Able to Rescue

Posted on October 28, 2015 by Pete

There’s no minimizing what Job’s gone through. A man of great material wealth, he was all but wiped out financially in just a matter of moments. A man, you assume of good physical health, is, out of nowhere, inflicted with “loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head” so that those who see him can’t even speak. But beyond the loss of his stuff, and the loss of his health, there’s the never ending inner torment of having buried all ten of his children–wiped out in the blink of an eye. Can it get any worse? I’m thinking not. So who’s going to blame Job for his lament in chapter three of the book named after him?

“Let the day perish on which I was born,” he cries out. “Why did I not die at birth,” he questions into the silence, “There the wicked cease from troubling, and there the weary are at rest.”

And his conclusion? Somewhat of an understatement I think . . .

“I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, but trouble comes.”    (Job 3:26 ESV)

Heavy sigh. Though I can’t imagine it, to some degree I get it.

And yet, I’m not left to read the God-breathed words of Job 3 without the context of the rest of the His holy word. You get what Job’s feeling and what he’s saying, but you also know there’s a bigger picture. That even amidst such calamity, personal tragedy, and justifiable despair, there is a source of ease, a way to quietness of heart, a place of rest when trouble comes.

Something I read in 2Peter this morning, though I know I’m applying it out of context, connected to Job’s story for me. With Job’s sad state still running through my mind, as I read of God’s wrath against the wicked but his preservation of the righteous — Noah’s protection from the flood and Lot’s rescue from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (2:4-8) — I was reminded that God is greater than the greatest trial and that He is able to rescue.

. . . the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials . . .    (2Peter 2:9a ESV)

My God knows how to rescue. From the most dire and despairing of all human circumstance, that of being slaves to our sin and in bondage to death, He provided a way of escape. Sending His Son to be the once for all sacrifice for my sin . . . to take upon Himself the wrath of a just God for my transgression . . . my Lord knows how to be the Just and the Justifier and rescue from the penalty and power of sin. If He is able to do that, the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials.

The God of all comfort is able to bring comfort to the discomforted soul through His Spirit. He is able to sustain the grief crushed soul with all sufficient grace. He is able to bring peace in the midst of unimaginable upset conditions with a peace that passes understanding. He is able to renew the inner man though the outward man is wasting away. He is able to lift up the cast down eyes with thoughts of a time and place when tears are wiped away and there’s no more “mourning nor crying nor pain anymore” (Rev. 21:4). The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials.

Able to rescue. That’s my God. Doesn’t necessarily make it easier, but it does make it doable.

Able to rescue by His grace . . . Able to rescue for His glory.

Posted in 2Peter, Job | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Stir It Up

Posted on October 27, 2015 by Pete

Peter knew his time on earth was drawing to an end. He knew he was on the homestretch . . . that he was in his final countdown. And rather than use his last days to take all that he could in, he invested himself in pouring all he could out. Rather than taking it easy and ramping it down, he put his shoulder to the wheel and did all he could to stir it up.

I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.    (2Peter 2:13-14 ESV)

Peter has just reminded the saints of the divine power that has been granted them to partake in the divine nature (2:3-11). As such, he presses them to not rest in their faith but to make every effort to supplement it. He exhorts them to make their calling sure, directly correlating their godliness on earth to the richness of their entrance into heaven. For Peter, it wasn’t enough that they knew Christ, but that they were effective and fruitful in that knowledge of the glorious Lord of heaven. And so he seeks to stir it up.

He then goes from talking about partaking in the divine nature and reminds them that one day they will behold the divine King of Glory (2:16-18). Peter saw the glory on the mount when Jesus was transfigured. He was there when God the Son received honor and glory from God the Father. He was an eyewitness of the night-expelling majesty and heard the voice from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” This wasn’t some “cleverly devised myth,” this was real life. Spoken of by the prophets as they were moved by the Spirit. To be experienced one day by every believer when they enter the eternal kingdom. And I write these things, says Peter, to stir it up.

Isn’t that why I open my Bible in the morning? Isn’t that why I purpose to work my way systemically through the Word of God every year? To stir it up? I’m thinkin’.

