Seed ’em and Reap

Posted on May 21, 2010 by Pete

It’s like gravity . . . one of those laws of nature that governs how things work. I’m no scientist, but I know basically how gravity works . . . you let go of something, and it falls to the ground. Simple . . . always true . . . and once you get it, you can leverage that law and work with that law to your benefit. Such is the law of the harvest. Not too complicated really, what you sow, you reap. Plant wheat seed, and given the right conditions, eventually you’ll harvest wheat. Plant corn seed, plan on picking corn in the late summer. If you want to enjoy strawberries, you better not be planting radish seed in the spring. Simple. Sure. And, probably one of the most significant spiritual principles the believer can take hold of.

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to this flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:7-9)

It’s kind of interesting that Paul would end his letter on grace . . . his defense of “Christ plus nothing” as the means of salvation . . . with an exhortation about doing stuff. But the works he encourages here are not works to earn or merit salvation . . . they are the works of the saved. It is the labor of the redeemed, those who, by faith alone in the Person and Work of Christ, have been forgiven of their sin and have been given the Spirit of adoption, being made children of God because of belief in Christ. And Paul says (kinda’), “Now that you’re saved . . . quit putting your efforts into trying to merit God’s acceptance and favor — that’s done. And stop investing in the old man and the old ways — you’ve been saved from that. Instead, start farming the promised land. As you live your life, you’re going to be dropping seed along the way . . . make sure it’s seed that results in a heavenly crop.”

What a perspective that puts on life’s efforts. We can sow according to the game plan of this world . . . plant according to our old man and our old ways . . . and be assured that what we will reap, will be stuff of this world and stuff of this flesh . . . stuff that ultimately will perish . . . stuff that starts rotting almost as soon as it is harvested . . . stuff that won’t last. Or, we can take everything we do . . . from the mundane to the significant . . . from the pragmatic to the visionary . . . and consecrate it . . . and dedicate to Him who loved us unto death . . . and do it all under the banner of “for God’s glory alone.” And, in doing that, it becomes a spiritual seed which will result in an everlasting harvest. The promise is ours, “Sow to the Spirit, and of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” It’s the promise that we can start to experience “here and now” and will fully enter into “there and then.” We can, each day, determine, by His grace, to plant Spirit-filled, Spirit directed seed and will, in due season, reap the stuff of heaven . . . the riches of the kingdom of God. It’s a law of the natural and, it’s a law of the supernatural, as well.

But as I read Paul, while the cause and effect are sure, the timing can be a bit of a wild card. Unlike physical seed, which is pretty predictable in terms of when it will harvested (given the right conditions), the harvest of Spirit-sown seed is somewhat less predictable. Hence Paul says, “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” I guess that’s the faith part . . . we sow because He has promised that we will reap even though we don’t know exactly how long the “due season” will be. We determine to sow in accord with the Spirit’s will and leading because we are convinced that the return will be out of this world, literally. We plant not because it’s necessarily appreciated, or even noticed, but because we believe Him to be faithful who has ordained the law of the harvest.

Oh, that I might be more led by the Spirit. That I might lay down Spirit-filled and Spirit-willed seed. That I might see something of the harvest being formed within me, the fruit of the Spirit, ” . . . love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23). That I might sow to the flesh less and less, instead planting seed that, by the promise of God, will have eternal benefit. Oh, that I might seed ’em and reap! . . . for my blessing . . . for His glory . . . amen!

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Tied Up In Knots

Posted on May 20, 2010 by Pete

For me, it was kind of a “sleeper Psalm”, at first. I read it through . . . pretty much sounded like a lot of other psalms. A call to give thanks . . . a remembrance of the Lord’s goodness as manifest in His mighty deeds on behalf of the psalmist . . . frequent declarations of praise scattered throughout. Yup, pretty much your standard Psalm. Oh, give your head a shake, Pete! First, there are no “standard psalms” . . . just God-breathed songs able to capture the child of God’s experience and evoke wonder and worship. Second, there’s something in this Psalm that I don’t think I’ve really seen in other psalms . . . something that ties me up in knots . . . or at least should . . .

