The Fourth Servant

Posted on August 17, 2011 by Pete

He must have known it wasn’t necessarily going to turn out well. Three others had gone before him. All had been beaten . . . all had been treated shamefully . . . all returned empty handed. And now he was being sent . . . now it was his turn. No indication of a different outcome . . . so, why go?

Luke 20:9-18 is a story. It’s a story about a vineyard owner who had given the right to work the vineyard to leasers of his choosing. It’s about the vineyard owner wanting to share in the fruit of his vineyard and so he sends a servant to the tenants to collect some of what was already his. But the tenants beat the servant and send him back to the owner empty handed. The owner sends a second servant . . . same thing. And he sends a third servant . . . he too is “wounded and cast out.” And so, finally, the vineyard owner sends his “beloved son” to the wicked tenants. He sends the heir to the vineyard to reason with these temporary renters. Just as he had sent his servants, the vineyard owner sends his son. He reasons, “Perhaps they will respect him.” Instead, the tenants kill the son . . . they dispose of the heir . . . thinking that this will secure for themselves the inheritance that was rightfully his.

So why did the son go? Or, if he was going to go, why go as the servants had and not with a full compliment of the father’s resources, taking the vineyard back by force? Because it was the father’s way . . . and the son desired to do the will of his father. Because the father patiently wanted to provide opportunity for repentance . . . he desired reconciliation . . . and so, the son went . . . as the fourth servant.

Jesus told the story. It was about the vineyard, Israel. It was about the religious establishment of the day, those who worked the vineyard for themselves, claiming ownership of their own. It’s about the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob . . . patiently sending messenger after messenger to call back those determined to serve self over serving God. And it’s about the Son of God . . . the One who came as humbly, who came as a servant . . . who proclaiming a way of reconciliation. It’s a story about rejection . . . and recompense for those who refused the Son. And it’s a story for all people today . . .

But to those who believe . . . and to those who receive . . . there is a story of redemption . . .

“He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:11-13 ESV)

All because of the Fourth Servant . . .

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45 ESV)

To Him be all praise! Amen?

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Who’s My Savior?

Posted on August 16, 2011 by Pete

Titus has got to be one of the “unsung hero” books of the Bible. Don’t recall hearing it preached on very often. Don’t really remember ever entering into a deep discussion about the gems contained in this part of God’s treasure chest. Maybe it’s because it falls in the shadow of what are perhaps the better known letters of the “Pastoral Epistles”, 1 & 2 Timothy . . . if the letters to Timothy are Seattle, then Titus is kind of Tacoma. The fact is, Paul’s letter to Titus is packed with good stuff but, all too often, I think I kind of forget it’s there. But there is something I do recall about Titus . . . a “claim to fame” that was put on my radar years and years ago . . . a great truth to remember . . . a wonder to behold . . . a catalyst to awe. Embedded within Titus is a uniquely presented answer to the question, “Who’s my Savior?”

“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in His word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior; To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.” (Titus 1:1-3 ESV)

” . . . not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ . . . ” (Titus 2:10-13 ESV)

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior . . . ” (Titus 3:4-6)

So who’s my Savior? God! So who’s my Savior? Christ Jesus! I have two Savior’s? Nope! I have one Savior . . . the glorious, incomprehensible, Triune God. One God . . . made known to us through three equal and personal representations . . . Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

God is my Savior . . . Jesus is my Savior. The Father sent the Son . . . the Son delighted to do the Father’s will. The Father offered His Son . . . the Son freely gave of His spotless life as the once-for-all sacrifice of sin. The Father is God . . . the Son is “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature” (Heb. 1:3). They are both my Savior for they are both One.

Do I fully get it? Can I precisely explain it? Not really. Is it taught in Scripture? I’m thinkin’ . . . check out Titus. Do I believe it? Absolutely!

