A Gimme Prayer

Posted on March 13, 2019 by Pete

How often have we prayed a pray pleading with God but not presuming on God? Shared the desires of our heart but know that we cannot make demands of our God? Or, how many times have we sought direction when we don’t really know which path to take? Asked for a door to be open because we’re not sure which way to go?

A lot of our prayers we pray not knowing how God will answer either because we don’t know what we want or what He wants. We pray holding loosely any particular desired outcome because we don’t want to usurp our determination above His. Thus, we pray as Jesus did to the Father, “Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done” (Lu. 22:42).

Bottom line? There’s a lot of stuff we pray about and we don’t really know what the Father’s will is.

But what if we prayed for something that we know to be the Father’s will? What if asked for an outcome we’ve been told the Father has promised to provide? With the crazy way I think, wouldn’t that be a “gimme prayer.”

Gimme, not as in, “Give me!” because I’m demanding something. But gimme, as in a gimme shot in golf. A short putt that no one requires you to actually take because it’s a sure thing. Gimme as in “it’s a done deal.” And so, a gimme prayer is a pray that we know the outcome before we pray it. We’re certain as to God’s will before we ask it.

And as I hover over a couple of verses this morning in Psalm 61 this morning, I’m thinking the songwriter might be praying a gimme prayer and I’m moved to pray it too.

Prolong the life of the King; may His years endure to all generations! May He be enthroned forever before God; appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over Him!

(Psalm 61:6-7 ESV)

Strictly speaking, Psalm 61 is song by David about David. A cry to God in a time of trouble. A call for help when his heart is faint and he has reached the end of his rope. “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I,” sings the royal songwriter, knowing that God is that rock, a well tested refuge in the past and a sure hope against the enemy for the future (vv. 2-3). The ask is for a safe place to dwell. For shelter under the wings of the place where God’s glory dwells (v. 4).

But in verse six, David switches from first person to third person. From praying about “me” to petitioning on behalf of “the king.” And I can’t help, as David makes the switch, to think that it might not also have reference to “the King.” The promised King through the line of David. The eternal King who will reign forever and ever. The glorious King who sits enthroned in the heavens and will one day return to earth. The King spoken of by Jesus in my reading this morning in Matthew 25.

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. . . . Then the King will say . . . ”

(Matthew 25:31, 34a ESV)

And so if David’s prayer, directed by the Spirit of God, is for King Jesus, God’s Anointed, isn’t it a gimme prayer?

The King’s life will be a prolonged life, for He is the Author of life (Acts 3:15)–resurrected life that endures to all generations, generations past and generations to come.

What’s more, He will be enthroned forever for He is the King of kings (Rev. 17:14). And His throne will be a throne before God. The Lamb in the midst (Rev. 5:6). The Son at the Father’s right hand (Heb. 12:2). Father and Son, along with the Spirit, of one being, bearing the same glory.

And His reign has been and will always be marked by steadfast love and faithfulness. The love with which the Father has loved Him since eternity past having been infused in those of His kingdom as He reigns over them and in them (Jn. 17:26).

No need for “nevertheless not my will but Yours be done” when praying this prayer of David. For we know it is God’s will and His will WILL BE done. It’s a gimme prayer.

Even so, Lord Jesus, reign.

Even so, Lord Jesus, come.

In Your grace. For Your glory.

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#WeAre

Posted on March 12, 2019 by Pete

I’m increasingly aware that we operate out of a sense of who we are. That our identity, or our perceived identity, will dictate our values, our priorities, and our behaviors. So it shouldn’t be too surprising that if we have an enemy opposed to the things and people of God (and we do), and our battle is not against flesh and blood (and it isn’t), then to mess with our view of our identity is a great way for the enemy to mess with our life’s direction.

If we see ourselves as independent, free to do as we please, then we’ll operate from that mindset. Captains of our own ship. No one telling us what’s right or wrong or what to do.

If we see ourselves as a misplaced piece in the context of some great chaotic puzzle called life, if we see no bigger picture and where we fit into it, then we’ll live as if life is meaningless. Or, perhaps worst yet, we’ll create our own meaning for life and then define how we measure whether or not we’re making progress, or whether or not we’re successful.

If we believe that we are on our own, that if we don’t look out for ourselves no one else is going to do it for us, then when the going gets tough, we’ll get going. If it’s me against the world, then I’ll depend on my own strength and do whatever I gotta do so that no one gets the upper hand on me.

Who we think we are can’t help but influence how we live.

