A Spectrum

Posted on August 9, 2010 by Pete

I read a book last week, The Radical Disciple by John Stott. By his own admission, the thoughts in this small volume are his final formal message to the body of Christ at large or, as Stott says, his “valedictory message” . . . he’s ready to “graduate”. At eighty-eight he acknowledges that his writing days are over, as will soon be his life, and he wanted to leave some last thoughts for us followers of Christ to consider. There’s something about reading a man’s last words that can be particularly inspirational . . . especially if they are the final words of a “life well lived.” Such is the case with the closing chapter of 2Timothy.

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (2Timothy 4:6-8)

What struck me this morning though was the contrast between verse 8 and verse 10 . . . between Paul and a companion of his, Demas . . . between one who “loved His appearing” and one who “loved this present world” (4:10).

As Paul gets ready to lay down his weapons in the good fight he has fought . . . approaches the finish line of the marathon he has run . . . prepares to enter into the rest that comes from having kept the faith . . . he also looks to the prize. There’s a crown of righteousness ready to presented to him by the Lord, the righteous judge. And, Paul says, “It’s not just for me but for all who have loved and anticipated His second coming.”

That’s one way to live life . . . with an eye to the sky . . . longing for the return of Lord of lords and King of kings . . . ready to trade in the pursuits of the day for the glory of the kingdom at the drop of a hat . . . or the sound of a trumpet. That Paul’s mind was set “on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:2) is evident in his writings and in what we know about how he lived his life. For him, to live truly was Christ . . . to die, he viewed as immeasurable gain (Php. 1:21). He loved the promise of Jesus’ appearing . . . His coming again in the clouds for His people . . . His establishment of His throne upon the earth . . . of that time when all things would be established new . . . when there would be no more suffering, sorrow, pain, or tears . . . when he would behold, face to face, the Savior who had redeemed this “chief of sinners” (1Tim. 1:15) . . . when he would bask facedown in the glory of the Lord he had sought to faithfully follow. The crown of righteousness would be a bonus . . . the “main event” would be “His appearing.”

And then, there’s Demas . . . Paul says that he had “forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica” (4:10). I guess there’s at least a couple of ways to understand Demas’ love for “the present world.” First, it might simply be that he wasn’t ready to die . . . that he too recognized that Paul’s time was coming to an end and that being associated with Paul could have dire consequences . . . and so he left for Thessalonica. Maybe he continued to “serve the Lord” there . . . but his reason for going was that he desired the things of life more than the Lord of the life. The other interpretation could be that, beyond just wanting to save his own skin, he felt that there were still “places to go, people to see, things to do” . . . his desire for “living life to the full” clouded the “abundant life” offered by the One who had promised, “He who loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matt. 10:39). Regardless of the exact motivation, Demas forsook Paul . . . bailed on the apostle who longed for Christ’s appearing because he longed for this present world.

Paul “loved His appearing” . . . Demas “loved this present world”. Kind of marks two ends of a spectrum . . . kind of begs me to consider where I stand in regards to that spectrum. There’s a lot to like about “this present world” . . . family, friends, mission, blessing . . . all from God’s good hand. But oh, there’s so much more to look forward to . . . to His glorious appearing . . . to worship in His holy presence . . . to being home. Oh, that I would love His appearing more than this present world . . . by His grace . . . for His glory . . . amen!

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A Sense of Duty

Posted on August 6, 2010 by Pete

The other night, around the campfire, I was talking with some friends about how it seems that “faithful church attendance” isn’t what it once used to be. “Being at meeting” seems so optional nowadays . . . or, as we discussed, as a backlash of perhaps a somewhat legalistic attitude towards “going to church”, the “freedom” Christians find today to fit “gathering with the saints” in and around their schedule has perhaps gone too far. Now, it’s not like I went to bed last night determined to journal on that conversation, but it’s something I read in Luke this morning that brought the conversation back to mind . . . a pretty interesting exchange between Jesus and His disciples.

