We Wait

Posted on August 31, 2016 by Pete

So often what gets you wrapped around the axle with prophecy is trying to lock down the “when.” When will that happen? In ancient Israel’s day? During Christ’s first advent? At His second advent? At the tribulation? During the millennial reign of Christ? When the new heaven and earth come into being? And to be honest, for me at least, it can be kind of exhausting to try and figure out the “when.”

So this morning, I’m just chewing on the “what.” And then knowing that mine is to wait.

Glorious promise in Isaiah 25:6-8 this morning. A day when, “on this mountain” the LORD of heaven’s armies will host an over-the-top feast for ALL PEOPLES of the earth. A day when He will swallow up “the covering that is cast over ALL PEOPLES, the veil that is spread over ALL NATIONS”–a day when “He will swallow up death forever.” And on that day He will “wipe away tears from ALL FACES” and all shame and disgrace will be taken away from ALL THE EARTH.

Noodle on that for a bit. A day when ALL PEOPLE will be liberated from the bondage of death. A day when ALL NATIONS will know what it is to freed from sin. A day when tears are a thing of the past for EVERYONE.

A promise for “that day” but a promise which, for those who walk by faith, is known today in part, though seen as in “a mirror dimly” (1Cor. 13:9-12). Knowing that Christ’s death on the cross paid the price for sin once for all–our reproach removed. Assured through faith that His resurrection evidenced His conquering power over death–the veil removed and death swallowed up forever. His abiding presence supplying all sufficient grace so that even the tears dry up for a time as they are displaced by an overriding joy when we come into various trials and temptations.

But we have yet to see the promise fulfilled in its entirety. Still wrestling with sin, though there is forgiveness and restoration through the blood of the Lamb (1John 1:9). Still battling death, though we know that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2Cor. 5:8). Tears still slide down our cheeks though we know the touch of the God of all comfort (2Cor. 1:3) and the reality of the peace that passes all understanding (Php. 4:6-7).

And so, we wait. Of that Isaiah prophecies as well:

It will be said on that day, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, that He might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for Him; let us be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”

(Isaiah 25:9 ESV)

For now, we wait. And we wait with anticipation. Faith will give way to sight. The fullness of our salvation is nearer today than it was yesterday.

We have been saved from the penalty of sin through the finished work of the cross. We are being saved from the power of sin as we walk in the new man, clothed with Christ’s righteousness, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. And we live in expectation of a day when we will be saved from the very presence of sin when we are forever in the presence of our holy, holy, holy God. The shroud of death forever gone. The reproach of sin no longer even a memory. Tears of sorrow a thing of the past.

In the meantime we desire to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, submitting to God’s work in us, “both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Php. 2:12-13). In the meantime we labor for His kingdom until He returns. In the meantime we wait.

And in that day we will proclaim, “Behold, this is our God! Behold, this is our LORD! Let us be glad and rejoice in the fullness of His salvation!”

All because of His grace. All for His glory.

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A Connection

Posted on August 30, 2016 by Pete

There’s a connection, a vital connection. But for too many, that connection is never really made. For some, the Old Testament is considered irrelevant for faith today. For others, it’s seen, at best, as optional for the believer. But if God says that ALL SCRIPTURE is God-breathed and profitable for growing up in the faith, shouldn’t we, at some point, become familiar with ALL SCRIPTURE?

To be sure, as babes in Christ we need to be started on the milk, and then the meat, of the New Testament. We need to lay the foundation of the love of God manifest in the Son of God. Of the Christ crucified for the sin of the world, of Him risen and ascended in triumphal victory, and of the power of the gospel to bring about a righteousness through faith. Of new life and new power. Of the abundance and sufficiency of grace to not only save but to sustain and to sanctify, as well. Of being called to a new walk as a new person enabled by the Holy Spirit. But at some point, if we want to get the full picture, we need to dive into the Old Testament.

The fullness of God, all His divine attributes, is made known as He reveals Himself to His chosen people. The sovereignty of God among all nations is clearly displayed as history is recorded from a heaven-sent point of view. And not only is there much to learn from the past, but much is said of the future. And in that, for those familiar with both the Old and the New, there is a connection, a vital connection.

