Always On Time

Posted on November 1, 2010 by Pete

My natural inclination is to make an effort to be on time. If something’s going to start at the top of the hour, my preference is to be there a couple minutes before hand. I really don’t like being late . . . though I probably don’t get as bent out of shape about it as I once did. My youngest daughter is one of a class of 50 young people enrolled in a ministry internship program at a local church. They live “on campus” and have a crazy busy schedule . . . and their deal is that if you’re 5 minutes early, you’re late. They put such a premium on being on time and ready to go when things are scheduled to start, that you’re expected to be 6 minutes early . . . otherwise you get called out for being late. This morning I’m reminded that God is never late . . . and, though I doubt he’ll be 6 minutes early, I can be sure He will always be on time.

Peter continues to “stir up” the “pure mind” of the believers, reminding them to keep before them the words of the holy prophets and of the apostles (2Peter 3:1-2). Why? Because of those who will come in these last days scoffing at the truth . . . bringing into question God’s word . . . sowing seeds of doubt concerning His promises. And one promise they’ll particularly pick on is the promise of His coming. “Where is He?” they’ll ask. “How long are you going to wait for Him? How long will you keep an eye on the eastern sky? Really, what evidence is there that Jesus will return? Getting kind of late isn’t it?”

And Peter’s response? The Lord is always on time.

“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2Peter 3:8-9)

The Lord is not “slack” concerning His promises . . . He is not “slow” . . . He’s doesn’t loiter . . . He does not tarry . . . He won’t be late. He won’t say He’ll do one thing and then do another . . . His “Yes” won’t be “No” . . . but His “Yes” is always “Yes” . . . “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ.” (2Cor. 1:20 NIV). If He said He’s coming . . . He’s coming . . . won’t be 5 minutes later . . . won’t be 6 minutes early either . . . but He will be on time.

God’s clock may be different than ours. Next weekend I’ll be moving our clocks back to PST (Pacific Standard Time) . . . but His is always on HST (Heaven’s Salvation Time) . . . one day as a thousand years . . . a thousand years as one day . . . each day the day of salvation . . . a reflection of God’s loving patience toward this rebellious world . . . the time He’s ordained to call sinners to Himself through the cross of Jesus. But the day His Son’s return is appointed . . . the hour is set . . . and He’ll be here . . . just as He promised . . . right on time.

I don’t know the time . . . but I know He won’t be late. I don’t know the day . . . but I know it could be today. And so, mine is to head out today in assurance and anticipation . . . because He’s always on time . . . Perhaps Today! Amen?

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Oh, Blessed Heart of God!

Posted on October 29, 2010 by Pete

Ezekiel 16 is really a fascinating portion of Scripture. If these truly are the words of Almighty God . . . and they are because God tells Ezekiel to deliver these words with a “Thus says the Lord GOD” . . . if these are the words of God, then what does it tell you about the heart of God? They are the words of a spurned lover . . . words of adoration . . . words of betrayal . . . words of righteous anger and judgment . . . and tender words of hope. Oh, how God loves Jerusalem . . . not the brick and mortar . . . not the buildings and structures . . . but Jerusalem the people of God.

This love story begins at Jerusalem’s birth . . . conceived and delivered by an Amorite / Hittite union. But from her nativity, Jerusalem was neglected . . . abused at birth . . . left in the open field to die . . . but God passed by and saw her struggling in her own blood and said to her, “Live!” (16:3-6). And so, God caused Jerusalem to thrive . . . growing into a beautiful young woman. And at the time when young women look for love, God spread His wing over her . . . swore an oath to her . . . entered into a covenant with her . . . and thus, Jerusalem became His (16:7-8). Oh glorious wedding day! Truly the first day of the rest of her life.

And God doted on her . . . washed her with water . . . thoroughly washing off the blood of her past . . . anointing her with oil . . . setting her apart, in her beauty, as His own. He clothed her with the finest clothes . . . he adorned her with beautiful jewelry . . . showered her with gold and silver . . . placed before her gourmet delicacies for her delight. She was exceedingly beautiful . . . fit for royalty . . . her fame going throughout the nations because of her beauty . . . a beauty which was perfect through the splendor God had bestowed on her . . . thus says the Lord GOD. (16:9-14)

“But you trusted in your own beauty, played the harlot because of your fame, and poured out your harlotry on everyone passing by who would have it.” (16:15).