And this morning, as I am reminded afresh . . . and consider afresh . . . the mind-stretching reality of the nature of my Savior, I quiet myself in the presence of a God beyond my full comprehension. I humbly worship the God of Creation . . . who entered that Creation through the Son, becoming flesh and eventually dying on a cross that my sin might be atoned for. I bow before the God of heaven . . . the God who has taken up residence within me through the Spirit, undertaking a work of regeneration and renewal within me for His glory.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

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Practical Instruction

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Pete

I guess my expectation when reading through Proverbs is that I’ll encounter practical tips for sound living. I’m anticipating down-to-earth counsel that, if heeded, will affect my behavior. But this morning I was a bit surprised to come across some “high and lofty” truth concerning my God . . . clear teaching on one of His defining attributes . . . which, as I think about it, also has a way of affecting my behavior.

“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3 ESV)

A reminder this morning of the omnipresence of God. His eyes are in every place. He sees it all . . . nothing gets by my God . . . whether evil or good, it is registered by a God who is capable of noticing it all. Think about it!!! Not an action, nor a word, nor a thought escapes Jehovah, the “Existing One.” Just spend a couple of seconds thinking about that kind of evokes a couple of responses . . . “Awesome!!!” . . . “Yikes!!!”

Just how big is my God? Way big!!! It’s so easy to just skim over a Scripture like this without at least trying to take it in and comprehend something of what it says about our God. Nothing is beyond His awareness. I can’t hide from God . . . I don’t need to let God in on what’s happening . . . His eyes are in every place. These are the sort of reminders that prevent us from “downsizing” our God . . . from fitting Him into a box of our own making . . . from somehow thinking He’s “manageable.” No . . . our God is beyond comprehension . . . His capacity for knowledge and understanding doesn’t even register on any scale we can imagine . . . our God is God — nothing less.

And when by faith I really start to get this, then the another stream of thought surfaces, “So, He watches everything I do? He knows every thought I think?” . . . Yup!!! And that has a way of impacting one’s behavior, too.

“Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD; how much more the hearts of the children of men!” (Proverbs 15:11  ESV)

The all seeing eyes of God see into the secret places . . . even the places of Hell and Destruction . . . even into the hearts of men . . . all of it laid bare before Him. Now it starts to get a bit personal. I’m ok with God knowing everything about everyone else . . . but me? . . . His eyes are keeping watch on my actions? . . . He knows all about my good . . . and about my evil? I find myself saying with the Psalmist, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.” (Psalm 139:6) Do I fully understand it? No. Do I believe it? Yes.

And what then amazes me is that, knowing all He knows, God still wants to be intricately involved. Jesus says He stands at the door of our hearts and knocks and asks to be let in (Rev. 3:20). He requests entrance not to discover what’s in there — He already knows . . . but that He might be invited in to complete the work of redemption He’s started. Far from using the knowledge of His all seeing eyes to judge and condemn, He graciously asks to be allowed to interact with my inner man. He wants to dine, to fellowship, together . . . purifying my heart through His abiding presence . . . conforming my heart to His heart through His sanctifying Spirit.

So, maybe this is some practical instruction for sound living. When I get this . . . God’s omnipresence . . . God’s omniscience . . . it affects my behavior. I’m mindful of how I walk knowing He is everywhere and sees all I do . . . I’m aware of what motivates me knowing He knows all I think . . . and, I want to put out the “welcome mat”, inviting Him in, knowing that He wants to redeem all that I am. By His grace . . . and for His glory . . .

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Remember Me

Posted on August 12, 2011 by Pete

Kind of funny how this morning began. As I got up and went through my regular routine to shake away the cob webs (involves coffee!), I started to anticipate my readings for the morning . . . that I would be finishing the book of Nehemiah was in my thoughts almost as soon as I awoke. Even as I was pouring that cup of coffee, before I cracked the pages of my Bible, I started to feel the discomfort that I’ve felt before when coming to this last chapter of Nehemiah’s book. How come? Because of Nehemiah’s repeated petitions to God to “remember me.”

“Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God and for his service . . . Remember this also in my favor, O my God, and spare me according to the greatness of your steadfast love . . . Remember me, O my God, for good.” (Nehemiah 13:14, 22, 31 ESV)

It’s not the first time you encounter this type of prayer in Nehemiah . . . I kind of skimmed over it with a, “whatever,” back in chapter 5 . . .

“Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people.” (Nehemiah 5:19 ESV)

It’s always seemed a bit self-serving when I’ve read it in the past. Has had a ring about it that hasn’t sat quite right with me. Has bugged me because it seems so out of character with Nehemiah. Has caused me to wonder, “Is this a flaw in this man of God?” And so, even before reading this passage this morning, as the cob webs cleared, I think the Spirit was putting it on my radar and saying, “Time to resolve this conflict.”

Here’s the emerging resolution for me . . .

First, asking God to “remember” our works is simply acting in what we know to be true about God and is, in fact, consistent with His character and promises. The writer of the Hebrews says that God is not unjust and will not overlook our efforts on His behalf and the love shown towards His people by serving them for His sake (Heb. 6:10). When we do what God wants us to do, it’s actually more a prayer of belief and trust in the Master to ask Him to take note. I don’t think Nehemiah was trying to accumulate personal “brownie points” . . . not that he was seeking to be elevated in the ranks of the kingdom . . . but instead, he wanted his God to take joy in the obedience of His servant. It’s an acknowledgement that Nehemiah was just doing the Master’s bidding, that he was but a servant, graced by the King into His service, and simply discharging his duty. Remember me, O my God . . . I’ve sought to be faithful . . . I know you are God that takes delight in obedience . . . Be delighted!

Secondly, was Nehemiah simply seeking God’s continued blessing and grace upon the work begun? Not just in the rebuilding of the walls, that was the easy part, . . . but more importantly, the work begun in rebuilding the people? The idols were gone . . . temple worship restored to some measure . . . the Word of God rediscovered and being read and taught. Lot of good work had been accomplished, but “unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain” (Ps. 127:1). A lot of blood, sweat, and tears had gone into re-establishing Jerusalem. A lot of “straight talk” and “tough love” had been exercised in seeking to bring revival to the people of God. But it would be arrogant to think that whether or not it was sustaining was dependent upon man’s best efforts. Apart from God remembering Nehemiah’s work . . . apart from continuing grace . . . apart from the abiding hand of God . . . what had been a good restart would burn out . . . it wouldn’t last . . . it would crash and burn. Remember me, O my God . . . the work You’ve begun, complete it . . . it’s not by might, nor by strength, but by Your Spirit that the work is ultimately accomplished . . . I know that You are the Architect . . . You are the Master Builder . . . this is the work of Your hand . . . Be glorified!

Hmmm . . . should be interesting to see how I wake up to Nehemiah 13 next year . . .

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Just Like David

Posted on August 11, 2011 by Pete

I didn’t expect him to be there. Kind of surprised he showed up . . not just once, but four times. It’s been 600 years since he was physically on the scene. But when it’s time to rejoice . . . when it’s time to praise . . . when it’s time to offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving . . . it’s time to do it just like David.

I’m reading in Nehemiah 12 this morning. The walls of Jerusalem have been rebuilt. The opposition has been withstood . . . the scoffers silenced. What’s more, the people of God have experienced revival . . . the Word rediscovered . . . the Word preached . . . the Word taught . . . the Word heeded and obeyed. And now it’s time to celebrate. Not in recognition of their own abilities and accomplishments, but in the goodness, grace, and great power of the God they serve. The temple is back in business and the walls of Jerusalem stand . . . all because God brought His people back. Back to the land . . . back to Himself. Time to rejoice and give thanks . . . and time to do it just like “David the man of God” had commanded.

Nehemiah 12 isn’t about David, but his name shows up four times . . . twice as “David the man of God.” And what impresses me is the legacy left through this man after God’s heart (Acts 13:22). How integral he was in establishing this part of the temple activity. When it’s time to dedicate the wall, Nehemiah gathers all the Levite musicians and singers to Jerusalem and tells them to “go for it!” . . . just as David commanded (Neh. 12:24, 45) . . . and with the musical instruments “David the man of God” used (12:36). When it was time for the singing of songs . . . for the declaration of praise . . . for the giving of thanks . . . do it like David did.

And it reminds me that our modern worship isn’t something new . . . it’s just the latest form of something ancient . . . something God has ordained throughout the millennia to be part of what His people do when they get together. It is the natural response of the people of God to the wonder-inducing works of God. Though the slicing and dicing of animals ended at the cross, this form of sacrifice continues today . . . “let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name” (Heb. 13:15). And it is an offering that will continue throughout eternity (Rev. 4:9-11). And so, when Nehemiah sensed it was time to thank God for the work He enabled to be done, Nehemiah did just as David the man of God commanded.

