The Wonder of Salvation

Posted on March 2, 2010 by Pete

At this moment I can’t think of a set of verses in all of Scripture that is more packed with the wonder of salvation than the first eleven verses of Romans chapter five. Check this out . . .

“Therefore having been justified by faith we have peace with God (5:1) . . . we have access by faith into God’s grace (5:2) . . . we rejoice in hope of the glory of God (5:2) . . . the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us (5:5)”. What benefits belong to the child of God! Declared righteous . . . at peace with our Maker . . . invited to draw from the limitless wells of His grace . . . implanted with a hope of eternity that is sure and does not fade . . . infused with the immeasurable love of God through the “out of this world” dynamic of the Spirit of God living in us. In my NKJV the word “we” or “our” is found 15 times in these 11 verses. These verses are so much about us, the believer in Jesus Christ. “Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits.” (Ps. 103:1-2)

But, as amazing as these “benefits” of salvation are in this passage, they pale compared the awe factor presented in how these benefits were received . . . now check out the “we’s” in these verses . . . “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly (5:6) . . . God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (5:8) . . . when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son (5:10).”

Christ gave His all for me when I had absolutely nothing to give him . . . weak, infirm, feeble, without strength . . . nothing to offer that would earn a place in His holy presence. And more than that, I was a rebel . . . a breaker of the law . . . not just the ten commandments given Moses, but the moral law written on my heart, impressed upon my conscience. A sinner . . . no other “beat around the bush” word for it . . . and it was while I was still a sinner that Christ died for me. And even more than that, I was an enemy of God . . . oh, I remember that time when in my arrogance I flashed hostility toward the One who made me . . . that time when I stood in opposition to God as I determined that my way was the right way. Oh the grace of God . . . the love of God . . . that He would give His Son to die for me when I was without strength . . . still a sinner . . . set an enmity against Him.

And how was this grace shown . . . how was this love manifested . . . how did this great reconciliation occur? Through Christ . . . “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (5:1) . . . through whom also we have access by faith into this grace (5:2) . . . we shall be saved from wrath through Him (5:9) . . . we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation (5:11).”

We have peace . . . we have access by faith . . . we are saved from wrath . . . we rejoice . . . we have received reconciliation . . . all through the Lord Jesus Christ. The very riches of heaven have been poured out upon this impoverished soul through the Person and Work of the Son of God. That great expanse of separation between God and I has been breached . . . reconciliation accomplished . . . an enemy now at peace . . . a sinner made holy . . . a weakling indwelt with the very power of God Himself. How can I not rejoice . . . through Christ? How can I not sing His praise?

Oh, to chew on these eleven verses is to savor afresh the wonder of salvation . . . to know anew the joy of my salvation . . . and declare again the glory of my Savior . . . amen.

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Ch-Ching!

Posted on March 1, 2010 by Pete

I’m not one to look at my bank statement to see where I “stand financially”. I’m not one who pays a lot of attention to what’s in savings . . . to be able to tell how much “I’m worth.” Not that any of that is wrong . . . it’s just that I don’t have much of a mind for that sort of thing. “Long term financial planning” and I never really became well-acquainted. But this morning I was directed to my “heavenly statement” . . . and spent some time taking stock of the debits and credits in my account in the “Bank of Eternal Life.”

According to Romans 4, Abraham was the founding client in the “B of EL”. Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness (4:3). Ch-ching! Paul says that faith was credited to Abraham for righteousness (4:9). Ch-ching! Paul says that Abraham “did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore, ‘it was accounted to him for righteousness’ ” (4:20-22). Ch-ching!

