Worth the Trip

Posted on July 14, 2017 by Pete

Was up in B.C. for most of this week, hanging out with my daughter and her family. And grandkid-filled days result in sleep-filled nights. Amazing how a three-year-old and a one-year-old can run a fifty-eight-year-old into the ground. What a joy!

And also a number of moments when I wished Sue was here to enjoy our grandchildren, as well. But you know, every time I thought about the joy she was missing, the Spirit graciously reminded me that, as good as it is here, it pales in comparison to the splendor and joy being experienced there. That the pleasures I was experiencing were just a foretaste of pleasures unimaginable.

This morning after my readings I came across this post from just a couple of years ago . . . brought back great memories . . . and reminded me again of our great hope.

Lord willing, I’m back in routine next week, but for this morning, while I’m missing Sue intensely, I thought I’d re-run these July 2015 thoughts . . .

 

Sue and I are wrapping up a wonderful week at the Scott River Lodge. It’s been a great week of relaxation and refueling. Yesterday, along with the seven other couples we’re hanging with this week, we spent the day at the JH Ranch, the lodge’s sister property — a 300+ acre youth camp. Amazing facility. Our reason for going? Odyssey, the ranch’s ropes course.

To be honest, being forty feet off the ground walking on thin wires is not my idea of the ultimate getaway activity. But it was a great opportunity to overcome personal fears . . . to learn to depend on my wife in new way . . . and to learn to work with three other couples in order to “get ‘er done.”

For about 90 minutes we worked our way through four different challenges, accomplishing the goal and, more importantly, learning something about ourselves, our relationships, and our God. To be honest again, as we sat around debriefing the experience afterward with all the couples there was a sense of satisfaction and blessing. Knowing how Odyssey ended made it worth the trip.

Something I read this morning in 1Thessalonians reminded me of the same thing. Knowing how this Christian walk ends, makes the journey worth the trip.

Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

(1Thessalonians 4:17-18 ESV)

Paul speaks of two groups of people–“them” and “us.” Them are the “dead in Christ” (v.16) . . . those “who are asleep” (v.13) . . . those who have already walked the walk and have crossed the valley of the shadow of death. The other group are us, “we who are alive.” Those who are currently walking the walk . . . those currently on the ropes course and doing Odyssey together . . . facing the challenges . . . learning about ourselves and how to depend on others and upon our God. And what is true of both groups, them and us, is that “we will always be with the Lord.”

A day is coming, perhaps today, when “the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God” (v.16). The dead in Christ will rise and then those who remain will be caught up in the air. Regardless of the transport, resurrected body or airborne body, what will be true is that evermore we will be with Jesus. That’s the finish line for this earthbound segment of our lives. That’s how this phase of life ends . . . with the Lord always.

Sometimes I can get so focused on accomplishing the task. Of just making it across the current challenge. Of making sure my feet don’t slip . . . that I don’t let go of my wife . . . that I don’t fail the group . . . and, in so doing, lose sight of the solid ground that awaits me. So often it’s about focusing on my fears rather than believing that “tis grace hath brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home” . . . and that I am, in fact, on my way home . . . that unimaginable place Jesus is, even now, preparing for me (John 14:2-3).

Running a race with no end in sight is a treadmill. Lot of output with no progress. But when, by God’s grace, He allows something — like a ropes course experienced in the context of His word — to remind you that every step is part of a journey which culminates in forever being with the Lord, then you know it’s worth the trip.

Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Not home yet. But getting there.

By God’s grace . . . for God’s glory.

Posted in 1Thessalonians | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Precious Thoughts

Posted on July 7, 2017 by Pete

It really is about me . . . sort of. If the songwriter’s song was intended to become the reader’s song, and I think it was, then it’s about me. Twenty-two of the twenty-four verses have the word “I”, or “me”, or “my” in it. I am the center of attention.

But not the center as in “the world revolves around me.” I am not the sun. Instead, I’m but a small chunk of rock that revolves around the sun, encompassed by its light. So it’s more like I’m the center as in “He who made the world envelopes me.”

