The Promise and The Power

Posted on September 23, 2016 by Pete

Confession time: I do lousy at long-distance relationships. I don’t see you, I have a tough time (aka I fail miserably) keeping in touch with you. I envy those who phone, write, and travel in order to maintain relationships with people outside their zip code (postal code for my Canadian brothers and sisters). And it’s not that I don’t value the friendships. I do and I’m so glad when we have the rare opportunity to cross paths. But, for whatever reason, I pretty much tank when it comes to doing life with those many miles way.

Maybe that’s why something I read in the closing verses of Luke’s gospel has got me thinking. Because it’s a reminder to this out-of-sight-out-of-mind guy to make the effort to be working my relationship with Someone else who I never see. And it’s not that I don’t see Him because He lives far away. In fact, He occupies the same space as I do around the clock, seven days a week. But this long distance feeling is way too easy to experience because, though He’s ever present, He’s also invisible. He is spirit. He is the Holy Spirit, third Person of the Trinity. So this morning I’m chewing on the reminder of the Promise and the Power.

“And behold, I am sending the Promise of My Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”   ~ Jesus

(Luke 24:49 ESV)

The risen Christ is soon to be the ascended Christ (24:51). Goodbye earth, hello heaven. Talk about your far away feeling. But though He is about to leave His own, He will not leave them alone. He has already told them that He would ask the Father to send them Someone else to draw alongside them (John 14:16). Another Counselor, like Christ Himself, to lead them into truth and teach them what they need to know (John 14:26). An Advocate connecting these pilgrims on earth with their kingdom in heaven (Rom. 8:16, 26). Someone who will take their discipleship to the next level–so much so that Jesus said, “Me going, and Him coming, is to your advantage” (John 16:7).

And this One that Jesus said He would send is the Promise and the Power.

The Promise of the Father. Spoken of long ago through the prophets as the Game-Changer. The Regenerator of diseased spiritual DNA. The Revealer of the Word and Ways of the Creator. The Reviver of those trapped in lethargic, two-faced religious rites. Through Jeremiah, He promised a dynamic given by which He would write His law upon their hearts (Jer. 31:33). By Ezekiel, He promised a new spirit put within His people so that hearts of stone would become hearts of flesh (Ezek. 11:19). And through Joel, God said He would pour out His spirit and give power (Joel 2:28-29).

The power of God. Such power as never conceived. The power of signs and wonders that testified to the truth of the gospel (Rom. 15:18-19). The power that raised Christ from the dead (Rom. 1:4). Immeasurably great power given to those who believe (Eph. 1:19).

Invisible power? Yes. But not unknowable power. An out of sight Promise? Unfortunately, for me. But not out of reach. I can walk by the Spirit, be led by the Spirit, and live by the Spirit (Gal. 5:16, 18, 25). I can bear the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). I can sow to the Spirit and reap the realities of eternal life (Gal. 6:8).

The Promise and the Power. It is mine by His grace. O, that I might nurture and know the reality of this relationship for His glory.

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A Bit of the Presence While Waiting for the Promise

Posted on September 22, 2016 by Pete

One of those mornings where I feel a bit dry even after having sipped from the well of His Word. Nothing really coming to mind and so I go back through my journal and see what thoughts were stirred in previous years when I read these passages in my reading plan. And this morning, a bit of a surprise. Something I captured back in 2011 just seemed to be the encouragement I needed. Chewed on it this morning as I re-worked it a bit. God is good . . .

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Part way through Isaiah 63 you kind of get the sense that the prophet “hits the wall.” It’s been 63 chapters detailing the sin of Israel and God’s determination to judge them via the violence and oppression of the nations surrounding them. And of God’s righteous judgment upon those nations who, while being His rod of judgment on wayward Israel, would not escape His wrath for their arrogance and vile behaviors.

And though Isaiah is also given a vision of the mercy of God and the restoration of Israel, informed of the promise of God to send His Holy Servant to redeem His people, he doesn’t really see that happen in his lifetime. Instead, he witnesses the destruction and the judgment of God. And then in Isaiah 63 it seems he pauses. He takes off his prophets hat and puts on his prayer shawl. He turns his face upward and cries out in need of God. And it seems to get very personal.

