Much Vexation?

Posted on September 26, 2025 by Pete

Much Vexation?

What!?!? Wait a minute! Stop the train! Back up the bus! What is going on here!?!?

I’ve just finished taking in thirty-one chapters of wisdom. You know, wisdom — better than silver, more profitable than gold, more precious than jewels, “and nothing you desire can compare with her” (Prov. 3:14-15). Wisdom, the source of long life; the door to true riches and honor; offering the ways of pleasantness and the paths of peace — “a tree of life to those who lay hold of her” (Prov. 3:16-18). Thirty-one chapters of wisdom in the tank and then the same guy that wrote that book writes another one and here’s what he says:

I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind.

              For in much wisdom is much vexation,
                            and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

(Ecclesiastes 1:17-18 ESV)

In much wisdom is much vexation . . . Much wisdom earns you “much trouble” (MSG) . . . “much sorrow” (CSB) . . . “much grief” (NASB) . . . an “abundance of sadness” (YLT). What!?!?

So, here’s the thing, whether wisdom is sweet or sour depends on the foundation from which she is sought. Back in the book of Proverbs, Solomon’s starting point was that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (Prov. 9:10). But the Solomon of Ecclesiastes has a different starting point. Rather than placing his stake in the ground in heavenly places where the Holy One reigns, he instead sets his anchor “under heaven.”

The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher,
       vanity of vanities! All is vanity.
What does man gain by all the toil
       at which he toils under the sun?

And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.

(Ecclesiastes 1:1-3, 13-14 ESV)

All is vanity under the sun. Under heaven it is an unhappy business. And thus, in much wisdom is much vexation.

People! We gotta look up! Like, way up!

We are not simply a people under the sun. Rather, we have been raised up with Jesus, the Son of God, and even now we are seated with Him in heavenly places (Eph. 2:6). We are not simply people of the here and now, our hopes realized or dashed on how things play out on this orb. Instead, we live in the context of “the coming ages”, ages when we will fully know “the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:7). And with that mindset, oh the beauty of pursuing wisdom. Oh, the riches of knowing the ways of God. Oh, the prize that is offered in a “there and then” that is so worth pursuing “here and now.”

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

(Colossians 3:1-2 ESV)

Minds set on the things of the earth? Frustration. So that in much wisdom is much vexation.

Minds set on things that are above? Now that’s a different story, a story where wisdom brings about flourishing.

A story of God’s ever-present, abundant grace. A story for God’s everlasting, all-deserving glory.

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Eat Your Greens

Posted on September 25, 2025 by Pete

Two more helpings of greens this morning as I wrap up Hebrews. Thought I’d go back and chew on all the “let us” that’s been served up over the past four weeks.

Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it.

(Hebrews 4:1 ESV)

Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.

(Hebrews 4:11 ESV)

Since then we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

(Hebrews 4:14 ESV)

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

(Hebrews 4:16 ESV)

Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

(Hebrews 6:1 ESV)

Since we have a great Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

(Hebrews 10:21-23 ESV)

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,

(Hebrews 10:24 ESV)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

(Hebrews 12:1 ESV)

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,

(Hebrews 12:28 ESV)

Therefore let us go to Him outside the camp and bear the reproach He endured.

(Hebrews 13:13 ESV)

Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name.

(Hebrews 13:15 ESV)

That’s a lot of “let us.” 14 portions. And most of them (12) accompanied by a “therefore” (6), or a “since” (3), or a “then” (3). So, what’s the therefore there for? Why should I attend to all the “let us”?

Because of the surety of “better things — things that belong to salvation” (Heb. 6:9). A better hope by which we draw near to God (Heb. 7:19). A better covenant enacted on better promises (Heb. 8:6, 7:22). All because of better sacrifices (Heb. 9:23). Thus, a better and abiding possession (Heb. 10:34) in a better country (Heb. 11:16) guaranteeing a better life (Heb. 11:35). All through a better revelation (Heb. 1:1-3). The revelation concerning a better Savior — superior to anyone or anything else — having the name above all names (Php. 2:9-11), Jesus the Son of God.

