The Mind of Christ

Posted on March 26, 2015 by Pete

Honestly, it’s a dynamic I most often take for granted. A reality that doesn’t evoke the awe it should as frequently as it should. It’s been in play for around 34 years. It’s easy for it to simply become second nature . . . easy to think it’s just me. But, as I read the second chapter of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, I am reminded that each morning I open my Bible I am entering into the “secret and hidden wisdom of God” (1Cor. 2:7). A wisdom decreed by God before the ages, decreed for our glory. A wisdom not revealed through human cognitive capability. But a wisdom understood only through the active agency of the Spirit of God. And so I’m reminded, that only because of the Holy Spirit’s working, I have the mind of Christ.

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him”–these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. . . . no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. . . . we have the mind of Christ. (Excerpts from 1Corinthians 2:9-16 ESV)

What I know about spiritual things I know because God has revealed them. What I comprehend concerning the kingdom of heaven, I understand because God has revealed them. The degree to which I think I get the mystery and profound blessings of the gospel, I get because God has revealed them. And that, He has done through the Spirit of revelation.

The Holy Spirit — third Person of the Trinity — takes the deep things of God and makes them known to men and women. No one, says Paul, comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit, and so He becomes our translator of the heavenly. He is our interpreter of the divine. His is to enable us to “understand the things freely given us by God.”

And so when I open my Bible in the morning . . . as I hover of it . . . observing this, noting that . . . as I ask questions . . . as I find answers . . . as my soul is stirred . . . I am engaged with the Spirit of God. None of this would make sense without Him. In the natural realm, it is at best inert truth and powerless opinion. For those of this world, it is considered foolish, out of date, and irrelevant. But in the Spirit, it is the mind of Christ.

Through the Spirit, I gain understanding. An understanding due not to my IQ. Insight independent of my intellect. But spiritual truths taught by the Spirit. “The Spirit interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual” (2:13).

And I can experience this dynamic, not because of anything I am, or anything I’ve done, or anything I could do, . . . but all because of grace. God having made the way, through the cross, to bring me into relationship with Himself. And part of that fellowship is His gracious determination to reveal His will through His word by His Spirit. Thus, allowing me the mind of Christ.

Like I said, though I most often take it for granted, it’s a dynamic to wonder at . . . a reality to be in awe of. And, even such a reminder, I’m thinking, is of the Spirit.

To God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — be all glory.

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Facedown on Holy Ground

Posted on March 25, 2015 by Pete

This was it. No turning back now. They were going in. They were about to enter the land that God said He would give to them. They were about to go head to head with the peoples of the land. “Be strong and courageous!” That would be the rallying cry. And leading them would be Joshua.

And though Moses, under God’s command, had hand-picked his successor, there was still the matter of preparing the man who would lead God’s people into the promised land. He would need to be lifted up . . . and he would need to be put facedown.

The LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.”
 (Joshua 3:7 ESV)

Time to establish Joshua as God’s chosen man for leading the people into conquest. Moses had led them out of Egypt, Joshua would lead them into Canaan. Moses had delivered them out of the land of bondage, Joshua would deliver them into the land of blessing. And so God says, “I will exalt you.”

And He tells Joshua to instruct Israel to fall in behind the priests carrying the ark and march to the flooded Jordan. He then directs the priests to walk into the Jordan and stand there. And when the soles of the feet of those bearing the ark of “the Lord of all the earth” touch the waters, the Jordan stops flowing (3:11-13). And just as Moses had said to those who walked out of Egypt, “Cross the Red Sea on dry ground,” so Joshua tells those who would walk into the land of promise, “Cross the Jordan on dry ground.” And they did.

On that day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they stood in awe of him just as they had stood in awe of Moses, all the days of his life.
(Joshua 4:14 ESV)

Man of awe established. Check that off the “prepare-the-man” to-do list. Next, ensure the man doesn’t become overly enamored with his own press clippings.

And Joshua encounters a Man standing before him with a drawn sword. The Man identifies Himself as the Commander of the army of the LORD. “Now have I come,” says the Man. Now the people are ready to rumble. And now Joshua — the man like Moses, the man people are in awe of — does what so few leaders do, he goes facedown.

