The Mere Edges

Posted on November 26, 2010 by Pete

Sometimes you get a wake up call . . . those little jabs that remind you of what’s really real. Such was the case this morning as I was reading the continuing debate between Job and his “sort of” friends. The reminder? That despite what I, by the grace of God and illumination of the Spirit, know and understand of God . . . it’s just “the mere edges.”

In Job 26, Job delivers a brilliant and soul stirring summary of the might and majesty of God.

I don’t know exactly how Job knows all this . . . given that he lived in “ancient times” without all the scientific breakthroughs we know today (or are they just repeat breakthroughs?) . . . but there’s some pretty sophisticated understanding of creation’s marvelous structure. Job knows that God stretches the northern sky over a vast empty space . . . and that He hangs the earth on nothing . . . that clouds are filled with water yet do not break under the weight of it . . . that there’s a circular horizon over the water, at the place where light meets darkness (doesn’t sound like Job thought the world was flat). Job recognizes that God stirs up the sea . . . breaks up the storm . . . and dresses up the heavens. (26:7-23) Wow!

“Indeed,” says Job, “these are the mere edges of His ways, and how small a whisper we hear of Him!” (26:14)

What we see of God . . . what we understand to be true of God . . . what the Spirit has made known to us concerning the Person and work of God . . . they are but the mere edges . . . the extremities . . . the outskirts . . . the fringes . . . a mere whisper . . . or, to coin a less eloquent phrase, “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet!”

What has been revealed is only the tip of the iceberg . . . to think that what I know of God, is to fully know Him, is to not know Him at all. It’s but a taste . . . a teaser of things yet to come . . . far than satisfying my hunger it should inflame a desire for more . . . while the water satisfies the thirst, it should leave such a taste as to want to seek out the Source in all His fullness.

The marvels of Creation . . . the wonders of salvation . . . the on-going work of sanctification . . . all of it should prime the pump of wanting the realities of deeper relation with Him who we have but encountered a whisper of. He, whose power is beyond understanding, is not beyond pursuing.

That I would not be satisfied with just the mere edges . . . that the outskirts would not be enough to satisfy my longing. But that I would wonder at the fringes and seek the fullness. That I would worship at the extremities and press on after the essence.

Praise God for the mere edges . . . I ain’t seen nothin’ yet . . . but, by His grace and through His Spirit, I can’t wait to know more.

Amen?

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No Fear

Posted on November 25, 2010 by Pete

What will it be like to see Jesus? That’s a question that has provided meditative wonder for Christians throughout the millennia. It’s because of that “I just can’t wait to find out” sort of anticipation, that I never cease to be awestruck with John’s description of the risen, reigning, ruling Jesus in Revelation 1. As led by the Spirit . . . and as much as John could put into words . . . John describes the vision of Jesus he saw that Lord’s Day on the island of Patmos. And as I hovered over it this morning . . invoking the imagination . . . experiencing a bit of awe and wonder . . . four words jumped off the page at me . . . four words that conveyed the love of God and amazing relationship I enjoy before Him as a result of the work of redemption. Those words? “Do not be afraid!” (Rev. 1:17)

Four words in my NKJV . . . two words in the original . . . me phobeo . . . No Fear. The context? Coming face to face with “the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Rev. 1:8) No fear? Really? Yeah, really. Unreally!!!!

John turned to see the voice that spoke to him. When he did He beheld the One he knew was “the Son of Man.” He was clothed in a garment down to His feet and with a massive golden sash about His chest. At the top, His hair was like white-as-snow wool . . . at the bottom, His feet shone like fine brass refined in a fire . . . and, in the middle, in His right hand He held up seven stars. And then, there was His face — John could barely look into His face. The face of Jesus Christ emitted such light that it was like the sun shining in all its strength . . . and His eyes were like a flame of fire . . . and out of His mouth, a sharp two-edged sword. And, if that wasn’t’ enough to get you quaking in your boots, when He spoke it was like the roar of many waters. Talk about your sensory overload! (Rev. 1:13-16)

So what do you do when bombarded with such an overwhelming sight . . . how do you stand in front of the Lord of Heaven with all His glory literally pouring forth from Him . . . uh, you don’t.

