Shut In

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Pete

Talk about faith in action and you’re talking about Noah. In a world that was imploding because “the wickedness of man was great in the earth” . . . during an era when “every intention of the thoughts of man’s hearts was only evil continually” . . . at that point in history when “the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him to His heart” (Gen. 6:5-6) . . . it says that “Noah found favor in the sight of the LORD” (6:8). And I think it’s because Noah was a man who believed . . . for Noah was declared a righteous man (6:9a) . . . and God imputes righteousness to those of faith (Gen. 15:6). As such, Noah’s faith had feet as “Noah walked with God” (6:9b). And that walk turned into work . . . a lot of work. By faith Noah, believing God’s revelation concerning events never before experienced on earth, “in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household” . . . becoming “an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith” (Heb. 11:7).

Noah the believer was Noah the builder. As I read the “blueprint” for the ark in Genesis this morning, I can’t help but be amazed at this “human” undertaking. Noah’s “favor in the sight of the LORD” turned into a fulltime job. Building the ark was a ton of work . . . work to prepare for something that was without precedence . . . an event that had never occurred before. And then to collect all the animals as God directed . . . that couldn’t have been any simple task. But repeated you read in the Genesis account that Noah did “as God commanded him.” Faith . . . resulting in favor. Imputed righteousness . . . bearing the fruit of obedience.

You gotta get jazzed, even if just a bit, by Noah.

But here’s the thing that grabbed me this morning . . . for all that Noah could do . . . for all the obedient effort he could put forth . . . it really amounted to nothing because there’s one thing he couldn’t do . . .

They went into the ark with Noah, two and two of all flesh in which there was the breath of life. And those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him. And the LORD shut him in.   (Genesis 7:15-16 ESV)

Noah could build the ark . . . Noah could fill the ark . . . Noah could get in the ark . . . but the ark would have just been a big glass of water had the LORD not closed the door to the ark.

I wonder if sometimes we can do all the right stuff . . . founded on the right beliefs . . . driven by the right motives . . . but somehow, at the end of the day, not give the right glory because we think we’re the ones who “closed the door.” If sometimes we can find favor . . . and then think we’re the ones who keep ourselves afloat. If sometimes we can faithfully steward the gift but lose sight that it was a gift and fail to give honor to the Giver.

Whatever I am by the grace of God this morning . . . whatever effort I have put forth in seeking to be obedient to His calling . . . it is because I am “in Christ” . . . and it is God alone who has “shut me in” in Christ. He did the calling . . . He did the regenerating . . . He devised the plan . . . He enabled the response . . . and by His grace alone, and for His glory alone, He shut me in.

Moreover, whatever failures I have had along the way . . . if I confess my sin, He is faithful and just to forgive my sin and cleanse me from all unrighteousness (1John 1:9) . . . because I am in Christ . . . the blood of Christ eternally sufficient to cleanse from all sin . . . the unfading righteousness of Christ placed as a garment upon me . . . the eternal grace of God surrounding me . . . because “the LORD shut him in.”

Praise be to God who has shut us in! Amen?

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The Beginnings

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Pete

New set of colored pencils . . . new copy of my reading plan . . . fresh, unmarked ESV bible . . . a renewed anticipation . . . and the journey begins again. It’s the time of year . . . to reflect . . . to take stock . . . to consider afresh how you’re ordering your steps . . . to ask, “What do I need to start doing more of? . . . What do I need to stop doing and reduce some clutter? . . . What do I need to continue to passionately pursue?” For me, it can be a bit of an emotional roller-coaster as I take inventory . . . some regrets . . . some “I coulda’ shoulda'” . . . leading to a bit of a pit in my stomach. But one thing that leaves no regrets . . . one of the things that I need to continue to passionately pursue . . . is the living Word of God. Any time spent in this book is well invested time. It is how I hear His voice . . . interact with His Spirit . . . and know the reality of relationship through His Son. Here’s a few random thoughts from my reading in “the beginnings” this morning.

