City Dwellers

Posted on February 27, 2017 by Pete

God didn’t choose to dwell there because it was a special place. It became a special place because the Almighty purposed that His presence should reside there. Possessing no intrinsic righteousness itself, it was transformed into a holy mount when He who is holy, holy, holy determined His glory would rest there. Having no splendor in and of itself, it was elevated in beauty when God purposed that, in that place, people would know Him there. The songwriter refers to that place as “the city of our God, . . . the city of the great King.” And, if I’m picking up on what the psalmist is laying down, we are to be city dwellers.

Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers, consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever.

(Psalm 48:12-14 ESV)

Sometimes you just need to go back home in order to reestablish your equilibrium. And the believer’s home is the city of God.

I’m not thinking of a physical pilgrimage to a geographic location, but a frequent, intentional setting of the heart’s GPS towards the place where God has said He would be found. The place where God Himself has said through His prophet He would provide beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (Isa. 61:3).

For it’s there that we are reminded our God is a eternal God and has promised to guide us forever. It’s there, within her palaces, where He makes Himself known again as our fortress (48:3). There, as we meditate within His holy presence, that we are reminded afresh of His steadfast love (48:9). There where, as He fills our thoughts with Himself, the things of earth fade and we as the people of God are divinely compelled to rejoice, to give thanks, and to lift up the name of our God who is always deserving of exaltation.

So where is that place? Where is the place where our God has purposed to be found? Where is that city that we might dwell there?

It’s found in His word. Every sojourn into holy writ an opportunity to know anew the nature of God and His unfailing love towards His children.

It’s found in His people. Every time we come together as the body of Christ we enter that mysterious dynamic of becoming “a holy temple in the Lord . . . a dwelling place for God by the Spirit” (Eph. 2:21-22).

It’s found in the secret place, our prayer closets. That quiet time when we sit before His holy throne of grace and again determine to be still and know that His is God.

We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of Your temple. As Your name, O God, so Your praise reaches to the ends of the earth.

(Psalm 48:9-10a ESV)

To never go home is to eventually burn out. To infrequently walk the streets where His glory dwells is to eventually be enveloped by the darkness of life’s circumstance and the world’s chaos. To not reorient ourselves on a daily basis to where our roots lie, is to risk wandering aimlessly where God has promised to lead us for His divine purposes.

O to be city dwellers. To be great thought thinkers. To know again for the first time His overflowing provision for those He has called to be His own. To again praise Him without reservation for who He is and what He has done.

Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God!

(Psalm 48:1)

All because of grace. All for His glory.

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Let the River Flow

Posted on February 24, 2017 by Pete

It’s been a week. The first week of whatever is meant by “the new normal.” While so much has changed, still so much is the same. The term surreal has come up more than once in different conversations. But as I reflect this morning, that’s not the right word. It has been neither bizarre nor dreamlike. The right word to describe this week is peace.

This week I really have known a deep rooted peace that somehow you think shouldn’t be. But one that very much exists and very much has been a “peace that surpasses understanding” (Php. 4:7). God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand (NLT). And as I’m reminded this morning reading Psalm 46, it’s peace like a river.

Some thoughts I had back on this passage back in 2009 and 2012 ministered to my soul this morning. Thought I’d chew on them again as I rework them for this morning’s meal.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.

(Psalm 46:4-5 ESV)

There is a river. That’s the thought that resonates this morning.

Just for a bit of context, the theme of Psalm 46 is God as “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (v.1). Twice the Psalmist assures the reader that “The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (v. 7, 11). Despite the chaos of the earth giving away, of mountains falling into the sea, of the seas roaring and foaming, of the mountains quaking and surging, the songwriter proclaims, “We will not fear” (v.2-3).

How come there’s no fear? Why an absence of angst? Because there is a river! A river teeming with waters of renewal and refreshment. With a deep inner flow of calm and strength. A river steadily delivering a peace which passes understanding.

The mountains might fail, the seas may rage, but there is a river whose streams make glad and causes rejoicing even when things seem kind of out of control.

And the river is sourced in the place where God dwells, in the most holy habitation of the Most High. And so, for those who make their way to the holy dwelling places of the Most High, there is a river . . . and there is peace.

