The Church

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Pete

Some might consider it but a building . . . “I’m going to the church.” Some might consider it just a set of activities . . . “I’m doing church this Sunday or, I’m going to miss church this Sunday.” But, reading in 1Timothy 3 this morning, I’m reminded afresh that the church is so much more than a place or a program. Instead it is a pillar . . . it is a power . . . it is a people gathered apart to the living God.

Paul has spent the better part of this portion of his letter to Timothy talking about “God’s church” (3:5). Specifically, he has talked about the importance of those who lead the church. The primary qualifications Paul lists are not those associated with someone who knows how to run an organization . . . rather with someone who knows how to lead and care for his household. The “job description” is less about competencies and more about character. That’s because the church is not a business, it is a family . . . because the church is not a program, it is people . . . because the church is not a place, but it is to be a pillar.

“I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of truth.” (1Timothy 3:14-15 ESV)

“The church of the living God” . . . chew on that a bit. The ekklesia . . . a gathering of called out people . . . an assembly of sinners saved by grace . . . a company of Christians . . . we don’t DO church . . . we are the church. And what makes us special is not our building (or lack of one) . . . it’s not the name on the sign . . . it’s not our vision or mission statement . . . it is that we are the gathered out people of the living God, called to be a foundation and support for the truth. How’s that for taking it up a notch?

Our head is not someone who occupies an office in the building . . . rather, our Head is Him who occupies the exalted place at the right hand of the God of heaven. Our Head is the risen and living Christ. We are His church . . . formed and empowered for His purpose . . . privileged to display His manifold wisdom and grace, to both the peoples of earth and the principalities in heavenly places, by His power.

Oh, how we “dumb down” the church when we see it as nothing more than a building or a service instead of the physical representation of the living God upon this planet. How we “low-ball” expectations when we seek nothing more than to throw a few bucks in the offering in exchange for a few songs and a good preach rather than anticipate encountering the living God . . . rather than desiring to see His glory fall upon us as we come together as the earthly dwelling place for God (Eph. 2:22).

What’s more,as those gathered together to the exalted Person of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are are given a time-transcending purpose . . . to be the “pillar and buttress of truth.” A pretty high and holy calling in a world that believes less and less that there is truth. But the church is to be the voice of truth. We are to be the voice of Jesus who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). We are to be people of the Word of God because His Word is truth (John 17:17).

When this grips my heart, how can I again look at the church as but a place to go or a program to experience. Instead, I’m intricately associated with and woven into the presence and purposes of the living God . . . I am called to be part of a body that displays the power of God and proclaims the ways of God. How’s that for something to get a bit jazzed about?

Part of the living God’s church . . . all for the living God’s glory . . . amen?

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I’m In!

Posted on July 26, 2011 by Pete

Ok . . . I’m in! Sign me up! Bring it on! Show me where! Planted in the middle of Proverbs 3 is an infomercial of sorts. The “product” truly is better than “sliced bread”. It can’t be bought for $9.99 down and $9.99 a month for 99 years . . . it doesn’t slice and dice and make julienne fries (whatever those are). Rather it is something that is searched out, not purchased . . . something that is obtained through a humble and diligent pursuit rather than by supplying your credit card number. And when it is found, the gain it brings . . . the profit enjoyed . . . is beyond all expectation. So, like I said, I’m in!

“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” (Proverbs 3:13-15 ESV)

Wisdom. Why wouldn’t we take up the Lord on His offer . . . on His plea . . . to seek wisdom? I don’t know that the culture around us really thinks about, much less values, wisdom that much. But the people of God . . . those brought from darkness into light . . . those made alive to the things of a kingdom not of this world . . . those given access to the thoughts of God, through the mind of Christ, taught by the Holy Spirit (1Cor. 2:10-16) . . . they should be the first to respond to wisdom’s cry (Prov. 1:2).

Wisdom . . . skillful living . . . insight and understanding as to how best to navigate this life . . . comprehension of how best to prepare for the next life. The same wisdom by which the Lord founded the earth and established the heavens (Prov. 3:19). Available to for the seeker. Better than silver . . . more valuable and stable than gold . . . more precious than jewels . . . nothing, absolutely nothing compares with it. How amazing is that?

