The Name

Posted on December 31, 2010 by Pete

Talk about your saying good-bye to the old and ushering in the new. For that lame man, his encounter with Peter and John, as they headed to the temple to pray that afternoon, was a life changer (Acts 3). All he was hoping for was a few alms . . . same old, same old. But what he got was new legs . . . and a new life. And all this, through “the Name.”

“I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” (Acts 3:6)

And walk he did . . . and leap . . . and dance . . . and skip around . . . and praise God. By faith in the name of Jesus, this guy’s life went from ho-hum to kingdom come (3:16). And as I read Peter’s address to those who witnessed the miracle, to those who were “filled with wonder and amazement” at what had happened, I couldn’t help but notice “the Name.”

It was in the name of Jesus that Peter commanded the lame man to walk. It was through faith in the name that the man rose up leaping and praising God . . . and Peter, as he addresses the crowd, uses at least 3 different names to describe “the Name.”

First, Peter says that “the God of our fathers, glorified His servant Jesus” (3:13). Servant Jesus . . . the one foretold of by the prophet, “Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon Him . . . ” (Isa. 42:1). Though it was through “the Name” that God created all things, yet He would send Him as “His servant Jesus” . . .come not to be served, but to serve others and give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). He humbly submitted Himself to the will of God and faithfully executed the plan of redemption. Behold the Servant! What a name . . .

Next, Peter tells the crowd that they “denied the Holy and Righteous One” (3:14). Without spot or blemish . . . without sin . . . without anything in His nature that could be exploited by the weakness of flesh . . . His name is Holy and Righteous One. To have watched Jesus . . . to have seen Him reacting to situations . . . to have heard Him rebutting His accusers . . . to have witnessed Him responding to sinners . . . was to see holiness and righteousness in action. And it’s not that He “acted holy” or that He was “righteous” because of what He did . . . no, it’s that He embodied the divine attributes of holiness and perfect righteousness. The “gold” of heaven packaged in the “brown paper bag” of a servant. His glory masked but His nature unchanged.

Finally, Peter says, “You killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead.” (3:15). Check that out . . . killing the Author of life. He is the source of life . . . natural, spiritual, and eternal. He is the living God . . . He had power over His own life, no one taking it from Him, but Him willing laying it down and then three days later, taking it up again (John 10:18). The Author of resurrection . . . physically and spiritually. The One who came so that men and women might have life . . . and have it abundantly (John 10:10) . . . to the full . . . to the max!

And I think about all that is encompassed in that Name . . . and I think about the potential of faith in His name . . . and about a lame guy who didn’t expect much but who’s life was turned upside down by believing in the Name. I think also about sitting here on the cusp of a another year and wondering if I’m looking for just a few alms in 2011, the same old, same old . . . or whether I’m in wide-eyed anticipation of encountering the Name afresh in the New Year. Am I looking for “ho-hum, hum-drum”, a couple of coins of blessing in the cup will get me through . . . or am I anticipating “some new legs”, and some walking and leaping and praising God, as I continue to seek to the know the Name?

“But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your Name may exult in You.” (Ps. 5:11) Here’s to walking, and leaping, and praising God in 2011 . . . all because of the Name! Amen?

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Witnessing a Birth

Posted on December 30, 2010 by Pete

There is something about witnessing a birth that defies full description. There’s a joy which gushes from the inside out . . . literally. As I recollect, I couldn’t help but tear up at the birth of each of my five girls. And in the delivery room I can’t imagine any one thinking, “Wow, isn’t evolution doing a wonderful work today!” Nah . . . I’m thinking the most common of reactions is, “What a miracle! Amazing! Unbelievable!” And even though that just born he or she is so tiny, there’s something that wants to reach out and hold this little miracle bundle . . . something that wants to gaze upon it without interruption . . . something that wants to care for and nurture it . . . to draw it close and commit to it with your whole heart. Could any of that describe any part of what Jesus might have felt the day His church was born?