“In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth . . . ” (Gen. 1:1). Couple of things I focus on as I read the first couple of chapters of Genesis. One, that God is an active God . . . He creates . . . He makes . . . He sees . . . He speaks. Second, that when God makes something it is good . . . it is very good. Debate the hows all you want . . . the Who of creation is the point of the passage. My God is the Creator of all things . . . and He is the Re-creator of that which has been spoiled by pride and sin. And when God creates . . . and when He recreates . . . behold, it is good. Not that I am good in and of myself . . . but the work God has begun in me is good . . . the new creation I am in Christ is good . . . and, by His grace, it will be for His glory.

Then I read Matthew 1, the beginnings of Christ as His genealogy is recounted. And, as I always do, I take note of the ladies in particular. Tamar . . . Rahab . . . Ruth . . . “the wife of Uriah” . . . Mary. And for me, it just echoes of God’s amazing grace . . . it declares God’s intention to fulfill His promise through some of the most unlikely situations and people. From the sordid tales of Tamar and Bathsheba . . . to the harlot who would be rescued, redeemed, and written into the line of Messiah . . . to the innocent Ruth and Mary whose lives were intricately woven into that of a Kinsman-Redeemer. All these ladies speak of God’s sovereign purposes . . . of His unconditional promises . . . and of His gracious presence in the lives of individuals . . . again, for His glory.

Then it’s onto the first 11 verses of Acts 1 . . . the beginnings of the Church. Jesus is alive . . . the disciples are told to wait for the promise . . . the coming of the Spirit is foretold. And though they will “receive power,” you can’t but help think that Jesus is taking a bit of risk in leaving them to “be My witnesses.” Or is He? Back to Genesis 1 . . . my God is the Creator of good stuff. Back to Matthew 1 . . . my God fulfills His purposes and promises in sometimes unlikely ways and always through less-than-perfect people. And so, with the promise of the Holy Spirit to come, Jesus is taken up out of the disciples sight. But this too is with a promise . . . why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven. (Acts 1:11 ESV)

And finally, my last reading of the morning . . . the beginnings of blessing . .

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2 ESV)

There is a blessing promised for those who delight in God’s word. I’m not much of a night meditator . . . but how I enjoy the time in the morning when I can hover over His precious Word . . . and by His grace, and through His Spirit, His word can work its way through me. The promise of blessing is found in the image of a deep-rooted tree which drinks deeply of living water . . . found in leaf which doesn’t whither and, in fact, bears much fruit . . . found in hands that are occupied for God’s glory and thus prosper in that which God has determined. Blessed is the God who blesses the man who delights in His word.

Not a bad set of beginnings . . . looking forward, Lord willing, to working through the reading plan over the next year.

. . . by His grace . . . for His glory . . .

Posted in Acts, Genesis, Matthew, Psalms | Leave a comment

The Last Word . . . Grace!

Posted on December 24, 2012 by Pete

Wrapped up my reading plan this morning. And, as has been the case throughout this past year, God, by His goodness and through His Spirit, stirred my heart as I read the Lord’s plea through Malachi to “Return to me” (Mal. 4:7) . . . as I eavesdropped on the Lord’s conversation with Peter and personalized the thrice asked question, “Do you love me?” (John 21:15-17) . . . and as I beheld the New Jerusalem, it’s inner workings, and heard the Lamb echo throughout these final words of prophecy, “Behold, I am coming soon” (Rev. 22:7,12,20). And then my eyes fell upon the final words of this book we call the Bible,

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. (Revelation 22:21 ESV)

Sixty-six books written over 1,500 years by various authors. Ancient writings divinely preserved through the ages . . . covering a myriad of topics . . . from creation to new creation . . . from the problem of sin to the solution for sin . . . from God’s promise of “land, seed, and blessing” to a man told to leave his people to the fulfillment of that promise through countless descendants, both physical and spiritual, who reside in a city from heaven — the true land flowing with milk and honey. And throughout this amazing book there is a thread which connects it all . . . for those with eyes to see, the glory of God is evident in all The Story. And so, how do you conclude such a volume? Not really appropriate to write “The End” . . . for the end is just the beginning.