Not that we become like God . . . instead, in some measure, we can know the mind of God, and leverage that knowledge as we seek to walk with God. It’s about being so heavenly minded that we max out the potential for earthly good . . .

“Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.” (Proverbs 3:16-18 ESV)

Wisdom won’t prevent trials . . . wisdom is not some immunization from pain and sorrow . . . it isn’t a guarantee for no worries . . . instead it is what maximizes the return on all life’s experiences. It is that insight which sets our mind on things above . . . which encounters things on this horizontal plain with a awareness of a vertical dimension. It is that understanding that recognizes the hand of God in all circumstance . . . knows the presence of God in every step . . . acknowledges that the purposes of God will be fulfilled for our benefit.

Wisdom is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her . . . to those who ask for her, she will be given . . . to those who seek her, she will be found . . . to those who knock on her door, it will be opened . . . to those who “call now”, she will be sent freely . . .

” . . . yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.” (Proverbs 2:3-5 ESV)

I’m in!

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Weeping & Praising Can Go Together

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Pete

It must have been quite the scene. It must have been quite the sound! People shouting for joy . . . people crying out in anguish of soul. Those singing out songs of praise and thanksgiving at the tops of their lungs . . . those weeping and wailing with an equally loud voice. Those whose spirits were bolstered as they beheld a cup half full . . . those whose spirits were crushed as they looked upon a cup half empty. Both perspectives had merit . . . both responses were appropriate . . . both response would be used of God to reclaim His people.

As I’m reading in Ezra this morning, the story of the return of the exiles to rebuild the temple, I can’t help but pause over this scene. It’s been two years since God “stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia” to issue a proclamation allowing those who had been taken into captivity to return to Judah, to go back to Jerusalem, and rebuild the house of God . . . to rebuild the temple which had been leveled at the hands of the Babylonians. (Ezra 1:1-4)

About 50,000 people pack up their belongings, load up the temple treasures returned to them by Cyrus and the offerings given by those who decided not to return, and head back to Jerusalem (Ezra 2). Seven months after leaving captivity, after having re-settled in the abandoned towns around Jerusalem, the first thing they rebuild is the altar of God . . . so that they could offer the burnt offerings . . . so that they could pour out the blood needed for atonement. Under the law, without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins (Heb. 9:22) . . . and they had a lot of sins to be forgiven.

With the slicing and dicing and sacrificing reestablished, they set out to rebuild the temple . . . the place that had once housed the glory of God. And after the foundation had been laid it was time to pause, reflect, and rejoice. Enough of the temple had been reconstructed that the priests could come forward and lead the first praise and worship session in Jerusalem in years. They brought their instruments, they gathered the people, . . .

“And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD, ‘For He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.’ And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.” (Ezra 3:11)

There was great shouting . . . they gave ‘er as they declared praises to God. But there were some, “many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers’ houses, old men who seen the first house” who looked at the feeble beginnings of this “new temple” and, recalling the old temple, wept . . . and wept uncontrollably . . . wept loudly. It was the weeping of seeing an outline of a temple where once the glory of God dwelt . . . the sorrow of knowing that the glory had departed . . . that their sin and infidelity had resulted in God’s exit long before the Babylonians had destroyed it.

And I kind of think there was a place for both responses . . . that weeping and praising can go together. To recall the past . . . to acknowledge sin . . . to remember what once was or what could have been had it not been for bad choices, rebellious spirits, idolatrous desires . . . it all makes for true repentance and a godly sorrow. But our God is a God of new beginnings. It was He who stirred a Persian king’s heart to rebuild the house . . . it was He who had determined the time when exile should end and pursuing Him again should recommence . . . it was He who provided resources, skill, and grace to lay again a foundation for a place where God’s glory would again enter. And in that, their rejoicing is appropriate.

After acknowledging the past, mourning the past, repenting of the past, it was time to praise God for the present and rejoice in the future. Time to recognize the hand of God in what was happening today and anticipate His continued presence and leading tomorrow. Time to see in the freshly laid foundation the gracious favor of God . . . and anticipate in these small beginnings a glorious future because of the One who is faithful . . . the One who declares, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1Cor. 2:9 NKJV).