And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to Him, “What does my Lord say to His servant?” And the Commander of the LORDs army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.   (Joshua 5:14b-15 ESV)

And the contrast strikes me. Standing on top of the world one moment, standing on holy ground the next. Lifted up before the people in chapter 4, and then put facedown before the Lord in chapter 5.

Great men of God are men who never lose sight that they are but men of a great God. Great women of God are women who never lose sight they are but women of a great God. They are those who by God’s grace know they are standing on holy ground.

Though they know the task at hand, they never lose sight of the power to accomplish the task. Though they are confident and courageous, it is not because they believe in themselves, but because they believe in the God who has called them. Though they are willing to stand at the front of the line and lead the charge, they are ever mindful that they are but servants of the Commander of the army of the Lord.

Facedown on holy ground. By His grace . . . for His glory.

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Guiltless

Posted on March 24, 2015 by Pete

Started in on 1Corinthians this morning. I’ve read the letter before. I know what’s coming. That this body of believers had its “issues,” is kind of an understatement. That there was a bit of dysfunction in the family becomes evident pretty quickly. If any group of Christians could hang a sign outside their meeting place which said, “Work in Progress,” this is the group. And so, maybe it’s because I know Paul’s about to start working through a laundry list of problems infecting the church at Corinth that a word in his introduction jumps off the page. Despite their failings and their faults, when all was said and done, Paul was confident they would be guiltless.

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in Him in all speech and all knowledge–even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you–so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (1Corinthians 1:4-9 ESV)

General statement . . . we don’t deal well with guilt. Without a way to resolve guilt, it seems to me we have but a couple of options. One is to have it crush us. We own our failure . . . we acknowledge our sin . . . we’re honest about our propensity to do that which we don’t want to do and to not do that which we want to do . . . but we can’t make up for our wrong-doing. We can’t fix ourselves. We can’t make the wrong right. And so our transgression hangs over our head. A constant accusation which fills our minds and burdens our hearts. With no way to deal with the guilt we know we have, it will crush us.

The other alternative, it seems to me, is to refuse guilt at the door. Not because we’ve done nothing wrong, but because we refuse to admit that anything is wrong. We declare guilt as being bad, and therefore redefine anything that causes guilt to be right. We harden ourselves to that which our consciences know to be contrary to righteousness because we will not acknowledge our guilt. And we won’t acknowledge it, because we don’t know what to do with it.

But what if there was a way to deal with guilt? Not refuse it . . . yet not have it crush us? What if another paid the price for our transgressions? What if the righteousness of another was credited to our account . . . despite our fleshly failings? What if God determined to begin a work in us — initiated by faith — a work that He promises to finish (Php. 1:6)? A work to conform us into the image of the Holy Son of God? A work possible because all of our sins — everything for which we should justifiably be declared guilty, past, present, and future — is covered by the blood of the sacrifice of the risen Lamb of God?

Paul thanked God for the grace given, in Christ Jesus, to the believers at Corinth . . . despite knowing their issues. The evidence of His powerful working in their midst was clear . . . even though they had problems. He had no doubt they had been called into the fellowship of God’s Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, even though their dysfunction reared its ugly head repeatedly. But in all this, He knew that God would sustain them to the end, until the coming of Christ. And in that day, they would be presented guiltless.

Guiltless not because they had lived perfect lives . . . not because they had never blown it . . . not because there were never any consequences for their sin . . . but because “the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1John 1:7). Not because there was no reason to feel guilt or be declared guilty, but because He took the charge upon Himself and dealt with the guilt — by His wounds we are healed (Isa 53:5). And when we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1John 1:9) . . . and deal with the guilt . . . thus able to present us guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless stand before the throne.                 ~ Cornerstone, Hillsong

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The Obedience of Faith

Posted on March 23, 2015 by Pete

Yesterday was a pretty big deal at Lake Tapps Community Church, or as my friend Garry says, at L-T-double-C. First ever in-house baptisms. Four young people confessing Christ as Savior. The testimonies were enough to bring many to tears. The energy in the room was certainly the Spirit . . . the activity in our portable baptistry all because of grace. And something I read in the last chapter of Romans captured it all. It was a display of “the obedience of faith.”