Case in point, something I read in Isaiah and something I read in Hebrews.

In that day Israel will be the third with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth, whom the LORD of hosts has blessed, saying, “Blessed be Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.”

(Isaiah 19:24 ESV)

If there was any less likely coalition to be imagined, I’m not sure what it might. A three-strand cord comprised of Israel, Egypt, and Assyria is kind of like the U.S., Russia, and North Korea all embracing. Their borders thrown wide open. Their ideology aligned. Their worship unified. Hard to imagine.

But, so says the LORD through Isaiah, a day is coming when Egypt and Assyria will worship with Israel. Egypt, perpetually known as the people of Israel’s bondage, their captors. Assyria, recorded in the annals of history as those who destroyed the 10 northern tribes of Jacob’s legacy, Israel’s conquerors. But one day, these captors and these conqueror will become Israel’s companions.

And what really grabbed my attention, is that these former enemies of God’s chosen nation will one day not only be reconciled to God but will also be renamed by God. Egypt will be “My people.” Assyria will be known as “the work of My hands.” And they will be counted together with Israel as “My inheritance.”

And the question becomes how? On what basis could those who once opposed God now be received by Him? And then, through what means? What dynamic could possibly be powerful enough to turn enemies of God and His people into co-worshipers of God with His people?

For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. . . . So also Christ did not exalt Himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by Him who said to Him, “You are My Son, today I have begotten you” . . . Although He was a son, He learned obedience through what He suffered. And being made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him

(Hebrews 5:1, 5, 8-9 ESV)

Christ the Son was made a high priest by God the Father to act on behalf of men, ALL MEN from all nations. He offered Himself, once for all, as the sacrifice for sin–not just for the sin of Israel, but for Egypt and Assyria also, and for all those who will receive His finished work on their behalf through the obedience of faith. And thus He became the source of eternal salvation to ALL who would believe.

He makes way for the enemies of God to be reconciled. For the least likely to worship to become worshipers. And in that, not only are they reconciled to God, but they are reconciled to one another such that, people from all nations can come together to bless the LORD. And they will be called, “My people . . . the work of My hands . . . My inheritance.”

That’s the connection between an ancient prophecy which seems so unlikely, and a current reality which is so incredible. A vital connection.

Because of grace. For His glory.

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You Coming?

Posted on August 26, 2016 by Pete

Chewing on Hebrews 4 this morning. A rest promised. God’s rest. The kind of rest God modeled at creation. A Sabbath rest. The “work is finished” type of rest.

But one that we need to strive to enter. That’s a little counterintuitive . . . exert yourself to enter into rest? But the rest being spoken of here is not an idleness. It’s not a kicking back and putting up of your feet. Instead, it has the idea of a calming of the winds. I picture the “striving” akin to steering a ship from the waves of open water into the flat waters of a protected bay.

And at the heart of this calm is resting from a sense that we need to keep doing in order for God to keep loving. Apparently easier said than done. Perhaps because of pride, in that the old man wants to boast of his efforts and secretly feel that God owes him a debt because of his self-righteousness. Or maybe it’s because of enemy-induced paranoia and uncertainty. That somehow my eternal destiny remains dependent on my current performance.

But the fact of the matter remains, as pertains to the things of eternity, “there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God” (4:9b).

The price has been paid. Our sin atoned for, once and for all. Divine righteousness credited to the account of all who believe. Holy, declared as our standing before Him. And the curtain which once blocked the way into the presence of God’s glory has been torn in two, from top to bottom, and access freely made available. All because the work is finished.

And so know, dear saint, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.

But a rest that is available is no rest at all if it is not entered into. So, you coming?

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)

I’m reminded this morning that Jesus was not just our once-for-all sacrifice for sin, but is also our now-and-forever great high priest (4:14-15). He not only has made open the way into the holy of holies, He ever lives to lead us, by His Spirit, into the holy of holies–escorting us, as it where, into the calm of God’s presence. He knows the barriers we face to truly entering into such a Sabbath rest because He is able to “sympathize with our weaknesses”, having “been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

Thus, having such a great high priest, I’m exhorted this morning to boldly draw near.

Openly, just as you are, come, says the Spirit. Because the work is finished and there remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God.