And Paul says Abraham isn’t the only one that gets this deal. “Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed (credited) to him, but also for us” (4:23-24a). He is the father of all who believe (4:11). The “righteousness of faith” (4:13) ready to be credited to a personal account in the “B of EL” for all “who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification” (4:24b-25). Pretty amazing, really. I look at my “deposit slips” and they are all signed by the Father . . . and transacted by the Son. And I look at the balance in my account and it fills me with a fresh sense of awe and gratitude. Righteous! . . . righteous by faith! God credits righteousness apart from works (4:6). If it was based upon my works, I’d have nothing to deposit to my “righteousness account” . . . apart from faith in Christ “all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags” (Isa. 64:6). Outside of God’s grace, I’m bankrupt. Oh, but by God’s grace . . . and through faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross . . . the very righteousness of Christ has been deposited into an account with my name on it . . . Ch-Ching!

But I also know that it’s not just about how much money’s in the bank . . . it’s also about how much you owe. Praise God! . . . He’s taken care of that too. “David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: ‘Blessed are those who lawless deeds are forgiven, and who sins are covered; Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.’ ” (4:6-8). Not only is my account credited with righteousness . . . but my debt has been erased . . . my transgressions forgiven . . . my iniquities covered . . . my record cleared of sin.

Am I blessed? Yeah! So blessed! Can’t really tell you how much I owe on our mortgage or what’s in my 401k (RSP for my Canadian friends). But I sure know what’s happening with my accounts in the “B of EL”. There, I’m debt free . . . the judgment owed for my sin has been paid in full . . . gone . . . as far as the east is from the west. And as for my “saved” account, my last “statement” said that it is maxed out with the righteousness of Christ . . . by the grace of God . . . for His glory!

Ch-Ching!

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This is My Story . . . This is My Psalm . . .

Posted on February 26, 2010 by Pete

It’s hard to skim Psalm 51. If one knows anything about the story of David and Bathsheba, then this psalm becomes alive as David pens these words to God fresh off of such hypocritical and murderous transgression. And even if its not read in the context of David’s story, the Spirit has way of reminding me that its my story. Not the sordid details necessarily . . . but the acknowledgment of sin against God . . . the realization that there is no offering I can give to clean away the stain of that sin . . . the desperation and absolute surrender to the grace of God as my only hope of knowing the joy of salvation. As I reflect upon it this morning, it resonates deep within. This is my story . . . this is my psalm . . .

David cries out to God. And brought to my attention are two insights about God. One, He desires truth in the inward being (v.6) . . . truth from the inside out. We can put a facade on before others . . . we can try and fake it before those around us . . . but God sees the heart . . . He knows the inner man. And it’s there that He looks for truth . . . it’s there that He tests faithfulness . . . it’s there that He evaluates reality. And it’s there that He sees any sin we may think we’re hiding. Kind of makes you feel exposed, doesn’t it?

The second thing about God I notice is that, while He desires truth in the innermost being, He does not desire sacrifice, nor does He delight in burnt offering (v.16). Religious adherence isn’t what God’s looking for. Going through the motions brings God no delight. That’s outward stuff . . . that’s the stuff masks are made of. No . . . again, as God is the God of the inner man, the sacrifices He’s looking for are the sacrifices of the inner man . . . a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart — these the Lord will not despise (v.17).

And it is in the context of what God desires . . . and what He doesn’t desire . . . that then, this Psalm really becomes about “me”. Check it out . . .

“Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin (v.2) . . . Purge me with hyssop, and I will be clean; Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness (v.7,8a) . . . Create in a me a clean heart (v.10) . . . Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me (v.11) . . . Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit or, with a willing spirit (v.12) . . . Deliver me from the guilt (v.14)”

Sometimes, when it comes to the desperate need born out of sin, it is about “me, me, me!” When fellowship has been broken because we’ve ceded the battle to the flesh . . . or have been tripped up by the enemy . . . I need to prevail upon the “multitude of God’s tender mercies” and call upon Him to blot out my transgressions (v.1). Mine is to acknowledge my sin . . . to confess . . . to repent. His is to apply the blood of His precious Son . . . to recall the sacrifice born on my behalf . . . to forgive freely from the fountains of grace . . . to restore relationship.

