Sufferings and Subsequent Glories

Posted on October 13, 2015 by Pete

Imagine the OT prophet’s life. You are the proverbial fish swimming against the flow. You are the one thing that doesn’t look like the others. You are the voice that contradicts the popular majority’s voice. And you speak of things that, by in large, people don’t want to hear. And amidst all this, a lot of what you are speaking doesn’t even make sense to you. Sure, the stuff about pending judgment because of persistent rebellion you probably get. But it’s the promises that are fuzzy. Especially the predictions of a coming Messiah. A saving Messiah and a reigning Messiah . . . gotta like that! But an inflicted Messiah and a rejected Messiah? What’s that about? It’s about sufferings and subsequent glories.

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories.   (1Peter 1:10-11 ESV)

“This salvation” . . . “the grace that was to be yours.” How’s that for a definition of salvation? The grace that is ours?

We get it . . . because we got it . . . and we have it . . . and we grow daily in our theoretical and practical understanding of it. But for those charged with this salvation’s great reveal, they didn’t get it. Instead the prophets “asked a lot of questions” (MSG) about this grace-filled salvation they spoke of. As the Spirit of Christ moved them to “thus says the LORD” and to write of things that were yet to be realized, they didn’t understand exactly who they were writing about or when He would come on the scene. What they did understand though, was that whoever the Messiah was, He would know sufferings and subsequent glories.

And this morning I’m noodling on subsequent glories . . . with a bit of a “me focus” filter.

To be sure the subsequent glories after the cross would begin with His resurrection. Crazy that rising from the dead would be but the beginnings of subsequent glories because how do you top that? You don’t. The risen Christ is the great “Amen” to the finished work of the cross. The risen Christ is the knock out punch that crushes sin and death. The resurrection is the evidence that there is a life to be known unlike anything this side of the grave. Praise God for the resurrection.

But the subsequent glories continue. Imagine what it was like to be standing there on the day Jesus ascended into the clouds. Jaw-dropping. To your knees . . . face to the ground . . . as the angels appear and declare, “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:9-11). The angels prophesying of yet more subsequent glories . . . that day when He returns. The Jesus of the cross coming again unmistakably as KING OF KINGS AND LORD OR LORDS . . . seated on a white horse . . . accompanied by the armies of heaven . . . ready to judge the earth and establish His reign in majesty and righteousness (Rev. 19:11-16).

Resurrection . . . ascension . . . judgment . . . coming kingdom. All subsequent glories born out of the sufferings the Son undertook in order to do the Father’s will.

But one more comes to mind. Though it’s not about me, I still think I’m part of these subsequent glories.

. . . Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that He might present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.   (Ephesians 5:25b – 27 ESV)

Christ gave Himself for the church . . . His sufferings. That He might present her to Himself in splendor . . . subsequent glories.

Christ died that He might secure for Himself a redeemed people and that they would be presented to Him one day as a glorious bride. To quote an old Southern Gospel classic, “when He was on the cross, we were on His mind.”

It was for “the joy that was set before Him” that He endured the cross and despised the shame (Heb. 12:2). That joy to be realized on that day when His bride has been fully made ready and is presented to Him “without spot or wrinkle or any such thing” because in Him, and by Him and through Him, she has been made holy.

O to be part of subsequent glories. All because of amazing grace . . . all for His eternal glory.

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Guarded Through Faith

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Pete

Peter writes to the elect exiles. Groups of believers “of the Dispersion.” Scattered throughout the provinces of Asia Minor because of persecution. Who they were and where they were was according to the foreknowledge of God . . . it was part of their sanctification in the Spirit . . . it was so that they might demonstrate obedience to Jesus . . . all sustained by the power of Christ’s cleansing blood (1Peter 1:1-2). And what’s grabbed me this morning is that while the going was getting tough it was their faith that would keep them going.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by Gods power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
(1Peter 1:3-5 ESV)

Ours is a living hope. Ours is an unfading inheritance in heaven. Ours is a salvation ready to be revealed. But we’re not home yet.

