The Song in the Night

Posted on February 16, 2011 by Pete

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?” Twice the psalmist asks God this penetrating question in Psalm 42 (42:5a, 11a). And you can sense the despair . . . crushed from the inside out . . . hard even to breath. You feel the agitation . . . the constant churn in the gut . . . an inner commotion that just won’t go away. You kind of know the psalmist is overwhelmed . . . seeking to regain his equilibrium, but unable to . . . wanting to get back “on top of his game,” but barely able to even get “in the game” at all. He likens himself to a deer which longs after flowing streams . . . out of breath, almost out of strength, panting for fresh waters of relief. Such is the psalmist’s soul . . . panting, thirsting for the living God (42:1). He battles within himself as he desperately tries to come up for air . . . as he fights the floods of despair which seek to overwhelm him (42:7) . . . as he seeks to know again the song in the night.

“By day the LORD commands His steadfast love, and at night His song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.” (Psalm 42:8 ESV)

It seems that in times of great trial the child of God needs to remind themselves of great truth. That despite what the circumstance seems to dictate we need to know what the word of God declares.

Though the psalmist candidly admits his condition he also tenaciously clings to his hope. That hope founded solely on the nature of his God . . . anchored in the knowledge that God is an ever present, faithful God . . . that “the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning” (Lam. 3:22-23) . . . that His grace is sufficient and that His power is manifest in weakness (2Cor 12:9) . . . that though weeping may last for a night, joy comes in the morning (Ps. 30:5). The promises of God steeling the mind against the wave of emotions . . . the unchanging nature of God establishing a bulwark against the tumult of uncontrollable circumstance.

The psalmist affirms that, day by day by day, God commands His steadfast love. That His loving-kindness and mercy, just like the manna of old, is made available each morning and is sufficient for the day . . . and that it will be there again tomorrow. For every “where is God?” of the day, there is a recollection of those “there was God” events and blessings in the past . . . seeding the assurance that the time would come again when he would praise God for deliverance. And so, in the night there is a song.

Oh, to know the song in the night. To lift up a voice of glorious praise amid times of grating pressure. To sing at midnight in prison (Acts 16:25) . . . to know a peace which passes understanding (Php. 4:7) . . . such that I can’t help but lift my feeble voice to him in some melody of exaltation. To lie on my bed at night, exhausted by the day’s struggles, and to know the still small voice of God assuring me that He will never leave me nor forsake . . . and then to respond with whispers of worship.

I’m not looking for trials . . . no desire for a crushed soul . . . but there is something about desperate times that sets up the believer for some of the sweetest encounters with God (Isa. 57:15). Water from flowing streams never tastes so good as when you are absolutely dying of thirst. The daily faithfulness of God is never more valued than on the days when you have no idea of how you’re going to get through the day. And the song sung at night . . . amid the pain . . . despite the prison . . . is some of the sweetest music to leave our lips and ascend to His glorious throne . . .

“Then sings my soul . . . my Savior God to Thee . . . How great Thou art! . . . HOW GREAT THOU ART!”

Posted in Psalms | 1 Comment

Enter with Care

Posted on February 15, 2011 by Pete

What were they thinking! Was it arrogance to the highest degree? . . . or was it an “in the moment” lack of judgment? We don’t know specifically . . . we can only speculate. What we do know, however, is that it was a big deal! A really big deal! So big it cost them their lives . . . putting the ultimate damper on the “opening ceremonies” of the tent of meeting and the priesthood of Aaron & Sons.

“Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, which he had not commanded them. And fire came out from before the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD.” (Leviticus 10:1-2 ESV)

After chapters of meticulous instruction . . . after days of commissioning the priesthood instituted of God “as the Lord commanded Moses” (a phrase found repeatedly in Leviticus 8 and 9) . . . after the glory of the Lord appears to all the people and they go facedown in worship (9:23b-24) . . . these sons of Aaron decide to “wing it” . . . and, quickly and permanently their wings are clipped! And you can’t help but ask, “How come?” How did they conceive of such an idea . . . where did the thought originate for their own “new and improved” offering? And why did God react so strongly? A bit over the top, perhaps? Apparently not.

