The Power of God

Posted on March 25, 2016 by Pete

Tonight, Lord willing, the saints plan on gathering at, as my friend Garry likes to calls it, L-T-double-C. The plan is to sing a bit, read Scripture, respond with Scripture, and then eat and drink symbols of Someone’s death. In fact, even the songs and the Scripture are going to have a strong death theme to them. While tonight we intend to celebrate, I’m not anticipating much of a party atmosphere. Rather we’ll gather to consider the cross of Christ as we read and respond and reflect and remember. And, with the Spirit’s enabling, we will know afresh the power of God.

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. . . . For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

(1Corinthians 1:18, 22-24 ESV)

The cross is the power of God. Christ crucified is the dunamis, the force, the strength, the mighty and wonderful enabling. For those who have received and believed the truth that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”, His death on our behalf is the power that enables us to live for God.

Some try to “clean up the cross” and make it more attractive to modern sensibilities. Others try and deflect from the offense of the cross which speaks of the death of a Substitute for our sin, and focus instead on the attractiveness of a wonderful plan for our lives. But when all is said and done . . . when all is done and said . . . it is Christ crucified which “is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith'” (Rom 1:16-17).

And in reflecting on the foolishness of the cross we find anew the foundation for our faith.

Sunday we will celebrate an empty tomb. He is risen! Because He lives I can face tomorrow! But tonight we’ll meditate on why that tomb was even used. We’ll know again that it was our sin and transgression that compelled the Son of God to cry from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” We’ll recall the price paid and the grace extended that speaks into the darkness, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” We’ll rejoice that our redemption is sure and that our salvation is nearer than when we first believed because of Calvary’s triumphant cry, “It is finished!”

By some people’s estimate it won’t be much of a party tonight at L-T-double-C. But there will be rejoicing. Some will think that a crucifixion is kind of dumb thing to give up a Friday night for and isn’t much cause for celebration. But there will be thanksgiving.

And when all is said and done, we’ll take the bread and drink the cup and proclaim once again the Lord’s death until He comes. Because it is the power of God . . . and because we know Sunday’s a comin’!

By His grace . . . for His glory.

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Seeing Is Not Necessarily Believing

Posted on March 24, 2016 by Pete

Not enough time to really dig in this morning and study the chronology of Jesus’ post resurrection appearances. But if Galilee was a bit of a trek from the empty tomb it seems that the resurrection appearances Jesus made to His disciples behind closed doors, and on the road to Emmaus had already taken place before the meeting recorded in my reading this morning. And it’s not really clear to me whether Jesus met with just the eleven on the mount in Galilee or whether there was a greater band of disciples present . . . though I think it could have been when “He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time” (1Cor. 15:6). Regardless, there was a reunion at that mountain in Galilee. And while there was a great celebration there was also, for some at least, a measure of skepticism. So, it seems, seeing is not necessarily believing.

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw Him they worshiped Him, but some doubted.

(Matthew 28:16-17 ESV)

Time for a praise party! When they saw Jesus they worshiped. When they encountered the risen Christ I wouldn’t be surprised if there were raised hands and bowed knees . . . if some stood lifting their faces to heaven and some went prostrate with their faces to the ground . . . if some blessed God and others remained silent in inexpressible awe and wonder. It’s kind of what you might expect of those who had hoped in Jesus, seen Him crucified, and now were standing before Him in all His resurrection beauty.

But, Matthew records, some doubted. Some wavered in their opinion of what they saw. Some weren’t so sure. This is what makes me think there was a greater group present. I think the eleven had worked through their doubts during previous encounters with the living Christ, thanks in large part to Thomas (John 20:24-28). But, whoever was there, some doubted.

Doubted what? That He was alive? That He was ever really dead? That this was really Him and not just a spirit or apparition? I don’t know.  But there they were and there He was and still some doubted.

And it’s got me thinking . . . how many will make the trek to a place of worship this weekend to celebrate and worship the risen Christ and yet will doubt?

Doubt that they will encounter Him though He has promised to be where His people gather. Doubt that they can really know Him though He said He would send His Spirit to testify of Him. Doubt that they are worthy to be in His presence though He has said He died for them and that, in Him, they would be robed with His righteousness. Doubt that they really need to worship Him, and Him alone, but can fit Him in along with all their other gods.

O, that this Sunday God’s people would see Jesus . . . and worship Him . . . and not doubt. That those outside the faith who attend celebrations of the empty tomb would be graced by God with eyes to see and ears to hear, and that the hardness of unbelief would be shed.