Ugh! What betrayal. This beautiful, chaste, young bride . . . loved like crazy by her husband . . . given the best of the best . . . flaunts her beauty . . . leverages the resources freely given to her . . . and pursues other lovers. She uses the garments given her as bedding for her illicit activities . . . she fashion idols out of the gold and silver gifted to her . . . she takes the delicacies presented as a love offering to her and burns them as sweet incense to these images which would seek to take God’s rightful place in her life (16:16-19).

And move in they do. Drawing her into wicked and depraved practices . . . even to the point of taking the sons and daughters she had born to God and sacrificing them . . . causing them to pass through the fire . . . as an offering to the adulterous idols which had taken her heart. She had completely forgotten where she had come from . . . “in all your abominations and acts of harlotry you did not remember the days of your youth, when you were naked and bare, struggling in your blood” (16:22). How sad.

And you read on in Ezekiel 16 and it gets worse (16:23-34) . . . and God’s hurt and anger is so evident . . . but so is His continuing love and faithfulness. He would judge her for her brazen harlotry . . . she would know the consequences of pursuing others while despising the husband of her youth by breaking the oath of their covenant (16:58-59). But nevertheless, God would remember His covenant . . . and would renew His vows . . . and once again woo her back into covenant relationship with Himself . . . “when I provide you an atonement for all you have done” (16:60-63) . . . says the Lord GOD.

Oh, what insight to the heart of the Father . . . the pain He feels when those who are His take what He has graced them with and use it to pursue others . . . the patient yet persistent determination He has to contend for His bride — chastening her as needed, that she might come to her senses and return to His house . . . the unconditional faithfulness He exhibits concerning His word and promise and desire toward those He has called to His banqueting table . . . providing atonement through the blood of His Son . . . that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness and restores us to the blessed relationship He desires us to have with Him.

Oh blessed heart of God! To Him be all glory . . . amen!

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Bad Truth

Posted on October 28, 2010 by Pete

So, I came across something that felt kind of creepy as I was reading in Job this morning. To be honest, I don’t think I ever really noticed it before . . . or paused to reflect on it . . . and, not even sure I really understand it. So why am I writing about it? Maybe just to work it over in my mind a bit.

So here’s the deal . . . the conversation has started. Job’s at the center of a cosmic struggle between God and Satan (actually . . . not really a struggle . . . God wins . . . Satan’s only power is that which God had allowed). Job is God’s divine object lesson modeling a man of integrity who, despite great personal loss and tragedy, remains faithful . . . still blesses the Lord . . . refuses to sin with his lips and curse God. But, Job is just a man. And so, as he suffers he laments the day he was born (ch. 3) . . . gives word to his crushed spirit and brokenness . . . can’t help but articulate that he doesn’t think what’s happened to him makes any sense . . . or is “fair”. And with him are three friends (sorta’) . . . who have come to comfort him (not so much) . . . but instead challenge and debate him.

I’m reading Job 4 . . . the response of one of these friends, Eliphaz, to Job’s lament . . . and essentially he says to Job, “Obviously you’re suffering because you have sinned.” Some comforter, huh? Thanks bud for those “pick me up” words. Kick a guy when he’s down . . . as if my heart isn’t crushed enough . . . tell me I deserve it . . . convince me that if I had been a better guy that my kids would still be alive today . . . that if I were more faithful to God . . . if I was more blameless . . . more upright . . . feared God more . . . shunned evil more . . then my flesh wouldn’t be rotting off my bones right now.

The words of a friend? Or of an enemy? . . . THE ENEMY . . . the enemy of God . . . of men’s souls . . . the destroyer? Here’s the creepy part . . .