It’s not just about gaining more head knowledge but about maintaining a heart reality. It’s about what I know being awaken and impacting how I behave. It’s about setting my mind on things above so that I live in the here and now in the context of the there and then.

Too easy to coast. Too easy to ride on the spiritual vitality of the past. That’s why, by God’s grace, and through the illuminating work of the Spirit, I try and keep myself in the Word. The living and active, sharper than any two-edge sword, dividing soul and spirit, discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart word of God. That’s why I read it . . . and hover over it . . . and noodle on it. To stir it up.

Our spiritual DNA was been rewired through the new birth. We have been given all the tools we need to participate in a realm that is out of this world. Him, whom we have met by faith, we will one day see face to face (perhaps sooner than we think). So stir it up.

By God’s grace . . . for God’s glory.

Posted in 2Peter | Tagged | Leave a comment

Amazed

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Pete

This morning I started into three new books as part of my reading plan, Job, Ezekiel, and 2Peter. Amazed at Peter’s opening comments and the power that has been granted to us to partake of the divine nature. And I’m instructed that the response to such provision is to “make every effort to supplement your faith” (2Peter 1:5-8). I’m also amazed as I try and imagine the manifestation of God’s glory given to Ezekiel. And I’m inspired to be like Ezekiel and go facedown when the glory of God is revealed before my eyes of faith (Ezekiel 1:28, 3:23). And then there’s Job. I’m amazed at how quickly life turned upside down for this godly saint. And I’m in awe of his response. Wondering if, in the same circumstance, I would worship as he did (Job 1:20).

Looked back through my journal and decided to brush off and rework some thoughts from October, 2010 . . .

To think that God and Satan might have a conversation . . . and that such a conversation might focus on what’s happening on earth . . . and focus not in general terms but focus on a specific man, living at a specific time, in a specific place, amidst a specific set of life circumstances . . . to think about such a conversation, absolutely amazes me. Such is the case every time I read the first chapter of Job.

I’m amazed at Job . . . a man described as ” blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil” (1:1). Whatever the form of revelation available to Job during his time, he responded to it. He was a man who lived in a reverential fear of the Creator. He understood enough of the character of God to know that which was counter-character to God’s holiness. And, as such, he determined to turn away and repel all manner of evil. He determined, as much as lay within him, to walk in the way of righteousness. He was a man of integrity. A man beyond reproach.

And I’m amazed that this characterization of Job wasn’t just the talk of the town but it was conversation of heaven itself. That Job was blameless and upright, wasn’t just his own claim to fame . . . that Job feared God and shunned evil, was more than just a good reputation he held among the people of Uz. That Job was noteworthy, was the topic of conversation of God Himself (1:8, 2:3). Not only did God notice Job, God wanted others in heavenly places to notice Job as well. How pleased God must have been with this man’s determination to live in a manner worthy of the God he had owned as Lord. So pleased, that when the sons of God presented themselves before the Lord, and Satan along with them, the Lord said to Satan, “Hey, have you noticed my servant Job?” (1:6-8).

I’m amazed also concerning God’s confidence in Job that He would allow Satan to mess with Job’s life. And to mess with it in such a big, big, way. You might think that the reward for bringing God glory (which Job did) would be more blessing . . . aka good stuff. But it seems the reward for bringing God glory is the opportunity to bring Him even more glory . . . and that doesn’t necessarily translate into the status quo view of “the good life.”

Satan is permitted power over all Job has but he is not permitted to lay a hand on Job’s person (1:12). And the devil takes full advantage of the latitude he’s given by God to upset Job’s apple cart. A day comes when, in a matter of minutes, Job’s entire world comes crashing down around him. His business is destroyed . . . his wealth vanishes . . . and worse yet, his 10 children are all taken in a freak storm. What does a blameless and upright man do now? How does a man who fears God and turns away from evil respond to such personal catastrophe and tragedy? This too is amazing . . .

Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mothers womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”   (Job 1:20-21 ESV)

Oh, that I might model such a man. That everything, whether blessing or trial or tragedy, might pass through a “God filter” such that in every circumstance I would worship Him. That I would bless His name for so much more than the good things I enjoy from His hand, but bless His name, also, simply because He is worthy of blessing. All the time. In every circumstance.

Don’t think I’m a topic of conversation in heaven, save perhaps as a trophy of grace to the Son’s eternal glory. But I do know that my Father knows me, and my circumstance, inside and out.

And though I don’t know what the future may bring, I do know the God of the future. And that in all things He can be trusted . . . that in all things He is to be blessed and worshiped. and that, in such worship, He delights.

Because of grace . . . for His glory.

Posted in Job | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Where Does He Come Up With This Stuff?

Posted on October 23, 2015 by Pete

When Jesus spoke, people were blown away. From the beginnings of His public ministry, when He taught in the Capernaum synagogue on the Sabbath, those who heard Him “were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes” (Mark 1:22).

One time, when He preached in His “home church” in Nazareth, those who listened were amazed at His words, saying, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenters son? . . . Where then did this Man get all these things?” (Matt 13:54-56). And this morning, I’m reading that when Jesus taught at the temple during the Feast of Tabernacles the Jews marveled, saying, “How is it that this Man has learning, when He has never studied?” (John 7:15).

The question on the minds of those who heard Jesus was simply, “Where does He come up with this stuff?”

“My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me.” ~ Jesus     (John 7:16 ESV)

Jesus spoke not just as a man, but as the Son of Man. He spoke as the promised Messiah, the One of whom Isaiah would prophesy, “And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD” (Isa. 11:2). Jesus didn’t need to “make it up” as He went. The teaching was sourced from heaven itself. From the Father . . . through the Spirit . . . spoken by the Son . . . marveled at by the people.

The complexities of the Trinity and the interwoven dynamics of Immanuel, God in flesh, both come into play here. I’m not sure that my mind can really wrap itself around it. But what I do know is that Jesus spoke the way He spoke, taught the way He taught, impacted people the way He impacted people because He was quoting the Father.

The material didn’t originate with the man Jesus, but had been drafted from before the foundations of the earth by the Three-in-One God of eternity. His words weren’t original to Him, in a sense, but they were the very words of God Himself. Jesus didn’t speak on His own, but spoke the words taught to Him by the Father (John 8:28). The Father directed the Son as to what to say and how to say it (John 12:49). No wonder it blew people away. He was speaking a word that was, quite literally, from out of this world. His was the voice of God Himself . . . because Jesus is God Himself.

What would it have been like to hear Him teach? Talk about your powerful sermon!

When Jesus spoke no one was falling asleep in the back row. When Jesus taught the impact was tangible, even if their understanding was yet clouded. His was always a powerful message. The delivery always with a Spirit empowered unction. When Jesus opened the Scriptures it ignited the hearts of those who had ears to hear (Luke 24:32). “No man ever spoke like this Man” (John 7:46).

And I reminded that there is a dynamic by which I too can hear Him . . . and the Father’s words through Him. No, it isn’t a podcast I can download. I can’t go pull an mp3 or video off of His website. But I have the God-breathed Scriptures before me and the God-placed Spirit inside me. And with that combo, His words–those divinely penned and placed words of the Father–can be as fresh and powerful today as when they were first delivered.

When I hear Jesus quote the Father, my heart can burn within me. As I take in these thoughts sourced in heaven, my inner man can be stirred to awe and wonder. When I meditate on principles and precepts from another world, I can be moved to respond with worship and obedience.

“If anyone’s will is to do Gods will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on My own authority.” ~ Jesus    (John 7:17 ESV)

Speak Lord, your servant is listening.

Because of His grace . . . all for His glory.