I’m reading in Acts 2 . . . the birth of the church at Pentecost . . . what an event! The sudden sound of a a mighty rushing wind from heaven itself . . . tongues of fire appearing and resting on those who were gathered there . . . the Holy Spirit filling everyone in that place . . . languages being spoken as the Spirit gave utterance . . . a cacophony of sound . . . an energy sourced literally from out of this world. And it says that “all were amazed and perplexed” and wanted to know what to make of it all (Acts 2:1-13). Cue Peter . . . witness the birth of the church . . . talk about your delivery!

This marks the last days, says Peter . . . the Spirit being a sign spoken of by the prophet . . . this time being the time, before His return, to call upon the name of the Lord and be saved (2:14-21). Who is the Lord? Jesus of Nazareth . . . a man attested by God with mighty works and signs which God did through Him . . . delivered up by God, according to His plan, into the hands of lawless men who crucified and killed Him. God, though, raised Him up, loosing the pangs of death, for it is impossible for Him to be held by death . . . exalted now at the right hand of God . . . having received the promise of the Holy Spirit which He was pouring out on them that day (2:22-33). “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain,” proclaims Peter, “that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” (2:36)

And that day 3,000 knew it . . . they got it . . . they believed it . . . and were saved. Their souls were added to what would soon be known as the body of Christ. That day the bride of Christ was born . . . the living temple of God, inhabited through His Spirit, had begun construction. What joy did the Father experience that day? Did tears well up in the eyes of the Son as He saw the fruit of His labor that day? As the Holy Spirit invaded the souls of men, women, and children, did He do so with an embrace, drawing them near to His breast, vowing to do all He could to protect them and nurture them that the work which had begun in them would be fulfilled for God’s glory?

And then to watch that baby church thrive over the next days, weeks, and months. To see them take in the milk of the apostles teaching . . . to grow together as a family in sweet fellowship . . . to never stray far from remembering the cross and His coming as they continued in the breaking of bread . . . to find their voice, and their speech, as they persisted in prayer. And, it says, awe came upon every soul (2:42-43a). Did heaven experience a measure of awe, as well? I’m thinkin’ . . .

I know the church isn’t perfect . . . but I’m a fan of the church . . . I believe God is too. And on the day of its birth, I can only imagine the joy the Father emitted throughout heaven as He saw the beginning of the results from the work His Beloved Son had finished. It was another of those works of God that, when He saw it, I can imagine Him saying, “It is good!” And maybe, just maybe, He thought something like, “What a miracle! . . . Amazing! . . . Unbelievable!” You see, there’s something about witnessing a birth. Amen?

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But Noah . . .

Posted on December 29, 2010 by Pete

As I’m reading in Genesis 6 this morning, things are getting rough . . . the wages of the sin that entered the garden are becoming evident. Men and women living for 700 to 900 years is providing ample time not only to “be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth”, but also to provide enough continuity for a life to get into a lot of trouble. So God “caps” their lives at 120 years (6:3) . . . but it really doesn’t help at all . . . the problem isn’t time, it’s the heart. “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually . . . and it grieved Him to His heart” (6:5-6). Time to end the experiment. Sorry to have made them, God says it’s time to “blot out man whom I have created from the face of the earth” (6:7). And then comes those glorious words . . . “But Noah . . . ”

“But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.” (6:8)

Now it’s recorded that Noah was a righteous man . . . that he was blameless in his generation . . . that he walked with God. So, did Noah merit God’s favor? Was God obligated to save Noah because Noah had earned it? I don’t think so. Being 500 plus years old, Noah’s had more than enough time to slip up every so often . . .the fact that he had 3 kids after hitting his 500th birthday is, right there, a recipe for “losing it” once in awhile.

