Seek, Seek, Seek

Posted on May 7, 2025 by Pete

It’s a command to obey in Psalm 105 that hooks me this morning.

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon His name;
       make known His deeds among the peoples!
Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;
       tell of all His wondrous works!
Glory in His holy name;
       let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!
Seek the LORD and His strength;
       seek His presence continually!

(Psalm 105:1-4 ESV)

Seek His presence continually . . .

It’s an exhortation to not just desire, but to so long for as to require the presence of the LORD. And it raises a curiosity within me. Isn’t it a bit odd that we should yearn after and go after the presence of a God who is omnipresent?

I do a bit of digging, and the command is literally to seek “His face.” While God may be already present because He is always and everywhere present, the songwriter says that His people are wired to want to know His face, and thus they should seek to know Him up close and personal. That’s something to chew on . . .

But then I turn to Spurgeon and his thoughts on the psalmist’s lyrics. And his words end up being a big part of my meal this morning.

“Seek, seek, seek, we have the word three times, and though the words differ in the Hebrew, the sense is the same. It must be a blessed thing to seek, or we should not be thus stirred up to do so. To seek his face is to desire his presence, his smile, his favor consciously enjoyed. First, we seek him, then his strength and then his face; from the personal reverence, we pass on to the imparted power, and then to the conscious favor. This seeking must never cease — the more we know the more we must seek to know. Finding him, we must “our minds inflame to seek him more and more.” He seeks spiritual worshippers, and spiritual worshippers seek him; they are therefore sure to meet face to face ere long.” – Charles H. Spurgeon, The Treasury of David

Seek His presence continually . . .

. . . sure to meet face to face . . .

Through the favor of God’s grace.

To know the fullness of God’s glory.

Posted in Psalms | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Another Subscriber?

Posted on May 6, 2025 by Pete

My morning routine is first and foremost for my benefit. It’s my quiet time. It’s my time in the Word. Time to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2Peter 3:18), but equally as important, time to commune with the Triune God. Time with the living word of the Father, conveying something of His wonderful workings through the Son, brought to light by the inner dynamic of the Spirit. As such, every time I open the Word, it’s another opportunity for an encounter of the divine kind. Word of God speak!

I’m not unaware, however, that others have benefited from this routine as well. What began years and years ago as morning thoughts e-mailed to my wife and daughters is now a blog with e-mails being sent to a list of subscribers every time I post. I’ve often wondered that others might be encouraged by stuff I’m chewing on but have chalked it up to the fact that Jesus delights to feed people even if it’s with but an offering of a few loaves and a couple fishes. So, while I don’t count or track subscribers, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t aware they exist.

And this morning, it’s another subscriber who’s been put on my radar.

I will sing to the LORD as long as I live;
       I will sing praise to my God while I have being.
May my meditation be pleasing to Him,
       for I rejoice in the LORD.

(Psalm 104:33-34 ESV)

May my meditation be pleasing to Him . . . How’s that for a prayer to pray?

Sure, the specific context may be that of what comes to mind when singing, but I don’t think it’s much of a stretch to think the songwriter’s desire is that, as the New Living Translation puts it, “all my thoughts” — including my morning thoughts — would be pleasing to Him.

But is that really real? That our meditations might in some way be pleasing to the One who is the source of all pleasure? That somehow the God of creation would find some joy in our meager musings? That the God who transcends time and space might give attention to our closeted contemplations and whisper to Himself, “Sweet” (NKJV)? Yeah, I think it’s really real.

And it’s not about how deep we think or how well we write (or whether we write at all). Not dependent by us always picking up, fully and accurately, what’s being laid down and then laying out clearly what we’re picking up. Not that it’s an expectation of delivering without fail a deliverable every morning. In fact, it’s not about producing at all. God, the psalmist seems to be saying, delights just in our pondering.

May my meditation be pleasing to Him . . .

Another subscriber? I’m thinkin’ . . .

More evidence of His amazing grace.

More reason to ascribe to Him all the glory.