Posted in John | Tagged | Leave a comment

When His Glory Is Revealed

Posted on October 22, 2015 by Pete

Context. That’s the comfort Peter offers the “elect exiles of the dispersion” (1Peter 1:1). The big picture. That’s what Peter paints for those who are being slandered and are suffering for doing good (3:16-17). The end game. That’s what he directs their attention to knowing that inevitably they will encounter and be tested by a “fiery trial.” And in the right context . . . within reality’s big picture . . . given what awaits them at the end of the line, Peter can say, “Rejoice!” Rejoice now because you know you’ll rejoice then. When His glory is revealed.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christs sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed. (1Peter 4:12-13 ESV)

Things weren’t getting any easier for these brothers and sisters. Though they were a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession (2:9), the world they were living in was growing increasingly anti-God . . . and thus, anti-God’s people. To be a Christian, to own the name of Christ, was to invite persecution. To live for the kingdom of heaven was to increasingly get out of sync with the ways of the world. As they looked ahead, the path only looked stormier. So Peter says, don’t just look ahead, but look way ahead . . . to when His glory is revealed.

The day is coming when faith will give way to sight. When He who is the “radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature” (Heb. 1:3) will appear. When Jesus the Lamb of God who bore our sin will return as Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who will bear us home. Whether that day comes through natural means, or whether we are of that privileged generation who will be caught up together with Him in the air, that day is coming when His glory is revealed.

And so, says Peter, it is possible to rejoice now insofar as you share in Christ’s suffering, because you know there will be a day when you will rejoice and be glad as you share in His glory revealed. A day when, like John on Patmos, we look upon “one like a Son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around His chest.” The hairs of His head, white like wool, as white as snow. His eyes, like a flame of fire. His feet, like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace. His voice, like the roar of many waters. His face, like the sun shining in full strength (Rev. 1:13-16). We shall behold Him when His glory is revealed.

And like John, we will fall at His feet. And we will feel the touch His hand upon us. And then we will know, know without any shadow of doubt, that it was worth it all.

Context . . . the big picture . . . the end game. It’s what helps us to keep on keepin’ on. Until that day when His glory is revealed.

Posted in 1Peter | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Sorrow With A Divine Perspective

Posted on October 21, 2015 by Pete

Started in on Lamentations this morning. Not exactly your “pick me up” book. Jerusalem, what’s left of her, is empty. Once the apple of God’s eye, she now is the subject of scorn for the nations. The princess has become a slave. The vineyard has been overcome by weeds. The glory has departed.

I’m not really well-versed in the finer points of lament, but it’s not too hard to pick up what the writer is laying down. At least in this opening portion, it comes down to his closing words in the first chapter.

“. . . for my groans are many, and my heart is faint.”     (Lamentations 1:22b ESV)

Who hasn’t been there? Not that all our trials and testings can compare in magnitude to a razed city and an entire people taken captive into exile. But who hasn’t gone through something that evokes that heavy chest which almost forces your breath out of you? Deep sighs being the audible indicator of a sick heart.

But what grabs me as I hover over this lament is that, rather than being self-consuming, it is heaven revealing. It is sorrow with a divine perspective.

The lamenter knows why the city is empty. He is well aware of why her “friends” and her “lovers” have deserted her. Well aware of why she is afflicted.

. . . the LORD has afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions . . . (Lamentations 1:5 ESV)

The writer of this song in a minor key sees beyond the rubble and connects it with Him who is righteous. The One who “is in the right” (1:18) is in sight. The songwriter lifts his dirge to the One who hears the cry of His people. He confesses the sin of his people and cries out for mercy from his enemies to the LORD who is “a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Ex. 34:6). The songwriter laments with a divine perspective.

Now, I’m not in any way suggesting that all groaning and sickness of heart is tied to rebellion and transgression. That’s the context for the lament I’m reading this morning, but there are many other circumstances which allow us to sing along with the songwriter’s sad song.

What I am thinking about though is that all our sorrow can be processed through the filter of a divine perspective. That we are not left to lament alone. That we are not left to try to “catch our breath” without some heavenly help. It’s why Paul could write,

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed . . . So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.    (2Corinthians 4:8-9, 16 ESV)

Groanings may be many. The heart might be faint. The outer nature might feel like barren Zion after the Babylonian horde has passed through. But when we sorrow under the covering of God’s faithful presence and provision, we do not lose heart. In fact, when we look up our inner nature is renewed.

Because of grace . . . for His glory.