“And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead.” (Rev. 1:17)

Yeah . . . I’m guessin’. Facedown. What other response is there to such a magnificent, out of this world, sight. “Amazing” doesn’t cover it . . . “awesome” falls way short . . . what do you say? . . . nothing to say . . . fall at His feet . . . shaken to the core by such an encounter with King of kings and Lord of lords. He is God . . . we are so not. He is Almighty . . . we are all over the place. He is the Creator . . . we, His creation. Fall down before His majestic holiness. And then . . . feel His hand upon you . . . and hear Him say, “No fear.”

No fear . . . for perfect love casts out fear (1John 4:18) . . . and Jesus is perfect love. He who is Alpha and Omega is also the Lamb of God . . . He who has loved us with an everlasting love, beginning on that cruel cross of Calvary where He interceded, “Father, forgive them, they don’t know what they’re doing” (Luke 23:34) and then cried triumphantly, “Finished!” (John 19:30). The First and the Last is the one who calls us His brothers and sisters (Heb. 2:11) and has made us joint heirs of His glorious inheritance (Rom. 8:17). He who lives in unapproachable light lays His hand on us . . . coming in contact with us . . . placing a hand of comfort and assurance upon us . . . and says, “Do not be afraid!”

Oh, I’m guessing that when we see Him we’ll still go facedown . . . in awe . . . in reverence . . . in worship . . . in thankfulness. But I’m also thinking we’ll also hear those same words, “No fear.” We’ll be home . . . before the Savior . . . in the presence of the King . . . being loved on, “up close and personal,” like we’ve never known the love of God . . . and it will cast out all fear . . . for our blessing . . . and for His glory . . . amen?

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A Blessing

Posted on November 24, 2010 by Pete

Okay . . . so who isn’t up for a blessing? Who wouldn’t like to stumble upon a bit of a windfall from time to time? Who doesn’t want a little good to come to them once in while. Well, my friends, if I’m reading this correctly . . . look no further than the Book of Revelation . . . a place of blessing . . . so says the inspired word of God . . .

“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.” (Rev. 1:3)

“Blessed” aka “happy” . . . that’s the deal for those who read . . . and those who hear . . . and those who take to heart . . . the things written in these next twenty-two chapters . . . blessed!

So often, this book is approached like some great spiritual Rubik’s cube . . . a puzzle to be solved . . . a mystery to be broken . . . all the pieces to be lined up just right. And, to be sure, there is a way to “rightly divide” this portion of the Word of Truth and a wrong way and so we should be diligent, with the Spirit’s help, to carefully seek to understand what’s being revealed. But, is the blessing really found in mapping every detail to current events . . . in taking something that is a heavenly vision and mapping every iota to some earthly reality? Or, is the blessing found in getting that this book is telling us “the time is near” (1:3) . . . and in tuning our heart’s to cry out, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (2:20)

You look at this “beatitude” in verse 3 and the blessing is for those who read it . . . literally “read it aloud.” I’ve never done that . . . read aloud the book of Revelation . . . either to crowd or just to myself. I guess because there weren’t a lot of copies (like one) of John’s letter floating around, it wasn’t going to get passed on much unless someone read it aloud. So there was a blessing for the reader . . . ok, I’m up for that.

Next there’s a blessing for those who hear. Even in my morning devo times, I can read but not hear. You know, the eyes are scanning the page, but the brain is kind of disengaged. But if I want the full benefit that can be mine from spending these next few mornings in this part of Scripture, I better have my ears on . . . pay attention . . . ask the Teacher within me to school me in the truths I’m about to encounter. If I do? . . . blessing! God’s word says it . . . I believe it.

Finally, the blessing is for those who “keep” . . . . or “heed” . . . or “take to heart” . . . the words of this prophecy. Far from being spurring just some intellectual act of deciphering prophetic visions, as I read . . . and as I seek to hear . . . I am to receive these words . . . chew on them . . . consider not only the meaning but the implications of them, as well. Truths to be internalized . . . truths to be externalized. Things to know . . . things to obey. Things to be taken to heart. And therein lies the blessing.

Oh, that by the grace of God and the Spirit of God I might be attuned to this book over the next few weeks. That, as I approach the end of another year, I might be acutely aware that “soon and very soon, we are going to see the King!” That, as the activity level ramps up over the next few weeks, I might ensure time to be still and know that He, even now, is preparing a place . . . and a wedding feast . . . for all those who love His appearing. That, as my focus is drawn to His first advent . . . to the wonder of Immanuel . . . to the glory of the Babe in the manger . . . that I might have ears to hear of His “any day now” second advent . . . the wonder of Him who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals . . . the glory of the Him of who is robed in white and will soon establish His visible kingdom.

