Where God Lives

Posted on September 18, 2015 by Pete

An inverted triangle. An immense inverted triangle. That’s the picture that forms in my mind’s eye as I hover over a verse in Isaiah this morning. The base of the triangle is above the earth . . . way above the earth . . . like, really, really high above the earth . . . so high it eclipses even the universe. What’s more, the base of the triangle is long . . . as in, so long I can’t see the ends of it from my vantage point. I don’t know where the line starts and it goes on forever. And from that base, from the ends which I can’t see and from the height which I can’t fathom, two lines are drawn to the earth, descending way down to connect at a point. And at that point, me. And as I imagine that simple picture I’m in awe. Because that’s where God lives.

For thus says the One Who is high and lifted up, Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.”    (Isaiah 57:15 ESV)

The Spirit through Isaiah provides three coordinates that triangulate where God lives.

First He inhabits eternity. His timeline is without start and has no finish. In fact, He is beyond time . . . time being something He created. Thus, He is the Alpha and the Omega . . . the first and the last . . . the beginning and the end (Rev. 22:13). From everlasting to everlasting is where our God abides. Immortality within Himself. Beyond comprehension. That’s the line that defines the base of the triangle that reaches from horizon to horizon above me.

Second, He is the high and lifted up One. Want to see God, look up . . . look way up. With the eyes of faith enter the heavenlies where He is seated on His throne. He is above the earth. Higher than its rulers and powers. Transcending the confines of this orb. Exalted above all creation. Beyond anything we’ve been able to see. That line which marks the habitation of eternity is beyond the reach of mere mortals. But, as I’m being reminded this morning, it’s not beyond our knowledge of it.

And that’s what makes this third coordinate all the them more amazing. While God inhabits eternity . . . while He is high and lifted up . . . He has also purposed to live “with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit.”

He who dwells outside of time has decided to enter time and space. He whose throne is above the earth, has determined to set foot on terra firma.

He did it 2,000 years ago when He came born of virgin to die as the Lamb of God. When He who created all things and sustains all things, entered into that creation so that, through His perfect life and substitutionary sacrifice, He might make way for its redemption. Shedding His visible glory. Becoming man, confined by time and walking this earth, so that He might become our faithful High Priest . . . risen, ascended, and even now, at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us.

But He does it now too. He enters our time and descends into our space through the mysterious working of His Holy Spirit. The high and lifted up, eternity dwelling God graciously takes up residence with those who have humbled themselves before Him.

That’s where God lives.

By His grace . . . and for His glory.

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The LORD Who Has Compassion

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Pete

Compassion captured my attention this morning. Not so much acts of compassion but the word compassion and the promise of compassion and the God of compassion.

I’m continuing to read in that portion of Isaiah which has moved beyond Israel’s judgment and looks forward to her restoration. That portion that speaks of God’s remedy for her sin and of the redemption He has planned from her slavery. And at the heart of God’s determination for wayward Israel is His compassion.

“For a brief moment I deserted you, but with great compassion I will gather you. In overflowing anger for a moment I hid My face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,” says the LORD, your Redeemer. . . . “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but My steadfast love shall not depart from you, and My covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.     (Isaiah 54:7, 8, 10 ESV)

That’s my God . . . the LORD who has compassion.

The LORD who, despite Israel’s hard hearts and stiff necks . . . despite their rejection and rebellion . . . despite their folly with idols and their failure with fidelity . . . shows mercy to a nation many would consider beyond mercy. A God who loves on a people who have forfeited any right to being loved on. A God who remains faithful to the family He has called not because they deserve it, but because of who He is. By His very nature, God is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love (Ex. 34:6).

Because of His great compassion, He will gather His people . .. He will again show them His face . . . and His covenant of peace they will fully know.

Praise God that His purposes and His promises are not dependent on His people’s performance but that they rest upon His very unchanging nature. To be sure there may be “a brief moment” when our sin has quenched His presence . . . times of self-determination where He responds by hiding His face . . . but even those are used of a God abounding in love to shape and secure His children.

