Voices

Posted on July 16, 2015 by Pete

A king’s reign, forty years, captured in about nine-hundred words. That’s what you have in 2Chronicles 24. The reign of King Joash summarized in but a few paragraphs. And as you read the account you can’t help but notice the peak to pit nature of Joash’s tenure over Judah. He was a kid king . . . placed on the throne at only seven years of age . . . clearly protected of God and called of God as part of God’s promise to David. He started well . . . really well. Under the first part of his rule he restored the house of the LORD. But he ended badly . . . really badly. Later in his reign he executed the high priest of the LORD. And the LORD cut short his reign because of it.

What a turnaround. You’ve got to ask yourself, “What causes such a turnaround?” In big part, I think, it was voices.

Now after the death of Jehoiada the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them. And they abandoned the house of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols.
(2Chronicles 24:17-18a ESV)

The death of Jehoiada was a turning point in the life and rule of King Joash. The chronicler records that “Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest” (24:2). The high priest and his wife had been instrumental in protecting Joash from an uprising against the throne of Judah which saw the elimination of all other heirs. Jehoiada not only protected and reared the lad, not only was he used of God to establish Joash on the throne, but he was also a trusted advisor through much of Joash’s reign. But then he died . . . and then Joash crashed and burned as a godly leader. What a difference a godly counselor can make. How important the right voices.

After Jehoiada’s death, a new set of voices caught the ear of the king. Rulers of Judah who “paid homage”–is that a nice way of saying, “kissed up”–to the king. Flattery, apparently, got them everywhere. The young king so enamored with the praise that he lost track of the program. Instead of focusing on the house of the LORD, the king now served statues of stone. He abandoned the house of the LORD . . . and the LORD of the house. Ultimately leading him to order the execution of Jehoiada’s son, the high priest Zechariah, a man clothed with the Spirit of God but entirely disregarded by the king (24:20-22). And all because of the voices the king listened to.

And I think back on the role that counselors played in the lives of previous kings. Nathan a faithful voice to David . . . proclaiming the promises of God concerning David’s throne . . . faithfully rebuking David for his sin. Rehoboam lost half his kingdom because he listened to the wrong voices . . . disregarding the counsel of grey-haired wisdom and opting, instead, for the voices of youthful impetuosity. And there are others . . . kings whose reign was heavily impacted by the counsel they heeded . . . the legacy of their lives, in large part, determined by the voices they listened to.

True for them . . . and, I’m thinking, true for me. Whether it’s family, close friends, the media, the blogosphere, or the innumerable other sources of influence and advice, that which I choose to listen to . . . that which I surround myself with . . . will have a profound impact on how I live my life . . . and, quite frankly, how I live for God.

“Do not be deceived,” Paul writes to the Corinthians, “bad company ruins good morals” (1Cor. 15:32). Don’t kid ourselves . . . if we don’t surround ourselves with godly voices, we won’t be godly. If we are wooed by the world’s flattery of how great we are and what we deserve, then we’ll listen also to the world’s bad counsel about how we should live for ourselves. But if our closest advisors and mentors are those who seek the voice of God, then we’ll walk in a way that pursues the kingdom and brings delight to the King.

Voices. I’d do well, from time to time, to check those I’m listening to.

That I might continue to seek the way that is lived by the grace of God . . . so that I might continue to serve the way that, in the end, brings all glory to God.

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What To Do When You Don’t Know What To Do

Posted on July 15, 2015 by Pete

They are described as not just a horde, but as a “great horde.” Moabites, Ammonites, and with them some of the Meunites. A great multitude of fighting men all gathered together for one purpose — to come in battle against Judah and their king, Jehoshaphat. The goal of this legion of aggression was to drive the people of God from the land promised them as an inheritance. Chances of the armies of Jehoshaphat being able to withstand this great enemy army? Nil. Situation? Desperate. Options? None.

So what do you do when you don’t know what to do?

Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah assembled to seek help from the LORD; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD. And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court, and said, “O LORD, God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In Your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand You. . . . O our God, will You not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.“    (2Chronicles 20:3-6, 12 ESV)

We don’t know what to do . . . but are eyes are on you. Our resources are insufficient . . . our best planning won’t cut it . . . even if we could put out 150% effort it wouldn’t be enough. So, O LORD, God of our fathers, we will set our eyes on You.

Maybe not too surprising that when all other avenues are exhausted the next logical step for the believer is to look heavenward. But this morning as I’m noodling on this I’m thinking, Why does it take a great horde for me to look up?

While it’s a great comfort to know that when all else fails we can pray, I’m thinking that maybe I rely too much on my strength and self-sufficiency way too often and miss too many opportunities to fix my eyes on the God of my salvation. That I underestimate the number of “great hordes” I encounter because I overestimate my flesh-bound capability. And thus, I fail to “lift up my eyes to the hills” . . . and I forget to ask, “From where does my help come?” . . . and I falter in remembering that “my help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (Ps. 121:1-2).

I’m thinking that I need to heed Solomon’s advice and “not lean on my own understanding” (Prov. 3:5) and realize more often that I really don’t know what to do.

And what to do when you don’t know what to do. Turn Your eyes upon Jesus.

I need to look up . . . look way up. To do as Jehoshaphat did and set my face to seek the LORD with fasting. To be like the people of Judah who assembled and sought help from the LORD. To cast my eyes upon Him who is God in heaven. To know, not just in the desperate situations but in every situation, that He is the one who rules over all the kingdoms . . . and that power and might ARE in His hand . . . and that none is able to withstand Him.

If I didn’t know what to do more often then I’d be setting my mind on things above more consistently.

God, guard me against a spirit of self-sufficiency . . . that my eyes might be on You constantly.

That I might know Your ever present help in every time of need . . . and realize in all things Your all sufficient grace . . . all for Your everlasting glory.

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Considered Worthy

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Pete

The church of the Thessalonians was a church birthed amidst opposition (Acts 17:1-9). And, apparently, the opposition didn’t stop when Paul left. Though the church planting phase might have been over with, the church enduring phase had just begun. In fact, Paul would boast of these believers as he visited other “churches of God,” telling of their “steadfastness and faith” in all their persecutions and in the afflictions that they were enduring.

Their faith was growing abundantly . . . their love for one another was evident increasingly . . . and, day in and day out, they dealt with pressures, trials, testings, and afflictions enduringly. And in that they endured, . . . in that they were able to hold up under the pressure, . . . in that they stood erect despite the oppressive weight on their shoulders . . . in that they were able to bear the continuing assault of their enemies, they were considered worthy.

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring. This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering . . . (2Thessalonians 1:3-5 ESV)

Believing the message of the cross came with a cost for these believers. Receiving Christ as Savior was but asking neighbors to be enemies. Gathering with the saints was inviting the disdain and derision of the multitude. Holding fast to the Word of life was to go against the flow. But they did. Their faith not only sustained them, but it grew abundantly . . . as did their love for each other. And all this was proof . . . all of it evidence. Evidence that they were considered worthy of the kingdom of God.

Not that they were considered worthy because they were special . . . or that they merited God’s calling to faith. Not counted worthy because of who they were or what they were able to do. Not deemed worthy because they were tougher, mentally and physically, than others who might wilt under similar pressure. But their suffering, and ability to stand firm amidst it, was daily evidence of God’s calling upon them to represent the kingdom of God. God had considered them worthy.

They were suffering because God had determined to make them fit for the kingdom. They were enduring amidst the opposition because God had purposed to allow them to know the reality of the strengthening power of the Spirit who lived within them. They could keep on keepin’ on because of God’s intention to daily pour out, without measure, His all sustaining grace.

That they didn’t throw in the towel did not make them worthy of the kingdom . . . that they didn’t throw in the towel was evidence that God, in His sovereign purpose and steadfast love, had considered them worthy of the kingdom. Considered worthy not that they might boast, but considered worthy that, in the day when Christ returns, Christ would be exalted.