Hemmed in, says the psalmist. Entirely known by Him, inside and out. Completely exposed to Him, nowhere to run and hide, even if I wanted to. Formed by Him. My days ordained by Him. My life ultimately directed by Him.

On one hand, who or what can stand such scrutiny? What prevents the sun’s intense rays from destroying? It’s not distance–everything in the song reminds us that He is near, so very near. So what provides such protection that the songwriter pleads, “Search me, O God,” inviting, rather than running from, such potentially searing gaze?

How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with You.

(Psalm 139:17-18 ESV)

His precious thoughts. They’re the UV protection. They take what could be damning heat and turn it into marvelous light. They are the source of well-being though standing barefoot before His flaming presence on holy ground. Because, when all is said and done, those precious thoughts are expressed on the wondrous cross.

That God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts isn’t surprising. That the sum of them is beyond our imagination just makes sense. But they are not beyond our grasp. For they are found in His Son, Jesus the Christ, and in His redeeming work on our behalf.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son” ~ Jesus

(John 3:16 ESV)

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus . . . For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, . . . He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? ~ Paul

(Romans 8:1, 29, 32 ESV)

How David embraced such scrutiny of God is a bit beyond me, and is testament to the nature of God’s presence with him. But that we should rest in His holy scrutiny is possible because of the gospel. God having redeemed us to reclaim us. The Father having saved us to perfect us. Jesus having wooed us to Himself through His Spirit in order to present us to Himself as a Bride “in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.”  Having begun a good work in us, with every intention of completing that work. Not because of who we are, but solely because of who He is and what He’s done.

Precious thoughts.

If God is for us, who can be against us. If He spared not His Son for us, how can we think He is not all in to fulfill His promise to etch the image of His Son upon us?

Thus, for the believer, such knowledge of being enveloped by the sun-like rays of His attention is no cause for alarm, or shame, or hiding. On the contrary, it is a source of great comfort, of great encouragement, of great rejoicing as we chew on the vast sum of His precious thoughts toward us.

It is a joy worth worlds that the Lord should think upon us who are so poor and needy: it is a joy which fills our whole nature to think upon God; returning love for love, thought for thought, after our poor fashion. ~ Spurgeon

Precious thoughts . . .

. . . of God’s amazing grace . . . for God’s everlasting glory.

Posted in Psalms | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Good News Proof of Good News Power

Posted on July 6, 2017 by Pete

It’s the repetition that grabs your attention–that this is a big deal to Paul. Twice Paul writes that he and his cohort “could bear it no longer.” Here’s a guy who’s been through it all, but this, this is beyond bearing. He’s been scourged and beaten with rods multiple times. More than once he’s been adrift at sea and ended up in shipwrecks. He’s been pursued as a traitor, driven by mission to the point of poverty, all the while enduring some chronic condition, a thorn in the flesh, that just wouldn’t leave him. He could gut it out through all that, but not knowing how the Thessalonians were doing? That, he could bear no longer.

He hadn’t had much time to establish these new believers in their faith before being run off (Acts 17:1-10), and he knew that these babes in Christ had been born into a hostile environment. So the longer he was away from them, the more he longed to hear how they were doing. He had been torn away from them (1Th. 2:17), time had passed, and he needed to know if their faith was faltering. So Paul waits in Athens and sends Timothy back to Thessalonica to find out how this fledgling body of believers was holding up for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted them and Paul’s labor would have been in vain (1Th. 3:5).

Timothy returns with the good news that the power of the gospel had found root in this hastily formed congregation. And the evidence that these saints were “standing fast in the Lord” (1Th. 3:8) wasn’t just in what they continued to profess they believed, but also in how they continued to behave toward one another.

But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you.

(1Thessalonians 3:6 ESV)

Timothy brought back to Paul the good news of their faith and their love. They were holding true to Paul’s teaching. They were still really believing what they had said they really believed. Their works manifesting a living faith. But what I’m chewing on in particular this morning, is that the evidence they hadn’t been side-tracked was also found in the love they were showing to one another.