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by Him. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives. . . . that we may share His holiness.”    (Hebrews 12:5-6, 10b ESV)

God reveals His nature that we might know His nature and respond in light of His nature. He reminds us of His steadfast love that we might hope in that love. He reveals Himself as compassionate so that, in times when we feel like we should flee and hide, we in fact draw near and abide.

Though our repeated failures cause frustration. Though our repeated confessions of sin seem feeble. Yet, by faith, we are confident that He is the LORD who has compassion.

Praise God for the all sufficient work of the cross . . . and for His abundant grace . . . and for His unceasing compassion.

All for His glory!

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Consider the Promise, Provision, & Prize

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Pete

Continuing to read in Hebrews 11 this morning. And a word jumps off the page. A word which I had read before in this chapter. A word that I would read again. Repeated three times, it caused me to pause and reflect.

That word? Considered. And so, I’m considering . . .

By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. . . .

[Abraham] considered that God was able even to raise [Isaac] from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. . . .

[Moses] considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. . . .           (Hebrews 11:11, 19, 26 ESV)

I’m reminded that while faith is the substance of things hoped for (11:1 NKJV), what we deem to be true about God is the substance of faith. What we glean concerning the Creator from creation . . . what we experience of His presence by interacting with His Spirit . . . what we learn concerning His thoughts and His ways from the Scriptures . . . all of that fuels the fires of faith. And what we consider to be true about God will influence and direct how we live our lives.

Because Sarah believed that God was faithful to His promise, she conceived when her body was naturally beyond conceiving. Yeah, I know that Sarah was impatient waiting for the promise and that she made some desperate decisions because she didn’t know how the promise was going to be fulfilled (Gen. 16). But at the end of the day, God opened her womb not because of what she did or didn’t do, but because of what she believed about God. That what God said would happen, would happen. Sarah considered God faithful and received the promise.

Abraham considered God able and saw the provision. Asked by God to sacrifice the son that Sarah had born, Abraham obeys against all reasonable thinking. Made no sense to take the life of the son through whom Abraham’s line was determined . . . no sense to cut off the miracle child whose distant descendant would become the means of blessing for all nations (Gen. 12:3). But Abraham considered that God was able to raise the dead. And so, by faith, he prepared to offer his son believing he would witness his son’s resurrection. And in a way, says the Hebrews writer, he did as God halted Abraham’s hand and
provided a substitutionary sacrifice . . . Abraham calling that place, “The LORD will provide” (Gen. 22:11-14).

Finally, while Sarah received the promise of a child and Abraham saw the provision of substitutionary sacrifice, Moses would know the prize of forsaking this world. The reward of bearing what the writer calls “the reproach of Christ,” though Christ would be born thousands of years after Moses. Moses, by faith, chose the disdain and persecution directed to those who live for another kingdom. The misunderstanding and derision directed to those who follow the law of a heavenly land. The rejection felt by those who are counter-culture and swim against the current of what the world calls normal.

Moses could of had it all . . . the treasures of Egypt . . . wealth, power, and influence in his world. But instead, he chose the reproach of Christ. Why? Because of what fueled his faith. He considered that following Jesus would lead to a better prize.

Sarah considered God faithful. Abraham considered God able. Moses considered God worth it. Sarah received the promise. Abraham witnessed the provision. Moses went home with the prize.

All by God’s grace . . . all for God’s glory.

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A Better Country

Posted on September 15, 2015 by Pete

Rarely, I think, have I entered the Hall of Faith without a sense of a holy hush as I again consider the “by faith” exhibits. “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Without faith it is impossible to please God . . . for only those who believe He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him will press on to draw near to God (11:6). Want some examples of what faith looks like? Read on. Walk through the hallowed halls of faith. Consider afresh every vignette portrayed on the walls.

This morning I went from staring at the universe to considering an old man married to an old woman with a young baby. Tent dwellers living in a foreign land. They weren’t exactly “living the dream” but they were pursuing the promise. The promise of a better country.

If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for them a city.    (Hebrews 11:15-16 ESV)

They had left the familiar. They had abandoned the status quo. As good as their hometown was, they set out in pursuit of a land of promise. Even though they didn’t have a GPS . . . or even a location to punch into a GPS . . . they went out not knowing where they were going (11:8) . . . “considering Him faithful who had promised” (11:11). And the promise became, in fact, a pilgrimage. The land, at the end of it all, was but a plot. If they had compared where they had been only to where they were at, they’d be scratching their heads wondering if it was worth it. But, with faith as the assurance of things hoped for, they died knowing that they were heirs of a better country.

