An “Either / Or” Matter of the Heart

Posted on May 1, 2015 by Pete

For Jesus it was a black and white question. There was no grey area. No middle ground on this one. It was “either / or.” Either from heaven or from man.

Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer Me.”     (Mark 11:29-30 ESV)

The tensions continued to mount between the religious leaders and Jesus. Jesus had just entered Jerusalem and decided to clean house . . . literally (Mark 10:15-19). And now the chief priests and the scribes and the elders wanted to know, “Who gave You this authority?” And Jesus knew this was not sincere inquisitiveness. This was not a head issue that would be resolved by additional facts and data. This was a heart issue. And to expose it, He answered their question with a question. A black and white question. An “either / or” question.

And these self-serving, white washed tombs, tried to take a by. The wouldn’t allow themselves to be backed into a corner. They knew that admitting John’s baptism was divine had serious implications concerning the One John pointed to. And they weren’t about to bow to Jesus. But they also knew that trashing John’s ministry as something concocted by some crazy guy, who wore animal skins, ate locusts, and hung out in the desert, was to go against popular opinion. And they valued popular opinion. So they passed. They took a by. “We don’t know,” they said. They hardened their hearts to what was potentially a life-giving question if they would have dealt with it honestly. A black and white . . . “either / or” . . . life-giving question.

And the “aroma” of my reading in Mark carries over to my reading in 2Corinthians . . .

Working together with Him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. . . . Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God . . .     (2Corinthians 6:1, 14-16a ESV)

I shudder at the thought of being able to “receive the grace of God in vain.” But it’s possible. And it seems, it too, is impacted by a black and white, “either / or,” question. Faithful to Christ or arm-in-arm with idolaters? Pursuing light or desiring the things of darkness? Seeking the kingdom of God or adopting the ways of this world.

And, to be clear, I am not suggesting we are not to rub shoulders with the world. We’re in it as salt and light and ambassadors for Christ. But I’m thinking it’s an “either / or” determination when it comes to embracing the world and communing with that which opposes the kingdom of heaven. I kind of hear Jesus’ question, “From heaven or from man? Answer me.”

How we, as God’s people, need to be on guard of being bound and compromised by a discordant association with those in need of the light of the gospel. How we need to beware the prevailing wisdom of man . . . thinking there’s some common ground . . . entertaining the thought that the prevailing culture’s claim to enlightenment might have something to it and that the church needs to “get with the times.”

We are the temple of God . . . we are the recipients of grace. We need to beware of receiving such amazing grace in vain. The old adage is true — we need to be in the world but not of the world. We need to pledge allegiance to the ways of heaven and not be drawn into the things of man. It’s an “either / or” matter of the heart.

“From heaven or from man?” Jesus asks, “Answer Me.”

From heaven, Lord!  By the grace of God . . . for the glory of God.

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A Labor of Gladness

Posted on April 30, 2015 by Pete

Over the decades I have probably read the 100th almost a hundred times. Certainly, in the day, I must have sung the 100th at least a hundred times. Probably the first psalm I memorized because it was one of the first I learned as scripture lyrics put to what was then a modern melody. But something stood out this morning as I read through this “old time favorite.” Maybe I’ve noticed it before . . . but maybe not. Seems that worship is not just an offering of praise, as I most commonly think of it, but it is also a labor of gladness.

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into His presence with singing! (Psalm 100:1-2 ESV)

Like I said, over the years I have read, said, or sung these words dozens if not hundreds of times. But I think that, most often, I may have disassociated “serve the LORD” from “make a joyful noise to the LORD” and “come into His presence with singing.” But this morning it hits me between the eyes that these are parallel thoughts. That making a joyful noise is the same as coming into His presence with singing and, in this context, is the same as serving the LORD with gladness. The NIV doesn’t force me to make this connection for, though not literal, it translates the right thought, “Worship the Lord with gladness.”

But I think there’s some value for allowing the reader to connect the dots. Or, rather, having the reader experience the Spirit’s illumination as the Holy Spirit connects the dots for them.

How often do I view my singing to the LORD as service to the LORD? When was the last time I considered my wonder and worship before the God in our midst as a work done in subjection to Him. When was the last time I thought of the lyrics I sing before Him to be a labor of gladness?