Jesus said such love would be the indisputable proof of the gospel’s transforming power:

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”  ~ Jesus

(John 13:34-35 ESV)

If Timothy had come back to Paul and reported that the Thessalonians had turned on one another, it would have indicated that the hostile environment they were living in was being successfully leveraged by the enemy to compromise their calling. Even if Timothy’s recognizance had found evidence that this fellowship of believers was simply becoming cool and ambivalent to pursuing their community in Christ, to loving one another as Christ had loved them, it would have indicated that the tempter was gaining ground in choking out the fruit of the gospel with the weeds of care and concern brought on by the world.

And so, the apostle Paul breathes a sigh of relief. They continue to love one another, he hears. They are growing in their faith, he hears. Their gospel fueled fellowship evidence of the gospel’s enduring power. The love being lived out for each other proof that the kingdom’s influence was increasing and the world’s decreasing. Their abiding community a source of assuring comfort that the work begun in them was being perfected by the Spirit working through them.

Thus, Paul continues to encourage them to keep on keepin’ on . . .

. . . and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.

(1Thessalonians 3:12-13 ESV)

Abound in love for one another, dear saints. It’s the good news proof of good news power.

By God’s grace . . . for God’s glory.

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

Priming the Pump

Posted on July 5, 2017 by Pete

Finished up Colossians 2 this morning. Re-running some thoughts on this passage from 5 years ago . . .

How is it that two people can be sitting in the same pew (or row of chairs) . . . on the same Sunday . . . listening to the same sermon . . . and one comes away dry . . . and the other leaves the building jazzed? How is it that some people open their Bible and yawn their way through their daily reading . . . while others enthusiastically engage the Word as if on a treasure hunt? Probably a number of reasons . . . but one jumps out at me as I continue reading in 1Thessalonians this morning.

And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

(1Thessalonians 2:13 ESV)

What makes a difference, it seems, is the view we have of the Scriptures. While nothing changes the fact that the Word is “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb. 4:12), it does seem that the Word’s effectiveness is related to how the hearer, or the reader, engages with it.

Paul says that the Word “is at work” or “puts forth power” in believers. Believers–less, I think, about what someone calls themselves, more about what someone brings to the Holy Scriptures . . . what they believe about the Book. Bringing a starting presupposition that to open the Word, or to have the Word open to them, is to stand on holy ground. Coming to the table with a forgone conclusion that the meal they are about to be served from Scripture is God breathed. Priming the pump with faith, believing that God’s word accomplishes God’s purpose because it really is the word of God.

The Word doesn’t become true because we want to believe it’s true.  It’s already the Truth. But the power of the Truth gets unleashed when we receive God’s word with full assurance of faith that it is the word of God.

Paul brought the living, life changing word of God to the city of Thessalonica. He sowed material capable of divine combustion. Some of the listeners in the crowd brought ears to hear . . . hearts ready to receive . . . an expectation that they were listening to God Himself through the His Word.  They brought faith–just a spark was all that was required.  But enough to prime the pump.

Mix their spark with the divine material and, KA-BLAM! . . . the gospel explodes on the scene–“not only in word, but also in power and the Holy Spirit” (1Thess. 1:5).

Ordinary people receive the supernatural Word and they become children of God. They become imitators of Christ. Their faith grows. Their testimony shows.  And it all starts with priming the pump with a bit of belief that God’s word really is the word of God.

Years and years ago, I was taught the importance of doing my part when it came to the word of God. That when the Word is preached, mine is to actively engage with the message and discerningly interact with it as the word of God proclaimed and explained. That when I open my Bible in the morning, I should come expectantly–less concerned about making headway in my reading plan, but anticipating a close encounter of the divine kind.  That the psalmist’s prayer should express my desire, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law” (Ps. 119:18).

I prime the pump with expectant faith.  He fuels the fire with the living Word.  And the Spirit illuminates the secrets of the kingdom with heaven-sent power.

And the outcome, by God’s grace, is a life a bit more transformed and conformed to the image of Christ . . .

For His glory . . .

Posted in Colossians | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

His Steadfast Love Endures Forever

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Pete

Some portions of Scripture you kind of need to work at if you really want to pick up what’s being laid down. Not so much with Psalm 136. Instead, with this song the table is set clearly and without ambiguity. The task then, it seems to me, is to slow down and let sink in what the Spirit has to say to those with ears to hear. To not rush the meal, but to savor it . . . to meditatively chew on it . . . to taste and see that the Lord is good.