That we would not glibly or mindlessly go through the motions this Resurrection Sunday, but would gather together expectantly. And not doubt. But worship. And though, not seeing, we would be believing.

He is Risen!

By His grace . . . for His glory.

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Seeking Jesus

Posted on March 23, 2016 by Pete

Matthew writes that the women went “to see the tomb” but the angel knew they were actually on a mission. They didn’t rise up before dawn wanting just to behold the rock in front of the tomb. Rather, according to Luke and Mark, they had brought spices hoping, somehow, to anoint the body of the Rock they had seen lain in the tomb. They went to the sepulcher on the first day of the week with a flickering faith and an uncertain hope, but they went nevertheless. And they went seeking Jesus.

And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. . . . the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, as He said. Come, see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead, and behold, He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

(Matthew 28:2, 5-8 ESV)

“I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified,” said the angel. It wasn’t some morbid curiosity that led the ladies back to the tomb early that Sunday morning. It was a heart of devotion which evoked a sense of duty even if they had no idea how they would accomplish what they sought to do.

Jesus had been buried hastily. On the Friday He was crucified they had not been afforded the time to mourn Him in anointing His body after His death. The Sabbath prevented them from doing so and thus, at first light on the day after the Sabbath they went seeking Jesus.

The didn’t how they would remove the great stone in front of the tomb. All they knew is that they wanted to worship Him in His death as they had in His life.

And for those who seek Jesus, sometimes there are encounters of the divine kind.

What amazed them more that early morning? Seeing an angel, his appearance like lightning, and his clothing white as snow, or seeing the stone rolled back and hearing, “He is not here, for He has risen, as He said?” Talk about your extrasensory overload! Bright lights and blown minds! Empty tomb but full hearts. Not fully understanding what was meant by what they angel had just declared but never more certain of what they believed.

So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

Fear and great joy. What a combo! Minds racing, hearts pumping. Wanting to fall on your face and at the same shout from a roof top. Awe and wonder . . . praise and worship. Experienced by those who venture out seeking Jesus.

And as we anticipate this weekend’s celebration will we be like those ladies?

Probably more natural to be like the guards who stood before the closed tomb. Just another assignment for them. Though the circumstance may have been out of the ordinary, it was just standard protocol. They knew what to do and relied on themselves to get it done. Though it would become mundane and boring, they would fight against snoozing off and would fulfill the charge of being at the tomb.

But I want to be like Mary and Mary. Up before dawn in anticipation of mission. Seeking Jesus though not quite sure of what will happen or how. Desiring though not demanding an encounter of the divine kind. Wanting to encounter anew the bright light of the Spirit’s illumination as I hear afresh, “He is not here, for He is risen!” To be filled with authentic awe and overwhelming wonder. To know holy fear and great joy. To meet with the risen Christ, fall at His feet, and worship Him (28:9). All because this Easter I was seeking Jesus.

By His grace . . . for His glory.

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Make It As Secure As You Can

Posted on March 22, 2016 by Pete

Their hardness of heart continued even after His death. Even after the spectacle on Calvary was over and the crowds were gone they were not done with trying to write the script. The Pharisees gather before the Roman governor and warn him of a possible conspiracy (after all paranoia’s just smart thinking when everyone’s against you). A plot they fear will be conceived by eleven spirit-broken, soul-crushed men. A plot to steal the lifeless body of Jesus from where He was buried.

“Order the tomb to be made secure until the third day,” they tell Pilate, “lest His disciples go and steal Him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead'” (Matt. 27:62-64).

Self-serving. Self-protecting. Even after His death.

What did they fear? Deep down did they fear that perhaps, just perhaps, He might actually rise from the dead? Did they rerun the many signs and wonders He had performed over the past three years? Did they think again of Lazarus–dead and buried for four days and then called back to life simply by Jesus’ command (oh yeah, they remember, we need to kill Lazarus too)?

Or were they truly dead as a spiritual door nail? So enveloped in darkness and so focused on their own interests that they just wanted to take whatever precautions were necessary to ensure they maintained their position?

I don’t know exactly what was running through their minds, but whatever it was they wanted the tomb protected. So they went to Pilate to ask for a Roman guard. An elite commando team of four to sixteen soldiers trained to stand their ground and repel the greatest of enemy forces . . . even if that enemy force were dejected, depressed, and dispersed followers of Christ.

Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.