So, in a sense, ours too is a dispersion. A living in an increasingly foreign land. The norms, the values, the goals of this world at best inconsistent, and more and more often incompatible, with the ways of our kingdom. Thus, tough times are inevitable. Throw in the fact that we have an enemy who goes about seeing who he can devour . . . add in the daily battle the Spirit wages with the flesh . . . and perhaps we shouldn’t be too surprised that from time to time it gets hard . . . and sometimes really hard.

But we are being guarded. Guarded by God’s power. Guarded by God’s Holy Spirit.

The Spirit . . . “the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it” (Eph. 1:14) . . . the Helper (John 14:26) . . . the Spirit of truth (John 15:26) . . . the power that raised Christ from the dead residing in us (Romans 8:11). And what is the fuel that feeds His fire? What is the anchor from which His grip will never let go? Faith. By God’s power we are being guarded through faith.

In every difficult situation the Spirit is ready to set a guard about us. And His beachhead is our faith. That what we say we believe, we really believe . . . especially when it gets hard.

Peter says that the genuineness of our faith is tested through “various trials” (1Peter 1:6-7). He knows, and we know, that it’s the real meal deal because we keep on keepin’ on. Our faith, though even as a mustard seed, the ground upon which the Spirit manifests His power and guards our walk.

That’s why often we end up handling more than we thought we could (or should)–by faith and through God’s power. The stories are added of the times we felt like the outer man was down for the count only to have the inner man renewed, restored, and revitalized–through faith by the guarding ministry of the Spirit. And this genuineness of faith, beyond getting us through the day, is going to “result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Mine is to believe, His is to guard. Mine is to look up, His is to come down. Mine is to be faithful, His is to fuel the fire.

Guarded through faith . . . because of grace . . . for His glory.

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Radiant!

Posted on October 8, 2015 by Pete

Jeremiah declared there would be a day of dancing in Israel. Mourning would be turned into joy. Sorrow would be exchanged for gladness. They would feast in abundance and the people would be satisfied with God’s goodness. For the God who had scattered Israel would gather Israel. And they would be His flock. Sheep led beside still waters. Sheep finding rest in green pastures. And the God who had determined to love them with an everlasting love would guard them as their Shepherd. For the LORD would ransom Jacob, paying the price for his release. The great God of creation would step in as Jacob’s redeemer, releasing him from a grip of bondage too strong for Jacob to break himself.

Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry.   (Jeremiah 31:13 ESV)

I’ve been hovering over this promise of God to the tribes of Jacob in Jeremiah 31. Thinking that, while it was fulfilled in measure at their return from Babylonian exile, there is yet to come a day when the fullness of this promised redemption and restoration will be realized under the reign of Messiah.

And as I noodle on this I can’t help but put myself in the story. Part of a prototype of a people loved with everlasting love, ransomed from bondage, redeemed and made new, brought into a kingdom whose river is the living water of the Spirit and whose King reigns in their hearts. While not home yet, knowing daily through the pilgrim’s journey the care of the Good Shepherd. Having experienced the goodness of abiding in the Vine. Having encountered the power that frees from the enemy’s grip.

And while I may not be much of a dancer, there’s another response to salvation’s bounty that has caught my attention this morning.

They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the LORD, over the grain, the wine, and the oil, and over the young of the flock and the herd; their life shall be like a watered garden, and they shall languish no more.    (Jeremiah 31:12 ESV)

They shall be radiant. The realization of the goodness of the LORD primes the pump so that a stream pours forth from the recipients of that goodness. A stream of light. They beam. They sparkle. Their inner joy overflows to their outer countenance. The women rejoice . . . the men are merry . . . their feet dance . . . their voices sing . . . and their faces shine. O’ to worship through radiance.

