Partners

Posted on November 26, 2013 by Pete

He was on the island called Patmos. Not on vacation but in exile. Not because he purchased an all-inclusive package at some resort but because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. Not because he had bought a ticket but because he had been banished as a criminal. But though his circumstance as he was given the Revelation of Jesus Christ was very different than mine, I hear him, through the inspired word of God, call me his partner.

I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
(Revelation 1:9-10a ESV)

The way I read this, John identifies three realities he is experiencing “in Christ” as he does life on Patmos . . . the tribulation . . . the kingdom . . . and the patient endurance. And in these, he acknowledges he is not alone . . . but that he is a companion of others who know the same realities “in Christ.” And that’s the hook for me.

I know John wrote TO a specific audience at that time, but I also know that he wrote FOR those who would also be “in Christ” for all time. So while John’s words might not be specifically to TO me they are FOR me . . . and to that degree, we’re partners. Partners in Christ.

Now I’m all in when it comes to being blessed in Christ . . . and seated together with Him in heavenly places, in Christ . . . and shown the immeasurable riches of His grace, in Christ (check out Ephesians 1). But being a co-participant in the tribulation that is in Christ? Yeah . . . that too . . . we’re partners.

I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. — Jesus    (John 16:33 ESV)

While I am in Christ . . . I am in also in the world . . . and in the world, stuff happens. Not just the “natural” stuff . . . the trials of health gone bad, or tragedy come by surprise . . . but also the spiritual stuff . . . a world system at odds with our calling . . . a world ruler at war with our Master. And so we are partners with those who know the tribulation that is in Jesus. To be sure, the price I pay is not to be compared with what others suffer for the name of Christ. But I shouldn’t be surprised if I don’t quite fit in . . . if I’m not quite understood . . . if I’m not really accepted . . .  if I feel like I’m living a bit on an island because of the world’s hostility towards Christ. Partners.

Partners in tribulation because I am also a partner in the possession and pursuit of another kingdom. Living as though in a foreign land . . . living as though in a temporary dwelling . . . looking forward to “the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God” (Heb. 11:10). Seeking first the kingdom of God . . . desiring more the prize of a future reality than the supposed success of this reality. In Christ, I’m part of the kingdom of heaven . . . experiencing it by faith today . . . looking forward to entering into fully on that day.

And,in that we pursue the kingdom that is ours in Christ, . . . and in that we experience the associated tribulations that are ours in Christ, . . . we also realize the patient endurance that becomes ours in Christ. It is an endurance enabled by minds set on things above . . . a steadfastness fueled by the power of the Spirit within. It is a hopeful constancy built upon the promises of God . . . a persistent perseverance known because of the abiding presence of God. And so, we’re partners.

Partners in Christ . . . by His grace . . . for His glory.

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Him Who Loves Us

Posted on November 25, 2013 by Pete

I get that some might avoid the Revelation because it can be pretty hard to wade through. But this morning, as I start in on this final part of my reading plan, I’m thinking that the journey is worth it if only for the opening chapter of this book. While the majority of what was given to John to record are visions of unseen realities that stretch the limits of human description, there are some parts of the letter that are crystal clear . . . among them, these opening verses I’ve just finished reading. Oh, how the heart is stirred as I read of Him who loves us.

John, to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.    (Revelation 1:4-6 ESV)

For whatever difficulties in interpretation lie ahead in trying to understand this book, at this point, here’s what’s beyond second guessing . . .

A grace has been poured out from the very portals of heaven which allows defiled sinners on earth to know a peace and rest with the triune holy God of heaven. This grace is sourced from the God of eternity, He who is, has always been, and will ever be. It is a grace which flows through the all-knowing, ever-present, perfect Spirit of God . . . a grace realized through the Faithful Witness, the conqueror of death, the One who will one day rule over all the earth. It is grace which, by its very nature, is poured out not because it is earned or deserve . . . but flows abundant only because of Him who loves us.

Because of His great love for us, He freed us from our sins by His blood. The King of Heaven took on the flesh of man that He might be presented as the Lamb of God to offer His life as an atoning sacrifice for our rebellion and transgression. He who knew no sin . . . became sin for us. He who was rich . . . became poor of our sake. He who ordained that life would be in the blood, poured out His own blood that we might be released from sin’s tyranny.