Therefore, eat your greens . . .

Therefore, let us . . .

By His grace. For His glory.

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Touch Me and See

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Pete

Hovering over one of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances, this morning. A disconcerting experience, says Luke, one that “startled and frightened” those who had witnessed Jesus’ death and were now hearing stories that He was alive. A scary encounter of the divine kind because they “thought they saw a spirit” (Luke 24:37). A spirit, a disembodied soul — that was the only logical conclusion you’d come to if you were looking eyeball-to-eyeball with someone who you knew had died. But the resurrected Jesus was no apparition.

And [Jesus] said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.

(Luke 24:38-40 ESV)

“I’m no spirit,” says Jesus, “For a spirit does not have flesh and bones.”

Hmm. Think about it. Jesus, today, is flesh and bones. The risen, ascended, seated at the right hand of the majesty on high Christ has a material body. Though God is spirit (Jn. 4:24), and Jesus is fully God (Jn. 1:1, Isa. 9:6, Rev. 1:17), yet in order to redeem us Jesus “did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men . . . being found in human form” (Php. 2:6-8a). And that “human form” is a “flesh and bones” form forever.

But it is not the frail form of our fallen world, not an earthly body, but a heavenly body (1Cor. 15:40). A body which is imperishable, glorious, and infused with eternal power — not a body which is spirit, but a “spiritual body” (1Cor. 15:42-44). That’s why, one day, we will be able to see Him face to face (1Jn. 3:2, Rev. 22:4).

But as mind-stretching as that “flesh and bones” thought is, it’s Jesus’ invitation that captures the heart.

Touch me, and see.

It doesn’t say that the the disciples acted on Jesus’ offer, but the invitation was there nevertheless. Though they couldn’t believe what they were seeing, yet they did believe as they responded with “joy and were marveling” (Lk. 24:41). Like Thomas, they didn’t need to act on the opportunity to examine His hands with their fingers, nor take their hands and stick it in His side, but just hearing the invitation they too, in effect, responded with “My Lord and my God” (Jn. 20:27-28).

What will it be to see the flesh and bones of Jesus? To behold Him “who for a little while was made lower than the angels crowned with glory and honor” (Heb. 2:9)? To see Him as did Peter, John, and James on that mount where Jesus was transfigured — His face shining like the sun and His clothes white as light (Mt. 17:1-2)? What will it be to behold our Redeemer? What will it be to hear His voice? Might we also hear the same invitation, “Touch me, and see”?

I don’t know. But I imagine that if we did, rather than reaching out to touch Him it’s more likely we’d go facedown to worship Him.

So, why wait until then?

Hear His voice today . . .

“Touch Me and see.”

And then bow down and worship . . .

“My Lord and my God!”

All because of grace. Only for His glory.

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Divine Location Services (2015 Remix)

Posted on September 23, 2025 by Pete

“Enable Location Services?” It seems that almost every app asks me that same question. While for some of these apps, like my maps, I know it’s because they want to know how to direct me, for others I’m pretty sure it’s because they want to know how to sell me. Either way, locations services is a pretty big deal in the mobile world.

Realized this morning, while reading in Hebrews, that location services can be a pretty big deal when it comes to spiritual things as well.

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

(Hebrews 12:22-24 ESV)

Better . . . that’s the underlying theme throughout Hebrews. Better revelation . . . better covenant . . . better Priest . . . better sacrifice. And this morning I read about a better hill.

The old hill couldn’t be touched. Like literally! No touching it! No living thing was to touch the holy hill. If they did, man or beast, they were to be put to death. A blazing fire, darkness, gloom, and a tempest enveloped it as the holiness of God descended upon it. The sight of it was so terrifying that even Moses, the man who talked with God face to face (Ex. 33:11), said of it, “I tremble with fear” (12:18-21).

But . . .

There it is again, that glorious word, “But!”

But that isn’t the hill we’ve come to. Allow your divine GPS, God’s Perfect Spirit, to enable your heavenly location services and you’re reminded of the better place to which you have been called. To a hill known as Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem.