Linger over Psalm 118 and it’s not long before you start to soar. It’s book-ended with a call to “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” (118:1,29). The NIV says “His love endures forever” . . . the NASB, “His lovingkindness endures forever” . . . NLT, “His faithful love” . . . ESV, “His steadfast love” . . . and Peterson says it in classic MSG style, “His love never quits.” Pick one of those . . . anyone of those . . . and tell me you can’t say, “Amen!” So, give thanks to the Lord for He is good.

The Psalmist then goes on to recount the evidences of His faithful love and to respond in outbreaks of spontaneous praise. Along the way he draws some pretty pragmatic conclusions, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes” (118:8). And so, says the Psalmist, “The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation” (118:14).

My strength, my song, my salvation . . . and I say, “Yes!” to the “S” words. Salvation is mine through the finished work on the cross . . . deliverance accomplished . . . rescue from the bondage and penalty of sin secured. I have known His sustaining grace as He has strengthened my inner man time and time again. And, the song of the redeemed as been placed on my lips . . . a melody of praise interwoven within my soul . . . “Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, and I will praise the Lord!” (118:19)

Psalm 118 helps put on the garment of praise . . . leads the reader through the gates and into the temple area . . . creates a processional of praise and worship . . . “The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous” (118:15) . . . “I will praise You, for You have answered me, and have become my salvation” (118:21). But then I encounter something in verse 27 that causes me to pause . . . that, at first, stems the tide of praise a bit . . . evoking an image that maybe seems a bit out of place . . . and then not . . .

“Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.” (118:27b)

So why “interrupt” this parade of praise . . . this storming the gates of heaven with songs of redemption . . . with the image of a lamb bound to the altar of sacrifice? At first, I think it’s perhaps an allusion to the Lamb of God sacrificed for my sin, the One the psalmist has introduced as “the stone which the builders rejected” . . . the One who “has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes” (118:22-23).

True enough. But as I think about it a bit more, Romans 12:1 comes to mind . . . “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God . . . ” (Oh, give thanks to the Lord . . . For His mercy endures forever) . . . “to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, . . . ” (bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar) . . . “holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

It’s great to give thanks to the Lord . . . it brings Him delight when the voice of rejoicing is heard from the tents . . . He is lifted up through our worship . . . but let’s not forget, says the Psalmist, to bring and bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar. My worship is complete when I offer myself as a living sacrifice . . . when I submit myself to the altar . . . when I bind myself to it . . . when I’m “tied up in knots” of surrender . . . for His praise . . . and for His glory. Oh, gives thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love lasts forever! Amen?

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Four Simple Words . . . One Simple Phrase

Posted on May 19, 2010 by Pete

Maybe if I had a better memory, I wouldn’t continually be surprised by the same stuff over and over again . . . but then again, maybe not. Psalm 116 is on my reading plan this morning and what “grabbed me” this morning is something which I know has “grabbed me” in the past. I had to verify it anew this morning . . . because I really didn’t remember I had seen this before until I then went and checked out an old devo I had written. Anyway, here’s the deal . . . Psalm 116 begins with four words which you would think would be a very common phrase in Scripture but, when you read them, you realize that you haven’t seen them anywhere else . . . and they aren’t. I wonder why . . .

“I love the Lord” (Psalm 116:1a)

There it is . . . that’s the phrase . . . a simple declaration by a thankful Psalmist . . . just 4 simple English words (found in all translations) . . . found only once in all of Scripture . . . “I love the Lord.” But four simple words that stir the heart of the believer . . . a simple phrase which evokes such deep gratitude . . . an unambiguous declaration which connects so deeply with all those who know the grace of God . . . and who know the God of grace.

