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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Was It Something I Said?

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Pete

He tried to get away for a bit. Needed some down time. So Jesus went to the region of Tyre and Sidon, entered a house and hoped no one would notice. Yet, writes Mark, “He could not be hidden” (7:24). Ministry for the man Jesus was ramping up. His mighty works were being spoken of widely and many were wanting to know personal healing through His miraculous power. And though He came first to His own people, the nation of Israel, those outside “the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (Eph. 2:12), also heard of Him and some were even so bold as to reach out to this Man who claimed to be Israel’s Messiah.

Enter a Gentile woman, a Syrophoenician by birth. She walked into the house, fell down at Jesus’ feet, and pleaded with Him. Not for herself, but for her daughter who had “an unclean spirit” . . . “and she begged Him to cast the demon out of her daughter” (7:25-26).

And while the interaction between the Savior and this seeker seems a bit awkward to us, I’m thinking it was quite remarkable to those who observed their interaction. First, Jews did not acknowledge Gentiles very favorably. Second, men did not engage women who were not their wives — much less Gentile women. Third, Jesus came first “to His own” (John 1:11) — His primary mission was to the nation of Israel. But Jesus engages the woman, and in this encounter hints that the Bread of Life which He came to give, though offered to the twelve tribes initially, would be offered to all.

But the encounter comes off a bit harsh. Jesus, it seems, rebuffs her. He says that the children, Israel, should be filled first and that the food for them should not be thrown to the dogs. Ouch, that’s kind of an unexpected thing for Jesus to call a woman in such need. While it may have been a common term of contempt used by Jews for Gentiles, somehow it doesn’t feel right coming from Jesus. Some have said that Jesus uses a “softer term” . . . that by referring to her as “a little dog” (NKJV), or puppy, there is a compassion conveyed by Jesus. Regardless, that it was meant to test her is clear. And it sets up an amazing response by this desperate woman kneeling at the feet of Jesus.

But she answered Him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the childrens crumbs.”   (Mark 7:28 ESV)

“Yes Lord, I’m only a little Gentile dog,” she says, “but I know that even puppies can benefit from the crumbs dropped by children from the table. That’s all I’m asking for, just a few crumbs. Your power is so great, that just the afterglow of it will meet my need. Your grace so life giving, that just a drop will satisfy my longing. That’s all I’m asking for, just a few leftover crumbs from the food of your ministry to the Jews.”

And He said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.   (Mark 7:29-30 ESV)

It was how she responded . . . it was something she said that made the difference. Not that it was the words themselves but the humble, repentant, faith-filled heart behind the words. Just a few crumbs . . . though I don’t deserve even that, that’s all I need, Jesus. And because of that utterance, Jesus says, her petition was granted and her daughter was healed.

Faith often is known by how we respond and by what we say. What we believe is confessed with the mouth. We declare our dependence. We acknowledge His grace and power. And without faith, it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6).

O to be people who continually abide in the life-giving provision of the Bread of Life because of something we said.

By His grace . . . and for His glory.

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A Sad Song

Posted on April 16, 2015 by Pete

Honestly . . . not quite sure what to make of Psalm 88. The Psalm’s title says it’s a song . . . but what a sad song. Written by Heman the Ezrahite, a son of Korah, it was given to the choirmaster. I can only imagine how much fun (not) it was to practice this dirge. I’m guessing the basses got a lot of work and that there was a lot of brushing up on minor chord harmonizing. But no matter how you carried the melody, no joy. Just a sad song.

Assuming that he’s writing out of firsthand experience, the songwriter says that his soul “is full of troubles” (v.3). That he was a man of “no strength,” like one who was nearing death (v.4-5). His companions shun him (v.8) . . . his eyes grow dim with sorrow (v. 9a). He feels the crushing hand of God’s displeasure and wrath upon himself (v.7), and feels that God has cast his soul way, hiding His eyes from looking upon His servant (v. 14).

Afflicted and close to death from my youth up, I suffer Your terrors; I am helpless. Your wrath has swept over me; Your dreadful assaults destroy me. (Psalm 88:15-16 ESV)

Heavy sigh! Whatever it is this composer was remembering or relating to, it was absolutely miserable. And you read all 18 verses and it doesn’t get better. No happy ending. So what’s the deal?

Here’s the deal, the lyrics are a prayer. A prayer to the living God. A prayer founded on the belief that this God hears and that He acts upon what He hears. This is not a lament intended to be sung into an empty room, the words echoing hopelessly off the walls, the sentiments expressed with no thought that they will go beyond the ceiling. Instead, it is written with the intent it will reach into heaven itself. Written for a choir, but directed to an Audience of One who is enthroned in Majestic glory and intimately aware of, and interested in, the affairs of His people. Sung to One who is able to deliver.

O LORD, God of my salvation; I cry out day and night before You. Let my prayer come before You; incline Your ear to my cry!   (Psalm 88:1-2 ESV)

Repeatedly this sad song comes back to the chorus of crying out.