And one more thing about this being a “me psalm”. When God has purged me . . . and washed me . . . and created in me . . . and restored in me . . . and delivered me . . . then, “O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise . . . my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness” (vv. 14b-15). I’ll sing of His righteousness . . . that thrice holy righteousness . . . imparted to me through the saving work of His blessed Son. My lips will be opened with the songs of praise and thanksgiving. My mouth will echo the wonders of the amazing grace of God that saved a wretch like me . . . and the amazing grace of God that is faithful and just to continue to forgive my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness if I will but confess our sins (1John 1:9).

This is my story . . . this is my psalm . . . praising my Savior . . . all the day long! Amen?

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That He Would Be Glorified

Posted on February 25, 2010 by Pete

Okay . . . so when you encounter a command in a passage of Scripture, it’s probably a pretty good idea to seek to obey it. When you find that command repeated within a few verses . . . get your ears on . . . get your head in the game . . . and as much as lies within you, respond to what the Holy Spirit’s trying to tell you. Check this out in Psalm 50 . . .

“Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” (Ps. 50:14-15)

“Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; and to Him who orders His conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.” (Ps. 50:23)

Some things to note . . . “thanksgiving” in verse 14 and “praise” in verse 23 are the same word in the original . . . so, they are repeated. Both verses make it clear that we are “to offer” or “to sacrifice the offering of” praise or thanksgiving to God. Both passages speak of how we are to order or direct our lives . . . one speaks of “paying our vows” and “calling upon Him” in the day of trouble, the other talks of “ordering our conduct aright” or setting our feet on the right path. So, it seems to me this is a “double command” . . . the similarities are clear . . . and the differences build on one another . . . and I should listen up. Oh yeah, . . . one more thing . . . , at the center of both these commands is the opportunity to glorify God . . . oh, that He would be glorified in me!

It seems to me that what God wants is a heart ready to thank and praise Him. Sure, we can “offer Him” a disciplined devotion time . . . or offer Him our attendance at church every Sunday . . . or 10% out of our wallet . . . or any number of things, but, it seems to me, at the end of the day, if under-lying it all there isn’t a sacrifice of praise or an offering of thanksgiving . . . then those other “offerings” have very little meaning or impact. In this “double command” the Father says, “Offer me praise. Place on the altar thanksgiving. Even when circumstances aren’t so good, acknowledge that I am good. Even when others fail you, declare that I will never leave you nor forsake you. Even when you don’t know the way, praise Me because I have set in motion your path and have promised to direct you.” I don’t exactly know why God values our praise, but I know He is worthy of it . . . I know He deserves. That He delights to receive it from such as I, that is a somewhat amazing . . . and I delight in offering such a sacrifice. Offering praise glorifies God . . and I want to be a God glorifier.

Something else glorifies God . . . in addition to the sacrifice of praise from hearts and lips, God is glorified when I determine to “do life” in a manner consistent with the calling to live for Him and to depend on Him. I am to “pay my vows” . . . I am to “order my conduct aright” . . . and, I am to “call upon Him in the day of trouble.” What mom said was true . . . it is so much about making “wise choices.” Choosing to direct my energies in pursuit of the kingdom . . . choosing to do all things as unto the Lord . . . choosing to cry out to him when the going gets tough rather than trying to do it on my own. And the promise is that when I make those choices, He will show me the way and deliver me from the trial. It may not be my way . . . it may not be deliverance according to my desired outcome or timing . . . but, at the end of the day, I’ll know it was my God who delivered me in the day of trouble . . . that it was He who faithfully directed my path . . . and I will glorify Him.

Oh, that I might offer Him the sacrifice of praise more continually . . . that my heart might overflow with an offering of thanksgiving more consistently . . . that He would be glorified. Oh, that I might, out of this heart of praise, seek to order my steps after His . . . that I might respond to His call to be holy for He is holy . . . that I would have a holy determination to live for Him and yield to the Spirit’s sanctifying work in me . . . that I might live in dependence upon Him and know His deliverance . . . that He would be glorified.

Father, be glorified in me . . .

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Redeemed!