Without hesitation, freely, enter into His presence. Knowing that the Savior actively intercedes on your behalf at the Father’s right hand (Heb. 7:25, 8:1-2).

That’s the work left to us. To come. To draw near with confidence. To enter with assurance and boldness.

Not to a seat of judgment but to a throne of grace. Not to be evaluated but to receive mercy and find grace in time of need.

The work is finished. Our “striving” is to enter into His rest. Our work is to keep directing the ship into the calm of His safe harbor.

You coming?

By His grace . . . for His glory.

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It’s a Mystery

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Pete

Perspective. In addition to exhorting the pursuit of wisdom, in addition to providing gems of instruction in skillful living, sprinkled throughout Proverbs are sound bites of perspective. Sound bites concerned less about what I need to do and more about what I need to know. Reminders of the way things really work. And this morning I’m reminded that although I know what I have planned for today, I don’t really know what’s going to happen today. In actuality, it’s a mystery.

A mans steps are from the LORD;
how then can man understand his way?

(Proverbs 20:24 ESV)

I’ve got my plans, but God has His purposes. I have my schedule, but it’s subject to His sovereignty. I know how I want things to work out, He has determined how they will work out.

Flashback five years ago. We drove down to Santa Cruz for a wedding. Instead God knew we were going to get on a rollercoaster. The plans had been months in the making, but the actual steps had been determined in eternity past. How then can man understand his way? When all is said and done, everyday is a mystery.

I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself,
that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. 

(Jeremiah 20:23  ESV)

It’s kind of a humbling perspective for those who are planners. It can be somewhat unsettling for those who prefer predictability. And, it can be downright frightening for those who need to think they are in control. Yet it is the way of the world.

Thus, while we might plan, we should not presume. While we might take hold of the wheel, we should not forget who’s really driving. Instead, our steps are from the God who declares, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:8-9). How then can man understand his way? When all is said and done, as I head into this day, it’s a mystery.

But this perspective is not intended to unsettle. It’s purpose is not to create paranoia concerning what a day might bring. Instead such perspective, when recognized in the context of the love of God, is intended to remind us of the only thing we really know for sure about this day. Something I read in Isaiah this morning captured it:

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.

(Isaiah 12:2 ESV)

He who saved me will sustain me. Though I know not for sure my steps this day, “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2Tim. 1:12 NKJV). While I may not be able to, with full certainty, understand my way, I know without a shadow of a doubt who is my strength and my song. Who has promised never to leave me nor forsake me. Who has promised that His grace is sufficient for whatever this day holds.

Though I may not like realizing I’m not really in control, I will trust and not be afraid, for God is my salvation. And I know that nothing will separate me from Him who gave His Son to redeem me. Whatever the steps are He has ordained for me, “If God is for us, who [or what] can be against us” (Rom. 8:31)?

The way of man. Not in himself. It’s a mystery.

The love of God. Manifest on the cross. Testified to by His Spirit. That’s another mystery.

That I am His and He is mine? That’s a reality! I will trust and not be afraid.

By His grace, for His glory!

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The Glory To Be Revealed

Posted on August 24, 2016 by Pete

In about 16 hours it will be exactly five years ago that life took an unimagined turn for Sue and I. Five years. Sounds like a long time ago, but in many ways it doesn’t feel that way. To be sure, given the events of that night and the initial prognosis, to be where we are today is evidence of the merciful, gracious, loving hand of the Father. And though we would wish that the disease uncovered five years ago was but a distant memory, that it continues to factor into daily life is still received as being from the hand of a good and loving Father.

Lots of ups and downs. Panic and peace. Fear and hope. But one thing that has not changed over the past five years, nor the past thirty-eight years, is the solid ground and stability found through the Scriptures. Through His revelation, God has repeatedly spoken, “Be still” to the storm and calm has returned. Again and again, His precepts and promises have counterbalanced what, at times, has felt chaotic and confusing. God is faithful. His mercies are new every morning. And, for me at least, so often those mercies are delivered as I spend just a few minutes chewing on His word in the morning.

These thoughts from 2013 on my reading in Hebrews this morning again help to steady the ship as they remind me of the glory to be revealed.