But it seems fitting that, just as the glory of God, is the theme of the Book, that you might consider concluding the narrative with a reminder of the active agency of the Book . . . that which is at the heart of redemption . . . that which is forms the foundation for reconciliation . . . that which is ever present as the sustaining measure for enduring relationship . . . the grace of the Lord Jesus.

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound!

The Lord Jesus is coming soon . . . until then, the grace of the Lord Jesus be with all who by faith will receive it.

The same grace that sent the Son of God to be born of virgin so that by His spotless, perfect, pure life He might be offered up on a Roman cross for the sins of all mankind. The same grace that sent the Spirit of adoption to a world lost in sin to woo men and women to Himself that they might respond with but a mustard seed of faith to the revealed truth that God so loved the world that He sent His Son to be an atoning sacrifice . . . that we might be called the sons and daughters of God. The same grace which is actively enable the work begun to become the work completed . . . that through the transforming of the mind there might be a conforming of the person to the very image of God’s blessed Son. The same grace that will, whether by death’s dark vale, or by the coming of the King in the sky, receive His own to Himself . . . that where He is, they may be also.

Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

What a fitting, magnificent way to conclude the Book. What a taste to leave on the tongue . . . what an aroma to let waft through the room . . . the grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

O, that I might be like John and fall down to worship . . . needing in some way to respond to such wonderful grace . . . and hear the angel pointing me towards the throne saying, “Worship God” (Rev. 22:8-9). Might I never step far from His grace . . . might I always be satisfied in His grace . . . might I always wonder and worship . . . because of grace.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we first begun!

Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift! (2Corinthians 9:15 ESV)

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Encore!

Posted on December 21, 2012 by Pete

The first time He came it was barely noticeable. Born of virgin . . . in the small town of Bethlehem . . . away in a manger . . . on a silent night . . . what Child is this? But a child . . . a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes . . . lowly . . . in complete dependence on the mother who nursed Him . . . the father who would care for Him. Announced by angels to some shepherds in the fields . . . but, by and large, not recognized as anything special by most who were in the area. That’s how He entered earth’s scene the first time . . . that’s the “backstage” entrance He made on “opening night”. This humble first arrival on earth’s stage opened the way to life . . . life to the full . . . for all who would believe. And His first appearing would result in a yearning . . . a longing among His people through the ages . . . that He would come again . . . that they would know His glory in the midst. And the echo through the generations from the people of God has been, “Encore!”

And when He comes again, the babe in the manger . . . the Lamb on the cross . . . will come as the Warrior of Heaven.

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The One sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems, and He has a name written that no one knows but Himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which He is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following Him on white horses. On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.   (Revelation 19:11-14, 16 ESV)

Talk about your contrast. The eyes of the Infant are now flaming fire . . . the swaddling clothes worn by the Babe are now replaced with a robe dipped in blood . . . the hairless head of the Child is now crowned with diadems of glory and power . . . the singing angels over the fields have given way to the armies of heaven amassed over the earth. He who was named Jesus is now called the Word of God . . . He who was identified as Emmanuel, God with us, is now recognized as King of kings and Lord of lords, the Sovereign over us.

Oh that I might look beyond the baby King and behold the risen King. That I might see in the Christ Child a foreshadow of the glory revealed in Him who is called Faithful and True. That I might look beyond the meekness and humility of a manger and be reminded of the power and glory of the Majesty.

That I would, during this Christmas celebration, join and rejoice with an unseen multitude before the throne of God declaring, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God . . . Hallelujah! For the Lord God the Almighty reigns” (Rev. 19:1, 6).

Oh that I might, as I consider the grace shown in His first coming, shout, “Encore!” . . . desiring the glory of His second appearing.