And so they celebrated . . . “with gladness, with thanksgiving and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres.” Today the instruments are a bit different. The cymbals have been surrounded by some “skins” and become a drum kit . . . the harps are now the strings of a piano (or the digitized equivalent) . . . and the lyres have given way to the guitars. But what should not have changed is the gladness, the thanksgiving, and the singing.

And unlike the worship service in Nehemiah 12, our choir doesn’t gather on the wall around the temple, but our choir IS the temple . . . “a holy temple in the Lord . . . a dwelling place for God by the Spirit” (Eph. 2:21-22). The glory of God dwelling where the people of God are worshiping.

Gladness . . . thanksgiving . . . singing . . . just like David commanded . . .

“And the singers sang . . . And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.” (Nehemiah 12:42b-43 ESV)

May the joy of the people of God be heard far away . . . today, as it was that day . . . for His glory . . . amen?

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Give ‘Er!

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Pete

I guess the question you need to wrestle with is this, “Is it a command for me to obey . . . or just Timothy?” If the answer is “Just Timothy” . . . then move on. But, if the answer is “Yes, me too”, then there’s some noodlin’ to be done. Three words . . . that’s it . . . but a lifetime of implication if they have application for me.

That Timothy had a very specific and distinct calling is evident. Hand-picked by Paul (Acts 16:1-3) . . . called and equipped of God to preach the gospel and tend the flock . . . Timothy’s ministry was clearly and audibly communicated both to him and to those around him. Prophecies had been uttered concerning his kingdom responsibilities (1Tim. 1:18) . . . hands had been laid upon him in recognition of his gifting from God (2Tim. 1:6) . . . it was clear to all the nature of the stewardship that God had given to Timothy (2Tim. 1:14). So, it is perhaps not too surprising that as Paul comes to the end of his life and writes some last words of encouragement and exhortation, that he commands Timothy . . .

” . . . fulfill your ministry.” (2Timothy 4:5b ESV)

“Discharge all the duties” (NIV) . . . “fully carry out the ministry” (NLT) . . . “do a thorough job as God’s servant” (MSG) . . . “fully perform all the duties in your ministry” (AMP) . . . “Give ‘er!” (PJC)

No missing it . . . pretty clear. No way Timothy could dodge that one. But does the command transcend that one man? Is it also for this man?

I’m not “in the ministry” . . . or am I? I haven’t been “ordained” . . . or have I? I’ve got a “day job” . . . do I have a heaven-sent set of other duties, as well? I’m thinkin’ . . .

If the command is for me then I better spend a little time getting clear in my own head what the job is that God has entrusted me with. What’s my gifting? What’s my role in the body? Where does He want me to serve? How does He want me to serve? How will I know that I’m “fulfilling my ministry?” And as the Spirit makes that clear to me, I better give ‘er!

Paul says in Ephesians 2:10 that I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (a ministry?), which God prepared beforehand, I that I should walk in them (fully perform all the duties?). I haven’t had hands laid on me, but a “grace-ing” has been given to me according to the determination and measure of Christ’s gifting and Spirit’s enabling (Eph. 4:7, 1Cor.12:7, 11).

“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them” (Romans 12:6 ESV)

Yup . . . I’m pretty sure that even though I’m not in Timothy’s shoes, I have a ministry to discharge. Even if I’m not totally clear on what that is, I should be doing my best with what I do know . . . and should make the most of the opportunities to serve that have been put in my path. At the very least, my head should be in the “fulfill your ministry” game . . . and then trust the Spirit to direct me as He pleases . . . and assign me “duties” as He purposes . . . and enable me as He empowers.

And then, it’s mine to obey the command . . . to give ‘er . . . by God’s grace . . . and for God’s glory . . . amen?

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Back to Obedience

Posted on August 9, 2011 by Pete

It occurs to me that had God not sent His people, Israel, to “the woodshed” in Babylon, Paul would never have written his second letter to Timothy (or, for that fact, any of his letters). If God had not driven out idol worship from the corrupted DNA of His ancient chosen people through the destruction of Jerusalem and 70 years as exiles in a foreign land, Paul would not have had the inner material to zealously seek the God of Abraham . . . and in so doing, encounter the Son of God.