“Look down from heaven and see, from Your holy and beautiful habitation. Where are Your zeal and Your might? The stirring of Your inner parts and Your compassion are held back from me.”

(Isaiah 63:15 ESV)

At some point it’s hard for it not to become about us. While we know the promises of God . . . while we seek to rest in Him and trust Him and wait for Him, let’s not be surprised if there comes a time when we also find ourselves crying out, “Where are You?” We shouldn’t be shocked if, at some point, we find ourselves thinking, “God, I know You’re up there in Your holy and glorious dwelling place. But I need You to look down . . . or at least let me know You’re looking down.”

We can know the promises of God, but sometimes we just need to experience a bit of the presence of God. Isaiah knew that the Redeemer of Israel would eventually act on their behalf, He just wanted it now!!! And maybe not so much about acting on Israel’s behalf, but how about just a reminder that God cared for Isaiah?

Isaiah stood in the fiery ruins of what was once their holy and beautiful temple. He could look around and see that Zion was a wilderness and Jerusalem a desolation. All the physical glory of Israel was laid waste. (Isa. 64:10-11) He knew the promises of God–that one day He would restore all things–but, for right now, He just needed a bit of a reminder. He needed a bit of the presence of God while he waited for the promise of God.

Isn’t that what I need sometimes–a bit of the presence while I wait for the promise? A reminder of God’s zeal and heart for me? Some touch from heaven that assures me of His promise that He will never leave me nor forsake me? Something that reminds me of His steadfast love so that I might confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not fear.” (Heb. 13:5b-6)?

And so, like Isaiah, I can find myself also crying out . . .

“Oh that You would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence . . . ”

(Isaiah 64:1 ESV)

Isaiah is so ready for the Mighty Redeemer of Israel to step on to the scene, intervene, and make things right. He has heard heaven declare that the glory of the Holy, Holy, Holy LORD of Hosts fills the whole earth (Isa 6:1-3), now he wants to see it. Now it’s time to “get ‘er done.” No more waiting . . . “Let’s get ready to rumble!!!”

Isaiah is looking for the Glorious Appearing of Christ to once for all do battle with His enemies and set up His kingdom of righteousness here on earth. He knows the promise . . . time for the Presence.

And I’m reminded that God has come down. That the heavens have been breached in Jesus’ first coming. That through His death and resurrection the curtain to the Holy of Holies has been rend from top to bottom. And that the need for a “bit of presence” is entirely within my reach. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8)

Sin has been judged. The sinner declared righteous by faith. Heaven opened up. The Holy Spirit descended.

And I can look up . . . ask Him to look down and remind me of His thoughts to me . . . and through His Spirit inside me, know a bit of the presence.

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.

(Romans 8:16 ESV)

Oh, that I would have ears to hear the Spirit within me. That I would keep the way open for His still small voice to speak. That I would know a bit of the presence while I cling to the promise.

By His grace. For His glory.

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Acceptable Worship

Posted on September 21, 2016 by Pete

It seems there’s going facedown and then there’s going facedown. One almost out of compulsion–almost forced through trembling fear. The other an act of glorious freedom, willingly fueled by high regard and godly, reverent fear. The first, going facedown because you’re shaking in your boots. The other, hitting the ground because of an overwhelming desire to bow the knee. Both have their place, I guess. But the latter, according to my reading this morning, is acceptable worship.

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

(Hebrews 12:28-29 ESV)

Hebrews 12 concludes with a discussion about two mountains, Mount Sinai and Mount Zion. Both revealing the glory of God. Sinai like an erupting volcano, “a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest” (v.18). The voice of God rumbling over it and then exploding like “the sound of a trumpet.” DO NOT ENTER! signs posted around the perimeter lest anyone should approach too close to this holy hill and die. So terrifying was the sight of this footstool of God that even Moses, who was somewhat accustomed to standing on holy ground, would say, “I tremble with fear” (v. 21).