Far from cowering in fear beneath its shadow, we’re invited to draw near in full assurance of faith. For there, instead of darkness and gloom, is a joyful gathering of countless thousands of angels. There we find our people, the assembly of the firstborn. Those who have been enrolled in heaven. Their names written in the book of life (Rev. 20:15). Their table reserved for the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:7-9).

Rather than being prohibited from touching the hill because His holiness abides there, we are beckoned to boldly approach God’s throne of grace (Heb. 4:16). Not in fear of the One who is the judge of all, but confident that our judgment has been born in full forever by His all-sufficient provision — the offering of His Son for our sin.

And thus, we join the spirits of the righteous made perfect. Made perfect not because of who we are or what we’ve done, but only because of who His Son is and what He has done — Jesus, the mediator of new promise. Jesus the One who offered a blood sacrifice so superior to anything offered under the old covenant that sins are forgotten (Heb. 9), put away as far as the east is from the west (Ps. 103:12).

Saint, are your divine location services enabled? No matter where you are this morning, no matter what your starting point, this is the hill to which we have come, and it is the hill to which we are going. This is our destination.

Sure, there might be some wrong turns along the way . . . some slow traffic . . . some heavy hauling . . . some “re-routing”. But remember this, where we are going to is where we’ve already come to — to the city of the living God, a city on a hill. A better hill based on a better promise because of a better sacrifice through an eternal loving Savior.

Sometimes, you need to refocus on where you’re going in order to know where you currently are. Praise God for His word, His divine location services.

All because of His abundant grace. All for His eternal glory.

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Be Careful What You Sing

Posted on September 22, 2025 by Pete

A little bit of search engine work and I find out the song is now 30 years old. How I remember the emotion it so often stirred within the heart as we sung it. Even as it comes to mind this morning, there’s a fond, familiar flame kindled.

Holiness, holiness is what I long for
Holiness, holiness is what I need
Holiness, holiness is what You want from me.
(Take My Life, Scott Underwood)

Holiness is what I long for . . . We sang it. We sang it heartily. We sang it meaningfully. But I wonder if all too often we might have sung it naively. Hebrews reminds me this morning that to sing the song is to welcome the realities of sin and suffering.

Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

       “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
              nor be weary when reproved by Him.
       For the Lord disciplines the one He loves,
              and chastises every son whom He receives.”

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? . . . He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

(Hebrews 12:3-7, 10b-11 ESV)

Longing for holiness? Then we’re inviting discipline. The discipline of hardships resulting from sin. The hardships brought on through the overall effect of sin on our fallen world, such as sickness and death. The difficulties brought on through our own foolishness as we yield to sin. When received as the Father’s discipline, it’s the endurance of sin and suffering which allows us to share His holiness.

Sharing in His holiness . . . That’s the good able to come out of all our difficulties, through all our storms, and in all our sorrows. The good of knowing His holiness as our neediness propels us towards pursuing His rest, longing for His comfort, asking for His strength, and relying on His grace. We need Him so we seek Him. We seek Him and so we find Him. We find Him and so we share in Him. And in Him we share His holiness.

The prize is always Jesus, the Holy Son of God. He is the peaceful fruit of righteousness that comes to those who have been trained by difficulties.

And so, we keep on keepin’ on.

Though sometimes it seems like we’re just hanging on by our fingernails, if we endure — and that too only by His grace — then we will look back and realize that more than just surviving, we were in fact thriving. The holiness we longed for, a bit more evident. The holiness we need, a bit more present. The holiness He wants from me, His holiness — the holiness of the Vine showing up as fruit in the branches abiding in Him.

Be careful what you sing, you might just end up with more “discipline” than you wanted. But don’t stop singing. To share His holiness is worth it all.

By His grace. For His glory.

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This Day

Posted on September 19, 2025 by Pete

It’s easy to get consumed with “the day.” Easy for all our mental energies to be sucked into the vortex of trying to figure out this “current cultural moment.”