And, while I am surprised that it is only found this once in Scripture, I find myself asking, “How often is this phrase found in my vocabulary? When is the last time I put these four words together and directed them heavenward?” Not that I haven’t often thanked God for His goodness . . . not that I haven’t lifted my voice in praise and worship frequently . . . but when was the last time I closed my eyes . . . and sought, by the Spirit’s enabling, to approach the Father . . . asked the Spirit to help me see Jesus . . . and uttered these simple four words, this one simple phrase, “I love the Lord”. Not often enough, I’m thinking.

Later in the Psalm, the psalmist asks, “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” And he answers his own question with, “I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.” (116:12-13) There’s another phrase you only find here in Psalm 116, “the cup of salvation.” It kind of has the idea of a toast . . . of a special libation . . . a cup of blessing raised in reverence to honor the One who had brought deliverance to the psalmist. Doesn’t seem like much to “render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me” . . . but I’m guessing that in the overall economy of heaven, such a gesture is highly valued by the Lord. To take time away from doing . . . and pause and raise the cup of salvation, calling upon the name of the Lord, declaring, “I love the Lord!”

That’s the sacrifice of thanksgiving (116:17) . . . that’s “the sacrifice of praise to God . . . the fruit of our lips . . . giving thanks to His name” (Heb. 13:15). It’s expressing the deep-seated response of our hearts in four simple words . . . one simple phrase . . . to a great and awesome God . . . “I love the Lord!”

Oh, that I might raise the cup more often . . . that I might not grow complacent of all his benefits . . . that I might never forget the wonder of my deliverance . . . that I might sincerely . . . and frequently declare, “I love the Lord” . . . for His glory . . . amen.

I love You Lord . . . and I lift my voice . . . to worship You, O my soul rejoice! Take joy, my King . . . in what You hear . . . may it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear . . .

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To the Uttermost!

Posted on May 18, 2010 by Pete

That the love of God was manifest on the cross of Calvary some 2,000 years ago is beyond dispute. And this morning, as I read the crucifixion account in Mark, I am again impressed that the love of God as manifest in Christ is beyond fully taking in. This morning, I see that love displayed as Jesus determines to love the world that was rejecting Him to the very end . . . to the uttermost.

John writes in His gospel, “Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.” (John 13:1) As the final countdown began that night, Jesus’ determination was to love to the end . . . or, as could be translated, to the uttermost. It’s the same word used in speaking of Jesus eternal ministry: “But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost [i.e. save to the end] those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Heb. 7:24-25) Get that? Jesus ministry as priest was to make intercession . . . to mediate on behalf of any and all who would come to God . . . to save to the uttermost . . . to intercede to the end. And that’s what He did on the cross.

What caught my attention this morning was that when they brought Jesus to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull, they gave Him wine mingled with myrrh to drink, but He did not take it. That’s what arrested me this morning . . . .He did not take it. Why?

After having flogged Him . . . after having beaten Him . . . after having inflicted such suffering that He was incapable of carrying His own cross . . . they offered Him a bit of escape. They offered Him a drink to suppress the senses . . . to anesthetize the soul. They knew that what He had been through was nothing compared to what He was about to endure physically on the cross (they had no clue what He would endure spiritually). So, they offered Him a drink which would cloud the mind and deaden the awareness. But Jesus refused . . . Because He had determined to love this own and to love this lost world to the end. As long as He lived, He would make intercession for those He came to save. He couldn’t do that in a drunken stupor. His has a 24/7 unchangeable priesthood . . . and He would discharge His heavenly duties even on the cross.

Proverbs 31 says, ” . . . it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted. Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress.” (Prov. 31:4-6) Jesus qualified for strong drink . . . He was going through the pain of death . . . He was in bitter distress . . . but He would not relinquish His Kingly duties . . . He would not abdicate His throne though it was shaped like a cross. He would care for the afflicted . . . He would promote justice . . . He would lead His people to victory . . . until the end . . . unto the uttermost.