No, I think God’s favor was upon Noah because Noah’s heart was set upon God. That, by faith, Noah sought, as much as lied within him, to walk in a way consistent with what he knew about God even though it was diametrically opposed to his generation. I think the righteousness declared to be Noah’s was the righteousness that comes through faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6) . . . and Noah “became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith” (Heb. 11:7).

So the world is crashing and burning . . . and in its midst is a man. A man who is counted as righteous . . . a man who is deemed to be blameless . . . a man who seeks to walk by faith with his God . . . a man who finds favor with God. While I may have seen evidence of grace implicitly within the first 5 chapters of Genesis, here it is clearly put on display.

God’s righteousness demands an accounting. The lost world of Genesis 6 had no standing to dispute the judgment of a holy God. Had God “called it a game” He would have been entirely justified. But God determined to show not only the just standard of His holiness through His judgment . . . to show not only the terrible power of His wrath through the flood . . . but also to show the wondrous glory of His grace through Noah.

The glory of God is seen in His grace (Ex. 33:18-19). As God’s glory passed before Moses it revealed the mercy and longsuffering of God . . . it declared His goodness and truth . . . it showed God’s determination to solve the sin problem such that He could forgive iniquity and transgression and sin . . . God’s glory is revealed in grace (Ex. 34:6-9). And so, “But Noah” is code for the glory of God.

And I could insert my name, as well . . . “But Pete” . . . and there too is the glory of God. I am also an object of His grace . . . living evidence of His mercy and longsuffering . . . a recipient of the forgiveness of sin . . . the old man destroyed as demonstrated through the waters of baptism only to be raised a new creation in Christ.

How I thank God for the word “but.” I thank God that He didn’t give up on the human experiment but that Noah found favor in His eyes . . . that He didn’t “call it a day” with me during my time of arrogant rebellion but that He sent the Good Shepherd to seek this lost sheep. Oh, to find favor in His sight . . . to know the grace of God . . . to behold the glory of God. To Him be all praise!

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KISS

Posted on December 28, 2010 by Pete

Some of what I’m on the look out for when I’m reading in the morning are “commands to obey.” I’m not looking to construct a “to do” list . . . or, for that matter, a “not to do” list . . . so that I can try and merit God’s favor — that’s a done deal. This morning, solely because of the grace of God and the work of Christ on the cross, I am accepted as a child of God . . . redeemed by the blood . . . declared righteous in Him . . . having believed in Him as the Son of God and the Savior of men. So why look for stuff to obey? K.I.S.S. . . . Keep It Sincere Saint . . .

The Scriptures are clear that believers should walk in a manner consistent with what they say they believe (Eph. 4:1) . . . that their walk should line up with their talk . . . that those who are being conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29) should, in fact, reflect something of that image and act like He would act (Eph. 5:1). So, if I’m going to take that seriously . . . and if I believe that the Scriptures have been preserved through the ages so that I don’t have to figure out what “consistency” looks like on my own . . . then, when I read the Word, it makes sense that one of the things I should be on the look out for are commands to obey. K.I.S.S. . . . Keep It Straight Saint . . .

And the command that grabbed me this morning is found in Psalm 2 . . . a simple command . . . “Kiss” . . . “Kiss the Son” (Ps. 2:12a)

The command is contrasted with those who rage and plot against the Lord in vain . . . those who set themselves against the Lord . . . who arrogantly try to “out noodle” the Almighty. And God, as it where, laughs from heaven at the foolishness of the Created trying to elevate themselves above the Creator. One day, the kingdom that Jesus is now establishing in the hearts and lives of believers will give way to a visible kingdom . . . His kingdom on earth . . . the nations His heritage . . . the earth His possession . . . His rule visible and indisputable. So why do men fight against it? Instead says the Psalmist, “Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son . . . blessed are those who take refuge in Him.” (Ps. 2:11-12)

Kiss the Son. Lean in, as it were . . . get close and personal . . . and honor Him with a holy kiss. There’s no honoring Jesus from a distance. There’s no punching salvation’s ticket with a profession of faith and then going on with life as usual. But those who are His are called to draw near . . . to revere and honor . . . to abide . . . to follow. There really isn’t any middle ground. Jesus said, “You are either with me or you are against me” (Luke 11:23) . . . you either kiss Me or you rage against Me. Someone once said that the opposite of love isn’t hate . . . it’s indifference. The Psalmist says, “Don’t be indifferent . . . don’t align with the ways of a world that sits in basic opposition to the Me . . . Kiss the Son.” K.I.S.S. . . . Keep It Strong Saint . . .

