Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled

Posted on November 27, 2015 by Pete

Don’t know that it happens frequently, but certainly it happens regularly. I wake in the night and rather than just going back to sleep, my mind starts to race. And it’s not a good race. It’s usually a chaotic stream of consciousness that starts with one worry who then invites all his friends. Things not done that need to get done. Things I feel I need to get a handle on that are really out of my control. Things in the past that I perhaps regret. Things in the future that I can’t predict. And not only does the mind race, but the chest gets heavy. Panic wouldn’t be the right word to describe it, but “overwhelmed” is probably pretty close. Usually I end up in prayer and usually I eventually fall back to sleep. This morning, as I read John 14, there’s a word that seems to capture these night time adventures pretty well . . . troubled.

Troubled. As in agitated, disquieted, restless, or anxious. An inward commotion which removes calmness of mind. Stirred up. Distressed.

And twice in John 14 Jesus says to His disciples, “Let not your hearts be troubled” (14:1, 27).

Jesus’ hour had come. The cross neared and His departure was at hand. And Jesus anticipates the disquieting of the disciples’ souls and the inward commotion that would be their’s. Not only during the next three days as they lived through His death and then experienced His resurrection. But throughout their entire lives as, in addition to just dealing with the “normal stuff,” they are called to build His church and be ambassadors for His kingdom. There’s a lot to stay awake at night about for His followers, and so He says, “Don’t let this throw you” (MSG).

Don’t be agitated, says Jesus, because I’m coming back (14:1-3). Don’t settle for turbulence, He says again, because I’m not leaving you alone, I’m sending the Holy Spirit (14:16, 26).

Talk about truths to calm the disquieted soul. Whatever is, is temporary. And whatever I need to do, I’m not left to just myself to do it.

What I need to get done, I can through the power of the Spirit within me. What’s out of my control, is in the hand of the Sovereign One over me. The regrets of the past are covered by the blood. The unknown of the future has been charted by Him who has ordained my days. In fact, navigating this life really isn’t up to me. I have been crucified with Christ and it’s no longer I who live. Rather, Christ, through His Spirit, lives in me such that “the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20).

He loved me. He gave Himself for me. He’s sealed me with His Spirit. And He’s coming for me.

Be gone troubled hearted. Be calm disquieted soul. Jesus is with you through His Spirit. And you will be with Him because of His promise.

No wonder the Master says to His disciples,

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27 ESV)

All because of grace . . . all for His glory.

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The Touch of His Hand

Posted on November 26, 2015 by Pete

On the road early this morning. Taking advantage of the U.S. holiday to head up to the homeland and hang out for a couple of days with our granddaughter (and her parents). Able to find a window for a quiet time as we all take advantage of “nap time.”

Hovering over the latter part of Revelation 1. John’s on the isle of Patmos “on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.” Not an all-inclusive resort to reward His faithfulness. Instead a reclusive desert where, though others mean for it to be a punishment, John continues to thrive “in the Spirit.”

And being “in the Spirit on the Lord’s day” he is visited in a way he never saw coming. He hears a loud trumpeting voice behind him and turns to find that he’s been given eyes to see things that are out of this world–literally! He turns and finds himself face to face with the glorious King of Heaven revealed in all His might and majesty.

The vision (1:13-16) must have been unfathomable. Talk about sensory overload! The King of Heaven radiates light from top to bottom. His face shines like the sun in full strength, His feet like burnished bronze. His eyes are aflame, so penetrating that those who look into them know that they see far deeper than just the exterior, they peer into the very heart and soul of a man. His voice carries the weight and thunderous roar of mighty seas, wind tossed and crashing upon the shore. And the ocean-like tempest of the words that proceed from His mouth immediately divide John’s soul and spirit, piercing his joints and marrow, discerning the thoughts and intentions of his heart, just like a two-edged sword.

So what to do when your natural senses are overwhelmed by supernatural revelation?