Posted on February 24, 2010 by Pete

So, I’m thinking that I’ve used the word “economy” more and talked of “the economy” more in the last year than I probably have in my entire life. I don’t really have much a brain for things of finance and for the workings off wealth. But this last year has really seen a lot of people “take it in the teeth” because of the economy. The “bubble burst” . . . the “bottom fell out” . . . the “pigeons came home to roost” . . . use whatever catchy phrase you want, but the things of money and wealth and our dependence on them has really had its foundation shaken. Maybe that’s why Psalm 49 caught my attention this morning.

The Psalmist addresses his thoughts to “all peoples” and exhorts them to “give ear; all inhabitants of the world, both low and high, rich and poor together. My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall give understanding” (49:1-3). And then he talks of the folly of “trusting in wealth” and “boasting in the multitude of riches” (49:6). He points out that men die and leave their wealth to others (49:10). He acknowledges that for those who become rich there is a “glory of his house” which increases . . . but when he dies, he carries nothing away . . . his glory will not descend after him into the grave. He concedes that while a rich man lives he might bless himself and receive the praise of men for doing well for himself, but eventually the light is shut off . . . the self-blessing ceases . . . the praise is heard no more (49:16-19). Overall a pretty somber song . . . not much to get you clicking your heels or tapping your toes here.

Another thing the psalmist writes about wealth . . . no matter how rich a person is, “Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, that he should live on forever and never see the pit” (49:7-9 ESV). Check it out . . . the redemption of a soul is costly (NKJV) . . . no millionaire, no billionaire, not even the seemingly endlessly deep pockets of governments can write a check that would redeem a single soul. Money can’t buy you love . . . and it sure can’t buy you eternal life or unending joy. Ok . . . so pretty depressing overall . . . but how’s this for a bit of a “pick me up” . . .

First, consider the value of your life . . . way lots! Conceived by God . . . formed in His image . . . shaped according to His design . . . worth more than any man could pay. Oh, we’ve managed to devalue it significantly on this earth . . . but if we entertain a heavenly perspective, there are a lot of pretty valuable human beings walking this planet. And second, check out the psalmist’s confidence in verse 15, “But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He shall receive me.”

Ok kids . . . brush off those “never fail Sunday School answers” . . . Who desires to redeem and receive His creation to Himself? God. Who’s got the kind of wealth to ransom a man’s soul? God. How did He pay that price for my soul? Jesus! Yes!!!!

I’m reading in Romans 1 this morning as well . . . there I’m referred to as “beloved of God, called to be saints” . . . and there I’m reminded that the gospel (aka “the good news”) of Christ “is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” . . . that “in it the righteousness of God is revealed”. That righteousness can be imparted because God paid the incalculable price for my soul through His Son’s death on the cross. I am redeemed by the blood of the Lamb! I couldn’t afford it . . . I couldn’t come up with the righteousness on my own to merit it . . . mine was to receive it by faith . . . for “the just SHALL LIVE by faith” (Rom. 1:16-17).

If my hope is in this world’s economy . . . if my happiness it tied to my “here and now” wealth . . . then, at best, it’s temporary. Instead, my glory is the God who made me and valued me such that He would ransom me with heaven’s Best. My joy is that God, in His grace induced patience, sought me and drew me to Himself, and opened my eyes to see my bankruptcy and receive His all sufficient payment on my behalf. My “pick me up” this morning is that I too, with confidence, can sing with the psalmist, “God has redeemed my soul from the power of the grave, and He shall receive me!” Thank you Father . . .

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Mentioned By Name

Posted on February 23, 2010 by Pete

In perhaps one of the most famous lines of one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Juliet asks, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” It was their names that got in the way . . . she a Capulet, Romeo a Montague . . . two warring families . . . and thus their love for one another was hindered by a name. Maybe the name isn’t so important . . . it is about the person . . . call it a rose . . . call it a frying pan . . . its still as fragrant. But oh, when that name is spoken of God . . . how amazing is that?