Luke 17 starts off with Jesus “raising the bar” on the disciples, “If your brother sins against you, call him on it. But if he repents forgive him. And, if in that day, he sins against you seven more times and seven more times asks for forgiveness, then, guess what . . . forgive him again and again.” (Luke 17:1-4 kinda’). Kind of radical teaching, huh? The disciples thought so. Their response? “Increase our faith!” (17:5) They got that this wasn’t something that was going to come easily . . . or naturally. They’d need an extra measure of faith. Check out Jesus’ response.

He then proceeds to ask them a question (again loosely translated), “After the servant has done the master’s bidding for the day, what does the master do? Does he say, ‘Good enough! Sit down, take a load off your feet, let me fix you something to eat?’ Nope. Instead he says, ‘It’s time to fix my meal, please do so, then you can knock off for the night.'” Jesus then concludes it this way, “Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.'” (17:6-10).

Jesus says it’s not about more faith . . . in fact, all you need is the faith of a mustard seed. Instead it’s about doing what the Master asks. It’s about responding in obedience. It’s about a sense of duty . . . those aren’t my words, but the Savior’s.

I know we need to beware of adding our good works to the gospel . . . of defining Christianity in terms of do’s and don’ts . . . but we also need to step up to what Jesus asks us to do . . . we need to do what is our duty to do.

The teaching in this passage isn’t so much about the “object of faith” and “exercising the measure of faith we have” as much as it is about hearing the voice of the Master and responding to it. If Jesus says, “Forgive, forgive, and forgive again” then we should do it. And, to our conversation last night, if the Scriptures say “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:24-25) then we should do it. It’s not about asking for a less stressful week . . . or more time to decompress . . . or the need to sleep in . . . or only going when “our heart is in it” . . . or whatever . . . it’s about a sense of duty . . . a recognition that He is Lord and we are His disciples . . . that when He says, “Do it!” then we do it.

I know there’s “balance” and I’m not advocating a legalistic view of church attendance . . . or keeping count of the number of times we forgive . . . or anything else. But as I read and re-read this interaction between Jesus and His own, it just seems appropriate and Scriptural for those who claim to follow and serve Him to respond to Him out of a sense of duty . . . duty in response to His wonderful love toward us . . . duty as an expression of our love for Him . . . duty because He is Lord . . . duty because He is worthy . . . duty for His glory alone . . . amen!

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Two Voices

Posted on July 31, 2010 by Pete

Wrapping up the first section of Proverbs this morning. Over the course of these first 9 chapters, Solomon has made his appeal for men to embrace wisdom. The prize is worth the trip, he says . . . the benefits far outweigh the costs . . . the way of wisdom is far superior to the way of folly . . . heaven’s way is to be passionately pursued while the way of the world is to be rejected. And in chapter 9, wisdom and folly are, once again, personified as two women . . . and as you read this chapter you get the sense of how similar they appear to be and yet how different . . . how their appeals are so similar, but their outcomes are worlds apart . . . it’s a stark reminder that throughout life we encounter two voices. And ours is to decide which we will heed.

Wisdom has built her house, it’s foundation is the sure foundation of seven pillars (9:1). She has taken of what is hers and prepared a feast . . . she has slaughtered meat from her own flocks and herds, she has mixed wine from her vineyard, and made ready her banquet table (9:2). All legitimately hers . . . all prepared at her hand . . . authentic . . . real . . . substantial. And then she cries out from the highest places in the city, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here! If you lack understanding, Come eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding” (9:3-6). The key here, I think, is that what she offers is hers . . . and it is real food, and true nourishment. She can deliver on the way of understanding . . . she is the voice of life.