————————————————-

Sometimes you can get so caught up in the journey, you forget about the destination. In the midst of navigating airports and running to get to your gate on time, it’s easy to lose sight of what awaits beyond the flight. When entering your nth hour of driving and the kids are coming apart, you might wonder why you ever loaded up the car in the first place, . . . that is, until you get there.

And so, I’m reading the latter part of Hebrews 2 . . . a wonderful reminder of “the Founder” of our salvation . . . of Him who sanctifies by becoming our “merciful and faithful High Priest in the service of God” . . . of Him who destroyed the power of death by making “propitiation for the sins of the people,” by offering Himself as the means of reconciliation between sinful man and a thrice holy God. In order to do so, He partook of flesh and blood . . . He was made like His brothers and sisters in every way, yet without sin . . . He Himself suffered and was tempted in order to help those who are being tempted. The passage is so about Him.

But it’s also a little about us. Those He is not ashamed to call “brothers” . . . those He owns as “the children God has given to Me” . . . those who, through fear of death, were once subject to lifelong slavery . . . those who are in need of help as they suffer and are tempted . . . those “who are sanctified.”

We have a faithful High Priest who is ready, willing, and able to draw alongside those He has redeemed and assist them in the journey. But it was the reminder of the destination that also sent my spirit soaring this morning.

For it was fitting that He, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.

(Hebrews 2:10 ESV)

While the itinerary for every believer might be unique . . . though the routes may vary . . . though the stops along the way might be different . . . the destination is the same. His intent is to bring many sons, and daughters, to glory.

It’s a reminder that this gig is just an opening act. That what lies ahead today isn’t the main event. That any plans and goals I set for this life are not the prize. This is the journey. The destination is glory.

Our destination is the place of glory, heaven. The finish line for the believer is the beginning of eternity in the place He has gone to prepare for us (John 14:2-3). We anticipate a city where the streets are gold . . . where a river of the water of life flows abundantly from the throne of God . . . where all things are new . . where there will never again be “mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore.” (check out Rev. 21-22)

Our destination is the possession of glory, the putting on of immortality. Where what has been sown perishable is raised imperishable . . . where what is sown in dishonor is raised in glory. Just as we bear the image of the first Adam, people of the dust of the earth, so too will we bear the image of the second Adam, the image of the Man of heaven . . . bearing a glory after the nature of Him who is glorious. (check out 1Cor. 15:42-49)

But most importantly, our destination is to be with the Person of glory, Him who is seated on the throne and the Lamb in the midst. The surroundings might become familiar over the ages . . . and I’m guessing we will get used to our new bodies after awhile . . . but forever we will delight anew in the presence of His majestic glory. Though we will be face to face, we will often go facedown in awe and worship. Though we walk the streets of gold our gaze will be set on Him who replaces the sun and moon. We will know His glory up close and personal!

In the meantime, we do the journey . . . through His help and by His all sufficient grace. But let us not lose site of the destination . . . the glory to be revealed!

What a day that will be! Amen?

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

(Romans 8:18 ESV)

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Firm Faith, Firm Footing

Posted on August 23, 2016 by Pete

Insurmountable opposition is the great equalizer. Doesn’t matter if you are top of the food chain or bottom of the pile, when you are out numbered, you are out numbered. When “the 800 pound gorilla in the room” is actually IN the room, doesn’t matter if you the CEO or just another CPA, everybody’s knees knock with fear. Unless, of course, you know One who is greater than any enemy force. If, instead, you trust in Someone more powerful than any King Kong. Isaiah reminds me this morning that with a firm faith comes a firm footing.

Reading in Isaiah 7 this morning and the king of Syria joins forces with the son of the king of Israel to wage war against Jerusalem. And Ahaz king of Judah knows he has a problem. A really BIG problem.

When the house of David was told, “Syria is in league with Ephraim,” the heart of Ahaz and the heart of his people shook as the trees of the forest shake before the wind.

(Isaiah 7:2 ESV)

Their hearts trembled. Both king and servant. Both adult and child. When they heard of this unholy alliance set against them, they were compromised to their core. And it was into this situation that the LORD sent His prophet Isaiah.

