In the Company of Angels

Posted on May 2, 2011 by Pete

It’s like coming home . . . it’s touching back down on familiar ground. For the thirsty soul, it’s finding the well. For the overflowing soul, it’s finding the words that express the feeling. For the one who has somewhat lost their way, it’s hitting “home” on the spiritual GPS . . . and for the one who’s never lost sight of the path it’s the glorious reminder of the benefits of traveling in “the Way.” Whatever the frame of reference when approaching Psalm 103 . . . whatever the circumstances surrounding someone who turns again to this portion of Holy Writ . . . the emotions are stirred . . . inventory is taken . . . thanksgiving is rekindled . . . and desire to obey “the command” is set aflame. “Bless the Lord!” And when one obeys the command, that person joins a chorus that transcends this terrestrial realm . . . they take a seat in a choir loft that reaches beyond these skies . . . they are in the company of angels!

The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all. Bless the LORD, O you His angels, you mighty ones who do His word, obeying the voice of His word! Bless the LORD, all His hosts, His ministers, who do His will! Bless the LORD, all His works, in all places of His dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul! (Psalm 103:19-22 ESV)

What a glorious task is given the reader . . . or more precisely, the reader’s soul. This is not some outward going through of the motions. No this is gut-based, heartfelt, say it like you mean it worship. And it is fueled by “forgetting not all His benefits” (103:2b). Sin forgiven . . . diseases healed . . . life redeemed from the pit . . . crowned with steadfast love . . . satisfied with the goodness of God . . . youth renewed like the eagle’s (103:3-5) . . . Bless the Lord, O my soul!

The fire of praise is stoked as the glory of God, which was revealed to Moses on the mount (Exodus 32:18-23, 33:5-8), is revealed again to us . . . generating a renewed sense of awe . . . “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (103:8). And that love is directed toward us, those who fear Him . . . it removes our sins as far as the east is from the west . . . it pours out the compassion of God upon we who are but dust (103:11-14).

And it is this dust . . . formed into jars of clay . . . which God, through the inspired song of the psalmist, invites to join a glorious company in giving Him glory.

He calls upon the angels, those mighty creatures created to be in His presence, to bless the Lord. To all the hosts . . . myriads upon myriads of holy beings ministering at the footstool of the King and doing His bidding upon this earth . . . He says, “Bless the Lord.” All creation in all dominions are rallied together to the lift up a collective voice extolling the glory of His Triune nature and the wonder of His forever lasting works. And amidst that great multitude of praising beings, I’m asked too to add my small voice . . . to engage my “work in progress” being . . . to lift my soul, to the best of my ability and through the help of the resident Spirit of God . . . and sing with all my might, “Bless the Lord!”

In the company of angels. When I am blessing the Lord . . . when I lift my voice in praise . . . when I bow my knee in reverence . . . when I go facedown in worship . . . then be reminded, my soul, you are in the company of angels! Awesome!

For His glory alone . . . amen!

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The Living God

Posted on May 1, 2011 by Pete

Maybe it’s because I never went to Sunday School as a kid that I’ve yet to grow tired of the story of David and Goliath. Maybe if I had heard it a million times as a kid the account’s “awe factor” might be wearing off . . . but, then again, maybe not!!!

It’s these very, very familiar passages that we need to protect from becoming “skim material” . . . stuff we just breeze through ’cause we think we know it so well. This morning as I read through 1Samuel 17 the phrase “the living God” caught my eye. Twice David shows his indignation at this “uncircumcised Philistine” who defies “the armies of the living God.” (1Sam. 17:26, 36) And it’s not that he wants to protect the reputation of the army of Israel . . . no, it’s a much broader, more earth transcending perspective David operates under . . . his God is living . . . and the battle is the Lord’s. (1Sam. 17:47) It is not Israel Goliath defies . . . it is “the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” (1Sam. 17:45) Oh, how right theology and internalized theology affects our actions . . . how it creates a perspective, a filter, through which life is understood and circumstances are encountered.