To be real, sometimes life feels a bit like Babylon. Sometimes acknowledging God’s goodness is more in the head than the heart. But in those times of big picture clarity . . . when in the secret place I look up and am reminded of His presence . . . and I look back and know again His provision . . . remembering the darkness and now knowing the light . . . recalling the bondage but now experiencing some victory . . . having once been far off but now boldly approaching His throne of grace . . . when I’m still and reflect again on the goodness of God, I’m thinking I should beam . . . my face should shine . . . my worship should be radiant!

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

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Promises, Plans, Places, and Prayer

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Pete

Hovering this morning over a well known portion of Scripture in Jeremiah 29. A portion of ancient writ that I know was not written specifically TO me . . . but that the Spirit bears witness was written FOR me. The context of Jeremiah’s prophesy so very different than any context I’ve known, or could even fully imagine, yet the truths of God’s declaration having as much application to me today as it did to God’s ancient people back then. So I’m thinking about promises, plans, places, and prayer.

“For thus says the LORD: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you My promise and bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me. When you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.”    (Jeremiah 29:10-14 ESV)

God had made a promise to Abraham and to his seed. A promise about a place. It was renewed with Isaac and Jacob. And, in measure, it was realized through Moses and Joshua.

God had plans for His people. As a maiden rescued from the mire they were to keep themselves for Him alone. As His flock they were to abide under His faithful care and provision. As His vineyard they were to bear fruit and show forth His glory.

But sin has a way of interfering with God’s promises and plans. The unchecked leaven of pride, arrogance, and self-determination has a way of creating a detour from the place God has made for them. It causes God’s people to turn their backs to Him, even when God’s desire is that His face shine upon them. Combine a stiff neck with a lustful heart and you’re mixing nitro with glycerine . . . it’s not about if, but about when, things are going to blow up. Can anyone say, “Babylonian exile?”

But God’s promises remain. His plans will be accomplished. The place He has prepared for peace and rest will again be inhabited. For in His grace, He moves His people to pray.

Call upon me . . . come and pray to me . . . and I will hear you. Seek me . . . with all your heart . . . and you will find me.

More promises. God’s simple plan. That we might know the resting place again.

Too often for my liking . . . though I think I should be more spiritual or more advanced in my Christian walk . . . I find myself on the outskirts of Babylon. Having let my guard down . . . having conceded the daily battle between the old man and the Spirit to the old man once again . . . having been tripped up by something I’ve been tripped up by before . . . I sense a distance from the place God intends for me. While always mine positionally, I have stepped away from my seat in the heavenlies. The abiding is not so much. The feelings of barrenness and exile roll in. The accuser piles on by telling me I should just stay there . . . that I should give up and hang out in Babylon.

But God has made a promise. And God has declared He has plans. And the place He was made for me is in His presence. And thus He beckons me to once again pray and seek His face.

And I do so, again and again, because He has made the provision.

. . . and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
(1John 1:7b-9 ESV)

Thank God for prayer that turns the heart back to the God of promises, plans, and places. Thank Him for the ever-flowing grace available through the cross that restores the exile . . . that we might share in His promises . . . participate in His plans . . . and know the Shalom of His place.

To Him be all glory . . .

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A God at Hand

Posted on October 6, 2015 by Pete

It’s kind of a “give your head a shake” type of word from the LORD.

After having indicted the shepherds of Israel for destroying and scattering the sheep of His pasture (Jeremiah 23:1-2), the LORD speaks additional judgment, through Jeremiah, to the prophets of Israel. Despite the coming storm of God’s wrath for generations of stiff-necked disobedience and unfaithful spiritual adultery, these self-proclaimed spokesmen for the LORD prophesy words of vain hope . . . speaking “visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD” (23:16). To those who despise the word of the LORD, these fake prophets say, “It shall be well with you.” To those who are determined to set their own course according to the stubbornness of their own hearts, these make believe fortune tellers announce, “No disaster shall come upon you” (23:17). And to them, through Jeremiah, the LORD seems to say, “Give your head a shake!”

