Gospel Meat

Posted on September 23, 2015 by Pete

The writer to the Hebrews is wrapping up his treatise on the superiority of Christ. He is penning his last words to those who are struggling to fully know the freedom they have in Christ, being told by those still in bondage that to follow Messiah means following the ceremonial law. That their salvation must be tied to their merit . . . that they need to double down on following the old ordinances in the old way . . . somehow without the old results. And so, as he closes his letter, he warns them again about being led away by fanciful speculations of men as to how the old and the new must be married together. And he says it comes down to the meat you eat.

Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat.
(Hebrews 13:9-10 ESV)

The meat available from the sacrifices offered on the altar by those who “serve the tent” was a continual reminder that more sacrifice was necessary. Same old meat, served up in the same old way because they had offer the same old sacrifices for their same old sin. While the blood offered in the tent could provide for interim atonement, it couldn’t release from the bondage of sin. And so, when it came right down to it, the food of the OT sacrifice really didn’t benefit those devoted to it.

But we have a better altar under the new covenant. We have a place where an atoning sacrifice was offered once for all for sin. A place where those who have confessed Christ as Savior and Lord have the right to eat. And what’s being served up on that altar? Gospel meat . . . Grace!

Far from the grace of the good news being only for the saving of souls it is to be feasted upon for the strengthening of hearts. While we needed grace to be brought from darkness to light . . . from being far way to drawing near . . . from being enemies to being counted as children, we also need to feed on this gospel meat on a daily basis in order to live as people of light . . . and boldly approach the throne of grace, despite our latest failure . . . and walk as befits sons and daughters of a holy God.

Having begun our Christian lives by tasting the food of the Spirit, do we now think we are going to rely on the sustenance of our best efforts to grow in our calling? I’m thinkin’ not.

Instead, grace, gospel meat, is what’s needed for our hearts to be established (NKJV) . . . what’s needed for our Christian lives to be the abundant life Christ promised (John 10:10). Feasting daily on the altar of the finished work of the cross . . . our daily nourishment built on a main course of gospel meat . . . the abundant, always sufficient grace of God being our life-sustaining food.

Anybody up for seconds?

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Photobombing a Prophecy

Posted on September 22, 2015 by Pete

I read these latter chapters of Isaiah and I can’t help but be stirred with anticipation for Israel. I believe the prophesied promises of redemption and restoration among the tribes of Jacob are to be understood literally. I also believe that God has made Himself known as the Keeper of His Promises. Thus, I believe there will be a day when Messiah returns to reign, when the nations shall see Zion’s righteousness and all the kings of the earth will behold her glory (62:2). But beyond reading the promises and knowing the Promise Keeper, the anticipation stirred within me is due to a special connection I have with the ancient people of promise. It’s a connection that comes from having tasted what they will one day experience.

You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate, but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the LORD delights in you, and your land shall be married. For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.     (Isaiah 62:4-5 ESV)

Isaiah speaks of a day when the land of Israel will be called Beulah, or Married. A day when the sons of Israel will embrace the land not simply because of heritage, tradition, or national pride, but because it is the place of the throne of their Bridegroom. Having themselves been clothed by Him with the garments of salvation, covered by Him with robes of righteousness, like a bride adorned with jewels (61:1), they will consecrate themselves to the land of the One who has called them to Himself.

The land shall be married, says Isaiah, and God’s people will be God’s joy . . . as a bridegroom rejoices over the bride.

And that’s the connection.

. . . 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 5:25-27 ESV)

Just as Israel is a bride in waiting, though that is largely hidden from her today, so too am I as part of the church. Having experienced, when I was yet in darkness, the Bridegroom’s call, I’ve known something of the redemption that awaits the sons and daughters of Jacob. Having heard His voice, and then gifted with faith to receive His word, I was brought into relationship with the Father and betrothed to His Son. I have come to know the life changing reality, by His grace alone, of putting on garments of salvation and robes of righteousness. I have become more and more confident that the day of consummation will come, perhaps sooner than I expect, when I will know by sight what I know currently by faith, the Bridegroom rejoicing over the bride.  God rejoicing over me. God delighting in me.

I read God’s promises to Israel and I can’t help but see those promises as mine. I think of what awaits that remnant and I can’ help but worship the Redeemer for the rescue I’ve already known. I imagine what it looks like for God to delight over His people of promise, what it looks like for God to rejoice over those He views as His bride, and I can’t help but photobomb the picture. There I am. I’m in the midst of this prophecy concerning Israel. There by God’s grace alone. There with all those called to be the Bride of Christ.  There awaiting that day.

Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready . . .     (Revelation 19:7 ESV)

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Divine Location Services

Posted on September 21, 2015 by Pete

It’s taken me awhile to get used to my phone (don’t know why I still call this mini computer in my pocket a phone) continually wanting to know where I am. It seems that almost every app asks me, “Enable Location Services?” While for some of these apps, like my maps, it’s because they want to know how to direct me, for others I suspect it’s because they want to know how to sell me. Either way, locations services have become a pretty big deal in the mobile world.

Realized this morning, while reading in Hebrews, that location services can be a pretty big deal when it comes to spiritual things as well.

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
(Hebrews 12:22-24 ESV)

Better . . . that’s the underlying theme throughout Hebrews. Better revelation . . . better covenant . . . better Priest . . . better sacrifice. And this morning I read about a better hill.

The old hill couldn’t be touched . . . literally, no touching it! No living thing was to touch the holy hill. If they did, man or beast, they were to be put to death. A blazing fire, darkness, gloom, and a tempest enveloped it as the holiness of God descended upon it.  The sight of it was so terrifying that even Moses, the man who talked with God face to face (Ex. 33:11), said of it, “I tremble with fear” (12:18-21).

But . . there it is again, that glorious word, “But!” . . . but that isn’t the hill we’ve come to. Allow your divine GPS, God’s Perfect Spirit, to enable your heavenly location services and you’re reminded of the better place to which you have been called.

The hill’s known as Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem. Far from cowering in fear beneath its shadow, we’re invited to draw near in full assurance of faith. And there, instead of darkness and gloom, is a joyful gathering of countless thousands of angels. There we find our people, the church of the firstborn . . . those who have been registered in heaven . . . their names written in the book . . . their table reserved for the wedding supper of the Lamb.

Rather than being prohibited from touching the hill because His holiness abides there, we are beckoned to boldly approach God’s throne of grace. Not in fear of the One who is the judge of all, but confident that our judgment has been born in full forever by His all-sufficient provision — the offering of His Son for our sin. And thus we join the spirits of the righteous made perfect. Made perfect not because of who we are or what we’ve done, but only because of who His Son is and what He has done — Jesus, the mediator of new promise. Jesus the One who offered a blood sacrifice so superior to anything offered under the old covenant that sins are forgotten, put away as far as the east is from the west (Ps. 103:12).

Saint, are your divine location services enabled? No matter where you are this morning, no matter what your starting point, this is the hill we are invited to come to. This is our destination. Sure, there might be some wrong turns along the way . . . some slow traffic . . . some heavy hauling . . . some “recomputing,” but this is where we are going . . . where we to come to, even now. A better hill based on a better promise because of a better sacrifice through an eternal loving Savior.

Sometimes, you need to refocus on where you’re going in order to know where you currently are. Praise God for His word . . . and for His divine location services.

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

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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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