As part of yesterday’s service we preached and taught on baptism. What baptism is . . . why baptism is important. The importance of baptism as a means of publicly and physically confessing an inward and spiritual reality. Confessing that Jesus is Savior and Lord. That because of faith we were baptized by the Spirit into the Body of Christ and now identify with all believers comprising the Church. That by the power of the gospel we have been crucified with Christ — the wages of sin paid in full; that we have been buried with Christ — the old man of the flesh put to death; and, that we have been raised with Christ — new creations in Christ, all things new!

We talked about the importance of baptism as being formative in a Christian’s life. For many it being among the first public declarations of faith. For many, it being among the first fearful, “out of my comfort zone,” acts of boldness evidencing the lordship of Christ in a believer’s life. For many, among their first acts of obedience.

And that, we said, was perhaps the most important reason to be baptized — because our Savior commanded it. Commanded in the gospels . . . practiced in the Acts . . . assumed to part of a believers normal experience throughout the epistles. Baptism being a matter of obedience.

But not something to be obeyed in order to bring life . . . but an obedience that springs from life. The obedience Moses commanded in Deuteronomy (28:1-6, 30:16-20) was obedience that would RESULT in blessing and life. But the obedience we witnessed yesterday was the obedience of faith. Obedience born out of grace. Obedience BECAUSE of abundant blessing, and new life. Baptism being not a requirement for salvation but a response.

And as I reflect on yesterday, and hover over these final verses of Paul’s letter to the Romans, I am filled with awe. In awe at the depths of the love of God to seek those who had turned their backs on Him. In awe that He would send His Son to pay the price for their sin. In awe that He would engage the Holy Spirit to woo lost sheep to the Shepherd. In awe that He would impart to those who believe, the life and righteousness of the risen King of Glory.

In wonder, that He would then institute a simple ordinance to declare it all through the word of testimony and an act of immersion. Amazing! . . . the obedience of faith.

Now to Him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith — to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.   (Romans 16:25-27 ESV)

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As Christ Has Welcomed You

Posted on March 20, 2015 by Pete

Only one word. One word given a different English translation among major Bible versions. But this morning, the difference made a difference. The difference had an impact. The difference evoked awe . . . sparked thanksgiving . . . was a catalyst for worship. Only one word.

Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God. (Romans 15:7 NKJV)

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.   (Romans 15:7 NIV)

Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Romans 15:7 EV)

I was struck by the thought that I have been “welcomed” by Christ. And wondered why I don’t recall this idea of being welcomed before. And it’s because I grew up on a different version. And in that version of the Bible I was “received.”

According to my online lexicon, the Greek word translated as received, or accepted, or welcomed can have the following nuances of meaning: to take as ones companion; to take by the hand in order to lead aside; to take or receive into ones home, with the collateral idea of kindness; to receive, i.e. grant one access to ones heart; to take into friendship. It’s a combo word . . . “to take” and “near”. So each of the translations have it right. But, and I’m no Greek scholar, I’m kind of liking the ESV translation.

That I have been accepted into relationship by the holy Son of God is jaw-dropping. That I have been received into fellowship by Him who made all things, and without Him nothing was made, is very much awe-inspiring. But there’s something about being welcomed, at least for me, that kind of takes the idea to a next level.

I’m received because of the finished work of Christ. The price paid that the chasm caused by sin might be bridged. No longer separated or alienated. Instead, because my sin was laid upon Him, I can be brought into His presence. I’m accepted because of the perfect life of Christ. His righteousness credited to my account. His life infused into mine through the Holy Spirit. All working such that He is not ashamed to call me His brother (Heb. 2:11).

But to be welcomed . . . beyond the implications of these wondrous spiritual transactions — my sin upon Him, His righteousness upon me — stirs me to think that my acceptance and reception are something that Jesus greatly desires. The Christ welcomes me into relationship . . . He wants me to fellowship . . . the door is opened and the Lord of the Church delights to come in and eat.

. . . looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.   (Hebrews 12:2 ESV)

I’m wondering if part of that joy was Christ’s anticipation of welcoming His children. Of taking us as His companion . . . of laying hold of our hand that He might lead us by His side . . . of wanting us in His house that He might show us unmerited kindness . . . so that He might allow us access to His heart . . . so that He might call us friend.

Oh to be welcomed by the King.

What wondrous grace . . . to Him be eternal glory.