What’s got me thinking about being called by name is the opening verse of Numbers. The Lord speaks to Moses and commands him to take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel. They were to be counted by family and according to the number of males who were twenty years and older — counting all the men who were able to go to war. And the count is taken . . . all the tribes except the tribe of the priesthood, Levi . . . and the number of men, 20 years and older, is 603,500. So . . . do some math . . . 600,000 plus men over 20 . . . add a factor for women and children . . . add the Levites . . . and that number goes way up . . . apparently 2.4 million is not an uncommon figure for commentators to arrive at.

Seventy-five people of the family of Jacob came down to Egypt some 400+ years earlier . . . now they were a nation of 2.4 million. The “family” had grown . . . they were now a nation. And what captured my imagination this morning is that fact that God looked down into this sea of humanity . . . He asked Moses to take a headcount . . . told Moses he would need some help . . . and then God gives Moses the names of a man from each tribe who was to assist him in the census . . . and then, it says, “Moses and Aaron took these men who had been mentioned by name.”

God mentioned them by name . . . God tells Moses, by name, who he is to enlist . . . God identifies them individually with the “handle” they had been given by their parents. You can read the list of names in verse 5 through 15 . . . God knows who He wants . . . and what they answer to. God knew Moses’ name that first time Moses was on holy ground in front of the burning bush. Much later, in Acts 9, Jesus knows the name of the one he wants to take the gospel to the Gentiles and calls out, “Saul, Saul why are you persecuting me?” Sure, these men in Numbers were the leaders of their tribes, but I don’t think that’s why God knew their names. No, God already knew they names and raised them up to be leaders. That He knew their names . . . and called them by name . . . amazes me . . . because I think it has application to me.

It is so easy to feel lost in the crowd . . . so easy to think we’re nobodies who really haven’t accomplished much of anything . . . that we are “no names” in a world that doesn’t have much time for “no names.” But to think of our name being on the lips of God . . . what does that do? To be reminded that the Son of God, as the Great Shepherd, has gathered to Himself a flock and that “the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (John 10:3) . . . to consider afresh Jesus’ words, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep” (John 10:14). Known by name by the God of Creation . . . called by name to respond to His amazing grace . . . recorded by name in the Lamb’s Book of Life . . . an inheritance reserved by name in heaven for us . . . the Son of God at that right hand of the Father every making intercession for us . . . by name.

As I consider this, how can I feel anonymous? How can I feel like one of the invisible when I know that I am mentioned by name by the Ruler of Heaven and Earth? As the songwriter has said, “I have a Maker; He formed my heart; Before even time began; My life was in his hands. I have a Father; He calls me His own; He’ll never leave me; No matter where I go. He knows my name; He knows my every thought; He sees each tear that falls; And He hears me when I call.” (take a bit of worship time and click here to check it on YouTube).

He calls my by name . . . and by His grace and through the blood of Jesus I know Him by name too and I have been given wonderful access to the throne of grace whereby I can call upon that Name, as well. How cool is it to be mentioned by name? . . . way cool!

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What a Gem!

Posted on February 22, 2010 by Pete

Someone shared it with me years and years ago . . . and the thought has stayed with me every since. The thought of possessing a jewelry box which contains gems of Scripture . . . those verses, those promises, those insights which, through the Spirit, we’ve uncovered over a lifetime of feeding on the Word of God. I’ve got to think that most, if not all, believers have such a “treasure chest” . . . and from time to time, while discovering new truths is exciting, there is something about taking out the already mined gems of Scripture and again beholding their beauty . . . considering their meaning . . . glorying in their truth. Such is the experience for me this morning as I read Psalm 46 . . . and again behold the beauty of verse 10.

I think Psalm 46:10 has to be one of the first, if not the first, gem that I placed in my “container of collectibles.” I discovered it, or perhaps it discovered me, within 6 months of being saved . . . and within just a few weeks of starting to fellowship with God’s people (it took me awhile after receiving Jesus as Savior to recognize I also needed to receive His people as fellow saints). I didn’t find this gem in the Bible . . . instead, I found it on the front wall of the small chapel I started attending. Week after week, I’d gather with that small company of believers, and from the pew look up at the wall and be reminded, “Be still and know that I am God.” Through that fellowship, God was laying the foundations of my Christian life . . . one of those foundations was Psalm 46:10.