Because of His great love for us He enlisted us in His kingdom . . . ordaining us as priests to His God and Father. Those who were once enemies of God have been made into a royal priesthood . . . a people of His own calling . . . witnesses after the Faithful Witness . . . in order that we might proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness and into marvelous light (1Peter 2:9).

A grace that pours out holy blood . . . a grace that purchases from slavery . . . a grace that produces a holy priesthood out of ordinary people . . . all because of Him who loves us.

To fathom the depths of the love of God toward us in Jesus Christ is impossible. It’s breadth and length and height and depth surpasses knowledge (Eph. 3:18-19). But, while it can’t be fully known, it should be fully entered into. Though we may never reach the depths of full understanding, we should, nevertheless, dive deep . . . and meditate long . . . and consider earnestly . . . Him who love us.

. . . to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

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To Him Who Is Able

Posted on November 22, 2013 by Pete

We have a pretty amazing men’s group at our fellowship. Probably one of the things that surprises me the most is the degree of candor that exists within this group of men. Not that we get all touchy-feely . . . but that there is just a willingness to be open and to talk about things that . . . well, quite frankly, would be just as easy not to talk about and leave in the basement of the past or bury in the benign things of the present. Interestingly, one of the residual effects, for some, of hearing these stories of guys having gone through a tempest . . . of those who have, admittedly by God’s grace, come out of the other side of the storm . . . is a kind of fear. It’s a fear that wonders, “If I were to find myself in the same situation, would I prevail as well? Would I stand the test as they did? Or would I falter, and thus dishonor the Name of the One who saved me?” And I get the question . . . I can relate to the uncertainty . . . you don’t really know how you’ll respond in a situation until you’re there.

But this morning, wrapping up the tiny letter of Jude, there’s a promise that alleviates the fear . . . a word that eases the worry. And it really isn’t about whether or not we think we’ll be able to run any gauntlet that life throws our way . . . instead it’s all about Him who is able.

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.    Jude 24-25

True statement . . . we don’t know what tomorrow (or even today) holds. Equally true statement . . . He is able to keep us from stumbling.

The fear of the trial is that somehow it might cause us to question our faith . . . that questioning might lead to unbelief . . . that unbelief would result in disobedience . . . that disobedience would end in a failure to uphold the Name or, in a falling away from the pursuit of the kingdom. But the Spirit, through Jude, assures the child of God that our God is able to keep us from stumbling.

The stories we hear around that men’s table . . . the testimonies we hear at our men’s breakfast . . . so often testify of a grace that kicks in . . . of a presence known as clearly as it has ever been known . . . of an abiding strength that keeps men keepin’ on. The stories tell of the fulfillment of the promise . . . He is able to keep you from stumbling.

Enough are the cares for the day . . . I don’t need to worry about what lies around the corner or if I’ll be able to stand firm amidst it . . . He is able. This morning I enter the fray fully convinced of His saving power . . . His all sufficient grace . . . and His sanctifying presence. I don’t need to spend time wondering if something’s going to come up that causes my faith to falter . . . for He is able. I can look back on the altars built along the way, recalling His presence in past storms, remembering His strength in previous times of weakness, reflecting on the renewal of the inner man when my outer world was faltering . . . and I know He is able.

We have not been given a spirit of fear (2Tim. 1:7) . . . instead, we have been given a promise. He who begun the work will complete the work . . . He who called us will deliver us . . . He who cleansed us will present us before Himself spotless. Not because of who we are, but because of who He is . . . not because of what we’ll do, but because of what He has done . . . not because we are able . . . but because He is able.

. . . to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen?

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Love One Another

Posted on November 21, 2013 by Pete

I’m not really one for “cool Christian t-shirts.” Not judging anyone who likes to wear “God puts the AWE in awesome” on their chest . . . not saying anything about those who sport a big flexed bicep on their back for “God’s Gym” . . . it’s just not me. Though I do recall once having a t-shirt with a couple of empty high top runners on it . . . smoke kind of rising from them . . . a couple of feet in the top of the picture, having been sucked out of the runners, obviously on their way up to somewhere . . . with the caption, “In the twinkling of an eye . . . 1Cor. 15:52 ” Ok, so maybe I might wear a t-shirt if it was cool like that. But normally, that’s not my preferred method of declaring my allegiance to Christ. This morning I’m reminded of another way to witness . . . another means of declaring I’m His . . . .another way of letting people know I’m a follower of Christ.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”   – Jesus       (John 13:34-35)