A Samaritan woman was told that if she would, by faith, receive the water that Jesus offered, that it would become in her “a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). Jesus promised to those who thirsted, that if they would believe and come to Him to meet their thirst then out of their hearts would “flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37-38). The source of that river? The abiding presence of God through His Spirit. And, in the heavenly New Jerusalem, where God will dwell in all His glory among His redeemed, there is “the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city” (Rev. 22:1-2).

God in the midst is the source of that river that makes glad the city of God.

So often we wait until we have peace before drawing near to His holy habitation. Somehow thinking that it is peace which produces worship, that we need to feel it before we can praise Him. Instead, the songwriter tells us that gladness is found at the place of worship. That peace comes when, despite the storms and chaos of life, we again behold the works of God and the proof they bring that God is our refuge and strength.

Thus, we should determine to be found in the holy place of the Most High. We should purpose, regardless of circumstance, to put ourselves in that place where we can exalt Him. That’s when we encounter the river. That’s when its tributary streams flow through all those whose come in their need, thirsting for the things of God. That’s when the streams calm the inner storm.

Mine is to travel to that place. To behold the Lord in the beauty of holiness. To be still and know He is God. To recall His mighty works. To declare His wondrous praise. And to drink deeply of the river.

There is a river . . . within all, and available to all, who have been made a holy habitation of God by faith, whose bodies have been claimed as a temple of God.

There is a river . . . which will flow within the quieted heart, though among disquieted circumstance, as it sits before His Word in awe and wonder.

There is a river . . . which should reach flood stage, Lord’s Day after Lord’s Day, when the people of God come together, combining their trickling streams into a grand fountain of worship.

There is a river . . . which, regardless of circumstance, brings gladness and joy. Refreshing waters that lead to rejoicing, praise, and peace–a peace that passes understanding.

There is a river. Let the river flow!

Through His abundant, all-sufficient grace. For His eternal, all-deserving glory.

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Entering the Palace of the King

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Pete

It’s a love song . . . says so in the introduction. It anticipates a wedding, a royal wedding, where a king in his splendor and majesty receives a bride in all her beauty. The verses are addressed to the king but this morning my thoughts are particularly set upon the bride.

All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold. In many-colored robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions following behind her. With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king.

(Psalm 45:13-15 ESV)

The song is about a king in the line of David. That at least part of it was divinely intended to foreshadow the Messiah is evident as Hebrews cites Psalm 45:6-7 in making its case concerning Christ’s superiority over the angels.

But of the Son [God] says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”

(Hebrews 1:8-9)

And so, if part of this love song is for sure messianic, I’m inclined to read the entire psalm through a Christ-centric filter. And if Christ is the king of the song, then I know who is the bride. She’s the one Christ has loved as husbands are to love their wives. Jesus having given Himself for her. Setting her apart for Himself, “having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word.” His intent being to present her to Himself “in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” She is the church (Eph. 5:25-27).

And what occurs to me is that while one day Christ’s bride will be presented to Him in all her fullness (Rev. 19:7-9, 21:2-3), until then, in a manner of speaking, she trickles in one at a time. Saint by saint those who have trusted in the finished work of Christ’s cross, as through death they are promoted into glory, follow the way of the King’s beloved bride to be in this love song. Having been clothed in the splendor of His righteousness while in their chamber–their place of preparation, they are led, one by one, to their beloved Bridegroom. And, with joy and gladness, they enter the palace of the King.

What is it to enter the palace of the King? What is it, in the space of a breath, to be translated from a fallen world into His holy, holy, holy presence? And would you even notice the glory of such a perfect place when Your eyes fall upon the beauty of Your Savior’s radiant face? We can only imagine.

But we do know that to be absent from the body is to be home with the Lord. That while to live is Christ, to die is gain. And so, as His bride, we make ourselves ready through the enabling power of His indwelling Spirit. Anticipating that day, should He not come before then, when, one by one, we are led to our King. That day when, with delight and rejoicing, we enter the palace of the King.

Because of grace. Only for His glory.

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Divine Permission

Posted on February 22, 2017 by Pete

I think I get the point of Jesus’ story in the first 16 verses of Matthew 20. Those who had received a fair day’s wage for a fair day’s labor really shouldn’t have had any gripe with the master of the house. They had agreed to work the day in the vineyard for a denarius. After working for a day in the vineyard they were paid a denarius. So why the complaining? It was because of the other guys.

And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, “These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.”