Posted in Psalms | Tagged , | Leave a comment

A Question. An Answer. An Effect

Posted on May 5, 2025 by Pete

Okay, as I sit back after my readings and start in on this morning’s meal, it’s scrambled eggs. No one passage, no single thought, rises to the surface as THE thing to meditate on. Rather, it’s a mix of observations coming together from different readings. A question here, an answer there, and an effect in yet another place.

First, a question. Context? Jonathan and his father, King Saul, get into an argument over the dinner table. Subject? David. Jonathan seeks to defend him, while Saul is set on destroying him. Cue, the question . . .

Then Jonathan answered Saul his father, “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?”

(1Samuel 20:32 ESV)

Why should He be put to death? Nothing deserving of death. Nothing deserving of anything but praise and honor. A servant of the king, a warrior under his command, David was nothing but noble and without fault. Hmm . . . sounds like “the greater David”, Jesus. And the question could be asked of Him as well. Why should He be put to death? What has He done?

Then, as I read in 2Corinthians, an answer.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you by His poverty might become rich.

(2Corinthians 8:9 ESV)

He became poor . . . How’s that for an understatement?

How poor? Philippians 2 tells us. Divested of His visible deity and all His heavenly glory in order to come to earth in the flesh, “being born in the likeness of men”. Took off, as it were, His royal garments in order to put on the clothes of a servant. So humbling Himself He became “obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Php. 2:6-8). How poor’s that? Pretty poor!

So, why should He be put to death? Why should He have been made so poor? So that you by His poverty might become rich. Hmm, again . . . tell me more about these riches.

Reading three. Behold, an effect.

Bless the LORD, O my soul,
       and forget not all His benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
       who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
       who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good
       so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

(Psalm 103:2-5 ESV)

Talk about your benefits! Talk about being made rich. Sins forgiven. A diseased soul, infected by a deceitful heart (Jer. 17:9), made whole. The price paid in full by His self-embraced poverty to redeem me from bondage to sin and death.

But wait, there’s more! I’m crowned — yes, crowned! — with God’s own steadfast love and mercy. Filled to overflowing with His goodness.

Sounds like a “from rags to riches story” to me.

A question. An answer. An effect. Worth chewing on? I’m thinkin’ . . .

Bless the LORD, O my soul!

For His grace. For His glory.

Posted in 1Samuel, 2Corinthians, Psalms | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Singing is Serving

Posted on May 2, 2025 by Pete

I know this morning’s observation isn’t a first-time observation. So, I look back in my journal and see that 2008 appears to have been when it first struck me. And since then, it has stuck with me. I journaled on it again in 2015, and in 2022. And this morning, once more, I am struck by the thought that singing is serving.

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into His presence with singing!

(Psalm 100:1-2 ESV)

Making a joyful noise to the LORD . . . Serving the LORD . . . Coming into the presence of the LORD with singing . . .

That’s not three different commands to obey. And I don’t think it’s two with one sandwiched between another repeated. But the structure of these opening lyrics seems to be a thrice beckoning to the people of God to do one grand thing. To sing. Thus, singing is serving!

And in case we missed the ask, the songwriter repeats it again.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
       and His courts with praise!
       Give thanks to Him; bless His name!

(Psalm 100:4 ESV)

Wanna serve God? Sing to God. Wanna work for Him? Worship Him. Wanna attend to Him? Ascribe to Him the glory due His name.

We may not all be preachers or teachers. Not all of us can lock ourselves in a room with babies, or preschoolers, or –Lord give us strength– 5th grade boys. Not everyone is able to put themselves out there to be a greeter. Not everyone can play an instrument. Not everyone is of sound enough body to help with set up and tear down. Many of us don’t know our spiritual gifting. Some of us are still too unsure of who we are in Christ to step up or step out and say, “Here am I. Use me!”

But all of us can sing. All of us can make a joyful noise. There’s not a believer who doesn’t have reason to give thanksgiving. Not a soul saved who doesn’t want to praise God for their salvation. No one who has been sealed with the Spirit’s residency that doesn’t want to bless the Lord.

So, just do it! Sing! Come into the LORD’s presence and serve!