Who’s up for a blessing? Oo . . . oo . . . pick me! . . . pick me! I can hardly wait . . .

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Heart and Humility

Posted on November 23, 2010 by Pete

I’m pretty wary of “formulas” for the successful Christian life. I just don’t think it’s as a simple as “do A . . . then add B . . . avoid C . . . and D will happen.” On the other hand, there’s no denying that there’s a right way to pursue the things of Christ and a not so right way . . . that there are principles to embrace and promises to claim and applications to apply and practices to practice that, when you do, will maximize the Christian experience . . . or, to coin a Jesus phrase, will allow us to experience life “to the full” (John 10:10 NIV). As I wrapped up my readings in Daniel this morning I came across such a combo of principles . . . a one-two punch that is sure to maximize our ability, through His provision, to enter into the wonders of the mind of Christ.

“Then [the angel] said to me, ‘Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.’ ” (Daniel 10:12)

Daniel, a man probably in his 80’s at this time, had not stopped seeking the God of heaven. Though he had lived pretty much all his adult life in a pagan culture, yet He continued to turn heavenward to make sense of the events around him . . . to seek the God He had faithfully lived for. Here, he has been mourning over Jerusalem . . . laid waste almost 70 years earlier . . . for three full weeks (10:2). During that time he fasts and prays . . . God having been stirring in him a longing for home . . . Daniel responding to that prompting of God with an all out pursuit of the mind of God.

And at the essence of that pursuit? He set his heart to understand and he humbled himself before God. I’m thinking that’s a pretty powerful one-two combo. A heart earnestly desiring the things of God and the throne of self emptied, inviting the King to reign.

It’s far too easy for me to bring my understanding to the Word . . . to seek to gather additional data to enforce my biases, rather than open His word afresh each morning with a heart seeking to receive and a spirit subject to the One who has promised to teach me and lead me into truth. It’s way too easy for me, having gained a bit of knowledge, to then think that I now something and that others should know what I know . . . for “knowledge puffs up” when not tempered with love (1Cor. 8:1). It comes too naturally for me to step out on my own strength and try and swing about “the Sword” rather than humbly, relying upon the Holy Spirit, carefully and skillfully apply the Sword in the power of His might.

Oh, to be like Daniel (not the first time I’ve felt this way during these past mornings of reading his book) . . . to set my heart to know the mind of God . . . to humble myself, that He might have latitude to reveal His mind.

And what happens when Daniel prepares Himself? Angels doing some one-on-one tutoring . . . the mind of God being revealed to mortal man . . . the promises of God being conveyed to a faithful seeker of truth. Sound familiar? Angels in front of me? Not so much. The Spirit of God inside of me? You better believe it. The mind of Christ being revealed to me through His revelation of the Scriptures? Yeah . . . by His grace. The things of heaven being made known to a guy trying to do life on this earth? Uh, huh! And my part? My part is to be like Daniel . . .

Heart and humility . . . my part. The Word and the Teacher . . . His part. The wonder and the awe . . . the best part! Amen?

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A Win / Win Situation

Posted on November 22, 2010 by Pete

If you think about it, the book of Daniel really covers both ends of the spectrum. The first 6 chapters provide, through the lives of Daniel and his friends, some of the best of the best when it comes to “easy-to-grasp” lessons about deciding to live for God no matter the consequences and about the power of God which is able to deliver and thus, make known His mighty Name . . . lessons so profound, yet so simple, even children get it. And then you get to the latter portion of Daniel and the simplicity gives way to the complexity of visions and images and revelations of the end times . . . stuff which learned men have sought to understand and map out for generations upon generations. And as I venture on to this holy, prophetic ground this morning, though I may not get all the rising and falling of kingdoms and the counting of days and times, one think I do get . . . Jesus wins and we win with Him!

Here’s what caught my eye . . . and stirred my heart . . . concerning this “win / win” reality that awaits . . .