We serve the LORD when we make a joyful noise to Him. That service is to be one presented with joy, mirth, and happiness of heart. And that service is available to every child of God . . . no matter one’s spiritual gifting, all God’s people can make a joyful noise and humbly offer this joy-filled labor.

Kind of puts a new perspective on something which for many seems to be a tiresome activity. How many view the opening song service as the “prelims” . . . an optional part of the Sunday service. To them I say, “Serve the LORD with gladness” . . . sing the songs . . . do so with hearts of joyful gratitude . . . come into His presence with singing.

And then for those who I get to observe, week after week, who are lifting their voices . . . and lifting their faces . . . and some even lifting their hands . . . for those whose countenance offered to heaven indicates they get this work of worship . . . to them I say, “Well done good and faithful servant.” Your labor of gladness is heard in heaven. Your service of song stirs the One to whom you sing.

What privilege to serve the One who redeemed us for Himself. What joy to work for Him who has made us His own for “we are His people and the sheep of His pasture” (v.3). We get to enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise (v.4) because access has been made into the very holy of holies by the blood of His blessed Son. We are compelled to give thanks . . . for He is good . . . and His steadfast love endures forever . . . and His faithfulness extend to all generations (v. 5).

If we don’t sing . . . the rocks will (Luke 19:37-40).

Might God’s people embrace the wonder of being servants in song. O blessed labor of gladness!

By His grace . . . for His glory . . .

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This LIght Momentary Affliction

Posted on April 29, 2015 by Pete

It was Paul’s reality. This morning it’s my promise. Reading 2Corinthians 4 this morning . . . the “jars of clay” passage. Paul’s confession that the ministry he has, “by the mercy of God,” is a hard, tough, demanding ministry. Yet, says Paul, “We do not lose heart.” He could endure what he endured for the sake of the gospel not because of his natural strength or discipline. Instead, the “treasure” of the gospel was being carried forth in “jars of clay” . . . earthen vessels . . . cracked pots . . . so that their endurance would “show that the surpassing power belongs to God” (2Cor. 4:7). And what sustained such power? Faith. Faith in what Paul believed to be his reality . . . and what, this morning, I take as my promise.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.   (2Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV)

“This light momentary affliction.” That’s the phrase that jumped off the page this morning. That’s the perspective that caused me to pause and reflect.

Here’s the equation Paul presents in this chapter: “Afflicted in every way + Perplexed + Persecuted + Struck down + Being given over to death for Jesus’ sake = Light momentary affliction.” Really? The math doesn’t seem to line up. It does if you apply the faith factor.

Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into His presence.   (2Corinthians 4:13-14 ESV)

The faith factor reminds us that the “here and now” is IS NOT the main event. That the “here and now” will give way to a “there and then.” And, according to the promise, what awaits us “there and then” is “an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”

The things that are unseen will make the things we endure today fade in insignificance. The heaviness of the glory that will be ours when we see Jesus is enough to make the burdens we carry today seem light in comparison. Not to minimize the reality of the trials many of us face today. But, as did Paul, to put them in the context of the reality of the glory we will just as assuredly know in that day when faith gives ways to sight.

That’s why, despite all Paul suffered for the sake of the gospel, he was not crushed . . . he was not driven to despair . . . he was not forsaken . . . he was not destroyed . . . he did not lose heart. He had an eye to the future. Looking not only to the “things that are seen” but also to “the things that are unseen.” By faith looking past that which was “transient” and instead focusing on that which is “eternal.”

As Paul remembered the unimaginable glory that awaited him, he could consider his sufferings as but “light momentary affliction” in comparison.

That by the grace of God we might have faith like Paul. That through the promise of God’s word we too would anticipate an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. That by the sustaining power of the Spirit we might know the surpassing power which indwells jars of clay so that we too might not lose heart.

Eternal weight of glory . . . light momentary affliction. All because of grace . . . All for His glory.

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Reflecting . . . Radiating . . .

Posted on April 28, 2015 by Pete

A letter from Christ. Written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God. Engraved not on tablets of stone. Instead, inscribed on tablets of human hearts. That is how Paul regarded the saints at Corinth (2Cor. 3:3). And, not gonna lie, that’s how I regard myself. I think it’s a safe application. Written to them, but written for me, I think it’s fair to count myself as a page in the eternal epistle God is writing through grace by His Spirit.