And the LORD said to Isaiah, “Go out to meet Ahaz, . . . And say to him, ‘Be careful, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint because of these two smoldering stumps of firebrands . . . ‘”

(Isaiah 7:3-4 ESV)

Be on guard, Ahaz, don’t let your heart melt before these two conquering wannabe’s. Know peace. Refuse dread. No need to be timid before this two “smoldering stumps.”

And through the prophet, the LORD, seeks to assure the king of Judah that what these two aggressors had in mind would never come to pass. That rather than conquer, they would be conquered. That within 65 years Ephraim, the northern kingdom, would “be shattered from being a people” (7:8). And to punctuate His assurance, the LORD through Isaiah warns Ahaz,

“If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.”

(Isaiah 7:9b ESV)

The eternal pillar of fire from heaven was ready to stand strong against these “two burned-out embers” (NLT) of earth. The King of glory who commands legions of mighty angels–He who Isaiah had seen seated on His throne, high and lifted, before whom the angels declare “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is filled with His glory” (Isa. 6:1-5)–this mighty King of heaven was ready to defend His people against the big-talking, but just blowing smoke, kings of earth. But, says Isaiah, without faith there could be no footing.

God is ready to enter the fray on behalf of all His people. His grace is sufficient. He is for us, so who can be against us? The work He has begun in us, He will complete . . . and even the gates of hell will not prevail against us. That’s the truth. But will we believe it? Will we trust in it? Will we, by grace, stand firm in it? If we are not firm in faith, we will not be firm at all.

Know the word of God . . . know the God of the word . . . and trust with all your heart.

Firm faith, firm footing.

By His grace. For His glory.

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The Same

Posted on August 19, 2016 by Pete

Holy ground. That’s what the first chapter of Hebrews is, it is holy ground. Any doubt as to whether or not the Scriptures seek to reveal the Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, as equal with God? Step on to this holy ground. Take off your shoes in the presence of the Almighty, and read the first chapter of Hebrews.

Jesus, the Son of God. Creator of the world, heir of all things. The radiance of God’s glory, the exact representation of God’s nature. Upholding the universe by the power of His word, having made purification for the sins of mankind by the power of the cross. Sitting at the right hand of the Majesty, having inherited the name which is above all names.

That’s my Savior! That’s my God!

And as I continue reading in Hebrews 1 this morning, working my way through God’s testimony of the Son He refers to as God (1:8-9), what catches my attention in particular is this, He is the same.

“You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of Your hands; they will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe You will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will have no end.”

(Hebrews 10-12 ESV)

Jesus is the same! Yesterday, today, and forever He is who He is without variation (Heb. 13:8). He is the express image and the exact imprint of God and, as such, is the I AM WHO I AM who made Himself known to Moses (Ex. 3:14).

“Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”  ~  Jesus

(John 8:58 ESV)

That’s why I read the Bible and read it again and read it again. So that I might, through the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit within me, know this Christ. Confident that whatever this feeble mind is permitted to grasp from these ancient writings concerning the Messiah is as true now as it was then–because He is the same.

He came to be a Shepherd to lost sheep then, He longs to be a Shepherd to those gone astray now. He offered Himself as the eternally sustaining Bread to those in the 1st century, He has the same power to seal forever all those who believe in Him and partake of Him in the 21st century. He freely gave living water to satisfy every thirst then, I can drink deeply from the same fount today. All because He is the same.

Immutable. Unchanging. Without variation.  That is the very nature of the One who rose from the dead and ascended into heaven so that, even now, He continues to seek and save the lost, He continues to abide with and empower the found, and all this “by the power of an indestructible life” (Heb. 7:16).

Who He is. What He has accomplished through the cross. What He is doing now as He prepares a place for us and intercedes for us. What He has promised. All of it the same. Fixed. Steadfast. Immovable.

Talk about a sure foundation! Talk about solid ground! Talk about a Rock to plant your feet on as you seek to secure your eternal future.

You are the same!  Your years will have no end.

That’s my Lord. That’s my hope.

All because of grace. All for His glory.

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Our Dread or Our Delight

Posted on August 18, 2016 by Pete

The splendor of His majesty. That’s what I’m chewing on this morning. And my immediate response when encountering those words? Well, it’s akin to the psalmist’s response.