He is the living God. He is not a concept . . . He is not some invention of the religious mind . . . He is the living God. My reading in Psalm 102 this morning tells me that He looks down from the height of His sanctuary; from heaven the Lord views the earth. (Ps. 102:19) He is not distant . . . He is not unaware . . . He is the living God . . . engaged in the affairs of man . . . in the affairs of this man in this chair. When I get that, then I too will boldly face the enemies opposition . . . I will look to the heavens in the time of distress . . . and I will remember that the battle is His . . . and I will cry to Him knowing that He has promised that He will never leave me nor forsake me.

And so David goes forward . . . with Saul’s armor lying on the ground . . . with a sling in his hand . . . with five stones in his pouch . . . and with a ton of confidence in the living God.

And the Psalmist goes forward . . . knowing that the Lord will build up Zion . . . sure that He shall appear in glory . . . believing that He will respond to the prayer of the destitute . . . confident that God will not reject his plea (Ps. 102:16-17). And what will the result be of the Psalmist’s victory . . . what is the legacy of David’s triumph?

“Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD!” (Ps. 102:18 NIV)

I’m that people . . . thousands of years removed from the shepherd boy, David, on the battlefield with the giant . . . centuries and centuries after the heart wrenching cry of the psalmist to His God . . . I’m that people yet to be created reading what was written so long ago — inspired and preserved by God — that I might praise the Lord. That I might know afresh that my God is the living God . . . that I might be reminded that the Creator of heaven and earth is the re-Creator of this man through the blood of Christ and the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit . . . that He is alive and high and holy and worthy of all glory and praise.

Just an old familiar Sunday School story . . . but what an awesome God!!!

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Desiring the Full Potential of Grace

Posted on April 30, 2011 by Pete

Grace . . . Amazing Grace . . . Wonderful Grace of Jesus . . . Grace Greater Than My Sin . . . Unmerited Favor . . . God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. If there’s a single word that captures the gospel it could very well be grace. And I shuddered a bit this morning as read 2Corinthians this morning. In this letter written to a church . . . these instructions written to a body of believers . . . Paul says to these saints, “We appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain” (2Corinthians 6:1 ESV).

Some suppose that the reference here is to salvation . . . a warning not to reject God’s offer of free (for us not for His Son) forgiveness . . . for “Behold, now is the favorable time, behold, now is the day of salvation” (6:2 ESV). Could be. But the sense I get as I read the chapter is that, continuing on from chapter 5, Paul makes an appeal to maximize the potential of grace and not render it void through continuance in living after the world and in the pursuit and indulgence of sin. I especially think this based on what I see as the other “bookend”, a concluding exhortation, for this section . . .

“Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God” (2Corinthians 7:1 ESV).

Catch that? We are to “cleanse ourselves” so that holiness will be brought to completion in the fear of God. We are saved by grace . . . and we live in His all sufficient grace. But, we are to also seek to allow grace to complete its work begun . . . to determine to pursue holiness, by His grace. And, when we do, it is then that we do not receive the grace of God in vain. The work of grace is intended to go way beyond our spiritual rebirth . . . it is the foundation for our sanctification . . . for the taking on the character of Christ . . . but, should we determine to be “unequally yoked” with those outside of grace . . . with lawlessness, darkness, and idols (6:14-16) . . . then we are in such danger of receiving the grace of God in vain.

We can take the riches of God and ignore the potential to make eternal investments and lay up for ourselves treasure in heaven. We can take the seed of the Living Word implanted with us and be careless with watering it and nurturing it such that might bear fruit for His glory. We can take all the tools which God has given to us to participate in the divine nature and, instead, leave them in the toolbox and seek to build nothing upon the foundation laid by Christ. Oh, how I shudder at the thought of receiving God’s grace in vain.

