Investing

Posted on July 7, 2010 by Pete

Yesterday, as I started in on 1Thessalonians, I was reminded that Paul had three Sabbaths to share the gospel before he was run out of town. I was again impressed at the manner in which “the Way” had found such root among the believers there after such a short period of time. And, while three weeks is certainly not a very long time, as I read the first part of chapter two this morning, it was evident that Paul and his friends “preached” the gospel well beyond Sabbath morning sermons in the synagogue . . . they invested themselves in these people.

” . . . we were bold in our God to speak to you (2:2) . . . we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel (2:4) . . . we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children (2:7) . . . we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives (2:8) . . . we preached to you the gospel (2:9) . . . devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you . . . we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children (2:11) . . .”

Paul preached the word . . . no doubt, he preached. But he did more than just “scatter the seed”, he worked it into the ground, tended it carefully, cultivated it purposefully, worked it diligently, and it took . . . by the grace and Spirit of God, the seed set down strong roots and bore magnificent fruit . . . because Paul invested in people.

Sure, God is able to take scattered seed and turn it into fruit bearing trees . . . he has set in place men like Billy Graham who can fish with big nets (though even in a crusade it’s the follow up and getting linked with other believers that’s credited with establishing strong believers) . . . but for must of us, God gives us a pole to fish with . . . places us in a particular “patch of ground” where he want us to plant and cultivate and invest in the seed we have to sow.

Paul, the orator, preached on the Sabbath, but during the week he was Paul “the nursing mother”. Gently he cared for those with a new found faith . . . nurtured baby believers with the care a mother would give to her own. He knew it was about more than just “giving them the word”, he gave them himself . . . I’m thinking he held nothing back for those three weeks he was with them . . . those born into the family needed to be nurtured to maturity. And while he’d care for them as a tender mother, he’d also put on the “dad hat” and tell them what was expected . . . exhorting and charging them to walk in a manner worthy of the God who had called them into His own kingdom and glory (2:12). Not harsh, but firm . . . and comforting . . . as they struggled to figure out this new way.

And, he and his companions invested through their example, as well. The “behaved” themselves in a way that modeled the character of those who follow Christ, not in word only, but in truth and works, as well. None of this “do as I say, not as I do” stuff . . . no it was “listen to what I say, and see what a difference it makes in how I live.” He preached from the Scriptures and he taught from his grace-enabled, Spirit-empowered, “work in progress”, living example, authentic life in Christ.

Now, considering this doesn’t lessen how amazing it is that God established such a strong work in such a pagan city in such a short time. But it does remind me that investing is most often a big, big part of the deal when it comes to sharing Christ. The willingness to get involved in people’s lives . . . to love on them as a mom . . . to sometimes give a sanctified kick-in-the pants as a dad . . . to always, as much as lies with me, seek to model the real deal — failures and all . . . it’s all part of planting the seed and nurturing the growth.

Investing . . . takes times . . . can be risky . . . able only by the grace of God . . . all for the glory of God . . . amen.

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To Serve and To Wait

Posted on July 6, 2010 by Pete

Started in on Paul’s first letter to the church of the Thessalonians this morning. It would seem from Acts 17:1-10 that Paul was only in the city of Thessalonica for 3 weeks preaching the gospel before he had to leave town because of persecution. For three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures concerning Jesus . . . that He was the Christ . . . that He had suffered and risen again from the dead . . . and it took . . . “And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas” (17:4). And from the very onset of this letter to the Thessalonians, you get the sense that they were a pretty amazing group of believers.

Three weeks to plant the seed . . . to see some shoots spring forth . . . to set the foundation for a group of believers who “became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe” (1:7). Theirs was not just a quick conversion but a solid conversion . . . it really took . . . evidence that the gospel did not come to them in “word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit” (1Thess. 1:5). It was clear that they had been chosen of God (1:4) to bear light in a remarkable way.

They were marked by their “work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope” (1:3) . . . their reputation preceded them . . . their faith toward God had gone out (1:8). It was evident to all, says Paul, that they had “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, who He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1:9-10). And that, in a nutshell, is what I think the “secret sauce” was for the Thessalonians’ amazing impact on the world around them. Through the preaching of the word and the power of the Spirit, salvation “took” and they realized that they were to serve and to wait.