When I saw Him, I fell at his feet as though dead.   (Revelation 1:17a ESV)

Yup. Seems like the right thing to do. Seems like the ONLY thing to do when standing toe to toe with the glorified Christ.

He is Lord and we are but lowly slaves of the kingdom. He is majestic, we are but monuments of His grace. Before His high and holy presence, we can only be humbled. And if there was nothing else but to lay before His feet in awe-filled fear and wonder, nothing but to stay facedown in His holy, holy, holy radiance, that alone would be privilege beyond privilege and blessing beyond imaginable blessing. But it’s what the King of Heaven does next that so grabs my attention and imagination this afternoon.

But He laid His right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.    (Revelation 17b-18 ESV)

John falls on His face. Not worthy to even look upon the radiant Son of Man before him. And Jesus reaches down and touches him. The One who created all things by His hand, lays His hand upon His creation. The One who upholds all things by the power of His word, speaks words of comfort and encouragement to an individual man exiled to a remote island. And He says, “Fear not.”

He touches John. He speaks to him and him alone. And I am captivated by the reminder that the Son of Man never ceases being the Great Shepherd. That He is the One who, even in His risen glorious majesty, reaches down to make contact with a faithful servant and says, in effect, “Be still. Don’t be struck with paralyzing fear. Instead, know the intimacy that is available through your reverence. Know the abiding that is yours because your eyes have seen the glory.”

What is there to fear when at the feet of Jesus? He is the First and Last. He is the conqueror of death, the risen Author of Life, the holder of the keys to death and hell. If He is for us, then who can be against us? If He is standing in the midst, then why tremble at what’s around us?

Instead, turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face.

And then, fall on your face in wonder and worship . . . and wait for the touch of His hand . . . and  listen for the sound of His voice.

And fear not.

All because of the grace shown to man. All for the glory due alone to God.

 

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Blessing in the Beholding

Posted on November 25, 2015 by Pete

Promise fulfilled already! I’m only eight verses in. And what the Word says would happen, has!

Began reading Revelation this morning, the book with a promise (1:3). Blessed, it says, is the one who reads aloud the prophecy (I’m claiming the promise for those who read it silently too). Blessed are those who hear it. Blessed are those who keep it. How come? For the time is near. And whatever else might lie in this promised blessing, just to be quiet for a few minutes, and be reminded that the time of Jesus’ return draws near, is a source of calm, anticipation, and extreme joy.

Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of Him. Even so. Amen.   (Revelation 1:7 ESV)

Amen AND Amen!

Behold! See! Have a look! Close your eyes and imagine His coming with the clouds.

He is the One who said to His disciples, “Let not your heart be troubled . . . In my Father’s house are many rooms . . . I go to prepare a place for you . . . And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also” (read that too this morning in John 14:1-3). See Him. He who is “the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth,” coming to receive His own (1:5a).

Behold Him and know again that He “loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood” so that He might make us a kingdom of priests to His Father (1:5b). He is coming with the clouds. It’s going to happen.

And in just that brief reflection, there is blessing. In just that reminder, heaven’s wind of calm descends to still, if but for a moment, any raging sea we might know within. To just turn our eyes to the sky and consider, “Perhaps today!” has a way of re-energizing the inner man, of rekindling the hope, of renewing the faith.

I remember, somewhere in the distant pass, someone saying that the church is never more alive than when it lives under the shadow of the imminent return of Christ. Even if He doesn’t come in our lifetime, just knowing He really could has a way of putting a bounce back in our step, a light back in our eye, and a hunger back in our belly for the things of the kingdom. Knowing that every eye will see Him increases the desire for our eyes to see Him. It elevates the anticipation of that day when we will see Him face to face. When faith gives ways to sight. When we shall behold Him!

Revelation’s a book with a promise. A promise fulfilled, at least in part, within the first couple of paragraphs because it shifts our focus. From ourselves to His glorious appearing. From our circumstance to His coming kingdom. From our horizontal world to His vertical reality.