And so these questions are kind of going through my mind as I continue to read in Leviticus 10 . . . and then I hit verse 8. Apparently this is the only time that God speaks directly to Aaron instead of through Moses. It’s the only time God goes one-on-one with the man he has called to be high priest . . . to be the presence of the people before Him . . . to be the mediator of atoning sacrifice . . . to approach the Holy of holies. And what does God say to Aaron during this once in a lifetime direct encounter? “Drink no wine or strong drink, you or your sons with you, when you go into the tent of meeting, lest you die. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations.”

Were Nadab and Abihu impaired? Had they “taken a nip or two” to steady their nerves on this big, big day of their ordination? Or, had the party like atmosphere tempted them to “party before going to work?” We don’t know. But you gotta ask yourself why this extraordinary God-to-man commandment is made at this point. You can’t help but wonder if there’s a connection between intoxicating drink, censers of smoldering, incensed laced fire lying on the ground, and two dead guys.

And it’s not, “You shall not drink” . . . it’s you shall not drink when you go into the tent of meeting . . . when you enter My presence . . . when you minister on My behalf. And God clearly spells out the reason why . . . “You are to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean, and you are to teach the people of Israel all the statutes that the LORD has spoken to them by Moses.” (10:10-11). It seems to me that God’s chat with Aaron was all about avoiding that which confused one’s ability to distinguish the holy and unholy . . . to stay away from stuff that caused carelessness in how holy ground was being trod . . . to say “No” to mind-dulling substances or influences when abiding in the presence of God. And, for Aaron, the absence of two sons would be a reminder of just how serious God was about such things.

So what? What’s the lesson for me . . . how does this apply in my life? Although I have personally seen and interacted with way too much of the destructive aftermath of alcohol and think it would be best if people “didn’t play with that fire” . . . Leviticus 10:9 is not the “proof verse” for saying Christians shouldn’t “partake.” But this passage is a sober (no pun intended) reminder of the care with which we should approach our high and holy calling as the people of God . . . our calling as “a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1Peter 2:5). I should be careful of anything, not just “strong drink”, that would impair my ability to distinguish the holy from the common . . . of that which would dull the Spirit’s voice and leave me vulnerable to embracing that which is “unclean” as if it were “clean”. My God is holy . . . and those who are His are to be holy (1Peter 1:15-16) . . . to not carelessly “wing it” and offer up whatever sacrifice seems appropriate in our eyes . . . especially if those eyes are clouded by being “under the influence” . . . of strong drink or, of this world.

Oh, that I would not “wing it” . . . but would enter the holy place with care . . . for His glory . . . amen.

Posted in Leviticus | Leave a comment

Not A Hill to Die On

Posted on February 14, 2011 by Pete

Once you understand that it’s about the temple tax, it makes a lot more sense. If you read the NKJV or the NIV, then the translators have helped you out with clearly identifying it as the temple tax. If you read one of the more literal translations, the NASB or ESV, then it is simply the “half shekel tax” or the “two-drachma” tax . . . and so you need to compare versions or pull out a commentary in order to understand that Jesus sent Peter fishing for a coin to pay dues for the running of the temple (Matthew 17:24-27). And when it came to paying the temple tax . . . the house of God tax . . . the Son of God did not consider it a hill to die on.

Before even talking to Jesus, Peter assures the collector of the tax that his Teacher would pay up. And, before bringing it up with the all-knowing Son of God, Jesus brings it up with him, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” And Peter answers correctly, “From others.” The practice of that time was that a king taxed his subjects, not his family. And so Jesus concludes, in essence, that since they are collecting a tax for the temple . . . for the house of God . . . and since He is the Son of God . . . then He should be tax exempt. “Then the sons are free,” says Jesus.