But this morning I’m reminded that I need to step back and take a bigger view of “this day.” Not a “this week” view, or a “this year” view, but a much, much bigger view. And when I do that, then my thoughts are consumed with the reminder that God has “provided something better for us.”

And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

(Hebrews 11:39-40 ESV)

“All these” are Abel, Enoch, and Noah. They are Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob. They are Moses, his parents, and those he led across the Red Sea. They are those who marched around Jericho, and the harlot who was spared at Jericho.

They are Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, and Samuel. They are those who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight, and received back their dead by resurrection.

They were also those who were tortured, mocked, flogged, enchained and imprisoned. Those who were stoned, sawn in two, and killed with the sword. Those who went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, and mistreated. Those “of whom the world was not worthy.”

“All these” are those of Hebrews 11:1-38.

But not one of these, “even though their lives of faith were exemplary, got their hands on what was promised” (Heb. 11:39 MSG). ‘Cause it wasn’t gonna happen apart from us. Not because we are anything special, but because of what we are part of.

We are part of “this day” — not meaning today, nor this week, nor this year — but this day ushered in 2,000 years ago when Jesus came proclaiming “the gospel of God”, that the “time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand” (Mk. 1:14-15). This day in which it has been revealed to us how a holy and just God can dwell among an unholy people. This day when we understand how the chains of sin are broken and how the fear of death is defeated. This day when we know the source of lasting righteousness and the assurance of eternal salvation. This day when the way to realizing the fullness of the promise has been revealed. This day which has shown the means by which all of God’s people — past, present, and future — will be made perfect. This day which is under the shadow of the finished work of the cross, and in the glow of an empty tomb — the final puzzle pieces enabling God to complete the work of gathering to Himself a people. This day when God has spoken to us by His Son (Heb. 1:2).

“All these”, though commended through their faith were waiting for “this day”, the day we are a part of.

That’s “the day” I am entering into. The day my mental reserves should be consumed with. The day “a great cloud of witnesses” (Heb. 12:1) has been waiting for. The day of God’s promises made possible.

Apart from us they should not be made perfect . . . because of “this day”. This wondrous, glorious day of salvation.

A day by God’s grace. A day for God’s glory.

Amen?

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A Nomination (Again)

Posted on September 18, 2025 by Pete

Chewing on my readings this morning and the thought came that a lesser-known guy in the anti-climactic part of the crucifixion story is deserving of an exhibit in the Hebrews 11 “Hall of Faith.” How come? Because he did what he did because he was looking for a kingdom.

Went back through my journal to see if this was a first-time thought. Apparently not. Here’s how it came out 14 years ago.

It was a pretty bold move. Bold because it required him to go directly to Pilate . . . bold because he had already been a dissenting voice on the decision and the subsequent determination . . . bold because he was taking a stand that, if discovered, would not be popular.

And, as I read the brief account by Luke of Joseph’s bold move, a phrase captures my attention . . . a phrase which I think indicates he was a man of faith . . . a phrase which I think demonstrates that he was Hebrews 11 material.

“Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid Him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid.”

(Luke 23:50-53 ESV)

Joseph, it would seem, had believed Jesus could be the promised Messiah — the promised King. And so, he was looking for the kingdom of God. And even though he couldn’t make any sense of what had just happened on the cross, he was compelled to boldly step out and honor Jesus in the way available to him. What a dead Messiah had to do with the kingdom of God was probably a bit beyond him, yet he acted.

Talk about faith! Talk about my nomination to induct Joseph as an honorary member of the Hebrews 11 “Hall of Faith.” Tell me he didn’t have the same qualifications . . .

“These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for them a city.”

(Hebrews 11:13-16 ESV)

There is something about believing that this world is not the final answer . . . that beyond this time and space there is a kingdom . . . a city prepared by God . . . a better country to be part of . . . a heavenly citizenship to embrace. And, it seems, when that clicks, the fire of faith is fueled and bold acts follow. And that’s the stuff of the examples listed in Hebrews 11 . . . great men and women of faith . . . possessing not just a believing faith but also a bold, take action faith.