This morning, reading in Romans 8, the two word phrase “we are” jumped off the page three times. According to Paul, here’s at least some of what defines the child of God. Here, at least in part, is our identity in Christ. #WeAre

So then, brothers, we are debtors . . .

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God . . .

. . . in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

(Romans 8:12a, 16-17a, 37 ESV)

#WeAre . . . Debtors. We owe Another. We are under obligation. Not to live as independent but by the Spirit. Having been purchased by the blood of Christ, we are no longer our own. Our body no longer our body, it is now a temple of the Holy Spirit. Thus, we are debtors to glorify God in our body (1Cor. 6:19-20). While the salvation we’ve received is a free gift, one we could never afford nor one we could every repay, the Spirit, indwelling us as the guarantee of that gift (Eph. 1:13-14), calls us to a life set apart as a response to God’s abundant love and grace.

#WeAre . . . Children of God. And if children, then heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ. Far from being some misfit orphan piece in some chaotic puzzle, we have been born again into a forever family. Once not a people, we have been made a people. Once poor apart from God, we have been made rich through Christ. Nothing more to be gained. Awaiting “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1Pet. 1:4), what matters here and now is how well we “suffer with Him” (8:16) rather than how successful we are perceived by ourselves or others.

#WeAre . . . More than Conquerors. Not by of our own capability. Not through our own toughness and strength. But “through Him who loved us.” Because nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (8:39).  Not in our own might or power, “but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts” (Zech. 4:6). Not on our own, but with our Father who has promised never to leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5).

That, at least in part, is who we are.

O that it would, in ever increasing measure, direct how we purpose to live.

By His grace. For His glory.

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Obedient From The Heart

Posted on March 8, 2019 by Pete

Lots of thought provoking stuff in my readings this morning.

Still don’t know that I have the complex relationship between God and Balaam figured out (Num. 22). But I’m pretty sure the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in His hand is a pre-incarnate manifestation of the Son of God, the Warrior to be revealed.

And speaking of “to be revealed,” Jesus’s signs of the end of the age sure have a familiar, current affairs ring to them (Matt. 24). Lots I don’t know here, as well, but I do know His grace is sufficient for enduring to the end.

And, when it comes to enduring, there’s David repeated assertion and solid counsel in Psalm 56, “in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.” “Amen! Me too!” I think to myself.

But it’s a four-word phrase in Romans 6 that I have no doubt the Spirit has led my heart to be captured with. Four words that reveal the essence of the power of the gospel. Four words that give insight as to the divine dynamics of regeneration. Four words which bring clarity to the practical difference between self-righteousness and imputed righteousness; between legalistic adherence and life-based actions; between religious observance and relationship-based response.

Those four words? Obedient from the heart. (OFTH for my texting friends?)

That’s what the gospel brings. That’s the power of possessing a righteousness by faith. That’s the fruit of being made a new creation in Christ.

And that’s fuel for a renewed sense of awe. A catalyst for igniting again fervent adoration.

So I’m gonna take less time writing this morning and more time worshiping. Here’s some thoughts on the wonder of such obedience from back in 2013.

By His grace. For His glory.

—————————————————-

Sitting Down on the Inside

Thinking about obedience. Listening . . . harkening . . . submitting to a command. And I’m thinking there’s a number of places obedience can come from. You can obey because you fear the consequences . . . you can obey because you covet the reward . . . you can obey because you are forced into submission.

I’m reminded of the story of a toddler who wouldn’t sit down in his high chair despite his mother’s directive to do so. Eventually she prevails (as mom’s are prone to do) . . . he unlocks his knees and slides to his seat . .. . but then he looks up at mom and says, “I may be sitting down on the outside . . . but I’m standing up on the inside!” As I’m finishing up this morning in Romans 6, I’m a bit in awe that God has enabled me to be “sitting down on the inside.”

But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.

(Romans 6:17-18 ESV)

But thanks be to God, that you . . . have become obedient from the heart.

That is the work of the gospel . . . that is the manifestation of God’s abundant grace . . . that is evidence of the indwelling Spirit of God . . . an obedience not driven by fear . . . not embraced for personal gain . . . not submitted to because of external compulsion . . . but an obedience which is sourced in the depths of a regenerated heart.

I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.

(Ezekiel 36:25-27 ESV)

A heart of flesh . . . a heart rewired . . . a heart infused with heavenly presence . . . a heart awakened to the things of light . . . a heart, having tasted living water, thirsting for more . . . a heart made alive to the things of heaven, desiring less and less the things of earth . . . a heart so in love with the Savior that its greatest delight is to be “sitting down on the inside.”