“Am I a God at hand, declares the LORD, and not a God afar off? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the LORD. I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in my name . . .”   (Jeremiah 23:23-25a ESV)

What were they thinking? Every time they declared, “Thus saith the LORD” did they not think the LORD could hear what they were thus saying? When they sat in their homes writing out their scripts, practicing their best prophet intonation, did it not once occur to them that if God was really God then He’d probably have an idea of the charade they were playing and the lies they were telling? Apparently not. So wrapped up in themselves, they had totally lost sight of the fact that our God is a God at hand.

There is no secret place from the One who fills all heaven and earth. David knew it when he penned Psalm 139. Hemmed in . . . that’s how David described it (139:5). His God a discerner of every thought and familiar with every path. There is nowhere to flee from the presence of His Spirit (139:2,3,7). David’s God was a God at hand. Such awareness, says the songwriter, is incomprehensible (139:6).

It certainly was for the false prophets of Jeremiah’s day. Incomprehensible in that they were so spiritually dead they couldn’t even put two and two together and discern the danger of speaking on behalf of a God who was truly God. Oblivious to the implications of putting words in the mouth of the Creator who gives breath to all things. Dead to any thought of the consequences of saying, “All is good, maintain the status quo” when in fact, the Righteous Judge through His faithful servant, Jeremiah, was declaring, “All is not good, repent and return.” A God at hand can be pretty scary for those who blindly think they can operate in the secret places.

But what of those who have had the darkness of their sin exposed by the light of knowing God IS at hand? Those who have had their eyes opened to the Righteous Judge only to learn that He has also determined to be the Eternal Justifier? Those whose sin stains have been taken away by the God at hand who drew ever nearer and came to earth as the Lamb of God? Those who have been brought into, and can now experience daily, an abiding fellowship with this God who is ever present? For such as those, there is cause for great praise and thanksgiving for a God at hand.

No longer relying on our best thinking, or our self-serving desires . . . no longer declaring what seems right in our own eyes . . . we declare, not as prophets but as priests, “the excellencies of Him” who has called us “out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1Peter 2:9). Not in fear of a God who has hemmed us in, but drawing near in boldness of faith to a God who has provided free access to His throne of grace. Welcoming His presence as we pursue abiding in Him.

What praise is due a God at hand? A lot!

By His grace . . . for His glory.

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If the Lord Wills

Posted on October 5, 2015 by Pete

I am, by nature and by nurture, a planner. I think it’s in my DNA. As far back as I can remember I’ve been inclined in situations to first consider and calculate before committing. For example, after an incident where our family was stranded for lack of gas in the tank, I can remember, even as a small kid, frequently checking the fuel gauge in the car before embarking on a trip to make sure that it was closer to “F” than it was to “E.” My preference would have been to always ensure the needle was on “F” before putting the car in “D.” And this natural propensity developed over the years and eventually it became a marketable skill. Much of my life in the corporate world involved planning, risk mitigation, and execution. So I think I’m kind of wired to start with the end in mind and then figure out what it takes to get there.

But though it’s how I prefer to do life, I was reminded this morning that natural propensities need to subject themselves to divine realities. That reliable methods and predictability need always to be in the context of an Almighty God and His sovereignty.

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”–yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”      (James 4:13-15 ESV)

If the Lord wills.

I can plan . . . I can purpose . . . I can prepare. But at the end of the day, says James, it is the Lord’s will that prevails. And in that, there is great freedom and rest.

It’s not fatalism . . . some passive resignation that things are out my hands and so “what will be will be.” In fact, it’s not about “what will be” at all . . . but all about “Who is.” And my God has made Himself known as the great “I AM!”

James doesn’t exhort me to simply resign myself but instead to recognize my God. Aware that His hand and purposes are in the affairs of all life . . . mine included.