Not that I’m much of a letter to read. There’s a lot more editing to be done. But as I hover over 2Corinthians 3 this morning . . . and if I’m understanding Paul’s comparison of the old and new covenants correctly . . . and if I’m picking up on what Paul is laying down concerning the life giving ministry of the Spirit of God . . . then I am, to some degree, reflecting and radiating the glory of God.

But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.   (2Corinthians 3:16-18 ESV)

The old covenant was given through Moses. Written on tablets of stones, it provided the means for relationship based on the letter of the law. Though Paul describes it as “the ministry of death” (v.7) and “the ministry of condemnation” (v.9) it came with glory. Such glory that it caused Moses’ face to shine. Such glory that the Israelites couldn’t look upon the face of Moses and so he wore a veil (v.7). Glorious not because it provided the means of salvation, but rather, glorious because it was God’s appointed manner to direct men and women toward the Son of salvation. Yet it was a glory that faded.

Cue the glory that surpasses it (v.10). The ministry of righteousness (v.9) . . . the glory that is permanent (v.11). Not law conveyed through a man coming down from a mountain, but life given by the Spirit come down from God Himself. The Spirit of the living God supplanting the letter of the law. The glory of the Spirit surpassing the fading shine on Moses face. The Spirit of God providing once for all, and once forever, freedom. The veil removed through Christ (v.14b). The glow of glory directly reflected upon, and radiated from within, the faces of believers.

We turn to Jesus — the veil of darkness, guilt, and shame is removed — and we behold the glory of the Lord. Literally, like looking in a mirror we reflect the glory of the risen Christ as we, by faith, are brought face to face with Him through the active agency of His indwelling Spirit. Though dimly, we mirror Christ. His majesty and radiance faintly seen in sinners saved by grace. Those once of the letter of the law now walking in the freedom of the Spirit. Those once bound by sin and death are now released by the finished work of the resurrected Christ. Those once with hearts of stone, now given hearts of flesh . . . written upon by the Spirit . . . evidencing something of the wondrous work of God’s overflowing love.

But beyond just reflecting something of the glory, we “are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” The reflecting of His glory increasingly becomes a radiating of that glory. The Son’s rays not just bouncing off our faces, but emitting from within our very core. As the Spirit of life continues His sanctifying work of conforming us into the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29), we emanate the glory of Christ. As we no longer live, but Christ lives in us (Gal. 2:20), the mind and heart of Christ bubble to the surface manifesting the presence of God through us.

Not something we make happen. “For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”

Reflecting the glory of God . . . Radiating the glory of God. All by the grace of God.

Even so, blessed Spirit, keep writing the letter.

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Like All the Nations

Posted on April 27, 2015 by Pete

When he heard their demands it shook him . . . literally! His soul so vexed because of their request that he trembled. Dedicated to the Lord since birth, his life had been one of learning to hear the word of the Lord . . . of pursuing the word of the Lord . . . of obeying the word of the Lord . . . of conveying the word of the Lord. He had tried to model the right stuff . . . had sought to be the leader that would direct the hearts of the people to the LORD and to serving Him only. And now, as Samuel’s ministry wound down, they wanted this. Give us a king, the elders of Israel demanded, like all the nations.

Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the LORD. . . . But the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel. And they said, “No! But there shall be a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.” And when Samuel had heard all the words of the people, he repeated them in the ears of the LORD. And the LORD said to Samuel, “Obey their voice and make them a king.”
 (1Samuel 8:4-6, 19-22a ESV)

Unlike Samuel, God was not surprised by this turn of events. Through Moses, God had foretold of that day when the people would make this exact demand (Deut. 17:14-20). And in His grace, God would use a kingly line to establish His heavenly kingdom. But the request was born in sin and compromise. Sin, in that the sons of Samuel made for a poor alternative. To continue the line of judges through them was to entrust themselves to men who did not follow in their fathers footsteps but instead “turned aside after gain. They took bribes and perverted justice” (v.3). Compromise, in that the people, rather than trust themselves to the faithful God of their deliverance, instead devised their own “Plan B” — a king, like all the nations.