“Then to [the Son of Man] was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed. . . But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever. . . the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom. . . Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.” (Daniel 7:14, 18, 22, 27)

Now I know it’s not about me . . . or about us, His saints . . . but about the glory of God, the Ancient of Days (7:9) . . . and about His blessed Son, He who is called the Son of Man. It is about God’s ultimate plan . . . and the Son’s ultimate reign. But, that the saints of the Most High have a part in the eventual outcome of history, is something recorded clearly in these Scriptures . . . for our understanding . . . for our encouragement . . . and for our anticipation.

There is coming a day when Jesus will reign . . . He will be given dominion and glory and a kingdom . . . and those who have owned Him as Lord and King will possess that kingdom with Him. That there will be a time of rebellion and tribulation before that day when Jesus is enthroned is evident. But that He will be enthroned is just as clearly proclaimed. And when He comes into that kingdom . . . so will His people.

And I think of what it will be like when He reigns upon this earth. For sure, He now reigns in the lives of His people . . . those who are redeemed by His precious blood . . . those, who recognizing their sin and the need for a Savior, have, by His grace and through their faith, been forgiven their sin and brought into His forever kingdom. But that kingdom, which is now established in the hearts of the people of God, will one day be manifest physically for all to behold. A time when the Son of Man is enthroned and reigns “face to face” . . . all peoples serving Him . . . enjoying the peace that His dominion brings . . . rejoicing in the communion that sin has for so long interrupted . . . living as life was intended . . . the best of the best . . . joy inexpressible . . . I can only imagine.

Oh, to anticipate that glorious day when Jesus reigns . . . when with Him we shall possess the kingdom . . . talk about your “win / win” situation!

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No Greater Joy!

Posted on November 19, 2010 by Pete

Two of my daily readings “came together” this morning . . . one from the Old Testament, it’s compliment from the New Testament . . . one describing the actions of a faithful man, the other kind of a commentary on how those actions should be viewed . . . one a voice from earth directed toward heaven, the other a response from heaven concerning that which is done on earth . . . a verse in Daniel, and a verse in 3John.

“And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, [Daniel] knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.” (Daniel 6:10)

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” (3John 1:4)

By chapter 6, Daniel is now on his third pagan king . . . Darius the Mede . . . Darius the naïve! Daniel has again found favor in the sight of this powerful man . . . again those competing for “top spot” with Daniel seek to take him down . . . again Daniel finds himself in a position of having to choose between obeying man or obeying God . . . and again, obeying God wins. Darius is duped into establishing a written decree that, for the next 30 days, anyone who prays to a god or man other than the king shall be cast into the den of lions (6:6-9). And Daniel . . . dares to be a Daniel . . . again. Not that he defies the king with a one time act of protest . . . not that he determines to “make a statement” through some showy act of civil disobedience . . . but that he goes home and does what he has always done . . . gets on his knees and prays before His God.

Though he lived there, Babylon was not Daniel’s home . . . though he served in the kings courts, he was in fact an ambassador from another place . . . though he walked daily the streets of a pagan world, he continually set his mind and heart on things above . . . knowing that he was but a stranger and pilgrim . . . knowing that, beyond the king of Babylon or the king of the Medes, the really king he served was the King of heaven . . . the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And, as was his custom, despite the crazy edict, Daniel went home . . . set his face toward his real home . . . directed his heart toward heaven . . . and talked with God . . . giving Him thanks and appealing to Him on behalf of others. Bottom line . . . he faithfully walked in truth.

Cue 3John . . . and if John’s inspired words reflect the heart of God (and I think they do) . . . then what joy does the Father have when He sees and hears His children walking in the truth? . . . no greater joy!

Think about it! There is joy in heaven and in the presence of angels when a sinner repents (Luke 15:7,10) . . . a great celebration in the presence of God when a son or daughter of Adam passes from darkness into marvelous light. But, there is no greater joy than that those sinners saved by grace, and enabled by the indwelling Spirit of God, seek to walk as children of light. No greater pleasure for God than to see those redeemed by the blood of His Son . . . seeking to be conformed to the image of His Son . . . as they submit to the Spirit’s work of making them like His Son . . . walk like His Son.

“He walked in truth.” Should that have been written on Daniel’s tombstone (not that he had one), wouldn’t it be an accurate and appropriate summary of his life? I’m thinkin’! Or if “WLKNTRTH” were the vanity license plate on his chariot (whatever) wouldn’t those who knew him say, “Pretty much!” I’m thinkin’ that too! And in that, the God whom Daniel determined to faithfully serve, has great joy . . . no . . . more than that . . . He has no greater joy!