They were looking forward to “the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God” (11:10). A place prepared for them . . . a heavenly place . . . a better country.

And isn’t that the secret to pilgrimage? Isn’t that the fuel for the fire of faith? Isn’t that what keeps us keepin’ on? A better country? I’m thinkin’ . . .

If the goal is to be reached here on earth, then we’re setting ourselves up for disappointment and frustration. If the prize is in the material things of what this world offers, then, at best, it’s fleeting. Why bother? But if it’s all about a better country . . . a city built by God . . . a promise given by Him who is faithful . . . then onward Christian soldier! Let’s do it.

Isn’t that why Paul exhorts us to “seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” and to “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Col. 3:1-2)? Don’t look down at the ground you are now holding, says Paul. Don’t even look at the horizon to the ground you might be able to gain in the future. But look up . . . look WAY up! . . . and see the city . . . and focus on that better country.

It’s the pilgrim’s motivation. It’s the tent-dweller’s sense of permanency. It’s the thirsty traveler’s energy restoring water. It’s faith that results in conviction and pleases God.

There IS a better country. He who has promised IS faithful. Those who are faithful WILL KNOW the promise.

We’re not home yet . . . but we will be . . . count on it!

Because of grace . . . and for His glory.

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Full Assurance of Faith

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Pete

Kind of an interesting dynamic as I was working my way through my reading plan this morning. I’m finding that every year I read Isaiah I think it’s becoming clearer and I’m understanding more. Especially as I get into the latter part of the prophet . . . the promises of God’s unfinished work with the tribes of Jacob founded on nothing other than who He is and what He has purposed. His majesty evermore majestic . . . His redemption evermore wondrous . . . His promises evermore sure.

Then I’m in Luke, and Jesus is on the cross. And beside Him, a contrite criminal humbling asking, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus answers with surety, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:42-43). And I find that I’m not questioning Jesus response . . . whether in terms of the thief deserving such a glorious end or in Jesus’ ability to deliver on it. Instead, my mind goes to that moment after death when a hardened fugitive is transported into a garden of unimaginable pleasure somehow at the side of His glorified Savior.

And then the awareness and wonder of the dynamic hits me as I’m reading in Hebrews.

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that He opened for us through the curtain, that is, through His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
 (Hebrews 10:19-22 ESV)

How can I read the writings of an ancient prophet so confident of its future fulfillment? How can I read a deathbed story of a perpetual loser and really think that he ends up in heaven? How do these words on paper — these stories “just written by men” — ring out as such solid truth that I would bet my life on it?

Full assurance of faith!

That’s the operative dynamic at play as I read these words on the paper and know, beyond a shadow of doubt, they are God-breathed and are “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2Tim. 3:16) . . . faith. Not some airy-fairy, I-wish-I-may-I-wish-I-might grasping at feel good sentiments, but rock solid, make it the foundation of your life faith that leads us, by the Spirit of God, into His holy presence.

A faith not of my own intelligence, not of my own imagination, not of my own doing, but a faith that is the gift of God (Eph. 2:8) — one of the many gifts that accompanies salvation. I didn’t set out to be “a believer.” But the faith that was gifted me to realize my need for a Savior is the faith which, by grace, has grown to become a full assurance of faith. A faith that is active as I read the Scriptures. A faith that is integrated within my decision making. A faith that allows me to live life here and now in the greater context of the there and then.

The full assurance of faith. The most certain confidence that comes through believing. A dynamic I can so often take for granted. But one which, the Spirit prompting me to pause and reflect on, is in itself a reason for amazement and a source of awe and wonder.

Entering the holy places by the blood of Jesus . . . passing through the curtain with confidence . . . not doubting the reality of a great High Priest who intercedes on my behalf . . . drawing near with hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, bodies washed with pure water. Believing the ancient prophets. Rejoicing with a thief in paradise. All in full assurance of faith.

All because of grace. All for His unending glory.