But there is another “female voice” that cries out. Her voices is “clamorous” (NKJV), “loud” (NIV), “boisterous” (NASB), “brash” (NLT) . . . literally, her voice is a “troubled roar” or a “disquieted growl” . . . it is a predator’s voice. She, herself, is simple and she knows nothing (9:13). But that doesn’t stop her from calling out to those who pass by to share in her nothingness. Like Lady Wisdom, she too cries out from the highest places of the city, to those who pass by, to those wanting to walk a straight path (9:15). And her appeal is similar, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here” (9:16). But, she has nothing to offer . . . nothing that is legitimately hers . . . nothing of any substance that will last beyond a few fleeting moments of pleasure . . . her words are those of the adulterous, “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasure” (9:17). It is the call by the simple to the simple to take of the forbidden fruit. But far from having any lasting nourishment, this fruit is the meal of the dead. Though she is enticing . . . though the “rush” of the pleasure is tempting . . . “he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of hell” (9:18).

Two voices . . . two ladies voices. Both calling out to the simple . . . both offering something to feast of . . . but that’s where the similarity ends. Lady Wisdom’s banquet is the real stuff . . . beginning with the fear of the Lord . . . serving up “the knowledge of the Holy One” . . . delivering true understanding and the needed GPS to navigate life in such a way that it pays dividends here and now and for eternity . . . “For by me your days will be multiplied, and the years of life will be added to you” (9:10-11). However, the female of folly, appeals to the most base of motivators . . . hers is the call of the sensual . . . of trying to satisfying the appetite of the flesh with junk food . . . of stolen pleasures and secret encounters. Two similar sounding voices . . . two identical calls . . . two promises . . . two very different outcomes.

Do I believe it? Is it true? If so, then the stakes are pretty high. Which voice is which? How do I discern? Which do I choose?

Lady Wisdom’s voice is found in the pages of the book before me . . . her voice is heard through the Spirit which indwells me . . . the food she offers is realized by the grace of the One who saved me. I’m thinking that if I pursue her . . . eat of the food that is legitimately hers to offer as nourishment . . . and drink of the living water that truly satisfies the thirst . . . then I will recognize the voice of the imposter . . . and know the lies behind her enticing appeals. Recognizing Folly’s voice, however, isn’t enough . . . I also need to say, “No!” . . . refuse the temptation of pleasure for a season . . . flee youthful lusts . . . stop my ears and cover my eyes from her seductive calling. Instead, I need to stay focused on knowing the Holy One.

My great desire is hear and know and heed Lady Wisdom’s voice . . . for the glory of God . . . amen!!!

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Delighted!

Posted on July 30, 2010 by Pete

Delight. Now there’s a word that has some emotion, a kind of warm and fuzzy glow, behind it. How do you describe delight? What words do you use to convey what it is to be delighted? The dictionary people at Miriam-Webster put it like this: “1) a high degree of gratification, joy, extreme satisfaction; 2) something that gives great pleasure.” This morning I’m thinking about being delighted . . .

Proverbs 8, for me at least, stretches the mind. It takes me beyond the “immediate context” of wisdom and its personification and intertwines it with the Person of Christ. As I read Proverbs 8 I can’t help but conclude that wisdom and Christ are one . . . that Christ is wisdom. Here wisdom declares she existed before the world was . . . that she was present when God created the heavens and earth . . . and not just present but actively engaged as a “master craftsman” . . . the sense is clear that by wisdom God created all things. Sound familiar? “For by Him (Christ) all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.” (Col. 1:16)

And so, it’s with that connection, that sense that, as you read these verses in Proverbs 8, you are being treated to some divine insight into the dynamics of the Godhead in the work of creation. So what’s delight got to do with it? Check this out . . .

“Then I (Wisdom) was beside Him (the LORD) as a master craftsman; and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him, rejoicing in His inhabited world, and my delight was with the sons of men.” (Proverbs 8:30-31)

Ok . . . so what gratification . . . what joy . . . what extreme satisfaction . . . what great pleasure . . . what delight . . . was being experienced by Almighty God as the earth was being formed? Lots! Tons! More than I can imagine! And if I’m reading this right it wasn’t just in the creation being formed but His delight was in the “Master Craftsman” . . . Wisdom aka Christ was His delight. As the Master Craftsman rejoiced in the presence of God . . . as He rejoiced in the inhabited world . . . as He dwelt “beside” the Father and wielded His skillful artistry . . . He was the Father’s delight. Can’t you hear God saying, “Behold my Son, in whom I am well pleased!”