No, a drunken Christ, could not have loved to the end. So, my Lord, refused anything that would prevent Him from interceding to the end . . . He said, “No” to that which would cloud His ability to lead His people to victory. He refused the drug spiked wine . . . and instead, in clarity of mind, continued to minister from the cross. He interceded for those who abused Him, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” . . . He saved those who turned to Him, even at that last hour, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in paradise” . . . He even cared for the needs of His mother from the cross, “He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’ ” . . . and, as King fully in charge, He led the way to victory as the Lamb of God declaring with all authority and clarity, “It is finished!”

Oh, the love of God! Oh, the degree to which the Son was determined to fulfill the Father’s will and to love His own to the end. I will praise Him . . . I will praise Him . . . praise the Lamb for sinners slain. Give Him glory all you people . . . for His blood can wash away each stain. Give Him glory all you people . . . to the end . . . to the uttermost . . . amen!

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A Promise Person

Posted on May 17, 2010 by Pete

You know, there are some Scripture passages that, after reading them, you have this intense desire to respond by doing something. Passages that cry out for action such as “Go into all the world” . . . or “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling”. But then there are other passages that you read and you sit back and realize there’s nothing to be done. Those are the passages concerning our salvation . . . those are the passages like Galatians 3.

Paul is defending the gospel in Galatians . . . combating those who preach a “Jesus plus” form of the good news as in, Jesus plus obeying the rules and regulations of the law, . . . which, he says, is really no good news at all. Instead, Paul says in the latter part of Galatians, it’s all about a promise. A promise made by God to Abraham concerning God’s intention to bless all peoples . . . and to do so through one of his progeny . . . the God Man, Jesus Christ. “Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, ‘And to seeds,’ as of many, but as of one, ‘And to your Seed,’ who is Christ.” (Gal. 3:16).

The promise was concerning blessing and inheritance. The promise was made to Abraham . . . the covenant established with him. The promise spoke of his Seed, as the means of enacting the promise. The scope of the promises availability was to all nations throughout all ages. The promise being received by those who have, by faith, been baptized into Christ and put on Christ (3:27). “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (3:29).

So I sit back this morning and consider again the implications of being a “promise person.” It’s almost overwhelming. Nothing I could have done, nor could ever do, to merit the inheritance associated with the promise. No “to do” list long enough to make me a “worthy recipient” of the blessings promised through Abraham. Instead, by His grace, I have been made a child of God through faith in Christ Jesus (3:26). A child of God and joint heir with Christ . . . heir to an inheritance of unimaginable riches reserved in heaven for all those “promise people.”

So what does a “promise person” who can do nothing to merit the promise do? Right now, it is to chew on and enjoy the truths concerning promise . . . to bask in the light of His glorious blessing . . . and just to thank Him and praise Him.

There will be opportunity as the day begins to “respond” to the promise with a holy determination to live in a manner consistent with being a child of promise . . . but for right now, I just sit back in wonder . . . in awe . . . in gratitude . . . and rejoice in being a “promise person.” Amen.

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Color Me Blue!

Posted on May 14, 2010 by Pete

Ok . . . so as much I determine to be “fully engaged” in my morning readings, sometimes I do end up a bit on “autopilot”. Reading . . . even underlining with my colored pencils . . . but not really “all there” at certain points. Such was the case this morning . . . but when I “came to” . . . when focus was restored . . . I had been reminded of a pretty amazing truth . . .

So here’s how it went down . . . I start in on my last reading, Psalm 112 (I have 4 readings each morning laid out for me in The Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan). It’s kind of at this point that I guess I’m somewhat on autopilot. I underline the first three words, “Praise the Lord”, with a brown colored pencil as I’m on the watch for verses relating to praise and worship . . . there’s a few of them in the Psalms. I read on and then I underline that last part of verse 4, “He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.” I underline it in blue . . . that’s the color I use for verses about God. I recognize these words as the descriptors used by God Himself, of Himself, when He revealed His glory to Moses (Exodus 33:19, 34:6) . . . they’re underlined there in blue too. Yesterday I came across them in Psalm 111:4 . . . colored them blue there, as well. So, I read them here in Psalm 112 and I color them blue again. But then, as I read on, and my mind starts to fully engage, I realize something . . . Psalm 112 isn’t about God . . . it’s about a man.

“Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments . . . He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.” (Psalm 112:1b, 4b).

And it’s a bit of a “wow” moment for me. Yeah, that’s exactly what happens to the man, or woman, who has been brought into relationship with the Lord . . . to the one who fears the Lord . . . to the one loves His word and pursues Him . . . God works an “extreme makeover” in their life such that they start to reflect something of the glory of God in their character . . . in how they’re wired.

This guy in Psalm 112 that I underlined in blue is the product of God’s sanctification. His righteousness, imparted by faith, becomes a reality in how he lives. The grace he has been shown by God, starts emerging more and more in how he relates to others. The compassion of God which has so radically changed his life, becomes more and more the filter through which he sees others. These attributes, indicators of the glory of God, show themselves increasingly in the one who pursues God.

So my bit of “brain fade” this morning . . . my mistake in underlining a verse about a man with the “color” of God . . . was used, I believe, by the Spirit of God to remind me . . . and to evoke a bit of “awe factor” . . . and to generate some praise and worship . . . with the reminder that God has undertaken a work in my life . . . and in the lives of all those who love Him . . . “For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Rom. 8:29 ESV) . . . “God knew what He was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love Him along the same lines as the life of His Son” (MSG). God has undertaken a work by which He has determined to weave His character into ours . . . to make us more like Himself . . . amazing!

Praise the Lord! Blessed is this man! He is more gracious today than yesterday . . . by the grace of God. He understands compassion more than he used to . . . through the compassion of God. He desires to order his life in righteousness . . . because of the righteousness of God imputed by God through faith in Christ. This man is way far from being perfect . . . has still such a long way to go . . . but oh, he is so confident that the work which God has begun in him, God will complete in Him (Phil. 1:6). Just color me blue! . . . by His grace . . . and for His glory . . . amen!

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Enjoyable Coursework!

Posted on May 13, 2010 by Pete

My daughter has been taking a course at college which has her pretty jazzed. Last night at the dinner table, as she’s done on a number of occasions before, she was relating to us different things she had learned that day about the mysteries of the ocean and the creatures that inhabit it. And it was more than just regurgitating a bunch of facts . . . no, as she spoke, you could hear an excitement in her voice and could see in her face the wonder and fascination her learning evoked. You can tell that this is more than just another class . . . more than just coursework to be completed in support of a GPA . . . this is something that she’s enjoying learning . . . the discovery bringing a certain delight . . . the more she learns, the more she wants to know. The Psalmist knew the same experience . . .

“The works of the LORD are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them.” (Psalm 111:2)

Or, as Peterson puts it in The Message, “GOD’s works are so great, worth a lifetime of study–endless enjoyment!”

The works of God . . . from creation . . . to salvation . . . to eternal glorification. The “levels of study” surrounding the subject of the works of God are extensive . . . so extensive, once you enroll you have a lifetime curriculum before you . . . and that’s the just the “entry level” stuff . . . the subject matter is such that it can, and will, be explored for eternity . . . never ceasing to bring joy to the learner. Talk about enjoyable coursework!

When, by God’s grace and the Spirit’s work, the “material” goes from being studied as a “discipline” to being studied as a source of delight . . . when it becomes more than just “facts and data” and, instead, feeds the inner man and energizes the soul . . . when it isn’t just the “old, old, story” but it becomes the words of life . . . then, that’s when it starts getting pretty exciting . . . and kinda’ fun!

The ocean my daughter is so fascinated with is the work of God. The wonders of their depths were designed and architected by His creative power. But they are only “a teaser” . . . pointing to a greater set of works accomplished on behalf of men with eternal consequences. The Psalmist goes on to declare, “His work is honorable and glorious, and His righteousness endures forever . . . He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; The Lord is gracious and full of compassion . . . The works of His hands are verity and justice . . . He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name” (Ps. 111:3,4,7,9).