Dare to be a Daniel . . . Dare to be a Gaius (3John 1:1) . . . Dare to walk in truth . . . Dare to bring no greater joy to the Father . . . for His glory alone . . . amen!

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To Serve But One God

Posted on November 18, 2010 by Pete

Sunday school classic . . . Bible story 101 . . . enter stage left, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego . . . enter stage right, arrogant, self-absorbed, megalomaniac king who has just built the biggest and most expensive idol you’ll ever come across — more driven by his self-promoting ego than as a tribute to the god he purports to honor . . . mix in an all or nothing decree that everyone who does not fall down and worship the gold image will be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace (Daniel 3:6) . . . and you got the making of one great showdown . . . no wonder kids love this story . . . no wonder I do too!

Just as these three guys had, along with Daniel, purposed in their hearts not to defile themselves with the king’s delicacies when they were first conscripted into the king’s service, they now would not bow down and worship the king’s self-aggrandizing mega-idol. Not that they didn’t believe the threats were real . . . not that they didn’t understand the consequences . . . but that they were determined to be faithful to the true God . . . the one and only living God . . . even if it meant getting toasted . . . literally.

You’ve got to love the confrontation between the king and the these men . . . “if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?” . . . “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” (Daniel 3:15-18).

No need to argue . . . no need to defend . . . our God is able to deliver . . . and if He chooses not to, let it be known we serve but one God. End of discussion . . . end of debate. We serve but one God . . . amen?

Oh, to possess the faith and fortitude of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. To remain faithful to Him who is worthy of uncompromising consecration. To know that He is able to deliver . . . but to stand fast even if He chooses not to. You gotta’ love these guys and the “right stuff” that they model.

And what’s the greater miracle? That they were delivered from death by the fourth man in the fire (3:24-25) . . . or that they so abided with the God of heaven that they were able to confidently place their lives in His hand . . . sure of His power . . . sure of His Sovereign purposes . . . fully submitted to His will. Being delivered from the flames was a bonus . . . knowing the God of deliverance was the greater prize. Escaping the flames brought glory to God . . . refusing to bow the knee, in my mind, brought just as much glory to God.

Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego who has sent His angel to deliver . . . (3:28a)

That by His grace and through His power, I might too resolve to serve but one God . . . for His glory alone . . . amen.

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Dare To Be Like Daniel

Posted on November 17, 2010 by Pete

Talk about your “best of a bad situation!” His was the perfect example of lemons being turned into lemonade. If you’re going to have your country laid waste . . . if your center of worship was to be torn down and burned . . . if you were going to be taken captive to a foreign land . . . then certainly making the trip on the “Nebuchadnezzar Scholarship Plan” was the way to go. An all expenses paid scholarship for training at Chaldean U . . . housed in the courts of the most powerful man on earth . . . complete with a pre-paid meal ticket giving daily access to the finest culinary delicacies and wine in the land . . . for three years . . . and, at the end, the outcome for employment in the king’s service is almost guaranteed. Sounds kind of nice, huh? Daniel had it made! A free ride! A promising future! Why mess with it? But mess with it Daniel did.

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” (Daniel 1:8)

This verse has been on my radar for a long time. It’s one of those foundational principles . . . a core filter . . . part of a solid spiritual GPS. Purpose in your heart not to defile yourself with the king’s delicacies . . . resolve within your inner man not to be compromised by the world’s pleasures and treasures . . . determine, as much as lies in you and by the grace of God, not to be sucked in by that which is counter your high calling in Christ. Dare to be like Daniel.

That God’s hand was on Daniel was clear. His “starting point” was that he was “good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge, quick to understand, and had the ability to serve in the king’s palace” (1:4). Talk about being given the right set of tools . . . blessed with tons of natural ability . . . having good looks and smarts wired into your DNA. (Enough to get a guy a bit puffed up.) And then to be one of the chosen . . . to “coincidently” be chosen to be groomed and educated and prepared for an “upper class” lifestyle. The hand of God is all over this guy.