Eliphaz relates a reason for his confidence in speaking these words of “wisdom” . . . it was a vision he had . . . a “word secretly brought” to him (4:12-21). His ear “received a whisper” . . . “disquieting thoughts” from visions in the night . . . fear coming upon him, causing him to tremble and his bones to shake . . . a spirit passing before his face . . . the hair standing on end. This fear-invoking spirit of his dreams in the darkness of night stands before him silently . . . he’s unable to discern its appearance . . . and then the spirit speaks, “Can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can a man be more pure than his Maker? If He puts no trust in His servants, if He charges His angels with error, how much more those who dwell in houses of clay . . .”

Kinda eerie, huh?

At first the words seem to sound like truth . . . of course a mortal can’t be more righteous than God . . . there’s none righteous, no, not one (Rom. 3:10) . . . no brainer that the creation cannot be more pure than the Creator. But, though the words sound somewhat familiar . . . there’s a hiss behind them . . . a sense of twisting and distorting . . . by this masked spirit of the night that brings fear. Does God really not trust His servants? And what angles did He charge with error, save those who rebelled” Is there a tone of a personal root of bitterness detected here within this spirit? And is the conclusion of suffering really that because God dealt such with the angels how much more will He be the destroyer of those who are merely houses of clay? Sounds like bad “truth” to me.

I don’t know if I’m being clear, but as I pause over this passage I think I’m seeing something of the subtle deception and influence of the enemy’s forces. Bad truth makes for a bad comforter. Did Satan’s attacks upon Job conclude with the destroying of his wealth, the killing of his children, and the destroying of his flesh? . . . or, does he continue with the mind games? I’m thinkin’ . . .

We are not unaware of the enemy’s desires to devour us (1Peter 5:7) . . . not ignorant of his devices (2Cor. 2:11). He is a distorter of truth . . . the father of lies (John 8:44) . . . the accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10) . . . the destroyer (Rev. 9:11). Oh, that, through the Spirit indwelling us, we would be discerners of his lying “words of wisdom” . . . standing fast in grace . . . by the authority of our King . . . resisting the enemy, such that he flees from us (James 4:7) . . . knowing that greater is He who is in us, then he who is in the world (1John 4:4) . . . for the glory of God, our power and strength . . . amen!

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Busted!

Posted on October 27, 2010 by Pete

There are those who suspect it was a set up. Those who look at the facts presented and scratch their head and smell something fishy going on. After all, how does someone get “caught in adultery?” Literally the term is ” to laid hold of” or “to seize upon” or “to take possession of” . . . wouldn’t a woman who is cheating on her husband ensure she was being discreet . . . how does the bedroom door get crashed in on unless someone was tipped off. And hey, if she was caught in the act, then where was the guy? If they got her, what happened to him? If it was about contending for righteousness, then his sin was just as great as hers. Those subscribing to a conspiracy theory would claim entrapment . . . the guy was part of the “sting” operation . . . he copped a deal with the D.A. in order to avoid prosecution . . . whatever. After all, the Pharisees were less interested in the woman’s sin then in testing Jesus and finding something to accuse Him of (John 8:1-6a)

But regardless of whether it was a set up or not . . . the fact of the matter is, she did it. She was there . . . with a man . . . a man who was not her husband . . . in violation of her marriage covenant . . . in violation of moral law . . . in violation of Mosaic law . . . busted! When all was said and done, sin had crouched at her door and she had permitted it’s entrance . . . guilty as charged . . . without excuse . . . without a plea. And now her “secret sin” had gone public . . . and oh, so public! Brought to the temple . . . set amidst a crowd gathered to hear Jesus teach . . . on her knees before the One who many were starting to believe was Messiah . . . how embarrassing . . . how shameful . . . how scary as she heard the religious leaders remind Jesus that the law commanded she be put to death by stoning for her sin . . . oh, so busted!

But she was just a pawn in the Pharisee’s game. The real “sting operation” was targeted at Jesus. These hard-hearted, hypocritical “leaders in righteousness” cared nothing about her . . . she was just the bait to try and trap Jesus. What would He do? What would He say? They had enough exposure to Him and had heard enough of stories about Him to suspect that He wouldn’t take up a stone against this woman. They knew He ate with tax collectors and sinners . . . they knew He claimed the authority of God Himself as He who could forgive sins . . . they were sure that He would respond in such a way that they could level their accusations against Him . . . that they could accuse Him of not following the law . . . and therefore was a transgressor . . . and couldn’t be engaged in God’s work. Jesus was set up.