What’s impressing me this morning, as I read Nehemiah 10, is the degree to which God turned the hearts of the people away from false God’s and back to His Word and His ways. I know that by the time Jesus was born the religious elite had twisted God’s commands . . . that they had created an elite status for themselves as they proudly laid claim to keeping all the laws of God (and few more they made up themselves). But at least they were wired to want to keep the Law of God. As I think about the alternative, a people still “cheating” on God as they flirt and defile themselves with gods that are not gods, I gotta think that the “re-wiring” God did within the heart of the people of Jacob set the foundation for discovering true freedom in Christ . . . “the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ” (Gal. 3:24 NIV) . . . even if it had to “detour” through “Legalistic Lane”, “Arrogant Avenue”, “Boastful Boulevard”, and “Sanctimonious Street” to get there.

So here’s what grabbed me in Nehemiah 10 . . . and the connection with 2Timothy 3 . . .

After some intense Bible teaching by Ezra and his accompanying teachers, . . . and after some heaven-sent conviction through the Spirit . . . Nehemiah and the people “make a firm covenant in writing” (Neh. 9:38) to follow the ways God had laid out in the writings of Moses. They had been brought back to “the Book” . . . back to the beginning . . . back to basics . . . it was time to do the fundamentals again. And so they wrote out a pledge . . .

“The rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants, and all who have separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the Law of God, their wives, their sons, their daughters, all who have knowledge and understanding, join with their brothers, their nobles, and enter into a curse and an oath to walk in God’s Law that was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord and his rules and his statutes.” (Nehemiah 10:28-29 ESV)

They separated themselves unto the Law of God. They made a choice . . . the world or the Word? . . .and the Word won. Back to obedience!

Because of that defining decision . . . hundreds of years later . . . a zealous, arrogant, Pharisee of the Pharisees from Tarsus . . . in pursuit of obedience . . . would encounter the Living Word of God . . . the Risen Christ. And he would return to ancient counsel as he encouraged a young, upstart shepherd to “keep on keepin’ on” . . .

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2Timothy 3:14-15 ESV)

Continue in what you have learned . . . in what you have firmly believed . . . the sacred writings. Separate yourself from the world and unto the Word . . . walk in God’s way . . . observe and do what God commands. Can I really fully encounter my God apart from a holy determination and desire to walk in obedience? I’m thinkin’ not.

Trust and obey . . . for there’s no other way . . .

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Stand Up!

Posted on August 8, 2011 by Pete

Yesterday I was at church for about 5 1/2 hours. Arrived at 7:00 for worship team practice . . . 1st meeting started at 8:30 . . . done by 9:45 . . . some good fellowship and catch-up time until 10:30 . . . then 2nd service . . . wrapped up about 11:45 . . . some more chat time . . . and outta’ there around 12:20. A good morning . . . time flew by. So why the preoccupation with yesterday morning’s timeline? Because I’m trying to get a sense of how long the people of Israel assembled in my reading this morning . . . for them it was 6 hours . . . and for them, most of it was spent on their feet.

“And [the Israelites] stood up in their place and read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day; for another quarter of it they made confession and worshiped the LORD their God. Then the Levites . . . said, ‘Stand up and bless the LORD your God from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be Your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.'” (Nehemiah 9:3, 5 ESV)

I’m trying to imagine that. Three hours (one quarter of a twelve hour day) standing as the Bible is read . . . that would have been from 7 to 10 yesterday. Then another three hours responding to the Word with confession and worship . . . 10 to 1. Mmmmm . . . that would have been different. Kind of easy putting in almost 6 hours when there’s a variety of activities . . . but to listen for three hours to a Bible reading (could you read Genesis to Deuteronomy aloud in three hours?) . . . and then to react to what you heard for three more hours . . . that sounds like a bit of a marathon to me. And the other thing I notice that kind of captures the imagination is that they didn’t need chairs. For most of the six hours they were standing . . . and, I’m guessing when they weren’t standing, they were on their face in confession and worship.