And regardless of whether you can carry a tune or even know what it means to “sing on key”, as you make your joyful noise to the LORD hear your Master respond, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matt. 25:21).

Singing is serving. Worship is what God wants. Praise is prized in the courts of the King.

Go for it!

By His grace. For His glory.

Posted in Psalms | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

How Heavy is Heaven?

Posted on May 1, 2025 by Pete

True confession . . . I start most days with the NY Times and a quick scan of the headlines (right after I do the day’s Wordle). And then, as time permits, over the course of the morning I tap into other news sources and podcasts. Some with a more “left” bias, those that would be classified as having a “liberal” leaning, and also some that tilt “right” and would come from more of what would be considered more of a “conservative” predisposition. Oh yeah, and I also go to what I consider to be a somewhat neutral news source so that I can try and establish what’s factual through the “evidence of two or three witnesses”(2Cor. 13:1). I find I need to try and keep up on the truth of what’s happening, not because I necessarily like soap operas, reality TV, and drama, but because I think it’s important to keep trying to answer the question, “How should we then live?” (Thanx, Francis Schaeffer).

But there’s a price to be paid for that habit. In case you’re unaware, what’s going on in our world can be pretty heavy. A lot to try and take in. Somewhat burdensome. Discouraging even. Add to that the run-of-the-mill personal trials, tribulations, and sufferings and, oh man, the weight can be crushing.

That’s why I also start most days with my bible. Why, in addition to staying in touch with the left and right of my horizontal existence, I need to be tethered and cling to the up and down of my vertical reality. Knowing that regardless of how heavy things are here and now, things will be heavier there and then.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

(2Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV)

We do not lose heart . . . our inner self is being renewed day by day . . . this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond comparison . . . Chew on that for a bit!

Take in all the daily news you want (from reliable sources not algorithm-driven social media). Seek to be like the ancient men of Issachar “who had understanding of the times,” to know what they ought to do (1Chr. 12:32). But know it’s gonna affect your heart. Depending on your own bias, it’s gonna evoke ire or empathy. At times you’re going to be livid for feel like you’re languishing. As my friend used to say, your heart’s gonna be up and down like a toilet seat.

But don’t lose heart. Be renewed day by day.

How’s that gonna happen? Take in the good news daily as well — lots of it! Consider not just the things that are seen, the things that are transient, but meditate — think long and hard — on the things that are not seen, things which are eternal. Know that whatever the weightiness of the world we experience, it is but preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.

How heavy is heaven? Way heavier than any heaviness we experience here and now.

So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us.

(2Corinthians 4:16-17 MSG)

Small potatoes compared to what’s coming!

To misquote the old southern gospel song, “How heavy heaven must be . . . ” (Check out the actual song by clicking here)

Not a day goes by without His unfolding grace . . .

And not a day goes by without the renewed inner self giving Him glory!

Amen?

Posted in 1Corinthians | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Reflecting & Radiating (2015 Remix)

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Pete

A letter from Christ. Written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God. Engraved not on tablets of stone. Instead, inscribed on tablets of human hearts. That is how Paul regarded the saints at Corinth (2Cor. 3:3). And, not gonna lie, that’s how I regard myself. I think it’s a safe application. Written to them but also written for me, I think it’s fair to count myself as a page in the eternal epistle God is writing through grace by His Spirit.

Not that I’m much of a letter to read. There’s a lot more editing to be done. But as I hover over 2Corinthians 3 this morning . . . and if I’m understanding Paul’s comparison of the old and new covenants correctly . . . and if I’m picking up on what Paul is laying down concerning the life giving ministry of the Spirit of God . . . then I am, to some degree, reflecting and radiating the glory of God.

But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

(2Corinthians 3:16-18 ESV)

The old covenant was given through Moses. Written on tablets of stones, it provided the means for relationship based on the letter of the law. Though Paul describes it as “the ministry of death” (v.7) and “the ministry of condemnation” (v.9) it came with glory. Such glory that it caused Moses’ face to shine. Such glory that the Israelites couldn’t look upon the face of Moses and so he wore a veil (v.7). Glorious not because it provided the means of salvation, but rather, glorious because it was God’s appointed manner to direct men and women toward the Son of salvation. Yet it was a glory that faded.