To Him be glory alone! Amen?

Come, Thou long-expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’’ Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

(Come Thou Long Expected Jesus, Charles Wesley)

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The Voice

Posted on December 20, 2012 by Pete

Kind of crazy, but Sue and I got hooked on the TV talent show “The Voice” this year. Pretty much followed it through all season . . . from blind auditions . . to battle rounds . . . to the finals. Our pick didn’t win . . . we’re not “voters” . . . but someone with a pretty nice voice was declared the winner this week. Yeah . . . nice voice . . . not likely though that I’m buying the CD. But this morning, as I worked through my readings, I heard another voice . . . and this truly is THE VOICE.

First, I got to continue to watch Job playing the Jeopardy game of his life . . . “I’ll take ‘Questions from God’ for 500, Alex.” Does He ever! Chapter 39, a continuation of chapter 38, has God inserting Himself into the on-going debate between Job and his counselors. And God addresses Job . . . Job who demanded an audience with God . . . Job who goes silent before the thunderous voice of God. Questions . . . that’s what God has . . . lots of questions (18 of them in this chapter alone, I think) . . . and they start coming fast and furious at Job. And, as I follow this interrogation, I can’t help but be overwhelmed (as I’m sure Job was too) at God’s magnificent testimony in the things of creation. The LORD makes so clear that even what happens in the details of the animal kingdom is all of His design . . . and it declares His might and His glory.

Then I read the prophet Haggai and the voice of the LORD isn’t asking a question but making a plea, “Consider your ways” . . . or in the NIV, “Give careful thought to your ways.” Five times in two short chapters (1:5, 1:7, 2:15, 2:18a, 2:18b) the Lord is saying to His people, “Give your head a shake! How well is this working out for you? . . . building your own houses and planting your own fields while my temple, which I’ve called you to re-build, continues to lie in ruins?” It wasn’t working . . . all their labor toward providing for themselves was having very little return. It was a wake up call to “put first things first” . . . to do God’s work in God’s way at God’s time. And when the people take a “time out” and start considering their ways, they acknowledge their need to get back to doing it God’s way . . . and then God stirs up their spirits (Haggai 1:14) . . . gets them jazzed about the work again . . . and promises them that He will remain with them.

O the grace of God . . . they didn’t need to rebuild the temple so that God would be with them . . . He had already committed to that . . . they were to build the temple that God might take pleasure in it and be glorified (Haggai 1:8). Get that? We can do stuff that gives the God of Job pleasure and brings Him glory . . . amazing!!!

And then God’s voice captures my imagination again as I turn to John 20. Mary’s in front of the empty tomb . . . confused and beside herself because she doesn’t know where the body of Jesus is. And this time, the voice of God is not the thundering voice of Job or the pleading voice of Haggai, but it’s the tender voice of Jesus . . . God in the flesh . . . risen from the dead . . . the Shepherd’s voice who calls one of His little lambs by name, “Mary!” (John 20:16). And His sheep know His voice . . . and her confusion gives way to sight . . . and she sees her Lord. Oh, that God knows my name . . . that if I’m still, from time to time, I can hear Him speak my name . . . thoughts too wonderful to really comprehend!

And then my final reading this morning in Revelation 18. There go those “loud voices” again . . . I don’t think those angels have a “quiet voice.” The fury of God is being poured out upon Babylon and another angel is sent to unload the wrath of the Lamb upon a world that has refused to bow the knee . . . “and she will be burned up with fire; for mighty is the Lord God who has judged her”(Rev. 18:8). And the voice of judgment resounds upon earth leaving all without excuse. How mighty and terrible and fearsome is the voice of God’s judgment!

And so, I sit back and think about THE VOICE.