Ok . . . stop the story here and you have an all-knowing Jesus who again claims to be one with God. But that isn’t the main point of the story. Though Jesus has no need to pay the tax, because it’s kind of His tax, yet He sends Peter on a fishing trip to net a fish that’s going to have enough money in it’s mouth to pay the tax for both Jesus and Peter . . . more evidence of the divine authority of Jesus . . . but that isn’t the main point of the story either. I think the main point of the story lies in the reason Jesus concedes to pay the tax . . . so as not to offend.

Not that Jesus was afraid of offending others . . . it was kind of a big part of the reaction many had to Him. When it came to matters of truth . . . when it came to matters of His Father . . . when it came to matters of the kingdom of heaven . . . when it involved matters of eternal significance . . . Jesus stood firmly and boldly . . . and many were offended. But it seems that there were also things that Jesus considered unnecessary to rock the boat over . . . paying the temple tax was one of those. Sure, technically He was tax exempt . . . the tax, after all, was for His house . . . but who knew? And this wasn’t a divine principle that had to be hammered home . . . more important things for Peter and others to learn . . . and so, He paid.

And I can’t help but think that I have the same “freedom” to pass on making a big deal out of stuff that isn’t a big deal. Not to avoid offending for the sake of never offending someone . . . but recognizing those situations where it’s perhaps wiser to cede to the consciences of others rather than needlessly offend. Paul would write, “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (Rom. 14:19).

Not every issue should be an issue. There’s a wisdom that should be exercised . . . a bigger picture, perhaps, to keep in view . . . battles of little importance which should be avoided . . . non-events that can remain non-events.

Sure, Jesus could have stood His ground . . . “I am the Son of God! I don’t pay taxes for the house of God!” Doesn’t sound like Jesus does it? Oh, there would many more opportunities to assert His authority . . . to stand for truth . . . to stand fast concerning matters of eternal significance. But a temple tax . . . not a hill to die on.

Oh, for wisdom to know when not to offend . . .

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Never Too Salty

Posted on February 11, 2011 by Pete

Started in on Leviticus this morning. A lot of “pleasing aroma to the Lord” here with all the different offerings. “Pleasing”, I think, because at its essence is atonement and worship. In the array of Levitical offerings there is a way for man to acknowledge his sin before a Holy God and a way for a Holy God to own as His own, a people entangled by a fallen nature. In the offerings there is a way for men of earth to bring before the God of heaven their acknowledgment that He alone is worthy of sacrifice . . . that He alone is worth the price of bulls and goats and grain, such that they would know His abiding presence. And this morning, I encountered a term in one of the offerings that I don’t think I’ve noticed before . . .

“You shall season all your grain offerings with salt. You shall not let the salt of the covenant with your God be missing from your grain offering; with all your offerings you shall offer salt.” (Leviticus 2:13)

Now, if you had asked me what was NOT to part of the offering, I would have known that answer to be leaven. But, ask me what must not be missing . . . uh, I don’t think I would have gotten salt. But, I got to admit . . . if I liked the flavor adding aspect of salt before . . . I’m liking it a bit more now. I don’t think our offerings can ever get too salty.

It is referred to here as “the salt of the covenant,” thus linking salt to the eternal promises of God to those He would own as His people. A reference to the covenant made with Abraham and then ratified with Isaac and Jacob . . . the promise to make them into a great nation and a source of great blessing to all “the families of the earth” (Gen. 12:3). And as I think about it, what a wonderful dimension this adds to bringing offerings before God . . . that within them, there is a reminder of God’s promises to men.

Salt is a preservative . . . purifying and preventing decay . . . and, it adds taste. And so in the offerings there is this “secret sauce” . . . a subtle, underlying flavor . . . an active, purifying agent . . . founded in the promises of God. Every offering having the potential to act as a reminder of God’s faithful covenant to His people. As the grain offering was prepared the salt would be mixed in and with it a recollection of God’s steadfast and unmovable word.

It comes to mind that Paul would tell the Galatians that, as believers, we are “children of promise” (Gal. 4:28) . . . and so shouldn’t there also be a bit of salt in our offerings?