It doesn’t just happen by default . . . it’s a verb . . . something I need to do. I think it finds its expression in serving Him . . . in imitating Him . . . in rejoicing in Him . . . in worshiping Him . . . in humbly falling at His feet in awe of Him. It’s accompanied with affection . . . it’s driven by appreciation . . . it’s manifest in adoration.

I think that’s at least some of it . . . Oh, that I might learn more of what it is to Kiss the Son . . . for His glory.

K.I.S.S . . . Keep It Seeking Saint . . .

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Anticipation . . .

Posted on December 27, 2010 by Pete

At least when it comes to my yearly Bible reading plan, the “new year” has tended to begin two or three days after Christmas. It’s been awhile since I’ve actually read the January 1st set of readings on January 1st. Part of it is that for whatever reason I like to be “ahead of the plan” . . . maybe to ensure that I don’t get behind and discouraged. Part of it is that it’s simply too long to wait until the New Year before getting back into what’s become a routine of taking a bit of time to chew on the Word. But I think the other reason, and maybe the most driving aspect, is that there’s a sense of anticipation . . .

It’s the anticipation of connecting again with an old friend . . . or sitting down to watch a favorite movie . . . or revisiting a place that has many fond memories associated with it. And, more than that, it’s the anticipation, that while I’m heading down paths that I have trod before . . . reading stuff that’s been read before . . . hearing the old, old story that’s been heard before . . . that, while I’m heading down a well-worn road, I just know there will be new and fresh encounters with the Word of God . . . and with the God of the Word.

As I read Genesis this morning I underlined the “activeness” of God. God created . . . God said . . . God separated . . . God called . . . God made . . . God set . . . God saw . . . God blessed . . . God rested. And I’m wondering how all that “activity” aligns with the slow imperceptible advances you’d imagine through “theistic evolution”. It’s hard for me to imagine God saying every few million years or so, “That’s good . . . and that’s good . . . oh, and that’s really good!” But hey, could be . . . God’s not bound by time the way I am. But as I read again the Creation account I can’t help but think six literal days . . . at the end of which God rests from all the work He has done and all the wonder He has made . . . “and behold, it was very good” (Gen 1:31).

Then I step through the genealogy of Christ in Matthew. And I note again the three women mentioned in the King’s family tree. Tamar (Matt. 1:3), Ruth (1:5), and “the wife of Uriah” (1:6). And from my perspective, you might as well name each of them Grace. One deceived her father-in-law into sleeping with her so that she might conceive . . . the ends justifying the means in her mind (Gen. 38). One, a foreigner to the promises of God, chose to hang with a bitter old woman and take her God as her own (Ruth 1). And one, seduced a king and was used to turn him into not only an adulterer but a murderer, as well. And the grace in this genealogy goes so beyond these women . . . check out some of the kings in this lineage . . . whoo boy! . . . not exactly a stellar pedigree. But through this line, He who was conceived apart from natural human reproduction, bore the right to the throne of the Most High . . . and the right to sit upon it as King and Sovereign.

Then you read Acts . . . Jesus taken into heaven as the disciples jaws fall to the ground . . . and an angel saying to them, “Why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11) The King is coming! Amen? Until then His disciples receive the power of heaven manifest in the presence of God through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit present at creation . . . the One working through the ages in lineage of the King . . . the One now indwelling God’s earthly tabernacle . . . aka us . . . His people . . . the church. Three cheers for the church!