I love the church . . . not some building . . . but the assembly of God’s people. While God, in His grace, used a friend and the Word to save me, it was being welcomed into a small gathering of believers that, in many ways, sealed the deal. Though I was first grabbed by the simplicity of sitting around the Lord’s table to enjoy the Lord’s supper together . . . though the text on the wall, “Be Still and Know that I am God,” seemed to penetrate my being and invite me into a place I knew little about . . . it was the authentic care and love of the people around the table that would evidence for me that this new found faith was real. Not any who were necessarily “wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth” (1Cor. 1:26) . . . but people who really seemed to love the Lord and to love another.

Before I left for college, brother Bob invited me over to his place for a chat. While I vaguely recall some of what was said in his office, the one thing that rings as clear today as the day I heard it . . . the words I’m still able to quote from that conversation with that man of God some 35 years later . . . the exhortation that continues to ring like a clarion bell for me was, “Pete, love the people of God.”

A new commandment I give to you, that you love another.

The body of believers I now gather with take the banner, “A Family Growing Together” . . . and we are. Now I know that some come from such a dysfunctional upbringing that the idea of a family is far from an inviting idea . . . but the concept of a family should bring to mind a safe place . . . a place where there is acceptance . . . a place to grow through nurturing . . . a place to go when you’re feeling a bit beat up and just need a hug. And there’s something about a group of people who are not blood-relatives loving one another as though they were that causes others to take note.

All people will know you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

The love of believers one for another . . . the reality of the family of God behaving like a family . . . what a powerful witness to a lost world.

Let us heed the call. Let us so love the people of God that outsiders will know we’re followers . . . not because of the clothes we wear, but because of the way we care.

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

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Fuel Still in the Fire!

Posted on November 20, 2013 by Pete

Some slightly re-worked thoughts from 2008 . . . still my desire . . .

As I encounter the last few chapters of Daniel chapters I’m reminded that they are written by someone who is “getting up there” in age. Beyond the visions he saw . . . and the prophetic truth he received . . . I’m kind of in awe of the passion that Daniel still exhibits during his “twilight season” of life. To quote an old southern gospel singer, “Just ’cause thar’s snow on the roof don’t mean thar ain’t still fuel in the fire!”

Based on a little bit of fact finding, it seems the timing of Daniel 9 is about a year before the Persian king Cyrus permits the Jews to return from exile . . . so it’s 69 years after Daniel was taken into captivity. Now Daniel was a young man (Daniel 1:4) when he was brought to Babylon . . . let’s say between 15 and 20 years old . . . so that puts him in his mid to late 80’s when we find him studying the prophecy of Jeremiah in chapter 9.

Ok . . . so he had a pretty consistent devotional life . . . that’s good.

Yeah . . . but it goes a lot deeper then just a life-long habit of reading his Bible every morning. As he understands the implications of Jeremiah’s prophesied “70 years” he is stirred to pray. And as you read his prayer in chapter 9 you just pick up on the depth of his pursuit of God . . . and his passion for God’s people . . . and his persistence to see the glory of God manifest.

No sense that Daniel has coasted into retirement. No indicator that the “old, old, story” has somehow become “old hat.” Nothing that would show that after so many years of being in this foreign land that he has lost his edge for the things of God. Complacency setting in? If anything, the sense is that as he has grown older his energy for God’s will to be done is peaking.

When he prays he sets his face toward God . . . he stops eating as he seeks to be filled from food from heaven alone . . . he dresses in sackcloth and ashes as he humbles himself . . . identifying himself with sins of his people. He extols the greatness of God . . . and he confesses the iniquity of God’s people. He cries out to God, “O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O, Lord pay attention and act!” (Daniel 9:19) with earnestness as he casts himself upon the grace of God: “For we do not present our pleas before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercy.” (Daniel 9:18)

And, even as an “old dude”, this faithful man of God moves heaven to action. While he’s praying the archangel Gabriel comes to him, “At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out and I have come.” (Daniel 9:23) In chapter 10 we find Daniel again in the midst of a 3 week fast as he mourns for the his people and seeks his God. And again it moves heaven to send a messenger who needs to do battle with demonic forces in order to reach him. How bad does heaven want to connect with Daniel? Pretty bad. Why? Because of the degree to which this aging, successful politician, has determined to connect with heaven.

