Brother Gamaliel?

Posted on January 7, 2013 by Pete

He was a man of reason among men beyond reason. His was the cooler head that prevailed. His was a voice of sound judgment above the voices of those who were filled with jealousy. And I wonder . . . just purely speculating . . . if his wasn’t the voice of someone who was being graced with eyes to see and hears to hear . . . if at some point he didn’t take his own advice . . . and perhaps believe, as well. I wonder if maybe he would become “brother Gamaliel.”

I’m reading another one of those “defies all logic” situations. The latter part of Acts 5 has the high priest and his cohort going nuts. Reports of Peter and the apostles doing “many signs and wonders” (5:12) are flowing into Sanhedrin headquarters. And, if seeing one guy “walking and leaping and praising God” (3:8) had them choked, then the repeated stories of people sick and afflicted with unclean spirits being brought to the apostles and being healed had them climbing the walls. The Spirit moves the author of Acts to record that they were “filled with jealousy” (5:17).

So what do you do with miracle workers to make them stop? Evidently you arrest them and throw them in prison. But what happens to miracle workers thrown into prison? . . . uh, miracles! An angel of the Lord opens the doors of the prison during the night and escorts these messengers of light out and tells them to go “stand in the temple and speak to the people all the word of this Life” (5:19-20). And that’s exactly where they are next morning . . . in the temple preaching. But the high priest sends for them in prison. Although every thing is still locked up and the guards are still in place, they are not there . . . and then they are told that they are in temple teaching and preaching. And so the high priest has them arrested again (5:21-26).

“Stop teaching in Jesus’ name,” they command the apostles. “We must obey God rather than men,” reply Peter and the apostles, “God has exalted Him at His right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins” (5:27-32). And rather than believe the signs and wonders of the sick healed and the afflicted delivered . . . rather than entertain the implications of prisoners set free despite locked doors and on duty guards . . . rather than receive the good news of Jesus as Savior and sins forgiven . . . what do they do? . . . “they were enraged and wanted to kill them” (5:33).

Enter Gamaliel.

“So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” – Gamaliel (Acts 5:38-39 ESV)

Don’t know a lot about this guy . . . only mentioned twice in Scripture. Here we’re told that he was “a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people” (5:34). Later, in Acts 22, Paul identifies him as his teacher, the rabbi who instructed and mentored him, the influence in his formative years that shaped Paul into “a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless” (Php. 3:5-6). But also the guy, I’m guessing, that instilled in Paul a sincere zeal for God . . . even if that sincerity was wrong concerning Messiah’s coming.

And what makes me wonder about Gamaliel is his “observe and learn” counsel to the Sanhedrin. If this is of man, he says, it will fail . . . but, if it is of God, you won’t be able to overthrow it . . . in fact, you’ll be opposing God Himself. So, as Gamaliel continued to observe “the Way” . . . as reports of the churches growth continued . . . as his prize pupil, Saul of Tarsus, was himself converted . . . what did Gamaliel think? . . . what did he conclude? . . . could the hardened heart of one who sincerely sought God have been softened? . . . could the eyes blinded by self-righteousness have been given light? . . . could the one who gave some profound counsel, been enlightened by the Spirit to conclude, “This is of God . . . nothing will prevail against it . . . I will no longer stand in opposition, but believe?”

I don’t know. I suppose I could check out historical accounts of the day and see what clue they might provide.

What I do know is that, for those who ask, it will be given . . . for those who seek, they will find . . . for those who knock, the door will be open (Matt. 7:7) . . . that for those who sincerely want to know if “it is of God”, God will reveal truth to them.

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

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Lame Man Walking

Posted on January 4, 2013 by Pete

To quote Yogi Berra, it was “deja vu all over again.” It was another “Lazarus moment.” They could not deny then that a dead guy, buried for four days, was again made alive . . . and now there was no refuting that a man lame from birth . . . a man who had never been past the temple gates where he laid daily asking alms of those who entered . . . that this lame guy lame had, under his own power, entered the temple and was “walking and leaping and praising God” (Acts 3:1-10). The evidence could not be denied . . . there it stood before them . . . literally, stood. Oh, this was not turning out to be good day for them for there was more to this “deja vu all over again” that vexed them.