The turned from the old ways . . . they set their backs to the world and the value system they had embraced for their entire lives . . . and they set their face toward the God who had provided their salvation through His Son . . . they determined to serve the living and true God. They would yield obedience . . . they would do service . . . they would align their desires and priorities . . . to the God who had revealed Himself to them. Not some idol, but the living God . . . not one “flavor” of truth, but THE true God. Salvation being more than just “receiving a gift” but also an act of the will to submit to the God who had called them into marvelous light. These believers knew it was theirs to serve.

And, they were to wait for His Son. Not go pitch tents on a some mountain and gaze toward the eastern sky, but to put all of life’s happenings in the context of God’s soon returning Son. The persecution that had driven Paul out of town after only three Sabbaths of preaching was their day in, day out, atmosphere for “doing life.” It cost them to name Christ as Messiah . . . to declare the living God as the only God . . . to assert that there was only one way to peace with God. They were constantly swimming against the tide. How do you do that day after day? You keep one eye on heaven . . . you constantly remind yourself that this earthbound life isn’t the main event . . . you start each morning with, “Perhaps today?” . . . you wait for His Son.

To Serve and To Wait.

Not to be overly simplistic, but these “bottom line” summaries of the Christian life can be really helpful for me. I know it’s about a lot more than a simple catch phrase . . . but sometimes it’s those “bumper sticker” reminders that help to put things into perspective . . . that provide that additional ounce of encouragement when any encouragement is welcomed . . . that provide that bit of strength when your own strength seems to be ebbing.

At it’s essence isn’t the call of the believer? . . . to serve and to wait? . . . for the glory of God? . . . I’m thinking so . . .

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The Adversary

Posted on July 5, 2010 by Pete

So, I haven’t done thorough research this morning, but I’m pretty sure that the first time that Satan is named is in my reading this morning, 1Chronicles 21. Sure, he’s introduced and described as the serpent in Genesis 3, but I think this is the first time he’s named. Go figure . . . I would never have gotten that in a game of Bible trivia.

Here’s his formal introduction in Holy Scripture, “Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel” (1Chron. 21:1).

And Satan lives up to his name . . . his name accurately reflects his nature. He stood up against Israel . . . he determined to withstand God’s people . . . he placed himself against them, taking an adversarial position . . . may I introduce to you, the Adversary . . . aka Satan. Ninety percent of what I need to know about Satan is right here . . . in this first mention of him: a) He is the adversary; b) He is bent on standing against God’s people; and c) He has the ability to influence men in order to accomplish his purposes.

I need to know this. As a believer I don’t fear him, for greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world (1John 4:4) . . . and as one indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God I don’t worry about Satan “possessing me” and making me do stuff I don’t want to . . . but I had better be aware of the Adversary . . . had better be mindful that he stands opposed to the things of God and the people of God . . . and that, through the world and the spiritual realm, he will seek to withstand this child of God and attempt to lead me to places I don’t want to go . . . just as he did David, a man after God’s own heart.

David’s determination to count the people was completely for selfish purposes . . . to know how great a nation he led, perhaps . . . to know for sure how big an army he had so he could be confident in his ability to wage ware . . . to extract a special tax during the census so he would have the funding needed for his “special projects”, especially the preparation for the temple he wanted his son to build. Whatever the exact reasons, it was not in the will of God and David knew it. So, isn’t this a case of “the devil made me do it?” No, not really.

It is certain that Satan was involved in David’s prideful determination. It is clear that Satan sought to withstand God by setting himself against Israel. We know that somehow Satan planted the seed . . . stirred the flesh . . . appealed to David’s ego . . . but in the end, as James says, “Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.” (James 1:14-16)

And I think I need to know this. Not that I need to see Satan behind every bush or around every corner . . . nor blame Satan every time I trip up . . . but I would be foolish to ignore the reality of this adversary of God and His people. I’d be naïve to think that he has given up — though he is defeated . . . I’d be reckless to play loose with the things of the world . . . I’d be walking on dangerous ground if I were led by an attitude of “if it feels good, do it” . . . or “you want it? You deserve it! So go get it!”

David owned his sin (1Chron 21:8) . . . he was accountable . . . he, and Israel, suffered the consequences . . . but Satan’s influence in his transgression is recorded for my learning.

I’d be wise to take note of this “first mention” of my adversary . . . it may be the first, but it’s not the last . . .