Amazing!

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The Soul’s Delight

Posted on September 11, 2015 by Pete

He is One who bears, unfettered, the power of the Spirit. He will establish justice in the earth. He will be a light for the nations . . . giving sight to the blind . . . freeing the prisoner from darkness. Yet, though He will rescue with power and rule with might, He will do so in unexpected ways. So, says the LORD, Behold My Servant . . . in whom My soul delights.

Behold My Servant, whom I uphold,
My chosen, in whom My soul delights;
I have put My Spirit upon Him;
He will bring forth justice to the nations.
He will not cry aloud or lift up His voice,
or make it heard in the street;
a bruised reed He will not break,
and a faintly burning wick He will not quench;
He will faithfully bring forth justice.
He will not grow faint or be discouraged
till He has established justice in the earth;
and the coastlands wait for His law.         (Isaiah 42:1-4 ESV)

That a King would be introduced as servant is enough to evoke wonder. That He would establish His kingdom and bring justice to the earth without raising His voice should capture our attention. That the Ruler of the earth would establish His reign with such tenderness that bruised reeds are not broken and faintly burning wicks are not quenched, should cause us to marvel at such seemingly powerless power. All enough to occupy the meditating mind.

But above all this, that this Servant–the One God upholds, the One God has chosen–should delight the soul of the Creator, is simply awe inducing.

God saw everything He created and it was “very good” (Gen. 1:31). But God looks upon His Servant, and His soul delights.

Everything within Almighty God . . . all that makes up the eternal I AM . . . is stimulated with pleasure, satisfaction, and deep affection when He looks upon His Servant. He has loved Him since before the foundation of the world (John 17:24). On the day the Servant was baptized by John, God broke the sound barrier of heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17). He is the beloved Son . . . the delight of God Almighty’s soul.

And if Jesus, the promised Messiah, the faithful Servant of God, is the delight of Him who sits on heaven’s throne, then perhaps I should pause from time to time . . . and behold . . . and think on Him until He is my soul’s delight as well.

I should just be quiet and gaze upon the Justice-Bringer. Be still and hear the still small voice of Him who doesn’t cry out or lift up His voice. Remember again His dealings with the bruised reed and faintly burning wick sitting in this chair. Reflecting on how He has gently built up this reed and fanned into flame this wick. To take just a bit of time and behold God’s holy Servant . . . that He would be my soul’s delight, too!

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus . . . there’s just something about that Name.

For those who behold, He is the soul’s delight.

Because of grace . . . for His glory.

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The Heart of the Shepherd

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Pete

Feeling a bit convicted this morning. Had a conversation with someone last night about leading in the church. About setting the right expectations for the people of God and holding them accountable in the right way. While I think there was a level of agreement, our discussion really came down to the difference the heart of leadership makes in leading. Isaiah reminds me this morning that it’s the heart of the shepherd.

Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might,
    and His arm rules for Him;
   behold, His reward is with Him,
   and His recompense before Him.
He will tend His flock like a shepherd;
   He will gather the lambs in His arms;
He will carry them in His bosom,
and gently lead those that are with young.     (Isaiah 40:10-11 ESV)

The prophet is given a vision of that day when “the glory of the LORD shall be revealed” (40:5). That day, if I’m understanding it correctly, when Messiah returns. That day when the Son of God establishes His earthly rule upon Zion. That day, if putting it in the context of my conversation last night, Jesus comes back to lead.

And what’s clearly evident is that He comes with might . . . with a strong hand . . . with a firm grip upon things. The strength of His arm establishing His rule. He returns as conquering King and undisputed Lord. Sounds like strong, powerful leadership?

He also returns as the great Benefactor bringing reward. Reigning with the authority to assess and “to repay everyone for what he has done” (Rev. 22:12). Sounds like strong, generous leadership?

But then, you see the heart of this One who rules with power, authority, and just discernment.

He will tend His flock like a shepherd . . .

And, in case the picture isn’t clear enough, the Spirit explicitly reveals what tending the flock looks like. It’s marked by one who gathers lambs in his arms . . . carries them in his bosom . . . gently leading those that have their own responsibilities to care for. And the juxtaposition of might and tenderness strikes me. Did I mention being a bit convicted this morning?