There’s blessing in the beholding.

Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood and made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.   (Revelation 1:4b-6 ESV)

Behold He is coming! To Him be glory indeed!

 

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Keeping Ourselves in the Love of God

Posted on November 24, 2015 by Pete

Jesus was confident that His sheep were safe. That those who heard His voice, believed in His name, and were brought into His fold would have eternal life and would never perish (John 10:28-29). If the Father had given His Son these sheep, then no one, and nothing, could snatch them from His hand.

Paul had the same confidence. Writing to the Romans, Paul is pretty sure, as in certain beyond any doubt, that nothing is able to separate the child of God from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. “Neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation” (Rom. 8:38-39).

So Jude’s words kind of jump off the page this morning when he writes, “keep yourselves in the love of God.”

But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.   (Jude 20-21 ESV)

Nothing can separate us from the love of God, yet we are to keep ourselves in the love of God. So what’s that about?

It’s NOT ABOUT us maintaining our salvation. Not about us having do do something in order to retain God’s favor. For if it was, and if we failed, then Paul would be wrong–something or someone could separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.

No, it’s not about us doing something so that what God has done won’t somehow be undone. Instead, in a world that grows increasingly dark around us, with circumstances that can weigh more and more heavily upon us, and with a “here and now” that can relentlessly try to take our eyes off of our “there and then,” Jude says in effect, “Keep taking practical steps to remind yourself of your positional reality.”

Practical steps like building ourselves up in our faith–something we do with other believers. Practical steps like praying and engaging heaven’s ear–something we do with the Holy Spirit. And practical steps like waiting for the end of the salvation wrought by His mercy and grace–something we do with an eye to the sky, knowing His return is soon.

Building, praying, waiting . . . all ways of keeping.

Keeping ourselves in the love of God. Guarding the truth that we have been loved by the Son, just as the Son has been loved by the Father (John 15:9).

Loved with an everlasting love. Loved with an uninhibited love–so uninhibited the Son humbled Himself to death, even the shameful death of the cross. Loved with an adoptive love, evident by the Spirit who leads us to cry, “Abba Father.” Loved with an exalting love, even lifting us up and seating us in the heavenlies. Loved with a consummating love, realized fully when the Bride stands before her Bridegroom, presented in the glory and splendor not of her own-making, but of His work in her through the eternal power of the cross, the eternal presence of the blood, and the eternal promise of His love.

These things are true always. Ours is to remain in them daily.

His love is forever. Mine is to keep myself in it today.

Possible because of grace. Desirable for His glory.

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Showdown

Posted on November 20, 2015 by Pete

“Throwback Friday” . . . rerunning some thoughts from 2011 . . .

I really don’t remember the last time I watched one of those classic westerns where the guy in the white hat takes on the guy in the black hat.  Where, on some dusty, deserted main street the two stand mere paces from each other in a final showdown.  They look each other in the eye . . . the “bad guy” confident he can draw his six shooter faster than the one before him . . . the “good guy” KNOWING he can.

John 13 marks the beginning of the end.  Jesus knows that “His hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father” (13:1).  And what kind of grabbed me this morning is the manner in which the Spirit through John clearly identifies the “behind the scenes” spiritual dynamics . . . the fact that there was about to be a once-for-all-eternity cosmic showdown . . .

At one end of the street is the devil — diablos, the enemy of God, the prince of darkness, the ruler of this world.  And his “behind the scenes” work is that he has already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus (13:2).  The MSG says, “The devil by now had Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, firmly in his grip, all set for the betrayal.”  Lucifer, fallen angel of God, could see his plan coming together.  The Pharisees’ were already determined to put Jesus to death (John 11:53) and with Judas’ indignation at Mary’s costly act of worship and Jesus’ rebuke (John 12:3-8), Satan had the opening to “enter his heart” .  . . to load the final bullet in the chamber.  It was really all that the devil had hoped for, his plan was falling into place, the Son of God would soon be his.  Satan had the power of death at his disposal and soon he would draw his weapon and take out the Holy One.  Or so he thought.