Sometimes I need to hear the questioning voice of God to Job, “Who do you think you are? Who do you think I am?” Sometimes I need to hear the “God voice” of Haggai, “Give careful thought to your ways, Pete. Have you got your priorities right? Are you putting your energies into what I’ve asked you to do, or are you working your own agenda?” And, praise God, sometimes, when I’m quiet and still, I hear His tender voice calling my name . . . and I fall at His feet and cry out in return, “Rabboni!” But I will not hear His voice of judgment for “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1).

O’ Bless the Voice . . . by His grace . . . for His glory.

Posted in Haggai, Job, John, Revelation | 1 Comment

Sing O’ Lord!

Posted on December 19, 2012 by Pete

There’s a verse in Zephaniah that I have known for years. Not because I’m a particularly good student of the prophets but because it was one of the early Scripture “praise choruses” that were popular back in the late 70’s and early 80’s. I remember having cassettes ( . . . pre-iTumes . . . pre-CD . . . think Walkman . . . ) where all the songs were directly taken from Scripture . . . that’s where some of my initial exposure to the Old Testament came from. Technically, verses taken out of context . . . emotionally, a wonderful way to sing praise to our God. That’s where this verse in Zephaniah first hit my radar. But it’s been in the last couple of years that this verse has shifted from the “warm and fuzzy” of a praise chorus to the awe and wonder of insight into the nature of our God . . .

The LORD your God is in your midst, a Mighty One who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.   (Zephaniah 3:17 ESV)

Specifically it foretells a day when God has restored Zion . . . when Israel has been both spiritually and physically renewed . . . when the nation is a given a new name by her God . . . when she is called Hephzibah, “My Delight Is in Her” . . . when her land is called Beulah, “Married” (Isa. 62:4). Covenant relationship restored . . . God delighting in His ancient chosen people . . . “as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you” (Isa. 62:5). And in that restored relationship . . . “The King of Israel, is in your midst” (Zeph. 3:15b) . . . in that day, they will know the presence of God in a way unlike any other during the history of the earth.

So, while not meant for the church directly, I’m thinking there’s latitude for a bit of application . . . after all, the church is said to be the bride of Christ (Eph. 5:31-32) . . . and “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching” (2Tim. 3:16). So what do I learn about God . . . and about how He views His people?

God delights in His own . . . He desires to be in found in their midst . . . He experiences a joy and gladness from such communion . . . His longs to pour out His love on His people and, in so doing, bring upon them a calming hushed joy . . . and . . . this is the one that sets my mind spinning . . . My God exults over His people with singing. God sings!

O that God would take such pleasure in communion with His creation that He would sing is a bit mind boggling for me. We are the ones who should be singing . . . should be rejoicing . . . should be praising the Name of the One who redeemed us through the blood of His Son . . . making melody to Him who, by His immeasurable grace, has “blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Eph. 1:3) . . . lifting loud voices of exaltation to the Father who has made us joint heirs with Christ, “born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1Peter 1:3-4). Reason for us to sing? I’m thinkin’!

But it is God, as well, who sings over His people . . . who delights in them . . . who rejoices over them. Do I fully get it? Not really. Am I moved by it? Absolutely!

At this time of year we think much of angels singing . . . hovering over the earth declaring the birth of the Savior . . . “Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices”. If the thought of angelic beings in song should drive us to our knees, what of the insight that our God sings over us with loud singing? My first reaction might be that of Peter, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” (Luke 5:8) . . . but the Spirit whispers, “You have been bought with a price . . . you have been robed with Another’s righteousness . . . you are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus . . . let Him delight over you with singing.”

Sing O’ Lord! For Your glory alone . . .

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They Laid Jesus There

Posted on December 18, 2012 by Pete

Interesting how your mind works . . . or, as the case may be, how the Spirit guides. Two readings came together this morning to produce a sense of awe, wonder, and gratefulness. One in the gospel of John . . . the other in the Revelation given to John. One concerning the Savior . . . the other related to unrepentant sinners. One a reminder of a death which gives life . . . the other of death which leads only to more death.