The way of the peoples around them . . .the way of the world . . . that was their answer. God’s chosen people wanted to be like those outside the promises and covenant. God’s special people looked to the grass on the other side of the fence and decided it was greener. Those who had received the word of God, instead thought the answer must lie in the wisdom of men. And while Samuel trembled at their arrogance and insolence, God says, Let it be . . . “for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them” (8:7).

And maybe I might pause and say, “Really? Is it that black and white? It is really either embrace the ways and wisdom of God or reject Him? Isn’t there some middle ground? Take some Word of God and mix it with some wisdom of men, like all the nations, and you have the perfect solution? . . . the best of all worlds?” Short answer? Thinkin’ not.

First, the wisdom of the world is foolishness in God’s economy (1Cor. 3:19). Second, to embrace the ways of the world is to set our faces in opposition to God (James 4:4).

To be sure, wholehearted devotion to the Word and ways of God can be a scary path. Beyond times when, as with Samuel’s son, the way seems flawed and to have broken down because it’s been affected by the ways of the flesh, the increasing gap between us and the world by going “counter culture” creates intense pressure to to take an easier path and be more “conformed to the world” and a little less “transformed by the renewing of the mind” (Rom. 12:2).

I guess that’s where faith is drawn upon. Believing in God’s wisdom . . . trusting in God’s word. Setting our minds on things above and not on earthly things . . . seeking “the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Col. 3:1-2) and not the things below . . . like all the nations.

O that, because of the gospel, we might be a people who own Him, and no other, as King. That, through the illumination and power of the Spirit, we would seek His ways and wisdom, and not the nations, and walk according to them.

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

Amen?

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He is a Great God . . . He is Our God

Posted on April 24, 2015 by Pete

For those who have followed these morning ramblings over time, you know that as I read in the morning I’m on the lookout. I have my colored pencils at hand and as I ingest the Word I also take note of certain themes. One of those themes, underlined in navy blue, is what the Word says about God the Father. That colored pencil tends to get a lot of use. This morning was no exception. But this morning, after reading Psalm 95, I sat back looked on the blue on the page and was struck with fresh wonder. As I looked back on what the songwriter had to say about God, I was a bit overwhelmed to be reminded again that not only is He a great God . . . but that He is also our God.

For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In His hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are His also. The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land. Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.   (Psalm 95:3-7 ESV)

That God is Maker should be enough, in and of itself, to break forth in praise. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork” (Ps. 19:1) . . . “His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made” (Rom. 1:20). For those with eyes to see and ears to hear, creation itself primes the pump of wonder and worship directed to the One who made all things.

Surely the God who made all things is above all gods. The God whose fingertips are all over that which has been made, from the macro of the universe to the micro of the smallest of creatures, is to be revered and exalted as in a category all His own. Infinite creativity evidenced . . . unimaginable engineering apparent . . . breath-taking beauty and earth-shaking power on display for those who pause to consider it. The LORD is a great God! Ya’ think?

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!

And this same God is our God. Far from being an unknown force, His existence hinted at by the wonders of creation, He has determined to be known, and in a sense owned, by those who respond to His invitation of relationship. The Great God has entered into covenant relationship with a people He has claimed as His own. Those people, then, knowing Him as “our God.” They are the people of His pasture, the sheep of His hand and He is their Great Shepherd. The great God is our God.

And you don’t have to noodle on it very long before awe and appreciation kick in. How did He become our God? What was necessary for people who were naturally in rebellion to their Maker, and were first and foremost focused on themselves, to enter into an “owning relationship” with the God of creation?

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.   (John 3:16 ESV)

God so desired relationship that He gave His Son as the once for all sacrifice for all that separated men and women from God, namely their sin. Not some passive God who left us to our own devices to try and figure out how to connect with the eternal. But an active, intervening God who has made possible and made known the way to life eternal. The way opened through the finished work of the cross . . . and the declared victory of the empty tomb . . . and the saving ministry of the eternal Son of God, Jesus the Christ.

Eternal life. Real, abundant life. That we might know Him. Not generically as Maker, but intimately as Shepherd.

He is a great God . . . and He is our God. Wonder of wonders.

Oh come, let us sing to the LORD;
let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation!
Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise!   (Psalm 95:1-2 ESV)

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

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On Being Addicted ( A 2009 Rerun)

Posted on April 23, 2015 by Pete

Looking back on my journal, it’s apparent that I’ve been repeatedly drawn to a certain family mentioned in the closing thoughts of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. Here’s the passage that consistently jumps off the page . . .