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A Decision

Posted on March 19, 2015 by Pete

Romans 14 has got to be one of the most challenging passages in all of Scripture. It sets the bar high . . . really high. And not with specific “to dos” or “to don’ts,” but with principles for doing life together as God’s people.

Principled living is not lazy living. Tell me what to do and what not to do and I can go on autopilot. But, tell me that what I do, or don’t do, “depends” . . . that’s gonna take a bit of mental engagement. And I’m thinking that’s what Romans 14 is about. And it’s all founded on a simple, yet profound decision . . .

Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died.   (Romans 14:13-15 ESV)

To eat or not to eat . . . that seems to have been the question (14:2). To observe the day or not observe the day . . . that was another question (14:5). Would have been so much easier to just answer the questions. Don’t eat this . . . observe that. Or, eat this . . . don’t observe that. Simple. But not the way of the kingdom.

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.   (Romans 14:17 ESV)

What promotes righteousness, peace, and joy? What hinders it? What contributes to “mutual upbuilding” (14:19b)? What destroys the work of God and makes someone stumble (14:20)? It depends. And that’s what makes it so hard. And that’s why, before God, we need to make a decision.

I don’t think we get to decide on what constitutes a valid stumbling block and what doesn’t. Instead, ours is to decide not to put a stumbling bock in the way of a brother. And I don’t think we get to decide how much deference in a matter is enough. But we need to decide NEVER to put a stumbling block in the way of a sister. It’s not left to us to determine if their “weakness” is justified or not. But ours is to, with holy determination empowered by the Holy Spirit, not to do anything that causes our brother or sister in the Lord to stumble (14:21).

And I can hear the concern, “We can’t live our lives after the whim of every supposed “stumbling block” out there!” True . . . but even that takes some discernment, some mental engagement. Despite the danger of a “weaker brother” making everything he doesn’t like a “stumbling block” for him, ours, I think, is still to consider what we might be asked to do to build up such a brother. Perhaps the stumbling block is dealt with by some patient instruction or gentle admonition.

Regardless, if I’m reading Romans 14 right, we need to make a decision. And that decision doesn’t leave much room for thoughtless autopilot when it comes to doing community with blood-bought brothers and sisters.

That’s hard stuff. But that’s walking in love. That’s principled living. That’s kingdom living.

And that’s by the grace of God . . . for the glory of God. Amen?

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The Place

Posted on March 18, 2015 by Pete

I don’t think its name had been revealed to Moses. Nor its location. Not even directions as to how to get there. But that Moses knew it would exist, and that it would be central to the lives of those delivered from Egypt, is so clear in Deuteronomy. As I continued my reading in this fifth book of Moses, the phrase jumped off the page and I remembered that I had read it a few times in this book. Over 20 times, in fact. And I’m reminded this morning how important to God is THE PLACE.

When you come into the land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance and have taken possession of it and live in it, you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from your land that the LORD your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket, and you shall go to the place that the LORD your God will choose, to make His name to dwell there.
(Deuteronomy 26:1-2 ESV)

“The place that the LORD your God will choose, to make His name to dwell there.”

It would be the place, chosen out of all the tribes, where God would make His habitation. The place God’s people were to seek (12:5). It was to be the place associated with obedience and blessing. The place where they were to bring their offerings and sacrifices. The place where they would celebrate the goodness of God and make atonement for everything that tarnished that goodness. The place where they would remember the Passover and celebrate other feasts of remembrance. The place where they would fulfill their vows. The place where their priests would reside. It was to be the place where God would choose to make His name dwell there.

And as I consider the place, the question Solomon asked at the dedication of the temple he built comes to mind: “But will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You” (2Chron. 6:18). Evidently, Moses thought so.

The place where God would dwell. The place where the people of God would go. The place where the glory of God would be manifest.

And you know that, as I consider this ancient place, I can’t help but think of it’s “modern” equivalent. I’m not thinking of the building down the street with the cross on it. But the people who enter that building Sunday after Sunday. The people who go to that place that they might be THE PLACE.

The people who are joined together and made to be “a holy temple in the Lord” . . . a people built together that they might become “a dwelling place for God by the Spirit” (Eph. 2:21-22). Those chosen to be living stones, and pieced together so that they might be THE PLACE. A spiritual house . . . a holy priesthood . . . offering “spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1Peter 2:5).