Posted in Lamentations | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Food with a Promise

Posted on October 20, 2015 by Pete

You read through Jesus’ teaching in John 6 and you kind of get why “when many of His disciples heard it, they said, ‘This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?'” (6:60). Teaching about a bread which comes from heaven. Bread from heaven which removes hunger and gives life. Bread which must be eaten if it’s life-giving properties are to be appropriated. And what is this bread Jesus spoke of?

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh. . . . Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”  ~ Jesus    (John 6:51, 53-54 ESV)

Feed on My flesh? Drink my blood? No wonder many found this “a hard saying.” No wonder many failed to understand it (NKJV). No wonder many could not accept it (NIV). No wonder Peterson has some fun with his tongue-in-cheek paraphrase of their reaction, “This is tough teaching, too tough to swallow” (6:60 MSG). Too tough to swallow indeed!

I get why many tapped out and from this point on stopped following Jesus (6:66). But what’s caught my attention this morning is the prize offered for those who work through such a hard saying. The motivation presented for working through what it means to eat this bread from heaven manifest in the person of the Son of Man. It’s worth pursuing because it’s food with a promise.

“Whoever feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”    ~ Jesus

I will raise him up on the last day. I will raise her up on the last day. Eat the food . . . drink the drink . . . and know the promise of eternal life.

This is the fourth time in this chapter that Jesus offers the promise of being raised up on the last day (6:39, 40, 44, 54). Whatever Christ meant by eating His flesh and drinking His blood (I took a run at that last year, see the post here), as hard as noodling on that might be, there was a promise that came with this food. For those who understood their mortality the promise of eternal life, of being raised again in newness of life, was so intriguing they couldn’t follow the “many” who bailed out. For them the love of life, and the desire to know the Life-giver, compelled them to stick with the Teacher, even if they didn’t fully get what He was teaching.

I’m feeling like that dynamic still comes into play with those of us who have decided to follow Jesus. Though we may not still be wrestling with what it means to eat of His flesh and drink of His blood, there’s enough other tough stuff that surfaces from time to time to create a crisis of faith. Whether it’s other hard teaching, or simply hard circumstances, it can be tempting to look for another place to feed from. But there is no other place that offers food with a promise.

No other source of life-giving, life-sustaining, life-enhancing food which results in a life forever reality. No place I’d rather be than at the table He sets.

Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed . . .    (John 6:67-69a ESV)

Believing in food with a promise by His grace. Feasting on food with a promise for His glory.

Posted in John | Tagged , | Leave a comment

A Grace Thing

Posted on October 16, 2015 by Pete

This morning I got stuck on a phrase in my reading in 1Peter 2. A phrase translated very differently in the ESV than in other translations. While it seems the other translations chose to render it according to what they believe it means in context, the ESV translators just left it out there literally, I think to leave the interpretation more to the reader. So this morning, this reader’s been noodling on it. Looking back on previous posts, seems I was in the same place the morning of October 16, 2012. Brushing off those thoughts and re-working them a bit, I’m again a bit in wonder at what Peter says about something he calls “a grace thing” . . .

One of the most surprising things about 1Peter, I think, is that Peter’s answer to suffering is submission. Peter doesn’t offer escape routes . . . doesn’t coach on civil disobedience . . . doesn’t relax the standards of being a royal priesthood in order to fit in better and cause fewer waves. Instead, after painting a picture of the wonder of their salvation in the first part of His letter . . . of fixing their eyes on the prize to come so that they might be encouraged to keep running the race . . . the apostle then focuses on their calling as a “chosen race” and a “holy nation” (2:9-10). As “sojourners and exiles” (2:11) Peter calls them to live in a way that their very conduct will glorify God (2:12). And part of that conduct . . . submitting. How come? Because it’s a grace thing!

Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.   (1Peter 2:18-20 ESV)

That repeated phrase, “a gracious thing”, jumped off the page at me this morning. A bit unfamiliar to this past NKJV reader where it’s translated “commendable”. So I checked out the Greek behind the word. Sure enough it’s charis . . . the word commonly translated grace.