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
 (2Thessalonians 1:11-12 ESV)

Not many of us in this part of the world are called to endure for the faith what these brothers and sisters at Thessolonica endured — at least not yet. But there is not one of us who doesn’t know some trial, some testing, some affliction. And that we are able to stand fast amidst these is evidence that we have been considered worthy.

Considered worthy because of grace . . . considered worthy for His glory.

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Worth the Trip

Posted on July 10, 2015 by Pete

Sue and I are wrapping up a wonderful week at the Scott River Lodge. It’s been a great week of relaxation and refueling. Yesterday, along with the seven other couples we’re hanging with this week, we spent the day at the JH Ranch, the lodge’s sister property — a 300+ acre youth camp. Amazing facility. Our reason for going? Odyssey, the ranch’s ropes course.

To be honest, being forty feet off the ground walking on thin wires is not my idea of the ultimate getaway activity. But it was a great opportunity to overcome personal fears . . . to learn to depend on my wife in new way . . . and to learn to work with three other couples in order to “get ‘er done.” For about 90 minutes we worked our way through four different challenges, accomplishing the goal and, more importantly, learning something about ourselves, our relationships, and our God. To be honest again, as we sat around debriefing the experience afterward with all the couples there was a sense of satisfaction and blessing. Knowing how Odyssey ended made it worth the trip.

Something I read this morning in 1Thessalonians reminded me of the same thing. Knowing how this Christian walk ends, makes the journey worth the trip.

Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. (1Thessalonians 4:17-18 ESV)

Paul speaks of two groups of people. “Them” are the “dead in Christ” (v.16) . . . those “who are asleep” (v.13) . . . those who have already walked the walk and have crossed the valley of the shadow of death. The other group are us, “we who are alive.” Those who are currently walking the walk . . . those currently on the ropes course and doing Odyssey together . . . facing the challenges . . . learning about ourselves and how to depend on others and upon our God. And what is true of both groups, “them” and “we who are alive,” is that “we will always be with the Lord.”

A day is coming, perhaps today, when “the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God” (v.16). The dead in Christ will rise and then those who remain will be caught up in the air. Regardless of the transport, resurrected body or airborne body, what will be true is that evermore we will be with Jesus. That’s the finish line for this earthbound segment of our lives. That’s how this phase of life ends . . . with the Lord always.

Sometimes I can get so focused on accomplishing the task. Of just making it across the current challenge. Of making sure my feet don’t slip . . . that I don’t let go of my wife . . . that I don’t fail the group . . . and, in so doing, lose sight of the solid ground that awaits us all. So often it’s about focusing on my fears rather than believing that “tis grace hath brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home” . . . and that I am, in fact, on my way home . . . that unimaginable place Jesus is, even now, preparing for me (John 14:2-3).

Running a race with no end in sight is a treadmill. Lot of output with no progress. But when, by God’s grace, He allows something — like a ropes course experienced in the context of His word — to remind you that every step is part of a journey which culminates in forever being with the Lord, then you know it’s worth the trip.

Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Not home yet. But getting there.

By God’s grace . . . for God’s glory.

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I Will Hear From Heaven

Posted on July 9, 2015 by Pete

Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised that it occurs seven times. Not that I’m big into biblical numerology, but it just seems right that, if seven is the number of perfection and completion in the Scriptures, then one of the most amazing dynamics ordained by God and graced to man should be covenanted between Solomon and God with a seven-fold repetition.

Every time I approach 2Chronicles 6 and 7 there is a sense of stepping on holy ground. The temple Solomon built for God is complete. The promise God made to David concerning the place of His dwelling is fulfilled. All that’s left is for God to take up residence within this earthly dwelling. “But,” asks Solomon, “will God indeed dwell with men on earth?” (6:18). Solomon, in awe, wonders at how a house he has built can house a God who cannot be contained by “heaven and the highest heaven.”