“His anger is but for a moment, and His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5 ESV)

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God’s Pleasure

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Pete

Sometimes it is about me. Sometimes what captures me in a Bible reading isn’t the great truths about God . . . or the commands to obey . . . or the promises to claim . . . sometimes it’s about what God thinks concerning this guy sitting in this chair. And the response of my heart is akin to David’s, “How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” (Psalm 139:17). That the Lord of all creation would have thoughts concerning me . . . that Holy, Holy, Holy God would have any consideration of this so less than holy son of Adam . . . it can be quite overwhelming. And this morning I’m reminded it goes so beyond just a thought . . . so over the top from just a fleeting consideration . . .

“For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the humble with salvation.” (Psalm 149:4 ESV)

God takes pleasure in His people . . . the NIV says “He delights” in those who are His own. Really? Yeah, really.

That I should be a part of “His people” would be enough, in and of itself. That this former enemy of God should be so completely forgiven and received into His flock is sufficient reason to rejoice. That this man imprisoned by sin should have been set free and welcomed into the kingdom would be cause enough to thank Him for eternity. That God so loved the world that He sent His one and only Son to redeem the lost and welcome them into His family is more than a compelling reason to exalt Him. But then, on top of all that, to think that God takes pleasure in His people . . . how absolutely amazing is that!

Oh, to think of pleasing God. To think of Him delighting in me. And not because I’ve earned it . . . or deserve it . . . but because that is the gracious heart of God towards those who are clothed in garments of salvation . . . to those who are “in Christ” . . . to those who have called on Him as Savior and Lord . . . to those whom He has claimed as His own. God is jazzed by saved people. The heart of God is stirred with favor by those He has called to be a living temple for Him through His Spirit.

Despite the church’s dysfunctional nature at times, I imagine us putting a smile on the face of God as we pursue the pilgrim’s path, seeking the kingdom . . . as we give it our best shot to “walk in a manner worthy” . . . as we continue to confess our failure and cover ourselves with the all sufficient blood of Christ . . . as we keep on keepin’ on for His glory. He knows the weakness of our frame . . . He knows our struggle with the “old man” . . . He knows the desire to live for Him . . . and the Lord takes pleasure in His people.

It is the satisfaction a rescuer has in communing with those rescued . . . it is the warmth of heart a father feels for his children . . . it is the pleasure a bridegroom has as he adoringly looks upon his bride . . . it is the heart of God towards the people of God.

And it’s one of those truths which impacts the heart of the believer . . . stirs the soul of the redeemed . . . fuels the fire of the faithful servant to want to bring to the Master as much pleasure as he can.

Oh precious thought . . . that, in some measure, God would take pleasure in me. Oh, that I might seek to bring my King pleasure . . . that I might, from time to time, put a smile on His face as He “picks up” on my love for Him . . . that I might faithfully walk in a way that delights the heart of God . . . by His grace . . . through the power of His indwelling Spirit . . . and all for His glory. Amen?

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The Power of the Promise

Posted on July 21, 2011 by Pete

As I think about it, promises are only as good as the promise-maker. The strength of a pledge is less in the words spoken and more in the desire, commitment, and ability of the one speaking the words to follow through. It occurs to me that my “hunt” for promises in God’s word is as much about who God is as it is about what He has said. Came across a promise this morning that impacted me more by the One giving the assurance than by the assurance being given.

“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” (2Thessalonians 3:3 ESV)

Ok . . . so I’m “claiming the promise.” God will set fast those who are His . . . He will give them a stability which transcends the circumstance of life . . . He will render constant the mind of those who seek Him. I can be that guy in the lighthouse . . . though the wave envelopes the structure, yet he stands firm, protected from its onslaught.

Protected because God “will guard you.” The Father has said that He would keep watch over His people . . . His Son, the Great Shepherd, has committed to protect His flock . . . that none, who have been graced into the fold, would be lost. Aware that “in this world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33), He has pledged to preserve those who names are written above and to deliver them to a place He has been preparing for them.