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The Beauty of Holiness

Posted on July 2, 2010 by Pete

Would it be too much to say that woven within the fabric of men, and women, is an innate appreciation of perfection? There’s a reason that “pure gold” is valued and that almost anyone can sense the worth of a high quality diamond. An athlete who executes perfectly, a musician who plays flawlessly, a craftsman who crafts meticulously . . . all are appreciated whether or not you like the sport or the type of music or can hammer a nail to save your life. I know it’s a general statement . . . and probably not explained or illustrated very well . . . but I’m thinking that there is something within the heart of man which recognizes perfection when it sees it and, when it sees it, is moved to admire it. What’s got me thinking about this? The beauty of holiness.

“Give to the LORD the glory due His name;
   Bring an offering, and come before Him.
     Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness” — 1Chronicles 16:29

After one failed attempt at bringing the ark up to Jerusalem, David tries again (1Chron. 15) . . . this time the right away . . . the ark is carried and delivered at the hands of readied Levites. And as you read of the transport of the place where God said His glory would dwell to the mount where God desired to make known His presence, you can’t but be awed and overwhelmed at the energy that accompanies the event. Stringed instruments are strumming . . . harps are ringing . . . trumpets are blaring . . . cymbals are crashing . . . singers are singing . . . King David is whirling and playing music . . . the people are shouting . . . the voice of resounding joy envelopes the ark as it is transported to Jerusalem.

After the ark is placed to rest in the tabernacle, David declares a day of celebration and writes an original composition which he delivers to Asaph, the singer, and his brethren to perform before the Lord (16:7). “Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him . . . Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD! . . . For the LORD is great and greatly to be praised . . . Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness!” (16:9, 10, 25, 29)

David placed this command in three of his psalms . . . here in 1Chronicles, also in Psalm 29 (v.2) and Psalm 96 (v.9). The NIV and ESV say to worship the Lord “in the splendor of holiness” . . . the NASB, “in holy array”. Regardless of how you translate it, there is something about holiness . . . the perfection that sets something apart as sacred . . . that is worthy of praise. There is a beauty and splendor of that which stands above and separate from the rest because of it’s intrinsic quality of character, which stirs the heart and soul to respond in declarations of appreciation and adoration.

It’s a command that is easy to obey . . a joy to submit to . . . a privilege to participate in . . . because, for the believer, it really has a double meaning, doesn’t it. I am to worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness . . . and I do so, in the beauty of mine. Go figure . . . I have the privilege of worshiping “I AM”, the One arrayed in heavenly splendor . . . I can enter the Holy of Holies . . . my offerings can be delivered into the very presence of the God who lives in unapproachable light. And this right of passage is mine because I have been clothed in holiness . . . washed and perfected through the blood of Christ . . . declared “set apart” through the imputed righteousness of the Son of God . . . the curtain of the temple torn from top to bottom welcoming my entrance . . . making the way for me to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness . . . His . . . and mine.

There is something within the heart of this man which recognizes perfection . . . . . in himself, solely because of the work of Christ . . . and, in the God of heaven and the Son of Glory. And when he sees it, he’s moved to admire it . . . to stand in awe of it . . . and to respond in welcomed obedience to David’s command . . . and worship in the beauty of holiness.

Pretty cool! Amen?

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All Dressed Up!

Posted on July 1, 2010 by Pete

Ok . . . so it’s probably not very good hermeneutics . . . the application of this passage is probably a whole lot deeper than what’s grabbing me this morning . . . but, in my experience, that’s how it goes sometimes. You’re reading a passage, often a very familiar passage, and something jumps out at you . . . perhaps a bit out of context . . . but nevertheless it just grabs you . . . and blesses you . . . and causes you to bless back . . . and say, “Yes! Amen! Thank you Lord!” That’s kind of what happened this morning as I read Luke 8:26-39.

Pretty well known story actually . . . Jesus sails over to the Gadarenes with His disciples and there encounters a man who had been long-possessed by demons. Not just a demon, but demons with an “s”. In fact, they identify themselves as “Legion” . . . a whole company of demons . . . and they had been living in and tearing up this guy for years. This guy went about wearing no clothes . . . didn’t live in a house, but in the tombs with the dead . . . and possessed a supernatural strength — chains and shackles not able to restrain him. Basically, this guy was absolutely out of control.