To not rush through the repetition, but to receive it . . . and reflect on it . . . and respond to it . . . again and again and again . . . and again and again and again.

Twenty-six verses in the psalm. And twenty-six times a simple chorus is repeated:

. . . His steadfast love endures forever.

It’s the reason for the songwriter’s emphatically repeated exhortation . . .

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good,
   for His steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods,
   for His steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
   for His steadfast love endures forever; . . .
Give thanks to the God of heaven,
   for His steadfast love endures forever.

(Psalm 136:1-3, 26 ESV)

What is the reader to do? What is the singer of the song to engage in? Pretty simple. Give thanks. Offer up praise. Confess the Name. Not a suggestion but a command.

And how come? ‘Cause our God is good. Jehovah, the existing One, is good. Elohim, the preeminent One, God over all gods, is good. Adonai, the sovereign One, Ruler over every ruler, is good. El Shameh, the God of Heaven, God above all things, is good.

And the evidence of His goodness? His love. His steadfast love. His enduring and steadfast love. His forever enduring, steadfast love. Unfailing kindness . . . unchanging mercies . . . perpetual favor. Day in day out reminders of the reality that our God is active in our lives and that He is good. That’s what the lyricist wants us to remember, and remember again, about this high and holy God? He is good. And we know His goodness through His forever enduring, steadfast love.

So, if we were to truly appreciate such a good, good God, how could we keep from singing? How could we not, repeatedly, break forth in anthems of thanksgiving! Regardless of circumstance, our praise stemming not from where we’re at or how we feel, but ignited and sustained solely because of who He is and how He has chosen to enter our lives.

His steadfast love exhibited through the glory and wonder of creation (136:4-9). His steadfast love experienced through our deliverance from bondage (136:10-15). His steadfast love evident by His guidance and protection as we sojourn through the wilderness, assured of the promised inheritance (136:16-22). His steadfast love presently experienced as He makes known His abiding presence in every situation, meeting every need through His all-sufficient grace (136:23-25).

God is good! Give thanks to God! Sing His praise! For His steadfast love endures forever.

Not too complicated, yet like trying to fit the ocean in a cup. Easy to understand, but overwhelming to take in.

And worth repeating, again and again and again. Worth remembering, again and again and again. Worth responding to, again and again and again.

O give thanks to the LORD. For He is good. And His steadfast love endures forever.

Such amazing grace! To Him be all the glory!

 

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

Go Where the Blessing Is!

Posted on June 30, 2017 by Pete

It’s been years and years since I read Blackaby’s book, Experiencing God. Can’t say this about every book, but with that one, some things really stuck. One of the principles which I’ve never forgotten went something like this: If you want to experience God, see where God is working and then join Him. Not overly complicated, but makes a lot of sense. Put yourself in the proximity of God’s power if you want to know His power personally. Engage where God is engaged if you want to engage God. Like I said, makes sense.

Came across a similar principle this morning as I was reading in the Psalms. Do you want to be blessed by God? Then go where the blessing is!

Behold, how good and pleasant it is
……….when brothers dwell in unity!
It is like the precious oil on the head,
……….running down on the beard,
…..on the beard of Aaron,
……….running down on the collar of his robes!
It is like the dew of Hermon,
……….which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the LORD has commanded the blessing,
……….life forevermore.

(Psalm 133-3 ESV)

God commands the blessing where His people, brothers and sisters in Him, dwell in unity. Not some earthly author’s conclusion in a bestseller book, but the Author of Life’s own declaration through His God-breathed word. Not some pithy platitude, but an eternal reality.

God commands it. He orders the blessing. He commissions the well-being. He pronounces the supernatural prosperity. And He does it in the place where those born of the same seed determine to live together as family. The place where those who are kin purposefully hang together. The place where brothers and sisters dwell in unity.

That’s where the blessing is. Want to be blessed? Be part of that!