As Solomon beholds the structure he has made for God’s presence, he knows that the glory which will reside in that house will be but a small representation of the glory which overflows the throne of God’s heavenly dwelling place. And so, on his knees before the altar, with hands stretched out toward the skies, Solomon petitions God six times, “Hear from heaven.” And God responds, a seventh time . . . the time of perfection . . . the time of completion, “I will hear from heaven!”

Solomon, knowing God is holy and that man is not, repeatedly paints scenarios of failure due to sin. From sin as an individual to sin as a nation. From sin among those of Israel to the sin of the foreigner. From sin which results in God’s favor withheld concerning the rains for their crops, to sin which demands God’s judgment poured out as they are taken captive by their enemies and exiled to a distant land. And in each of the six scenarios presented, Solomon asks that when God’s people come to their senses, and turn to heaven and cry out for mercy, then God, says Solomon, hear from heaven.

And upon the completion of Solomon’s petition, the glory of God fills the temple, and the grace of God responds through the ages . . .

. . . if My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.    (2Chronicles 7:14 ESV)

That God is able to hear from heaven, while mind-stretching in and of itself, is not the jaw-dropping thing for me this morning. But that God WOULD hear from heaven is what fills me with a fresh sense of amazement. And that God COULD, justly and in perfect holiness, forgive sin . . . and forgive sin . . . and again forgive sin, is what evokes a meditation of wonder and worship.

For under-girding this promise . . . at the foundation of this assurance . . . is the good news that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1Tim. 1:15). That the blood of Jesus, God’s son, cleanses us from all sin (1John 1:7). That because of the blood, we have confidence to enter the holy places (Heb. 10:19), even when we have transgressed, and call out to our God, “Hear from heaven” — not just six times, but as many times as our failure requires it. And when we do, knowing that because of who Christ is and because of what He has accomplished through the cross, we will hear that seventh, perfect and complete response, “I will hear from heaven.”

Oh what mercy! Oh what grace! Oh what a Savior!

To Him be all glory . . . amen?

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I Live When You Stand

Posted on July 8, 2015 by Pete

I think Paul would have failed in some of the schools of modern thought as to how to find and maintain happiness. He would have flunked the class that taught that we can’t be dependent upon anyone else for our own joy and fulfillment. He would have messed up on the essay question which probed at the connection between our well-being and the well-being of others. He would have failed on “Setting Boundaries 101” and crashed and burned in the class on “Keeping Your Emotional Distance in Order to Protect Your Emotional Well-Being.” For Paul, it seems, much of what made life worth the living was tied to the life that others were living.

For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.   (1Thessalonians 3:8 ESV)

If there is any of Paul’s letters where knowing the context makes such a difference in understanding the letter, it’s Paul’s letter to the believers at Thessalonica. The first part of Acts 17 indicates that Paul was afforded three to four weeks to preach the gospel to those in Thessalonica. He was there long enough to have three Sabbath days speaking in the local synagogue reasoning with the Jews “from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ'” (Acts 17:2-3). And while some of them believed, so did “a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women” (17:4). But, incited by the Jews who would not receive the good news, Paul & Co. were run out of town.

Church planted in 3+ weeks. Great! New believers left on their own with but a crash course on the things of the gospel and implications concerning the kingdom. Not so great. Holy Spirit present among the believers? Absolutely. Mature believers in place to “make disciples” and teach them? Not so much.

And so Paul sends a follow up team back to Thessalonica to see how these newborn believers and their newborn church are doing. This first letter then to the Thessalonians, in addition to providing exhortation to these believers to keep on keepin’ on, also provides some pretty interesting insight as to the heart of the apostle as he waited to hear of the health of the church. And within that letter, Paul declares, I live when you stand.

While there is “joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10), Paul was jazzed when that repentant sinner proved to be a firm believer. More than just being jazzed, it would seem Paul’s vitality was dependent upon knowing that those whom he had seen respond to the gospel were then living out the gospel.