But . . . oh glorious word, but . . . “But you have come to Mount Zion” (v.22-24). Unlike Sinai, where the glory descended in order to give the law, this mount is the city of the living God where all are welcomed and invited to come. And anyone can RSVP simply by trusting in the blood of the Lamb shed for their sin. It is the heavenly Jerusalem, a place of gathering. Countless angels in festive celebration congregated there. Joined with the souls of myriads more who constitute “the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven.” And in their midst is Jesus, “the mediator of a new covenant.”

Mount Zion, that’s the hill we’ve been called to.

Sinai had it’s day but was temporary, pointing to something better. Just as the law given on that mount was never intended to bring about lasting righteousness before God but could only act as “our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith” (Gal. 3:24). And though it drove people to go facedown because of the clouds and flames and deafening thunder, it was always intended to give way to a better hill and better motivation for worship.

For, while Sinai was only intended for a season, Zion was established for eternity. It is everlasting. Persevering through the ages in the hearts of those who wait for the day when this kingdom of faith is manifest in all it’s glory–the glory of God. And we shall behold our King, and He shall gaze upon His people. And it will be a kingdom that cannot be shaken.

Therefore, let us give thanks. Thus, let us offer to God, acceptable worship.

Not because we have to but because we get to. Not out of compulsion where we are forced to our knees, but out of celebration because we have been welcomed into the Holy of Holies through the blood of Christ by the wooing of the Spirit according to the loving desire of the Father.

And so, though humbly, we enter confidently. The gates open. The way prepared. And we worship with acceptable worship. Not in trembling dread, but in reverence, awe, and godly fear.

We gladly and willingly go facedown. Continually offering, in a manner well pleasing to the God of Creation, the “sacrifice of praise . . ., that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name” (Heb. 13:5).

Because of His wonderful grace. Ascribing forever His everlasting glory.

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The Harvest

Posted on September 20, 2016 by Pete

God is in the fruit making business. That’s the testimony of Scripture this morning. I encountered two witnesses to that fact–one in the Old Testament ,the other in the New. And they testify that though the growing process might be hard, God’s intent is that fruit might be born. That God’s desire is for the harvest.

I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners, creating the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace, to the far and to the near,” says the LORD, “and I will heal him.”

(Isaiah 57:18-19 ESV)

. . . but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness.  For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

(Hebrews 12:10b-11 ESV)

The prophet Isaiah declares the word of God to the worst of men. To those who have exchanged the living God of promise for the dumb idols of pleasure. To those who forfeited life led by the Holy One for an existence bowed before plated images of wood. And though for a time He struck them and hid His face from them in anger because of their iniquity (57:17), yet because of His great love and compassion, and through His inexhaustible grace, the God of heaven promises, “I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry” (57:16).

And so, the God who is high and lifted up, He who inhabits eternity and whose name is Holy, this One who dwells in a high and holy place reaches down to tabernacle also with those who are of a “contrite and lowly spirit” (57:15). He abides with those who forsake their wicked ways and turn to Him with broken hearts. He settles in with those who humbly purpose to seek Him. He comes down to live with those who look up. Having known their transgression, He responds to their brokenness with healing. Having seen their wandering, He purposes afresh to lead them. Having felt their sorrow, He again draws near to comfort them. He enters the storms of their own making and offers peace, double peace, to those both far and near.

The result? Thanksgiving. Praise. Worship. The fruit of the lips. The harvest.

And then, I’m reading in the book of Hebrews. Addressed also to God’s people. But to those who are seeking a heavenly land and so, have entered the pilgrim’s path. To those surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses and yet are enduring a great deal of suffering. Not necessarily of their own making due to their own sin, but, it would seem, of their own making due to their faithfulness and their determination to stand against sin and its army of opposition.

And in this struggle there is a temptation to grow weary and fainthearted. To cash it in. To tap out. And to these believers the prophetic voice says, “Endure it as discipline. Look upon it at as the Father treating you as His children so that you might share in His holiness.” And to those who see it in such a light, to those who hang in there as they hang onto the promise, to those who lift up their drooping hands and strengthen their weakening knees and make straight again paths for their feet (12:12), their will be a peace-filled reaping from what has been sown.