And I can’t help but want to be like Daniel. To be marked by a lifetime of passionately pursuing the things of God. To running with just as much desire — though it may not be with just as much strength — at the end of the race as I was at the beginning. To know the reality of His mercies being new every morning . . . morning after morning . . . year after year. To still be seeking Him in His word after decades . . . and still finding Him . . . and still being jazzed by His awesome Person and work. To still have the faith of a child . . . and the experience of a lifetime that attests to His faithfulness. As I get older . . . and the return of Christ gets closer . . . may it fuel the fire of passion for my King.

O’ to be like Daniel . . . and like Paul . . . to be able, by the grace of God, to say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2Tim. 4:7)

Not just to have run long, but to have run hard . . . with zeal . . . with excitement . . . with passion . . . with fuel still in the fire . . . for the glory of God . . .

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Present in the Pillar

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Pete

Sometimes I’m surprised by the verses that surprise me. Things that I know to be true somehow blind-side me when I come across them referred to in a certain manner in Scripture. Such was the case this morning as I read in Jude. I know about the Trinity . . . I know that in the beginning was God, the One who said, “Let US make man in OUR image” . . . that Father, Son, and Spirit are inseparable though spoken of as three distinct persons . . . that the Three are One. But as read the fifth verse of Jude’s letter I was taken aback a bit as I was reminded that Jesus was present in the pillar.

Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.   (Jude 3-5 ESV)

Jude writes to contend for the faith. Among the flock of God’s people, there were wolves of error who were perverting grace and denying the deity of Christ. And so Jude reminds them, though they knew it, . . . like me . . . that Jesus saved a people out of Egypt and judged those who stood in opposition. And that’s what caught me this morning . . . Jesus saved a people out of Egypt.

Now other translations say “the Lord” delivered His people. Apparently there is ancient manuscript evidence for using “Jesus” . . . but beyond that, in the context of verse 4, where Jesus Christ is identified as Lord, it fits. Regardless, I know that it is true. Where God was present in the Old Testament, He was present in the fullness of His triune nature. When Moses was commissioned before the burning bush on the mount, he stood on holy ground before the glory of God’s triune presence . . . Jesus was there. When God closed the Red Sea upon the enemies of His people, He did so in fullness of His triune power . . . Jesus was there. And when He guided them after they had been released out of bondage via the cloud by day and fire by night, He did so as the triune pillar . . . Jesus being there . . . present in the pillar.

And beyond that, Jesus was there . . .

I want you to know, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.    (1Corinthians 10:1-4 ESV)

And I realize how prone I am to placing Jesus in the context of time, as in, Jesus came into this earth some 2,000 years ago as a babe in the manger. He did, but it’s not like that was His first encounter or interaction with this world. He made the world . . . He has been active since the beginning of time . . . and He will bring an end to time. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and End (Rev. 1:8). I fear that sometimes I so focus on His humanity . . . the depths He went to in order to identify with His creation that He might become our faithful High Priest . . . that I lose sight of His deity . . . and the awe that goes with it.

God, fully God, that’s my Savior! The same, yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). That’s my Lord!

Now to Him who was present in the pillar of those led out of Egypt . . . and is present today in those who are in pursuit of their heavenly home . . . to Him be all glory and praise!

Amen?

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Don’t Want to Come Up Short

Posted on November 18, 2013 by Pete

You get the sense that he should have known better.  He knew of the humbling of the great Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon . . . it had become legendary.  The arrogant king who had deemed himself a god had been humbled under the mighty hand of the Most High God.  He had been reduced to grazing with the beasts of the field that he might come to senses and acknowledge that it is the King of Heaven who rules the kingdoms of men.  And, because of that . . . because it had been known in the palace and through the royal courts for years . . . Nebuchadnezzar’s successor, Belshazzar, should have known better.  Instead, he had been weighed on the scales and had come up short (Daniel 5:27).

It had started out as just a “small” gathering of the king and a thousand of his closest friends.  Soon the wine was flowing freely, the talk was getting pretty big, and the bravado turned reckless.  “Given the greatness of who I am,” thinks the king, “I deserve better vessels than these from which to drink.  Bring me the vessels of gold and silver made for a god . . . bring me the treasures of the Jerusalem temple that I might pickle my brain in a manner fitting one of my stature!  Let us praise the gods of gold and silver!”