You study the works of God and you can’t help but get a bit jazzed. You meditate on His wonders and it’s not long before joy starts to surface. You consider again and again His acts on behalf of men . . . recognizing the grace shown, not just to all men and women but to you specifically, and the delight-o-meter starts to go crazy. This is a form of pleasure-seeking that is God ordained, God fed, and God glorifying.

The works of God are great . . . from the wonders of the ocean’s operation and the life it sustains to the grace shown at Calvary where Jesus exchanged His life for ours. The works of God are great . . . from the mysteries of the universe to the mystery of God’s Spirit working in us to make us more like His Son. The works of God are great . . . from the sustaining power of His grace through trial and testing to the place He is, even now, preparing for us — a place where sorrow, tears, and death are no more.

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit” (1Cor. 2:9-10a). That’s our coursework . . . that’s our subject of study . . . that’s our “major.” And when we pursue it? . . . Delight . . . Enjoyment . . . Pleasure . . . so much to talk about and glory in around the dinner table.

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Michal

Posted on May 12, 2010 by Pete

She’s a bit of a tragic figure. Life started off pretty good. Born a king’s daughter . . . falls in love with a young military up-and-comer in her father’s army . . . and this young guy was kinda crazy about her too — killing 200 of the enemy’s men as the price for her hand in marriage (1Sam. 18:27). But then things started going south . . .

Her husband and her father, the king, had a falling out — actually it was her father who kind of went off the deep-end, driven by pride, exerting his will and ways above God’s, developing an intense jealousy and hatred for her husband who, in stark contrast, was a man after God’s own heart. One night, her father sent some assassins to take out her husband and she helped him escape (1Sam. 19:12-17). This ticked her father off! So, with her husband on the run, and her father estranged from her, she was then given to another man to be his wife (1Sam. 25:44). Talk about life getting complicated.

Then her dad and brothers are killed in battle . . . and her first husband is made king. And although her first husband has picked up a couple of more wives along the way, he insists that she be torn away from the man who loves her now and forces her to come back to be his wife again. Getting a bit confusing? . . . for me too! Such was the life of Saul’s fifth child, his youngest daughter, Michal.

But with all the dysfunction and tragedy in her life, it’s probably what I read about her this morning which I find the most tragic.

David, the love of her youth, the up-and-comer who loved her once to extremes, the king over all Israel, is bringing up to Jerusalem “the ark of God, who name is called by the Name, the Lord of Hosts, who dwells between the cherubim” (2Sam. 6:2). There is tremendous joy in the city as the dwelling place of the glory of God is being brought into their midst. There is music . . . there is singing . . . there is dancing . . . there is David at the front of it all. But Michal is not there . . . she’s in the royal residence watching from a window . . . and, as she watches the procession before the ark, and she sees King David “leaping and whirling before the Lord” . . . “she despised him in her heart” (2Sam. 6:16). She thought he had made a fool of himself . . . he had put off his royal garments . . . he danced with the servants . . . she thought it was behavior beneath a king. And so, instead of entering into the joy of God’s presence . . . instead of embracing the fellowship of praise and worship . . . she focused on the king and held him in contempt for the manner in which he humbled himself. That, to me, is the most tragic part of Michal’s life.

I’m not sitting in judgment of Michal. She was the daughter of a self-absorbed king, probably a few “pride genes” naturally woven into her DNA. And, she was also the victim of a ton of circumstance that quite imaginably left a bit of a root of bitterness in her heart as well. Pride . . . bitterness . . . and whatever else, prevented her from entering into the joy of the Lord. Almost everything in her life disappointed . . . and then, when the one thing that would never disappoint, the Presence of God, was made available, she missed it . . . was distracted by her perception of “conduct unbefitting a king” . . . and rather than the healing balm of joy touching her heart, instead, contempt was added to her pride and bitterness. “Therefore,” the Scripture says, “Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death” (1Sam. 6:23). Having rejected the joy of God’s presence, she lived out her life absent His favor, as well. Like I said, she’s a bit of a tragic figure.