(Matthew 20:11-12 ESV)

Sure they had been paid what they had earned, but as they saw the guys who had worked only a partial day being paid the same wage they felt it was unfair. And, I’m not gonna lie to you, I get where they are coming from.

I get the tendency to look at what others have received and wonder, “Why not me too?” Or, shall I confess, the temptation at times to allow myself to even think, “Why not me more?” Is it right thinking? Nope. Does such thinking blind me from seeing the master’s compassion because of my self-interest? Pretty much. Is such thinking, when acknowledged and confessed, covered by the blood of the Lamb? Yes, praise God!

But what’s grabbed me this morning is the master’s response to the workers’ complaint. What I’m chewing on this morning is divine permission.

But he replied to one of them, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?”

(Matthew 20:13-15 ESV)

The law of the land in the kingdom of heaven is that the King gets to do what He chooses with what’s His. And, lest we forget, it’s all His. He is the Creator of all things. He is the Sustainer of all things. And to Him belong all things. We receive nothing that does not come from His Almighty hand? And that, only through divine permission?

And this would only be problematic if our King wasn’t a righteous King; if our Father wasn’t a good Father.

But our God is a gracious God. Our God is a generous God. Our God is a faithful God. He is the Giver of every good and perfect gift and in Him “there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17).

That He would choose to extend common grace to those who reject Him should render wonder. That He would determine to make a way to bring into marvelous light those who want only to walk in darkness should evoke awe. That He would purpose, because He’s allowed to do what He chooses with what belongs to Him, to give His Son in order to redeem a rebellious people should command praise.

God forgive us for clouding your goodness with our self-interest . . . for diminishing in any way your generosity because of our selfish desire.

Let us acknowledge Your grace overflowing. Let us do so for Your glory unending.

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Starts with the Right Question

Posted on February 21, 2017 by Pete

It occurs to me that we live in an age which, for the most part, has been duped into asking the wrong question. We’ve become focused on the preliminaries and not on the main event. We’ve come to believe that success is found in majoring on the minors. We’ve so lost sight of real victory that we’re willing to settle for lesser prizes. But that wasn’t the case for a guy I was reading about this morning.

And behold, a man came up to [Jesus], saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”

(Matthew 19:16 ESV)

The man who came to Jesus was, by this world’s standards, a successful man, “for he had great possessions” (v.22). He’d made it. Been part of a successful start-up or two. Had invested in the market wisely. Had worked hard and fast so that he could own a big house, afford to buy all the boy toys he wanted, and have the cash in hand to be the first on the list to purchase the new self-driving chariot. But inside he knew there was something more. He knew the question wasn’t really about how to get the most out of this life, but was really about how to possess eternal life.

In fact, when responding to the man’s question, Jesus doesn’t even refer to it as eternal life but talks of it simply as entering life. He removes any confusion as to the life of the here and now somehow being disconnected from the life of the there and then. To have eternal life is life. To not have it is not life at all but merely “vanity and a striving after wind” (Eccl. 1:14). To be successful in this life without having secured the assurance of the life to follow is to miss out on life altogether.

And so, too often, we’re asking the wrong question. We’re listening to the wrong answers. And thus, finding our fulfillment, or lack thereof, in the wrong achievements, or lack thereof.

The young man, to his credit, wanted life and life to the full and somehow knew that he wasn’t there yet. He wanted to know what to do. Jesus told him to get rid of his attachment to this world’s riches and markers of success, to focus instead on laying up “treasure in heaven,” and to trade the pursuit of the American dream for following heaven’s King.

However, though he asked the right question, the young man wasn’t willing for Jesus’ answer to be the right answer. He wanted something he could do. Instead it was all about where he must set his heart.

And, for this rich young man, his heart was too much to pay. And so he walked away sorrowful (v.22). Heaven apparently beyond his grasp. Costed out at too high a price. The reality of his present riches too much to give up for the hope of an eternal inheritance. The grip of worldly success so strong that it prevented him from pursuing eternal glory. It was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, said Jesus, than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven (v.24).

When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”  But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 

(Matthew 19:25-26  ESV)

Hard to make the break from this world’s intense focus on short-term pain for short-term gain? Yup. Impossible? Nope.

With God all things are possible. It just starts with asking the right question. With recognizing that life is so much more than a few decades on planet earth. That real life, abundant life, eternal life is grasped by letting go of that which prevents one from coming to and holding on to the Author of Life (Acts 3:15).