“For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, ‘I will make My dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty.’ ” (2Corinthians 6:16b-18 ESV)

Oh, the privilege of grace! To be made a place where God desires to dwell . . . to be called His people . . . to be owned as His children. “Do not!” says the heart of the apostle, “Do not receive it all in vain!” Instead I am to pursue it . . . by His grace. To be a welcoming inhabitance for the Lord . . . by His grace. To own as precious beyond precious, the title, “People of God” . . . by His grace. To interact with the Spirit within . . . the Spirit of adoption . . . and be a child of God crying, “Abba, Father!” . . . desiring no family above His . . . by His grace. To say no to the world . . . to the old nature . . . to the voices of those who walk the path of destruction . . . by His grace. And to embrace the call to bring holiness to completion in the fear of God . . . by His grace.

It is Amazing Grace . . . it is Wonderful Grace . . . it is Grace Greater Than My Sin . . . it is God’s Riches At Christ Expense . . . and as much as lies within me, I desire that it will be grace that achieves its full potential in me . . . by His grace . . . and for His glory . . . amen.

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Swallowed Up By Life!

Posted on April 29, 2011 by Pete

It is so different . . . the time zone . . . the surroundings . . . the vegetation . . . the sounds . . . the feeling of the air . . . the sun . . . and, oh so nice, the temperature. Yesterday I entered a cylinder. Six hours later I walked out and everything was different . . . did I mention the temperature? And I’m sitting on the balcony this morning . . . listening to birds sing . . . the sound of running water in a man-made water feature below . . . the sight and sound of the ocean waves crashing on the beach less than a football field away . . . and I read this in 2Corinthians 5 this morning . . .

“For we know that if the tent, which is our earthly home, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens . . . our heavenly dwelling . . . that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” (2Corinthians 5:1-5 ESV)

I’m thinking about that “new home” in that new place. A body and constitution so different from what I experience today. I’ll enter some sort of cylinder . . . whether death or a “hold on to your hats” vertical ascent at His coming . . . though it won’t be no 6 hours, but in the twinkling of an eye . . . and I’ll move into that new building . . . that heavenly dwelling located in a place whose beauty is beyond imagination . . . and then it really starts happening . . . when mortality is swallowed up by life.

I love that phrase! . . . “swallowed up by life.”

If I think this is living . . . being here in this “sun place” on this ocean shore . . . well . . . I ain’t seen nothin’ yet! No matter how great this is, it is still just mortality . . . this is earth-based reality . . . this is “subject to death” passing of time . . . this is “in the process of being redeemed” living. But then one day, o’ what a glorious day, it’s gonna be swallowed up by life . . . true life! Gulp!!!

This “life” will be devoured . . . destroyed . . . as it gives way to the real thing. Everything will be so different . . . the time zone (or lack thereof) . . . the surroundings . . . the sounds . . . the sights . . . and the Son! Yes, the Son . . . oh how I anticipate the Son. While we had to make our own arrangements to get to this place, it is God who has prepared the way and made the reservations for my mortality to be swallowed up by life . . . through His Son.

For our sake He [the Father] made Him [Jesus, His precious Son] to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. (2Corinthians 5:21)

As wonderful as being swallowed up by life will be . . . as unbelievable as putting on immortality will be . . . as unimaginable as trying to take in the sights and sounds of heaven will be . . . it will pale as the Spirit directs my attention to the Savior. As I look upon the One who knew no sin and became sin for me. As I behold His sun-like radiance and yet notice His nail-scarred hands. As incredible as it will be to “take possession” of the new house, it will be the Master Builder that draws my attention . . . my awe . .. my facedown worship. And it will Him who swallows me up . . . for He is life . . . and life to the full.

Yeah, it’s kind of neat to be here . . . but oh, what will it be to be there? . . . to be swallowed up by life?

Something to chew on . . . in this warm place (did I mention the temperature) . . . for my blessing . . . and for His glory . . . amen?