First, I read the closing of verses of John 19. “It is finished” . . . Jesus has declared victory from the cross . . . bowed His head and given up His spirit . . . the soldiers have taken a pass on breaking His legs but have, instead, pierced His side with a spear . . . the body has been taken down and claimed by one Joseph of Arimathea who, along with Nicodemus (the seeker by night), have wrapped the body of Jesus in linen clothes along with 75 pounds of spices (19:30-40). Then John records,

Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.   
                                                                                 (John 19:40-41 ESV)

“They laid Jesus there” . . . that’s the phrase that grabbed me. In recent days images of Jesus laying have come frequently . . . but those have been of the baby Jesus, wrapped in swaddling clothes, laying in a manger . . . the Son of God, become flesh, asleep on the hay . . . Emmanuel, God with us, on His back in humble subjection to His creation. I imagine the meekly, lowly, and holy infant on His back and I am reminded of heavenly love . . . the Light of the World . . . and the Hope of the nations.

“They laid Jesus there” . . . in a cold, hewn out stone tomb . . . lifeless . . . His body abused . . . His face marred beyond recognition. Jesus, the Savior, wrapped in spice filled linen garments . . . Emmanuel, the Holy One of Israel, His blood poured out for our transgressions . . . the Christ, the Lamb of God, offered as the once for all sacrifice for the sins of mankind. The humility of becoming flesh in a manager giving way to the humility of the King being subject to death . . . even death on a cross. And so, they laid Jesus there . . . for my iniquity . . . on my account . . . O’ Come Let us Adore Him!

And because He humbled Himself in a such a manner, I need not fear the phrase I encountered in my next reading in John’s Revelation. Context . . . the wrath of God being poured out on a rebellious world at the end of the great tribulation . . . seven bowls of vengeance delivered upon an unbelieving, unrepentant world . . . and, after the third bowl is poured out, after the rivers and springs of water become blood, John hears the angel in charge say,

“Just are You, O Holy One, Who is and Who was, for You brought these judgments. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!”    (Revelation 16:5-6 ESV)

“It is what they deserve!” . . . that sends a chill down my spine. God who is Just . . . Who must demand that the wages of sin be paid . . . gave His Son that the debt might be paid in full . . . that He might also be the Justifier of all who would believe and accept the gift of His Son’s death on their behalf. But for those who refuse . . . for those whose sin debt remains outstanding . . . they will get what’s fair . . . they will get what they deserve. O’ how I praise God that I have received . . . through faith . . . and by His grace alone . . . what I don’t deserve.

Because “they laid Jesus there” . . . His parents, in that lowly manger . . . His friends, in that stone cold tomb . . . I sit here this morning with “Paid in Full” written over my sin account . . . redeemed fully by the blood of the Lamb . . . adopted completely into the family of God . . . secured eternally by the indwelling Spirit . . . all because “they laid Jesus there.”

To Him be praise . . . to Him be all glory . . .

Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris’n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn King!”

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Songs of Deliverance

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Pete

Continuing to work my way through the book of Revelation. Chapter 15 is kind of the prologue to the final outpouring of God’s wrath on a world that has steadfastly rejected Him . . . a world where those who do believe are martyred . . . a world left only with those who have embraced sin as their right and the enemy as their king. In this vision John sees in heaven those who have “conquered the beast and its image and number of its name” (15:2) . . . aka those who died for Jesus, refusing to bow to the world system. He sees them beside a sea of glass . . . I’m guessing it’s the sea of glass described in chapter 4 . . . so they are before the throne . . . the place of worship of Him who sits on the throne . . . and John says they sing . . . seems to be a pretty common activity before the throne . . .

And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and amazing are Your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.”   (Revelation 15:3-4 ESV)

After they had crossed the Red Sea and witnessed the destruction of Egypt’s powerful army under the mighty hand of God, the ancient Israelites sang, “I will sing to the LORD, for He has triumphed gloriously . . . the LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation” (Ex. 15:1-2). And now, these saints delivered through faith and by grace from the slavery of a rebellious world, and delivered by death from the physical presence of a dying world, sing as well . . . they sing the song of Moses . . . and they sing a new song . . . the song of the Lamb. It’s what the redeemed do . . . they sing songs of deliverance.