And while the Father’s delighting in Wisdom, Wisdom delights in the inhabited world and in the sons of men. Sources of pleasure . . . that’s what creation and the sons of men where for God, the Master Architect, and for His Son, the Master Craftsman. Together as One with the Holy Spirit, they rejoiced, they delighted, they beamed over the heavens and the earth and people they had created and set to inhabit it.

Fast forward millennia . . . the fall . . . the rise of a nation of promise and blessing to all peoples . . . the law . . . the Christ . . . the cross . . . the resurrection . . . the ascension . . . the redemption of souls through faith in the person and work of Jesus, God in flesh, God among us . . . and can you still sense a prevailing atmosphere of delight? I read Luke 15 this morning too. There is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7). There is a Father who watches for the return of the prodigal . . . who looks for the ember of faith turning a heart toward home . . . who, when he sees it, though the boy might sill be a “great way off”, runs and falls on his neck and kisses him . . . delighting in his return . . . clothing him in the finest garments of salvation . . . declaring a feast, “Let us eat and be merry” (15:22-23) . . . rejoicing . . . extremely gratified and satisfied . . . experiencing great pleasure . . . delighted!

My God is a God of delight! Do I have that right?

He delights in the Son . . . the Son delights in the Father . . . and they delight in the those they have made . . . and re-made through the work of the cross.

And I delight too . . . for His glory . . . Yes!

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Charity Begins at Home, Piety Does Too!

Posted on July 29, 2010 by Pete

Sometimes some of the harshest, most straight-forward declarations in Scripture are found in the least expected place. Take this one for example, “He has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Ouch! What could someone do that would cause Paul to label him “worse than an unbeliever” . . . what action or behavior would merit having to wear a t-shirt with “FAITHLESS” plastered on it? The context might seem a bit surprising . . .

“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1Timothy 5:8).

In the overall scheme of 1Timothy, this first part of chapter 5 probably doesn’t get a lot of attention. It’s not as grand as “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1:15) . . . or as all-encompassing as the priority of prayer for all men (2:1) . . . or as foundational as the instruction concerning the qualifications of elders and deacons (3:1-13) . . . or as lofty and theologically profound as “the mystery of godliness” (3:16) . . . or as inspiring as the charges about godly exercise (4:7-8) and being an example of a believer (4:12). Instead, it’s pretty targeted . . . almost mundane compared to the grander things of Christianity . . . it’s about the care of widows.

In a nutshell, this portion of Scripture defines who should be viewed as “really widows” and who should care for a senior saint who has been “left alone.” The church should care for them . . . but only if they are truly “left alone.” If a widow has family, then they should provide for the practical needs for their parent or grandparent (5:4). And it’s in this context that a pretty powerful and practical principle jumps out at me . . . “learn to show piety at home” (5:4).

It’s in the home where we have a 24/7 opportunity to learn how to love and live and give like Christ. Piety (NKJV) starts at home . . . godliness (ESV), true religion (NIV), . . . literally, reverence and worship . . . it all starts at the address where my house is located. Show me a good family man, I’ll show you a good church man. Show me a woman who nurtures at home, I’ll show you a care-giver at church. Show me a teen who honors his or her father and mother at home, I’ll show you one who respects the elderly on Sunday mornings.

And it’s in this context where Paul throws down one of his harshest judgments . . . a person who doesn’t provide for his own . . . who doesn’t place as priority his family . . . has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. We can talk about serving the Lord in ministry . . . or glorifying Him in missions . . . but if the ministry and mission doesn’t start at home, then we’re skipping a pretty foundational developmental ground.

Being a “servant of all” (Mark 9:35) is learned in the family . . . esteeming others better than yourself and looking out for others’ interests (Php. 2:3-4) should begin at home . . . and while I know that, for way too many of us, homes are also a place of trial and tribulation, even then it becomes a forum to learn how to love unconditionally and trust in the Lord.