The result? A participation in the divine nature reflecting His divine character. The fruit of righteousness. The harvest.

I enter the day reminded that my God is in the fruit making business. Mine is to, as much as lies within me, provide some soil to work with. To humble myself in the sight of the Lord and seek His abiding presence. To not be discouraged at whatever trial or testing might be before me, but to invite the hand of a good, good Father to continue to work His perfect work in my life. and in the lives of those dear to me. To know the Potter’s hand through the ever-present Spirit as He conforms me to the image of His beloved Son.

Mine is to keep on keepin’ on as a I participate in the harvest.

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)

Because of His amazing grace. All for His everlasting glory.

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I Come

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Pete

Even in a bit of a fog, the invitation is clear. Though we got home way too late last night from a wedding we attended about 2.5 hours away, and I’m thinking I’ve gotten up way too early this morning, still the appeal in Isaiah 55 has a way of breaking through. Even in a cloud, the voice of God breaks through as I hover over the word of God being amplified by the Spirit of God. The repetition helps. Five times the ask is made. Five times the urgent plea is extended. And mine this morning is just to accept the invitation. It’s to say yes to the entreaty. “Yes Lord, I come.”

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to Me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, My steadfast, sure love for David.”

(Isaiah 55:1-3 ESV)

Spoken to them but written for us. A plea to wayward Israel, but an invitation to all who have ears to hear. An overture to those then and to us now who thirst and are bankrupt. Through abundant grace, the offer to RSVP extended to all. Ours is simply to come.

Though beyond what we could afford on our own, we’re invited to come and buy wine and milk, and put it on the tab of another. The price paid, ours is to come and eat what is good–to delight ourselves in food that is rich and gives life to the soul. The work finished, we are but to direct our feeble efforts to receiving that which satisfies.

To those with insufficient resources, to those with ebbing strength, the God of Israel offers to all He desires to own as His own an everlasting promise–the eternal pledge of His unfailing and steadfast love.

Love that will quench the thirst. Love that will satisfy the hunger. Love that will give new life to the inner man. Love available through His unfailing mercies which are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness!

Offered by the Father. Offered by the Son.

“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

(Matthew 11:28-30 ESV)

Rest for the soul. Not because the burden is removed. Not because the trials are taken away. But because we daily accept Jesus’ invitation to come. And each morning we put on the yoke He offers–the love of God found in the Son made real by the Spirit. And the yoke is easy and the burden is light. And the thirst is quenched and the hunger is satisfied. Ours being but to say, “O Lamb of God, I come!”

Because of grace. For His glory.

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Looking to the Reward

Posted on September 15, 2016 by Pete

Faith informs decision making. If there’s anything that the “Moses Exhibit” in Hebrews 11, Faith’s Hall of Fame, tells us, it’s that faith is more than just a creed. A living faith impacts our contemplations and our course-setting. When we come to that fork in the road, what we believe will influence the path we take. It did for those in the Moses Exhibit. It should for us as well.

By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaohs daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.

(Hebrews 11:24-26 ESV)

It had been faith-based decision-making that had brought Moses into Pharaoh’s house, and it would be faith-based decision making that would result in his exit. The parents of Moses believed certain things about the nature of God, the sanctity of life, and the reality of a call. As such, they had a disposition. “They were not afraid of the king’s edict” (11:23b) that all sons born to the Israelites were to be cast into the Nile (Ex. 1:22). And so they made a decision, they hid their newborn son from the Egyptians for three months. Then they handed over their son to Pharaoh’s daughter (Ex. 2:1-10). What they believed profoundly impacted how they behaved.

Like parents, like son. Even though he was in a place of privilege because of faith driven determinations, when it came time to choose between Egypt’s world and God’s people, Moses said in effect, “I’ll take afflictions for 500, Alex.” How come? Faith. What he believed about the call of God and the promises of God permeated his pro/con analysis. So much so that he consciously decided to accept pursuing the harder life of God’s people rather than enjoying “the pleasures of sin for a season” (KJV). Sure, it would have been a blast to be a leader in the world of movers and shakers. Kind of a no-brainer when the alternative is to be a nobody in the masses of slaves and servants. But only a no-brainer if what he believed wasn’t factored in.