If there’s reason for anyone to sing, it’s those who have been delivered from bondage. If there’s cause for anyone to lift their voice toward God’s throne in heaven, it’s those who once were captive to sin, living in darkness, but are now freed through the blood of the Lamb and the grace of God and have been brought into marvelous light.

The song of the Israelites on the other side of the Red Sea was in the aftermath of God’s victory over the army of Egypt. The song of these saints in John’s vision, is in anticipation of God’s impending final victory over the armies of the nations assembled to oppose Him. And I have song too . . . a song in response to a victory won on a cross . . . a victory over sin and death . . . a victory won through the death of God’s beloved Son . . . a victory to be sung of for all ages.

Great and amazing are Your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! That You would send heaven’s best for earth’s worst . . . that You would sacrifice Your Son in order to redeem a family of born-again adoptees. That You would raise Him from the dead . . . in order to receive Him again to Yourself . . . in order to send in His place the Comforter . . . a seal guaranteeing our inheritance . . . a Teacher leading us into all truth . . . a Sanctifier conforming us into the image of Your Blessed Son.

Just and true are Your ways! Sin atoned for that You might be just and the justifier of all who believe and receive the gift (Rom. 3:6). The splendor of Your glorious Name made known . . . “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin . . . ” (Ex. 33:6-7). Your holiness upheld as You judge those who refuse Your cover for their guilt . . . for You alone are holy.

Songs of deliverance. Are they any better songs? I don’t think so.

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The Eternal Gospel

Posted on December 14, 2012 by Pete

Honestly . . . I didn’t expect to find it here. I am well down the path toward the final days of earth as I continue to read through Revelation. That things are wrapping up is evident . . . that the Lamb is about to close the book on this chapter of history is evident. But as they say, it ain’t over until the fat lady sings . . . or, in this case, until the last angel proclaims . . .

Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come, and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”   (Revelation 14:6 ESV)

How amazing is that? The sickle is about to swing . . . the final harvest, which will be thrown into “the great winepress of the wrath of God”, is about to take place (14:19) . . . but even in these final days of earth’s rebellion against her Creator, another angel is sent out proclaiming the eternal gospel.

First, it reminds me that God “is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (1Peter 3:9) . . . that He who made us and, by His Son’s death, has paid the price to redeem us, is the One who will call to those who have ears to hear, right up to the very end. Though His very character demands that He avenge every transgression against His holy nature . . . my God is also in essence love . . . and, in that love, He has offered the once for all atoning sacrifice for transgressions . . . and desires that people would avail themselves of the blood of the Lamb . . . and not refuse, thus inviting the wrath of the Lamb.

But what I didn’t expect to find here . . . at this stage in the book of Revelation . . . was the gospel . . . the good news. I’ve been aware of the “law of first mention” for awhile now . . . not sure there’s a “law of last mention” . . . but here it is . . . the last mention of the gospel. And an angel is sent to proclaim to earth-dwellers . . . to every nation, tribe, and language . . . the eternal gospel.

The gospel . . . that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day . . . that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life, That gospel is the power of God for salvation . . . salvation past . . . salvation present . . . salvation future. It is the eternal gospel.

It is eternal in agency . . . the shed blood of Jesus being the basis by which all who have believed, and have had righteousness credited to their account, are declared justified. Those prior to Christ in time, covered by the eternal purposes of God to Himself provide atonement for sin . . . those on the A.D. side of the calendar, applying the blood through faith . . . those in the days immediately before the end of the age, also washed by the blood of the Lamb by responding, even at the last minute, to the good news message.