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.   (Psalm 29:2 ESV)

Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.   (Psalm 96:6 ESV)

Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty . . .   (Psalm 104:1 ESV)

Think the splendor of His majesty and many of us imagine His glory and holiness. We turn our faces toward heaven and put our knees to the ground and respond with worship. We imagine a beauty beyond imagination. We bless our God. We anticipate that day when faith gives way to sight and we stand in His presence, beholding the splendor His majesty with joy inexpressible and awe indescribable.

And that will be our delight. The culmination of our pilgrim walk. The prize for running this sometimes arduous race we know as life. The crown for whatever faithfulness He has enabled us to show by His power and grace.

The splendor of His majesty. O blessed thought. O blessed anticipation.

But as I start in on Isaiah this morning I’m reminded that such a response to the splendor of His majesty is not the default response. It is not the natural response.

Enter into the rock and hide in the dust from before the terror of the LORD, and from the splendor of His majesty. The haughty looks of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.

(Isaiah 2:10-11 ESV)

Three times Isaiah repeats the truth that one day, when the LORD returns in the splendor of His majesty, far from anticipating it and running toward it, those who have refused Him as Lord will flee and seek to hide from His glory (2:10, 19, 21). Three times the prophet declares this word of the LORD. If repetition in the Scripture is intended for emphasis, and it is, then Isaiah is yelling this thought in order to get his people’s attention.

For the haughty, for the prideful, for those who have purposed to bow down to idols of their own making and devote their lives to the pursuit of ways which seem right in their own eyes, discounting the word of the Creator, giving heaven their back, on that day when the LORD is exalted, for them it will be a day of great terror and dread.

No delight in considering this. No desire that this be any man or woman’s lot. For, but for the grace, that’s where I’d be. Fleeing into a cave. Trying to bury myself in the dust. Seeking to avoid the splendor of His majesty.

Oh, but what a difference a day makes–and that, the day of salvation. The day when by His grace He started to open my eyes and stir my heart. When through His Spirit He revealed but a glimmer of His majesty and brought to light the evidence of His great love. The day, when with little theological understanding, I believed that Jesus was the Son of God sent to rescue those who would otherwise flee at the splendor of His majesty. I believed He was the Lamb of God come to take way the sin of the world . . . to take away my sin.

And on that day, by the shed blood of the Christ on the cross, and through the power by which He rose from the dead, I was “delivered from the domain of darkness”–that realm which flees from the splendor of His majesty. And I was transferred into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son and “qualified to share in the inheritance of the saints in light” (Col. 1:12-14). And part of that inheritance shall be running to behold the light of His glory.

The splendor of His majesty. Our dread or our delight? O sinner hear His plea:

“Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”

(Isaiah 1:18 ESV)

O sinner-saved-by-grace sing His praise . . . as you anticipate the day of His presence!

All because of grace, all for His glory.

Even so, Lord Jesus, come!

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Every Good Thing In Us

Posted on August 17, 2016 by Pete

It was a big ask. Paul knew it was a big ask. A slave owner had no obligation to go easy on an AWOL slave. And a slave who had deserted his master had no expectation that returning to his master would be without great consequence. But still Paul asked, “Receive him as you would receive me.” And Onesimus the slave returned, not just as a repentant bondservant, but now “as a beloved brother.” And Philemon, the man of means and a fellow worker in the gospel with Paul, took Onesimus back into his home . . . because of every good thing in us.

. . . and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.

(Philemon 1:6 ESV)

Philemon had the opportunity to play out the gospel.

That he was already a new creation in Christ was evident to all. He had opened his home as a meeting place for the local band of believers (1:2b). He had brought great joy to the apostle Paul as his reputation for loving God’s people had made it’s way even to Rome. Paul had “derived much joy and comfort” as he heard repeatedly that “the hearts of the saints had been refreshed” through Philemon’s hospitality and generosity (1:7). And so, the ask, “Refresh my heart in Christ” (1:20b).

Paul got to play the Christ part as he identified himself fully with the fallen slave and would willingly take upon himself his debt, just as Christ did ours. “Receive him as you would receive me,” Pauls asks of Philemon, “If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account” (1:17b-18).