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No Irrevocable Errors

Posted on April 27, 2011 by Pete

You know, there are some pieces of counsel which just stay with you. Words of advice that, though they take but a moment to speak, they have an impact for a lifetime. Such a “pearl of wisdom” was presented to me over 30 years ago by a preacher of a bygone era who has since gone to be the Lord, Murdy Getty. He could be a frightening figure as he often preached loud and hard and didn’t shy away from the fire and brimstone stuff. But, one on one, he could be so tender. One day at a teens camp where I was working and he was speaking, as we talked and I relayed to him some of the struggles I was maneuvering through as a young believer, he said this to me, “Pete, the Lord won’t allow you to make an irrevocable error.” It resonated then, found a place in my heart, and has often come to mind. And, it came back to me this morning as I continued reading in 1Samuel.

“And all the people said to Samuel, ‘Pray for your servants to the LORD your God, that we may not die, for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for ourselves a king.’ And Samuel said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. For the LORD will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you a people for Himself.’ ”
(1Samuel 12:19-22 ESV)

It was a theocracy . . . a “one God rule” . . . but they wanted a monarchy. The Lord their God was king, but they wanted a flesh and blood king (12:12). God didn’t abdicate the throne of Israel, the subjects asked Him to vacate it that they might “follow the best practices” of the nations around them. That it was wrong was clear . . . it was sin . . . it was great wickedness (12:17) . . . it would have both short-term and long-term consequences . . . it wouldn’t be long before Saul goes south and it seems to be a grand mistake . . . but . . . it wasn’t an irrevocable error. For the Lord will not forsake His people.

I highlight promises in God’s word with an orange colored pencil . . . 1Samuel 19:22 is orange . . . the Lord will not forsake His people.

When we blow it . . . trip up . . . fall down . . . crash and burn . . . we have an enemy, the accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10), who tries to tell us, “You’re done. Give it up. No picking up these pieces.” Lies! God will not allow us to make irrevocable errors. The Lord will not forsake His people.

Not that our errors aren’t without dire consequences sometimes . . . not that they won’t potentially change life’s course . . . but our God has a way of taking our wrong turns and directing them back to Himself and to His purpose for us. It pleased the Lord to make us a people for Himself . . . His purposes will be accomplished in our lives . . . for His name’s sake and glory.

I read 1Samuel 12 and I think ahead to chapter 16 and the anointing of a replacement king for Saul . . . a young shepherd upstart . . . a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). I read 1Samuel 12 and I think ahead to 2Samuel 7 and God’s promise to King David that “your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before Me. Your throne shall be established forever” (2Sam. 7:16). And I read 1Samuel 12 and I think ahead to a King born of a virgin . . . the fulfillment of the promise . . . the eternal heir to the earthly throne requested by rebellious people . . . the return of the theocracy as God Himself reclaims the throne . . . the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. And so, I think, of a God who will not allow me to make irrevocable errors . . . He is faithful and will not forsake His people . . . all things, even my boneheaded failures, work together to accomplish God’s purposes (Rom. 8:28). How great is our God?!?

Age old counsel . . . a few mistakes along life’s path to test it . . . and a reminder that it pleased the Lord to make Himself a people . . . of which I am part . . . and that the work that He has begun in me, He will complete (Php. 1:6) . . . not allowing me to stray down a path He can not lead me back from. Mine is to “not turn aside from following the Lord, but to serve Him with all my heart” . . . knowing He is faithful to forgive . . . that His blood is sufficient for the detour . . . and that His glory will be revealed. Amen?

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Go for the Black Belt!

Posted on April 26, 2011 by Pete

I’m thinking that, even though most of us have never taken training in judo or karate or one of the other martial arts, we know what someone is referring to when they talk about a white belt, or a green belt, or a black belt. It’s understood that a white belt is a beginner . . . a green belt is somewhere in the middle of martial arts capability . . . and that you don’t mess with a black belt. I was reading something that said that, while it is common today for people to buy a new belt as they progress through the ranks, at one time they had only one belt. It started out as white and then was dyed a different color as they progressed. The same belt worn throughout their training . . . transformed from white, to yellow, to orange, to green, to blue, to brown, to black as they grew in capability. Different colors indicating different degrees. Each color dye building on the previous color. And this morning, something I read in 1Corinthians 3 got me thinking about a black belt in glory.