There was revival going on in post-exile Jerusalem. Stuff was happening . . . not only was the temple being rebuilt . . . and the walls of the city were being rebuilt . . . but the people of God were being rebuilt, as well. The Word of God had been rediscovered. This wasn’t their first marathon session with the Word. In Nehemiah 8, it records another gathering of people to hear Ezra read the word “from early morning until midday” . . . the “ears of the people were attentive to the Book of the Law” . . . “and they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground” (8:3, 6). And at that gathering, as in Nehemiah 9, when Ezra “opened the book in the sight of all the people . . . all the people stood” (8:5).

Something about getting to your feet which shows respect and reverence. Something about standing that says “I’m ready . . . I’m here . . . bring it on!” Something about it that shows desire. Something about being erect for six hours that has “Spirit Induced Revival!” stamped all over it.

I’m not advocating “no chairs” for Sunday morning service (might be interesting to try some time, though). What I am captured by is the hunger and thirst and willingness to receive and to respond to the Word of God. I’m intrigued by such a moving of the Spirit that people think less about their personal comfort and, instead, only want more of what God has for them. I’m a bit in awe of three hours of confession and worship . . . now that’s a major “closing song!” I’m trying to imagine what’s going on in the heart that makes an assembly of God’s people stand in anticipation and adoration.

Oh that God would again move His people to stand up! That I might head out Sunday mornings eagerly anticipating the Word being read and preached. That I might not critique the presentation but cry out for it’s power to impact me. That I might not keep looking at my watch but be solely focused on the Word. That I might not respond with mindless singing but instead resound with awe-filled worship and praise.

I’m not sure I’m up for a six hour service . . . but that I might, by the grace of God and the moving of Spirit, engage fully in the 60 minutes or so when I’m gathered with God’s people to hear God’s voice and sing God’s worth. I like our chairs . . . not sure I’d sell them on e-Bay just yet . . . but that I might be standing up on the inside . . . moved by the Spirit of God . . . desiring to receive . . . desiring to respond.

For my blessing . . . for His glory . . . Stand Up!

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A Hard Sell

Posted on July 29, 2011 by Pete

It may just be one of the most compelling chapters in all of Scripture. It is a call . . . it is a plea . . . it is a glorious proclamation . . . it is a sacred promise . . . it is, as the heading in my Bible says, “The Blessings of Wisdom.” You read Proverbs 8 and you can’t help but sense the urgency and the passion around wisdom’s call to men to pursue her and embrace her. It, quite simply, is a hard sell.

The Spirit’s creativity in moving Solomon to personify wisdom as a woman who calls out to the simple to heed her words and embrace her ways is very engaging. It takes wisdom from some abstract concept to an appealing person. Sometimes I find myself reading these first chapters of Proverbs and “hearing” Christ as the voice of wisdom . . . fits most times . . . I’m guessing that’s intended. But back to the hard sell . . .

“Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud: ‘To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man. O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense. Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right, for my mouth will utter truth; . . . for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her . . . I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me . . . For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD, but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.” (Proverbs 8:1-7, 11, 17, 35-36 ESV)

That God values wisdom should be evident. That He desires that His people master “skillful living” should be clear. That He would that all saints should possess, in increasing measure, understanding and insight, jumps off the pages of this portion of Scripture. Solomon thrilled God when he, as a young man about to take the throne of Israel, asked for wisdom (2Chron. 1:7-12, 1Kings 3:10). And through these writings of Solomon, God uses wisdom’s voice to make His plea to me . . . that I would aspire, in some measure, to be like David’s son.

Oh that God’s Spirit would stir within God’s people a love for wisdom. That we would take advantage of her accessibility given us through the indwelling Spirit and the imparted mind of Christ. That we would pursue her as treasure, seeking her in the inspired, infallible pages of Holy Scriptures. That we would find her and that she would invade us. That we would embark on such a journey believing her promise that “those who seek me diligently find me.”

Within this “hard sell” is the pursuit of knowing Christ . . . of being conformed into the image of Christ . . . of walking as Jesus walked. And the reward truly is “better than jewels.” As we live as children of godly insight we walk in the fullness of the potential of the “new creation” we have become in Christ. As we head out into our days with increasing measure of heavenly understanding, we actively become the salt we’ve been called to be to a decaying world . . . we shine, by His grace, as lights in a dark world. I can’t help but think it all hangs on wisdom’s invasion of our hearts and minds.