Then he meets Jesus. The demons recognize Him immediately, “What have I to do with You, Jesus the Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!” They begged Jesus not to command them to go out and in the abyss. That’s kind of ironic, don’t you think. Here they had been tormenting this poor guy for years, making his life a living hell . . . and now they plead with Jesus not to torment them or send them into the pit. The rest of story has Jesus casting them out of the men, they then possess a herd of swine, and the swine madly run down a steep hill into the lake and drown.

So, here’s the phrase that caught my attention this morning. After the people in the town are informed of the day’s events, “they went out to see what had happened and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind” (Luke 8:35). That’s the phrase that stopped me . . . sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind . . . and what hits me is, “I’m that guy! That’s me! Sitting at the feet of Jesus . . . clothed . . . in my right mind!”

Isn’t that salvation in a nutshell? Once far off . . . under the influence of the world . . . now brought near and desiring to be near Jesus . . . to sit at His feet . . . to be loved by Him . . . and learn from Him . . . and love on Him, in return. Minds that were once in darkness now brought into marvelous light . . . truths that once seemed crazy now define a heavenly reality . . . thinking that’s straight . . . an understanding that’s from God Himself . . . a renewed mind resulting in a transformed life through the living Word of God and the in-dwelling Spirit of God.

And finally, I am clothed . . . no longer in the shame of nakedness and sin . . . but clothed with garments of salvation . . . covered with the robe of righteousness (Isa. 61:10). I’m decked out in the garb of a holy priesthood . . . I’ve been dressed in a wedding garment that gains me access to a wedding feast that’s out of this world . . . the designer label says “Faith-Fashioned in the Likeness of Jesus.” When the Father looks on me, He sees me arrayed in the holiness and beauty of His Son. Gone are the filthy rags of my own attempts at righteousness. Hidden in Christ, I’m no longer exposed in sin, but instead, I’m clothed with a righteousness that comes through faith in the Person and work of Jesus the Son of the Most High God. When God looks at me He sees not what I used to be . . . but He sees Jesus. Talk about your being all dressed up . . . and, with places to go!

How good is God? How great is our salvation? Sitting at the feet of Jesus . . . clothed . . . and in my right mind! How does it get any better than that?

Thank You Jesus!

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Names

Posted on June 30, 2010 by Pete

So, I finally hit 1Chronicles 10 this morning. After 4 mornings of working my way through the first 9 chapters of 1Chronicles it’s a bit of a relief to again encounter a storyline rather than just a list of names. That’s pretty much what you get as you read the first 400 verses of this book . . . names begetting names, people related to people, heavy on the genealogy, light on the biographical data. There’s a sense of accomplishment having read through it all . . . though I’d have to confess I wasn’t always really “engaged” . . . and beyond the few like Jabez, there’s not many of the names that I can really remember. So, again, when you get to 1Chronicles 10 and 11, and start reading about Saul and David, it feels good to be able to again follow along with a storyline.

But even here, there’s a lot of names. The latter portion of 1Chronicles 11 deals with the mighty men of David. A select group of 33 who distinguished themselves in their bravery and allegiance to the king. Some are mentioned only by name . . . some are named in the context of their mighty deeds . . . three are called out for their “above and beyond” dedication to the king and their bravery in going behind enemy lines to get the king a drink of water (11:16-19). But all 33 mighty men are named . . . even Uriah the Hittite (11:41) . . . one of David’s mighty men . . . the man David betrayed by sleeping with his wife, Bathsheba . . . the man David murdered in order to cover up his adulterous act . . . even this man’s name is recorded. So, do think God knows names?

And it makes me think, if God knows those names and God has preserved those names in His word through the millennia, why would I not think that He knows my name? Not that I’m a “mighty man” . . . but I am one of the King’s. Not that my name is anything special, but I desire to serve the One whose Name is above all names. And my name is written in a book (Php. 4:3, Rev. 3:5, Rev. 21:27) . . . the name of a sinner saved by grace . . . the name of a dead man made alive . . . the name of a new creation in Christ. And the same God who moved the ancient writers to record these names in 1Chronicles knows my name.