Facing His enemy, eye to eye, Jesus of Nazareth.  God manifest in flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, soon to be taken up in glory (1Tim. 3:16).  Jesus, “the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see.” (1Tim. 6:15-16).  Jesus, the meek and lowly, in the upper room with “His own” . . . loving them to the end (13:1) . . . garment laid aside, his robe girded about Him, towel in His hand, kneeling before mere mortals, washing their feet.

Oh, Satan gleefully anticipated Jesus’ end . . . certain that he had Him right where he wanted Him . . . “Oh,” Satan thinks, “If He only knew what’s coming . . . ”  But John tells us that Jesus did know.  Jesus knew His hour had come (13:1).  He knew that just as He had come from the Father He would soon be returning (13:3).  He knew that, though the cross awaited Him, so did victory . . . that He would triumph in this cosmic showdown.

Jesus knew that just as “the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil” (Heb. 2:14).  He knew that soon He would disarm the powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross (Col. 2:15) . . . that He would die, be entombed, and three days later rise from the dead as the absolute, undisputed Champion of God — returning to the Father having completed the work He was sent to do.  Game . . . set . . . match!

Jesus knew it then . . . and I know it now.  Oh, the victory I share in today because the One robed in white defeated the one who commanded death.  The devil is defeated . . . death is defeated . . . sin no longer has dominion.

Jesus knew the hour had come . . . that it was “high noon” . . . that this world wasn’t big enough for the two of them . . . and, obedient to the Father’s will, He gave of Himself, as the ultimate sacrifice . . . as the death-defeating “shot” heard throughout eternity.

Praise You, O’ Savior!!  “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Cor 15:57).

All through abounding grace.  All for God’s eternal glory.

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Able to Rescue!

Posted on November 19, 2015 by Pete

It must have been a pretty impressive sight. The burning fiery furnace, big enough to hold multiple full size adults, glowing red hot as it was heated to seven times its normal temperature. And in it, four men walking in the midst of the fire. Astonishing, not just that they were unscathed by the raging fire around them and were moving about, but that there were four of them–for only three had been delivered to the flames and to what should have been certain death. But four there were. And four remained untouched by the furnace. And then the three emerged. The hair of their heads unsinged, their cloaks not harmed, not even a hint of the smell of the fire upon them. The evidence was irrefutable–the fire had not had any power over the bodies of the three men.

Like I said, a pretty impressive sight. An “all glory to God” sight as the king who had sentenced them to the furnace now looked beyond the men delivered from the flames and realized something about the God who had delivered them.

Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants, who trusted in Him, and set aside the kings command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God. . . . for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.”   (Daniel 3:28, 29b ESV)

And I’m hovering over that last phrase this morning . . . “there is no god who is able to rescue in this way.”

And I’m thinking, Nebuchadnezzar, you ain’t nothing!

For sure, no god could rescue from the flames as did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s God. But their’s was but a warm up act (pun intended).

These three were already devoted to God. They had already determined to remain faithful to the Almighty and were ready to lay down their lives for the King of Heaven. Makes sense to fight the flames on their behalf.

But what about those who are indifferent to God? Or those who shake their fist at the Almighty? Or those who stand in opposition to, and are counted enemies of the King of Heaven. Can they be delivered from the eternal flames of hell? Can they be freed from their bondage to sin? Can they be rescued from themselves? Is there a god who can rescue in this way?

My God is able to rescue!

And He rescues through the Fourth Man. The One who saves, not from afar, but by entering the arena of the flames. Experiencing the heat as any other man would, yet without blemish or spot. Giving Himself to the flames of judgment on behalf of those He comes to save. Delivering unscathed those who put their faith and trust in Him.