Taking Paul at face value . . . assuming he’s not being overly dramatic . . . Paul indicates that his life’s energy was intricately tied to these believer’s life walk. To know that they were standing fast in the Lord . . . that they were persevering in the faith . . . that they were persisting in the freedom that was theirs in Christ . . . that they were pursuing the kingdom of God . . . was, for Paul, to live. Because they were walking the talk, Paul’s spirit was revived . . . his cup overflowing . . . his joy complete.

Seems like kind of a risky anchor to tether your boat to . . . someone else’s walk with the Lord. But such, it seems, is the heart of the shepherd. Such is the risk one takes who cares not only for the souls of men, but for the glory of God. Such is the roller-coaster ride one gets on when he cares not only for “decisions made” but for disciples grown.

Might God increase those within the body of Christ who care, as Paul did, for the spiritual health of others. That more of us within the church would be dropouts of the world’s school of wisdom which says, “You happiness should be dependent upon you and you alone.” That more of us would be like Paul and know a measure of life’s vitality tied to the spiritual well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ. That more of us would say with the beloved apostle, I live when you stand.

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

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A Resting Place

Posted on July 7, 2015 by Pete

Sometimes you just need a resting place. Someplace where the footing is sure and the ground stops shaking. Not necessarily a physical place, but a place of promise . . . a place of assurance . . . a place where, because it is true, everything else can put in context. David knew what it was to experience trial and turmoil. From enemies outside of his house, to enemies within, David had his fair share of trouble . . . his fair share of being on the ropes . . . his fair share of not knowing when, or how, things that were upside down were going to once again be right-side up. But something I read this morning in a song he wrote reminds me that he had a resting place . . . the same resting place I have in Christ.

For though the LORD is high, He regards the lowly, but the haughty He knows from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life; You stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand delivers me. The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of Your hands.   (Psalm 138:6-8 ESV)

Don’t know exactly the trouble David was walking in the midst of . . . not sure which of his enemies was unleashing their wrath upon him . . . but in the midst of it, David pens a song of thanksgiving and praise. David bows down before God’s holy temple and gives thanks for His steadfast love and faithfulness . . . he praises the name which God has exalted above all names. Essentially he puts his earthly circumstance within a heavenly context.

David sings of that day when “all the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD . . . and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD” (138:5). Though he is in a battle right now, David doesn’t lose sight of a future time . . . he looks forward to the day of ultimate triumph. And so, he puts his here-and-now reality within a there-and-then mindset.

And at the heart of it all, because God is who God is, and because God will do what God says he will do, David finds a stability and surety as he touches base again on his resting place . . . “the LORD will fulfill His purpose for me.” And, with feet firmly planted on such solid ground — the promises and purposes of God, David prays according to what he knows to be God’s will concerning that promise, “Do not forsake the work of Your hands.”

I relate. Beyond specific individual trials, the prevailing winds are blowing increasingly against God’s people. Rejection of truth, and opposition to those who say there is a truth, is on the rise. God’s people, generally, are in the midst of trouble. But we know this, the LORD will fulfill His purpose for us . . . and He will not forsake the work of His hands.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)

And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6 ESV)

Sometimes we just need to be reminded of that resting place . . . and then go there. He WILL fulfill His purpose for me.

Not many of us are Davids and are called to what he was called to. But we are all God’s workmanship . . . and we were all created for good works that He has prepared for us to do. And the work of His hands which He has begun in us He has promised to bring to completion.

That’s a resting place . . . that’s solid ground . . . that’s unshakeable footing.

His steadfast love endures forever . . . His Word endures forever . . . His promises endure forever.

All because of grace. All for His glory.

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A Source of Rejoicing

Posted on July 6, 2015 by Pete

In a couple of hours Sue and I head out for a week long couples retreat. Don’t know how consistent I will be able to be with posting this week . . . I’ll try . . . but we’ll see.