Now, I’m pretty thankful that I’m not living at time where part of my regular routine is taking “Lamb Chop” to be sliced and diced and burned on an altar. When I’m not required to grab ol’ Bessy from the back forty and haul her off to be bled out, splayed, and made an offering by fire. But I do have my own “pleasing aroma” to offer to the Lord. I’m to “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name” (Heb. 13:15) . . . not just Sunday morning worship, but lips that confess His lordship and desire to walk in a manner worthy of His calling. That confession then giving way to the other offering I’m called to make, presenting my body “as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Rom. 12:1). And whether it be the fruit of my lips . . . or the offering of my life . . . both, I think, are enhanced with meaning when they are seasoned with the salt of the covenant . . . when they are flavored with the reminder of His sovereign determination to love me and provide the way for me to love Him.

Oh, to bring the promises of God more regularly into my worship. To call to remembrance the covenant of God when “presenting my body” becomes difficult and I have second thoughts and perhaps consider holding something back. The salt of the covenant will preserve . . . will purify . . . and, praise God, will spice things up a bit. Can I add too much salt? I’m thinkin’ not! Never too salty . . .

Posted in Leviticus | 2 Comments

Simply Say Yes

Posted on February 10, 2011 by Pete

As if to emphasize the conversation we had last night at men’s Bible study, my reading in Matthew 16 this morning is the parallel passage to what we looked at last night in Mark 8. It’s the turning point in Jesus’ ministry. “Who do you say that I am?” Jesus asks His disciples . . . “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” replies Simon Peter. They are getting it . . . actually, Jesus says, the gracious God of revelation is leading them into the marvelous light of knowing more clearly His Son (Matt. 16:16-17). And, from the mountain top of The Anointed One revealed, they are then plunged into the confusion of the suffering Messiah . . . that Jesus would “suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised” (16:21).

Not what they expected . . . and Peter takes Jesus aside and tells Him so (16:22). Peter rebukes Jesus, “No way, Lord!” That it is such a Peter thing to do . . . put “no way” and “Lord” together in the same sentence (cp. Acts 10:14a). But you can’t blame Peter. One, he loved Jesus . . . and the thought of harm coming to his Master was unbearable. Two, Peter had a certain understanding of the Messiah . . . and suffering and death weren’t part of that picture. And three, I wonder if Peter was struck by the implications of following a leader who had rejection, suffering, and death in His future . . . if that’s what was in store for the Master, then what was in store for the Master’s disciples?

And so last night we talked at length about the meaning and implications of Jesus’ instruction to those who would desire to be disciples of Jesus:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34)

Talk about your “three simple steps” to discipleship . . . “Deny yourself . . . Take up your cross . . . Follow Me.” Simple? Maybe in terms of eight easily understood words . . . but the implications are huge . . .

Say good-bye to yourself . . . don’t even acknowledge you knew you . . . separate yourself from the old man . . . it’s no longer about your agenda . . . “this town ain’t big enough for the two of us” and you gotta go! It’s not Jesus and me . . . or me and Jesus . . . it’s “so long self” and “all for Jesus”.

And then, say good-bye to the world . . . take up your cross . . . follow in the steps of the Lamb of God . . . prepare to be dead to the world, and the world dead to you . . . believe that by losing your life for Jesus’ sake you’ll find it . . . concede that gaining the whole world yet losing your soul is a bad deal . . . start a death march . . . and follow Jesus.

Follow Jesus . . . having said good-bye to self and to the world, submit to the lordship of Christ. It’s not just going through the motions, but about walking how He wants me to walk . . . walking where He wants me to walk . . . walking just as He walked (1John 2:6).

Whew! Simple? Maybe to say! . . . not so much to do. But I guess, it’s not up to me “to do” . . . but rather to be willing . . . to, with a sincere heart and, as much as lies in me, say, “Yes, Lord” . . . rather than “No way, Lord.” To say yes and then trust . . . to say yes and then go do life under the direction of the Spirit and through the power of the Spirit . . . to say yes knowing I am more than a conqueror through Him who loved me (Rom. 8:37) . . . to say yes believing that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Php 4:13) . . . to say yes giving thanks to God who gives me victory, even over death, through my Lord Jesus Christ (1Cor. 15:55) . . . to simply say, “Yes!”