The context for this “command” from God’s word is the promise and assurance that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (v.1). The Psalmist declares that should the earth give away . . . should the mountains slip into the midst of the ocean . . . should waters roar and mountains shake all around us . . . yet there is a river which flows and makes glad those who dwell in the city of God (vv. 2-4). The Psalmist diverts our attention from the storms and focuses us on the holy habitation of God . . . and though the nations rage against her, “God is in her midst, she shall not be moved” (v.5). And so the Psalmist reminds us again, “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God Jacob is our refuge” (v.7). With us . . . our refuge . . . get that? He is the Sovereign over all heavens angels . . . He is the God who calls people to Himself with a promise . . . and He promises to be near us and to be a safe place for us. “Come behold the works of the Lord,” says the Psalmist, “Be still, and know that I am God.” (v.8a, 10a).

Oh, to quiet ourselves from time to time, sit back and be still . . . literally, “to idle ourselves” . . . and to reacquaint ourselves with God. To consider afresh His might and majesty . . . to behold the grandeur of His creation . . . to reflect upon the wonder of His salvation. If God is for us, who can be against us.

To be still and know the Second Person of the Godhead . . . to quietly reflect on the beauty of the Son . . . to marvel at the love of the Savior . . . to turn our eyes upon Jesus . . . and “the things of this earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”

“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” – Psalm 46:10

Oh, what a gem . . . what a beautiful treasure . . . what a foundational call . . . we are not to try and fit Him into the context of life, instead, we are to fit life into the context of the Lord of hosts who is with us . . the God of Jacob who is our refuge.

Be still my soul . . . be exalted my God! What a gem!

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Jubilee!

Posted on February 19, 2010 by Pete

This morning, as I read in Leviticus 25, I’m captured by the thought of Jubilee. Literally the word means “shout” . . . could be a shout of alarm . . . could be the shout a battle cry . . . or, as in the case here, it could be the shout of joy. For the Israelites, every 50th year was to be a Year of Jubilee. It was to be a Year of “shouting for joy”. How come? Because it was the year where they were to “proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants” (25:10). It was the year where anyone who had sold their land, their inheritance, as a way to make ends meet, would have that inheritance returned to them. It was the year when everyone who had sold themselves into slavery in order to feed his family and put a roof over their heads, would be released. Inheritance returned . . . slaves released. In every sense, it was a year to proclaim liberty.

Now there were provisions to redeem one’s land if he could afford it. There was a way for a slave to repay his master to secure his freedom if he had the money. But for those who could not come up with the payment . . . for those who could not repay the debt . . . for those who could not redeem themselves . . . there was Jubilee. There was a sovereign declaration of God that land was to be returned and slaves were to be released. And I can’t help but put myself into that celebration this morning.

I am living in Jubilee. Born with the nature of Adam, I was sold into the slavery of sin. Because of self-will, pride, and a determination to do things my way, I had no access to the inheritance. And there was no price I could pay that would purchase that inheritance nor redeem me from my slavery. No amount of money . . . no amount of self determined righteousness . . . no amount of good works. And then came Jubilee.

Through His death on the cross, Jesus offered the price of redemption. By His blood, the debt I owed was declared “Paid in Full!” On that first day of the week after His crucifixion . . . the stone was rolled away . . . the tomb was empty . . . and all heaven shouted for joy . . . proclaiming Jubilee . . . God having declared, “My Son is the basis for your return . . . He is the way to your release . . . Jesus is the Jubilee!”