Faith doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll fully understand the whys . . . doesn’t necessarily mean that “we’ll win” . . . doesn’t necessarily promise a happy ending (this side of heaven). But when, through Spirit of God and by the grace of God, we become wired to look for the kingdom . . . to seek the homeland . . . to desire a better country . . . then, I’m thinking, it affects our the decisions we make and the actions we take here and now.

It sure did with Joseph. It would have been the simplest and least risky thing just to walk away with the rest of the crowd after the execution. Or, at the very least, have “stood at a distance” with the other followers of Jesus (24:49).

But no. Instead — though he didn’t make a big show of it (John 19:38) — he took a step forward from the rest of the line . . . a courageous step forward. Compelled to honor this Jesus in whom he had come to believe, he boldly asked for His body. And then he buried it in a tomb that others would know was his tomb. Because he looked for a kingdom.

And so, this morning Joseph of Arimathea gets my nomination to be inducted into the “Hall of Faith” . . .

By faith, Joseph honored Jesus
— even though the Christ had been crucified —
because he looked for a kingdom,
the kingdom of God.

Only by God’s grace. Only for God’sglory.

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Looking Forward

Posted on September 17, 2025 by Pete

Entered the Hall of Faith this morning, Hebrews 11. Though I have a “seasons pass”, as I enter and behold the exhibits again, I’m struck that I really should be visiting here more often — more than my once-a-year reading plan visit. It stirs something deep within. What fuel for the soul!

I welcome again its welcome as I behold afresh the plaque over the hall’s entrance:

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

(Hebrews 11:1 ESV)

Faith is “the reality” (CSB) of hope. It is “the substance” (NKJV). It is “the title deed” (WNT). It is “the fundamental fact of existence . . . It’s our handle on what we can’t see” (MSG).

What a great definition of faith!

How we need something solid and real in this AI, algorithm-driven world where now even seeing isn’t reason enough to be believing.

And while this definition of faith at the doorway to Hebrews 11 again grounds me, it’s another phrase, found in the Abraham exhibit, that captures my thoughts this morning as a simple, actionable, working definition of faith.

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.

(Hebrews 11:8-10 ESV)

For he was looking forward . . .

How’s that for a two-word definition for faith — looking forward?

Faith is helpful when it comes to making some sense of the past. It’s often vital when it comes to enduring the present. But isn’t the “superpower” of faith looking forward? I’m thinking . . .

Abraham ended up going, though not knowing. He packed up and went to live in a land of promise which, quite frankly, didn’t end up being too promising as he died owning but a plot of land where his wife, Sarah, could be buried (Gen. 23). But he died as he had lived — looking forward.

These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.

(Hebrews 11:13-16a ESV)

Looking forward reminds you of who you are, reconnects you with your people group, and reinforces your true citizenship, reminding you that you are but strangers and exiles on the earth.

Looking forward sets you on a journey of constant expectation — a journey where each day is enveloped by a hunger for better things which will be realized by seeking a homeland.

Looking forward is the motivation needed to keep on keepin’ on, the reason to refuse the opportunity to return to the land of bondage of slavery — no turning back, no turning back.

Looking forward is what fuels the desire and appetite for another land, a better country, that is, a heavenly one.

Looking forward is looking for a city. A city that has foundations. Built on solid, trustworthy ground. Built on the Rock of our salvation. A city whose designer and builder is God.

That’s our reality. That our assurance. That’s our substance. That’s the handle we hold onto.

By His grace. For His glory.

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Earnest Counsel

Posted on September 16, 2025 by Pete

It’s an episode of “friends” that captures the spotlight in my Proverbs reading this morning.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
       profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
       and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.

Do not forsake your friend and your father’s friend,
       and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity.
Better is a neighbor who is near
       than a brother who is far away.

(Proverbs 27:6, 27:9, 27:10 ESV)

Welcoming, even valuing the wounds of a friend. When things get rough, opting for a friend who is near over family who is far away. Oh, the premium wisdom’s Teacher places on such friends.