Talk about a promise to claim . . . talk about a solid rock to stand firm on! But here’s the real power of the promise . . . here’s the “take it to the bank” factor . . . here’s the blessing within the blessing . . . “the Lord is faithful.”

The power of the promise is in the Promise-Maker. In His ability to “follow through” . . . and to the degree to which He can be trusted to “walk the talk”. And my God is able . . . and my God is faithful!

I can believe the promise because “the Lord is faithful.” He is trustworthy . . . He can be relied upon . . . my confidence can be placed fully in the God who has declared, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). That He is able is beyond dispute . . . but that He is willing . . . that He is committed . . . that He is rock-solid faithful . . . that’s the power of the promise.

“God is faithful, by Whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1Cor. 1:9) . . . “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1Cor. 10:13) . . . . “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it.” (1Thess. 5:23-24)

Part of His forever family . . . because He is faithful. Able to stand through every trial and temptation . . . because He is faithful. Being completely conformed into the image of His blessed Son . . . a done deal . . . because He is faithful.

Praise God for His promises. Believe His promises . . . for He is God.

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Under the Influence

Posted on July 20, 2011 by Pete

It’s like a drug. Something that can take control. Something that muddles the thinking . . . removes reasonable inhibitions . . . and can result in stupid, stupid decisions. Not recognized, it can take you farther than you really want to go. Not held in check, it can lead to ruin. And the thing about this “destructive substance” is that it is present within me 24/7 . . . lies just below the surface . . . reminds me of it’s presence more often than I care to admit. As I read the story of another king who started well and ended not-so-well, I’m hearing the warning of the dangers of being “under the influence” of pride.

I’m reading in 2Chronicles 26 about King Uzziah. Uzziah, king at 16 years of age . . . king for 52 years . . . one of the “good guys.” Uzziah lived up to his name, “my strength is Jehovah.” He sought the Lord and the Lord prospered him. He set Himself to seek God, and God grew him into a mighty man of war. Vast army . . . leading edge military technology . . . and fame that spread far beyond the borders of Judah (26:13-15). At the top of his game. He sought God . . . he fought for God . . . and God drew alongside to secure the victories . . . to increase his strength. And then, tragically, he ended up “under the influence.”

“But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the LORD his God and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.” (2Chronicles 26:16 ESV)

Give your head a shake! Really? This seeker of God . . . this king who “did right in the sight of the Lord” . . . he presumes to have attained to the privilege of the priesthood and goes traipsing into the holy place and ad libs his own incense offering. He wasn’t a son of Aaron. While God may have chosen him for the throne, it wasn’t his to take upon himself ministering in the temple. What was he thinking? What got into him? Pride!

His heart was lifted up . . . he became haughty . . . arrogant. He had become hooked on fame and recognition. It wasn’t enough of a “high” to be king . . . not enough of a “buzz” to be known far and wide as a military genius . . . he needed a next “hit” . . . needed to something to boost the ego a bit more. And so off he goes . . . arrogantly striding into the holy place. Less, I think, about trying to honor the God who favored him, but more about showing others what a really big man he was. It makes no sense apart from something taking over his reasoning . . . some powerful intoxicating substance. He overdosed on pride.

When opposed by the legitimate priests, instead of coming to his senses . . . instead of contrition and repentance . . . he becomes an “angry drunk” (26:19-20). And there was the line . . . and Uzziah stepped over it . . .

“Then Uzziah was angry. Now he had a censer in his hand to burn incense, and when he became angry with the priests, leprosy broke out on his forehead in the presence of the priests in the house of the LORD, by the altar of incense . . . the LORD had struck him. And King Uzziah was a leper to the day of his death, and being a leper lived in a separate house, for he was excluded from the house of the LORD.” (2Chronicles 26:19-21 ESV)

God sobered him up. Nailed him right between the eyes . . . literally . . . filling his forehead with an ugly skin disease . . . a visible external sign reminding him, that despite all his outward fame, there was still inward junk that made him unclean. Removed from general population . . . precluded from participating in temple worship . . . all because he allowed himself to get “under the influence.”