And when we do that, it’s by God’s grace. And when we do that, it’s for God’s glory.

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The Missing Med

Posted on February 20, 2017 by Pete

Over these past couple of weeks I’ve realized that there seems to be a med for everything. As part of getting set up to provide in-home care we were given what was called a “comfort kit.” Basically a counter top of medications for different conditions we might encounter, all designed to ensure Sue remained comfortable. If this occurs use this one, if that occurs than administer that one. To avoid this or that, then use these on a regular basis. Every physical symptom anticipated and something provided to remediate it.

But as I’m reading in Psalm 42 this morning it occurs to me that the comfort kit was incomplete. It failed to address one other inevitable symptom.

The songwriter diagnoses it as the “cast down soul” condition. When the weight of what is being dealt with bows one’s back under the burden. That drowning feeling as waves of emotion break over one’s head and seem to flood every inch of one’s being. That state when one’s life energy seems to ebb with no indication that it will again flow.

The comfort kit had nothing for the cast down soul condition. Nor could it, really. But the songwriter provides the missing med.

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember You . . .

(Psalm 42:5-6a ESV)

Don’t know for sure that David wrote this song, but it seems likely. Don’t know exactly the circumstances that prompted the cast down condition, but we know enough about David’s life that we can imagine a number of scenarios. What we do know is that it was written to Korah’s worship team–that it was designed to restore praise. To take a soul bowed down by earth’s reality and aim it again at the heights of heaven’s eternity. To clear away the fog of despair and shine again the radiance of God’s glory.

How?

My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember You

“When down, look up.” So reads the label on this divine med. Might sound simplistic or trite, but it really is the remedy for a cast down soul.

Remember the One who is intimately aware of the distress of your soul (Ps. 31:7). Bring to mind His steadfast love and His unfailing promises. Recall every evidence of His abiding hand and the presence of His indwelling Spirit. Retrace every step already taken where He has proven the sufficiency of His grace and the plenitude of His power. When, with a still small voice, He has spoken to your spirit through His living word.

Remember the magnificence of who He is. Know again the excellence of what He has done.

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by His life.

(Romans 5:10 ESV)

Redeemed through the finished work of His Son. Having been saved by His death, now being saved through the power of His resurrected life. That’s our hope. That’s the missing med. It straightens the bowed back. It brings into focus again our sure future. It miraculously restores our inner vitality. It primes again the pump compelling praise to flow again freely from our lips.

All by His grace. All for His glory.

Amen?

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Precious

Posted on February 18, 2017 by Pete

Psalm 116. Wasn’t on yesterday’s reading plan, but it was the psalm of the day. I prayed it over a daughter of the King last night shortly before she went home to be with her Savior. And, like the songwriter, I too declare,

I love the LORD, because He has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy.

(Psalm 116:1 ESV)

After almost two weeks of keeping vigil as Sue’s fearfully and wonderfully made body underwent an orderly and peaceful shutdown of all it’s God created systems, our family was able to give a final kiss and say to a beloved wife and mother, “See you later. We’ll miss you so much!”

Someone’s eyes were always on Sue. She was rarely left alone and even then but for a few minutes. We watched and wept. We remembered and rejoiced. We said goodbye and we gave God thanks for such a precious gift and wonderful love.

But we weren’t the only ones with eyes on Sue.

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.

(Psalm 116:15 ESV)

Not gonna romanticize death. It’s not precious. It’s a symptom of the brokenness and separation that has entered our world because of man’s sin and rebellion against God. But death has lost it’s sting and is a defeated foe. Now serving as but a transport for those who have trusted in the shed blood of Jesus to atone for their sin and to restore the hope of eternal life for which they were created.

But His saints are precious. Precious in the sight of the LORD are His saints. Highly valued in His eyes are those owned as His people. Prized are those purchased by the blood of His Son. Splendid are those who have heard the Shepherd’s voice and responded, “Yes, Lord!”

His saints are precious in His sight. In life and in death. During the days of seeking first the kingdom, and during the days of preparing to go home. During the days of seeking, by His grace, to serve Him faithfully, and during the days of surrendering, by His grace, our souls trustingly.

Every day He has numbered. Every day comes with the promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Every day He sees from heaven. And every day, especially those days when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, He doesn’t let us out of His sight.

More than just some pie-in-the-sky, sweet-by-and-by sentiment. It is the sure hope of the believer.