Cue the glory that surpasses it (v.10), the glory that is permanent (v.11). Not the glory of a binding law conveyed through a man of God coming down from a mountain, but the glory of born-again life given by the Spirit of God come down from heaven itself. The Spirit of life and light supplanting the letter of the law. The glory of the Spirit surpassing the fading shine on Moses’ face. The Spirit of God providing once for all, and once forever, freedom. The veil removed through Christ (v.14b). The glow of glory directly reflected upon, and radiated from within, the faces of believers.

We turn to Jesus and the veil of darkness, guilt, and shame is removed. Thus, we behold the glory of the Lord. Literally, we become a mirror reflecting the glory of the risen Christ as by faith we are brought face to face with Jesus through the active agency of His indwelling Spirit.

Though dimly, we reflect Christ. His majesty and radiance faintly seen in sinners saved by grace. Those once of the letter of the law now walking in the freedom of the Spirit. Those once bound by sin and death are now released by the finished work of the resurrected Christ. Those once with hearts of stone, now given hearts of flesh — hearts which can be written upon by the Spirit to mirror a measure of the wondrous work of God’s overflowing love.

But beyond just mirroring something of the glory, we are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. The reflecting of His glory increasingly becomes a radiating of that glory. The Son’s rays not just bouncing off our faces but emitting from within our very being.

As the Spirit of life continues His sanctifying work of conforming us into the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29), we emanate the glory of Christ. And that, because we no longer live but Christ lives in us (Gal. 2:20). As such, the mind and heart of Christ bubble to the surface exuding the presence of God from within. And this not of ourselves, for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Reflecting the glory of God.

Radiating the glory of God.

Even so, blessed Spirit, keep writing the letter. Keep transforming us from one degree of glory to another.

Only by God’s grace. Always for God’s glory.

Posted in 1Corinthians | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Reality Within Hyperbole

Posted on April 29, 2025 by Pete

“Hyperbole”: a figure of speech that uses exaggeration for emphasis, not to be taken literally.

That’s what I think I’m encountering as Jesus makes a point to His disciples in Mark 10. But within this hyperbole, I’m chewing on some reality.

Peter began to say to [Jesus], “See, we have left everything and followed You.” Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for My sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.”

(Mark 10:28-30 ESV)

Houses and family and lands! Oh my! Whose not in for that deal?

Peter’s just been listening to Jesus tell a rich, young guy to sell all he has and give it to the poor and then he’ll have “treasure in heaven” (Mk. 10:21). And while the young guy walks away, Peter’s doing the math, “I’ve walked away from everything. Same deal me for me? Treasure in heaven?”

Cue Jesus and some hyperbole. He doesn’t dispute that Peter has left everything to follow Him. Instead, He tells Peter, “It’s gonna be worth it all.” You’ve left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for My sake? You’ll get it all back . . . and then some . . . like a hundred times some!

Jesus wasn’t promising Peter a hundred houses for the house that he barely lived in any more because he was always on the road with Jesus. Wasn’t promising him a family a hundred-times bigger than the family he rarely saw because he was following Jesus. Wasn’t promising him a hundred acres for every acre he could no longer tend because he was tending to matters of a land yet to come? Not literally, at least. That’s what hyperbole is, an exaggeration for emphasis. Peter, says Jesus, what you’ve left doesn’t compare to what you’re investing in! Its gonna be worth it all!

Okay. Let’s say you can go with that. But then there’s those two words that get thrown in there . . . with persecutions. Kinda’ sneaky, huh? And guess what? Not hyperbole. Not exaggerating. Persecutions come with the promises– it’s a package deal.

Persecutions. Harassment. Mistreatment. Misunderstood by your friends. Held in contempt by the world. So that’s the deal — a hundredfold yet with hostility. How’s that for some reality within hyperbole?

But guess what, Peter? It’s still gonna be worth it all.