His response is masterful . . . what else would you expect from the Master? There’s been much speculation on what He wrote with His finger on the ground while the Pharisees stood about Him and the woman and waited for His response . . . but the fact is, we don’t know. What we do know is that when they pressed Jesus for an answer, He stood and addressed them. The Living Word of God spoke the word of God . . . and it was living and powerful . . . sharper than any two-edged sword . . . piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and joints and marrow . . . a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the hearts of these men (Heb. 4:12) . . . “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” (John 8:7)

That was it. He stopped speaking . . . stooped to the ground again . . . resumed writing with His finger . . . and the convicting power of the Spirit of God took over . . . revealing to each their own “secret sin” . . . and they were busted! One by one they knew they were trapped . . . He had searched them and known them and revealed to them their wicked way (Ps. 139:23-24). They too had been caught in the act. And so they left . . . one by one . . . from the oldest to the last . . . leaving Jesus alone with woman in the midst of the crowd (John 8:9).

And then . . . one on one . . . Jesus and the woman had that wonderful conversation . . . “Woman, has no one condemned you?” . . . “No one, Lord.” . . . “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” (John 8:10-11).

The Pharisees were pretty sure that Jesus would not condemn the woman . . . and they were so right! The woman was busted . . . the Pharisees were busted . . . and, praise God, Jesus was busted too!

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” – John 3:17

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These Things, That Day, and The Word

Posted on October 26, 2010 by Pete

Ever wanted something so bad, such that the longer you waited for it, the more discouraged you became at it not being realized? As time passed, so too did the excitement of receiving the gift — up to a point . . . but then the longer it took to achieve the goal, the greater the doubt that the goal would ever be achieved . . . the longer it took for the day to come, the more you wondered if the day would ever come. Instead of anticipation continuing to build, there came a point where it started diminishing . . . the focus started waning . . . the mind started wandering . . . and wondering. Such seems to be the case of those to whom Peter wrote his second letter.

Peter knew that his time on earth was drawing to a close — the Lord Himself having revealed it to him (1:14). And before he went, he was determined (as well as inspired by the Holy Spirit) to leave one last reminder to those who had “obtained like precious faith” (1:1). Three times he states his purpose in writing this letter . . . as long as he was alive he would “stir them up” by reminding them (1:13) . . . he was careful to ensure that they always had a reminder of “these things” (1:15) . . . though they knew and were established in the present truth, he would not be negligent to remind them of “these things” (1:12). Peter wrote this second letter as a reminder to go after “these things”.

And just what are “these things”. They are the qualities Peter lists in 1:5-7 . . . those attributes we are to make every effort to add to our faith . . . “these things” are virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. “For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful (1:8a) . . . for if you do these thing you will never stumble (1:10b)” . . . and because you have pursued these things “an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (1:11).

But when would that day come . . . that day of entering into His everlasting kingdom? They had pursued “these things” in light of that day . . . that day which they so wanted to come . . . that day they had anticipated for a lifetime . . . that day which seemed so distant . . . the anticipation of which was starting to diminish . . . the focus on which was being blurred . . . the mind starting to wander . . . and wonder.

And so what’s the “secret sauce” to keeping up the pursuit of “these things” in light of “that day”?

It’s the word of prophecy . . . the testimony of God that His Son is coming again . . . a preview of which Peter saw on the Mount of Transfiguration (1:16-18). And so, Peter would write, “And this prophetic word you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (1:19).

The word sheds light in this dark place of that coming day. I read of promises fulfilled in the past . . . and am encouraged that those for the future will also be fulfilled. I read of all the prophecy already met in Christ . . . and I’m confident that the yet-to-be-fulfilled prophecies will just as surely be met. I consider afresh God’s “track record” in doing what He says He’ll do . . . and my faith is emboldened as I confidently look to that day when faith will give way to sight.