And the gospel is eternal in it’s efficacy . . . in it’s effectiveness. It saves completely . . . because the work is His finished and the price paid in full. It saves assuredly . . . because it is founded on the promise of Him who cannot lie (Titus 1:2). It saves wondrously . . . because it rescues the believer not only from the wrath of God but, by His glorious grace, converts the sinner into a child of God . . . infusing a new nature . . . making all things new. It saves eternally . . . that we might inhabit the place prepared for us forever . . . that we might worship the Author of Life without end . . . that we might join with a heavenly host, and those redeemed through the ages, and praise God for the eternal gospel . . .

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains He shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
(O Holy Night, 3rd verse)

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Where Are You From?

Posted on December 13, 2012 by Pete

He was full of questions. As the “problem” of Jesus escalated, you sense that Pilate didn’t know what to do . . . that he was growing increasingly frantic . . . the mob was getting ugly . . . and the Prisoner shouldn’t have been here. So the governor goes back and forth between accusers and Accused . . . “What’s the accusation?” . . . “Are You king of the Jews?” . . . “What have You done?” . . . “What is truth?” . . . “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” (John 18:28-40). Back and forth . . . forth and back . . . what is he going to do with this situation? Beat the Man . . . rough Him up a bit . . . give the crowd some blood maybe that will settle them down. But it doesn’t . . . they want Him executed . . . they want Him hung on a cross. “Fine!” says Pilate (sort of), “if that’s what you want, then go do it yourself! I find no guilt in Him.” (John 19:6) And then, through their response they strike fear into the heart of wishy-washy Pilate . . . leading Him to ask another question which, as I read it this morning, seems to be the defining question concerning Christ . . .

The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law He ought to die because He has made Himself the Son of God.” When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer.    (John 19:7-9 ESV)

“Where are You from?” Talk about your question for the ages.

Pilates “masterful” examination of the situation finally revealed “root cause” . . . the religious leaders were bent out of shape, and had incited a riotous mob, because Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. And if Pilate was getting frantic before with what to do with an innocent man, he was now “more afraid.” There was something about this Jesus that was different . . . something about Him that intrigued Pilate . . . something so different about Jesus that Pilate sensed he was talking to a man unlike any man he had ever met . . . something about this Rabbi which had caused Pilate’s wife to warn her husband to “have nothing to do with that righteous Man” (Matt. 27:19). And Pilate knew that what his wife said was true . . . this was a righteous Man.

And now he hears this . . . that He claims to be the Son of God. What?!? . . . Game-changer!!! . . . Possible?!? . . . “Where are You from?”

Not a bad question to ask . . . a better question to honestly seek to answer. That’s where Pilate bailed . . . too much pressure from the crowd . . . too many career limiting, if not life limiting, implications if he released the prisoner . . . so he tries to wash his hands of the situation (Matt. 27:24) . . . turns his back on the flogged, beaten, ridiculed Man of Galilee . . . let’s the question fall on the ground . . . and responds to the crowd, “Whatever.”

But for those who ponder the question and pursue an answer . . . for those who sincerely ask . . . and seek . . . and knock . . . they will be given insight . . . they will find the truth . . . and the door to eternal life will be opened.

And really, is there a better time of year than when our focus is directed toward a manger . . . and a baby, against whose birth we mark time . . . and a story of immaculate conception . . . and of angels reportedly visiting . . . and of shepherd apparently praising . . . and of wise men persistently inquiring . . . Is there a better time to ask the question, “Where are You from?”

Even for those of us who, by God’s grace, know the answer . . . who have believed and received . . . it is a question worth asking anew . . . pondering in awe-filled wonder afresh . . . responding to in passion fueled worship . . .

Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,
when Thou camest to earth for me;
but in Bethlehem’s home there was found no room
for Thy holy nativity.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
there is room in my heart for Thee.

Thou camest, O Lord, with the living Word
that should set Thy people free;
but with mocking scorn, and with crown of thorn,
they bore Thee to Calvary.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
there is room in my heart for Thee.

(Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne, Timothy R. Matthews, Emily E.S. Elliot)

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