This morning I am free. Free from the penalty of sin . . . free from the power of sin . . . and in a day soon to come, I will be free from the presence of sin as I go to receive the promised inheritance “incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1Peter 1:4). No wonder the trumpets sound at Jubilee . . . no wonder there is a shout of joy in the camp. God having determined to do all He could to make a way back for us. God having paid the price . . . God having proclaimed the good news . . . God having provided the way. And mine is to acknowledge the debt of my sin . . . mine is to believe that His Beloved Son fully paid the price of redemption on the cross . . . mine is to receive Jesus as Savior and Lord . . . and then . . . mine is to shout, “Jubilee!”

I don’t merit Jubilee . . . I haven’t earned Jubilee . . . but oh, I rejoice in the grace of Jubilee. And that grace, that unmerited favor, is available to all who believe. Jesus said, “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, for He has anointed Me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come” (Luke 4:18,19 NLT). Today is another day of Jubilee . . . Jesus is the Jubilee . . . do you hear the trumpet? . . . do you hear the shout of joy?

Released and returned . . . free in Christ . . . oh, how sweet! To Him be all the glory, amen!

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That’s Not Fair! . . . Praise God!

Posted on February 18, 2010 by Pete

It’s not hard to see why Jesus’ story at the beginning of Matthew 20 (vv. 1-16) might have stirred up some conversation. It really kind of defied conventional wisdom . . . and isn’t that exactly what the things of the “kingdom of heaven” so often do? It’s one of those story that is so easy to “enter into” . . . to find yourself a part of . . . to relate to the drama and the reaction’s of the situation presented. And just like the men in the story, we can find ourselves saying, “Hey, that’s not fair.” But when we think about it a bit more, we also find ourselves exclaiming, “Praise God!”

Jesus likens the kingdom of heaven to a landowner who goes out early in the morning and hires a bunch of workers for his vineyard. They agree to the wages, a denarius — a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s labor. A few hours later he comes across some more men needing work and tells them to also go work in his vineyard and assures them that he would pay them “whatever is right.” Another three hours pass and again the landowner is offering work in his vineyard to some men under the terms “I’ll pay you whatever is right.” And again, much later in the day, about an hour before the end of the work day, the landowner offers work to other men you have been unable find any work all day long. And then, when the work day is done, he calls all the laborers together and starts dishing our their pay.

He starts with those who had worked just one hour . . . and he gives them a denarius. Get that? He gives them the amount promised to those who had been working the full day. These latecomers received a full days wages for 1/12 a day’s labor. What a generous landowner! And you can just imagine what’s going through the head of those who had been hired at the beginning of the day, “If they get 1 denarius for 1 hours work, then how much more are we going to get for 12 hours labor?” Logical? Yes. Fair? Would seem so. Happened? Uh, uh! Instead, the landowner gives those who worked the full day the amount he contracted with them for, 1 denarius . . . they received the same wage as those hired later in the day. And isn’t their reaction not only predictable but also understandable? . . . “That’s not fair!”

But the issue really is not about fairness . . . the landowner paid the agreed upon wage to the all day workers. The issue is the grace of the landowner in what paying the same wage to those who had worked fewer hours . . . to those who “deserved less”. The landowner was “fair” to those he contracted with and was generous to those worked for him on the basis of “whatever is right.” And I guess, in a sense, to those later-in-the-day workers, the landowner wasn’t fair . . . oh, but wasn’t he so good!

And as I reflect upon the story, I praise God that He’s “not fair.” The wages of sin is death . . . and I didn’t get what I deserved or had earned . . . instead He offered me the gift of God, eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 6:23). If my “inheritance in heaven” were accumulated based on what I deserved, I’d be bankrupt. Instead “in [God’s] great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade — kept in heaven for you” (1Peter 1:3-4). The issue isn’t about what’s fair . . . about getting what I deserve . . . no, it’s all about the riches and grace of the Father. The same heaven awaits the person who believed as child and faithfully served God his whole life as it does the crusty old sinner who gets saved on his deathbed. Unfair? No way! Neither deserves heaven . . . neither has earned heaven . . . both inherit eternal riches because of the grace of God.