Unity is good and pleasant. We’re not talking uniformity or unanimity. Nor are we talking harmony through superficiality or artificiality. But when real people purpose to pursue real life with a real commitment to one another, it’s wonderful . . . it’s delightful. It’s becoming and attracts others. It’s delightful and worth singing about.

What’s more, it emits an alluring and pleasant aroma, just like anointing oil. It’s a source of refreshment and living water, just like the dew of Hermon. And, so says the word of God, it is the realm of blessing.

To be sure, doing life together as God’s people ain’t always easy. Not surprising to God, He made us and knows the impact of the fall on us. But He also re-made us, and is reversing the effects of the fall through sanctification by the Spirit. And while we are these works in progress, doing battle daily against the flesh by the Spirit, He beckons us to the blessing, exhorting us to put in the effort required to dwell in unity.

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

(Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV)

Make every effort to guard the unity. Strive for the oneness. Get serious about getting along.

Let the nature of Christ being formed in you pour out as you seek to live with others who also are learning to love and serve as Christ loved and served. For there the blessing is commanded. For in that context is the blessing experienced.

To make the church a lesser priority is to walk away from the very place where God has ordained His favor to be known. Why would we do that? Why walk away from, or at least not care about walking towards, the place where God’s blessing is commanded? Why wouldn’t we work diligently to maintain the unity God has created through His Spirit? Who doesn’t want to experience the blessing of God? I do!

So let’s go where the blessing is!

By His grace. For His glory.

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

Seasoned by Grace

Posted on June 29, 2017 by Pete

There’s being honest, and then there’s being brutally honest. Speaking the facts in a way that are helpful, versus relaying them in a way that is harmful. It’s the same truth being spoken–the difference is in the seasoning being used.

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

(Colossians 4:6 ESV)

Hovering over Paul’s exhortation to the Colossians in how to walk and talk before outsiders–those outside the fellowship of blood-bought believers. As it relates to their walk, it is to be with wisdom. Concerning their talk, it’s to use the right seasoning.

And as I noodle on the spice we’re to sprinkle on our speech, I’m thinking that, rather than grace and salt being two different spices, grace is the salt. That grace is the seasoning which allows us to speak truth, even if it’s difficult truth, and yet present it with a nuanced, compelling flavor.

It’s the difference between condemning someone as a sinner and coaxing the sinner to see the Savior. The difference, when a brother or sister has been overtaken in a transgression, between kicking them when they are down by reminding them of the reality of their fall, and tenderly seeking to restore them as we remind them of the reconciliation available through repentance because of the finished work of the cross.

And that difference is found in how our words are coated–either with the harsh spice of self-righteousness and judgment or the preserving salt of humility and grace.

And the source of such seasoning?  Well, according to Jesus, it’s our heart.

” . . . what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart . . .” ~ Jesus

(Matthew 15:18 ESV)

If our hearts are steeped in grace, then our words will reflect it.

If we know the reality of our own failures, and the blood of Christ sufficient to cover all those failures, it will permeate how we relate to the failure of others. If we really believe that we stand upon no merit of our own, but in the righteousness of Another, our expectation and acceptance of others won’t be found in their performance. Instead our desire will be to point them to the One who has promised that He is all they need to participate in the divine nature and that He stands at the door knocking, ready to come in, to commune, and to carry the burden of right living.

It’s the difference between the drill sergeant who demands, “Get your act together . . . work harder” and the shepherd who encourages the sheep, “Come to Me and I will give you rest.”

Grace. It’s the salt. It’s the seasoning.

We want to be honest, but not brutally honest. Instead we want to truth in love (Eph. 4:15). And that is done as our words are seasoned by grace so that others would taste, and see that the Lord is good.

Because of the grace we have known. All for the glory He deserves.

Amen?

Posted in Colossians | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Dress Up and Draw Near

Posted on June 28, 2017 by Pete

He was a ruler over all the land. They were just servants in the tabernacle. His wealth was beyond counting, and his home was a great house. They were given some fields to tend and had some livestock to raise, but really, they owned nothing. He could do whatever he wanted, he was the king. They had been conscripted in place of the nation’s firstborn to assist in the worship of God, they were the Levites. And what grabbed me this morning as I read, is that he dressed up just like them.