And then, as I do every year, I place the reading in the Psalms last as I work through this part of the reading plan. And my “new year” begins with the age old promise that there is a blessing for those whose “delight is in the law of the LORD” . . . for those who meditate on His law day and night (Ps. 1:2). That there is an expectation that for those who present “good soil” to the seed . . . for those that seek to put aside a bit of time to feed on His word, that they will be “like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers” (1:3). Deep roots . . . fruit borne in its season . . . a leaf which endures . . . such is prospering in God’s economy. That’s the blessing which awaits me at the end of what will be, Lord willing, another year’s much anticipated journey down the path of God’s Word.

Cant’ wait . . . let’s get at ‘er . . . for my blessing . . . for His glory . . . amen.

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A Satisfied Thirst

Posted on December 24, 2010 by Pete

It’s really not about boasting . . . but I have been looking back and reflecting. It’s been a number of years now since I’ve gone back to “The Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan” to guide my morning reading times. It’s been five years since I started journaling a few thoughts on my computer after my readings and almost that long since I started sending them out to my girls as sort of an e-Family Altar. And, for the last four years I have taken to the habit of coloring my Bible to help me keep my mind engaged as I read. And, I’m not gonna lie . . . in looking back there is a certain satisfaction. For me, it’s been a good “habit” to nurture . . . a profitable “routine” to establish . . . a great way to start the day. But with the satisfaction, there’s also a thirst. I have my new Bible ready to go for next year (I’ve picked up an ESV so we’ll see how that changes things) and, after taking a few mornings of downtime, I’m looking forward to working through the reading plan again, Lord willing.

And what’s got me reflecting . . . and anticipating . . . is my final reading of the plan in Revelation 22. I do love reading Revelation 22 at this time of year . . . particularly on these days right before the celebration of the birth of the Savior. As I remember that He has come just as was foretold, it excites me to be reminded too that He has said He’s coming again! Twice in this passage He promises, “Behold, I am coming quickly . . . ” (Rev. 22:7,12). And I find myself responding along with the Spirit and the bride, “Come! Come! Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (22:17a,20b)

But this morning it was His invitation to me that jumped off the page . . . He says to me, “Come.”

“And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22:17b)

This is the second time the offer has been made in these closing chapters of Scripture . . . the second time this promise has been given . . . earlier Jesus says, “I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts” (21:6b) It is a promise from the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, Himself (21:6, 22:13). And the promise comes with a “warranty” as He who sits on the throne declares, “These words are true and faithful . . . are faithful and true” (21:5, 22:6).

It’s the way of the kingdom . . . he who thirsts and comes to the water will be satisfied . . . and he who has known the satisfaction of living water with thirst for more. It’s the reality of seeking, by His grace, to faithfully feed on His word . . . to know the dynamic of Him revealing sufficient for the day yet stirring within His own a desire to feast on His word more. It feels great to come to the end of my reading plan, but I’m also looking forward to starting from the beginning again.

And so, through His living word, I hear Jesus say this morning, “Come! . . . Keep coming! . . . Don’t stop coming! . . . to the living water I freely offer.”

And so, this grateful sinner saved by grace says, “Amen. Even so, Lord Jesus, I’ll come. Thank You for the living water . . . thank You for the living Teacher in residence within me . . . thank You for Your faithfulness each and every morning in giving me something to chew on . . . thank You for beginning a work in my by Your grace that You have committed to complete until the day I see You face to face . . . thank You for satisfying my thirst, and causing me to thirst for more. Lamb of God, I come!”

Have a blessed Christmas . . . O Come Let Us Adore Him!