What’s more, not only are those who are rescued delivered from the flames, but they emerge as new creations. Not who they were . . . not what they were. The Fourth Man replacing spiritual deadness with eternal life. Exchanging sin-stained cloaks for His own robe of righteousness. Replacing hearts of stone with hearts of flesh. Making blind eyes see and deaf hears hear. Converting enemies of God into children who cry, “Abba, Father!”

Is there a god who is able to rescue in this way? Only my God!

Able to rescue? Yes He is. So testifies one who has been delivered from the flames . . . one who has been extricated from the furnace . . . one who has been made new . . . one who, by God’s grace, desires to give God glory.

All praise and honor to the God who is able to rescue.

Amen?

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Wanna Know A Secret?

Posted on November 18, 2015 by Pete

Occurs to me this morning that most often when I dive into Daniel I do so with a fresh anticipation of the role model he portrays. Here’s a guy who had it all, “without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the kings palace” (Dan. 1:3-4), and yet he refused any path to success that compromised his devotion to God (1:8). But this morning, while still being jazzed by Daniel’s devotion to God, my focus has instead been captured by the God of Daniel’s devotion. The God who is a “revealer of mysteries.”

Crazy Nebuchadnezzar has a dream. That’s not what makes him crazy, it’s what he insists on when he wakes up. “Bring me my wise men! Have them tell me the meaning of the dream. And have them do it without me telling them what the dream was!” You gotta be kidding? “There is not a man on earth who can meet the king’s demand . . . The thing that the king asks is difficult, and no one can show it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh” (2:10-11).

Enter THE God whose dwelling is not with flesh (at least not yet . . . but that’s another set of thoughts). The God who reveals mysteries. The God of eternity who makes known what is hidden to creatures of time and space.

Wanna know a secret? My God is revealer of secrets.

Daniel told the king his dream and what it meant, but he also made it clear that he was but a spokesmen for the God of heaven, “He who reveals secrets” (2:29 NKJV).

And as I sit in awe in the presence of this God this morning, I can’t help but think it’s enough just to know that He is the revealer of secrets. Even if I never know the why’s of some of the mysteries surrounding me. Even if I never figure out the causes behind the effects in my life. That I know the One who knows, is enough.

I don’t need to lean to my own understanding. Instead, I can lean upon the One who has perfect understanding. I don’t have to worry if my wisdom is sufficient to navigate the complexities of my world, because I’m welcomed to abide in Him who is perfect wisdom from above. I don’t have to have all the answers as long as I know Him in whom all the promises of God are Yes and Amen (2Cor. 1:20). I don’t need to be anxious about tomorrow while I’m in the shadow of the wing of the I AM who is “the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (Rev. 22:13).

The king answered and said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries . . . ”   (Daniel 2:47a ESV)

I love being in on secrets. And there have been mysteries revealed to me beyond what man can fully comprehend. A God who became man. A Son who became a Lamb. A death that resulted in life. A curtain torn. A bride being made ready. Grace overflowing. Love abounding. All praise to the Revealer of mysteries!

But there are some mysteries I may never know . . . things I might never understand. But to know the One who does know . . . to commune with Him who always understands . . . that’s enough.

Finished my readings this morning with this from John . . .

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.    (1John 5:20 ESV)

That’s all the understanding I need . . . the only secret I need revealed.

Because of grace . . . for His glory.

Many things about tomorrow
I don’t seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand         ~ Ira Stanphill, 1950

 

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There Are Three . . . and I Make Four

Posted on November 17, 2015 by Pete

John presents kind of a simple argument in the first part of the fifth chapter of his first letter. Premise One: Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God (5:1a). Premise Two: Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world (5:4a). Thus, the victory that overcomes the world is our faith (5:4b). Pretty straight forward. Pretty incredible.

But really, is it that simple? With all that’s going on in our world . . . with the darkness around us that increasingly says that what’s wrong is right, and what’s right is wrong . . . with the spreading callousness which denies the creator and thus the sanctity of His creation . . . with the increasing violence at home and abroad . . . can victory really be found in something as intangible as what we believe? Apparently!