Every day I call upon You, O LORD; I spread out my hands to You . . .
But I, O LORD, cry to You; in the morning my prayer comes before You.
 (Psalm 88:9b, 13 ESV)

No resolution found in this sad song . . . no joy realized . . . no happy ending in sight. Just a faith driven determination to bring his situation, and his sadness, before the God in whom he trusts. And sometimes, I’m thinking, that’s all you can do with a circumstance that makes no sense and hurts so much. It brings to mind something I read years ago by Chuck Swindoll. When the landing gear won’t come down, and the plane has been readied for a crash landing, . . . when final descent begins, “If you believe in God you should commence prayer (click here to see the full article).

Prayer . . . it’s what the sad song demands . . . it’s the only response warranted by a desperate situation. Reminds us of a God who’s in control. A God who is love. A God, though His ways and thoughts are beyond our understanding, has determined to intricately weave Himself into our world through His Son. A God, who invites us to confidently draw near to His throne of grace that we might know the abundance of His mercy “and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16).

Sometimes you just gotta keep on believing . . . and keep on singing . . . even when it’s a sad song.

Sung by His grace . . . sung for His glory.

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When We Come Together

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Pete

Five times. Five times in eighteen verses. Three-hundred-ninety-eight words in this passage and twenty of those words are the same four word phrase repeated five times. While the subject of the passage is appropriate conduct at the Lord’s table, the context of the passage is clear. It’s all about what happens when you come together.

But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse . . . when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you . . . When you come together, it is not the Lords supper that you eat. . . . So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another . . . so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. . . .    (1Corinthians 11:17, 18, 20, 33, 34 ESV)

Come together. That’s what the people of God are to do. We don’t GO TO church. We COME TOGETHER as the church. And it’s not IF we come together, but WHEN we come together. Since the birth of the church, it has been the understood normative practice. The New Testament really doesn’t know much about not coming together except to warn against it . . . “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25).

And while I’m no Greek expert, my Greek lexicon indicates the original words have in mind something much more than just being in the same place with other people. But that it has the idea of a coherence, that those who are with each other are intimately connected. That’s what the church — aka the people, not the building — is . . . intimately connected people.

Connected by a common experience of cleansing . . . the blood of Christ applied to our sin . . . forgiveness received by faith in the finished work of the cross. Connected by a encounter with the living God through His Spirit . . . born again by the Holy Spirit . . . sealed by the Spirit given as a guarantee of the hope that awaits us . . . being transformed by the Spirit of Christ living in us and through us as He works to conform us into the likeness of the holy Son of God. Connected by a common calling . . . to be the body of Christ and each of us members of it.

What is more natural for a body than that it comes together. That it is joined and “held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love” (Eph. 4:21). If we just go to church then we’re but individuals with personal agendas just attending another event. But, when we come together as the church, we are a body looking out for the interests of others before our own, aware that we have a function and purpose and role in making this body whole.

How I lament what so often seems to be an increasing attitude of convenience when it comes to “going to church.” That somehow it’s just another activity to do . . . another place to go . . . when it fits in with our already overloaded calendars. That so often it’s just about showing up and not about intentionally seeking intimate connection. That’s it’s about re-charging our batteries, or appeasing our consciences, rather than that of serving and building up one another through community.

O that the church might be the church when we come together.

By His grace . . . for His glory.

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A United Heart

Posted on April 14, 2015 by Pete

I think it began as more of a computer term. The breakthrough capability of processing machines to go beyond “single thread” computing to “multitasking.” It was a game changer when computers could not only do calculations at lightning speeds, but could also execute more than one program simultaneously. And while the thought in the beginning was that these computers would give back time to their human operators, in fact what we’ve found is that we’ve wanted to become more like the machines. And so we started talking about multitasking as an attribute of a highly effective person.

We praise those who can “keep many balls in the air.” We marvel at those who can “time slice” their lives and sustain progress on many fronts. But it’s also what causes many to pursue something called “work / life balance” . . . and can often result in someone “burning out.”

Something I read in Psalm 86 has me rethinking the value of multitasking. Maybe we need to be more like David. A guy who also had “a lot on his plate” yet desired a united heart.

For You are great and do wondrous things;
You alone are God.
Teach me Your way, O LORD,
that I may walk in Your truth;
unite my heart to fear Your name.     (Psalm 86:10-11 ESV)

Psalm 86 is a prayer of David. It seems, one of those 911 types of prayer that are fired heavenward in times of trouble. But a prayer which is liberally seasoned with praise. The wonder of God not overshadowed by the worry of the situation. The grace of God not lost in the grind of the trial. The steadfast love of God not forgotten under the suppressing load of the burden. And within this prayer is a petition for a united heart.

Teach me Your ways, O LORD . . . not that I might just gain head knowledge, but that I might walk in the light of the truth. And Lord, not only teach me that I might walk, but unite my heart that I might fear. That I would honor and respect Your name . . . that I might know holy reverence as I reflect on who You are.

Unite my heart . . . cease the multitasking and let it wholly and fully become focused toward this one great purpose, that I would stand in awe of You.

Multitasking might be valuable in many areas of life, but not so much when it comes to worship. Whatever productivity we think we might gain by splitting our hearts affections, is no gain at all. Though we might think that the more we can keep going, the better life will be, it’s not true if it is to the detriment of a heart united by a single purpose — that of knowing, and responding, to the God who created us and then gave His Son that He might redeem us.

Multitasking. Great for computers. Maybe not so great for human hearts.

Unite my heart, O Lord, to fear Your name.

By Your grace . . . for Your glory.

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