Will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? Yup! In THE PLACE He has chosen to make His name to dwell there.

What awesome privilege . . . what amazing grace . . . that sinners saved by the blood of God’s own Son should be THE PLACE.

To Him be glory in and through the church . . . now and forever more . . . amen.

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The Barabbas Ploy

Posted on March 17, 2015 by Pete

I’m thinking that Pilate was pretty pleased with himself when he paired Jesus with Barabbas. What the chief priests were doing defied logic and reason. The depths of their hatred for the man Jesus was so disproportionate to anything the Man had done. If half of what had been reported concerning the miracles of Jesus was true, why the Jews were so up in arms was beyond any rational thinking. If the nature of Jesus’ teaching was even close to what Pilate had heard, it was no wonder that many who heard it walked away amazed. In fact, even Pilate’s short encounter with Jesus — his interview with Him, the way Jesus refused to engage His accusers — was enough to leave the governor “greatly amazed” (Matt. 27:11-14).

So what to do? Pilate knew Jesus had done nothing that merited any judicial involvement of Rome. He also knew that it was “out of envy” that the religious leaders had delivered Jesus up to him. What’s more, the words of his wife echoed through Pilate’s head, “Have nothing to do with that righteous Man” (27:18-19). He needed a way to get out of this situation without shedding innocent blood. He needed to get the Jews to drop their charges. He needed to back them into a corner such that basic reason itself would compel them to concede to Jesus’ release. Bring in Barabbas.

Barabbas, a “notorious prisoner” (27:16) . . . a robber (John 18:40) . . . an insurrectionist and murderer (Luke 23:18-19). Put Jesus next to this man and put it to the crowd to pick one to receive clemency and, so thought Pilate, their choice would be obvious. No matter how blind their jealousy had made them, Pilate was sure they would release Jesus when He was presented alongside Barabbas to them. It was a no-brainer. Who do you want walking the streets? The carpenter or the killer?

But Pilate made a critical error. While he thought he had tipped the scales in Jesus’ favor by presenting Barabbas as the alternative, he ended up making it a non-choice for Jesus’ enemies in the way he presented them.

So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”   (Matthew 27:17 ESV)

There it was. Game, set, match against Jesus. Call Him “Jesus the carpenter” . . . refer to Him as “Jesus the teacher” . . . maybe even honor Him as “Rabbi.” But I imagine that, when Pilate presented their choice as Barabbas the murderous-robber vs. Jesus the promised Messiah, it was like throwing gas on a fire. And the rage exploded among the religious leaders. This Man would not be their Messiah! This Man was counter the king they would serve! This Man, despite all that He had done and all that He had taught, would not receive any assent from them that He was of God!

Any chance Pilate might of had of making the Barabbas ploy work to his desired outcome was doomed when he uttered those words, “Jesus who is called Christ.”

But that was the issue. It’s still the issue. “Who do people say that I am?” (Mark 8:27). It becomes the deal breaker.

In God’s divine providence, He ensured that a Roman governor would make clear the nature of every person’s decision. “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” (27:22).

And when people determine to reject Jesus as the promised King, as God’s gracious Deliverer, then people will choose anything . . . even murderous, seditious thieves.

But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.   (John 1:12-13 ESV)

I pick Jesus, Jesus the Messiah. Jesus the Son of God . . . Jesus the Savior . . . Jesus the Name above all Names.

Because of grace . . . for God’s glory.

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Of Sea and Soul

Posted on March 16, 2015 by Pete

“Come and see,” says the psalmist in the sixty-sixth psalm. And then, in the same song, he invites his audience to “Come and hear.” Some things you behold . . . other things you are “be-told.”

But what’s grabbed me in this song this morning, are the two realms in which God’s glory are evident. One, the physical realm, the evidence of which is there for the seeing. The other, the spiritual realm, evident to those whose inner being has been touched, and only known by others who have ears to hear the word of testimony. Both are spheres in which God works mightily. Both are spheres where the glory of God is evidence. He is the God of sea and soul.

Come and see what God has done: He is awesome in His deeds toward the children of man. He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot. There did we rejoice in Him, . . . Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what He has done for my soul.   (Psalm 66:5-6, 16 ESV)

It’s a psalm of praise. Calling for those who read it, or sing it, to “shout for joy to God” . . . to “sing the glory of His name” . . . to “give to Him glorious praise” (v. 1-2).