Faith surveys the race to be run, and realizes this leg is but for a season. It’s fleeting. Whatever pleasures it offers are for only a relatively short time. Faith factors in eternity and concludes this life is but a drop in an ocean. So if it comes down to getting all I can out of the drop, or investing now in maximizing the ocean, “I’ll take God’s ways for 1,000, Alex.”

Faith runs the numbers and concludes that the reproach of Christ is of greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt. Sure, Moses could have had power, wealth, and ease. He could have been a man of great worldly influence. Instead he chose, by faith, to heed the call of God. He determined to stand against the courts of power that he could have commanded. In effect, he embraced a cross of suffering he could have avoided. How come? By faith the riches of God’s promises far exceeded any benefit perceived from the return of having the world’s power. Offer me short term gain vs. long term returns and, “I’ll take God’s promises for 2,000, Alex.”

Refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. Electing to be mistreated with the people of God. Considering reproach of greater gain than worldly treasures. All because of faith-based decision making–“for he was looking to the reward.”

Looking to the reward. An eye on the prize. A confident assurance that what is revealed in the word of God will be realized one day in the presence of God. An abiding belief in the Promiser and His ability to deliver on the promise.

Only one life, twill soon be past,
  Only what’s done for Christ will last.   ~ C.T. Studd

Faith informs decision-making.

Father, keep me looking to the reward.

By Your grace. For Your glory.

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By Faith We Understand

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Pete

Honestly, that the universe was created by the word of God doesn’t make sense apart from faith. We’re talking the universe! Look up! Look way up on a clear night. Or hover over some Hubble telescope images. Or read about new discoveries of far away places. Try and wrap your head around “the universe” and then sit back and chew on this, “Created by the word of God.” Everything that is visible, made out of stuff invisible. What!?! Something from nothing. Where there is now grandeur, there once was a void. Where there is now light, there once was darkness. How did it all come into being?

And God said, “Let there be . . .”

How do you take that in? How do you process it? How do our finite minds perceive such infinite reality? Short answer: By faith we understand.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. . . . By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

(Hebrews 11:1, 3 ESV)

This morning I’m noodling on the dynamic of faith in making sense of that which makes no sense.

Yesterday wasn’t a good day. Nothing changed, just things became a bit more real. And, to be honest again, kind of thinking it doesn’t make much sense. But, by faith we understand.

We understand that a God who is God is Sovereign. Wouldn’t have it any other way. His purposes are pure. Have it come down to “My will be done” vs. “Thy will be done” and, by faith, it only makes sense to go with the ways of the One whose ways are higher than our ways.

We know that God is love. Look afresh upon the cross. Stand in its shadow. Meditate on what manner of love was displayed when God sent His only Son to die for the sins of a rebellious creation. And the God who loved us “unto death” didn’t embrace us only to drop us at some point. No, those He loves He loves to the uttermost, loves to the end — so that even the end becomes a new beginning.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?

(Romans 8:31-32 ESV)

By faith we understand.

And we perceive to be true, by faith, that the God who created the universe by the word of His mouth is also the designer and builder of an as yet unseen city with a sure foundation (Heb. 11:10). A homeland that transcends this place. A place invisible and intangible while we are at home in the body, but then to be experienced in unimaginable glory when we are present with the Lord. And so we place all the “here and now” in the context of the “there and then” and our pilgrimage to a land not yet seen.

But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for them a city.

(Hebrews 11:16 ESV)

By faith we understand. By faith we venture out on another day. Faith not of our own manufacturing, but a faith supplied through God’s all sufficient grace and empowered by His ever present Spirit as we abide in the finished work and sure promises of His ever interceding Son.

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.

(Hebrews 11:6 ESV)

Yes He does. And Yes He will.