Posted in Matthew | 1 Comment

Stir It Up!

Posted on February 9, 2011 by Pete

From my experience, there seems to be somewhat of an ebb and flow to the Christian life. Times of being “on fire” and times not so much. Periods where, spiritually, you feel like you’re firing on all 8 cylinders, and periods when the gas tank seems empty. Sometimes feeling so near to the heart of God and other times feeling He is so distant. And it’s in those latter times . . . the times of “not so much” and empty gas tanks and distance . . . it’s in those times when I think revival is needed. Revival . . . that’s not a word I hear used very much . . . not a concept I hear discussed a lot . . . but, for me at least, it’s something I sense a need for. And, as I read in Exodus this morning, I’m reminded that revival too, like all my greatest needs, is from God . . . that He is the One who can stir it up!

The Israelites were ready for some revival. They had kind of crashed and burned at the foot of Mt. Sinai. The golden calf was gone . . . dust . . . but so were 3,000 Israelite men (Ex. 32:25-28) . . . hundreds and hundreds of fresh graves reminding the nation that the wages of sin is death. And so they were ready . . . being aware of sin has a way of doing that . . . they were ready for some revival.

And what did God use? The building of the tabernacle . . . the construction of the place where His glory would dwell among them . . . and before it could be built, the materials needed to be supplied . . . cue the call . . .

“Moses said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, ‘This is the thing that the LORD has commanded. Take from among you a contribution to the LORD. Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the LORD’s contribution . . . ‘” (Ex. 35:4-9)

And, what’s grabbed me, is that it was about more than just having the means to meet the need . . . it was was about a “generous heart” and a willing heart. God owned the stuff already . . . what He wanted was the people to freely give the stuff from the heart. Repeatedly this is emphasized in the passage: “. . . they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him (35:21) . . . all who were of a willing heart (35:22) . . . all the women whose hearts stirred them (35:26) . . . all the men and women, the people of Israel, whose heart moved them to bring anything for the work of the Lord (35:29) . . . brought it as a freewill offering to the LORD (35:29).”

Isn’t that the essence of revival? Hearts that are stirred . . . spirits that are moved . . . a response to obedience not out of compulsion but of a freewill? And as I read this, I can’t help but sense that God is behind it all. That the God of steadfast love . . . the Almighty and merciful God . . . the Awesome and gracious God . . . the slow to anger God . . . has, in His compassion, stirred the hearts of those who, but a little while earlier, had been dancing and partying around a golden calf. God, through Moses, has called on them to give what they have . . . He has given them an avenue of service . . . and, I think, God, through His Spirit, has brought a measure of revival, stirring hearts to respond in generous obedience. Is it not God who is stirring up hearts? I’m thinkin’ . . .

Soon, there was an abundance of material for the sanctuary . . . too many donations . . . and Moses has to tell the people to stop . . . “So the people were restrained from brining, for the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more” (36:6b-7).

Sure, the Israelites would crash again . . . the ebb would return . . . but now, now there was a flow! The flow of hearts responding to the call of God!

Oh, that I would know less ebb and more flow. That the times of distance would be short . . . that I would be quick to seek to draw near to God in those times . . . and that God would be swift to send my own “mini-revival” . . . that He would move my heart . . . that He, by His grace, would stir it up! Amen?

Posted in Exodus | 2 Comments

Favor Found

Posted on February 8, 2011 by Pete

It is the classic conversation. God to man . . . man to God. It has the feel of an encounter similar to that of Jacob when he wrestled with the Lord, when he refused to let go without a blessing . . . when he had “striven with God” and prevailed (Gen. 32:22-31). But for Moses, his “wrestling match” didn’t involve a physical dust up but a “Friend to friend” discussion . . . and didn’t result in any bones being permanently displaced, rather ending up with one who had found favor knowing greater favor found.