And the fuel which fires the furnace of worship? “Say to God, ‘How awesome are Your deeds!'” (v.3a).

And so, the songwriter says, come and see the awesome deeds God has done. Look at the nation around you and remember His great deliverance. Pause and cast a glance toward “the children of man” inhabiting the land promised to their fathers. And when you do, remember the sea. Consider the power of God as evidenced when water gave way to dry land. When an impassible barrier was wondrously displaced so that God might deliver His chosen inheritance. Look into the faces of your neighbors, remember God’s great deliverance, and see again the physical evidence of our God’s great workings. Know afresh the might of Him who rules forever — of Him whose “eyes keep watch on the nations” (v.7). Come and see the awesome deeds of God.

And to consider the God we know working so mightily on a such a big stage is probably to be expected. Could not the God of creation — and the God who is the Sustainer of creation — could not such a great God displace some water should He choose? That Almighty God would display His power in such awesome ways, while jaw-dropping, is probably a logical expectation.

But if my jaw drops when I come and see again His might in making dry land where there was once a great sea, my whole being drops to the ground when I come and hear of the same God working in the souls of men and women.

“Come and hear,” sings the songwriter, “and I will tell you what He has done for my soul.” Unreal!

Think about it. The great and awesome God who keeps watch over the nations also determines to go “undercover” and work within the souls of individual people. The power that divided a sea, also works to save a soul . . . and set apart a soul . . . and shepherd a soul . . . and sustain a soul. The God who watches over the universe, also attends the voice of our prayer (v. 19). The God who works great works in the physical realm, works equally great works in the spiritual realm . . . soul by soul. Awesome are His deeds!

Bless the Lord, o my soul . . . for the God of sea and soul.

To Him be all glory . . .

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Awesome!

Posted on March 13, 2015 by Pete

Honestly, it would have been awesome . . . and I try not to use that word very much, trying to reserve it for that which is truly . . . well, awesome! But it would have been. Had Jesus, on the night His betrayer showed up with that crowd of men carrying clubs and swords to seize Him, had He called to His Father to send legions of angels to deliver Him, it would have been awesome.

Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him. And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”   (Matthew 26:50b -54 ESV)

Imagine it. Out of nowhere . . . BAM!!! . . . twelve legions of angels. A legion for everyone of them, Jesus and the eleven disciples who still stood with Him . . . sorry Judas, you’re on your own! If we’re thinking Roman legion, then we’re thinking over 6,000 per angel band . . . more than 72,000 angels descend from nowhere ready to protect the Son of God. And we’re not talking about 72,000 baby angels in diapers with little wings floating about playing harps. We’re talking warrior angels . . . the type of angels that, when you see just one, you are facedown in fear . . . the type of angels that Elisha saw flanking Israel’s enemies “full of horses and chariots of fire” (2Kings 6:17) . . . the type of angels that engage the forces of darkness and win. Like I said, it would have been awesome!

Had Jesus any thought of being rescued from the murderous horde, He had no need of Peter’s puny sword (Peter was the sword-bearer, see John 18:10). Had the Lamb of God any thought of avoiding the altar of sacrifice, hand to hand combat would not have been necessary. Had God’s Only Son not wanted to be forsaken of His Father as He hung on a cross bearing the wrath for my sin, He only needed to call on His heavenly army. Had Jesus purposed to have the cup pass from Him, instead of praying, “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matt. 26:39), He would have instead cried, “Father, get me out of here!”

“But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”

With a whisper to the throne of heaven, Psalm 22 would be struck from Holy Writ. But, so would Isaiah 53.

Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His stripes we are healed.   (Isaiah 53:4-5 ESV)

Jesus didn’t call upon twelve legions of angels. In fact, He told Peter to put away the sword. So that the Scriptures would be fulfilled.

Messiah, the Holy Son of God, would subject Himself to the abusive hands of arrogant, sin-blinded men. The Lion of the tribe of Judah came as the spotless Lamb of God and would willingly ascend the altar of sacrifice. He who knew no sin would become sin for us . . . so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (2Cor. 5:21).

And that’s truly awesome!

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

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