That I am to provide for “my own and especially for those of my household” is clear. That’s a priority . . . that’s where I learn something of service . . . that’s where I first model the image of Christ being formed in me . . . that’s the field upon which I’m first called to honor God. Charity begins at home . . . piety does too!

For His glory . . .

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Privilege and Responsibility

Posted on July 28, 2010 by Pete

For most of my Christian life I “grew up” in a church tradition which didn’t use the term “membership” or the phrase “becoming a member of the church.” I think that in principle we had a “membership process”, but instead we spoke of being “received into full fellowship.” Just as in my current church family where people request to become members, so in my “previous life” believers who attended “the assembly” for a while would often, at some point, ask to be “received into fellowship” . . . a formal recognition of their desire to align themselves with that particular body of believers, placing themselves under the authority of that local leadership. And in that process, at some point, there would be a discussion of the “privileges and responsibilities” of being “received”.

And it’s that term, “privileges and responsibilities” that comes to mind as I read in Luke 14 this morning. I’m thinking that most of us gravitate pretty easily to “privileges”, but talk of “responsibility” . . . uh, that might cause a bit of hesitation. What am I getting into? What’s it gonna cost? Will it be hard?

Jesus spoke a parable of a certain man who gave a great supper and invited many to it (Luke 14:16-24). And at first, this man couldn’t fill the seats. Those who had been invited started to RSVP with “their regrets” . . . “I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused” . . . “I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused” . . . “I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.” But the master was determined to hold the feast and fill the place and so he sends out his servant into the streets and lanes of the city to invite “the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind” to come and enjoy the goodness that others were too busy to avail themselves of. Talk about privilege!

These are the sorts of people who didn’t get invited anywhere by anyone . . . much less invited by a wealthy,powerful man, to be a guest at a great supper. The point of the story is pretty clear. I am that people . . . not deserving of a seat at the kingdom’s table . . . no means within myself to purchase a ticket or merit an invite . . . but solely, by the grace of God, and through the payment made on Calvary for my sin, I have been invited to sup at the King’s table . . . just as I am . . . without one plea . . . but that Thy blood, was shed for me . . . oh yeah!!!! . . . I come! What a privilege! Amen?

But, you know, Jesus didn’t stop the teaching there. It says that a “great multitude went with Him” upon hearing this teaching . . . getting that the Pharisees were the “worthy guests” who were too busy and that they were “the street people” being invited to a great feast. And so they followed . . . and so Jesus kept teaching, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple . . . For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it . . . . . . So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:25-33) Enter responsibility.

The seat is free . . . but I need to be prepared for it to cost me everything. The way into the holy of holies has been open to me that I might enjoy intimate communion with Holy, Holy, Holy God . . . but that way involves the path of a servant, constrained by the love of Christ to live for Christ. With the privilege comes a responsibility . . . not a burden, mind you . . . not a load beyond bearing . . . but a calling . . . enabled by a gifting . . . to be exercised for His purposes and for His pleasure.

Sometimes I think it’s good to be reminded that along with the privilege comes the responsibility. The privilege of being a child of God, the responsibility of bearing the “family name” in a manner worthy of the calling . . . the privilege of being indwelt with the Holy Spirit, the responsibility to let Him lead and use the gifting He’s given me . . . the privilege of being invited by the King . . . the responsibility of following as His subject . . the privilege delivered through His grace . . . the responsibility discharged by His grace . . . and for His glory . . . amen.

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The Downstream Effect

Posted on July 27, 2010 by Pete

It’s a pretty simple principle really . . . if the reservoir is contaminated, the water that flows from it will be contaminated . . . that’s why care is taken to protect natural sources of drinking water. Allow livestock to graze too close to water sources and you run the risk of harmful bacteria polluting what should be sources of health and instead making them potential sources of illness and death. So, what’s got me thinking about polluted water this morning? A very simple but profound piece of counsel in Proverbs . . .