For it’s not just that we have faith, but what our faith is in. Not just that we believe something, but that we believe in Someone . . . . Jesus the Christ . . . Jesus the Son of God. And it’s not some faith of our own making . . . not some fanciful story of our own design. In fact, concerning the truth of who Christ is and what He has done, there are three that bear witness . . . and I make four.

This is He who came by water and blood–Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree. If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that He has borne concerning his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself.    (1John 5:6-10a ESV)

There is the witness of the water, His baptism. His self-identification with those He came to rescue culminating in the heavenly declaration by the Father who sent Him. A thundering voice from heaven echoing over Him as He was lifted out of the Jordan, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

There is the witness of the blood. A divine reality settling over the city as Jesus was crucified. The skies darkened as He who knew no sin became sin for us. And when the work was finished, when the blood, once shed for eternal redemption, flowed, the earth shook, the temple curtain was torn in two, graves were thrown open, and heaven’s declaration was uttered through a lone centurion, “Truly this was the Son of God.”

And there is the witness of the Spirit. The Third Person of the Godhead silently, yet convincingly, bearing witness that Christ is the Son, that He came as the Lamb, and that He rose from the grave in triumphant declaration that sin and death had been defeated.

The water, the blood, the Spirit. They all testify. They all agree. Jesus is the Son of God come to save the world.

There are three . . . and I make four. For I too have the testimony in me.

Indwelt by the Spirit of revelation and illumination, I know, by God’s grace, these things to be true, as well. I may not be the most studied, nor the most learned, nor the most articulate, but I am most regenerated. Though once I was an enemy, now I am a son. Though once I was blind, yet know I see. Though once I was content with darkness, now I hunger for marvelous light. Though once I was far off, yet now I draw near. Though once I knew nothing, now I abide with Him who knows everything–the Alpha and the Omega.

You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

There are three . . . and I make four.

By God’s grace . . . and for God’s glory!

 

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Trusting, Even in the Testing

Posted on November 13, 2015 by Pete

Worn out! Weary, exhausted. At the end of one’s rope. Done! That’s how Job’s feeling this morning in chapter sixteen. Numbed by the mental anguish. Little strength left to deal with the physical pain. Not sure he can take much more from his miserable comforters. “Surely now God has worn me out,” he laments (Job 16:7).

And, in a sense, he’s right. Nothing has come upon him that has not passed through the fingers of God. That Satan was allowed to touch Job’s family and possessions? Granted by God (Job 1:9-12). That the accuser could then inflict Job’s body? Only possible according to divine, sovereign permission (Job 2:4-6). So, true statement . . . that Job was going through the ringer was, in a sense, of God.

But what Job can’t see is the why? He knows the what of his circumstance, but why heaven has apparently turned against him is beyond his understanding. He has no idea of the conversations that have occurred in the first chapters of Job. And so he is left to himself to figure out the why of his suffering and thus concludes, “He has torn me in His wrath and hated me; He has gnashed His teeth at me; my adversary sharpens His eyes against me” (Job 16:9). God has turned against me, says Job. God has set Himself in opposition to me, Job concludes. There’s no other explanation to what’s happening to me except that, for some reason, God has declared me His enemy.

And you want to shout back through the ages, “No Job! Not at all! It’s because He’s pleased with you, that God has allowed this. God’s been telling all of heaven that you are blameless and upright, one who fears God and turns away from evil. He is so sure of you he has let your real adversary, Satan, sift you like wheat. Yes, your suffering has been allowed by God. But it’s not because He’s your enemy. Not because He has set His face against you. It’s for His glory.”

But no such perspective is offered Job. Not by his “friends” and certainly not by the silence of heaven. In fact, when that silence is broken, when God has His one-on-one with Job later in the story, He still doesn’t reveal to Job why God has allowed what God has allowed. Instead in His grace, God will give Job an intense refresher course on who God is. And, it turns out, that will be enough. However, right now, Job’s hurting and confused and worn out.