Not sure what to do with these thoughts. My heart goes out to the Michals . . . those whose life has been one struggle after another . . . who have known one disappointment after another . . . infected by bitterness . . . anesthetized by a sense of despair . . . hardened by pride and a “me first” focus. But, what I do know, is that at some point, the Presence of God offers to come into their lives. There will be opportunities to trade sorrow for joy . . . to trade disappointment for the promises of God which never fail . . . to trade lament for worship . . . to take eyes off of self and direct them to the One who loves them so much He sent His Son to die for their redemption.

Oh, that we might not become Michals . . . but that we would emulate, instead, the spirit of David . . . rejoicing in the Presence of the Lord . . . making music in our hearts with praise on our lips . . . willing to become “undignified” . . . to humble ourselves in our own eyes . . . that He might be worshiped in the beauty of holiness . . . for our blessing . . . for His glory . . . for eternity . . . amen!

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Paradise U

Posted on May 11, 2010 by Pete

Let’s face it . . . for some, the university they graduated from is a pretty big deal. To be able to throw out phrases like “Harvard grad” or “Yale grad” as part of a resume is worn as a badge of honor for some. And it’s not just the Ivy League schools . . . around here, being a Cougar or a Husky can be a pretty important identifier for some. And, I’m guessing it’s not just about the education, but about the school’s reputation . . . whether that reputation is attached to a sports team, or some distinctive academic prestige, you find a fair number of folks well past “college age” still talking about “their school.” So did Paul . . .

“I was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don’t know–only God knows. Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body. But I do know that I was caught up to Paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell.” (2Corinthians 12:2-4 NLT).

Paul did his graduate studies at GRSP, Gamaliel’s Rabbinical School of Phariseeism (Acts 22:3). There he learned the in’s and out’s of the law and the traditions of the religious elite. But his post-graduate studies . . . they occurred in a school that is out of this world . . . literally! Recruited by Jesus Himself, Paul was sent on a crash course concerning the mysteries of Messiah, and the grandeur of grace. He was welcomed into the faculty by Jesus Himself as he trekked down a self-determined road of persecution . . . and from the get go, the schooling started happening . . . “Who are You, Lord?” . . . “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” . . . lesson one complete (Acts 9:5) . . . let’s move on . . . or should I say, let’s move up!

After being saved, instead of sending him to the apostles for instruction, the Lord instead sent Paul to Arabia . . . apparently for some “alone time” and some One-on-one tutoring . . . it would be three years before Paul went to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles (Gal. 1:16-18) . . . mmm . . . three years with Jesus . . . sounds familiar . . .

And at some point during those three years, Paul’s “studies” took him to Paradise U located on a beautiful campus just past the Milky Way at the corner of Third Heaven and Eternity. So what was that like? We really don’t know . . . cause, Paul says, it was inexpressible. It was so un-earthly that Paul wasn’t sure whether or not he was there “in body” or whether it was an “out of body” experience. The words he heard . . . the teachings he experienced . . . couldn’t be conveyed in the languages of earth . . . the sort of “close encounter” that was better “felt than tell’t”. But whatever the curriculum . . . however the course material was presented . . . whoever or whatever comprised the teaching faculty . . . this alum of Paradise U was never the same again.

I don’t have much post-secondary education, but I’ve been accepted into Paradise U as well. A seat has been reserved, my name’s written in the Book. And what never ceases to amaze me, is that I never even applied . . . actually, didn’t really know the place even existed . . . instead, I was recruited. Where am I staying? In residence . . . a place that Jesus says He’s gone to prepare for me (John 14:3). Tuition? Paid in full . . . and now, I’m laying up treasures that I’ll be able to draw on when I’m there . . . and that’s in addition to the inheritance reserved for me by my Benefactor, an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away (1Peter 1:4). And when I’m there, I too will hear and learn things which are unspeakable . . . mysteries revealed as I receive my “higher education.”

