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.

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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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They March to the Beat of a Different Drummer

Posted on August 15, 2016 by Pete

Reading in Esther this morning. Typically, while enjoying the story and marveling afresh at God’s “behind the scenes” presence, I’m not marking the pages very much. Not much on my list of “watch for’s” showing up on the pages of this story about secular Jews in a secular land with a big secular problem solved by a heavenly Father.

But something caught my attention this morning. Something I shaded in red, my color for “The Church/The People of God”. And it’s got me thinking that if anything marks the child of God it’s that they march to the beat of a different drummer.

Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, “There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom. Their laws are different from those of every other people, and they do not keep the kings laws, so that it is not to the kings profit to tolerate them.”

(Esther 3:8 ESV)

Ahasuerus has a new bride (2:1-4). Esther has a new home (2:17). Haman has a new job (3:1). And Mordecai has a big problem. He won’t bow down to Haman and Haman won’t stand for it.

The reason Mordecai gives for his refusal to bow the knee to this Agagite? “He told them that he was a Jew” (3:4). Haman’s solution to such insubordination? Get rid of the Jews.

And so Haman goes to the king with a plan to remove a people who have, in the past, proven themselves to be trouble-makers. To eradicate the descendants of Abraham who have demonstrated beforehand a difficulty with bowing to other gods. And his charge against them? “Their laws are different from those of every other people.” They march to the beat of a different drummer.

Peterson’s Message may take a bit of liberty with the original wording when he translates it, “Their customs and ways are different from those of everybody else”, but I think he’s capturing the essence of the indisputable claim Haman is making. These people are different. They are driven by a different internal compass. They are motivated by a different set of unseen objectives. They are living now in light of a different set of promises. They are different from every other people.

Amen!

That’s how the people of God should be known–as different! And not different just for different’s sake. Not different as in quirky. But the people of God should be known for being different because they follow the ways of God to advance the kingdom of God for the glory of God. And if someone has a problem with that–even if they complain to the king–so be it!

A different people than every other people. True then of God’s chosen nation. True today of those called to be “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1Pet. 2:9).

We march to the beat of a different drummer.

Because of grace. For His glory!

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We’re All Pudding

Posted on August 12, 2016 by Pete

The proof is in the pudding . . . and child of God, we’re all pudding! This morning, that’s what I’m picking up from what Paul is laying down.

Reading in Titus 2 this morning. While Paul has been the church planter throughout Crete, he leaves Titus to be the church establisher. Titus was to appoint men of the highest character, calling, and capability to be elders who would shepherd these new found flocks (1:5-8). Among their other responsibilities, they were to “hold firm to the trustworthy word taught” so that they could “give instruction in sound doctrine” (1:9). Instruction not so much on what to know, but on how to live. Less about systematic theology and more about authentic “walk-ology.” And this because there were already those in their midst who professed to know God but denied Him by their works (1:16).

The truth of the word is testified to by the reality of the walk. The validity of the way of God is established by those who follow the way. In essence, the proof is in the pudding. And so, Paul charges his young co-worker to charge God’s people to be that pudding.

But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. . . . that the word of God may not be reviled. . . . Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned . . . so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

(Titus 2:1, 5b, 7-8a, 10,b ESV)

Though we are saved by faith and not by good works, nevertheless, we are saved by faith for good works (Eph. 2:8-10). A real salvation will make a real difference. If the word of God is really the way of God, then those who say they’ve believe that word should walk in a manner consistent with that word. For what’s at stake is the reputation of the word.

Paul exhorts Titus to instruct the older men on how older men in Christ should conduct themselves. Likewise, he says, there is a behavior fitting for older women. Younger women also were to be taught, and that on how to do family life.  And younger men aren’t left out either as they are exhorted to be marked by self-control. Everyone has a “to do” list. How come? Because Paul didn’t want anyone looking down on God’s word because of the behavior of God’s people. In fact, the lives of the family of God are to enhance or “add luster” (MSG) to the truth of God.

Paul’s longing for the people of God was that in everything they would “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.” That they would be the garnish, the trim, the embellishing reality testifying to the power of the gospel as salvation for all you believe. That, in how they conduct themselves, they would be “the bling” that draws the eyes of those in darkness to know that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2Cor. 5:17). That, by their lives, they would so “decorate” the truth of God’s saving grace that others would know saving grace.

A real salvation is only real if it is real. The proof is in the pudding. And we’re all pudding!

Might God’s set-apart people testify to the reality of God’s life-giving word as they, by God’s powerful Spirit, seek to live lives consistent with sound doctrine.

By His grace. For His glory.

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Just Like David Did

Posted on August 11, 2016 by Pete

Wasn’t planning on “re-cycling” this morning. But as I went back over my posts on today’s readings from past years some thoughts from August 11, 2011 stirred me. Thought I’d re-work them a bit and share them again. My own little “throw back Thursday” if you like.

—————————————————-

I didn’t expect him to be there. Kind of surprised me that his name showed up–not just once, but four times. It’s been 600 years since he was physically on the scene. But when it’s time to rejoice, when it’s time to praise, when it’s time to worship, when it’s time to offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving, then it’s time to do it just like David did.

I’m reading in Nehemiah 12 this morning. The walls of Jerusalem have been rebuilt. The opposition has been withstood and the scoffers silenced. What’s more, the people of God have experienced a degree of revival as the word of God has been rediscovered. Ezra the scribe has taught it and, to a certain degree, the people have caught it. The walls of God’s dwelling place stand firm. The word of God’s kingdom has been preached faithfully. And the ways of God’s people have been impacted forever.