So Peter says be subject to those who are over you in the food chain (kind of). Here it’s the work food chain . . . but he also speaks of those in government . . . and will go on to speak of those in the family setting . . . and those even in the church. He’s says submit to them, even if they’re jerks (CLTV . . . Corak’s Loosely Translated Version). Peter says if you submit even to the unjust . . . if you suffer for doing good . . . if you endure when you are beaten though you’ve done nothing deserving of it . . . then, it’s a grace thing.

And as I noodle on it there seems to be a least three facets that shine light on this grace thing.

Obviously it’s showing grace to the unjust . . . an undeserved, unmeritted subjection. And that’s kind of intriguing because how’s that possible apart from the Spirit? It’s not a natural response to double up the determination to be a good slave, especially for an unjust master, unless something, or Someone, is moving you to see all of life in the context of a bigger picture and empowers you to live life with a heavenly mindset. That’s fruit of the Spirit. Thus, a grace thing is a Spirit of God sanctification thing.

Then there’s also an aspect of which the grace thing is noticed by God, hence the rendering of “commendable” in the other translations. When the Father sees His children living in a manner which reflects something of His own compassion and patience it affords Him a joy, pleasure, and delight. As He sees the fruit of the sanctifying work of His Spirit in His people evidenced by “unnatural” reactions to suffering . . . because they know they are suffering for His sake . . . the grace thing touches His heart. So, a grace thing is also a Father pleasing thing.

And I guess a third aspect to this grace thing is the manner in which it reflects the Savior.

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth. When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly.     (1Peter 2:21-23 ESV)

Jesus is the ultimate example of a grace thing. For the love of a lost people, Jesus endured unjust suffering without retaliation. “He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth” (Isa. 53:7). He entrusted Himself to the just God. The just God who would also be the Justifier as He determined to pay the ransom for sinners with the blood of His perfect Son. And the Son delighted to the Father’s will. So when we see a grace thing surfacing in our lives it should also be a Christ exalting thing . . . a reminder of Him who embodied the abundance of divine grace.

A Father pleasing thing . . . a Son exalting thing . . . a Spirit sanctification thing.

I guess a grace thing is a fullness of God thing.

For His glory . . .

Posted in 1Peter | Tagged | 1 Comment

The Will of God

Posted on October 15, 2015 by Pete

Sometimes you gotta dig . . . other times it’s handed to you on a silver platter. Sometimes you don’t know what God wants you to do from a given passage . . . and then there’s those other times when it’s laid out so clearly you’d have to have your eyes closed to miss it. This morning was one of those “other times.”

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.    (1Peter 2:15 ESV)

This is the will of God . . .

How we talk about knowing what God’s will is for our lives. Should I do this or, does God want me to do that? There are a lot of steps we take which, while we believe they are directed of God, we don’t know exactly where they’re leading or if we are even on the right path. And so we seek the will of God. And we do so, theoretically, so that we might submit to the will of God. Well here, at least in part, says Peter, is the will of God . . . here is what is in accordance with Divine desire . . .

Do good.

Be a well-doer. Call it what you like . . . live righteously . . . do that which benefits another . . . be benevolent . . . execute random acts of kindness. Whatever you want to call it, just do it! From the simplest of acts, like opening a door for someone, to the more costly of acts, like giving of your treasure and/or your time, serve others. Put others ahead of yourself. Lift up those who are fallen down. Go out of your way to assist someone. There’s no limit do what “doing good” looks like. Just know that it is the will of God.

And put to silence . . .

In the context of Peter’s letter, persecution was increasing for Christians (sound familiar). There was damaging misinformation concerning the followers of Christ which led to increasing accusations against them. And Peter exhorts the brothers and sisters to muzzle such ignorance by how they live. Do good . . . and their words will have no substance . . . for this is the will of God.

That our walk should be in line with our talk should be a no-brainer. That our works add veracity to our words should be of no surprise. That doing good is the will of God . . . well, what do we do with that? How about, Do good?

Not that it makes us any more saved . . . not that it makes us any more sanctified. But that it pleases Him who has called us into marvelous light . . . and it glorifies Him who has called us to be light . . . and, perhaps, it might be used of Him, by the power of His Spirit through overflowing grace, to rescue the foolish from their ignorance.