(Matthew 27:65-66 ESV)

“Go, make it as secure as you can.” That’s the phrase that caught my eye and my imagination this morning.

I wonder, was there a bit of sarcasm in Pilates voice? Could he have been thinking, “Really? You’re worried about that rag-tag group of followers stealing Jesus’ body? Fishermen, tax collectors, and other uneducated no-names? That’s the band of conspirators you’re worried about? Go ahead play out your paranoia and take a guard.”

Or perhaps, in light of the encounter Pilate had himself with Jesus, he thinks, “Really? You think a band of men–no matter how many or how well trained–will be able to stand in the way of what God’s program is for the Christ? If Jesus is God’s anointed, do you truly think that any army could secure that tomb and prevent God from doing whatever God intends to do? But go, make it as secure as you can.”

And so they sealed the tomb. And so they set a guard in front of the large rock covering the entrance of where they laid Jesus body. And they made it as secure as they could.

But guess what? Not secure enough. Sunday’s a comin’ . . . .

Who’s getting ready to celebrate?

By His grace . . . for His glory.

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Let Us Use Them

Posted on March 18, 2016 by Pete

It’s kind of been like Christmas at our fellowship for the past several months. We have, over the past couple of years, raised the profile of the importance of membership in a local body of believers. We’ve taught on the “whys and wherefores” of making “a living commitment” to the group of believers you believe God has called you to be identified with. We’ve emphasized that we are not talking “membership” as in being a member of a country club or a member at the Y, but rather membership as in being a uniquely called and enabled member of a body. To make this living commitment to a fellowship of believers is to, by God’s grace, say you’re willing to assume your role in the body of Christ as a body part.

And so, over the last several months, our church family has been welcoming a number of new members into our fellowship and, along with them their unique gifting as God ordained body parts. And we have this sense of expectant curiousity of what it will look like when those gifts are opened and operational. Kind of like Christmas.

There’s an anticipation. What role, what body part, will these new members play? What role will they play in the body of Christ? How will they impact our testimony for Christ and His kingdom? God knows. He’s the One building our body. He’s the one gracing the fellowship with the gifts. Ours is to use them.

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them . . .

(Romans 12:4-6a ESV)

Many members in the one body. Not all with the same function, but still one body. Individuals yet members of one another. Each having gifts. Gifts not according to just our natural abilities but according to the grace given us. Gifts “according to the measure of faith God has assigned” (12:3). Gifts intended to be used. And so Paul exhorts believers, “Let us use them.”

I’m reminded again this morning that church isn’t something I do, it’s something I am. Every Sunday as I gather with the saints it’s a reminder that I’m a body part, that I have some apportioned gift that I am to exercise for the building up of the family of God and for the furtherance of the gospel. That without my gift in operation, my fellowship is operating on less than full power.

. . . if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

(Romans 12:6b-8 ESV)

It’s not an exhaustive list but it’s a pretty illustrative list. From declaring the oracles of God to showing acts of mercy. From teaching to giving generously. Something for everyone to do. All graced to individuals by God. So, says Paul, “Let us use them.”

And we don’t need to compare our gift to someone else’s gift. We shouldn’t shelve our God graced body function because we think someone else does it better. We steward what we’ve been given “in proportion to our faith.” God has measured it out. Ours is to share what we have, not what we don’t have.

The key to the body of Christ, is that, though we don’t all have the same function, we’re all still functioning. Though all teachers may have not been apportioned the same measure of teaching gift, they are all still teaching. Though all givers may not have been given the same GQ (generosity quotient), they are all still giving according the GQ they have been given.

Paul didn’t say, “Let us compare our gifts to one another.” He said, “Let us use them.”

So, let’s use our gifts.  Let’s be the body parts He’s enabled us to be. In proportion to our faith. According to the measure of grace He has assigned. As a member of the body of Christ . . . not a club member, but a body part member. And when we start bringing our gifts to the table, or rather to our fellowships, it will feel like Christmas as we anticipate the blessing that comes from each gift being opened and being operational within our gathering.

How wondrous is the body of Christ? How amazing is His provision for the body of Christ? How great is His gifting of the body of Christ?

Let us use them.

By His grace. For His glory.

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Batteries Included, Insert Batteries

Posted on March 17, 2016 by Pete

Moses was serving it up, but ultimately the people would have to choose. “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse,” says their faithful travel guide, “blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God, . . . the curse, if you do not” (Deut. 11:26).