I’m not talking perfection here . . . to be sure there’s a battle . . . “The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions” (Gal. 5:17 NLT).

But I am talking about power. Through the finished work of Christ on the cross . . . through the victory over sin and death declared in His resurrected life . . . because the righteousness of His perfect being has been imputed to our account . . . enabled by the Spirit, the believer has been wired for obedience from the heart.

We are not forced into submission, but freely bow the knee . . . it is less about the reward than it is about pleasing the Rewarder . . . fear of failure is cast out by His perfect love, replaced with an increasingly innate desire to bring Him glory simply because He is worthy of all glory.

No boasting . . . just awe. Obedient from the heart . . . sitting down on the inside.

May it be more so, Lord . . . by Your grace . . . for Your glory.

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It’s A Gift

Posted on March 7, 2019 by Pete

Help Wanted: Men to work in a top secret environment where others are not permitted. To labor on ground of such purity, and enveloped in such power, that a misstep could be your last step. Job has relatively little variety. Must be able to thrive within routine. Cannot be squeamish at the sight of blood. Expect hard labor slicing and dicing sacrifice after sacrifice. (Mandatory retirement set at 50 years of age.) Must be comfortable being set apart. Must be willing to wear provided work uniform, no street clothes permitted. Workplace will be confined to the inside of a tent and the area immediately surrounding it. Most job related tasks unable to be delegated to others. Even most meals will be eaten only with co-workers and immediate family. Mental toughness required as you will be constantly reminded of sin and the price required to atone for it. Must be willing to serve . . . to serve as subjects . . . to work for Another. And, by the way, it’s a gift.

This morning I’m chewing on a verse in Numbers 18.

And you and your sons with you shall guard your priesthood for all that concerns the altar and that is within the veil; and you shall serve. I give your priesthood as a gift, and any outsider who comes near shall be put to death.”

(Numbers 18:7 ESV)

The LORD is speaking to Aaron, His inaugural high priest, about the expectation of the priests and of those given to assist them, the Levites. And what grabs me this morning is that this service should be considered a gift. The position recognized as a privilege. The role seen as great reward. The work a wonder.

And I’m reminded that I too have been called into a priesthood.

. . . you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. . . . you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

(1Peter 2:5, 9 ESV)

As God’s redeemed, we are to be a holy priesthood ready, willing, and able to offer up spiritual sacrifices. As God’s chosen possession, we are deemed a royal priesthood commissioned to “show others the goodness of God” (NLT).

Seen as a gift?

Viewed as a “get to” or as a “got to”?

A privilege? Or a pain?

Endured? Or embraced?

It’s a gift. A position we are blessed to possess. Not a burden we are forced to bear as the price of eternity. A calling divine, not some form of collateral damage.

O that God would revive within His people the high and holy calling of being believer priests. That we would view ourselves afresh as the lay priesthood we are. Blessed with access into the Holy of Holies. Rewarded with the message and means of reconciliation for those who are without.

It’s a gift.

By His grace. For His glory.

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Let Grace Reign!

Posted on March 6, 2019 by Pete

Sin is like a spreading disease. Grace like a covering cure. Sin, like yeast, starts at the place where it is introduced and then dispenses itself and permeates everything that touches it leading to death. Grace is sourced outside of that which it remedies. Applied from without, it converts what was once corrupt as it envelops it with its life-giving properties. That’s what I’m picking up from what Paul is laying down in the latter half of Romans 5.

For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

(Romans 5:17 ESV)

Those infected with sin really have nothing to look forward to but subjection to that sin. And while they may enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, when all is said and done, they’re done. Nothing to live for beyond these few earth-bound years because there’s nothing to look forward to beyond the grave. The disease consuming its victim. Dulling the eternal senses of those infected by it so that life becomes only about what is done under the sun. The yeast infiltrating not only this life but destroying the life to come.

But, praise God, “the free gift is not like the trespass” (5:15a).

The “abundance of grace” poured out from heaven imparts the “free gift of righteousness” so that those covered by it and cleansed by it will “reign in life.” Not just exist, but reign. Not just gut it out, but thrive to the highest degree. No longer subject to the decaying realities of a sin-infected world, but exercising kingly power now and in a place of perfection. Knowing triumph over sin, though imperfectly in this life, but fully and victoriously in the life to come. The life beyond the grave.