But as much as the thought of being at Paradise U excites me and fills me with wonder, what I’m looking forward to more than anything else is to meeting the Headmaster and His Father. I can only imagine what it will be like to hear His words and to learn from Him directly. I know I’ll be distracted from time to time by the scars on His hands and feed . . . and I’ll probably interrupt class from time to time as I join the Third Heaven choral ensemble spontaneously declaring the praises of the Lamb . . . but I’m sure He’ll understand. Cant’ wait for classes to start . . . amen?

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A Day at the Breach!

Posted on May 10, 2010 by Pete

The picture is that of an ancient city under siege . . . the enemy is just outside the city walls. And he is hammering at the wall protecting the city . . . relentless . . . knowing that to just take out even a small part of the wall is sufficient to get some men on the inside and compromise the city from the inside out. And then it happens . . . first a crack . . . then a crumble . . . and finally a breakthrough. But, before the enemy can enter in through the opening, a warrior from the city covers with his body the broken part of the wall. He places himself in that perilous position . . . prepared to defend that bit of open real estate . . . determined to repel the enemies attack and protect the city. He fills the gap . . . places himself in “the breaking” . . . he stands in the breach.

I’m reading Psalm 106 this morning, and it pretty much doesn’t matter which translation you read, they all talk of Moses as that warrior . . . as the one stepping into perilous position. Moses, the chosen one of God, stood before God in the breach (Psalm 106:23). Moses defended the Israelites. But he wasn’t repelling the attacks of the enemy . . . instead he staved off the wrath of God.

Psalm 106 calls for praise and thanksgiving in remembrance of God’s continual forgiveness for Israel’s sin. Again and again it recounts Israel’s moral and spiritual failings . . . their complacency . . . their rebellion . . . their overt spiritual harlotry. And, again and again, they are reminded of God’s mercy and forgiveness. And one of the accounts recorded is that of the golden calf at Horeb and the people’s worship of the molded image . . . “They exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass” (106:20 ESV). And God who declares, “I am the LORD, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images” (Isa. 42:8), was determined to destroy the people for their rebellion and blasphemy.

The wall was breached . . . but from the inside out. Perhaps there was some external enemy force at work seeking to destroy, but the infrastructure was compromised by those who should have gloried in the One who had placed them behind His wall of protection. Instead, the people breached the wall . . . their sin had compromised their protection . . . and God’s holy and just wrath was focused on entering and executing judgment. But then a man of God — a man ordained of Jehovah to deliver His people — stands in the breach. He places Himself in the gap and pleads for the people, seeking to turn away God’s wrath, lest He destroy them. And Moses, that man, is such a beautiful picture of another Mighty Warrior, . . . Jesus, the Son of Man.

O’ precious Jesus . . . the One in Whom the Father delights . . . the Fairest of Ten Thousand . . . King of kings and Lord of lords . . . was the Mighty Warrior of God who determined to stand in the breach for mankind. And, getting a bit more personal, He determined to fill the gap and take up the perilous position for this man. Sent by God to redeem and deliver all those who would come to Him by faith, He willingly placed Himself in that spot where the wrath of God would be poured out. He who knew no sin became sin for me as He stood . . . no, as He hung in the breach and looked out through the ages and, seeing me, cried out, “Father, forgive him for he doesn’t not know what he’s doing” (Luke 23:34).

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever!” (Ps. 106:1)

And the blood shed on that cross two thousand years ago . . . the full payment for redemption secured during those hours when the precious Son of God was forsaken of the Father as He bore my sin . . . is sufficient to cleanse me from all sin — past, present, and future. The breach has been filled forever . . . the work is finished . . . the city is secure . . . the victory is mine through Christ.

“Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ Praise the LORD!” (Ps. 106:48)

Amen! . . . what a glorious day at the breach!!!

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