And so, he says repeatedly throughout Deuteronomy, “Take care.” Be on guard, beware, take heed. Your head needs to be in the game. “Lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul” (11:18). Don’t let your heart be deceived, don’t be drawn into the ways of the nations whom you about to dispossess, don’t be ensnared by their gods and their ways (11:16, 12:29-30). Destroy their places of worship and, instead, “seek the place that the LORD your God will choose to make His name dwell there” (12:2, 5, 11).

The land was theirs. The commandments for enjoying it were given. But they would need to take care, beware, and obey. They were given the gift, “batteries included.” But they would need to decide whether or not to appropriate the gift in its fullness. They would need to choose to “insert batteries.”

As I read through Deuteronomy, though it was written TO THEM, I know it was written FOR ME. I’m a different sort of sojourner but the same. My deliverance, while not from physical bondage, was from bondage nonetheless and brought about by the mighty hand of God. And while the promises are different, yet the fundamental dynamics of knowing the fullness of those promises are tied to a God who is unchanging. So, it occurs to me, I too am called to choose this day. Obey or not.

I have been brought into a land, into a kingdom, the kingdom of heaven. Nothing I’ve done to merit such privilege save that He has called me to part of His people and that He has fought the battle that allows me to go in and possess all that is mine in Christ. But in order to possess His inheritance I must take care, beware, and obey. Though He has given me a great gift, batteries included, I still need to, in a sense, by grace-infused enabling insert the batteries. I must choose to obey.

Not that my rescue from bondage is dependent upon my obedience or good works, but that entering into the land and the fullness thereof is found only through a careful determination “to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD” (10:12-13). Obedience. That’s how I, by His grace, insert the batteries.

For if you will be careful to do all this commandment that I command you to do, loving the LORD your God, walking in all His ways, and holding fast to Him, then the LORD will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourselves.

(Deuteronomy 11:22-23 ESV)

This would be the second time the people stood at the border of the promised land. The last time they did not go in. Allowed to choose, they chose not to follow their Deliverer and thus not to enter into the fullness of His deliverance. They “rebelled against the commandment” of the LORD their God and “did not believe Him or obey His voice” (9:23). They did not believe, thus they did not obey. Faith intrinsically connected with action. What we believe about our God and His promises determining what we will choose to do with those promises. Enter fully into the new life given us through faithful obedience by faith, or not. Insert batteries or not.

The promises stand fast. The land is there to possess in all it’s fullness. Life and life to the full is available to all who are in Christ.

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

(2Peter 1:3-4 ESV)

Now will I, by faith, step out in the divine power given and precious promises granted and obey and possess the abundant life He has brought me into?

“Batteries included.” Will I “insert batteries?”

Choose this day.

Only by grace. All for His glory.

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God Alone

Posted on March 11, 2016 by Pete

This morning decided to heed Psalm 62’s exhortation more than write about it. So I’m re-posting some thoughts on the psalm from 2011.

That David knew the storms of life is a bit of an understatement. It seems that, for more seasons than not in his life, his life was turned upside down by something. Whether it was hiding from Saul who was trying to save his throne by taking out the young upstart shepherd, or running from Philistine enemies who wanted him dead or alive (preferably dead), or eventually fleeing from his own son who wanted daddy’s kingdom for himself, David and tumult seemed to find each other. And beyond the external wars he waged, he also found himself battling inner demons as he dealt with the guilt that came from killing a friend, stealing his wife, and sinning against the God he adored.

A lot of storms in David’s life. So where did stability come from? Where could calm be found?

For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

(Psalm 62:1-2, 5-6 ESV)

You can’t help but take notice of things that are repeated in Scripture. Repetition is emphasis. And so, in asking the questions: what can quiet the soul amidst the storms of life? . . . what can silence the raging winds? . . . what can restore balance to an unbalanced world? . . . the answer is twice given so that I’m sure not to miss it.

God alone.

The presence of God alone could awe the storm-tossed soul of the psalmist into quietude. To turn his eyes from the insanity around him to the God before him could calm the anxiety within him. Rather than take inventory of how poorly the battle was going, David instead brings every thought into captivity to consider again that salvation comes from God. That God alone is his stability . . . and his salvation . . . and his refuge. And so, if God is truly all these things, then, says the psalmist, “I shall not be greatly shaken.”