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2Corinthians 3:18 ESV)

If I’m reading this and applying this correctly, as believers, we all . . . ALL . . . are being transformed from one degree of glory to another. The NIV says we are “being transformed into the likeness with ever-increasing glory” . . . the NKJV and NASB say we are “being transformed into the same image from glory to glory” . . . and Peterson renders it this way in the MSG, “And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like Him.”

This is the work of sanctification . . . the progressive work undertaken by God to purify us . . . to make us holy . . . to conform within us the nature and image of His Son. It starts with taking hearts that are soiled with sin and making them white . . . “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool” (Isa. 1:18). The Spirit of the living God determining to take those white hearts and write upon them a letter testifying of redeeming grace (2Cor. 3:3). And as He writes, as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2Peter 3:18), our hearts take on some color.

A hue of having logged a few miles with Jesus starts to become evident. Subtle undertones are brought forth as we are refined in the fire. Just as the face of Moses shone after his encounters with the Lord, so too our countenance starts to take on a subtle glow as we spend time with Jesus and the indwelling glory of His Spirit starts to emit from our lives. But while Moses’ shine faded, the glory that is being formed within us increases in intensity . . . “from one degree of glory to another.” The “color” of our hearts being transformed . . . literally being transfigured (as was Jesus) . . . being dyed, if you will, to reflect the faithful, gracious work, of God’s Spirit in those He has redeemed for His own.

So, if according to God’s will . . . and if, by God’s grace . . . He desires to transfigure me into the image of His Son . . . to participate in the glory of the Risen King . . . why wouldn’t I sign up? Why wouldn’t I invite in His life transforming, sanctifying truth (John 17:17)? Why wouldn’t I desire to yield to the Spirit’s work of dying my heart to reflect the results of His instruction in righteousness? Why wouldn’t I “enter into training” as one who runs a race to win the prize (1Cor. 8:24)? Why wouldn’t I desire a black belt in glory?

Not that I might claim it as a result of my own effort, but solely of His amazing, sanctifying grace. Not that I might boast in self-righteousness, but give all glory to the One who has called me to be holy and has granted to me His divine power which pertains “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).

Bring on the color . . . let’s go for the black belt . . . the next degree of glory for His glory . . . forever and ever, amen!

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No Plan B for Me

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Pete

In many ways I can’t blame them. Even though I cringe at what they did, and even more at why they did it, I can kind of relate . . . can kind of connect with their thinking. But, I guess, that’s the problem . . . it was their thinking . . . their reasoning . . . their solution. Rather than seek the mind of God . . . rather than believe His ways were the right ways . . . rather than determine to work through it God’s way . . . the people of Israel came up with their own plan . . . a “plan B” . . . “Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations”.

Under Samuel there had been a measure of revival. The complacent and ineffective priesthood of Eli (1Samuel. 3:13) had passed . . . the corrupt and licentious priesthood of Eli’s sons (2:12, 22-24) was no more. The ark, which had been captured by the Philistines, had returned . . . the glory of God, in some measure at least, was back in the land. And, through Samuel, the word of the Lord, which had been rare for so long (3:1) was again heard in Israel. People were being called to return to the Lord with all their heart . . . to put away foreign gods and direct their hearts to the Lord and serve Him only (7:3). God’s justice and wisdom were again known in the land (7:15-17a) . . . and worship was known again in heaven (7:17b). Yes, there had been revival under Samuel, but . . . “When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges over Israel. . . . Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. They took bribes and perverted justice” (8:1-3).