And we will reign, because grace reigns. And grace reigns through righteousness.

. . . but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

(Romans 5:20b-21 ESV)

Grace reigns through righteousness. That’s what I’m chewing on this morning.

The power of grace is in the imputing of righteousness to those once enslaved by sin. A righteousness that comes from outside ourselves. A righteousness sourced in the righteousness of the spotless Lamb of God. A righteousness empowered by the same power that raised Christ from the dead. The righteousness of the Son of God, Himself. And through that righteousness, the dynamics of grace govern every aspect of our lives from here to eternity.

Thank God that grace reigns through righteousness. And that, not my own, but a righteousness which is revealed by the gospel “from faith for faith.”

. . . as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

(Romans 1:17b ESV)

Robed by grace. Redeemed by grace. Regenerated by grace. Righteous by grace. Ruled by grace. And, one day, relocated by grace into His glorious presence.

Let grace reign!

For His glory alone.

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We Were, We Are, We Rejoice

Posted on March 5, 2019 by Pete

Not gonna lie . . . something about working your way through the book of Romans that can’t help but generate some joy. Paul’s precept-upon-precept treatise on “the power of God for salvation” (1:16) builds wonder and worship as it builds its argument. The gospel, which reveals a righteousness “from faith for faith” (1:17), shown just how good of news it is even as Paul delivers first the bad news that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (3:23). The acknowledgment of our sin giving way to the awe of our salvation.

And as I’m hovering over the first part of Romans 5 this morning, it’s the word “we” that jumps off the page. Fifteen times in twelve verses. And I’m reminded of what we were, what we are, and why we rejoice.

We were weak (5:6). We were sinners (5:8). We were enemies of God (5:10). That’s what we were when we were in our transgression. No power within ourselves to “get right with God.” No goodness within ourselves that could offset our uncleanness before a holy, holy, holy God. No humility within ourselves compelling us to bow the knee and repent of our rebellion against God.

But while we were still weak, while we were still sinners, while we were enemies, Christ died for the ungodly. Christ died for us. And we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son.

And that’s what we are. We are reconciled to God (5:10). We are justified by His blood (5:9). We are free from His wrath (5:9). And so, we are at peace with our Creator (5:1) and, through faith, we are standing on the solid ground of His unfailing, abundant grace (5:2).

That’s what we are, child of God! The ungodly declared not guilty. Sinners called to be saints. Enemies now brought near into relationship. That’s what we are.

So how could we not rejoice? And rejoice in all things?

. . . we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

(Romans 5:2b ESV)

. . . we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

(Romans 5:3-5 ESV)

. . . we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

(Romans 5:11 ESV)

Because of what we were, and knowing what we now are, we rejoice. Rejoice in hope. Rejoice in our sufferings. Rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our boasting found in the glory that will be ours because of the work He has finished on our behalf.

Glorying even in our seasons of suffering as they provide opportunity to know deeper the love of God. Experiencing the sustaining power of God, as He uses times of trial to conform us increasingly into the likeness of God.

Able to rejoice at all times and in all situations. And this too made possible through the Son of God.

We were enemies. We are reconciled. Therefore we will rejoice.

Amen?

By His grace. For His glory.

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Beware the Rabble

Posted on March 4, 2019 by Pete

I have before hovered over Numbers 11 wondering how a people literally fed by the hand of God could complain about the food they were given. “Nothing but manna?” That was their complaint. These earthly people had grown tired of heavenly food. God’s daily provision had for them become dully predictable. And while God in His graciousness would provide meat to eat, His anger would also “blaze hotly” (v.10) and for many it would be their last meal (v. 34).

But this morning what grabs my attention is less the sin than the source. Focused less on their crazy cry for Egypt’s good food and more on the catalyst that started it all. In my bible, it’s called the rabble.

Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.”

(Numbers 11:4-6 ESV)

It started with “the rabble that was among them.” The foreign rabble (NLT). The contemptible people (HCSB). The riff-raff (MSG). The mixed multitude (NKJV).

The “strong craving,” the lusting for Egypt, that ignited the manna rebellion began with some of “the mixed multitude” that walked out of Egypt with the people of God (Ex. 12:38). People who really had eaten of the best of the land, but bailed on the land when the firstborn of the land were destroyed during the tenth plague. People who believed enough to flee the wrath, but not enough to follow in faith. It might be argued that though they were with the people of God, they were never really of the people of God.