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Another Great Commission

Posted on December 23, 2010 by Pete

Ok . . . so who am I to challenge that the “Great Commission” is Jesus’ charge to His disciples to “Go therefore and make disciples?” (Matt. 28:19). They are the last words of Jesus recorded in by Matthew . . . they have become the rallying cry of the church for centuries if not for millennia . . . but, as I wrap up my reading in John’s gospel, can I nominate another “great commission” for the runner up slot?

As I read John 21 this morning, and in particular reflect again on Jesus’ one-on-one conversation with Peter, it occurs to me that after 3 years together . . . 3 years that must have felt like a lifetime to Peter . . . that after 3 years, a death, and a resurrection together, Jesus final words to Peter sound a lot like His first words to the disciple He nicknamed Cephas, “the rock” . . .

“And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ (Matt. 4:18-19) . . . This He [Jesus] spoke, signifying by what death he [Peter] would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ . . . Peter, seeing him [John], said to Jesus, ‘But Lord, what about this man?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.’ ” (John 21:19-22)

After witnessing healings . . . after seeing demons cast out . . . after hearing teachings which burned within his heart . . . after grasping the increasing revelation that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God . . . after fighting for Him . . . after denying Him three times . . . after seeing Him die . . . after eating breakfast with Him that morning as Jesus sat before him in His resurrected body . . . after having the chance to affirm his love for Him three times . . . it came down to two words . . . “Follow me.”

John says that the reason he wrote His gospel was so that I might believe . . . and that believing I would have life in His name (John 20:31). He writes that there were many other things he could have recorded . . . so much stuff to tell that “even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25). So I think it’s worth noting that the Spirit led John to conclude His account of the good news with this interaction between the risen Savior and the single disciple . . . to conclude it with this last great commission . . . “Follow me.”

It’s kind of a “command to obey” for all seasons, isn’t it? Times are going well? . . . Follow Me. You’re going through the ringer? . . . Follow Me. You got tons of dough? . . . Follow Me. You don’t know where your daily bread’s gonna come from? . . . Follow Me. You’re going to a foreign land in full-time service? . . . Follow Me. You’re going to work? . . . Follow Me. You’re preaching to hundreds? . . . Follow Me. I’ve given you a family to lead to salvation’s door? . . . Follow Me. You feel like following Me? . . . Follow Me. You don’t feel like following Me? . . . Follow Me, still!

The Greek tense is imperative, present, and active . . . Just do it! . . . Get ‘er done! . . . Follow me!

“Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the LORD of hosts (Zech. 4:6) . . . that’s how I can follow Him at all times. My feeble faith and willingness . . . His all surpassing grace and power.

So, if it isn’t “THE GREAT COMMISSION” . . . I certainly think it is A GREAT COMMISSION.

For His glory . . . amen!

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The Reunion

Posted on December 22, 2010 by Pete

Really, if you think about it, they hadn’t been apart that long. It’s not like their reunion was a get together after ten years . . . nor was it a five year reunion . . . it wasn’t even a one year reunion . . . actually, it had only been three days. Only three days since they had been together . . . stretch it to four days if you clock it from time they last were together in a room interacting.

But it wasn’t so much about the length of time they had been apart . . . it was about the extent to which they had been apart. First, sleep had separated them. They were together in the garden and He had a need to pray . . . “Pray with me,” He asked. But they couldn’t keep their eyes open . . . so He prayed alone. Then came the posse sent by the chief priests and Pharisees . . . and they took Him away . . . and the disciples ran in the other direction. But a few had followed Jesus to the court of the high priest, but there too, one of them removed himself farther from the Master as three times he denied he knew the Man. And I’m guessing most, if not all of them, were standing somewhere in the crowd as He was crucified . . . the distance and separation growing as they watched the One in whom they had placed their hope give up His life. Dead . . . buried . . . for three days. No one was expecting a reunion . . . until that blessed morning.