Okay, so I don’t what happened there. Saddens me that Samuel’s boys would put on a facade for their father, but not embrace the faith of their father. And, as their true character became known in Israel, that they did not walk as had their father . . . that they were more motivated by the almighty buck than Almighty God . . . you can’t blame the people for being concerned. It was deja vu . . . the sons of Eli all over again. So, what do you do, when God’s way doesn’t seem to be working? One of the things you can do, it seems, is look at the world’s way and try and make that work.

“Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, ‘Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations . . . there shall be a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.’ ” (1Samuel 8:4-5, 19-20 ESV)

We want to be like the nations around us . . . give us a king . . . that’ll work. Really? That’s what will make the difference? It’s about the form? It’s about a structure? It’s about following the pattern of people devoid of the light and knowledge of God? Again, not that I can’t understand their fear . . . but what about faith? I get that Samuel’s sons were corrupting God’s model . . . but it was still God’s model. To devise a “plan B” of their own making based on the ways of a world that lived in darkness was, in fact, to reject God. That’s what the Lord said to Samuel, “They have rejected Me from being king over them” (8:7b).

There’s a lesson here for me. When times get tough, I need to resist the temptation to devise a “plan B” based on the ways of the world. Instead, I need to trust in the Lord with all my heart . . . lean not to my own understanding, even when things seem to be going south . . . in all my ways acknowledge Him above the ways of this world . . . and believe that He is faithful and that He is Sovereign and that He will direct my paths according to His will . . . in His way . . . in His time (Prov. 3:5-6).

Yeah, in many ways I can’t blame them. But, but God’s grace, I don’t want to imitate them. By God’s grace, no plan B for me!

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Let Us!

Posted on April 22, 2011 by Pete

Psalm 95 seems an appropriate reading as I prepare to head into this Easter weekend . . . gathering with the saints tonight to contemplate Calvary’s dark hill and the sacrifice of a Savior . . . and then meeting together again on Sunday . . . to exalt the risen Christ . . . to feed on His life impacting word . . . and, what a great tradition at LTCC, to enjoy some extended fellowship while feasting over a banquet table filled with sumptuous fare. And as I anticipate the poignancy and joy of this weekend . . . as I anticipate feeding deeply on meditative thought and then snacking on some pretty good food . . . the psalmist reminds me not to forget to “eat my greens” . . . not to forget the “let us.”

1 ¶ Oh come, let us sing to the LORD;
let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
2 Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise!
3 For the LORD is a great God,
and a great King above all gods.
4 In His hand are the depths of the earth;
the heights of the mountains are His also.
5 The sea is His, for He made it,
and His hands formed the dry land.
6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! (Psalm 95:1-6 ESV)

Oh, what an invitation the Spirit of God extends to those who are “the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand” (95:7). Three times I’m asked to come . . . the idea of “come” having a number of different “flavors” . . . come before . . . come meet . . . come to receive . . . come in anticipation . . . come quickly . . . but, thirsting saint, just come! How often do I go to church but never come to the Lord? How often do I enter His building but never enter His presence? How often have I met with His people but not really discerned His Body? Not this weekend, by God’s grace, this weekend I will come.

And this weekend I will come in anticipation of participation . . . come prepared to engage . . . come ready to obey and to be part of the call to “let us!”

Let us sing . . . let us make a joyful noise . . . let us enter His presence with thanksgiving . . . let us lift enraptured hearts with songs of praise . . . let us worship and bow down . . . let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! Talk about your commands to obey. Let us just do it!

If there was ever a weekend to let loose a bit, this is the weekend. If ever a gathering where we say “less starch, please” and instead dance as David did about the ark (2Sam. 6:14) . . . ok . . . . so maybe not dance . . . but could we at least tap our toes? . . . clap our hands? . . . crack a smile, maybe? How do you make a joyful noise without a bit of physical expression? Let us come before the Lord . . . let us bow down and then let us rise up . . . let us kneel and then let us lift our hands (if only in our hearts) . . . let us worship and worship from the inner man. For He is risen!