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us

(Galatians 3:13a ESV)

And Philemon too would have opportunity to play the Christ part as he takes again this rebellious slave into his home. Though once he was lost, now he was found. But now as much more than just a worker to be commanded but instead as a “beloved brother” in the Lord (1:16).

“No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends . . .”    ~ Jesus

(John 15:15a ESV)

And all this gospel “play acting” made possible through, and motivated by, every good thing in us.

Beyond our souls having been rescued from destruction, as believers we have been infused with the very nature of Christ. His righteousness credited to our account, His authority given us through His word, His likeness being formed in us by the indwelling Spirit. If we could see inside all that Christ has wrought within us through His saving work we would cry out, “I will praise You! For not only have I been fearfully and wonderfully made, but I have been fearfully and wonderfully re-made, as well!”

And the Savior’s desire for us, as was Paul’s desire for Philemon, is that what is in us would flow out from us. That the sharing of our faith, in word and in deed, would testify and bring to light the new person we have become because of the finished work of the cross through the power that raised Christ from the dead. And this, for the sake of Christ.

Every good thing in us. There by His grace. There for His glory.

Let it shine! Let it shine!

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Steadfast Love and Faithfulness

Posted on August 16, 2016 by Pete

Atonement. The covering for iniquity. To propitiate, to pacify, to make peace for the debt owed due to transgression. Pretty major theme throughout the Scriptures. Normally not too surprised when I come across it in my readings. But this morning it did catch me a bit off guard. Not because of what I read but because of where I read it–in the book of Proverbs.

By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,
    and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.

(Proverbs 16:6 ESV)

When I think Proverbs I think practical wisdom, principles for doing life, tips and techniques for walking in a manner pleasing to God. Not where I expect to find such a profound doctrinal theme as atonement. But here it is–the one and only time the word atoned is used in Proverbs–and it jumps off the page at me this morning.

It is by steadfast love and faithfulness that iniquity is atoned for. Solomon must have been thinking beyond the mere act of sacrifice occurring 24/7 at the temple. Instead, I imagine him meditating on the divine dynamic established such that the blood of sheep and goats might provide a covering for the sins of men and women.

The first part of the dynamic depending on the one offering the atoning sacrifice. Sacrifice for sacrifice sake won’t cut it. Animal flesh without actual faith is all but useless. Offering without obedience has little impact (2Sam. 15:22). What’s more, “the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD” (Prov. 15:8). To go through the motions while remaining hostile towards the LORD provides no benefit, for “GOD cant stand pious poses” (MSG).

But sincerity on the part of the sacrifice-er could never be enough, by itself, to pay the price owed for sin’s transgression against a holy God. No, acts of atonement that actually atone for sin are dependent on the nature of Him who receives the offerings of men and women for their sin.

The LORD descended in the cloud and stood with [Moses] there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness  . . . ”

(Exodus 34:5-6 ESV)

Steadfast love and faithfulness. It is the essence of the glory of God.  It is at the core of His nature and being.  And it is the “secret sauce” of atonement. The X-factor. That which makes it all work.

Our God is a God of steadfast love and faithfulness. Manifest throughout the millennia leading up to the once-for-all atoning sacrifice for sin as God accepted the blood of animals as a covering because He knew that at “just the right time” (Rom. 5:6) He would provide the perfect Lamb to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

Steadfast love and faithfulness. That’s what compelled the Father to send His Son “to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Heb. 9:26).

Steadfast love and faithfulness. That’s what drove the Son to set His face toward Jerusalem knowing that there He would be handed over to men, crucified on a cross, and forsaken of the Father, that through His death He might reconcile sinners, once alienated and of hostile mind, to His Father in order to present them “holy and blameless and above reproach before Him” (Col. 1:21-22).

Steadfast love and faithfulness. His, not mine. That’s my only plea. That’s my only assurance that what He has begun in me will be completed at the day of Jesus’ return (Php. 1:6). It is the foundation of my hope, the surety of my expectation. It’s the anthem of my song.

Wasn’t expecting to find atonement in Proverbs this morning. But really, is there any more “practical” advice as to why we should keep on keepin’ on than the steadfast love and faithfulness of our God? Right now, I’m thinkin’ not!

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

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