And so, amidst sorrow there is joy. Weeping is accompanied by wonder. With the separation comes the anticipation. And, the grief is cloaked in gratitude.

What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD . . I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.

(Psalm 116:12-13, 17 ESV)

Though last night was painful, still it was precious.

Because of grace. For His glory.

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Dad, Are You Watching?

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Pete

Managed to get some time in my study this morning and catch up on my reading plan. Good to get some quiet time and listen. Word of God speak.

But didn’t get to my computer until early evening. Kind of the way our days have been going lately.

As I was catching up in the psalms, the following verses caught my attention and gave me something to chew on.

Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His steadfast love.

(Psalm 33:18 ESV)

The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and His ears toward their cry.

(Psalm 34:15 ESV)

Something about knowing you’re being watched that can be kind of intimidating . . . especially if you have something to hide!

But there’s also something about knowing you’re being watched that can act as a source of courage and comfort. I remember my kids when they were little getting ready to try something new. Something they thought was kind of risky and dangerous like jumping into the deep end of the pool by themselves. They’d walk to the deep end. Stand by the edge. Survey the leap they were about to take. Remind themselves that they were pretty sure they’d be able to swim back to the edge. And then, as a final safety check they’d look over at me and say, “Dad, are you watching?”

I was. And all systems were a go. Splash! Into the deep end they went . . . all by themselves.

Life can kind of be like a series of “deep ends.” Something new you have to experience comes along. Something hard or dangerous or simply something you don’t want to have to do. But you know you gotta.  Others have done it, so can you.

So you get ready. You know God’s promises are sure and that you really can do all things through Him who strengthens you (Php. 4:13). You know that His grace really is sufficient so that His power is made known in your weakness (2Cor. 12:9). And so you’re ready to take that next step. But you still want to look up and say, “Dad, are you watching?”

The songwriter twice reminds me, Yes, He’s watching.

Behold the eye of Abba Father is on those who fear Him. on those who have placed their hope solely in the eternal promise of His steadfast love. The eyes of our Father are locked on His children, fully knowing how scary it is to charter into unknown and unpleasant territory. And He hears their cry.

As I was chewing on the blessedness of being watched by my heavenly Father, a segment from an old (like really old) Gaither DVD came to mind (pardon Michael English’s fashion faux pas). “His is eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me,” they sing over and over again. It brought a smile to my face and a bit of joy induced lightness to my heart. If you have a couple of minutes click here to sit back and enjoy it.

Yeah, getting a bit of time in the Word and a bit more time on my computer has been a refreshing pause today. Now, back into the pool.

By His grace. For His glory.

 

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Why I Haven’t Been Posting Lately

Posted on February 8, 2017 by Pete

Sent out the following e-mail this evening.  Explains why I haven’t been posting for the past few days.

——————-

Hey Folks

While I’m sending this out to as many folks as I have emails for, please feel free to forward this email.

As many of know, Sue’s brain cancer reappeared September 2015.  After almost a year of chemo therapy treatments—none of which were successful in arresting the cancer’s growth—last August Sue started infusion treatments targeted at curtailing symptoms and managing quality of life.  Since then we have seen steady decline, first every few months, then every few weeks, and recently, it seems daily.  This past weekend it became evident that the time had arrived for those treatments to cease and for us to prepare for Sue’s “home stretch.”  I say “home” because the Scriptures say that for those who have trusted in Jesus and His redeeming work on the cross and have enjoyed the blessing here of being in a relationship with the Creator, that when death comes, to be absent from the body is to be at home with the Lord.

So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight.  Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.  So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him. 

(2Corinthians 5:6-9)

In fact, the Bible says that for those who know Jesus, while to live is Christ, to die is gain (Philippians 1:21).  Life here has been so good!  But to depart and be with Him is far better.

These truths have been our reality for all our married lives and is the hope we both have as we anticipate soon a temporary separation as Sue goes home to be with Jesus.

And so, this past Monday home hospice was engaged.  We are set up to care for Sue and keep her comfortable for whatever time remains this side of heaven.

We are so thankful that the Lord spared Sue 5 ½ years ago when the tumor was first discovered so traumatically while we were in Santa Cruz.  So thankful for three successful craniotomies back then and for what was almost 4 years of cancer free living since.  So thankful that, for the most part, the treatments Sue has had to go through have been relatively low impact.  And so thankful that Sue never lost that “peace that passes understanding” as we’ve trusted in the Lord with all our hearts and found that truly, His grace is sufficient.