What a warning for me. Pride is a powerful, powerful intoxicating and controlling substance. Unchecked it can lead me down paths I would never think to go when in my right mind. And I am so aware of my ego . . . I know that all the makings of Uzziah type disaster are resident in the flesh. Oh, by the grace of God, may there be no room for pride to take over . . . may I instead be under the influence of another . . . controlled by the Spirit. My accomplishments seen as His accomplishments . . . my strengths recognized as His hand of favor . . . the only boasting being that which boasts in the cross . . . the only glory being the glory given to Him.

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It Matters Who You Dance With

Posted on July 19, 2011 by Pete

The warning lights went off as soon as I read it this morning. While the phrase was familiar . . . it had a twist to it that was a bit foreboding. Although things were going well, you just knew that a train wreck was coming. Note to self . . . lesson to be learned . . . it matters who you dance with.

Joash was the “boy king” . . . just seven years old when they put the crown on his head (2Chronicles 24:1). He had been hidden for 6 years in the temple . . . protected from Athaliah, the crazy old mama of the previous king. After her son died, Athaliah assassinated everyone else in line for the throne (2Chron. 22:10) . . . everyone except the baby Joash who was stolen away and hidden by the wife of the high priest, Jehoiada (22:11-12). And so, Joash was brought up literally in the house of God . . . and in the ways of God . . . by a faithful servant of God.

So it’s not surprising, perhaps, to read that, when Joash was put on the throne, he ruled in a manner that pleased God. But, you read the whole verse, and the warning lights go off. Check it out . . .

“And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest.” (2Chronicles 24:2 ESV)

Catch that qualifier? He did what was right . . . he lived in a manner worthy . . . he pleased God . . . but it was only for “the days of Jehoiada the priest.” Uh, oh! Another example of starting strong and finishing poorly. And it all came down to who Joash decided to dance with.

While Jehoiada, . . . aged, faithful, servant-of-God Jehoiada . . . while Jehoiada lived, he had the king’s ear. During that time Joash restored the house of the Lord which had been trashed by Athaliah’s kids (24:4,7). Under Jehoiada’s counsel, Joash faithfully pursued restoring the worship of God as a focal point for life in Judah. As long as Joash partnered with Jehoiada, he seemed to pursue the things of God. But then Jehoiada dies . . . and is buried . . . and there enters into Joash’s life a new set of voices . . .

“Now after the death of Jehoiada the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them. And they abandoned the house of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols.” (2Chronicles 24:17-18a ESV)

How sad. These princes of Judah whispered flattering words in the king’s ear . . . they fawned before him . . . they seduced him . . . you can almost hear the hiss of the serpent as they called into question this “exclusive worship” initiative he had been fixating on. “Come on!” they may have said, “There’s room for other gods . . . there’s a place for tolerance . . . you were sheltered by that old priest, try some of the ‘new gods’ . . . you’ll like it.” Whatever they said, he listened and he forsook the house of God . . . and, the God of the house. Heavy sigh!

And the apostle Paul’s words ring in my ears . . . “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’ ” (1Corinthians 15:33 ESV)

It matters who I “dance” with. My life will be impacted by those I hang with. It makes a difference who has my ear . . . who I go to for counsel and advice. I’m not saying we retreat from all the “bad voices” . . . we’ve been sent with good news to the “bad voices.” But I do need to be careful about who my closest associates are . . . I need to recognize that my best buds will have an influence on my actions . . . that those I look to for input and feedback will impact how I think and, eventually, how I live.

Oh, thank God for the Jehoiada’s in my life . . . for the fellowship of believers who spur me on to walk in the ways of the Lord. I want to “dance” well . . . I want to finish well . . . for His glory . . . amen?

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Meditation

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Pete

The thought that came to my mind as I read the verse is, “That’s a word we’ve given up.” I don’t know very much about Eastern Mysticism or Eastern Religions but I do think we’ve ceded some ground to it . . . allowed them to claim a concept that should be ours . . . relinquished to them a discipline that should be ours. The word I’m thinking of begins with “M” . . . and ends with “editate” . . .

