyed, the city razed, and the land of promise laid bear. But then, a vision of a new land, a new city, and a new, glorious temple. And, whatever the new temple, in the new city, in the restored land is referring to, it’s intriguing. To be taken literally? Figuratively? I know what I was taught as young man, but not sure how it all fits. I know what others think it may be, but not sure how it all fits in that scenario either. So, maybe 2020 will be the year . . .

But for all the stuff that Ezekiel leaves you not knowing, it concludes with something that is sure . . .

“And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The LORD Is There.”

(Ezekiel 48:35b ESV)

When all is said and done . . . when all is done and said . . . Jehovah-Shammah. The LORD Is There.

There in the place He has promised. There in the kingdom of His coming. There in the midst of the people He has redeemed. There in the temple which houses His glory. Jehovah-Shammah. The LORD Is There.

And however the details of Ezekiel’s prophesied future state play out, what I do know is that those details have begun to be rolled out in our current state. A rebellious people redeemed. A scattered people called into community. A kingdom established in and through them. A reigning King over them. Under a new covenant. With new hearts. Longing for the final state.

Not yet in the place of promise, but sojourning to that city whose designer and builder is God (Heb. 11:10). Yet, with God in their midst and with the temple in place that bears His glory–even the people of God. Living stones being built up into a spiritual house (1Pet. 2:5). Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone. Joined together. Growing into a holy temple in the Lord. A dwelling place for God by the Spirit (Eph. 2:20-22). And Jehovah Shammah. The LORD Is There.

A lot I still don’t really get about Ezekiel . . . maybe next year we do the deeper dive. But this I do know: where God’s people are The LORD Is There.

Where they gather, His glory resides. Where they worship, His Son presides.

My dwelling place shall be with them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

(Ezekiel 37:27 ESV)

By His grace. For His glory.

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That Brother

Posted on November 14, 2019 by Pete

It’s a command to obey. A long, protracted, extensively argued, command to obey. And honestly, the more you chew on 1John 4:7-21, the less wiggle room there is to let yourself off the hook and just “mostly obey.”

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. . . .

And this commandment we have from Him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

(1John 4:7, 21 ESV)

It’s first given as a command to love one another. But by the time John’s done, it’s a command to love your brother. Begins as a general exhortation, winds up getting pretty specific.

While you might be able to imagine a faceless crowd who are the one another and feel good that, in the collective sense, you’re being obedient, when it comes to that brother-– the one who has wronged you, or offended you, or hurt you–you can’t help but look into that brother’s eyes and admit you’re asking yourself, “Him too? Really?”

Yeah, says John. Him too. Really.

‘Cause that’s what the love of God is about. Loving him too.

John says loving that brother, and not just some generic one another, is the evidence that God lives in us. Proof that we are abiding in Him, and He in us. That the supernatural, grace-abounding, ocean-overflowing love of God which has enveloped us is able to flow through us. Even to that brother.

I think that’s why John is moved by the Spirit to remind us of the love of God. Manifest among us by sending His Son into the world, so that we might live through Him (4:9). A reminder that Jesus died so that we might live. Died for us even when we were still weak in ungodliness, rebellious in sin, and enemies in opposition to the things of God (Rom. 5:6, 8, 10). Even when we were that brother to Him, He loved us. And loved us unto death, even death on a cross.

Reminding us that God “loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (4:10). An acknowledgement that transgression gets in the way of loving. But if the sin has been atoned for, if the wrong has already been judged and paid for, then the path is cleared to love. A reminder that not only has my sin been dealt with, but that the sin of that brother has been dealt with, too.

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

(1John 4:11 ESV)

But who can really love like that? I know God can. After all, God is love (4:8). But me? Me love that brother like God loved me?

Yup! ‘Cause that’s what abiding is about.

Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

(1John 4:15-16 ESV)

Not only does John remind us the penalty has been paid so we can love that brother, but that the power has also been provided to love that brother. God has given us His Spirit so that we can abide in Him and He in us (4:13). So the power’s there. His love not only shown to us, but perfected in us (4:17). We’re not just the recipients of divine love but we’re commanded to be reflectors of it as well.

We love because He first loved us. (1John 4:19 ESV)

And we love not just some generic one another. But we love that brother — the one we find hard to love.

If God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. And if we are going to obey the command, we must also love that brother. No wiggle room.

By God’s grace. For God’s glory.

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It Really Isn’t About Us

Posted on November 13, 2019 by Pete

Reading again in Ezekiel this morning and chewing on a conundrum God shares with His prophet.

To not deal with His people’s idolatry and rebellion was to allow them to continue to defile the land of promise, the land of His holy presence. So, He must judge them and send them out of the land. But to scatter them among the nations was to profane the reputation of the Promiser, to dishonor His holy name. And God cares about His glory.

“I scattered them among the nations, and they were dispersed through the countries. In accordance with their ways and their deeds I judged them. But when they came to the nations, wherever they came, they profaned My holy name, in that people said of them, ‘These are the people of the LORD, and yet they had to go out of His land.’ But I had concern for My holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations to which they came.”

(Ezekiel 36:19-21 ESV)

What’s a holy God to do? What course is left for a Creator who knows the only hope for His creation is to know Him as He truly is? Holy and just. Faithful and true.

Ignore the sin and His name is defiled in the land as He appears less holy than He really is. Deal with the sin and His name is profaned among the nations as He comes off as unable to fulfill His promises. Feels like a no win.

But not if He brings them back into the land. And not if He brings them back in a radically different condition.

Cleansed from all their uncleanness. Divorced of their idols. A new spirit within them, their spiritual DNA rewired. Hearts of stone removed and replaced with hearts of flesh. The Holy Spirit of the Holy God taking up residence in them so that they walk in His holy ways and are careful to obey His holy rules. Dwelling in the land promised to their fathers, living as people of promise–holy and righteousness–as you’d expect the people of a holy God to do (Ezek. 36:24-28).

And not because they deserve it. Not because of their own merit. Not because of their good works. Not because of their reputation or glory. Not for the sake of their name. But for the vindication of His holy name. And for that reason alone.

“Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord GOD: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came. And I will vindicate the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them. And the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Lord GOD, when through you I vindicate My holiness before their eyes.”

(Ezekiel 36:22-23 ESV)

Yes, God would bring them home after their exile. But for the sake of His name. True statement, He would love them with an everlasting love. But for the vindication of His glory. Absolutely, He would grace them with amazing grace, transforming them through supernatural transformation. But not so they could boast in their righteousness, but that the nations might know the only true Source of Righteousness. For sure, though beyond what could ever be imagined, the holy God would send His holy Son in flesh. And that, to die an unholy death to bear the wrath deserved by a rebellious people. So that whoever believes in Him might not perish but have everlasting life. But not for their sake, but for the sake of His holy name.

It really isn’t about us, is it?

To be sure, we are the benefactors of grace. But His name is the reason for grace. No doubt that we are loved with a steadfast love. But so that the world might know that God is love. We are His people, infused with His Spirit, possessors of eternal hope. But for the sake of His peerless reputation.

Our sin judged on the cross. Our hearts made new. Our lives being transformed. For the sake of His holy name. And that alone.

It really isn’t about us.

Such marvelous, abounding grace. But for His glory alone.

Amen?

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