And in an age where “friends” are numbered in the hundreds on social media, and in a culture where we are not really looking for friends to be face-to-face faithful but to be online followers, and where family is often exchanged for a tribe, how many have lost how much of knowing the true sweetness of a friend. For that, says the Teacher, is what real friendship is — sweet!

In ancient times oil and perfume were a luxury. To receive them was to make the heart glad, was to be a catalyst for delight and rejoicing. So too is the luxury of a friend’s earnest counsel. That’s the phrase from verse 9 that I’m chewing on this morning.

Earnest counsel . . . “Hearty counsel”, that’s how the NKJV renders it. Literally it’s “counsel of the soul.”

In a day when so much of our friend-talk can be consumed with the triviality of our favorite sports team’s performance or focused almost solely with tales in which we’re the protagonist, what a luxury to sit across the table from someone prepared to engage in meaty, soul-bearing, passion-producing earnest counsel.

In a day of algorithm-generated echo-chambers, how sweet to engage with someone willing to “be nosy”, and “meddle”, and “have an opinion”, even when it is not a shared opinion. Even when it might grate on us a bit — kind of like iron on iron.

Iron sharpens iron,
       and one man sharpens another.

(Proverbs 27:17 ESV)

Hearty conversations aren’t necessarily easy conversations. But to have a friend willing to go there? Well, that’s to be counted as sweet as oil and perfume.

Praise God for friends who engage in earnest counsel.

Requires God’s grace. But it too can be for God’s glory.

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Done Deal! But Not Done Dealing. (2018 Rerun)

Posted on September 15, 2025 by Pete

Ours is a faith of holy tensions. Many of our foundations and principles for navigating life as Christians are not just either/or, but rather both/and. For example, God is sovereign, and we have free will. Jesus will build His church, but we are to go and make disciples. We are to honor the king even though our citizenship is in heaven. All things are permissible, yet all things are not beneficial. And the list goes on. You get the idea.

Came across another this morning in my reading in Hebrews. A reminder that while “It is finished,” it too is still going on. Though our salvation is a done deal, our Savior is not yet done dealing with us.

But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until His enemies should be made a footstool for His feet. For by a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

(Hebrews 10:12-14 ESV)

He has made complete those who are being consecrated. He has made perfect those who are being purified. He has forever brought to fulfillment those who are still being formed. That’s the holy tension we live in.

Every morning, we can awake with full assurance of our salvation. Knowing that the work really is finished. That God really can love us no more than He already has through the demonstration of the cross. That our adoption is not pending while we prove ourselves in some foster care scenario, but that we have already been given the seal of the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, “Abba, Father” (Rom. 8:15). And thus, we know that we are fellow heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17). So much so, He is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters (Heb. 2:11). In Him we really are complete (Col. 2:10 NKJV).

For by a single offering, He has perfected us.

And yet, we awake so many mornings aware of our imperfection. Conscious of our need for confession. Weary of our weakness. Feeling like failures. Flooded with the intimate knowledge that while He may have perfected us, we are far from perfect. Sinners saved by grace but still being saved from sin.

Having been set apart we are now being sanctified. Though the work is finished, Christ, through His Spirit, is finishing the work He has begun in us. That while we already possess His fullness, His desire is that we would also bear His likeness.

The weakness, the failure, the struggles, all contributing to form a crucible which brings the dross to the surface so that it might be removed. That what He declare as precious might, in actuality, increasingly be purified. And this, all through the dynamic of a Savior who, though being seated at the right hand of God, having completed the work through His once for all sacrifice for sin, yet is active on our behalf as He makes intercession for His saints so that He might save them to the uttermost (Heb.7:25).

Have Thine own way, Lord, have Thine own way;
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have Thine own way, Lord, have Thine own way;
Search me and try me, Master, today.
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.

Have Thine own way, Lord, have Thine own way;
Wounded and weary, help me, I pray.
Power, all power, surely is Thine,
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.

Have Thine own way, Lord, have Thine own way;
Hold o’er my being absolute sway.
Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me.

~ Adelaide Addison Pollard (1862-1934)

Done deal! But not done dealing.

Because of grace. For His glory.

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