Do good . . . this is the will of God.

By His grace . . . for His glory.

Posted in 1Peter | Tagged , | Leave a comment

What Is It About Egypt?

Posted on October 14, 2015 by Pete

It’s true . . . denial ain’t just a river in Egypt. I’m reading in Jeremiah this morning and a bit astounded at the story that plays out in Judah immediately after the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of Judah’s elite to Babylon. Amazed that denial of God’s faithfulness is often the road back to Egypt. And the question I can’t help but ask is, What is it about Egypt?

In Jeremiah 39, the mighty Babylonian hoard have landed. King Zedekiah of Judah, rather than surrender, flees. He is apprehended and is sentenced by his ruthless captors–his family is slaughtered before his eyes and then his eyes are put out. Jerusalem is razed. It’s inhabitants are taken into exile. But the poor of Judah are left as a remnant in the land. They are given vineyards and fields. And they are given a governor, Gedaliah the son of Ahikam (40:5).

So, they are the poor of the poor. But they are still in the land . . . and they have land. What’s more, they are under the protective custody of mighty Babylon.

But any sense of stability doesn’t last long. The Ammonites decide to take advantage of the largely vacated Judah and murder Gedaliah the governor. Long story short, Gedaliah’s death is avenged but it leaves the people in the land with a huge amount of political instability and uncertainty. And so they go to Jeremiah and ask Him to seek the LORD.

Then all the commanders of the forces, . . . and all the people from the least to the greatest, came near and said to Jeremiah the prophet, “Let our plea for mercy come before you, and pray to the LORD your God for us, for all this remnant–because we are left with but a few, as your eyes see us–that the LORD your God may show us the way we should go, and the thing that we should do. . . . Whether it is good or bad, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God to whom we are sending you, that it may be well with us when we obey the voice of the LORD our God.”
 (Jeremiah 42:1-3, 6 ESV)

Okay. At face value this is looking good. Your world’s a bit upside down? Don’t know what to make of it? Take it to the LORD in prayer. But what catches my eye is that they want God to “show us the way we should go.” Wait a minute, who said anything about going anywhere? God had left them in the land . . . God had provided for them from the land . . . it was the land God had promised to them . . . what’s this talk of going somewhere? What is it about Egypt?

Jeremiah goes to the LORD and inquires on behalf of the people. God says in effect, Remain in the land and it will go well with you. Do not fear the king of Babylon for I am with you. I know what you’re thinking but don’t go to Egypt . . . they can’t protect you . . . it will be disastrous . . . no one who goes there will survive. Trust Me . . . obey Me . . . stay put and “I will build you up and not pull you down; I will plant you, and not pluck you up” (42:10).

“You are telling a lie,” is the insolent response of the remnant to Jeremiah’s word from the LORD. God didn’t say stay put. It’s trickery and treachery that we might be delivered into Chaldean hands. We’re outta’ here! Egypt or bust! And you know it was Egypt AND bust. They went back to their world of bondage and there they died. What is it about Egypt?

What’s the allure of the world out of which God’s people have been saved that causes them to look back at that world for their safety, security, and fulfillment? What is it about the domain of the prince of darkness that somehow convinces us that when the going get’s tough that trusting God is not enough and it’s time to get going back to the ways of the world? What confusion fills the mind of the child of God during hard times that makes them think that where God has led them is not where God will sustain them? That His care for them will ultimately come from the land from which He has already redeemed and rescued them? What is this crazy, crazy allure of Egypt?

How is that one moment we can be singing, “This world’s not my home,” and then the next, when life gets hard, we head back there because we think God can’t be trusted with where we’re at? What is about Egypt?

O’ that I might rest in the land He has brought me to, even if it gets a bit out of control and unstable at times. That I might trust that He who said He would never leave me or forsake REALLY WILL NOT leave me or forsake me. That I might faithfully believe the promise . . . that I might faithfully pursue the promise . . . that I might not look back to Egypt.

By His grace . . . for His glory.

Posted in Jeremiah | Tagged , , | Leave a comment