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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Someone On the Inside

Posted on September 2, 2015 by Pete

Sitting in Bend Oregon this morning . . . we’re on final countdown to my middle daughter’s wedding this weekend. Thinking about what I’ve read this morning in the latter part of Hebrews 6. That God made a promise to Abraham to bless him and multiply him. A promise established upon the highest of all authorities, God Himself. A promise founded on “the unchangeable character of His purpose.” A promise guaranteed with an oath by the One who, because of His very nature, cannot lie. A trustworthy promise. A sure hope. “A sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.”

And this anchor for the soul enters into an inner place . . .

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a High Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:19-20 ESV)

Our anchor is intended to provide access. It’s not just something we are tethered to that keeps us from being swept away by the turbulent seas of life . . . though it does that. It’s not just a lifeline tied to our ankle that prevents us from straying too far away . . . though it can have that benefit from time to time. But it seems the anchor of our soul, the hope founded on the promises of an immutable God, is intended to draw us in. And that, into “the inner place behind the curtain.”

But how often do I feel like I am everywhere but within the veil? That’s when I need to be reminded that there’s Someone on the inside.

He is the Forerunner. One sent out in advance, scouting out the territory, that others might follow. Having a place on the inside, He is able to lead others there as well. Thus to follow the Forerunner is to find my way behind the curtain. To abide with the High Priest is to find refuge in the holy of holies. To seek Jesus, is to enter into the presence of God.

Sometimes I can feel so on the outside. It’s then that I need to remember that Someone’s on the inside. Interceding . . . advocating . . . inviting me, through His Spirit, to come to Him and find rest. It’s then that I need to leverage the anchor and remember the hope, allowing it to draw me to the safe harbor of His abiding presence. It’s then that I need to remember the promise . . . that solely because of Him, and not due to anything of myself, I have a place before the glorious throne of our holy, holy, holy God.  That I have been saved by grace and made alive together with Christ, the Forerunner.  The Father having “raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:6).

Oh, to rest in the One who has gone before as a forerunner on our behalf . . . to know that anchor which is secured in the inner place . . . to find rest behind the curtain, because He is there as our forever High Priest.

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

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Stayed on Him

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Pete

I think if you asked anyone who knew me they’d say that, on the continuum defined by “single thread” on one end and “multitasker” on the other, I probably fall somewhere on the multitasking side. I’d guess that it’s both a nature and nurture thing. I’m probably wired, to some extent, for juggling, but I’ve also been directed to developing that “skill” through my experience in the corporate world. As such, even post corporate world, I find myself usually with a number of things on the go.

Not saying that multitasking is better then single-threading . . just different . . . and how I think I’m put together. In fact, not surprisingly, it comes with its own set of challenges. One of those is the accumulative affect on the stress chart of having multiple things on the go. The greater the number of things going on, the greater the number of things to plan for . . . keep track of . . . and worry about. This last couple of weeks, I feel like I’ve been max’ing out. Appreciated God’s word this morning in helping to steady the ship and, by His Spirit, perhaps reduce some of the stress.

You keep him in perfect peace
  whose mind is stayed on You,
  because he trusts in You.
Trust in the LORD forever,
  for the LORD GOD is an everlasting Rock.    (Isaiah 26:3-4 ESV)

Perfect peace. Sounds pretty good. In fact it’s doubly good. Looking behind the English, the literal translation for “perfect peace” is “peace peace” or shalom shalom. It is a double measure of soundness of mind . . . a double portion of tranquility of soul. It is an extra-strength sense of completeness and welfare. I’m thinking it’s what Paul refers to in Philippians when he talks about the availability of a “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” that guards hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Php. 4:7). Shalom, shalom . . . thinking it’s just what the doctor orders for a multitasker who’s feeling the pressure of keeping everything going. So how does Mr. MT go about availing himself of some peace peace?