The door was clearly open by God . . . and so Daniel would go through it. The table was set by the king . . . but that didn’t mean that Daniel would eat of it. Even going down God’s clear path for your life requires discernment along the way. Whatever the nature of the fine food prepared for the king’s protégés, it didn’t align with a life consecrated to God . . . Daniel knowing that to eat of it would defile Him before the Master he served first and foremost.

And it was risky for Daniel to step out of the crowd and ask for “special treatment.” Those in charge of these young men were expected to deliver . . . not only the training . . . but those who also looked the part . . . strong, handsome, healthy, vibrant young men . . . a fitting visual as well as intellectual complement for the kings courts. These young guys were to be “grain fed” for a purpose . . . to alter the diet was to risk the kings wrath (1:10).

But this Daniel who had found favor with God . . . and who determined to be faithful to God . . . found more favor . . . for God brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of his handlers (1:9). God honors faithfulness . . . amen? God’s purposes will be accomplished according to God’s way . . . amen, again?

I’m looking forward to the next few mornings of reliving the life of Daniel in the courts of the king of Babylon and then the king of Persia. I’m always inspired by his faith and fortitude . . . his determination to remain true to his God in a foreign land . . . even if it involves getting thrown into a flaming furnace or a lion’s den. I enjoy rekindling the awe factor of the amazing way God works in and through this man . . . rescuing him out of perilous situations . . . using him to win over a pagan king. And with this sense of anticipation, I’m reminded it all begins with a foundational principle . . . a core filter . . . a correctly set spiritual GPS . . . an inner determination not to defile himself with world’s offerings . . . to be true to the God of his calling, though all others might compromise . . . to set his heart on pleasing God above all things, refusing the temptations of an anti-God environment and culture.

Dare to be like Daniel? By God’s grace, Yes! . . . for His glory . . . amen and amen.

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Filled with the Fragrance

Posted on November 16, 2010 by Pete

It never ceases to amaze me . . . never fails to cause me to pause and reflect . . . never loses its “awe-factor” as I try and picture in my mind’s eye (and nose) what it must have been like to have been there . . . and seen it happen . . . and smell it happen. I’m referring to those encounters with Jesus, recorded in the gospels, where He was anointed with costly aromatic oils by women who longed to touch Him and to shower upon Him extravagant worship. And, as I hover over the account in John 12 this morning, there is a desire to be filled with the fragrance.

Jesus is once again in the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus . . . Lazarus the alive guy. And Jesus is around the supper table with His disciples and Lazarus . . . enjoying, no doubt, some sweet fellowship . . . when in walks Mary. And Mary finds her way to the feet of Jesus . . . that seems to be the setting on her “Jesus GPS” . . . “home”, for Mary, is at the feet of Jesus (Luke 10:39, John 11:32).

“Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.” (John 12:3)

The house was filled with the fragrance. Ya’ think? Who hasn’t experienced coming across some lady who’s overdone it a bit with the perfume? Just a little dab too much and you can kind of smell her coming a mile way . . . and for mile after she’s left. So what’s the aroma like in the house after Mary has dumped a pound of perfume over Jesus. It’s everywhere! This simple, yet “no-holds-barred”, act of worship impacts everyone . . . not just those around the table . . . or in the room . . . but throughout the house. Everyone is made a participant in the adoration shown to Jesus . . . everyone is connected to this costly act of reverence and exaltation. To be in the house that day, was to have the smell of the anointed feet of Jesus burned almost permanently into your nostrils. Did Mary love Jesus? So much so you could smell the love.

And what about Jesus? If this is the same encounter as in Matthew 26, then not only did the pound of perfume find it’s way to His feet, but also over His head and entire body. Talk about your close encounters of the pungent kind. I have often thought that Jesus carried this anointing, done in preparation for His death, through the entire passion week . . . that all those who encountered Him that week . . . from those who arrested Him in the garden, to those who tried Him in the High Priests house, to those who beat Him, to those who nailed Him to the cross . . . that they all picked up on the aroma of costly perfume poured out on Him. His life literally a living sacrifice . . . His acceptable act of worship before the Father . . . as, in obedience, He completed the work He was sent to do. On Jesus too, you could smell the love.