This doesn’t excuse the people’s rebellion. They were the ones who complained and cried out against God. But it is a reminder that, among the people of God, there has always been wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matt. 7:15). That among the wheat there has always been the weeds (Matt. 13:25). That not everyone “of us” is really “of us” (1Jn. 2:19).

It is amazing that this rabble were permitted to walk out of Egypt. That they too waded into the Red Sea on dry ground. That they witnessed the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. God in His sovereign determination allowing them to masquerade as though they longed to follow the God of Israel when, in fact, they lusted after the ease of Egypt. Perhaps, in His patient kindness, wanting to provide maximum time for their hearts to be turned toward Him.

But their hearts remained with Egypt. And their “strong craving” for the world spread like yeast among the people of God igniting a discontent for the way of God and a desire for the way of bondage.

No excusing the chosen people. But wouldn’t it be foolish to ignore the rabble, the catalyst for crying out against God?

How we need to be discerning of voices within the midst of the congregation that long for the ways of this world and complain against the God of heaven. How we need to be on guard against those who would turn aside the hearts of the people.

. . . the anger of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD struck down the people with a very great plague. Therefore the name of that place was called Kibroth-hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had the craving.

(Numbers 11:34 ESV)

Beware the craving. Beware the rabble.

By His grace. For His glory.

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Me, Me, Me

Posted on March 1, 2019 by Pete

I get it when we say, “It’s not about me” . . . until it is. David did too.

After Nathan the prophet had confronted David exposing his adultery with Bathsheba and his murderous duplicity with her husband, when David’s spirit was broken and his heart crushed with contrition, it had to be about him.

His sin had been great. His need even greater. His desperation, greater still.

And out of such awareness of his own sin he pens a song, Psalm 51, about “me.”

Have mercy on me, O God . . .
Wash me thoroughly . . .
Cleanse me from my sin . . .
Purge me with hyssop . . .
Let me hear joy and gladness . . .
Create in me clean heart . . .
Renew within me a right spirit . . .
Cast me not away from Your presence . . .
Take not from me Your Holy Spirit . . .
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation . . .
Uphold me with a willing spirit . . .
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness . .

It’s a song about me which declares a wholly dependence on Him.

Nothing David could do could right the wrong. Nothing David could say could alter the fact that he had sinned against God and God alone and deserved God’s judgment. Nothing David could give could pay the debt owed heaven. Nothing David could build could breach the chasm of broken fellowship with the God he longed after. Nothing he could do, and so, it had to be about what God, in His mercy and grace, would do for him.

Reading also this morning in Romans 3. And reminded that I am like David.

. . . for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God  

(Romans 3:23 ESV)

Having sinned against God and Him only. Unable to bring any offering or sacrifice sufficient to atone for my own sin but the offering of a broken spirit and a contrite heart that cries out to God, “Have mercy on me!”

Needing to be justified, to have the debt paid and the stain of sin removed. Knowing that it can never be on on the basis of what I can do for Him. Believing afresh, and acknowledging anew, that it can only be on the grounds of what He has done for me.

. . . justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith.

(Romans 3:24-25a ESV)

Washed thoroughly. Purged completely. Delivered fully. Renewed daily. Only because of what God in His grace has done for me.

A clean heart. A willing spirit. His abiding presence. An everlasting joy. Only because of what His Son is doing in me through His Spirit.

Not about me. Except when it is.

Because of grace. For His glory.

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That He Would Be Glorified

Posted on February 28, 2019 by Pete

Okay, so when you encounter a command in a passage of Scripture, it’s probably a pretty good idea to seek to obey it. But when you find that command repeated within a few verses, put your ears on! Get your head in the game! And, as much as lies within you, respond to what the Holy Spirit’s trying to tell you. Check out this double command in Psalm 50:

Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”

(Psalm 50:14-15 ESV)

The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies Me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!”

(Psalm 50:23 ESV)

A couple of things to note. Both passages speak of thanksgiving as a sacrifice to be offered. And both speak of how we should do life. Oh yeah, one more thing, at the center of both these commands is the opportunity to glorify God.

A double command? Glorify God? Perhaps I should listen up!

If I’m picking up what is being laid down, God desires a heart primed to thank and praise Him. Sure, we can offer Him a disciplined devotion time, or offer Him our attendance at church every Sunday, or ten percent out of our wallet, or any number of things, but, it seems to me, at the end of the day, if at the heart of it all there isn’t a sacrifice of praise or an offering of thanksgiving, then those other “offerings” have very little meaning or impact before our God.