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” – Proverbs 4:23

The heart, in a biblical context, is not so much the seat of emotion but the center of understanding. It is the soul of a man . . . his mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, and memory. It is the seat of his conscience and moral character . . . what he is resolved or inclined to do . . . it is the reservoir of who we are and what we do. Not surprising then that it doesn’t take long for the voice of wisdom to address the importance of the heart . . . “apply your heart to understanding (Prov. 2:2) . . . let your heart keep my commands (3:1) . . . write them on the tablet of your heart (3:3) . . . let your heart retain my words (4:4) . . . keep them in the midst of your heart (4:21) . . . keep your heart . . . for from it flow the springs of life (4:23 ESV).”

I can play it pretty loose with heart . . . rather than vigilantly guarding it, it’s way too easy to just let whatever graze way to close to it. Probably some pride at play, “Not my heart! It couldn’t get contaminated” . . . or maybe a bit of laziness, “Whatever, I just wanna veg . . . too much effort to maintain some discipline” . . . or, just snoozin’ at the wheel, not really paying attention or applying any discernment as to whether some “input” has the potential to contaminate.

Put the exhortation is to keep watch . . . to place a guard in front of . . . to preserve and protect the heart. How come? Contaminated heart, contaminated life. It is the well of our walk. It is the spring of life. If the heart is messed up, guess what? . . .

I remember some preacher saying years and years ago, “You aren’t what you think you are . . . but what you think is what you are.” Jesus said it this way, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.” (Matt 12:35) What we are . . . what we really are . . . springs from the heart, the seat of our thinking, and so, we should be very careful with what we allow to influence the place of understanding and discernment.

I was reading also in Ezra 6 this morning. Those who had returned from the Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple keep kind of got this . . . “Then the children of Israel who had returned from captivity ate together with all who had separated themselves from the filth of the nations of the land in order to seek the LORD God of Israel” (Ezra 6:21). They’d hung out in Babylon long enough . . . been there done that. I’m guessing that many had had their hearts turned toward the values and ways of Babylon. But there were others who looked for a chance to get out . . . and when that was presented, returned to the place where God said His presence would be found. And, upon getting there, they distanced themselves from the contamination of a world opposed to the things of God. They understood the risks associated with righteousness having fellowship with lawlessness . . . with light trying to have communion with darkness . . . with the people of Christ entertaining the ways of Belial . . . with the temple of God making room for idols (2Cor. 6:14-17). To not separate themselves was to not guard the heart with all diligence . . . to risk it becoming polluted and springing forth actions reflective of contamination.

Keep your heart, Pete. Yeah. If I want to live in manner that honors and pleases my Savior . . . if that’s the downstream effect I desire, then I better be vigilant about protecting the source . . . by His grace and for His glory . . . amen.

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Worth Pursuing?

Posted on July 26, 2010 by Pete

I’m struck this morning by a passion. And this passion appears to be in contrast to how many of us in God’s household seem to approach spiritual understanding and the search for the knowledge of the things of God. For many of us, I fear, it’s relegated to Sunday morning’s when we gather together to “hear the word.” Perhaps it’s a “spiritual discipline” where we faithfully do our “morning devo’s”. Or, for some, I wonder if we don’t think it’ll just happen by default now that we’re saved and the Spirit of wisdom and truth resides in us.

Now, all of these are important . . . certainly understanding the things of God won’t happen apart from any of these. But as I read Proverbs 2 this morning I’m struck by what seems to be an “x factor” when it comes to understanding the fear of the LORD, and finding the knowledge of God. This “x factor” seems to be found within a passionate pursuit. Not necessarily in more effort, but in greater desire.

“My son, if you receive my words . . . treasure my commands . . . incline your ear to wisdom . . . apply your heart to understanding . . . cry out for discernment . . . lift up your voice for understanding . . . seek her as sliver . . . search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” (Proverbs 2:1-5)

I guess we pursue that which we prize . . . we go after that which we find of worth . . . we seek that which we believe we can attain and value having. Solomon says that wisdom and understanding the mind of God are as valuable as silver and the return on their pursuit is like finding hidden treasures. Who wouldn’t put forward some effort for a return like that . . . only those who don’t believe that there is a return . . . or whose heart are really set on another set of “investments.”