All the girls, their husbands, and our two grand-kids are home now.  Melissa is due with her first baby in three weeks . . . we’re trusting the Lord with this as well.

Anyway, I wanted you to know our situation.  So many of you were with us through the ordeal 5 ½ years ago and many of you have remained a part of lives since then.

Thanx for the care and concern you’ve shown and the prayer cover you’ve provided.   Sincerely appreciated.

Trusting in His grace.  Wanting to live for His glory.

Pete

 

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Mighty Mammon vs. Almighty God

Posted on February 3, 2017 by Pete

It’s one of those foundational pieces of counsel that, by God’s grace, has stuck with me over the years. Long ago I was offered a bit of sage advice: Beware, our possessions have a way of possessing us. We may buy things, but all too easily those things can end up owning us.

We want to get our money’s worth and so they consume our leisure time. They break down and need fixing, so we increase our investment in them (either money and/or time) and thus, need all the more to make sure we get a good return. And so, it’s not unusual that what our stuff demands can have a way of stealing from what our Lord deserves.

And so, perhaps it shouldn’t be too surprising if, from time to time, God allows tests to come our way to reveal something of how tightly we hold on to stuff. Opportunities that require decisions to be made that reflect the degree to which we pursue mighty mammon or have subjected it to Almighty God. I’m thinking that, at least in part, such was the case for some fresh out of slavery Israelites . . .

The LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for Me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for Me. . . . And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.”

(Exodus 25:1-2, 8 ESV)

First thing that hits me is a sense of wonder and awe that my God is a God who desires to dwell in the midst of His people. Chapter 25 launches a series of detailed instructions concerning how to build the tabernacle–a sanctuary upon which God would descend so that He might dwell among men and women. A place where some measure of God’s infinite glory might be known. A place where, through designated representatives, ordinary people might approach an extraordinary God. A place which would demonstrate the separating nature of God’s holiness and yet a place where that separation could be spanned through the blood of reconciling atonement.

Be still and know afresh that our God desires to dwell in the midst of His people. Our God is an awesome God!

But then I noticed this little challenge at the beginning of these instructions. Moses was told to gather from every man “whose heart moves him” the materials necessary for the tabernacle’s construction. Gold, silver, bronze, colored yarn, fine linen, goats’ hair, tanned rams’ skins, goatskins, acacia wood, oil for lamps, spices for anointing oil, precious stones.

So, where are a bunch of just liberated slaves from Egypt going to come up with such stuff? Well actually, they were loaded with this kind of stuff. In addition to the flocks and herds they had accumulated while living in Goshen, when they left Egypt it says that they were told to ask the Egyptians “for silver and gold jewelry and for clothing. And the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. Thus they plundered the Egyptians” (Ex. 12:35-36).

God’s people left Egypt with a lot of stuff. Those who had once been considered the property of others were now in possession of a lot of property. They were loaded! They possessed designer label things that they never could have imagined owning. They were decked out with gold and silver and jewelry, the likes of which they had never had access to before. For some it must have felt like they were finally receiving what was owed to them after so many years of hard labor. And now, says the LORD, as your heart is moved, give it up. Let go of it and hand it over for the building of a place where I might dwell in your midst.

So many of the gods of Egypt had been trounced during the time of the plagues, and now, one more was to be dealt a death blow–mammon.

I’m thinking this was a test. The people had already said they’d obey God (Ex. 24:7), but would that obedience find it’s way to their wallet? Here they are packing the plunder of the world they had been rescued from and now they’re being asked to give of it freely that God might have a place among them. Would their possessions posses them? Or would they find that they really could not serve two masters, that it was impossible to serve God and to serve wealth (Matt. 6:24)? Stay tuned . . . the answer is revealed in a few pages.

But for now, it’s less about the Israelites and more about me. How am I doing with the world’s treasure that’s in my possession? The stuff freely given by the God of my deliverance? Does it own me? Or, by God’s grace, am I acting as a faithful steward over it? Am I seeking to build my bank account and fill my storeroom with stuff? Or, am I desiring, above all things, to know the God who longs to dwell in the midst?

Hmmm . . . worth noodling on . . .

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

(Psalm 139:23-24 ESV)

O, that our possessions would not posses us. But that all we have, and all we are, would be His and His alone.

Because of grace. For His glory.

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