This morning, I remember a story a friend once told me of how, when he was a young boy, his mom responded to his complaint about having to go to church. “I’m just doing it out of habit,” he protested to his mom. “Well,” she replied, “at least you’ll be developing a good habit.” I think it’s true of many of us. That at one time we went to gather with God’s people because we knew we should. To not forsake the assembling of ourselves together was commanded in the Word (Heb. 10:24-25), and so we knew we had to. But equally true for many of us, eventually we found ourselves looking forward to Sunday mornings not because we HAD TO go to meeting, but because we GOT TO. As we realized more and more the privilege it was ours to be with God’s people, the anticipation of weekly gathering became just that, an anticipation . . . no longer just an obligation.

As I’m wrapping up 1Chronicles this morning, that same dynamic comes to mind. That point when our tithing is no longer just an act of obedience, but becomes a source of rejoicing.

Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly. (1Chronicles 29:9 ESV)

David’s making final preparation for the building of the temple. Part of that involves installing Solomon as king. And part of that involves gathering materials for the treasury which will be used for the building and financing of the temple. The spoils of war have gone into the treasury. Much of David’s personal wealth has gone into the treasury. And then, David appeals to the people to give to the treasury, “Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the LORD?” (29:5)

Note David’s perspective. To give of one’s material wealth willingly was an act of consecrating oneself freely. Not just an obligation, but an indication. And when they indicated their love for the LORD through the giving of their treasures, it was a source of rejoicing.

I’ve always thought that the Sunday morning offering should be integrated closely with Sunday morning worship. The sacrifice of our lips, our praise, should be fueled when we’ve had opportunity to offer the sacrifice of our wallets. The people rejoiced as they pondered with David . . .

But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from You, and of Your own have we given You . . . O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building You a house for Your holy name comes from Your hand and is all Your own.”   (1Chronicles 29:14, 16).

The very act of giving was a powerful reminder that anything they had to give had all come from God’s gracious hand. That any abundance that was theirs from which to give a portion to the LORD, was but a stewardship entrusted to them by a freely giving God. Far from being an obligation, it was a privilege to participate in the work of the LORD. And so their monetary offering was a source of rejoicing.

O’ that we might be people who give willingly. Who, with a whole heart, offer freely. And in the act of giving, find a source of rejoicing . . . and worship exceedingly.

Another indication of God’s abundant grace . . . another opportunity to live for God’s glory.

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Time Gods

Posted on July 3, 2015 by Pete

It’s a pretty good word picture when you pause to reflect on it. Even more, it’s a pretty formative piece of information if it’s true. And, as I think about it, there seems to be a clear choice to make. Decide whether you will trust in the gods of your own making, and thus become like them or, trust in the God who made you, and become like Him.

The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; they have eyes, but do not see; they have ears, but do not hear, nor is there any breath in their mouths. Those who make them become like them, so do all who trust in them!   (Psalm 135:15-18 ESV)

Psalm 135 is a call to God’s people to praise the LORD. A song written encouraging others to sing. To sing for the LORD is good . . . to sing for the LORD is great . . . to sing for the LORD is above all gods . . . to sing because the LORD is sovereign . . . to sing because the LORD saves . . . to sing because His name endures forever.

And dropped in the middle of this call to worship, is a warning. It’s stupid (forgive me girls for using the “s” word) to give the energies owed to God to things fashioned by our own hands.

They might be made of precious metals. They might exhibit the finest craftsmanship. They might reflect their maker with mouths and eyes and ears carved out with the finest detail. But, at the end of the day, these idols, these gods, are inanimate. Not able to speak . . . not able to see . . . not able to hear. Lifeless. Offering nothing beyond their inert existence. And, so goes the song, “Those who make them become like them, so do all who trust in them!” Those who worship such gods eventually lose their senses . . . their lives become just as lifeless as that which they worship.

Not many in my circles who are silver and gold idol makers . . . don’t know anyone who’s a silver and gold idol worshiper. But I am thinking that the precious material with which we craft our idols is our time. Show me where someone puts in their time and I’ll show you what they are trusting in . . . what they are looking to for self-realization and self-satisfaction. And so often, that which they have created with the material of their time, the “time gods” they’ve made, eventually take over and consumes all their time . . . becoming their highest goal . . . becoming what defines them as people. Those who make “time gods” and trust in “time gods” become like their “time gods.” And, at the end of the day, these “time gods” are just as lifeless and just as inert as silver and gold gods. What’s more, these “time gods” eventually displace the time deserving of the God who made time. The God who gives to each man and woman limited time ends up not getting their time.