To be sure there is the need for strong leadership in the church. The need for authority, sound judgment, and appropriate action. But real power is wielded as lambs are gathered up and born in their shepherd’s arms. Real leading happens when shepherds are prepared to carry the sheep, if need be, to green pastures and still water. Godly rule is manifest when leaders have the heart of the Shepherd.

The heart of the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep (John 10:11). The mind of the Great Shepherd, brought again from the dead with power and might, who entered covenant with His flock by His own blood (Heb. 13:20).

Praise God for the compassionate, caring heart of Jesus . . . the Shepherd that leads His people gently and tenderly . . . gathering them and bearing them in His mighty and powerful arms.

O that His under-shepherds would own His heart . . . and so, model His leadership.

All because of His grace . . . all by His grace . . . and all for His reigning eternal glory.

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On Added Days and Sins Behind the Back

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Pete

A story I came across in my Isaiah reading this morning made me smile. Not that it was a funny or amusing or light story. But that it was a story that reminded that God cannot be put into a box . . . even a box we define biblically. Here’s the deal . . .

The king, Hezekiah, is sick. Real sick! So sick the Spirit records that he “was at the point of death.” And the prophet Isaiah confirms the diagnosis. He goes to the king with a message from the LORD, “Set your house in order, for you shall die, you shall not recover” (Isa. 38:1). Sounds pretty much like a done deal to me. But Hezekiah prays to the LORD in bitterness of soul and literally pleads for his life. And this is where it gets intriguing for me.

You see, if we believe that God has numbered our days — and so often we say we do based on verses like Psalm 139:16: “In Your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them” — then I’m thinking that, while God will answer Hezekiah’s prayer, it will be with a gentle, but preordained, “No.” God saying, in effect, I’ve counted your days . . . they’re up . . . go get your affairs in order.

But that’s not what happens. Instead, the LORD sends Isaiah back to the king with a message: “I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life” (38:5). Really?!? Fifteen more years? 5,400 more days? So what number was written in the book?

Was God just kidding when He told Isaiah to tell Hezekiah to sign his will because he wasn’t going to recover from his illness? I don’t think so. Was God surprised by Hezekiah’s prayer? No, I don’t think that either. So did God “call an audible” . . . tack on 15 years . . . and scratch out the number written before the king’s birth and update it with a “new and improved” number? Can an all-knowing, sovereign, and immutable God change His mind? I wouldn’t think so . . . but it appears so. Boom! There goes the box!

And I sit back in awe. I smile in wonder. As much as God reveals Himself to us, He is still Almighty God and nothing less . . . and we are still men and women and nothing more.  Despite our systematic theology, God reminds us that He is not bound to our systems. No matter how much illumination He provides concerning His ways, we are repeatedly reminded that they are not our ways and don’t always fit tidily in our brains.

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.   (Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV)

And this little story set me up for another can’t-wrap-my-head-around-it truth. Hezekiah is journaling after he recovers and in his entry he pens this:

Behold, it was for my welfare that I had great bitterness; but in love You have delivered my life from the pit of destruction, for You have cast all my sins behind Your back.   (Isaiah 38:17 ESV)

Hezekiah knew that the fifteen years added to “the days that were formed” for him weren’t given because he deserved it. It wasn’t because of his righteousness . . . not repayment for his merit. Rather, it was solely because of the love of a sovereign God who, for His purposes and Hezekiah’s blessing, determined to cast all Hezekiah’s sins behind His back. Having determined to deal with them through the cross of His Son, God shows not only compassion and mercy, but amazing grace. Having dealt not only with his physical sickness, God addresses the healing of his terminal spiritual condition, as well. And that too blows up the box!

Be in awe. Bow before the Maker. Wonder at His ways above our ways . . . do so all the days that are formed for us . . . and maybe the days that will be added to us.

Because of grace . . . for His glory.

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Bondsman of a Better Promise

Posted on September 8, 2015 by Pete

This weekend I witnessed the exchanging of vows from the front row. Along with my wife, we had the best seats in the house. The place of honor given to us because it was our daughter who was promising “to have and to hold from this day forward . . . to love and to cherish . . . as long as you both shall live.”