Sourced in God’s abundant grace, and dispensed by the Holy Spirit, it’s available to those “whose mind is stayed on You.” Those whose purposes are “leaned upon” the LORD GOD, the “everlasting Rock.” Peace that passes understanding accessible to those whose every multitask is laid against a desire to trust Him in all that is undertaken. Shalom shalom promised to those who support everything they do with a desire for God’s will and God’s glory.

As I was reminded a couple of weeks ago when a brother preached on priorities, every “to do” on my list subjugated to the one great desire “that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in His temple” (Ps. 27:4). I’m thinking having that mind might be a pretty good way of having a mind stayed on Him.

I know that us multitaskers need to be aware of how much gets added to the list. But more importantly, I need to, by God’s grace and in His power, have my mind stayed on Him. Trusting in Him with all my heart . . . leaning not to my own understanding . . . acknowledging Him in all my ways (and tasks) . . . confident that, when my heart, mind, and will are leaned up against my everlasting Rock, He will direct my paths (Prov. 3:5-6).

Stayed on Him . . . by His grace . . . for His glory.

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Feet People

Posted on August 28, 2015 by Pete

If I have the picture right in my mind, they were feet people. The scenario Jesus speaks about in my reading this morning is one in which there are some reclining at a banquet table and others who are serving at the banquet table. The “recliners” are on their sides at the table, heads in and feet out. And those who minister to those at the table, well they’re feet people. That’s where they operate from . . . at the feet of the “recliners.” That’s where they serve the meal from . . . that’s where they pick up the dishes from. If they do any interacting with those at the table, it’s talking to them from their feet. That’s who Jesus exalts. Feet people.

It started with a dispute. The disciples were jockeying for position in the kingdom. Who would be regarded as the greatest? I imagine they were comparing credentials or accomplishments. Perhaps bragging about IQ or exemplary character traits. And Jesus interrupts their little debate:

And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the One who serves.”
(Luke 22:25-27 ESV)

Stop it! That’s kind of what Jesus says, Stop it!

You’re not getting the nature of the kingdom. You’re thinking like the world. It’s not about who lords over who . . . it won’t be about the perks one gets from being in authority. Instead, if you want to imagine “greatness” in the kingdom, think about how great a rookie is in a room full of experts . . . think about a servant in a room full of leaders. In the kingdom I’m talking about, says Jesus, the least is the greatest. The servant in the kingdom is the one who rules . . . even though he doesn’t.

And then Jesus focuses them on a more concrete example . . . Himself.

For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the One who serves.

Look at Me, says Jesus. I am King of the kingdom and yet I am serving you “recliners” at the table. I am feet people.

I’m guessing this encounter in Luke is in the context of Jesus washing the disciples feet found in John 13. That this debate of who would be the greatest, carried on before the One who created all things and sustains all things, happened shortly after the Creator had taken up a towel to clean His creation’s feet. And Jesus says, Stop it! You want to be great? Be great like Me. Be feet people.

Christ humbled Himself and took upon Himself the form of a servant. So should His followers. The Son of God thought not His glory something to be held on to, but divested Himself of His heavenly glory in order to become flesh and serve others. His followers need to let go of their perceived standing and do likewise. Jesus served at the feet of others. Shouldn’t we, as well?

Feet people . . . may that be us . . .

All because of grace . . . all for God’s glory.

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Not Really the Last Supper

Posted on August 27, 2015 by Pete

The scene has been immortalized. That classic rendering of Jesus and His disciples reclining at the table partaking of that final Passover before He would be taken and crucified. Every time we as believers remember Jesus in the Lord’s Supper, we think back to that night when He told His disciples to take the bread and drink the cup and “Do this in remembrance of Me.” We often refer to it as “The Last Supper.” But this morning I’m reminded this morning that it really isn’t.

And when the hour came, He reclined at table, and the apostles with Him. And He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”    (Luke 22:14-18 ESV)

The world was about to change . . . literally. Not only for the disciples but for all mankind.