Now I urge you, brothers–you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints–be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men.   (1Corinthians 16:15-18 ESV)

This morning I thought I’d share some thoughts on this passage that I wrote back in 2009. Got me thinking again about be wholeheartedly focused on what God’s called each of us to do within the Body of Christ. Here’s how the thoughts rolled out on April 22, 2009 . . .

Ok . . . so I know you need to be careful about “shopping” through different versions of the Bible to find the word or phrase that captures what you, in advance, want to get across. But I do think there is some value in reading a number of translations in that different translators will emphasize different nuances. Such is the case this morning as I wrapped up my readings in 1Corinthians . . . I found an “emphasized nuance” that I wasn’t necessarily looking for . . .

Often you read the last verses of the last chapters of Paul’s letters kind of like the credits rolling by on a screen after a movie . . . you see the names, but they just flash by and you barely take notice. But these “end-of-letter” credits are God-breathed too, and so, it might make sense once in awhile to slow down and take note of who God has determined should be mentioned by Paul. May I introduce to you, Stephanas and his household. Mentioned only in this letter, it appears that they were among Paul’s first converts in the region (1Cor. 1:16) . . . and it appears they had a pretty cool “addiction.”

Yeah . . . so this is where I pull out the old King James Authorized Version translation . . .

” . . . ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints.” (1Cor. 16:15b AV)

Stephanas and his family had “addicted themselves” to serving God’s people! Most of the other translations say, “they devoted themselves” to the service or ministry of the saints. But, I have to admit, when I came across the AV translation it grabbed me . . . the whole idea of being addicted to God’s call on our lives . . . and even more the idea of being addicted to helping out God’s people! What an “addiction” to feed!

The Greek word behind the translation is only found 8 times in the NT . . . only once translated “addicted” or “devoted” . . . having the idea of “to assign a place” . . . “to set oneself” . . . “to appoint oneself” . . . basically it’s about determining to “give ‘er!” And what more noble pursuit than serving God’s people. Tending fellow sheep . . . helping out the under-shepherds . . . caring for one another . . . meeting needs . . . providing encouragement . . . building up others . . . practicing hospitality . . . what an addiction! Such was the focus and pursuit of the household of Stephanas.

And the fruit of their labor? Refreshed spirits! “For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.” (1Cor. 16:18) Yup, enter weary and beaten up saints . . . exit rested and revitalized children of God . . . batteries re-charged . . . bounce back in their steps. Paul, the frontline warrior, was boosted by these “back office” ministers of God’s grace . . . and not him only, but, it seems from Paul’s letter, many of the saints in Corinth had benefited from Stephanas’ addiction. “Such men deserve recognition!” Amen . . . good on you, Stephanas . . . and your household!

Oh, that we as His people would all have a ministry to weary saints . . . it’s part of the body building thing. But even more, that we as His people would know the particular service He has called us to and that we would be addicted to it . . . devoting ourselves toward it . . . focused and purposefully fulfilling our sphere of service by His grace and for His glory. That we would all be addicts! Gotta’ like the Authorized Version this morning . . . amen?

Father, thanks for allowing my eye to catch this reference to Stephanas in my reading this morning . . . thank You for refreshing my spirit through Your word . . . and encouraging me on being addicted . . . to pursue my “addiction” for Your glory . . . amen!!!

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At the Feet of My Redeemer

Posted on April 22, 2015 by Pete

To be sure, it’s not a custom that I know a lot about. But there’s something about the manner in which Ruth communicates her desire to be redeemed by Boaz that is intuitive. While Naomi’s instructions to Ruth might have been well understood in that day and in Jewish culture, even in it’s obscurity today there is a picture painted of how someone might approach their redeemer. And it’s got me thinking about laying at the feet of my Redeemer.

So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had commanded her. And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down. At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet! He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.”   (Ruth 3:1-3 ESV)

Naomi’s people had become Ruth’s people . . . Naomi’s God was owned by Ruth as her God (1:16). And this foreigner, once ” alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and stranger to the covenants of promise” (Eph. 2:12), now sought refuge according to the word of God. The Law of Moses required that when a man died childless, a close relative should marry the widow in order to perpetuate his name and retain his inheritance within his tribe (Deut. 25:5-10). And so, under Naomi’s guidance, Ruth appeals to Boaz, as a close relative, to be her redeemer . . . to willingly pay the price for her protection . . . to take her to himself as his bride. And in that day, and in that culture, it involved coming and laying at his feet.