“On the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works, I will meditate.” (Psalm 145:5 ESV)

I wonder if “meditate” or “meditation” came up in a word association game, how many of us would immediately respond, “Christianity!” or, “God!” Instead we might first go to images of someone with legs crossed in a lotus position, incense burning around them as they chant some mysterious sounding non-word. But, as I read through the Psalms, I’m thinking we need . . . or at least, I need . . . to reclaim meditation as a tool in my toolkit for building upon the foundation God has graciously laid in my life through His Son.

And it is so not about repeating a sing word or phrase . . . so not about emptying the mind. Rather, my meditation is all about filling the mind . . . with many, many themes and facets connected with the God of my salvation. It’s about filling my mind to overflowing as I consider “the glorious splendor” of His majesty and the wonder of His many, many works. Mine is to pause to reflect on all that He is and all that He has done. Pretty big book of “think material” if you ask me!

To take time to focus my thoughts on the attributes of God . . . to muse upon the beauty and glory of His person . . . that will stretch the mind and heart a bit. To commune around the subject matter of all that He has done — from creation to redemption . . . to ponder the mysteries of grace . . . to sing of the wonders of the heaven that awaits . . . to speak with others on how cool it is to just be a child of the Almighty . . . that has the potential to occupy a bit of time with high and lofty considerations.

So many things to compete for my thought life. So much stuff I need to run through this limited brain capacity I have. All necessary. But oh, to take time to let “living water” flow through this grey matter. To pause, even if just for a few minutes, and let the Spirit lead me to a fresh “Wow!” at the some thought of some aspect of the majesty of my God . . . or the beauty of His Son . . . or the mystery of His Spirit within me. To find myself, even in the middle of a crazy day, “escaping” just for a moment to reflect upon the love God has for me . . . that love expressed so vividly, so completely, on the cross . . . and to say, “Thank you!”

Yeah, I need to reclaim meditation . . .

May my meditation be pleasing to Him, for I rejoice in the LORD. (Psalm 103:34 ESV)

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Amazing Faith, Amazing Love

Posted on July 15, 2011 by Pete

Ok . . . so confession time . . . knowing I’ll sound like a cranky old man, perhaps . . . sometimes I’m bugged by how flippantly we Christians toss around words like “awesome” and “amazing”. Sometimes I think we are too quick to attach such superlatives to too many things . . . and by doing so we, in fact, make the word “awesome” less awesome and the word “amazing” less amazing. How can so many things be awesome or amazing? I really like the idea of trying to reserve the word “awesome” for God alone. God is awesome . . . and if He is awesome, how can anything else share that space? And I really think we should be mindful of what’s “amazing” . . . everything can’t be amazing ’cause then nothing is really all that special or amazing.

“What’s with him,” you might ask. “Where’s this little diatribe coming from?” Good question . . . thanx for asking . . . 2Thessalonians 1 is what sparked this. Not because Paul uses the words “awesome” or “amazing” . . . but because of a couple of other “over the top” adjectives Paul uses. And I don’t think Paul, or the Holy Spirit inspiring his letters, uses such expressions of excellence or magnitude without careful thought and intent. And so, I’m taking note this morning of these “over the top” descriptors used by Paul to describe the Thessalonians. Check it out . . .

“We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other” (2Thessalonians 1:3 NKJV)

Peterson might be accurately capturing the magnitude of this compliment in The Message, “You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it’s a must. We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it’s only right that we give thanks.”

And so, it’s caused me to pause and to think about faith that grows exceedingly . . . and love that abounds . . . and the relationship between the two. The grace of God worked mightily in that group of believers in Thessalonica. A young church . . . pretty pagan background . . . built on only 3 weeks of “on site” teaching by Paul. But the gospel took. The seed found good soil . . . and God gave the increase. And their faith grows exceedingly. As they learn more, they become more convinced. As the persecution intensifies, their resolve to seek and pursue the One who promised never to leave or forsake them increases. As they experience the Holy Spirit’s regenerating work in their lives and the lives of their friends, they know — just know — deep within their hearts that this is the real thing. That God IS real . . . that Jesus IS alive . . . that heaven IS sure . . . that the KING is coming again. And so Paul uses a word here to describe their faith that isn’t used anywhere else in the New Testament — “hyper-growing.” That’s what their faith was doing . . . it was hyper-growing. And what comes along with hyper-growing faith? Abounding or “super-increasing” love for one another.