Context (Ex. 32:1-33:11) . . . Moses on mountain . . . people getting antsy . . . poof! . . . golden calf . . . idol worship . . . God’s wrath roused . . . Moses intercedes . . . God relents . . . God says, “Go to the land I’ve promised you. I’ll send an angel before you. But I will not go up among you, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people” . . . not good enough for Moses . . . start the dialogue.

Moses is not satisfied to move forward with a God who is distant and so, leveraging his “face to face” access to the Lord (33:11) he says, “If I have found favor in Your sight, show me Your ways that I may know You in order to find favor in Your sight” (33:13). Moses wanted more . . . he wanted the favor he had already found to be multiplied. He wanted that favor to open the door to knowing in greater depth the ways of His God in order that He might continue to find favor in His sight. Nothing stagnant about this relationship. Favor can beget more favor if there is a pursuit for the ways of God, if there is a thirst for knowing God . . . not just knowing about Him, but actually knowing Him . . . “let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD” (Jer. 9:24).

And it doesn’t stop there with Moses. God promises His presence will go with Moses and the people (33:14) . . . and Moses says, “Yeah!!! If Your presence isn’t with us then what’s the point of going on? How will it be known I have found favor in your sight if You are not with me? Is it not your Presence which makes your people distinct from all others?” (33:15-16). The presence of God . . . that’s what makes God’s people His people. And so, the favor found in being called by name, becomes the favor of knowing Him, becomes the favor of His ever-abiding presence. This is favor found . . . but, for Moses, he sought greater favor.

God, You know my name? Thank You. You’ll make Your ways known to me so that I may know You? I bless You. Your presence will go with me and I will know rest? Praise be to You, God. But one more thing, Lord . . . if I have found favor in Your sight . . . “Please show me Your glory!” (33:18)

Oh, how I love this guy! He is Oliver to the nth degree, “Please Sir, I want some more.” Or, perhaps better said by the songwriter, “Fill my cup, Lord . . . I lift it up, Lord! Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.” He had found favor . . . but would not be satisfied until greater favor was found . . . until He saw the glory of God. He knew communion with God . . . He was promised to be shown the ways of God . . . He was promised the presence of God . . . and it created a thirst for the glory of God.

And I can’t help but think this should be the “normal Christian life”. That those who have been shown the grace of God should want to more deeply know the God of grace. That those who have been instructed in the way of God would desire to encounter the God of the Way. That those who have found favor would seek first the kingdom of God that they might know favor found. Favor found in the glory of God. Favor found for the glory of God.

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The Hand Off

Posted on February 7, 2011 by Pete

Paul was pretty sure this would be the last time he would see them . . . and, they too knew in their hearts, that this would be the last opportunity to be fed by the one who had led them to Christ . . . had helped them establish the church in Ephesus . . . had been their rock as they dealt with matters pertaining to shepherding the flock of God. Paul met with the elders of the church at Ephesus this one last time that he might once again encourage them . . . that he might warn them . . . that he might instruct them . . . that he might commend them into the care of another (Acts 20:17-38).

And what grabs me this morning is “the hand off.” Paul had been a foundational part of the establishment of the church at Ephesus. He had spent the better part of two years based in Ephesus speaking “boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God” (19:8-10). As the number of believers grew, and a local leadership was established, he no doubt also taught them concerning the implications of walking in a manner worthy of their calling (Eph. 4:1). Even after he left, you sense that Paul stayed in touch . . . keeping up with the growth of the church . . . sending words of encouragement to the body of believers through different messengers. But now, as they met at Miletus, there was a finality . . . a realization that they would not see his face again . . . a void created which needed to be filled . . . and thus, “the hand off.”

“And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” (Acts 20:32)

Paul didn’t have a hand-picked successor . . . he didn’t send in another preacher or teacher . . . he didn’t leave them a bunch of DVD’s or some online curriculum . . . instead he handed them off to God and to the word of His grace.