Kind of a risky proposition. Talk about stepping out — and laying down — in faith. Ruth had to trust in Naomi . . . had to trust in the provision made in God’s word . . . and had to trust the one who she looked to as her kinsman-redeemer. What if Naomi had it wrong . . . what if God’s word couldn’t be trusted . . . what if Boaz wasn’t all that he seemed to be? Laying at his feet was putting it all on the line. Humbling herself . . . submitting herself . . . laying her very life at his feet . . . she was all in.

And I can’t help but find here a picture of another foreigner? Someone from outside the traditions of good religious people and absolutely ignorant as to the ways of God and His kingdom. A picture of a person who, like Ruth, was instructed in the ways of redemption from God’s word. Someone who was told of Another who had already paid the price for all who would seek refuge under His wings. Someone introduced to a Kinsman-Redeemer who is willing to take all who believe as His Bride. That someone is me. That Kinsman-Redeemer is Christ. And, in a sense, all that I had to do was lay at His feet.

To lay at His feet thus declaring, by faith, that I trust His finished work for my redemption and that my striving has ceased. To humble myself before Him in contrite submission desiring that His will be my will and His ways be my ways. To bow before Him in awe-filled adoration as I consider that He would long to share His riches with me and make His inheritance mine. To know that, unlike Boaz who could pay the price from his abundance, my Redeemer had to empty Himself completely . . . shedding His own blood as the price for my redemption . . . giving His own life as the wages for mine.

Laying at the feet of Jesus, my Redeemer. No safer place . . . no sweeter place.

Marveling afresh at His amazing grace . . . and at my wondrous redemption.

All for His eternal glory.

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No Middle Ground

Posted on April 21, 2015 by Pete

It seems there was no middle ground. Though there’s no doubt as to the purity of Peter’s motive, he was, nevertheless, staking his flag on enemy territory. Even though what Jesus said was so out there, it seems that if you weren’t “out there” with Him, then you were pretty much setting yourself up against Him. And it all came down to Peter’s thinking, whether he was thinking on the things of God or on the things of man.

And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. And He said this plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But turning and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”   (Mark 8:31-33 ESV)

Mark 8:31 signals a shift in the ministry of Jesus. Having established Himself beyond doubt with His disciples that He was the Christ (8:30), the promised One of God, He now reveals to them plainly — also beyond doubt — what lies ahead for the Son of Man. And it’s not what they expected. It wasn’t on their radar because they weren’t looking for a suffering Messiah. And it wasn’t on their radar because they had authentically fallen in love with the Man from Galilee. A rejected, abused, and murdered Christ didn’t line up with what they envisioned concerning Messiah or what they wanted for their Master and Friend. And so, in classic Peter way, having declared in one breath, “You are the Christ,” almost with the next breath he pulls Jesus aside and says, “You are mistaken. No way, Lord!”

Okay . . . are we really going to judge Peter. Pretty understandable reaction. I’m guessing his mind was turned so upside down by “suffer . . . rejected . . . and be killed” that Peter never really heard the “rise again” part. Even if he did, why would God’s Anointed even be put in a situation where resurrection was necessary? You’d think that Jesus would have cut him a bit of slack. But He doesn’t. I can’t imagine a more harsh rebuke. But then again, perhaps I need to focus on the dramatic shift in mindset that had occurred within Peter.

“Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 16:17). Jesus had commended Peter’s declaration that He was the Christ. And it had not been because Peter was so smart or such a quick-study, but because Peter has been so blessed, the Father having illuminated his understanding. He had seen the works of Christ and heard the words of Christ, just as many others who rejected Jesus had, and yet, having set his mind on the things of God, he saw Jesus as the promised One. But when it came to the tough truth of His rejection . . . that Jesus would die . . . Peter ran it through a mind set on the things of man. And in so doing, he set himself in opposition to the Savior. Though unwittingly and unintentionally, by rejecting the plain truth from the Word of God, he took sides with the enemy.