And wisdom is not dependent on my IQ . . . rather on my SQ (spiritual quotient) . . . and that has been freely given to me in Christ . . . “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature” (2Peter 1:3-4). The treasures of insight, understanding, and wisdom are mine for the accessing . . . through the Word. They are mine for the possessing . . . implanted by the Spirit . . .

Hear her cry afresh this morning! Whoever finds her, finds life — and life to the full . . . whoever pursues her, obtains favor from the Lord. And, as I think about it, that’s, really, is not too hard a sell.

For my blessing . . . for His glory . . . welcome wisdom!

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A Measure of Revival

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Pete

Sometimes, some of the brightest gems can be found in the darkest places. I’m reading in Ezra 9 this morning . . . kind of depressing, actually . . . but in the repentant cry of Ezra before His sinned against God, there is something that caught my eye . . . that has me thinking . . . that causes me to get jazzed . . . . to praise God . . . to experience a measure of revival.

Background . . . Ezra has led a second troop of captives back to Jerusalem to assist with the rebuilding of the temple and of the city. He has recognized “the good hand of God” upon him (7:6, 9, 28; 8:18, 31) . . . he is aware of God’s favor shown to him and the other exiles who had been allowed to return . . . knowing for certain that this historic “reunion tour” was all of God’s grace. But when he gets back to the land, he is informed that those who had been part of the first group to return had started intermarrying with “the peoples of the lands.” The people of God had “unequally yoked” themselves with people of idols transgressing the commandment of God. Ezra is mortified . . . he tears his garments . . . he hits his knees . . . and he repents, on behalf of the people, for His Lord (9:4-5). And it is in the midst of his humble, anguished prayer of confession and repentance that a “gem” surfaced.

“But now for a brief moment favor has been shown by the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant and to give us a secure hold within His holy place, that our God may brighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our slavery. For we are slaves. Yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us His steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to grant us some reviving to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us protection in Judea and Jerusalem.” (Ezra 9:8-9 ESV)

It was that repeated phrase, “grant us a little reviving” that caught my eye. In the NIV it’s “a little relief . . . has granted us new life.” In the NKJV it is translated ” give us a measure of revival . . . to revive us.”

The idea here seems to be that of infusing some energy . . . giving life back to . . . restoring some of the jazz factor. God had “brightened their eyes” . . . He had extended His gracious love and care, giving these slaves of Babylon a kind of “pick me up”. And what was the means of this blessing? How was the favor granted? What was it that provided some “zing” to what had been the monotonous, day-in-day-out-in Babylon routine? The means of revival was found in the privilege given them “to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins.”

What hit me was that revival can come through God graciously moving us and allowing us to serve Him. Enthusiasm for the things of the Lord come through engagement in the work of the Lord. Nothing creates energy like doing God’s work . . . according to God’s will . . . in God’s way . . . for God’s glory.

Was it hard work to rebuild the temple? Was it sweaty . . . maybe back-breaking work? I’m thinkin’! But Ezra saw it as a means of God granting a measure of revival. Being able to put shoulder to God-ordained work was viewed as evidence of the grace of God . . . a reminder of the active presence of God. As such, it brightened eyes . . . provided relief from the ho-hum, hum-drum ways of the world they had been ensnared in . . . primed the pump leading to a gush of fresh flow of water and renewed passion.

Perhaps we think of serving the Lord as the outcome of a “jazzed Christian life” rather than as the means to a passionate, vibrant relationship . . . so maybe we wait until we “feel it” before we “do it.” But I’m wondering if we don’t need to get about doing the Master’s business in order to really get pumped about being part of the Master’s household. That it is in faithful service that we find “a measure of revival.” Maybe the reason for listless Christians has something to do with them not getting in the game . . . not aligning themselves to some aspect of God’s building program . . . not breaking a sweat in some aspect of kingdom construction.

Hmmm . . . a work to be done in a holy place for a holy God . . . a house to be restored . . . a measure of revival to be experienced . . .

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