For the LORD is a great God . . . a great King above all gods. What King has loved His people such that He would take off His crown and enter their world? What King has come not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom? What King has born the reproach and shame of those He created and came to redeem? What King has held back the army of heavens from rescuing Him as He determines to do the Father’s will? What King has died in perfection in order to become sin for others? What King has risen again, on the third day, just as the Scriptures said? What King is ascended on high, even now at the Father’s right hand . . . making intercession . . . and preparing a place for His people? What King is coming again . . . in all His glory to take His people home? My King.

He is risen! Yes, He is risen indeed!

So come, my soul . . . come before the risen King. Consider afresh His humility and suffering . . . meditate deeply on the sacrifice paid . . . and then, experience “again for the first time” the reality and joy of finding an empty tomb. And then, my soul, let us sing . . . and give thanks . . . and make a joyful noise . . . and bow down . . . and worship. Oh, it’s gonna be a good weekend! Amen?

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He Holds the Sandal!

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Pete

It was the moment of her own resurrection, in a way. She who had been named “my delight” at birth . . . but, crushed by life’s, or rather, death’s cruel blows, she instead had become “bitterness.” On this day, though, delight was restored. The God she thought had forsaken her by allowing her husband and two sons to die premature deaths (in her eyes, not God’s), had visited her with a grandson . . . born of a daughter-in-law who loved her dearly . . . redeemed by a near relative . . . the transaction consummated as was the custom of the day . . . by the passing of a sandal.

Kind of interesting how the book of Ruth winds up pretty much focused on her mother-in-law Naomi (lit. “my delight). While Ruth is the story’s heroine, Naomi is the benefactor. Ruth, a Moabitess, a foreigner, had married into the family . . . and then the family died off . . . her father-in-law, her brother-in-law, and her husband . . . all gone at what appear to be a young age. What to do? For Ruth, there was no going back. She was devoted to her mother-in-law and she determined to devote herself to her mother-in-law’s God . . . the God of Israel . . . the God of redemption . . . the God who takes dead things and makes them alive.

And Naomi, herself, was kind of dead. She returns to Israel, goes home to Bethlehem, with her daughter-in-law and seeks to change her name, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara [literally “bitterness”], for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, and the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the LORD has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?” (Ruth 1:20-21 ESV) Heavy sigh!

But the Lord wasn’t done with “empty” Naomi. Enter Boaz . . . enter Ruth into Boaz’s field . . . and behold the unmerited favor shown to Ruth on Naomi’s behalf (2:10-11). The relative of Naomi was qualified to be her redeemer . . . to purchase the rights to her husband’s inheritance that it might not leave the tribe . . . to take as a bride her daughter-in-law, that through her he might perpetuate the lineage . . . to pay the price to show God’s abiding care . . . and the deal was sealed with the passing of a sandal.

There was a closer relative who had “first dibs” on purchasing the rights to the land . . . but he wasn’t willing to compromise his own inheritance by taking on the additional responsibilities of extending the family line. Taking Ruth as another wife was a deal breaker. “Pass,” he says, “Boaz, it’s all yours to take on.” And, as “was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging: to confirm a transaction, the one drew off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was the manner of attesting in Israel” (4:7). And so, Boaz took the sandal . . . paid the price . . . assumed title to the land . . . took Ruth in marriage . . . and redeemed Naomi.

“Bitterness” was again “delight”. Hopelessness had been crushed and joy restored. A “no future” had been replaced with unimaginable potential. An apparently dead bloodline had become an eternal lineage . . . Naomi’s grandson, Obed, eventually fathering a son named Jesse, who, in turn, would have a bunch of boys around his table, . . . one of them being an upstart shepherd kid named David who would eventually be king . . . through whom would be established an eternal kingdom . . . of his line another Son being born . . . another Redeemer coming on the scene . . . another who would take the sandal.