Mary was the first to find out something was up ( . . . literally . . “Up!” . . . as in “raised from the dead” up!). She found the empty tomb and ran to tell the others. Peter and John high-tailed it to Jesus’ burial site and confirmed Mary’s report . . . stone removed . . . burial garments in tact . . . no body and nobody to be found . . . and it started to dawn on John . . . he believed (John 20:1-8). And then that night, as the disciples huddled together behind closed doors, it happened . . .

“Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace to you!’ ” (John 20:19-21)

It wasn’t how long it had been since they had last seen Him, but the fact that they never thought they’d see Him again. But there He was . . . alive . . . standing in their midst . . . and they were glad . . . . ya’ think? And notice Jesus’ reunion theme . . . check out the first words out of His mouth that He deemed the most appropriate, most important implication of them being together again . . . “Peace to you!” Twice He says it. And eight days later, when He shows up in their midst again, this time to graciously woo Thomas’ unbelieving heart, He again stands in their midst and the first words He says are “Peace to you!” (John 19:26).

Isn’t that the bottom line implication of encountering the risen Christ? Isn’t that the “natural” outcome of being with Him? Peace? As we approach “the season” how often are we being reminded that “unto us a Child is born . . . a Son is given . . . and His name shall be called . . . Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). He came to bring peace . . . peace to those who were enemies with God . . . peace to those estranged from the promises of God . . . peace to those separated from by sin . . . peace through redemption . . . peace through reconciliation . . . peace through reunion!

Jesus said that He would leave us His peace . . . that He would give us His peace . . . not as the world gives . . . but the peace of heaven itself (John 14:27). In the world, He said, we would have tribulation, but in Him, we would have peace for He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Paul says it’s a peace that passes all understanding . . . a peace that will garrison the heart and mind (Php. 4:7).

Peace . . . a tranquility . . . a security . . . a safety . . . a harmony . . . a restful assurance. That’s what happens when we connect with Jesus . . . when He is “standing in the midst” . . . “Peace to you!”

And “Praise to You” my King . . . thank You for being in the midst . . . thanx for the “reunion” again this morning . . .

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Hallelujah!

Posted on December 21, 2010 by Pete

“Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” (Rev. 19:9) And with that declaration Revelation 19 stirs the heart and the imagination.

Christ is presented in His conquering glory as He is beheld on a white horse and bears the name of “Faithful and True!” (19:11) He leads the armies of heaven with eyes which are like a flame of fire and on His head are many crowns . . . He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood . . . and His name is called the Word of God.” (19:12:14) On His robe and on His thigh this name is written: “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” (19:16) He executes final judgment upon the earth — He treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. (19:15)

And I’m reminded this morning that this Awesome One has called me to His marriage supper. Far from fearing His wrath, I’m reminded that a day awaits me when I will be “glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” (19:7) That I will stand ( or, more likely, be facedown) in the midst of His glory overwhelmed at my calling to His table. And what will I do? I will worship . . . I will declare His praise . . . I will be part of the “Hallelujah Chorus.”

Revelation 19 is the only place in the New Testament where we find the word “Hallelujah!”

It will be the echo of heaven as “a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven say, ‘Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!” (19:1) . . . . as they rejoice over the putting down of the enemies of Good, “Hallelujah! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!” (19:3) . . . as a sound like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, cries out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!” (19:6) . . . as the twenty four elders and four living creatures again go facedown and worship God sitting on the throne, saying, “Amen! Hallelujah!” (19:4)

And who is leading this “Hallelujah Chorus?”

“Then a voice came from the throne, saying, ‘Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!’ ” (19:5). A voice from the throne of God . . . not God’s voice for He is the subject of the exaltation. Perhaps it is the voice of the Lamb in the midst of the throne (Rev. 5:6) who, as a Son, determines to, in all things, bring glory to the Father. Perhaps it is the voice of the seven-fold Spirit of God before the throne (Rev. 4:5) who desires to magnify the Father and Son. Or, maybe it’s just the “natural” calling heard by those who find themselves in the presence of God . . . “Praise our God, Shout Hallelujah!” burns within their heart.

