He Hears Us

Posted on December 3, 2019 by Pete

I get what Job wanted. It’s how he goes about it that kind of makes me cringe. I think I understand his frustration. But it’s his impertinence that becomes cause for warning.

Oh, that I had one to hear me! (Here is my signature! Let the Almighty answer me!) Oh, that I had the indictment written by my Adversary! Surely I would carry it on my shoulder; I would bind it on me as a crown; I would give Him an account of all my steps; like a prince I would approach Him.

(Job 31:35-37 ESV)

Job just wanted to know he had been heard. He thought he knew how the world worked, and it wasn’t working that way. He thought He understood the justice of God, but it didn’t seem to be playing out according to Job’s scorecard. So, he wanted some answers. He wanted to be heard.

And Job is ready to put his case into writing, the case he presents in Job 31. He knows God sees His ways and numbers His steps (31:4). He also believes that calamity is for the unrighteous and disaster for the workers of iniquity (31:3). So, he recounts his ways and makes note of his steps. Ready to write out them out as his defense and sign it, confident that in it lies his vindication. And with that in hand he demands to know, “What unrighteousness have I committed that I should know such calamity? What iniquity have I worked to deserve such disaster? Would someone explain it to me? . . . Please!”

I get it. But that someone Job calls out is THE SOMEONE. The One who sees Job’s ways. The One Job demands an audience with — insisting He too, as his adversary (cringe!), put into writing His charges against Job — is the Almighty. Who is Job to demand that the Almighty come to him on his terms and answer him? Give your head a shake, Job!

Like I said, I think I get the confusion and frustration amidst the loss and pain, but there are some lines you just don’t cross. And that line was way behind Job at this point.

For the fact of the matter is this, there is One who hears us. One who really does know our ways and number our steps.

But, while in the perfect world to come there is the expectation of blessing and bliss for those who are blameless and upright, for those who fear God and turn away from evil (Job 1:1, 8; 2:3), we’re not there yet. In this fallen world, there is suffering without apparent reason, trial apart from direct cause-and-effect. Though the victory is sure, the battle is still being fought. A battle not with flesh and blood. Satan still chirping at God, I imagine, challenging the authenticity and durability of faith, as well as the power of the gospel. And for God’s purposes, and our growth, stuff happens that we don’t totally understand.

So, if we learn anything from Job, it’s that the right response isn’t to demand our day in court so that we can present our defence before God as a our prosecutor. Instead, it’s to humble ourselves in fear of the Almighty and plead only the finished work of Christ on our behalf. The only true source of righteousness. The ultimate assurance of a strength we can count on in our weakness, able to sustain us in our trials, temptations, and sufferings.

I get wanting answers. I need to rest in the fact that God knows the why. And that He is good. And that He can be trusted even in my frustration and confusion.

And I get wanting to be heard. I just need to remember I am.

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us.

(1John 5:13-14 ESV)

He hears us. We can trust Him.

By His grace. For His glory.

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An Open Door

Posted on December 2, 2019 by Pete

The time for listening was done. Now it was time for beholding. John had heard the words spoken by the One who walks in the midst of the churches on earth. Now, he would see Him as the One worthy to take the scroll in the midst of the throne in heaven.

And what captures my attention this morning, as I read in the Revelation to John, is an open door.

After this I looked, and there in heaven was an open door. The first voice that I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”

(Revelation 4:1 ESV)

There in heaven was an open door.

We take it for granted, I think. But pause and chew on that a bit–that there is an open door to heaven–and that should register somewhat on our internal awe-o-meters.

As His creation, wouldn’t it be enough for us to dwell forever here on earth knowing Him as Creator? To know the One who made us, why He made us, and to dwell, if even at a distance, in happy coexistence with Him through the peace He has made for us by His Son’s work on the cross? I’m thinking . . .

But that there’s a door? A door into heaven? An open door into heaven? What’s that about?

There is access to the very throne of heaven. A throne from which comes “flashes of lightning, and rumblings, and peals of thunder.” Where the Creator is seated and is seen as having “the appearance of jasper and carnelian.” A throne, that to be near it and the One who sits on it, is to instinctively give glory and honor and thanks to Him; to fall down before Him; to worship Him; to cast whatever crowns may be ours before Him. There’s a door, an open door, to all that. What manner of boundless love and amazing grace is that?

What’s more, it’s not a door that we are left to our own devices to discover. An entrance not dependent on our best efforts to find and access. But a door we will have no problem finding because the voice we first heard–the One that beckoned us to Himself when we first believed, saying “Come to Me”–that voice we will hear again saying, “Come up here!”

There is in heaven an open door. And one day, perhaps soon, a beckoning voice inviting us to behold wonders we can only imagine.

Hard to remember that sometimes. The daily grind, the cares of this world, the struggles of this place so often consuming our attention and energies. . All we see, so often, are the trials testing us. All we behold, the walls in front of us. Easy to forget there’s a door.

But this morning, if but with the eyes of faith, and if only as in a mirror dimly, I see a glimpse of a door. An open door. There in heaven an open door.

And through the revelation of the word of God, by the illumination of the Spirit of God, I behold the throne. And the glory of the One seated on it. As I hear the voice of the One who came to give His life as a ransom–the One who was, and is, and is to come–saying, “Take a break from all that consumes you down there. Come up here.”

And by the Spirit I ascend, for now, by faith. But then, face to face.

By His grace. For His glory.

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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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