As we approach this weekend’s Easter celebration, I can’t help but see resurrection in this beautiful love story. I am Naomi . . . once without hope . . . no future beyond whatever was allotted me for “earth time”. In debt due to my sin . . . in certain danger of losing title to my soul . . . my goodness unable to redeem me . . . any attempt at following the law, useless in terms of eternal benefit. But God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son . . . to pay the price as the Lamb of God for the debt I could not pay . . . to redeem that which He had created . . . to give new life to those dead in trespass and sin. And to Him was given the sandal . . . no . . . He took the sandal . . . He took it by force of the cross . . . He wrestled it out of the hands of Satan and death by His resurrection from the dead.

He is alive! He holds the sandal! And I have been redeemed! Price paid in full. Delight restored. To God be the glory!

He is risen indeed!

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We Shall Bear His Image

Posted on April 20, 2011 by Pete

While Christmas is so much a celebration of the past . . . the coming of Immanuel . . . the giving of God’s greatest gift to the world, . . . as I think about it, Easter is so much a celebration of the future. While the consideration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead reminds us again of the surety of the foundation of our faith, it also is intended to cause us to glance heavenward and to consider a time to come when we too will be raised in newness of life.

As believers, we’ve already experienced a foretaste of what awaits us. We have already undergone a spiritual resurrection . . . having been once dead in trespasses and sin but now made alive in Christ (Eph. 2:1,5) . . . having known what it is to be given a new mind . . . a new heart . . . a whole set of new senses attuned to the things of the kingdom of heaven. While we’re still the same people, since being born again, we have been made new creations in Christ . . . old things have passed away . . . behold, the new has come (2Cor. 5:17). And so, as I read the latter part of 1Corinthians 15 this morning, and consider again the resurrection of the Savior . . . and am reminded of the resurrection already experienced by the saved . . . I am also again blown away by the reminder of what is yet to come.

“As was the man of dust [Adam], so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the Man of heaven [Jesus], so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the Man of heaven.” (1Corinthians 15:48-49 ESV)

We . . . or, making it personal, I . . . shall bear the image of the Man of heaven. Sit back and chew on that a bit.

Ever wonder, when you were a kid, what you were going to look like when you got older? Well how about giving a thought or two to what we shall be like when we come into the kingdom. Paul says that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God . . . that which is perishable can’t move into that which is imperishable. And so, we shall all be changed (15:50-51). We will be raised imperishable . . . we will be raised in glory . . . we will be raised in power . . . we will be raised with a spiritual body (15:42-44) . . . we will be raised to bear the image of the Man of heaven! Go figure!

This morning I also read of the transfiguration in Mark’s gospel. After ascending a high mountain with Peter, James, and John, Jesus is transformed before their eyes. “His clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them,” records Mark (Mark 9:3). Matthew adds that His face shone like the sun (Matt. 17:2). If I am going to bear the image of the Man of heaven, am I going to glow too? Could be!

Think about it . . . not only will we behold Him when we come into His kingdom . . . we shall be like Him! That work has already begun on the inside. The sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit shaping us into the image of God’s beloved Son . . . but there is a physical work yet to be done when the dead will be raised imperishable and we shall be changed (1Cor. 15:52). My mortal body must put on immortality . . . and when this happens, “then shall come to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ ” (15:53-55).

Yes, Easter is so much about a victory in the past . . . the greatest of all victories . . . when Jesus conquered sin and death. But it is also about a victory to be anticipated . . . “thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (15:57). In a very real sense, the best is yet to come.

And so, it occurs to me that I can miss some of the mystery and magnificence of the Easter celebration if I only think in historical terms. Yes, He is risen . . . He is risen indeed! Praise God! Hallelujah! But the empty tomb points to a future day . . . a day when those in Him will rise . . . to be sure, we will rise indeed! And we shall bear His image . . . for His pleasure . . . for His glory . . . forever and ever. Amen?

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