Easier said than done. To shift our attention away from the stuff that’s creaming us and toward the God who has promised to never leave us or forsake us. But when, by the grace that surrounds us and through the Spirit who lives within us, we determine to look to God alone, then, my soul, know blessed assurance . . . experience the rest of those who are secure in the hand of Gods . . . drink deep from the waters of submission . . . feast on the fruit of faith.

And it is when the soul is silent that the heart can best cry out . . .

Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.   Selah

(Psalm 62:8 ESV)

As believers we have been granted access into the most holy place and invited to confidently draw near to His throne, “that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). And, as we act upon that invitation and enter by faith the inner sanctuary where God dwells, and behold afresh His glory and majesty, it is then that our souls are silenced.

And it is then that our hearts are primed. It is then that communion becomes active. And it is then that we are reminded that He is God and we are not. And that in God alone we can find refuge in His steadfast love and know afresh the hope that is ours through His promises.

All because of grace.  All for His glory.

“O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see?
   There’s light for a look at the Savior, and life more abundant and free!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
  look full in His wonderful face.
  And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
  in the light of His glory and grace.”   (Helen H. Lemmel)

 

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Restoration, Reconciliation, and The Return of An Inheritance

Posted on March 10, 2016 by Pete

There were to be six cities. Of the forty-eight cities to be given to the Levites, six of them were to be designated as cities of refuge. Six cities scattered throughout the land of promise where anyone who killed another person unintentionally could flee from “the avenger of blood.” There the manslayer would be protected until he received due process, until “the congregation” could review his case and determine that, in fact, the death he had caused occurred inadvertently and without intent. And having been cleared as a murderer, yet still accountable as a manslayer, he was to remain in the city of refuge under its protection (Numbers 35:9-25a).

Protected but not restored. Safe but not reconciled. Spared in life but separated from his inheritance. But there was an event that could lead to restoration, reconciliation and the return of an inheritance.

And the congregation shall rescue the manslayer from the hand of the avenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to his city of refuge to which he had fled, and he shall live in it until the death of the high priest who was anointed with the holy oil. . . . For he must remain in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest, but after the death of the high priest the manslayer may return to the land of his possession.

(Numbers 35:25, 28 ESV)

To leave a city of refuge before the high priest’s death was to leave its protection and thus invite the avenger of blood to avenge the blood of the one killed (35:26-27). But to wait until the high priest’s death was to walk out of a city of refuge as a free man, no debt owing for his accidental crime. To leave the gates of these cities of asylum after God’s highest representative had died, was to return, without fear or recrimination, to his city and his people. The life of the high priest was sufficient to warrant restoration, reconciliation, and the return of an inheritance.

And you can’t help but read this and think that this provision foreshadows our great High Priest.

In a sense, all sinners reside in the “protective custody” of God’s patience and longsuffering. Guilty of transgressions–many done in ignorance, many not so much–we are spared immediate judgment for our sin. But we live separated from God, at enmity with His holy nature, and apart from the eternal inheritance offered to all. Alive, but not living as intended by the Creator. Doing life but not the abundant life. “Strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (Eph. 2:12). No hope, that is, until the death of the High Priest.

But when Christ appeared as a High Priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of His own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.

(Hebrews 9:11-12 ESV)

He came that He should die. He offered Himself that the captive could go free. He died so that there would be a way for the manslayer, and every other sinner, to know eternal redemption through His blood.

And for all who acknowledge their sin . . . who recognize His grace–even while they were yet sinners . . . and who appropriate the High Priest’s death on their behalf, the gates are opened. And there is restoration. And there is reconciliation. And there is the promise of an inheritance God longs His children to possess.

All because a high priest died. The High Priest, Jesus the Son of God. He who died, rose again, and lives now to ever make intercession.

Such is the grace of God.

To Him be glory now and forevermore.

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Fear Mounds

Posted on March 9, 2016 by Pete

Read a familiar story in Matthew’s gospel this morning, but with anything but a familiar impact. Kind of how the Spirit works . . . He will convict concerning sin (Jn. 16:8).

Jesus told the story of a man who before going on a journey “called his servants and entrusted to them his property” (Matt. 25:14). Three servants were each given a certain amount of wealth with which to invest for his business. They weren’t given equal amounts, but each were given a lot. They weren’t all entrusted with the same responsibility, but the wise master gave to each “according to his ability” (25:15). They weren’t all given “5 talents” but they were all given equal opportunity.