For the disciples the need to annually sacrifice a lamb without blemish was about to cease. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was soon to be offered as the final once-for-all sacrifice for the iniquities of mankind. The shedding of blood by the Son of God for the forgiveness of sin would remove the need for any other sin offering.

What’s more, the commandment to remember the exodus from Egypt, along with the mighty acts of God and the deliverance from the bondage of slavery, was to be supplanted by an invitation to participate in a new exodus. A deliverance entered into by faith in God’s mighty work upon the cross. An exodus participated in by looking to God’s Son lifted up and receiving the forgiveness offered through His finished work. Thus being delivered from darkness and death and freed from the slavery of sin.

No more need for the Passover. And so Jesus says, “I will not eat . . . I will not drink . . .” But what’s grabbed this morning is the word “until.”

“I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God . . . I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

Whether Jesus is referring to a new Passover in a future millennial kingdom which looks back to His finished work on the cross and the freedom it secured for countless souls (Ezek 45:21) or, whether it looks forward to the consummating feast when Christ’s Bride is presented to Him in all her glory at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:7-9), Jesus seems to be indicating there will be time when the kingdom of God comes and He again breaks bread and drinks with His disciples.

So, in a sense, it wasn’t really the Last Supper. Perhaps I’d be better to consider it the “Looking Forward Supper.” The feast that reminds me of a future celebration when the kingdom is come. The meal that, in our remembrance of it, proclaims the Lord’s death “until He comes” (1Cor. 11:26).

There’s that word again . . . until. It’s the “Until Supper.”

Until He comes . . . until He eats and drinks again in the kingdom of God . . . until faith gives way to sight.

Even so, Lord Jesus come.

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Guard Your Heart

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Pete

Kind of a one two punch this morning. Set up with the “left hand” in Hebrews 4 . . . the “right hook” coming in Proverbs 21. Less about intense conviction, more about a sober reminder. Don’t think I have any significant things to do but some serious stuff to think about. Noodling this morning on how important it is to guard your heart.

There is a rest for the people of God . . . so says the writer to the Hebrews (Heb. 4:9). It is a rest established on a creation principle. When the work is done, it is time to rest. God rested on the seventh day after six days of giving the world form, inhabiting it, and giving life to those who would bear His image. The work was finished, it was good and very good, and so, God rested.

And this same rest is available to those who hear, receive, and believe the good news of a another great work. The work of the Son of God when, by Himself, He made purification for sin upon a cross. The One who is greater than Moses, greater than angels, in fact, the One who is the express image of God, undertook to deal with the sin and death problem once for all. And, as He declared on the cross, and as was corroborated by the empty tomb, that work is finished. What’s left to enter that rest is to believe. And to that end, the writer quotes God’s words spoken long before through David in Psalm 95:

Today, if you hear His voice,
do not harden your hearts.      (Hebrews 4:7b ESV)

Do not harden your hearts. That’s the third time I’ve read this warning in this letter (Heb. 3:7, 15; 4:7). And this morning it rang out like a bell. Watch your heart. Don’t allow it to become hardened, insensitive, or obstinate. As much as lies in you, and by the Spirit who works in you, seek to maintain a soft, supple, heart.

And then I read this in Proverbs . . .

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
but the LORD weighs the heart.       (Proverbs 21:2 ESV)

The LORD weighs the heart. It’s not so much about what we do, as why we do it. Piety without passion . . . obedience without surrender . . . service without humility. There’s so much “good stuff” we can do and yet do it with a wanting heart . . . a hardened heart . . . a deceitful heart — maybe not even deceitful but a disengaged heart. Going through the motions . . . driven not by what we believe but who we think we need to impress. Acting not for an Audience of One but out of fear of what the many might think.

The LORD weighs the heart. Do not harden your heart. Guard your heart.

Guard it by not allowing sin to linger . . . saying, “Go away” to the flesh by confessing, repenting and returning to the leading of the Spirit. Guard your heart by feeding often on His word . . .not just reading it to check it off on your reading plan, but receiving it as the very word of life from God Himself. Guard your heart by abiding with the Savior . . . determining to want nothing more than to communion with Him even though your prayer life might feel kind of feeble. Guard your heart as, by faith, you seek first the King and His kingdom.