At the moment, if Belshazzar had cared to think about it, he could have looked behind himself and seen “the line” . . . and realized that he had stepped way over it.

Disembodied fingers of a human hand appear . . . divine graffiti is written on the wall . . . the kings face goes white . . . the joints of his limbs give way . . . his knees knock (Daniel 5:5-6).  Oh, oh . . . this isn’t good.  He had known better . . . he had been weighed in the balance . . . and he had come up short.

The indictment?

. . . And you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, . . . but you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven. . . . . you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know, but the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not honored.  (Daniel 5:22, 23b  ESV)

Now, I’m no king.  Don’t have a thousand friends to invite to a party . . . or access to expensive treasures from which to stuff my face and feed my ego.  But I do have an old nature that can overtake me . . . like too much wine.  The intoxicating drink of self can go to my head . . . allowing pride to take root by thinking that I’m something . . . forgetting that all that I am is due to the One who gives me breath.  I can lose sight of the reality that anything that might be considered an accomplishment is by His grace alone . . . start to think that I have earned what is mine rather that been given it in order to be a faithful steward.  I can step over the line, too . . . I can be weighed . . . only to be reminded that I don’t weigh much.

Honestly, I don’t want to come up short.  I don’t want to be found wanting when it comes to acknowledging the favor of the Lord of heaven . . . I don’t want to be a lightweight when it comes to honoring the Most High God.

O’, that by the grace of God, I might humble my heart continually . . . and lift up His Name constantly.

Amen?

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A Lot of Trouble for Just One Guy

Posted on November 15, 2013 by Pete

In the terms of the ROI (Return On Investment) the effort seems disproportionate to the result.  I’m reading in Daniel this morning and am struck by the amount of focus God directs toward Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon.  In chapter 2, God disturbs the king’s sleep so that he might eventually come to the conclusion that “God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries” (2:47).  Then some time later, in chapter 3, God allows the king to throw three righteous men into a flaming furnace in order that he might witness the fire-retardant nature of faith in God and conclude “there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way” (3:29).

And then, again some years later, the king has another dream . . . and Daniel has another interpretation . . . and God sets in motion a plan to reduce the mind of the king to that of a beast of the field . . . to relocate the king from his palatial dining table, to grazing on grass like an ox . . . to removing him from his daily salon treatments so that his hair grows as long as eagle feathers and his nails become like birds’ claws . . . all to humble the king so that he would know “that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He will” (4:32-33).

And I’m thinking that’s a lot of effort spent on getting the king’s head screwed on straight and his heart turned around fully . . . that it’s a lot of trouble for just one guy.

But as I pause and reflect on my initial impression, I’m also thinking that’s just how our God works.

What sacrifice was heaven prepared to make in sending the Son to empty Himself . . . to take on the nature of a servant . . . to put on the fleshly form of His creation . . . desiring that no one should perish, but that all would come to repentance? (Php. 2:6-8 ,2Pet. 2:9).  What lengths has God been prepared to go to in order to pursue those who had set themselves as enemies of God, that they might know His love for eternity?  How much grace has been abundantly poured out so that sinners might become saints . . . one at a time?  As I remember my own rescue . . . as I recall His patience over the years with my own reformation . . . I can’t help but think it’s a lot of trouble for just one guy.

But that’s just how our God works.  The lengths to which He is willing to go in order to redeem . . . the lengths to which He will go in order that His glory might be known.

O’, that like the king of Babylon, I might bless the Most High and give praise and honor to Him who lives forever (4:34).  That I might praise and extol the King of heaven, declaring that all His works are right and His ways are just (4:37).  That I might declare to all peoples that His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion endures from generation to generation (4:3).

That I might humble myself that He might be lifted up and that it might not be a lot of trouble for this one guy.

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Revealer of Mysteries

Posted on November 14, 2013 by Pete

Talk about someone getting up on the wrong side of the bed that morning.  The Scriptures says “his sleep left him.”   I imagine him tossing and turning all night . . . the visions which ran through his mind making no sense . . . his spirit being stirred to the point of vexation . . . so that, when he got up, he was a little cranky.  “Bring me my wise men!” he says . . . “Tell me what I dreamed!” he says . . . “Then, tell me what it means!” he says.  “Oh, oh, we’re in trouble,” they say.