Usually when I read the story I fixate on the first two servants. They took their treasure and traded with it and doubled it. And, when their master returned, they both heard, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master” (25:21,23). That’s what I aspire to hear from my Master on the day I give an account for how I invested the wealth of my time and treasure and talents entrusted to me through grace. And, thinking with “sober judgment” (Rom. 12:3), in some measure I think I might.

But as I read the story this morning, I pictured mounds in my backyard. Little hills of dirt scattered about, like those you see in a yard where gophers have found a home. And those mounds mark where spiritual treasures for investing in eternal returns are buried. Buried because of fear. They are fear mounds.

He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, “Master, . . . I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.”

(Matthew 25:24-25 ESV)

The servant buried the talent because he was afraid. In his case he feared because he didn’t really know his master or the nature of his master’s business. But I was struck with this thought: Though I have invested some, maybe even most, of the treasure graced to me, if I’m honest, I know that scattered in my backyard are some fear mounds. “Talents” to be put into play that, because of my fearfulness of something or someone, I have opted to bury and have not invested.

A word that should be spoken . . . some time to be given . . . a bit of money to be spent . . . or some other heavenly provision that has not been invested for the kingdom of heaven because I don’t want to be rejected . . . or I don’t think I can do a good enough job . . . or I’m worried about maintaining a “financially secure future.” Whatever the “talent” and whatever the fear, those fear mounds are a bit of an indictment of a lack of faith and a bit of a misdirected focus.

Not such an indictment that I am so crushed by conviction that I’m sidelined. No, because “the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” and “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1John 1:7-9). What’s more, though “for the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, . . . later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Heb. 12:11).

You see, the Spirit who draws my attention to those fear mounds, is the same Spirit who has been given to overcome fear. He is the same Spirit who prompts me and empowers me to invest the Master’s treasure for the Master’s business. He is the same Spirit who reminds me that there is still time and I can dig up those fear mounds and tender the Master’s opportunities of grace.

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord . . .

(2Timothy 1:6-8a ESV)

Time to dig up some fear mounds and invest His treasure.

By His grace . . . for His glory.

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Lamps in Hand with Oil in Reserve

Posted on March 8, 2016 by Pete

There were ten of them. Similar in many ways, but different in one over-arching manner. These ten ladies were all young and they were all pure. Each had indicated they wanted to be part of the wedding processional when the bridegroom came for his bride. Everyone of them knew it was likely he’d arrive at night and so each had a lamp. And each went to meet the bridegroom.

But the bridegroom was delayed. And so, each had to wait. And wait longer than they had anticipated. Wait so long that eventually each of them became tired and slept.

Each of them was wakened by a midnight cry, “Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!” Each awoke. Each sought to get their lamps ready.

All similar in many ways. But yet vastly different in one very important way.

“Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. . . . And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ ”  ~ Jesus

(Matthew 25:2-4, 8-9 ESV)

Though they all had said they wanted to be part of the wedding, five were prepared and five were not. Five had availed themselves of the necessary provision to ensure their lamps would shine, and five had fallen asleep at the wheel even before they fell asleep waiting for the wedding. The oil had been available to all, but not all had availed themselves of the oil.

Thus, five entered the wedding feast and five scrambled at the last minute to get ready and found themselves outside a locked door.

And Jesus makes clear the point of this story He told about the nature of the kingdom of heaven,

“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”  ~ Jesus

(Matthew 25:13 ESV)

Watch. Stay awake. Be vigilant. Ensure your head is in the game.

Lamps without enough oil? Foolish. Devices capable for emitting light without the resources to provide light? Dull and unprepared. Relying on their ingenuity to, at the last minute, improvise and presume on others giving them what they should have had? Blockheaded, absurd. And the consequence of not being ready? Massive.

So many ways to apply Jesus’ parable. Fact: He, as the Bridegroom, is coming again. Fact: many are being invited to participate in the wedding. Fact: many will look like they’re ready. Fact: some will not be ready. Not ready in that they never really owned the Bridegroom or His wedding day as their own and thus failed to avail themselves of His provision in order to, themselves, be light-providers. Or not ready in that, while they had started out well, with lamps trimmed and ready to shine, they lost interest, or became distracted, and fell asleep and their lamps were all but out when it was time for them to shine brightest at His return.

And to all Jesus says, “Watch therefore.”

Be ready. Lamps in hand with oil in reserve . . . anticipating the call.

The provision for lit lamps? Available to all by His grace. The purpose for lit lamps. That they might shine light on Him alone–while we wait and when He comes.

Lamps in hand with oil in reserve . . . for His glory.

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