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
(Proverbs 16:9 ESV)

There’s still a place for goals and outcomes, for assessment and risk mitigation, for planning and purposeful execution, but it is all to be placed under the acknowledgement that God provides the power. That by His grace and through His Spirit according to His determination, I can say, “Today or tomorrow I will do this or that . . . if the Lord wills.”

And it is only as it aligns with God’s purposes that we realize our plans.

Many are the plans in a mans heart, but it is the LORDs purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21 ESV)

So who am I to think that God should so care about what I do? I am a trophy of His grace . . . I am a sheep of His flock . . . I am a member of His body . . . I am child adopted into His family . . . that in whatever I do, and in all that I do, I should willingly submit it to His will that it might all be done for His glory (1Cor. 10:31, Col. 3:23).

I am planner. By nature . . . by nurture . . . and in newness of life. That whatever I seek to do, it might be if the Lord wills.

Because of grace . . . for His glory.

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A Serpent Lifted Up

Posted on October 2, 2015 by Pete

There are many word pictures used to describe Jesus. A Lamb, a Shepherd, a Lion. He is the Light, the Door, and the Vine. But I was reminded of one yesterday as I was studying John with a friend. We were looking at John 3, the same passage that just happens to be on my reading plan this morning. And so I’m replaying yesterday’s conversation as I hover over today’s reading. And I’m in awe of a serpent lifted up.

No one has ascended into heaven except He who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life.  ~ Jesus
( John 3:13-15 ESV)

You need to go back to Numbers 21 to get the connection. The people of the exodus from Egypt are wandering in the wilderness because of their refusal to enter the land of promise. Yet, God in His grace continues to care for them and provide for them. But they grumble. And they complain. And they “loathe” God’s gracious provision as “worthless food” (Num. 21:5). And God sends fiery serpents among them as judgment for their arrogant insolence. Those who are bitten die. So they cry out to God for deliverance and God tells Moses to make a serpent out of bronze, set it on a pole, and whoever looks at it after being bitten will survive. Moses does. And they do.

So too, says Jesus to Nicodemus, will be the dynamic concerning the Son of Man. He too will be lifted up, an allusion to the cross, and whoever looks to Him will have eternal life. So, in a sense, He will be like that serpent lifted up.

And the association of Jesus with any sort of serpent is, at first, almost offensive. After all, since the beginning, hasn’t it been the serpent who has embodied evil and epitomized rebellion against God? The serpent who has been the distorter of truth and the father of lies? The serpent who was the object of God’s condemnation and cursed above all other beasts and sentenced to be a belly crawler and a dust eater? The serpent who became the self-sworn enemy of God and the object of God’s wrath when time will have run its course?

Yup, that would be him.

And when Jesus was lifted up on the cross, He, like the serpent, became a curse and the object of God’s wrath.

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us–for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”    (Galatians 3:13 ESV)

For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.    (2Corinthians 5:21 ESV)

The righteous judgment due the rebellious Israelites was placed upon an image fashioned of bronze and their escape was but to look upon it believing that God’s provision would give them life.

In the same way, the judgment due my sin was placed not on an image fashioned of bronze, but upon the Son of God who took upon Himself flesh and the likeness of sinful man, yet without sin (Heb. 4:15). But though He was without sin, during those hours upon the cross, He was made sin and became cursed. He submitted to the Father’s will as the representative sin-bearer and thus the object of divine judgment and wrath. And, in so doing, the Lamb of God, lifted up like the serpent, took away the sin of the world (John 1:29) that all those who would look to Him might live.

Behold our Savior!

Give Him all praise and thanksgiving!

Because of such grace . . . and for His eternal glory!