The word of God is the flashlight . . . bringing illumination sufficient for the day. It’s a beam of light pointing to a brighter-than-the-sun light which I’ll know when that day dawns . . . and the morning star rises . . . and my heart is fully illuminated with glory of God.

I can’t wait . . . but I will. And while I wait . . . regardless of how long . . . I’ll take advantage of the light contained in this Book in front of me . . . this living and powerful book . . . this fountain that fuels the anticipation . . . this testimony which revitalizes the taste for the kingdom . . . this prophetic word that reminds me He is coming again and that I should be pursuing “these things” until “that day” . .. . for His glory . . . amen?

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Amazed!

Posted on October 25, 2010 by Pete

To think that God and Satan might have a conversation . . . and that such a conversation might focus on what’s happening on earth . . . and focus not in general terms but focus on a specific man . . . living at a specific time . . . in a specific place . . . amidst a specific set of life circumstances . . . to think about such a conversation, absolutely amazes me. Such is the case every time I read Job 1.

I’m amazed at Job . . . a man described as “blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil” (1:1). Whatever the form of revelation available to Job during his time, he responded to it. He was a man who lived in a reverential fear of the Creator. He understood enough of the character of God to know that which was counter-character to God’s holiness . . . and, as such, determined to turn away and repel all manner of evil. He determined, as much as lied within him, to walk in the way of righteousness . . . a man of integrity . . . beyond reproach.

And I’m amazed that this characterization of Job wasn’t just the talk of the town . . . but it was conversation of heaven itself. That Job was blameless and upright, wasn’t just his own claim to fame . . . that Job feared God and shunned evil, was more than just a good reputation he held among the people of Uz. That Job was noteworthy, was the topic of conversation of God Himself (1:8, 2:3). Not only did God notice Job . . . God wanted others in heavenly places to notice Job as well. How pleased God must have been with this man’s determination to live a manner worthy of the God he had owned as Lord . . . so pleased that when the sons of God presented themselves before the Lord, and Satan along with them, the Lord said to Satan, “Hey, have you noticed my servant Job?” (1:6-8)

I’m amazed also concerning God’s confidence in Job that He would allow Satan to mess with Job’s life . . . and mess in a big, big, way. You might think that the reward for bringing God glory (which Job did) would be more blessing . . . aka good stuff . . . but it seems the reward for bringing God glory is the opportunity to bring Him even more glory . . . and that doesn’t necessarily translate into the status quo of the good life. Satan is permitted power over all Job has but he is not permitted to lay a hand on Job’s person (1:12). And the devil takes full advantage of the latitude he’s given by God to upset Job’s apple cart. A day comes when, in a matter of minutes, Job’s entire world comes crashing down around him. His business is destroyed . . . his wealth vanishes . . . and worst yet, his 10 children are all taken in a freak storm. What does a blameless and upright man do now? How does a man who fears God and shuns evil respond to such personal catastrophe and tragedy? This too is amazing . . .

“Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.’ ” (1:20-21)

Oh, that I might model such a man. That everything . . . whether blessing or trial or tragedy . . . might pass through a “God filter” such that in every circumstance I would worship Him. That I would bless His name for so much more than the good things I enjoy from His hand . . . but also bless His name simply because He is worthy of blessing . . . all the time . . . in all circumstance.

I don’t know if I’m a subject of conversation in heaven . . . but I do know that He knows me. I don’t know what the future may bring, but I do know the God of the future, and that in all things He can be trusted . . . that in all things He can be blessed and worshiped . . . and that He delights in such worship . . .

Isn’t that amazing?

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God’s Seasoned Salt

Posted on October 22, 2010 by Pete

I’m no cook. Basic, 101, type of stuff is about all I can do. But while I’m no cook . . . I do like food . . . and flavor . . . boy, do I like flavor. Not that unusual for me to hum when I’m chewing on stuff that lights up my taste buds. It’s because I am such a “flavor fan” that I struggle with being a “full figure man”. So, what does a guy who doesn’t cook and who loves to eat do? Well, he is thankful that he can rely on his wife to meet the need . . . praise God! But on those few occasions . . . when I’m left to my own devises . . . and choose not to “menu plan” by digging out pizzeria coupons . . . and decide to cook . . . then my number one way of spicing things up is to add Seasoned Salt . . . you know, that all-in-one stuff. Don’t have to worry about a pinch of this and a bit of that . . . just one jar . . . multiple seasonings . . . and I’m good to go. As I wrap up Peter’s first letter, I’m thinking that God’s grace is kind of like seasoned salt . . . a multi-purpose, all-in-one, God flavoring spice for life.