Oh, that by God’s grace I might be such a person. A person who maintains a soft heart, one whose heart, when weighed by the LORD, is found to reflect something of nature of His Son.

By God’s grace . . . for God’s glory.

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Wells of Salvation

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Pete

Isaiah foresaw a day when the Lord God would “extend His hand yet a second time to recover the remnant that remains of His people” (Isa. 11:11). A day when those who had largely missed the first coming of Messiah would now recognize the “Shoot from the stump of Jesse,” a Branch from Jesse’s roots that would “bear fruit” (11:1). And in that day, says the prophet, they would give thanks . . . they would know the God of their salvation . . . they would believe to the driving out of all fear . . . and they would have access to wells of salvation.

You will say in that day: “I will give thanks to You, O LORD, for though You were angry with me, Your anger turned away, that You might comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.   (Isaiah 12:1-3 ESV)

And as I noodle on the truth of this revelation concerning a day to come, I can’t help but be reminded that, as the church, we’re the prototype. “That day” for this future gathered remnant, is reflective, or should be, of “this day” for the present day household of God.

We should be giving thanks as we are reminded that, at one time, we were enemies (Rom. 5:10; 8:7) of God, enslaved by sin and thus, objects of wrath (Eph. 2:1-3), but now God’s anger was been turned away.

Only God can avert God’s anger. Nothing I could ever do would have demanded a holy and just God to “turn back” His anger. That’s what the word literally means, God turned back His anger. Not just deflected it from falling upon me, but turned it back on Himself as He Himself, through the finished work of His blessed Son on the cross, took upon Himself the anger that was due to me. Jesus bore the penalty of my sin . . . He took upon Himself the wrath of a holy God which my transgression deserved . . . and, in doing so, the angry was turned away. And so, “I will give thanks to You, O LORD!”

God having become our salvation . . . knowing the LORD God as our strength . . . having Him as the song upon our lips . . . also leads us to do something that Isaiah says will be true of that future remnant of Jacob’s tribes. The people of God should be drawing water from the wells of salvation.

Salvation isn’t just a prayer to be prayed so that you can “check the box” and reserve your ticket for heaven. Salvation isn’t something that happened in our past and now we get on with “real life.” Rather salvation is a living water to be drawn upon from fountains that never run dry, from springs that always run fresh. The wells of salvation gush forth the living water Jesus spoke of with the Samaritan woman (John 4:10). “Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty forever. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). Water welling up to eternal life, that’s eternal life now . . .  sufficient for the day . . . with renewing power for tomorrow.

And I fear that so often the reason we fail to dip our cups frequently into the wells of salvation is that we have come to rely on other sources of “water.” Cisterns, Jeremiah says, that we have hewed out for ourselves (Jer. 2:13). Broken cisterns which “can hold no water” but only some cheap substitute that can never satisfy our thirst or rejuvenate our inner spirit.

The other thing that grabs me as I hover over this verse, is that I am to draw from the wells of salvation with joy. O’ the tragedy of joyless saints. It is the enemy’s victory . . . it is the old nature waging war with the Spirit . . . when our salvation becomes but a secondary endurance rather than our primary source of joy. Instead, as we reflect on the grace and glory of our salvation it should evoke depths of inner joy . . . and that joy should, in turn, compel us to go back to the well and draw afresh of salvation’s living water . . . which will then fuel our joy . . . which then draws us again to the well . . . thus creating this eternal perpetual cycle.

Oh, that we as God’s people would know the rhythm of joyfully drawing water from the wells of salvation. That, when the rhythm is disrupted by the cares of this life, His Spirit would so increase our thirst for real living water that we would be drawn again into the rhythm.

A rhythm of joy made possible by grace . . . a rhythm of drinking deep for God’s glory.

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