But I’m told this morning to take captive words of heavenly instruction . . . to store up within me the instruction from God’s word. I’m to give attention to godly wisdom and to spread out my heart toward taking it in and discerning it’s application. And far from being some passive exercise, the pursuit of wisdom should be on my prayer list . . . underlined with exclamation marks in my prayer journal . . . as I cry out for discernment and lift up my voice pleading for Spirit enabled understanding.

Oh, the premium I should put on comprehending and applying the counsel of God . . . the desire I should have to be shaped by wisdom from above.

And the LORD is ready to reward the pursuit. He gives wisdom . . . from His mouth come knowledge and understanding . . . He dispenses “out of this world” insight from His storehouse of omniscience. And this isn’t some high-minded, pie in the sky, of no practical value type of knowledge. Uh, huh! “When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you.” (2:10-11)

Wisdom is to be valued because it is the means by which God’s people navigate this world in a godly manner. It is provides the internal GPS which leads in ways of righteousness and warns of paths of destruction. It reveals the mind of God showing us that manner of life which brings him pleasure and that manner which grieves Him.

“Skillful living” . . . that’s a definition for wisdom I heard years ago . . . and it sticks with me. Oh that I would value, treasure, and pursue skillful living . . . that my soul would thirst for it . . . driving me to God’s word in pursuit of it. Certainly for my protection . . . and also that I might enter into the things of the mind of God . . . but more so, that through my passion for skillful living, He might be brought a measure of glory through this redeemed child of God.

Worth pursuing? I think so . . .

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I’m Listening . . .

Posted on July 23, 2010 by Pete

Transition day . . . after almost 7 months with the Psalms as a part of my daily readings, I now shift to Proverbs. Always kinda’ sad to leave the Psalms . . . always anticipation, though, as I enter the Proverbs. I love the praise of the Psalms . . . I so enjoy connecting with the emotion of the song-writers and having their experience direct my heart heavenward. But we’re not to love God with our heart only . . . but with our minds too . . . enter, the Proverbs. Oh, to be wise . . . to have a heart like Solomon which sought a mind in tune with God . . . that too is a worthy pursuit. And so, entering the Proverbs, I desire to grow in wisdom . . . to become more a master of “skillful living” . . .

To help me, I’m going to look to change up my coloring scheme for this book so that I can be on the look for repeating themes and topics addressed by Solomon and others in this piece of “wisdom literature.” One of the shifts I made this morning was I took the color I use for Jesus, shaded navy blue, and I used it for wisdom. Though I’m not necessarily looking for connections between my “default colors” and my “Proverbs colors”, in this case, this one does seem appropriate. Is it too much to think of Christ as the embodiment of wisdom?

“Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares. She cries out in the chief concourses, At the openings of the gates in the city She speaks her words; ‘ . . . Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you . . . whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.’ ” (Proverbs 1:20-21, 23, 33)

Oh, to hear the voice of wisdom calling out above the world’s din. Though being in the marketplace or caught up on the rat race, to still hear her voice providing context to the fast paced encounter I have each day with life. To know the voice which can envelope my carnal experience with a spiritual dimension. To see things not through just my own eyes, but through the eyes of the One who created all things and seeks to redeem all things.

There’s a promise for those who are open to wisdom . . .who have their “ears on” for her words . . . for those who are seeking to catch what she throws. To those, she will pour out her spirit . . . and reveal her thoughts, make known her words. To those, she will provide a safe and secure place, a place without fear of evil . . . not a tribulation-free place . . . but a fear-free place.

And as I consider wisdom calling out this morning I hear these words: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30)

I hear that voice crying out in the open squares and concourses. These words calling me to bind my life with His that He might pour His life into mine. A promise of soulful rest . . . a security and peace that passes understanding that comes only from hearing and heeding His voice.

Oh, that I might be tuned to wisdom’s frequency . . . that the Spirit of wisdom might have free access to lead me in ways of wisdom and truth . . . that the Son of wisdom might live through me as I’m conformed more and more to His image and participate more and more in His mind . . . that the Father of wisdom might be brought some pleasure through my navigation of this world by His light.