“I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.” (1Peter 5:12b)

Peter has been writing to “the pilgrims of the Dispersion” . . . believers on the run because of persecution . . . followers of Christ who are suffering for their faith . . . waking up to hardship every morning . . . wondering if it will ever get better . . . wondering if this Christianity thing is really worth it. And Peter pens this letter to encourage them and to bear witness to them that what they have staked their lives on is the true grace of God and they should stand firm in it. Eight times in this letter Peter mentions grace.

He starts the letter by penning his desire that they would know grace in increasing measure (1:2) . . . the grace which was prophesied of old and was to be the basis on which they would know salvation and forgiveness of sins (1:10). They were also to rest their hope fully on the grace that was to be theirs when Christ would be revealed to them (1:13) . . . walking here and now as heirs of the grace of life (3:7) they would fully experience there and then. This “all seasoned flavoring” was also known through the gifting they had been given of which they were to be good stewards of the manifold grace of God (4:10). Also promised is grace for the humble (5:5) . . . Peter revealing that, though He resists the proud, God delights to “season” the humble with His multi-purpose, multi-dimensional grace. For their God is the God of all grace (5:12a) . . . He is the fountain of un-merited favor . . . He is the source of life-giving, life-energizing streams of water intended to flow in the inner man . . . and He who had called them “to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus” would restore them, and confirm their calling, and strengthen them and firmly establish them (5:12b) . . . in grace. Therefore, Peter says, stand firm for this is the true grace upon which you have placed your feet.

Just as my Seasoned Salt is able to add all manner of nuance of flavor to my food, God’s grace is sufficient on so many levels. His amazing grace is sufficient to meet the need of my sin problem. His grace is sufficient for the day before me as He assures me I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Php. 4:13) . . . think about that . . . the power of Christ in me . . . now if that isn’t grace . . . if that isn’t some pretty powerful “flavoring” . . . what is? And His grace is what lies in wait for me on that day when I go facedown in the presence of the One who gave Himself for Me . . . if I think I’m experiencing “taste” now, just wait until I’m eating from His table in glory . . . talk about your full-meal deal.

God’s seasoned salt . . . grace on so many levels . . . grace in abundance . . . grace for the day . . . grace for tomorrow . . . grace awaiting me in eternity . . . oh, taste and see that the Lord is good . . . huummm!!!!

For His glory . . . amen?

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Divine Plagiarism

Posted on October 21, 2010 by Pete

When Jesus spoke, people were blown away. From the beginnings of His public ministry, when He taught in the Capernaum synagogue on the Sabbath, those who heard Him “were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Mark 1:22). One time, when He preached in His home “church” in Nazareth, those who listened were astonished at His words and said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?” (Matt 13:56) And this morning, I’m reading that when Jesus taught at the temple during the Feast of Tabernacles the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this Man know so much, given that He’s never been formally trained or educated?” (John 7:15)
The question on the minds of those who heard Jesus was simply, “Where does He come up with this stuff?”

Isn’t that the question of the ages? And Jesus’ answer is simple, “My teaching is not mine, but His who sent me” (John 7:16 ESV).

Jesus spoke not as a man, but as the Son of Man . . . the promised Messiah . . . the One of whom Isaiah would prophesy, “The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.” (Isa. 11:2). He didn’t need to “make it up as went”, the teaching was sourced from heaven itself . . . from the Father . . . through the Spirit . . . spoken by the Son . . . marveled at by the people.