So David and the elders of Israel and the commanders of thousands went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-edom with rejoicing. . . . David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, as also were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, and the singers and Chenaniah the leader of the music of the singers. And David wore a linen ephod. So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, to the sound of the horn, trumpets, and cymbals, and made loud music on harps and lyres.

(1Chronicles 15:25, 27-28 ESV)

David couldn’t carry the ark. But he could dress like those who did.

It’s not that it was beneath him to do such manual labor. Instead, it was above his pay grade . . . way above his pay grade. The holiness of God’s presence demanded that only those set apart by God were to transport the ark of the covenant. And those set apart for such privileged and glorious labor were the Levites.

But if David could of . . . he would of.

Instead he gets as close as he can. Part of the procession, he joins the parade as they march the ark up to Jerusalem. Singing with those who sing the songs of redemption, dancing with those who dance the dance of joy and celebration, dressing like those who carry the place where God’s glory was pleased to dwell. Nothing, it would seem, jazzed the king like dressing up and drawing near to his God.

The lyrics of these servants would be his lyrics:

How lovely is Your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. . . . For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of My God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

(Psalm 84:1-2, 10 ESV)

So, if he couldn’t serve like them, then at least this king would dress like them . . . and with all his heart seek to draw near like them.

And while I’m no king, and certainly not a Levite, I too can dress up and draw near to God. Having been given a garment made not of fine threads, but crafted with the perfection of Christ. A robe, not of fine linen, but of divine righteousness.

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation; He has covered me with the robe of righteousness . . .

(Isaiah 61:10a ESV)

It’s not some garment to leave hanging in the closet. It’s not that 3-piece suit stored with mothballs only to be retrieved for special occasions. Instead, it is to be put on everyday. Everyday providing new opportunity to draw near to where the glory dwells. Wearing the robe of His righteousness, we can confidently enter the veil and draw near to His holy presence. Clothed in Christ’s perfection, we are so bold to think we can sup with the Creator Himself and abide in His holy presence.

No place we’d rather be. One day there, better than a thousand elsewhere.

Like David, we can dress up and draw near.

Because of His grace. All for His glory.

Posted in 1Chronicles | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Do It Together!

Posted on June 27, 2017 by Pete

Paul wrote because some form of deceptive teaching was threatening to destabilize their heavenly calling. While what was being laid down had the “appearance of wisdom in promoting self made religion,” to pick it up provided no help whatsoever “in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.” So Paul wrote to remind them that their new life was to be realized not through impotent practices, but through a new power.

The power that came by way of relationship with Jesus, the preeminent One. The Lord of creation having also become the Lord of re-creation through His finished work of redemption. The power that was found through the reconciling work of the cross. A power received by faith. A power which imparted the fullness of deity. A power able to make those who were once dead in their trespasses alive together with Christ. The power to forgive sins. The power which imputed righteousness.

And in and through this power, Paul exhorts these saints at Colossae to shed what was “earthly.” To put off the “old self” and to put on the “new self.”

And here’s what grabbed me this morning, Paul knew of no other way to do that than to do it together!

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. . . . you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. . . . seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator. . . .

Put on then, as Gods chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

(Colossians 3:5-14 ESV)

Is it too much to assert that putting on the new self can only fully happen as we are fully active in new community? That the church is our training ground for putting on the character of Christ? That only as we live in close family union do we really learn how to put off the old self and put on the new?

I read this passage and I ask myself, when’s the last time I forgave someone in my fellowship? When’s the last time I bore with a brother, or put up with a sister, as I sought to put on the love and compassion of Christ?

Instead, our propensity today in the church is that when the going get’s tough with others, well then, “Tough! I’ll get going . . . and find myself another group of believers to not enter fully into community with.”

Not to be hard on the church, but, if we are honest, if we are all learning by God’s grace to put to death what is earthly in us, shouldn’t we expect that at times it may be hard in the church? That while God’s sanctifying work isn’t finished in me yet, it’s also not done in my brothers and sisters? And, when you get a bunch of works-in-progress trying to work it out together, shouldn’t you expect friction every so often?