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Wisdom from Above

Posted on October 1, 2015 by Pete

Skillful living . . . that’s what Chuck Swindoll calls it. I remember reading years ago a piece by him where he defined wisdom as “skillful living.” Wisdom is about so much more than just what you know. It’s about how you live out what you know. It’s about how what you know impacts how you live. And so, I’m reading this morning in James 3 and the last six verses, verses 13 through 18, talk about two forms of wisdom, two types of “skillful living.” One is earthly . . . very natural . . . driven by the passions of fallen human nature . . . exploited by the devil himself. And the other is wisdom from above.

First, what a reminder that I operate in two spheres. There’s that which just “comes natural.” That which is encouraged by the ways of this earth . . . fed by appetite and passion . . . literally “governed by breath.” It’s the way I behave when I’m tired or stressed and get a “bit crabby.” It’s the actions I take when I’m worried about how I look or come across or will be perceived by others. It’s things I pursue when I’m envious of someone else. “This is not the wisdom that comes down from above,” says James (3:11). It is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. It leads only to “disorder and every vile practice.”

But, as a child of God, . . . as one redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God, . . . as one who has been brought into marvelous light from darkness, . . . there is another realm I operate in. It is the realm of “the above.” And it is the antithesis of the earthly.

Skillful living which is naturally driven by envy and self-seeking can be replaced by the wisdom from above. This sort of wisdom manifests itself in meekness and humility (3:13) and results in “good conduct” (3:13) and a “harvest of righteousness” (3:18).

Check out James’ shortlist of “from above” attributes . . .

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.     (James 3:17 ESV)

And as I think over this list, I gotta admit that’s how I want to live. That’s the wisdom for me. That’s the skillful living I want to characterize me. Less duplicity, more purity. Less crabby, more peaceable and gentle. Less wanting to win, more willing to yield. Less judgment, more mercy. Less picking and choosing who to deem “cool,” more impartiality. Less hypocrisy, more sincerity and authenticity.

And, as I continue to chew on this wisdom that is from above, I realize that it is Christ. That the wisdom described is Him.

He is pure. He is also the Prince of Perfect Peace, gentle and “will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle” (Isa. 42:3 NLT). He is willing to submit and yield, a patient Gentleman who doesn’t force Himself on anyone but invites all to drink of the living waters only He can offer. He is full of mercy and grace.  And He is impartial, having died for all . . . willing to save all . . . ready to move into the lives of all.

He is the Wisdom from above. He is Skillful Living defined. And, get this, He lives in me. And, get this too, the Father desires to conform me into His image (Rom. 8:29).

The wisdom from above isn’t some ethereal, unattainable goal. It’s within my grasp. It’s available to me through the presence of the Holy Spirit. Mine is to recognize its existence and then say no to that wisdom which is earth-bound and human nature driven. Mine is to desire the heavenly wisdom, the divine pattern for skillful living, the way of Christ. And mine is to then trust that the Christ in me will empower me to live out this wisdom from above.

Might I not forget that what “comes naturally” isn’t necessarily a good thing. Instead, my mind and heart need to be tuned to what comes supernaturally. May I recognize when I’m operating under earthly wisdom and repent of it. And may I pattern myself more and more after the wisdom from above . . . that I might be more like the Son.

By His grace . . . for His glory!

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The Best is Yet to Come

Posted on September 30, 2015 by Pete

Only a few knew where the good stuff had come from. His mother, some household servants, the disciples, and Jesus. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 120 to 180 gallons of water miraculously changed into, what sounds like, some pretty fine wine — and only a handful of people knew that this drink of the vine totally bypassed the vine part. But while only a few knew how the wine came to be, it’s the commentary of one of the consumers of the wine that’s running around in my head. And if I’m picking up on some of what’s being laid down in this story, then I’m thinking the best is yet to come.