Yet, even at his weakest, faith surfaces, though perhaps just as a mustard seed. Even while thinking he has become God’s targeted enemy (16:12), He trusts in God’s all-knowing integrity.

Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and he who testifies for me is on high.    (Job 16:19 ESV)

Even though Job feels like God must be against him, he knows that God is really for him. Job’s witness is in heaven. The only One who sees things for what they truly are is enthroned on high. He who knows the thoughts and intents of the hearts of men reigns above all. And that He knows Job . . . that He has seen Job’s sincere devotion . . . that He has rightly assessed Job as blameless and upright, that Job fears God and turns from evil, is Job’s only plea. The evidence is in heaven. And Job believes there is an Advocate who will testify for him on high.

Though Job’s struggling . .. though he’s confused and tired . . . though he’s worn out and done, yet Job will not curse God and die. He still believes that it is God’s sovereign right to give and to take away. He will, even while demanding an audience with the Almighty Judge, also shout, “Blessed be the name of the LORD.”

Even in the tiresome testing, you see Job trusting.

Gotta love this guy. You hurt for him as, for most of us, our stories at one point or another intertwine with his. Might we also, by grace, endure knowing our Witness is in heaven and our Advocate testifies for us on high. Trusting, even in the testing.

For His glory . . .

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Glory Present, Assume Face Position

Posted on November 12, 2015 by Pete

There’s a certain protocol around heads of state. If the President of the United States, or the Prime Minister of Canada walks in a room it’s expected people will stand. If you’re military, it’s expected you’ll salute. If you’re a British subject, should you meet the Queen a head bow is appropriate from a man, a small curtsy from a woman. The presence of leaders commands a certain respect and an expected response. There’s a place for protocol.

But then there’s the response that comes not from written, or unwritten rules of proper decorum, but is born from an internal, almost visceral reaction born out of proper discernment. No one tells you what you need to do, the person entering the room just evokes an innate response proportionate to their position or presence. Such came to mind as I was reading in Ezekiel this morning. Glory present, assume face position!

And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east. And the sound of His coming was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory. And the vision I saw was just like the vision that I had seen when he came to destroy the city, and just like the vision that I had seen by the Chebar canal. And I fell on my face. . . . Then He brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple, and I looked, and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the temple of the LORD. And I fell on my face.     (Ezekiel 43:2-3, 44:4 ESV)

I encountered it twice in this morning’s reading. Ezekiel meets up with the glory of God and he falls on his face. Through the Spirit he sees something of the splendor of heavenly majesty and he’s checking out the floor. He is exposed to the light of unfeigned holiness and he’s wholly humbled and the back of his head is towards the ceiling.

That’s not some protocol response. That’s not just propriety in practice. That’s what happens when mortal men catch a glimpse of immortal God. When the creation encounters, up close and personal, their Creator. And, I’m thinking, when undeserving recipients of grace find themselves with a renewed vision of the glory that sources such grace–the glory of the cross.

The glory that filled the temple must have been magnificent. Even seeing through the glory via a vision, you got to think that it had a palpable presence . . . that Ezekiel not only saw the glory but felt the glory. The glory shone. The light was blinding. Glory present, assume face position.

But Ezekiel couldn’t even conceive of the glory of the cross. The manifestation not only of God’s holy nature, the presentation not only of God holy Son, but the declaration that God so loved the world that He would justly and fully make a way of redemption and reconciliation for all who believe. Even in the darkness, the glory came down as wrath was poured out. Even in Jesus’ final cry, the light shone as the once for all work of atonement was finished. Even in His substitutionary death for sin, the King ushered in His heavenly kingdom.

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high     (Hebrews 1:3 ESV)

O the glory of the cross! Where the Radiance of God’s glory made purification for sins. And behold the glory of the EMPTY cross!  The Imprint of God’s exact nature, having died and been buried, rose from death on the third day that He might ascend and intercede at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

Assume face position!

Because of grace . . . for His glory.

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