It wasn’t just that this undeniable “notable sign” had occurred, but it was who was at the center of it . . . Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

I’m guessing they at least vaguely recognized Peter and John when they were brought before them and identified as the ones who had created such a stir at the temple by raising the lame to his feet. And they shouldn’t have asked the question of Peter and John if they weren’t prepared to accept their answer. “By what power or by what name did you do this?” they asked. “By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead–by Him this man is standing well before you” (Acts 4:10).

It must have come flooding back like a nightmare to them. It wouldn’t have been a big deal if the tomb where Jesus was buried wasn’t empty . . . would have been a no brainer if there hadn’t been reports by hundreds of people that Jesus was seen alive. And now this . . . a lame man walking . . . and leaping . . . and praising God . . . and made possible, so claimed, by the authority of the Jesus they crucified. Oh, I can just see them rubbing their forwards . . . and reaching for the aspirin as a splitting headache comes on. Been here before . . . what to do now?

Though the thought might have crossed their minds, they knew they couldn’t go break the man’s legs . . . the word of the lame man walking had circulated throughout Jerusalem (4:16) . . . that cat was out of the bag. Though they wanted to lay a lickin’ on Peter and John, that was only going to stir up more trouble as the people were all praising God for what had happened (4:21) So they warned them “not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus” (4:18). Yeah, right!

And I guess what really gets to me about this passage is the hard-heartedness of these religious leaders. Again, a miracle performed, the evidence of which is undeniable . . . again, the miracle clearly attributed to the One identified as God’s anointed, “the stone that was rejected by the builders, the cornerstone” (4:11) . . . again, the claims of Jesus’ resurrection being the source of dead people living and lame people walking . . . again, the invitation to respond to the evidence — to believe and to receive the gift of God.

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. – Peter (Acts 4:12 ESV)

And their hardness bugs me not because they are so much different than I am, but because they are so similar . . . because they are a reflection of my old nature, the flesh which still wars against the Spirit (Gal. 5:17).

O’ for a heart which is alive to the things of God . . . a heart that is moved by dead people made alive . . . a heart which grows deep in faith . . . a heart which is moved to obedience . . . a heart which responds to the lame walking by leaping and praising God . . .

. . . all by the grace of God . . . all for the glory of God. Amen?

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The People of God

Posted on January 3, 2013 by Pete

There probably is very little comparison between the world in which I live and the world David lived in. Sure, the nature of man is the same, but the times of David and the times of Pete are vastly different. And yet, when reading many of David’s songs, there is a “connectability” that transcends eras . . . there is an identification which goes beyond technological and societal differences . . . there is an ability for the meditations of David to resonate deeply, despite our different life situations. The connection . . . the common ground . . . the in-sync frequency . . . is born out of the fact that he and me, that we are the people of God. Called of God . . . blessed of God . . . in awe of God . . . all by the grace of God. And so it is, that as I read Psalm 5 this morning, that I’m drawn in . . . and in particular I notice a common definition and a common response of those who would be the people of God.

But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may exult in You. (Psalm 5:11 ESV)

The people of God are those who take refuge in the LORD. They find in Him the place of protection and security. That’s why we call Him our rock and our fortress and our deliverer (2Sam. 2:22). Through the “abundance of His steadfast love” (5:6) He has made way for us to enter His house . . . and in that house, to find refuge. An eternal refuge for our souls through the shed blood of the Christ . . . our sins atoned for . . . our iniquity cleansed . . . our transgressions remembered no more. Safe and secure in the robes of righteousness freely given to all who believe and are in Christ. A protection for the day to day assault of life . . . God promising never to leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5). A rest and safety which transcends the immediate circumstance or the uncertain future . . . for it is a refuge “in You” . . . a sanctuary found in God Himself.