If anything wasn’t fair, it was the sacrifice of God’s Son as payment for the debt I owed due to my sin. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2Cor. 5:21). Now that’s not fair! Oh, how I need to beware of ever thinking that I somehow deserve God’s favor . . . that I somehow can earn the right to be blessed of Him . . . that somehow God owes me something. He owes me nothing . . . I owe Him everything.

God is good . . . He is gracious . . . His mercies are new every morning . . . His faithfulness reaches to the sky. And I am a recipient of such grace . . . forgiven wages I should have paid . . . given treasures I could not earn . . . that’s not fair . . . yeah! . . . Praise God!

Posted in Matthew | Leave a comment

Almost Persuaded

Posted on February 17, 2010 by Pete

I’m reading Paul’s defense before King Agrippa this morning in Acts 26. After Paul has talked of his own conversion (26:12-18), and of the witness of Moses and the prophets concerning the suffering, resurrection, and ministry of Messiah, he then asks King Agrippa a piercing question, “Do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe” (26:27). Agrippa was a Jew . . . he had the background . . . he was familiar with Moses and the prophets. And Paul had just provided the king the “missing piece” — that Jesus was Messiah. And I think Paul, perhaps because of Agrippa’s “body language” or maybe just because the Holy Spirit was impressing it upon him, senses that his words are ringing true to the king . . . that the Spirit is working conviction in his heart . . . and so, Paul provides his royal listener an opportunity to respond.

Now depending on which translation you read, the response is kind of different. In the NIV, NASB, and ESV the translators understand Agrippa’s answer as being more of a question . . . perhaps a way to deflect being put on the spot . . . or, perhaps, a way to avoid the conviction of spirit he might have been feeling. In those translations, Agrippa responds, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” (26:28 NIV). But in the New King James translation, Agrippa’s response is more of a statement than a question . . . more verbalizing an internal struggle rather than jokingly avoiding the subject. In my Bible, Agrippa replies, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian” (26:8 NKJV).

I guess in the overall scheme of things the difference between the two translations isn’t that big a deal . . . but I’m inclined to go with NKJV. I think Agrippa had been listening . . . had been considering . . . had been going over his childhood teaching from Moses and the Prophets . . . and that Paul’s words were making sense . . . that the dots were connecting . . . that the light was being shed upon the king’s heart. I think Paul sensed it and that’s why he asked the question . . . and I think Paul’s response in verse 29 is consistent with Agrippa struggling on the edge of decision.

And so, as I consider Agrippa’s response, I can’t help but think of the tragedy of being “almost persuaded.” To be at the point where it’s all coming together . . . where, not only your mind, but your inner being as well, are recognizing truth. To be on the edge of decision . . . knowing that the truth you’ve been confronted with demands a decision . . . a free act of the will . . . a getting off the fence . . . a stepping out in faith. To be at the point and say, “Nope . . . not today . . . almost persuaded . . . but not quite.” How sad is that?

And not just sad when it comes to the decision regarding faith in Christ, though that is the most tragic of any “almost persuaded” . . . but sad also when, for those of us who have owned Christ as Savior, we fail to believe His word and appropriate the blessing and power He’s promised us. We read something in the Bible . . . or we hear something from the pulpit . . . and our mind and spirit come together in unified assent that what we’ve heard is to be responded to and acted upon . . . and we’re one step of faith from obedience . . . one act of the will from deciding to live like a believer . . . and instead, we step back from the edge and say, “Almost persuaded . . . but not quite . . . perhaps some other time.” Ouch! Been there . . . done that.

At least in my case, the times of being “almost persuaded” had very little to do with not being sure of what I should do, but more of a fear of doing it. Not so much a case of wondering if God wanted me to obey in a area, but more of wondering what others might think should I step out in obedience. Not so much an issue of the will, but more of “the won’t”. Not so much a matter of the mind, but more a function of faith.

But, I guess what’s of some consolation is that, by His grace, I am still pursuing His mind and His will through His word. And that, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, I’ll be less “almost persuaded” and more “fully committed.” That’s my desire, Lord . . . for Your glory . . . amen.

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