And it’s more than just my name that He knows. He knows how I’m wired . . . He wired me. He knows my strengths (short-list) and my weaknesses (much longer list). And there is something about meditating on the fact that God knows your name which can be both intimidating and so comforting . . . and motivating. Intimidating because it’s a reminder there’s no “faking it” before God. Comforting because it’s a reminder of the unconditional love of God . . . He being the one who sought me and called my name, brining me into relationship with Himself. Motivating because I want to hear Him use my name one day in a sentence that finishes with, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Oh to think that God knows names . . . and remembers names . . . and loves names.

Yup, a lot of names in this book of Chronicles . . . even more names in the Book of Life . . . and mine’s one of them . . . by His grace . . . and for His glory . . . amen.

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Completely Complete

Posted on June 29, 2010 by Pete

So, I think that, for the most part, we allow our experience to define our reality. Kind of makes sense . . . at least in the physical world. But when it comes to the faith, I’m thinking it’s more about allowing our reality to shape our experience. There are things to know and understand and believe that, when we start to grasp them, can profoundly shape the way we look at the world and how we determine to do life. I came across one of those profound realities in Colossians this morning . . . great doctrine . . . high and holy theology . . . the stuff of which reality is defined. If I’m picking it up correctly, in Christ I am completely complete.

“For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” (Colossians 2:9-10)

“Beware,” says Paul, “lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” (2:8) After a chapter and seven verses of teaching on the Person and Preeminence of Christ . . . of teaching on the reconciliation made through His sacrifice on the cross . . . Paul says, “Watch out! Don’t let the world define your reality. Your reality is in Christ. Your reality is Christ in you.”

And here’s reality . . . Christ fully, or completely, embodies deity. Think God . . . Think Christ. Think Christ . . . Think God. He defines deity and deity defines Him. Jesus is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of God’s nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power (Heb. 1:3a ESV). When asked by His disciples to show them God, Jesus responded, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). So, Paul says, in Jesus you find the fullness of deity . . . He is completely God . . . and, the implication for those who believe in Him is reality altering.

I am complete in Him. I have been given fullness in Him (NIV). I have been filled in Him (ESV). It’s the same word, only in the verb form, used to describe the fullness, or completeness, of the deity dwelling in Christ. I am full with His fullness . . . I am complete in His completeness. That’s my reality. Oh, I know that so often my experience has me believing that I am anything but full . . . in fact, way too often, my experience tells me I’m runnin’ on empty. Not true. I am complete in Him . . . 24/7 . . . when I’m feelin’ it and when I’m not feelin’ it . . . that’s my reality . . . completely complete.

And mine, I think, is to chew on it for a bit . . . mix it with faith . . . apply it liberally on my day . . . and let it define my experience. The fullness of deity, in Christ, should define me. Through the indwelling Spirit I can interact with the mind and the power of the risen Son of God. Because of the Word living in me, with some time and practice, I learn to discern the “reality” offered by the world as being, at best, a vapor of pleasure . . . more likely, it is a trap of vanity and bondage. I am a new creation in Christ (2Cor. 5:17) . . . given all the tools I need to be a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (2Peter 1:4). In Christ, I am completely complete.

It’s not about psyching myself up . . . it’s not about thinking myself into success . . . it’s about believing the word of God. It’s about resting in the truth of all that is encompassed within my salvation. It’s about asking the Lord to let this reality shape my experience . . . about walking in a way that is consistent with being “in Christ” . . . about asking God, by His grace and through His indwelling Spirit, to help me experience life in the context of this reality . . . about being completely complete . . . for His glory . . . amen.

Complete in Thee! no work of mine, May take, dear Lord, the place of Thine; Thy blood hath pardon bought for me, And I am now complete in Thee.
Complete in Thee! no more shall sin, Thy grace hath conquered, reign within; Thy voice shall bid the tempter flee, And I shall stand compete in Thee.
Complete in Thee — each want supplied, And no good thing to me denied; Since Thou my portion, Lord, wilt be, I ask no more, complete in Thee.
Dear Savior! when before Thy bar, All tribes and tongues assembled are, Among Thy chosen will I be, At Thy right hand, complete in Thee.
— Aaron R. Wolfe, 1821-1902

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The Feet

Posted on June 28, 2010 by Pete

You read the story (Luke 7:36-50) and, at first, it’s seems the main event is about a classic confrontation between a righteous, hypocritical Pharisee and the young Rabbi who has been stirring up things with His radical teaching and accompanying signs and wonders. There the two of them recline together . . . at the Pharisee’s house . . . around the dining table . . . host and guest. While there are servants and others in attendance, it is evident that the spotlight is one these two. Even when “she” arrives . . . it still seems to be very much about the two of them.