The complexities of the Trinity . . . the interwoven dynamics of Immanuel, God in flesh . . . both come into play here . . . not sure that my mind can really wrap itself around it. But, what I do know is that Jesus spoke the way He spoke . . . taught the way He taught . . . impacted people the way He impacted people . . . because of divine plagiarism. The material didn’t originate with the man Jesus, but had been drafted from before the foundations of the earth by the Three-in-One God of eternity. His words weren’t original to Him, in a sense . . . but they were the very words of God Himself. Jesus didn’t speak on His own, but spoke the words taught to Him by the Father (John 8:28) . . . the Father directed the Son on what to say and how to say it (John 12:49). No wonder it blew people away . . . His was the voice of God itself . . . speaking a word that was, quite literally, from out of this world.

Oh, what would it have been like to hear Him teach? Talk about your powerful sermon! When Jesus spoke no one was falling asleep in the back row . . . when Jesus taught the impact was tangible, even if their understanding was yet clouded. His was always a powerful message . . . the delivery always a Spirit empowered delivery . . . when Jesus opened the Scriptures it ignited the hearts of those who had ears to hear (Luke 24:32) . . . “No man every spoke like this Man.” (John 7:46)

But, there is a dynamic by which I can hear Him. No, there isn’t a podcast I can download . . . and I can’t go pull a video off of His website . . . but I have the God-breathed Scriptures before me . . . and the God-placed Spirit inside me . . . and with that combo, His words . . . those divinely penned and placed words of the Father . . . can be as fresh and powerful as when they were first delivered. They can set my heart to burning . . . they can stir my inner man . . . they can evoke within me the same awe and wonder. And Jesus’ promise to the crowd that day in temple is a promise to me too, “Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own.” (John 7:17 NLT).

Speak Lord, for your servant is listening . . . (my own plagiarism . . . 1Samuel 3:9)

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Family Feud

Posted on October 20, 2010 by Pete

Home should be a safe place . . . a place of refuge . . . a place of acceptance and understanding . . . a place, when all other places are hostile, of peace and protection. Alas, for way too many people, home is anything but such a place. That the enemy has launched an all out assault on the home is evident . . . that for so many, family is a part of the problem rather than part of the solution, is way too common. Instead of being allies in the struggles of life, family, for many, is the struggle . . . is the opposition. And I’m reminded this morning, from my reading in the first part of John 7, that Jesus knew this experience too.

You’d think that if anybody would “get it” concerning Jesus it would have been those who grew up in the same household He did. That Jesus had siblings is evident . . . that after His virgin birth, Mary and Joseph together had other children is clear . . . and it doesn’t take a lot of imagination to think of what life must have been like in the Joseph and Mary home as the kids grew up together. That Jesus was unique and stood out, I think, would have been evident. Can you imagine growing up in a home with a brother or sister who is literally and in reality the perfect child? Talk about pressure to try and “be like your brother” . . . impossible! Maybe some jealousy . . . maybe some resentment . . . but, you’d think that over time, witnessing a perfect human being grow up from a perfect child to a perfect teen to a perfect adult might convince Jesus’ brothers and sisters that He was very special and was someone to be listened to.

But such is not the case with the sons of Adam (or the other sons of Mary) . . . those conceived in sin (Ps. 51:5) . . . those born spiritually dead (Eph. 2:1) . . . you can put a son of Adam in the same house with the Son of God for half a lifetime and, apart from a work of revelation of the Spirit, it just won’t register. Such is evident from the conversation I read this morning . . .

The time is approaching for the Feast of Tabernacles . . . the time when people travel to Jerusalem to celebrate the harvest and to remember and celebrate their deliverance from Egypt and the time in their history when they lived in tents or booths or tabernacles en route to the promised land. And Jesus’ brothers taunt Him, “Hey, why do you keep hanging around here doing your miracles in front of the nobodies? . . . head down to Judea to the Feast and show Your stuff there so that those who say You are worth following can see Your works. Why do this stuff in the relative secrecy of Galilee when the thought leadership of religion is down south? After all, You seem to be seeking a following for Yourself . . . looking for some fame . . . so, show yourself to the world.” (John 7:1-4, Pete’s Paraphrase) John then records, “For even His brothers did not believe in Him.” (John 7:5 NKJV)

Ouch! Opposition at home . . . no safe place here . . . no acceptance or understanding . . . in fact, a bit of sarcastic hostility . . . darkness instead of light . . . dead to sin, not yet alive to God . . . and Jesus knew firsthand the struggle and personal pain of an unsupportive family. He knew what it was to be misunderstood by those with whom He had shared a home for years . . . He experienced the rejection of those who should have been His greatest fans . . . in the place where He should have been able to recharge his batteries, there too He had to fight the fight.