The apostle John is so overwhelmed by it all that he falls down at the feet of his escort angel . . . as John tries to digest it all he feels compelled to humble himself and worship something . . . anything!! And the angel directs John to the only object worthy of his adoration, “Worship God!” (19:10)

What else is there left to do amidst such a wondrous sight . . . before such an awesome God . . . called by such a Wonderful Savior? And right there, in the middle of it all, there I’ll be!!! . . . part of the bride of Christ . . . the wife which has made herself ready! Amazing!! By the grace of God I have been invited . . . by the love of God the price for my admission has been paid . . . by the gift of faith from God I have RSVP’d, “Yes! I’ll come . . . O Lamb of God, I come!!” How overwhelming to imagine the marriage celebration which awaits me . . . to be part of that heavenly chorus.

How I look forward to being part of that choir. . . to fall at His feet in worship and adoration . . . to sing at the top of my lungs, “Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! And again, Hallelujah!”

Amen?

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Think

Posted on December 20, 2010 by Pete

Is it too early to start making New Year resolutions? Maybe. Is it too early to start thinking about them? Maybe not.

Decembers, as a month, has a way of being a catalyst for a lot of stuff. It drives some into a material frenzy . . . shop ’till you drop . . . wheel to get the deal . . . spend likes there’s no end. For others it creates a lot of anxiety . . . seems troubles are magnified during this season of “peace on earth, goodwill towards men” . . . family tensions, if they existed, become greater . . . problems become more depressing . . . the focus is often on just getting through “the season”. And, for some, it ignites the advent countdown . . . flames the fire of wonder and awe concerning “God with Us” . . . captures again our hearts with adoration and thanksgiving . . . O Come Let Us Adore Him!

But there’s at least one more thing December has a way of fueling. Because it’s the homestretch of another year, as we work our way through the days of the last page of our calendar, it often is a time of reflection. Where’s the year gone? What’s been accomplished? What’s ahead? As, such, December is not a bad time of year to read Haggai.

Five times in the prophet’s short, two-chapter letter, written to those who had returned after the captivity, God says to His people, “Consider. Consider your ways . . . consider now from this day forward . . . consider it!” (Haggai 1:5, 1:7, 2:15, 2:18)

The NIV says, “Give careful thought” . . . the NLT, “Look at what’s happening” . . . and Peterson’s take in the MSG is “Take a good, hard look at your life. Think it over.” Literally it has the idea of setting one’s heart on one’s ways.

God had brought them back from exile to rebuild His temple, instead they rebuilt their houses. He asked them to raise His earthly dwelling place from the ruins, instead they put nice siding on their homes. He had promised to meet their needs if they would be about His business, instead they were frustrated farmers getting no cooperation from the weather as they sought to meet their own needs. And so God says, “Consider . . . give careful thought . . . take a look around . . . think!”

And they were not to just think about where they had been . . . or just about what they were doing (or not doing) . . . but the prophet says, “Think ahead, too!” “Be strong,” says the Lord, “I am with you . . . according to the word that I covenanted with you . . . so My Spirit remains among you, do not fear!” (Hag. 2:4-5) In light of what God had promised . . . in view of what they knew to be true concerning Him and His plans . . . remembering is promise to dispel all fear through His abiding presence . . . they were to give careful thought to how they were investing the time here and now in light of there and then.

Yup, in many ways December is a gift. A great time to bless others with a little of the material blessing we’ve known . . . a time to worshipfully focus on God’s gift to us . . . and a time to take stock. A time to ask myself if I’ve been about the business God wants me to be about . . . to check priorities and make sure they’re aligned . . . to be honest if I’m settling for what’s good and not pursuing what’s best. It’s a time to remember the promises of God . . . those fulfilled in the Babe in the manger . . . those concerning His presence and help for the present time . . . and those which speak of a future of which we can only imagine.

It’s a good time to think . . . amen?

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