She had no right to be there . . . certainly not invited by the Pharisee, Simon . . . certainly not of the “class” of the other guests in attendance. But in she enters. And you sense that she enters with purpose as arrives with an alabaster flask of fragrant oil. There she stands at his feet . . . then she begins to weep . . . she then kneels, directing her tears such they fall on His feet . . . and then, she hunches over those feet, takes her hair and wipes away the tears and dirt from His feet . . . and she continues as she bows over those feet even further and gently presses her lips against those precious feet . . . finally, she opens up her offering of perfumed oil and pours it over those washed, wiped, and worshiped, feet.

But, because of the scene she causes, the attention turns back to the two men supping together. The young Rabbi knows the thoughts of religious veteran . . . not only is he judging the woman at Jesus’ feet . . . but he concludes that Jesus, Himself, isn’t much of a holy man, for, if He were, He “would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.” Then Jesus poses to the proud and self-righteous Simon a riddle of sorts. It’s a simple parable of a creditor who forgives one man a relatively small debt and forgives another a much bigger, pretty much unpayable, debt. “Tell Me, therefore,” Jesus asks Simon, “which of them will love the debt-forgiver more?” The answer’s obvious.

And, as Jesus reveals His take on the woman’s actions, you realize that the “main event” really hasn’t been about the confrontation between the two men. Sure, the parable . . . the answer . . . the teaching that Jesus forgives sins . . . it’s all very, very important stuff to be sure. But, as I hover over this passage, it seems to me it’s all about the feet.

A proper host would have given water for the guest’s feet . . . and welcomed the guest with a kiss on the cheek . . . and would have sought to refresh the guest by pouring some oil on his head. A welcome guest would have been welcomed from the feet up to the head. But for this woman, Jesus was more than a welcomed Visitor . . . He was a worshiped Savior. For her, this sinner woman, she desired Him more than just as a guest for lunch . . . she owned Him as the Lord of Lords. And so, for her, it never got beyond the feet. She washed His feet . . . she kissed His feet . . . she anointed His feet. If He would receive her, she would take the place of a disciple . . . at the feet of the Master.

And as I noodle on this, I can’t help but think how easy it is be like Simon. To sit, as it were, face to face with Jesus and debate Him . . . perhaps even disagree . . . or worse yet, judge Him . . . not directly with words . . . but indirectly with disobedience. Perhaps it’s easier to be like Simon than I’d care to admit. But shouldn’t I be more like the woman . . . isn’t that where it’s really happening . . . at the feet? To bring my tears . . . to His feet? To humble myself . . . at His feet? To offer up the sweet smelling savor of heart-felt adoration and worship . . . at His feet? I’m thinking so . . .

It occurs to me that if my focus is solely on the confrontation between the Pharisee and the Savior — as good as stuff as that is — I’m missing something. If I miss what’s happening at the Feet of the Savior, then I miss something of the heart of a sinner saved by grace . . . I miss something of the posture of a redeemed disciple of Christ . . . I miss something of the heart of worship. I don’t want to miss it. Father, lead me to the Feet . . . for His glory . . . amen.

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The Coming One

Posted on June 25, 2010 by Pete

Ok . . . so here’s a question that transcends time. A question that carries just as much punch today as it did 2,000 years ago. A question, the answer to which, has as broad a range of implications today as it did when John the Baptist asked it. A question which, depending on the answer, has a way of forming how you desire and determine to order your life. Here’s the question . . .

“And John [the Baptist], calling two of his disciples to him [in prison], sent them to Jesus, saying, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?'” — Luke 7:19

So, in a nutshell, here’s John’s situation. Since birth he’s been filled with the Holy Spirit, knowing he had been set apart “to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:15-17). He was so “set apart”, in fact, that he grew up in the desert (1:80) . . . not easy “formative years.” He had witnessed the evidence of Jesus being the Son of God when he baptized Jesus in the Jordan . . . the Holy Spirit descending on Him . . . the Father audibly declaring His love for His Son (Luke 3:21-22). He recognized Jesus as the “Lamb of God come to take away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). John, however, ends up in prison as He “crosses a line” with Herod in condemning Herod’s adulterous sin with his brother’s wife. And while in prison, perhaps sensing he’d never get out alive, continuing to hear of the miraculous signs and wonders being done by Jesus, John has a question, “Are You the Coming One?”