There was no middle ground. Either take God’s word as it is plainly revealed and stand for the kingdom, or filter God’s word through “the things of man” and stand against the kingdom. And there’s a lot of “things of man” going on in our world. Our increasingly “enlightened” world is redefining, at an alarming rate, that which is moral and even that which is natural. And many, even in the church, are shifting from what God said to what they want to believe God meant. In effect saying, “Not so, Lord!”

Jesus came not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him (John 3:17). And that would involve Him going to the cross, though it wasn’t a popular thought. It also involves, I think, standing for truth even though that truth might run contrary with modern day opinion polls. Standing for truth not that the world might be judged but that they would know their desperate need for a Savior. A Savior who is a Son . . . sent of the Father . . . to suffer, be rejected, and killed that sin might be fully atoned for. A Savior who would rise again on the third day . . . in accordance with His word . . . that He might conquer sin and death.  And, in so doing, would testify to the truthfulness of His Word, His entire Word.

That God’s people would stand, by God grace, for God’s truth. For the rescue of many . . . for the glory of God.

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Those Who See His Salvation

Posted on April 20, 2015 by Pete

Since retiring from “corporate life” and going full-time at my church, Mondays have become one of the most appreciated benefits of the transition. They are my down day . . . the day Sue and I know we are going to get some “quality time” together. Mondays are the day I sleep in . . . the day I just accept I’m going to move at a slower pace . . . the day devo’s happen sometime before noon . . . and, most often, the day when I can take a little longer to hover over the Word of God and let it sink in. This morning, Psalm 91 did some sinkin’ . . . and I’m doing a bit of thinkin’ . . . about those who see His salvation.

Because he holds fast to Me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows My name. When he calls to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.    (Psalm 91:14-16 ESV)

Those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty . . . so begins the songwriter’s song. It’s a song to those who “have made the LORD your dwelling place” (v.9) and what they might expect as they live in “His shadow.” And it’s not the absence of struggles, trials, and battles. There will still be terror in the night . . . arrows that are shot at them by day . . . pestilence stalking in the darkness . . . and destruction laying waste at noonday (v.5-6). Nope, it’s not necessarily a danger free or easy place in the shadow of the Almighty, but it is a safe place. It is salvation’s place.

During small group last night, we talked again about the nature of our salvation. The salvation we’ve known in the past, the deliverance from the penalty of sin. The salvation we are waiting for, that day when faith gives way to sight and we are delivered from the presence of sin. And of the salvation we are experiencing right now.

The salvation that God works day in and day out in us and around us. The rescue that battles the power of sin. Whether that sin is from within, the old man doing war with the Spirit abiding in us. Or the sin that is around us, used of the enemy to persecute and oppose us . . . seeking to make us a little less “salty” and wanting to dim our light. Or the general effects of sin in our fallen world which assault us . . . discouraging us . . . causing us to doubt. That’s today’s battle. And that is the present day salvation God is working out in our lives . . . victory over the power of sin. And it’s that salvation that I imagine being sung of in this song.

“I will deliver . . . I will protect . . . I will answer . . . I will be with . . . I will rescue . . . I will honor . . . I will satisfy . . . I will show my salvation!” Thus says the LORD to him who lives in the shadow of the Almighty.

And what does living in the shadow look like? I see three things in this closing stanza of the song. Those who live in the shadow: 1) hold fast to God in love; 2) they know the name of God; 3) and, they call to God in time of trouble. And to those, He shows His salvation . . . the very real, day in and day out commanding of His angels (v.11) to assist in the battle and provide victory over the power of sin in and around us.

No promise the battles will cease this side of glory, but assurance that for those who cling to Him and have set their love wholeheartedly towards Him, there will be “air cover.” That for those who set their face to know the Name which is above all names and pursue intimate communion with Him who makes Himself known to His creation, there will be protection and they will see “the recompense of the wicked” (v.8). That for those who, by God’s grace, do not lose heart and continue to call upon His name in the time of trouble believing that in His time and according to His perfect will He will answer, they will see His blessed salvation.

Wondrous life in the shadow . . . glorious hope in the Beloved! O that I, by the grace of God, might be among those who hold fast, know the Name, and call upon the God who desires to show His salvation.

That I might know victory . . . that He might receive all glory!

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