In this double command the Father says, “Offer Me praise. Place thanksgiving on the altar. Even when circumstances aren’t so good, acknowledge that I am good. Even when others fail you, declare that I will never leave you nor forsake you. Even when you don’t know the way, praise Me because I have set in motion your path and have promised to direct you.”

I don’t know exactly why God so values our thanksgiving, but I do know He is worthy of it. I know He deserves it. That He would delight to receive it from such as I, well, that’s kind of amazing.

So why wouldn’t I delight in offering such a sacrifice? The sacrifice of thanksgiving glorifies God, and I want to be a God glorifier.

Something else glorifies God. In addition to the offering of thanksgiving from our hearts and lips, God is glorified when we determine to do life in a manner consistent with His calling to live for Him and to depend on Him. I am to “perform my vows.” I am to “order my way rightly.” And I am to “call upon Him in the day of trouble.”

What mom always said really is true–it is so much about making wise choices. Choosing to direct my energies in pursuit of the kingdom. Choosing to do all things as unto the Lord. Choosing to cry out to him when the going gets tough rather than trying to do it on my own.

And the promise is that, when I make those choices, He will show me the way and deliver me from the trial. It may not be my way. It might not be deliverance according to my desired outcome or timing. But, at the end of the day, I’ll know it was my God who delivered me in the day of trouble. That it was Him who faithfully directed my path. And I will thank Him. And in so doing, I will glorify Him.

Oh, that I might bring before Him the sacrifice of thanksgiving more continually. That my heart might overflow with an offering of praise more consistently. That He would be glorified.

Oh, that I might, out of a heart of praise, seek to order my steps after His. That I might respond to His call to be holy for He is holy. That I would have a holy determination to live for Him and yield to the Spirit’s sanctifying work in me. That I might live in dependence upon Him and know His deliverance. That He would be glorified.

By His grace . . . that He would be glorified.

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Eternal Economics

Posted on February 27, 2019 by Pete

Hovering over Psalm 49 this morning. A song, it seems to me, about economics. Eternal economics. The songwriter solving a riddle with lyrics and melody (v.4) as he considers the ultimate advantage of wealth. (Spoiler alert . . . none).

The conundrum he contemplates? “Why should I fear in times of trouble?”

Apparently his time of trouble involved being cheated by the hands of “those who trust their wealth” and “boast of the abundance of their riches” (v.5-6). Those with the means to make his life miserable. Those with the money to mess things up. Those who espoused their own version of the golden rule–we have the gold, thus we’ll make the rules. Those who, from a natural perspective, had a lot of leverage because they possessed a lot of the loot.

But the songwriter considers further the natural and reminds himself that it is temporal. That even the wealthiest man eventually dies. That when all is said and done, nothing ultimately distinguishes the rich from the poor. That both the wise and the foolish end up in the grave. That boasting is ultimately buried. That whatever one possesses, and whatever power that might seem to allow him to wield, “his pomp will not remain; he is like the beasts that perish” (v.12).

And consideration of the temporal leads the psalmist to consider the eternal and the economics that dictate life after the grave.

Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, that he should live on forever and never see the pit. . . . But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for He will receive me.   Selah

(Psalm 49:7-9, 15 ESV)

No man can redeem another from the power of the grave. No amount of earthly riches can reverse the stranglehold of death. But God is able to ransom the soul. He is able to bear the cost to pay forever the price of mortality. He alone has the power to break the bondage of Sheol.

His heavenly riches able to secure earthly resurrection. And in that, “He will receive me.” Death’s chains broken so that we might live bodily in His presence.

And while the ancient songwriter was led by the Spirit of God to be assured of such a ransom, today we know the One in whom those riches are found.

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace. . . But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ–by grace you have been saved–and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

(Ephesians 1:7, 2:4-7 ESV)

God ransoms the soul from the power of Sheol with the riches of His grace manifest in the finished work of His Son. Though once dead in sin, though once with no hope of a future beyond the certainty of the grave, He has made us alive. He has raised us up with the resurrected Christ, and reserved for us a heavenly seat which is ours by faith today and will, one day, be ours to possess for eternity.

That’s eternal economics.

And so the songwriter answers his own riddle.

Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases. For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him.

(Psalm 49:16-17 ESV)

But when the beloved of God die, those who by faith have believed in His ransom and received of His pardon, we will be carried away. It is then that true glory will be ours. The glory of the redeemed. The glory of the resurrected. The glory of our imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance in Christ.

The glory purchased according to the riches of His grace.

The glory that will be for His glory alone.

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