I don’t know what John expected from life . . . I don’t think this desert-dweller ever thought about “freedom 55” or living on “Easy Street.” But, as one dedicated to preparing the way for God’s anointed . . . given that his life’s work had been about making ready a way for Messiah . . . I guess you can’t blame him . . . as he sits in prison . . . for asking himself, “Is Jesus the One we were waiting for?” Expectations concerning Messiah and the reality he was now living were, perhaps, a bit at odds for him. So he asks, “Are You the Coming One?”

Good question then . . . still a good question now. The prophets spoke of a Coming One. They looked for Him in John’s day . . . and He came. We look for Him today . . . and He’s coming . . . count on it!

What wasn’t clear from the prophets was that He would come twice. First, as a humble servant in the likeness of man . . . God in flesh . . . on a rescue mission . . . come, not to be served, but to serve others and give His live as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Come to testify of the kingdom . . . and to die in order to open the gates to “whosoever will”. Conquering not the Roman oppression . . . eliminating not the religious hypocrisy . . . but instead conquering sin and death . . . and removing the wall of separation between God and man. Yes John, He was the One to come . . .

And, He is the One to come . . . “if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:3)

As believers, we don’t all find ourselves in situations like John’s (though many do), but we can find ourselves, from time to time, in a place that doesn’t line up for us with the “abundant life” we’ve imagined we should have as believers . . . a place where thoughts of, “Is it really real?” find a way to the surface . . . circumstances where we ask, “Are You the Coming One?” And the answer is still, “Yes!” The promise is still true. The reality will one day be experienced. So, by faith, we order our lives in light of that day . . . by faith, we look up, for our redemption draws near . . . by faith, we keep on keeping on . . . knowing, through the inner testimony of the abiding Holy Spirit, that He is the Coming One . . . by faith, knowing that, one day, faith will give way to sight.

” ‘Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me . . . ‘ He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus!” (Rev. 22:12a, 20)

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Taking Inventory

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Pete

Sometimes it’s good to take inventory. To pause for a moment and take stock of what is your reality. Even, if just briefly, to consider again where you’ve been and where you are now. Making a list isn’t necessarily a bad idea. Finding a list in God’s precious word will do too. Such a list presented itself to me this morning . . .

” . . . giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” — Colossians 1:12-14

So, if I’m taking inventory, here’s what I’m seeing . . .

First, God has qualified me . . . He has rendered me fit to lay hold of a portion of the inheritance that awaits those He has called into light. There’s no questioning my credentials when it comes to why heaven’s riches should be available to me. I’m up to the task . . . my sufficiency secured . . . equipped with adequate power to participate in the things of heaven itself.

Next, this “right” to the kingdom of heaven has been secured because the Father has also delivered me from the power of darkness. Rescued me from bondage of the one who would seek to destroy me through sin. The grip of temptation leading to sin has been broken . . . the cords of a worldly system which seek to bind me to a way of destruction have been snapped. Deliverance secured through the power of the One who has conquered sin and death on my behalf.

And finally, I’ve been conveyed . . . translated . . . transferred . . . into the kingdom of His beloved Son. This isn’t some future “pie in the sky, by and by” sentiment . . . this is a here and now, day in, day out, reality. I am a subject of the king, today! . . . I operate within the sphere of His rule and authority, today! . . . I interface with the spiritual reality of the Risen King through the King’s indwelling Spirit, today! I have been transported from darkness to light.

So how’s that for a list? Qualified . . . delivered . . . conveyed. That’s the work of redemption . . . add that to the list, too!

I have redemption, the forgiveness of sins, through His blood. The price has been tendered in full to liberate me from the marketplace of sin. The ransom for my soul was paid on the cross some 2,000 years ago . . . so that today I sit here, confident (in Him, not myself) that I truly have been delivered from sin’s power . . . that I really have been transported into an “all things new” spiritual realm . . . and that I am fully qualified, through the blood of Christ, to partake in the inheritance that awaits me.

Sometimes it’s good to take inventory . . . for our assurance . . . for our blessing . . . for our encouragement . . . for His glory . . . amen!

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