And so, I’ll trust in the LORD with all my heart. I won’t rely on my own understanding. I will continue to acknowledge Him in all my ways, confident that He is directing all my paths . . . and the paths of those dear to me.

By faith I understand.

Through grace overflowing. For His glory everlasting.

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Fear Not . . . I Am With You

Posted on September 9, 2016 by Pete

I guess there are saviors, and then there are saviors. There are the super-hero saviors who swoop in to rescue and then, just as quickly, fly away. Those who deliver from immediate danger, but may be busy somewhere else when the next crisis arises.

And then there is the Savior who delivers eternally and still abides daily. The One who wins our greatest battle, saving us from our greatest enemy, and yet sticks around to provide help in time of need for the day-to-day conflicts. Fear not, says the LORD, for I am with you.

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. . . . Fear not, for I am with you . . . ”

(Isaiah 43:1b-3a, 5a ESV)

Love this portion of Isaiah. “Behold My Servant,” the LORD declares in Isaiah 42. Meek and gentle at His first appearing. “A bruised reed He will not break, and a faintly burning wick He will not quench” (Isa. 42:3). Yet, He will bring forth justice. Initially through His sacrifice on the cross where He will give Himself as the justly demanded payment for men’s and women’s sin. And then, at a future day, when He returns to rule and bring forth justice to all nations.

Behold My Servant. The rescuer from sin. The conqueror over death. So fear not, says the LORD, I have redeemed you.

And redeeming you, He says, I will remain with you. Whether it be passing through deep waters or raging rivers. Even if it involves the flames of fiery trials, the heat of which seems unbearable. In the water, through the fire, I will be with you, says the LORD.

And not so that I might comfort you as you go under for the third time. Not to fan you as the flames consume you. But I am with you so that you will not drown as the waters rise. I am with you so that you might walk through the fire without being burned. That you might endure the furnace, not just emerging intact but coming forth refined as silver or gold.

Fear not, for I am with you . . .

I am the LORD your God. I am the Holy One. I am your Savior.

O’ what a Savior!

Eternal redemption through His once for all sacrifice. Day by day renewal as, by His Word and through His indwelling Spirit, He communes with us. Moment by moment relief as He sojourns alongside down all the paths before us.

And so, says the LORD this morning, fear not. Don’t be afraid of the difficulties. Don’t dread the unknown. Don’t be frightened because of the difficulty. Fear not, for I am with you.

Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

(Hebrews 7:25 ESV)

I am with you. A pretty powerful promise of God. A pretty awesome Savior!

A reminder of His all sufficient grace. A reason to give Him everlasting glory!

Amen?

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Teach Me to Wait!

Posted on September 8, 2016 by Pete

Kind of an “aha moment” this morning as I continued to read in, and meditate on, Isaiah. The “aha?” Waiting is not the same as doing nothing. In fact, when we wait for the right thing it’s re-energizing. When we pause to focus on the right stuff it’s empowering. When we linger in anticipation it permits us to rise up with supernatural strength. Oh Lord, teach me to wait!

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

(Isaiah 40:28-31 ESV)

This past year has been one of truly learning what it means to take it “one day at a time.” These past six months especially have been consistently marked by thanking God for the day just experienced before we turn out the lights every night and, of becoming more and more aware of His “new every morning” mercies as we wake up each morning and head into the day before us. It’s kind of what you do when there’s not much else you can do. But, I’m reminded by Isaiah this morning, it’s doing a lot!

Waiting is not the same as doing nothing. Doing nothing is not the same as waiting.

Waiting is not default inaction when you’re wasted and wiped out. It is an intentional focusing on things above . . . the conscious act of putting the “here and now” in the context of the “there and then” . . . the purposeful application of the never failing promises of God toward dealing with the seemingly never ending concerns of today.

Waiting is doing something. When the waiting is on the LORD, then it is, in glorious reality, a refueling, a reviving, a renewing of strength. It brings power to the faint and strength to those with no might. That’s the promise of God’s word.