I think Paul was realistic in terms of the part he had played in the establishment and development of the church at Ephesus. For many, if not most, he was their “spiritual father” . . . he was the source of their light . . . and the voice of their truth. But I also think that Paul never lost sight of the fact that this was the risen Lord’s work and not his . . . it was Christ’s church (Matt. 16:18) and not his . . . it was the living God who was taking these living stones and building for Himself a holy temple, a place where He could dwell by the Spirit (Eph. 2:20-22). And so when it came to saying a final good-bye . . . when it came to entrusting them into the care of one who could “take the work to the next level” . . . Paul “handed them over” to God and to His word.

Oh, the confidence Paul had that this was a work of God . . . and that what God was able to start, God was able to complete (Php. 1:6). And the trust Paul had in “the word of His grace” . . . that living, active, sharper than any two-edged sword, word of God (Heb. 4:12) . . . able to accomplish God’s purposes in the lives of believers . . . “packaged” with a “Tutor”, the living, indwelling Holy Spirit who would lead them into all truth (John 16:13). Paul believed that between the living God and His living word, the family of God at Ephesus had all they needed to be built up and to fully realize the inheritance they had been set apart for.

And, in a sense, I too have been commended to God and to His word. Sure, I have the support of a solid church family . . . a committed leadership who seeks to direct the flock . . . a gifted pastor-teacher who faithfully proclaims and teaches the word . . . some close friends who act as “iron sharpening iron” in my life . . . but when all is said and done, the degree to which this Christianity thing becomes real is the degree to which I entrust myself to the One who called me and saved me and the degree to which I pursue His fruit-producing seed, the Word of God. It is foundational . . . it is the essence of growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2Peter 3:18) . . . it is the means by which I’ll know the inheritance. Oh that I might leverage “the hand off” on a daily basis . . . by His grace . . . and for His glory . . . amen.

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Steadfast Love

Posted on February 4, 2011 by Pete

So far, it’s the biggest difference I’ve noticed about reading the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible. You won’t find this two word phrase in the New King James (NKJV) . . . nor in the New International Version (NIV) . . . nor in the New American Standard Bible (NASB). It seems to be an ESV distinctive. I’ve encountered the phrase eight times so far in my Genesis / Exodus readings and seventeen times in the thirty-three psalms I have read so far. And after being in the ESV for a little more than a month . . . and after having been “captured” by this phrase these 25 times . . . I like it . . . and I think it’s accurate . . . and more important I believe it is true. Oh praise God for His “steadfast love!”

Using my online Bible program here’s what I’ve discovered. The original word, chesed, occurs 241 times in the Old Testament. For NKJV readers, it is most commonly translated “mercy” (149 times), “kindness” (40 times), “lovingkindness” (30 times), or “goodness” (12 times). In the ESV however, it is rendered “steadfast love” 191 times.

But it’s not about the numbers . . . and it’s not about it being an unique attribute of the ESV translation . . . it’s about nature of my God . . . and the wonder of His “steadfast love.”

Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you. (Ps. 33:18-22 ESV)

Isn’t my hope in the steadfast love of God? That unwavering heart God has for His people which prompts Him to be merciful, not giving me what I deserve . . . . which causes the Lord to show grace and unmerited favor, lavishing on me what I don’t deserve. It is the steadfast love of the Lord that compels Him to show kindness and lovingkindness to those who, apart from His steadfast love, are unlovely.

My hope isn’t in my own merit . . . my own strength . . . my own attributes and characteristics. My hope is in the steadfast love of my God, and in Him alone.

It is steadfast love that compelled His Son to divest Himself of all His heavenly glory and humble Himself as a man and to death, even death on a cross (Php 2:8). It is steadfast love that pursued me when I was yet dead in sin and an enemy of God (Rom 5:8,10). It is steadfast love that is patiently and persistently completing the work He has begun in me (Php. 1:6) when He made me a new creation (2Cor. 5:17) and determined to conform me to the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29).

My hope is in His steadfast love. My cry is that His steadfast love would continue to be upon me.