And it reminds me that we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our life situations . . . One who was tempted and tried just as we are, yet without sin . . . One who had to be made just like us so that He might be a merciful and faithful advocate for us before the Father . . . “Since He Himself has gone through suffering and testing, He is able to help us when we are being tested.” (Heb. 4:15, 2:17-18).

For way too many home isn’t where the heart is . . . home isn’t sweet home. The family that should be sticking together too often turns into a family feud. But this, my Savior knows firsthand . . . and is able to draw along side in understanding support . . . reminding us that we have been brought into His family . . . renewing us in the inner man through the indwelling Spirit of adoption . . . requesting us to set our hearts on the place He is preparing for us and the banquet table He is setting for us, even now. Soon, we’ll be home . . . around the throne of God with the family . . . for our blessing . . . for His glory . . . amen!

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A Dispenser of Grace

Posted on October 19, 2010 by Pete

“The manifold grace of God” . . . now there’s a phrase to chew on. Some translations say “God’s grace in its various forms” or “God’s varied grace” . . . but I got to say that I like the wording in my NKJV — it just seems to resonate so deeply. The grace of God . . . manifest in various ways . . . dispensed without measure but not dispensed in uniformity . . . variegated (I like that word) aka multi-colored . . . same grace, different shades . . . same source of all grace, but dispensed individually and uniquely . . . intended to gift and equip believers just as the Giver of all grace determines. Peter reminds me this morning that, while I am a trophy of His grace, I am also a recipient of a some specific “flavor” of His manifold grace, and, in that, I am to be a dispenser of grace.

Peter says to the believers he’s writing to that each one has received a gift. For example, he says, it could be a gift of speaking or a gifting of a heart that zones in on serving others (1Peter 4:11a). Paul talks of the same “gracing” in his letters where he refers to the “manifestation of the Spirit which is given to each for the profit of all” — that manifestation finding shape in the gift of wisdom or knowledge or faith or healings . . . different gifts . . . the same Spirit distributing to each one individually as He wills (1Cor. 12:7-11). In Romans, Paul speaks again of differing gifts according to the grace given us . . . gifts of teaching, exhorting, sharing with others, leading, and mercy (Romans 12:6-8) . . . all different . . . all given as God determines . . . all the manifold grace of God.

And while God “fills the cup” of this believer with these Spirit powered abilities and passions of His choosing, mine is to be a faithful steward (1Peter 4:10) . . . a wise manager . . . a willing dispenser . . . of the multi-colored, varied manifestation, of the grace of God. Talk about your high and lofty calling.
As much “fun” as it is to mediate on God’s awesome creativity in the way He dishes out from the treasures of His storehouse of grace, I also need to understand the responsibility that’s mine as a recipient of some this manifestation of the Spirit. To think I don’t have a gift . . . or that whatever I do have really isn’t intended to “go public” and be used, is to call God a liar. To not accept that God has made me a piece of His grace filled patchwork quilt, is to miss out on such a key aspect of my salvation. To not take up the charge to be a steward of that piece of grace I’ve received . . . to not seek to diligently share that which He has given me to share . . . is to be disobedient to this part of my calling.

Recipients of grace? You bet! Stewards of grace! You bet too!

What a privilege . . . what a responsibility . . . what a high and lofty calling. To be a channel of the manifold grace of God . . . dispensing the grace He supplies. And I am to do so “that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1Peter 4:11b). It’s not my gifting . . . not my abilities . . . not my manifold grace . . . it is His . . . and, as such, my stewardship of that gifting is but for His glory.

The manifold grace of God . . . a phrase worth chewing on . . . a stewardship worth accepting . . . that the grace of God might be dispensed by the people of God for the glory of God. Let’s do it!

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