But thanks to William MacDonald and his “Believer’s Bible Commentary” a new consideration was brought to my attention. What about Mary? She took that very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. Now 1Corinthians 11 says that a woman’s long hair is her glory (1Cor. 11:15) . . . and Mary took her glory and used it to wipe aromatic oils upon Jesus feet. So what did her hair smell like afterwards? And for how long? Her hair was filled with the fragrance of her worship. Her act of sacrificial love shown to the Savior would linger with her for days . . . maybe weeks. Her long tresses hanging over her should would constantly emit wisps of her desire for Jesus. At night when she tied back her hair before going to sleep she would again be reminded of the precious privilege that was hers to touch His feet and declare her allegiance to His holy name. As she got back into the swing of life and the daily routine, would she still, every now and then, catch a whiff of the aroma of the extravagant worship she had directed to the One who alone is worthy of worship? How long, after worshiping Jesus, would she smell the love.

Oh, to know intimate communion at the table with Jesus . . . to take up my place at the feet of Jesus . . . to hold nothing back in declaring my love to Him . . . to reach out with hands of faith and touch Him in worshipful adoration . . . to pour out upon Him the oils of praise . . . do you think it could result in a bit of an “after aroma”. I’m thinking so! Oh, to be filled with the fragrance . . . for His glory . . . and my abiding joy . . . amen.

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Our True North

Posted on November 15, 2010 by Pete

Not everything is black and white . . . but some things are. Not everything is either this side or that side . . . but in some matters you need to pick a side — and to not pick a side, is really still picking a side. With some things there might be some “wiggle room” . . . but when it comes to Jesus . . . ah, not really any wiggle room at all . . . so says John in my reading this morning.

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God . . . By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” (1John 4:1-3, 6)

There are a lot of voices in our world today . . . tons of data . . . unlimited forums through which “truth” can be advertised and declared. Look no further than the internet and you have found a public platform by which every manner of “thought leadership”, opinion, and views on the deeper things of life can be voiced. Everything from the “weird and whacky” to the “sounds solid to me”. But I’m reminded this morning to careful . . . for many false prophets have gone out into the world . . . many of them, via their word processors, blogs, and web cams. I’m reminded that there is a spirit of truth and there is a spirit of error. And, I’m exhorted to to test the spirits . . . to examine . . . scrutinize . . . and apply an acid test to determine if it’s genuine or not, just as you would a precious metal. And that acid test? Jesus.

Jesus is kind of a dividing line. He’s “true north.” To get it right on who Jesus is, is to set a foundation from which greater truth can be spoken. But, get it wrong about Jesus and everything that follows is kind of suspect. And the bottom line validation of the source of purported truth is the question Jesus asked His disciple, “Who do men say that I am?” (Mark 8:27)

Who was Jesus? It all starts there. Was He Jesus the Christ . . . the prophesied Messiah . . . the forever Heir to the Throne of David . . . Jehovah’s Anointed . . . God’s Holy Servant . . . the One spoken of by the prophets as He who would redeem His people? And was He Messiah come in the flesh . . . Emmanuel . . . God with Us . . . the I AM in guise as a carpenter from Nazareth . . . One with the Father fully able to experience the reality of being human . . . God’s faithful High Priest tested just as we are, yet without sin, that He might be able to aid those who are tempted?

Every person who honestly acknowledges that the Promised One, the Son of God, has come to this earth in the flesh and that, being in the Person of Jesus . . . that person has the Spirit of God . . . and is grounded in the Spirit of truth . . . and is so much better set up to be a discerner of greater truth. But that person who denies Jesus as Christ . . . who, if acknowledging Him at all, declares Him to be nothing more than another man who occupied time and space . . . that person is in error . . . and subject to accepting greater error concerning man and God and the things of life and eternity. That person’s anti-Christ anti-Messiah belief system only opens him up to more lies from THE Antichrist.

If we “get it” about Jesus, it’s because by God’s grace, He opened our eyes and unplugged our ears and gifted us with a bit of faith which we could choose to exercise and declare, just as Peter did, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!” (Matt. 16:16). No boasting . . . just believing.

And with that simple confession of faith, the doors of heaven are open and the things of truth are freely available. And ours is to have ears to hear along with a discerning spirit . . . exercising the mind of Christ which we possess through the Spirit of God . . . examining the voices of “truth” about us . . . recognizing the counterfeit . . . embracing the authentic . . . aligning to our great “True North” . . . that we might be the “real stuff” to those seeking truth . . . for their salvation and blessing . . . and for the glory of God . . .

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