Because, beyond all the “hundredfold” blessings of following Me now — even the blessing of suffering for My sake (Matt. 5:10-12, 1Peter 3:14) — in the age to come eternal life. And Jesus isn’t exaggerating! That’s more reality!

You’ve left everything? Hyperbole? Probably. But let’s not minimize the price you’ve paid for following Jesus.

You’ll reap a hundredfold? More hyperbole? Yeah, but how much family has come into your life because you’re now part of the family of God? How many homes have you been welcomed into? There’s certainly blessings to be known even now.

Persecutions now? Reality? Yes sir. Yes ma’am.

Still gonna be worth it all? I’m thinkin’!

‘Cause in the age to come eternal life! More reality!

By His grace. For His glory.

Posted in Mark | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Smart Thinking . . . Eight Years Later

Posted on April 28, 2025 by Pete

2017 was a pretty significant year for me, so I often go back to journal entries from that year to see how I was processing my morning meals back then. If the following thoughts from eight years ago were based on accurate observations back then, how much truer are they in our highly polarized, antagonized, and villainized culture today? Worth re-considering, I think.

Paranoia — that’s just smart thinking when everybody’s against you.

Heard that years ago from a colleague. Made me laugh then. Still causes me to chuckle now.

And I kind of think that, overall, our culture is full of “smart thinkers.” If not full-blown classic paranoiacs, then those who exercise a “healthy level” of mistrust. Ours is something of a society of cynics as we assume that everyone is working an angle. While there’s truth that we need to be discerning on the one hand, and willing to earn other’s trust on the other, I fear that all too often we start at a deficit position in our relationships because our culture assumes everyone is working some sort of personal agenda, be it political, ideological, theological, ecological, physiological, or, from our point of view, simply illogical. And maybe that’s just smart thinking when you’re living in this world. But what if your peer group is of another world?

For our boast is this: the testimony of our conscience that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.

(2Corinthians 1:12 ESV)

Paul did what he did with simplicity and godly sincerity. Whether it was suffering for the faith or apparently meddling in the affairs of one of the churches he had planted, his motives were born of a “mental honesty” and free from pretense and hypocrisy. His actions were spurred not from a preconceived agenda he put together but from a divine stewardship he had been given. His motives were pure. His actions were consistent. And his barometer for knowing this to be true? The testimony of his conscience.

And while I get that when going out into the world we need to be “wise as serpents” (Matt 10:16), I’m also thinking that when hanging out with the family of God we should know such gospel-founded security that, when it comes to our brother and sisters, we receive them more in a manner best characterized as “innocent as doves.” Regarding other believers as without malice of intent, on the up and up, and seeking to live by the grace of God in simplicity and sincerity for the glory of God — just as we should be.

But I fear that too often we get drawn into embracing the world’s “smart thinking.” We live in a way that conveys that even believers should be received with a measure of “godly suspicion.” That while they may be new creations in Christ, we don’t really think we can engage them as all that new. That we need to assume they too have an agenda. That they, themselves, are not really walking in simplicity and sincerity and with a good conscience towards God.

Sure, there’s a level of risk in starting from a point of trust with another person. But isn’t it a risk worthy taking when that other person is a brother or sister in Christ? I think so. For then, by determining to behave ourselves in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity and believing that others seeking the kingdom are doing likewise, we portray a dynamic within our gospel community which refutes “earthly wisdom” and instead puts on display the grace of God.

Simplicity and godly sincerity, that’s how Paul determined he would govern all his actions. But especially, supremely, actions directed toward the people of God.

Sure, there may be a place for “smart thinking”, but there’s even more a need for sanctified thinking. Amen?

May God’s people be marked by simplicity and sincerity of purpose and may we be known for how we love and trust one another.

Because of the gospel.

By His grace.

And for His glory.

Posted in 2Corinthians | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Could Half-Hearted Lead to Hard-Hearted?

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Pete

Hovering over Psalm 95 this morning. A familiar psalm. The first part familiar because of a “chorus” we used to sing back in the day, the latter part because I’ve encountered it in the book of Hebrews (Heb. 3:7-8, Heb. 3:15, Heb. 4:7). And it’s the familiarity that arrests me this morning, because it seems to be mismatched.