For it lies not just in waiting, but in who we purpose to wait upon. The LORD, Jehovah, is “the existing One.” He is the I AM. The everlasting God, the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. As such, He does not faint. He cannot grow weary. And the storehouse of His understanding of our condition is beyond exploring. So, out of the abundance of who He is, He is able to give liberally, and supernaturally, to those who wait. Power to the faint. Increased strength to those without might.

When our natural resources are depleted . . . when our own vitality, our own strength, our own positive energy is gone . . . when the marathon of life seemingly taps out our natural talents and training (and it will), then waiting on the LORD becomes our means to renewal. Abiding with Him, our revival. Lingering over His word, our reassurance. Remembering His promises, our refueling. Appropriating anew His power, our re-launching.

For then we take on wings to fly. Like eagles, we mount up above the troubles of the day. Able, by Him and through Him, to soar even when carrying a heavy load.

For then we’re given fresh legs to run the race. Drawing on supernatural stamina to keep on keepin’ on as we walk whatever road God has allowed us to travel.

Waiting is doing something. Lord, teach me to wait!

By Your grace. For Your glory.

(Chewing on this brought back a song from long ago. If you have a couple more minutes, check it out here.)

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Taking Off My Shoes

Posted on September 7, 2016 by Pete

Reading King Hezekiah’s story in Isaiah this morning. Most notable about this king? He received an extension . . . an extension on his life. Knowing that his days on earth were drawing to a close (because God had told them they were), King Hezekiah interceded on his own behalf and God said, “Yes.”

Then the word of the LORD came to Isaiah: “Go and say to Hezekiah, Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life.”

(Isaiah 38:4-5 ESV)

Pretty amazing if you pause to think about it. I don’t think God was “bluffing” when, through Isaiah, He told Hezekiah to set his house in order because Hezekiah would not recover from the sickness that had brought him to the point of death (38:1). I kind of think that Hezekiah had come to the end of the days God had written for him in His book–“the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them” (Ps. 139:16). And yet, God tacks on another 5,400 days to Hezekiah’s earthly lifespan. Due, certainly, to God’s sovereign purposes. But also in response to Hezekiah’s impassioned plea. God heard Hezekiah’s prayer.

Says something about Hezekiah as a prayer.

It seems that when Hezekiah addressed heaven, heaven listened. When the King asked, he was heard. When he knocked, the door was answered. How come? Well I think, at least in part, due to the fact that when Hezekiah entered the presence of the Almighty, he first took off his shoes.

I make that observation based on another prayer of Hezekiah I read this morning. One that happened earlier in his life when he was out-numbered and being badgered by an arrogant Assyrian horde. And though the situation was desperate, though there may have been good reason to frantically start launching petitions heavenward, Hezekiah reminds himself of who he is about to address. He remembers who God is and that to enter into His presence, no matter how great the emergency is, is to stand on holy ground. And, when you are about to enter onto holy ground, taking off your shoes is just the right thing to do (Ex. 3:5).

. . . and Hezekiah went up to the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD: “O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, who is enthroned above the cherubim, You are the God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; You have made heaven and earth. Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see . . .

(Isaiah 37:14b-17a ESV)

The enemy was at the gate, yet Hezekiah first reminded himself who was enthroned on high. They were almost 200,000 fighting men. Yet God is the God who alone is over all the kingdoms. They threatened to take over the city. But Hezekiah prayed to the One who made heaven and earth. No doubt Hezekiah approached the LORD with a great sense of angst over the situation, but He also approached with a great sense of awe as he looked up from the footstool of the Sovereign.

And I’m thinking this is part of the power in Hezekiah’s prayer life. A prayer life that repelled an enemies army and that moved the hand of God to grant 15 more years of life. A prayer life seemingly marked by an intentional awareness of the majesty, glory, and power of the One being petitioned. A prayer life marked by a recognition that to boldly approach the throne of grace is, in fact, to enter onto holy ground. A prayer life marked by first taking of his shoes before entering into God’s holy presence.

O how I need to be careful of “rushing in”, delivering my list of petitions, and then rushing out. How I need to recognize the holy ground I’m graciously permitted to stand upon and to make the time to take off my shoes.

Because of His grace. All for His glory.

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