And now it’s time to celebrate. Not in recognition of their own abilities and accomplishments, but in the goodness, grace, and great power of the God they serve. The temple is back in business and the walls of Jerusalem protect once again–all because God brought His people back. Back to the land and back to Himself. Time to rejoice and give thanks. And time to do it just like David did.

Nehemiah 12 isn’t about David, but his name shows up four times, twice as “David the man of God.” And what impresses me is the legacy left through this man of whom God says, “I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after My heart” (Acts 13:22).

David was integral in establishing the music and the song that covered the temple activity. So, when it’s time to dedicate the wall, Nehemiah gathers all the Levite musicians and singers to Jerusalem and tells them to “go for it!” Sing just as David commanded, he says (Neh. 12:24, 45). Play with gusto the musical instruments “David the man of God” used (12:36). When it was time to celebrate the goodness of God they were to sing the songs, play the music, and give thanks just like David did.

And it reminds me that our modern worship isn’t something new, it’s just the latest form of something ancient. Something God has ordained throughout the millennia to be part of what His people do when they get together. It is the natural response of the people of God to the wonder-inducing works of God. Though the slicing and dicing of animals ended at the cross, this form of sacrifice continues today.

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)

. . . be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(Ephesians 5:18b-20 ESV)

And it is an offering that will continue throughout eternity.

Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

(Revelation 5:11-14 ESV)

And so, when Nehemiah sensed it was time to thank God for the work He had enabled them to complete, they celebrated “with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres” (Neh. 12:25).

Today the instruments are a bit different. The cymbals are accompanied by some “skins” and have become a drum kit. The harps are now the strings of a piano (or the digitized equivalent). The lyres have given way to guitars. But what should not have changed is the gladness, the thanksgiving, and the singing.

And unlike the worship service in Nehemiah 12, our choir doesn’t gather on a wall around a temple, but our choir IS THE TEMPLE, “a holy temple in the Lord . . . a dwelling place for God by the Spirit” (Eph. 2:21-22). The glory of God dwelling where the people of God are worshiping.

“And the singers sang . . . And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.”

(Nehemiah 12:42b-43 ESV)

Gladness . . . thanksgiving . . . singing . . . just like David did.

May the joy of the people of God be heard far away . . . today, as it was that day.

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

 

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Rubbing Shoulders with Wisdom

Posted on August 10, 2016 by Pete

They’re not rocket science, but they can be life changing. So many of them are just common sense but, for those who are mindful of them, their impact is anything but run-of-the-mill. I’m talking about Solomon’s proverbs. His quick snappers giving instruction for skillful living. His pithy maxims which, if heeded, have a lifelong effect.

The Hebrew root for the word “proverb” apparently has the idea of ruling, reigning, or having dominion. Proverbs then are words fit for directing our lives. Exhortations which are valuable for influencing our walk and our talk. Counsel worth submitting to.

And this morning I’m chewing on one of Solomon’s simple, yet far-reaching sayings. And I’m realizing how important it is to rub shoulders with Wisdom.

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

(Proverbs 13:20 ESV)

Walk with the wise and become wise. Associate with wisdom and you’ll pickup up wisdom. Hang out with people who know a thing or two about a life well lived and don’t be surprised when you start picking up what they are laying down. Rub shoulders with those who fear the LORD and watch what rubs off on you.

That’s why “doing coffee” is such an important part of my routine (and the routines of many I call friends). Finding a place to talk about life . . . the life here and now and the one to come . . . the life full of trials and hardships and the abundant life. To engage in spiritual discussion. To share what we’ve been seeing in the Word. To talk of matters too lofty for our full comprehension. To encourage one another to keep on keepin’ on. Hanging out with godly people has a way of their godliness rubbing off on me.

Not rocket science . . . but potentially life changing. Common sense? Yup. But integral to shaping a supernatural reality.

But here’s what I’ve really been chewing on this morning . . .

Especially in the early chapters of Proverbs, I see so often wisdom as a type of Christ. I hear Jesus crying aloud in the streets and raising His voice in the market. The Son of God saying, “Blessed is the one who finds Me.” The Christ claiming that to have Him is better than silver and of far more profit than gold. The Lord of creation who beckons people to Himself as “a tree of life for those who lay hold of her.”

And so, if Christ is Wisdom, then whoever walks with the Wise becomes wise. Whoever hangs with Jesus eventually becomes like Jesus. Whoever engages the living Christ, through His revealed Word and through Spirit-mediated prayer, will have the mind of Christ. To have Christ rub off on me, I must rub shoulders with Christ.

That’s what Paul labored for concerning his children in the faith, that Christ would be formed in them (Gal. 4:19). That’s why he would say, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1Cor. 11:1). In essence he too is saying, Rub shoulders with Wisdom so that Wisdom might rub off on you.

Child of God, He who foreknew you also predestined you to “be conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29). “He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love Him along the same lines as the life of His Son” (MSG). From the beginning God determined to form His Son in you as you, by His grace and power, determined to walk with His Son. So, it’s kind of important that we engage with the risen Christ on a daily basis. It needs to be a priority to walk with Him if we want to be like Him.

Not rocket science, but life changing!

O that Wisdom might rub off on us as we rub shoulders with Wisdom.

By His grace. For His glory.

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