But the God who gave Judah into Nebuchadnezzar’s hand (Daniel 1:2) . . . the God who gave favor to Daniel in the sight of his handlers (1:9) . . . the God who gave learning and skill in all wisdom to Daniel and his friends (1:17) . . . the God who gave the king one of his worst nights of sleep ever . . . that God was about to make Himself known as the Revealer of Mysteries.

The king answered and said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.”  (Daniel 2:47 ESV)

I sit back in awe this morning as I’m reminded that the God of heaven has purposed to make Himself known on earth through the revelation of mysteries.  To Nebuchadnezzar, God revealed the He would set up “a kingdom that shall never be destroyed” (2:44).  To me, He has revealed the manner of that kingdom . . . and the identity of its Sovereign.

Not that I’ve had some dream . . . in fact, at one time, if you had taken my spiritual EEG, I was brain dead . . . dead in trespass and sin . . .  no dreams . . . unaware of anything other than what was under the sun . . . oblivious to there even being a mystery concerning a kingdom.

But through the inspired Word of God, I’ve come to know the answer to the mystery of how sinful man can boldly enter into the holy presence of God.  Through the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit, I have gained a measure of understanding as to how a man can be born again . . . can be adopted into God’s family . . . can be grafted into God’s kingdom . . . can be transformed and conformed into the very nature of His blessed Son.

God, not because of anything I have done, but by His grace alone, stirred my slumbering soul with a sense of something more.  God, not because of who I am, but by His grace alone, then revealed the nature of the mystery to me.  It is the mystery of Christ . . . God incarnate that He might be a faithful High Priest . . . Lamb of God that He might, once for all, atone for men’s sins . . . Firstborn from the dead that He might lead many to glory . . . Coming King that all eyes might see Him and every knee should bow.

My God is a Revealer of Mysteries . . . all glory be to my God!

Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
    to whom belong wisdom and might.
He changes times and seasons;
    He removes kings and sets up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise
    and knowledge to those who have understanding;
He reveals deep and hidden things;
    He knows what is in the darkness,
    and the light dwells with Him.  (Daniel 2:20-22 ESV)

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We Want to See Jesus

Posted on November 13, 2013 by Pete

They wanted to see Jesus . . . and they would . . . but not in the manner they had expected.  They were outsiders by birth but had been drawn to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  And so, these Gentiles “went up to worship at the feast” (John 12:20).  As they approached Jerusalem, they saw the crowd . . . and they caught a glimpse of the Man on the donkey’s colt in the midst of the crowd.  And they heard the noise . . . the cries of exaltation . . . “Hosanna!  Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”  And so, they wanted to see Jesus.

Not exactly sure why they approached Philip . . . some think it was because he had a Greek name, . . . but it was to Philip that these God-fearing, truth-seeking, Gentiles went.  “Sir, we wish to see Jesus” (12:21).

If half of what they heard concerning the Carpenter from Nazareth was true, they wanted to meet Him.  If but a portion of the signs and wonders reported to have been done by Him were accurate, surely He was someone they wanted to check out.  Whatever it was that moved the crowd to exalt Him as Israel’s King was worth investigating.  So, given that He and they were in the city at the same time, they wanted to see Jesus.

And while Jesus does not consent to give them the audience they requested, He does promise that they would see Him.

And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. . . . Now is My soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.  Father, glorify Your name.” . . . And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death He was going to die.  (John 12:23-24, 27-28, 32-33 ESV)

Not what they expected . . . but soon they would see Jesus.  He would be lifted up before them . . . a grain of wheat about to be offered to the earth.  They would behold the King of Israel . . . not on a throne, but on a cross.  Though the image horrific, they would not be able to turn their eyes from Him.

They would hear His cry of separation, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” They would hear His intercessory plea from the cruel tree of crucifixion, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”  They would hear what sounded like a declaration of triumph with His last breath, “It is finished!”  They would see Jesus . . . lifted up on a tree . . . and they would be drawn to Him . . . and they would know – though didn’t know exactly how they knew – but they would know within themselves that “truly, this man was the Son of God!”

Sir, we would see Jesus!  Then cast your eye on the ransom sent for all men . . . behold the Lamb of God come to take away the sin of the world . . . fix your eyes upon the Great Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep.  Know that the work is finished . . . that He is risen . . . see Jesus . . . and be drawn to Him.

Drawn by sacrificial love . . . drawn by amazing grace . . . drawn for His glory.

Thank You, Lord!

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