How does — why does — a song that begins consumed with worship end concentrated on a warning? Is there a connection? Yeah, probably. So, what’s the connection? I’m wondering if it isn’t found in comparing the commands found in the song.

Oh come, let us sing to the LORD;
       let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation!
Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving;
       let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise!
. . .
Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
       let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!
For He is our God,
       and we are the people of His pasture,
       and the sheep of His hand.
Today, if you hear His voice,
       do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah,
       as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,
when your fathers put Me to the test
       and put me to the proof,
       though they had seen My work.

(Psalm 95:1-2, 7-9 ESV)

Check out the commands. Three times the song listener is exhorted to “come”. To come sing. To come into God’s presence with thanksgiving. To come worship and bow down. And then, the fourth command; don’t harden your hearts, “don’t turn a deaf ear” (MSG).

Seems that if we’re not determined to sing songs that adore and glorify the Lord, then, like the example of those wilderness wanderers the psalmist refers to, we may be prone to saying stuff that accuses and groans against the Lord. If we are not going to praise, we may find ourselves putting God to the test. If we refuse to worship and bow down, don’t be surprised if we find ourselves whining and being disdainful.

If we’re half-hearted when it comes to giving God the glory He is due are we in danger of becoming hard-hearted and some day giving God more grief than we dare? I’m wondering . . .

So, let’s sing. Let’s make a joyful noise. Let’s worship and bow down. Let’s not give our hearts the opportunity to become calloused.

For He is the LORD! He is the Rock of our salvation! He is the LORD, our Maker! He is our God!

Hear His voice, “Come!”

Worship by His grace. Worship in His grace.

Worship for His glory.

Posted in Psalms | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Where Favor is Found

Posted on April 24, 2025 by Pete

As I read in Ruth this morning, it’s a thrice repeated thought that captures my thoughts. A thought about encountering grace. A thought about finding favor. And where is favor found? It’s in the beholding. It’s in the eyes.

And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.” . . .

Then [Ruth] fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to [Boaz], “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” . . .

Then she said, “I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants.”

(Ruth 2:2, 10, 13 ESV)

Ruth was looking for a little favor. She was in need of some grace.

She wasn’t from around these parts. She was a foreigner. She had no heritage in Israel. No birthright to the land. Other than being her mother-in-law’s companion, she had no real attachment to these people. And the only way she was going to feed herself was by finding some favor. So, she’d need to encounter grace if she were to walk into some random field to pick up the leftovers. She’d need to encounter some unmerited favor if she were to be received rather than run off.

So, without being known, without any credentials to vouch for her, without any previous performance to credibly present on her resume, any reception she found to anyone’s field would be dependent on how she was viewed. She’d need to find favor in someone’s eyes.

I chew on that for a bit and I find myself identifying with this Moabite widow.

I too was “alienated from the commonwealth of Israel”, a stranger “to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (Eph. 2:12). A nobody. An unknown. And, in great need. Desperate for the bread of life. Thirsting for living waters. But with nothing to offer in return. Bankrupt and unable to purchase such provision. My only hope, grace. My only optimism, to find favor. And that, in Someone’s eyes.

Why have I found favor in Your eyes, that You should take notice of me?

Why indeed, Lord?

Isn’t that the question behind finding favor? The question which, by the very nature of favor, has no answer? Finding favor means there’s no reason, no obligation, nothing which demands being seen, much less being shown kindness. In fact, when it comes to the greater Boaz, Jesus, being seen by Him happened before we ever looked to Him. Favor found before we knew our need. Grace determined, before we took even a step in His direction. Nathanael’ story comes to mind . . .

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered Him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

(John 1:47-49 ESV)

How do You know me?

I saw you . . .

Seen by the Son before we ever looked for Him.

That’s where favor is found. In His eyes.

Oh what grace!

To God be the glory!

Posted in Ruth | Tagged , , | Leave a comment