Along with the traditional vows, my daughter and son-in-law had also each composed their own personal pledges to one another. My son-in-law’s brought me to tears . . . nothing like hearing a fine young man articulating his love for your daughter. My daughter’s reminded me of the gospel as she pledged her undying devotion to her husband while acknowledging they were both flawed . . . committing to him not because he was perfect, but because she had purposed. They both promised great promises to each other. Promises founded on their whole-hearted determination . . . promises to be realized through God’s abundant grace and enabling.

Their promises to each other came to mind as I was reading in Hebrews this morning. There I was reminded of another promise . . . a better promise . . . and the Bondsman who guarantees it.

. . . this One was made a priest with an oath by the One who said to Him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest forever.'”

This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.    (Hebrews 7:21-22 ESV)

I’ve been reading of Jesus unique, eternal priesthood. One not rooted in Aaron’s duties under the Mosaic Law, but one founded on the mysterious priesthood of Melchizidek. A priesthood established “not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life” (7:16). And not only is His priesthood superior, but so too is the “law” under which He operates. Not the law of blessing for obedience and cursing for failure, but the law of grace and life because of a better covenant . . . because of a better promise.

And I was taken this morning with Jesus being “the guarantor” of that better promise. The original word literally means surety or sponsor. Barnes’ comments on the term evoked the old awe-o-meter . . . “It properly means, a bondsman; one who pledges his name, property, or influence, that a certain thing shall be done. When a contract is made, a debt contracted, or a note given, a friend often becomes the security in the case, and is himself responsible if the terms of the contract are not complied with.”

Jesus is the guarantor . . . that “friend” who determines to become the security for what God has promised.  Jesus is the bondsman, bringing all His divine resources to bear to ensure that what the Father has said would be possible, would be.

Not that the Son needs to make good on the Father’s promise. Instead, by His finished work on the cross, and through His present work as seeking Shepherd, and because of His eternal work as interceding High Priest, He guarantees that those who are called into covenant relationship will be able to fully enter into the promise.

People of promise not because of who we are or what we’ve done, but because of who He is and what He has done.

Blessed beyond blessing as those who have been brought into covenant relationship despite who they are . . . apart from what they’ve done. But made His eternal Bride because of His unfailing determination to do the Father’s will for the Father’s glory.

All praise to our Bondsman of a better promise!

Because of abounding grace . . . for His eternal glory.

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Prevailing Grace

Posted on September 3, 2015 by Pete

There are just some things that you expect to go together . . . some cause and effect things that just make sense. Turn up the heat and you expect the house to get warm. Drink too much coffee and eat too little food and you’re not surprised when you find yourself a bit jittery. Do something wrong, and you anticipate there will be consequences. Transgress against a holy God and you expect, eventually, that justice and righteousness will demand the wages of sin. You kind of expect it.

Reading in Isaiah I have come across a number of prophetic declarations that I’ve expected. God’s people judged for their iniquity. The nations called to give an account for their cruelty and aggression against God and His people. Makes sense. But then you come across that which is not expected. Two realities juxtaposed in such a way that your jaw drops and wonder is evoked. Prophetic words that refresh my appreciation of prevailing grace.

For they are a rebellious people, lying children, children unwilling to hear the instruction of the LORD . . . For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength. But you were unwilling . . . Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore He exalts Himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as He hears it, He answers you. . . . And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide Himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher.
(Isaiah 30:9, 15, 18, 19b-20 ESV)

A rebellious people . . . unwilling to return and rest and be saved. Yet the LORD waits to be gracious . . . He desires to show mercy. Though sin results in the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, . . . He will surely be gracious to you . . . He will not hide Himself . . . your eyes shall see your Teacher.

Persistent sin, met with prevailing grace. Reoccurring rebellion countered with the offer of rest and restoration. Backs turned towards the LORD met with His hand turning their faces so that they might again see their Teacher.

If that isn’t the unexpected response? If that isn’t the counterintuitive reaction? If that isn’t amazing grace?

Behold our God!

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will He keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.
(Psalm 103:8-10 ESV)

Prevailing grace . . . demanding unending praise.

To Him be all glory!

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