The people of God are also those who love His name. That name which encompasses the full spectrum of His magnificent and majestic character . . . that name by which all authority, on heaven and earth, is given . . . that name which is above every name . . . God’s people love His name. Whether it is manifest in the name Jehovah or Jesus . . . the LORD God or the Lamb of God . . . the Almighty or the Messiah . . . there is something about the name of God which moves the people of God at their very depths. That “something” being sourced in the Spirit of God who has been given to reveal the deep things of God . . . the inner thoughts of God . . . the nature of God . . . such that, when we muse on the name of God, we can’t help but love the name of God.

And for those who take refuge . . . for those who love the name . . . David calls us to rejoice . . . to ever sing for joy . . . to exult in Him.

The people of God are worshipers . . . they are rejoicers . . . they are singers.

When gripped afresh by the security that is ours in Christ through the overflow of God’s steadfast love . . . when our eyes are focused anew on the holy character of God . . . how can we not but respond with joy . . . exultation . . . rejoicing . . . and song!

O’ that the people of God would be glad in their God. That we would dive deep and swim joyfully in the pool of His grace. That we would be filled with unspeakable joy in the refuge of our God and the love of our Savior.

So it was with David . . . so may it be for us. By His grace . . . for His glory . . .

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Preach It!

Posted on January 2, 2013 by Pete

Peter gets a lot of guff. He’s often referred to as “impetuous Peter” . . . many are quick to point out that he was more of a “ready, fire, aim” guy than a “ready, aim, fire” guy. Quick to speak . . . slow to think . . . ready to talk the talk . . . sometimes coming up short on walking the walk. And it goes on. But, if you’re going to give credit where credit is due, you’ve got to admit he comes through, big time, in Acts 2.

The place is packed with “devout men from every nation under heaven” (2:5). They’ve come in response to the report of “tongues of fire” descending upon the place . . . they’ve come to check out the sound of heaven, “a mighty rushing wind,” and have found a multitude speaking “in other tongues” as the Spirit has given them utterance (2:1-3). There’s a general confusion among the crowd as some are in wonder that they can hear their native tongue being spoken . . . others, overwhelmed by the cacophony of sound, concluding that the crowd of speakers has been tipping back one too many and are drunk. Amidst what feels like a bit of a chaotic situation, Peter stands up on his feet . . . and lifts up his voice (2:14). Oh, oh . . . is there going to be another “open mouth, insert foot” moment for Peter? Not so much.

In his first public sermon, Peter, enabled and empowered by the Holy Spirit of God, nails it!

Clearly . . . directly . . . confidently . . . scripturally . . . Peter declares that what is happening in their midst is the beginning of the fulfillment of that foretold by Joel the prophet . . . that these signs would appear before the “great and magnificent day” of the Lord . . . and that “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” . . . and that Jesus — the One they crucified . . . the One God raised up from the dead . . . the One David foresaw . . . the One now seated at the right hand of God . . . — this Jesus, God has made both Lord and Christ. Bam!

And many, when they hear “impetuous Peter” speak, are “cut to the heart” . . . “What shall we do?” (2:37)

“Repent,” declares Peter, “and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”

Peter the fickle fisherman, through the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, is now Peter the powerful preacher. But preaching is only part of the deal . . . being cut to the heart by a powerful message is only the beginning of response. What grabbed me this morning was what I read next . . .

So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. (Acts 2:41 ESV)

Three thousand mixed Peter’s message with a bit of faith and they received the word. The seed had faithfully and powerfully been sown by this “new and improved” Peter . . . but without soil to envelope the seed, it is trampled on or devoured by the birds of the air (Luke 2:5). But this seed found good soil . . . the fertile ground of believing hearts . . . the stuff that produces strong roots as it is ready to respond to the Spirit’s illumination of the Scripture. Peter could preach it . . . but unless they received it . . .

And it occurs to me that the same dynamic is available to me each morning . . . presented to me every Sunday . . . ready to engage me anytime the Word of God is opened before me. God breathed . . . Spirit conveyed . . . presented in order to be received. Mine is to accept it . . . believe it . . . and respond to it.

Oh, that I might not miss the opportunities to cry, “Preach it!”. And, more importantly, might I not miss the invitation to receive it.

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

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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 . . .

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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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