O’ the blessing of knowing His steadfast love!

I think I’m gonna like encountering this phrase another 166 times. But more importantly, that I would love the God of such steadfast love . . . with all my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:3) . . . for His glory . . . amen.

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The Forty Day Fade

Posted on February 3, 2011 by Pete

There’s part of me that just doesn’t get it . . . and part of me, unfortunately, that does. I read something in Exodus this morning that kind of blew me away. One of those things that, although I know I must have read it before, I never noticed it until today. One of those things that has me scratching my head as I think ahead to what I know is going to happen. I’m amazed this morning by the thought of the forty day fade.

Check it out! I never knew this . . . After Moses receives from God the ten commandments and the other laws covering altars, slaves, restitution, social justice, the Sabbath, and the festivals (Ex. 20:1-23:19) . . . after he is told to exhort the people to faithfully obey the voice of God (23:21, 22, 25) . . . after he is promised God’s presence and power in the conquest of the promised land (23:23-32) . . . after Moses comes and tells the people all the words of the Lord and the people respond, “All the words the Lord has spoken we will do” (24:3) . . . after the covenant is sealed with blood (24:8) . . . then Moses, Aaron, Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel are invited up on the mountain to seal the deal with a meal.

“Then Moses and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up, and they saw the God of Israel. There was under his feet as it were a pavement of sapphire stone, like the very heaven for clearness. And he did not lay his hand on the chief men of the people of Israel; they beheld God, and ate and drank.” (Exodus 24:9-11)

Okay . . . so they saw the God of Israel. Don’t know the exact form . . . obviously not the full out glory of God or they would have been dust . . . but the fact remains . . . they were in the presence of God . . . they knew it. The vision they had was clear . . . they saw His feet on a pavement of sapphire stone . . . they knew the ground they observed was holy ground. It says they beheld God, and ate and drank . . . talk about your up close and personal communion. Sensory overload? Perhaps. An out of this world experience? Literally. Life impacting? I’m thinking.

But as I read this my mind goes into “fast forward” mode. Zoom ahead forty days from this “wine and dine with the Divine” encounter . . . and there’s this same Aaron fashioning a golden calf to represent “your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt” (32:4-5). This same Aaron who had been one-on-one with God, and had beheld the sapphire-like glory of His dwelling, has the gall to cast Him as a cow . . . an inanimate cow. That’s not the One he had supped with!

And what amazes me is that the failure occurs less than six weeks after the feast . . . that he caves to the peer pressure only forty days after visiting the courts of God Himself. During that time Moses had been called back alone to the mountain for more “teaching time” (24:12-18) . . . and during that time the people had forgotten their covenant . . . and Aaron had lost site of his encounter. Talk about the glory fading . . . and in just forty days.

And that’s the part I just don’t get . . . and yet, do. While I want to show righteous indignation at how quickly Aaron goes from the mountain top of blessing to the pit of sin and stupidity, I can’t . . . ’cause I kind of get it. I don’t exactly know what it is about this human condition, but I don’t get very good “gas mileage” on past “encounters” . . . they seem to fade way too quickly . . . and what I need to do is keep “topping up the tank.” Sure Moses had been gone for over five weeks . . . but all they needed to do was look to the mount and see the cloud of the glory of God still hovering over it . . . and know that God was present and working. I too know what it is to get distracted . . . or disillusioned . . . or derailed . . . but I also can look to where I know God has said He’ll be found. I can look to His Word . . . I can look to His people . . . I can go into my closet knowing that He has promised to be found in “the secret place” (Matt. 6:6).

The trick, it seems to me, to avoiding the forty day fade is to not go forty days without beholding God . . . to not allow four days to pass without knowing communion with Him . . . to, by His grace, not go four hours without hearing His voice through His ever-indwelling Spirit. It’s to see His feet on a daily basis . . . to behold the sapphire pavement of His presence . . . to take a bit of time to go back up on the mountain and dine with Him . . . for our perseverance . . . and for His glory . . . amen?

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