Yup, I love the Psalms’ praise . . . but I’m looking forward to the Proverbs’ wisdom. Call aloud . . . raise your voice . . . I’m listening . . .

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Making the Box Bigger

Posted on July 22, 2010 by Pete

So, I’m wrapping up Chronicles this morning. For the past month I have tried to follow along with the history of the kings of Judah . . . those of the line of David. Along the way, there’s been a number lessons to learn . . . after all, that’s why it’s here . . . “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4) . . . and, “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come” (1Cor. 10:11). And it’s kind of interesting that the final lessons I take from this session in Chronicles is not from the life of a king of Judah (though you gotta like that Josiah kid), but from two pagan kings . . . check this out . . .

Pagan King 1: Necho king of Egypt. In 2Chronicles 35:20 it says that Necho “came up to fight against Carchemish by the Euphrates; and Josiah went out against him.” Necho’s fight isn’t with Josiah. In fact, Necho tries to avoid confrontation with Josiah. Necho believes that God commanded him to wage war at Carchemish . . . that Josiah’s affront was “meddling with God, who is with me” . . . that if Josiah determined to face him in battle that Josiah would, in essence, be opposing God and God would end up destroying him (35:21). And the God-breathed scriptures state Josiah “did not heed the words of Necho from the mouth of God” (35:22). The result? Josiah is wounded in battle and retreats to die in Jerusalem. Necho, king of Egypt, spoke words from the mouth of God. Huh!

Pagan King 2: Cyrus king of Persia. Timing? Many years later. Jerusalem has fallen . . . Judah has been in Babylonian captivity for 70 years . . . Babylon has fallen to Persia. And 2Chronicles records, “In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia . . . the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom . . . ‘All the kingdoms of the earth the LORD God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem . . .”(2Chron. 36:22-23). Huh, again! Another pagan king . . . the Spirit of God stirring his spirit . . . another revelation and word from God.

So, here’s what impresses me this morning. While God had chosen the line of Abraham to bless all people . . . while He called Jacob to be the father of His chosen nation . . . while the Scriptures primarily concern God and Israel and preparation for the Messiah . . . God also worked in a context beyond the immediate focus of the Old Testament Scriptures. Right? Some things are recorded as part of God’s revelation to me . . . but not everything. Kind of obvious, I know. But sometimes I wonder if I can’t start somehow thinking God is an exclusive God . . . just for Israel . . . just for the Christian.

But God, who is unchanging, has always been “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2Peter 3:9). And so to think that God would reveal himself to a pagan king or two . . . or lead a nation such as Nineveh to repentance (a la Jonah) . . . should come as no surprise . . . but it does catch me a bit unawares at times. Or, to think that God is limited to only working through Israel . . . or the church . . . is probably putting God in a box of my making and not His. Not to say that God hasn’t ordained His glory to be known through the church . . . but God is God and will accomplish His purposes in His ways.

And I sit back and think of a king of Egypt telling a king of Judah what God has said . . . or of a Persian king saying to God’s chosen nation, “Who wants to go back to Jerusalem to rebuild the house of God ’cause that’s what He’s put in my heart to do?” . . . and I’m awestruck. How big is our God? How so out of the box is the manner in which He can choose to operate? Way big! Way outta’ the box!

Oh, that I might be so sensitive to the Spirit . . . and so possess the mind of Christ . . . that I would not limit the manner in which my God can work. That I might have ears to hear even when I’m not expecting to hear. That I might have eyes that recognize God at work, even when it’s not the exact framework I have pictured in my mind. I’m not talking about “anything goes” . . . Scripture is still the standard . . . but, as I think about Necho and Cyrus and the fact that the Holy Spirit moved the author of Chronicles to record God’s working through them, I can’t help but sit back in awe and marvel at the “unorthodox” ways by which my God may choose to impact my world and the world around me.

Praise be to God . . . who makes “the box bigger” . . . to Him be all glory, forever and ever, amen!

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