No accidents in Scripture . . . so when faith to God is linked to love to one another, it’s probably worth noting. How much I love the people of God is probably a pretty good indicator of how much my faith is growing. I don’t think I’m stepping out there too much to say that as faith grows, love for the church grows. And where faith is hyper-growing, love is super-increasing. Oh, to be part of a body of believers where, by the grace of God, and the active working of the Holy Spirit, faith is growing and love is increasing.

And, I guess, it starts within me . . . that my faith would hyper-grow . . . that my love for God’s people would super-increase.

God alone is awesome . . . but that would be amazing!!!

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What Happened?

Posted on July 14, 2011 by Pete

Another lesson this morning from a king of Judah . . . actually another warning about “finishing well.”

King Asa is a bit of a “head scratcher” when you read his story (2Chronicles 14 thru 16) . . . how does someone start so well and finish so poorly? . . . here’s the “Reader’s Digest” version:

Asa was marked as one of the kings who “did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD His God.” (14:2) He encouraged Judah (the southern kingdom of the divided Israel) to seek the Lord and he put his money where his mouth was by tearing down the high places of idol worship. For 10 years, there was peace and prosperity in Judah during which time he also built up an army of 580,000 fighting men (14:8). Then, 10 years into his reign, Zerah the Ethiopian came out against Judah with a force of one million men. Out numbered almost 2 to 1 Asa, cried out to the Lord (that’s a good move), “Lord it is nothing for You to help whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O LORD our God!” (14:11) And the Lord struck the Ethiopians. King Asa then was a man who pursued God, a man who trusted in God, a man who experientially knew the power and faithfulness of God.

And it gets better . . . the Spirit of God comes upon a guy named Azariah who prophesies to Asa and his people, “The LORD is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake You.” (15:2) And it sparks national revival in Judah. The people enter “into a covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart and all their soul” (15:12) and “Judah rejoiced at the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and sought Him with all their soul; and He was found by them, and the Lord gave them rest all around” (15:15). So King Asa was a godly man who led others in devotion to the LORD. So far . . . so good . . .

Fast forward 25 years . . . 25 years of peace and rest . . . and King Baasha of Israel starts to lay siege to Judah. And what does godly King Asa do? He buys off Syria to come to his aid. What he doesn’t do is rely on the Lord . . . and he’s called on it by the Lord through a prophet (16:7-8). And King Asa’s response? “Then Asa was angry with the seer, and put him in prison.” (16:10) Three years later Asa becomes “diseased in his feet and his malady was severe.” What does he do? “Yet in his disease, he did not seek the LORD, but the physicians.” (16:11-12)

So what happened??? Started so well . . . trusted so much . . . saw great intervention and power of God . . . yet tanked . . . lost the reliance . . . bitter at the correction . . . relied on man over God. How come . . . what happened??? I don’t know . . . all I know is that the Word of God records it . . . and I can’t help but think that it’s for my warning. I might think my walk with the Lord is pretty good right now . . . I might be trusting and relying now . . . but Asa teaches me that things can change if I stop actively seeking Him. (15:2)

And then I read Psalm 143 . . . another king — David . . . also finding himself toward the end of his reign in a tough spot . . . and what a contrast to Asa . . . “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You; my soul longs for You like a thirsty land . . . For in You do I trust . . . For I lift up my soul to You . . . For You are my God . . . Revive me, O LORD, for Your name’s sake! For Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble. In Your mercy cut off my enemies, and destroy all those who afflict my soul; For I am Your servant.” (Ps. 143:5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12)

The Spirit reminds me this morning that “the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” (2Chron. 16:9) I want His eyes to find me loyal . . . trusting . . . relying . . . resting in Him alone. I want to run well now . . . I want to run well then. O God, keep me from coasting . . . keep me from a complacency which shifts my dependence from You to man or things of this world . . . keep me from growing into a bitter, self-reliant old man . . . instead form the heart of David within me . . . the heart that remembers the victories of God in the past . . . that meditates on the wonders of God in the present . . . and the hopes in the faithfulness of God for the future . . . for Your glory alone . . . Amen!!

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