When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.”    (John 2:9-10 ESV)

Perhaps this independent review of the drink created by Jesus was recorded in order to remove any doubt that water had, in fact, been turned into wine. Here’s a detached third party, knowing nothing of where this wine came from, testifying that not only is it wine, but that it is “good wine.” So good, in fact, it’s not what you expect to be served at the end of a celebration, but at the beginning, when the palettes are freshest and the appreciation is the greatest. But beyond the master of the feast’s unknowing “5 stars” witness to Jesus as Creator and Master over creation’s processes (as in the water-to-ground-to-vine-to-grape-to-wine process), I’m wondering if there isn’t a bit of a foreshadow offered to those who have accepted the invitation to the wedding supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9) . . . that the best is yet to come.

As good as it might be now, what will it be like in that day when Jesus again manifests His glory (John 2:11) and the Bridegroom receives His bride? Sure, we have tasted of the living water . . . and have begun to know something of the joy that comes from drinking deep. We’ve even started knowing something of the abundant life that comes from being attached to the Vine — not abundant in the material sense, but the fullness of life that is found in being connected to the Author of Life (Acts 3:15, John 11:25-26). But while this is good, the best is yet to come.

Faith will give way to sight and we will see, face to face, the Wine-maker. That which we experience today “in a mirror dimly,” and know only in part, will give way to being known fully (1Cor. 13:12). And like the master of the feast, we will be in awe at what the Bridegroom had in store for those who stuck with the celebration.

Sometimes we get weary. Sometimes the new wine of the gospel which we’ve been allowed to freely partake of becomes commonplace and starts tasting kind of old. But then, by God’s grace, whether through His Word, through His people, or directly through His Spirit, we get a fresh taste of what’s been served up through the cup we share in. And that taste ignites again a thirst and a longing. A taste that reminds us of how good it is now . . . and a longing for the best that is yet to come.

Drink deep in anticipation of the celebration yet to come, faithful saint. Keep on keepin’ on . . .

Because of grace . . . for His glory.

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A Time to Believe and A Time to Behave

Posted on September 29, 2015 by Pete

I was reading in Ecclesiastes 3 this morning and was reminded that there is a season for everything . . . “an appropriate occasion for every human event or activity” (ESV Study Bible). That there is a time to be born, and a time to die . . . a time to weep, and a time to laugh . . . a time to mourn, and a time to dance . . . a time to keep, and a time to cast away . . . a time to love, and a time to hate . . . and the list goes on (Eccl. 3:1-8). That while it would perhaps be easier and simpler to live in an “either / or” world, most often we live in a “this AND that” world.

There seems to be at least some carry over of this principle to the things of the gospel. While Paul says there’s a time to believe . . . James says there’s also a time to behave.

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”–and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.
(James 2:21-24 ESV)

Justified by works. It’s like nails on a chalkboard to “gospel-centered” people. But that’s what James writes . . . that’s what God breaths out through His Spirit. Abraham was justified by works. Moreover, any person is justified by works and not faith alone. And the visceral reaction of “by grace alone through faith alone” people can be, What?!? . . . No way! But says James, “Way!”

Because there’s a time to believe and a time to behave.

Both Paul and James quote the fulfillment of the Scripture that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” But each identifies its fulfillment from different times and events in Abraham’s life. Paul, in Romans 4, talks about Abraham’s response to the promise of God . . . he believes it and righteousness was imputed. James though refers to Abraham’s response to the command of God . . . he obeys it, offering his son on the altar, and righteousness is evident.

There is a time to believe and a time to behave. Because we believe and the righteousness of Christ is credited to our account, there should be times when we are compelled to behave, the righteousness of Christ following freely from the storehouse of God’s love within us.

If, because of faith, we have been justified, then through our works we will show how justified people function. God bought, God sought, and God wrought relationship will result in God defined, God commanded, and God enabled religion.

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
 (James 1:27 ESV)

Not “either / or” . . . but “this and that.” Faith and works . . . one the basis for righteousness, the other the fruit of righteousness.

There’s a time to believe . . . and a time to behave. Because of grace alone . . . by grace alone.

No merit of ourselves. No boasting in what we do. All for God’s glory.

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