So we can trust in the gods of our own making — whether they are made with silver, gold, or our time — and eventually become as lifeless as they are, or, we can trust in the God who made us . . . and sent His Son to redeem us . . . and has given His Spirit to transform us . . . and become like Him who desires to impart His divine nature to us. And in doing that, far from some inert, lifeless existence, we can know life and life to the full. These other idols fashioned by our own hands, those other “time gods,” are thieves come to steal, kill, and destroy. But Jesus came so that we might have life and “have it abundantly” (John 10:10).

God give us wisdom to quit making and worshiping “time gods” . . . and, instead, to desiring, above all else, to make the time to worship the true God.

By His grace . . . for His glory.

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Owning It

Posted on July 2, 2015 by Pete

It kind of comes out of nowhere. You’re reading along in 1Chronicles and David’s riding the wave. Military victory after military victory are recorded from chapters 18 through chapters 20. The chronicler recording twice in chapter 18, “And the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.” No stopping him. On a roll. And then things come to a screeching halt in chapter 21 . . . “Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel” (21:1). And David crashes and burns.

Now numbering Israel, in and of itself, wasn’t wrong if done for the right purpose. In Exodus the LORD tells Moses to take a census and, as part of being counted, each person “shall give a ransom for his life to the LORD when you number them, that there be no plague among them when you number them” (Exodus 30:12). The numbering was for the purpose of collecting an offering for atonement which would be used in the service of the tabernacle. Count the people, collect the offering, service the tabernacle, no plague.

David’s census, however, was for a different purpose. Seems that this king who was dominating the battle field . . . this king who was crushing it . . . that this king just wanted to know how big a number he could boast concerning his military might. David wanted to know just how great David was. He wanted the numbers off the top of his head so he could drop them whenever his ego wanted some feeding. Satan, the adversary, incited David the king to count the people with one of the oldest tricks in the book, pride.

And God calls the man after His own heart (1Sam. 13:14) on it, and strikes Israel according to the word of Moses. You counted . . . no collection . . . therefore consequences.

And here’s what strikes me this morning . . . David owns it.

But God was displeased with this thing, and He struck Israel. And David said to God, “I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing. But now, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.”    (1Chronicles 21:7-8 ESV)

We parade pride. David confessed it as sin. We want to rewrite the rules as seems best to us. David said that by ignoring God’s law and taking matters into his own hands he had acted foolishly. We rejoice in our iniquity, David cries out to the God of redemption, “Take it away!”

And, though consequences were suffered . . . though David’s army was depleted by 70,000 men because of his arrogance (21:14) . . . through it all David casts himself upon God’s mercy. He builds an altar . . . offers sacrifices for atonement . . . calls upon the LORD . . . and LORD answers him. Relationship restored . . . all because David owned it.

And David said to God, “Was it not I who gave command to number the people? It is I who have sinned and done great evil. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand, O LORD my God, be against me and against my fathers house. But do not let the plague be on your people.”    (1Chronicles 21:17 ESV)

And I’m reminded that to refuse to own our sin is to hamstring salvation. That, if there is no “bad news” concerning our transgression, there is no basis for the “good news” of His forgiveness. If there is no guilt for having raised ourselves up to be our own gods, then there is no need for grace to address the price to be paid for our iniquity. If there is no basis for a case against us, then there is no benefit from the cross suffered for us.

We need to own it. I need to own it.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.   (1John 1:8-10 ESV)

Owning my sin . . . confessing my sin . . . knowing my sin will be forgiven by a faithful God because of the once for all sacrifice of His beloved Son.

Owning it. Even that is by God’s grace . . . and for God’s glory.

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