But it’s that very friction which becomes the field of play for putting on the new self, the self who is in Christ, and has the mind of Christ, and the power to exhibit the compassion and love of Christ. The love which “binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

How we need to see ourselves as part of a family which God has called us to so that we might grow in Christ, and not just a bunch of consumers, engaging in church as long as our needs are being met and it doesn’t get too hard.

Face it, putting to the death the old self is gonna hurt. And it’s gonna hurt as we do it together. Oh, but the reward when, together, we find the power to put on the new self. And together, as God’s chosen ones, we start seeing the compassion and kindness of Christ oozing out of us. When, together, the fruit of the Spirit’s work in us is manifest in kindness, patience, and the supernatural enabling to bear with one another. When, together, we extend, and we experience, the forgiveness that was extended to us, and experienced by us, when Christ said of us, “Father, forgive them they know not what they do.” When, together, we put on divine love and know in practice the unity of Spirit which Christ has promised.

So let’s do it . . . together!

Because of God’s grace. By God’s grace. And for God’s glory.

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

Blemish or Blessing?

Posted on June 26, 2017 by Pete

To be honest, I cringe every time I come across that name. There’s a part of me that wishes that it wasn’t mentioned at all. And there’s another part of me that wonders at God’s divine purposes in recording it forever.

This morning, I came across that name in 1Chronicles. It was found in the section that followed the uninspired title in my Bible which reads, “David’s Mighty Men.”

David’s been anointed king after Saul’s death. David has moved into Jerusalem after defeating the Jebusites and taking their city. And then, the inspired record makes sure to remind us that he didn’t do it alone. That accompanying him were his “mighty men.” Those who came to David at Ziklag, when he was but a fugitive. With no fame or glory to be had in those days, they joined themselves to David, the son of promise.

Warriors ready to do battle, “they were bowmen and could shoot arrows and sling stones with either the right or the left hand” (1Chron. 12:2). They were not afraid to mix it up and they were intensely loyal to David.

And, of those mighty men, thirty were the crème de la crème . . . the best of the best . . . the elite of the elite . . . the mightiest of the mighty.

Thus, it’s only fitting that they should be remembered, that their names should be recorded. And in the middle of this heaven-appointed honor role, you come across that name. Get ready to cringe . . .

. . . Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Hagri, Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai of Beeroth, the armor-bearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah, Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai, . . .

(1Chronicles 11:38-41 ESV)

Uriah the Hittite. Ugh! Did we have to bring him up again?

You know, Uriah, as in Uriah the husband of Bathsheba. The same Bathsheba David brought to his bedroom while Uriah was out fighting on behalf of his king. The same king who got his loyal servant’s wife pregnant and tried to cover it up, first through trickery and then through treachery. The same loyal servant  who was one of David’s elite. One of the mightiest of the mighty men, Uriah.  The murdered man, Uriah.

Not the king’s finest moment.

And, for those of us who want to view David as somewhat of a hero, it’s something we’d just as soon not be reminded of. After all, this is David the giant killer. David the one chosen by God to rule Israel because he was a man after God’s own heart (1Samuel 13:14).

Protected by God while on Saul’s most wanted list. Vindicated by God through his ascension to the throne. Exalted by God through the promise that through his lineage, Messiah would come. So why be reminded of this blemish on such a legacy?

Because, for God to fulfill His purposes through David’s life, David, like all men brought forth in iniquity and conceived in sin (Ps. 51:5), would also have to be forgiven for his trespass and treachery. He would have to be graced by God, having no merit of his own from which to lay claim to the throne. Eternal provision made such that, for every act that might disqualify him–even the vilest of acts–atonement might be made so that reconciliation and restoration might be possible. So that God’s purposes and promises might be fulfilled.

The stain on David’s record, that name, a reminder of the salvation that was wrought at the cross. That blemish pointing again to the blessing of the shed blood of Christ, able to cleanse from all sin.

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

(Psalm 32:1-2 ESV)

Because of grace. For His glory.

Posted in 1Chronicles | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment