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!

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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.

Posted in Acts | Leave a comment

Unlimited Forgiveness

Posted on February 16, 2010 by Pete

A clarifying question . . . that’s the term we often use at work for a question that’s asked in order to make sure we’re understanding the point someone is trying to make. Peter asked a clarifying question in my reading this morning in Matthew 18. Jesus had been teaching on the importance of and the process for brothers to be reconciled (Matt. 18:15-20). That reconciliation between brothers was important, was evident from Jesus instruction. So Peter, being a “bottom-line” type of guy tries to get to the point, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” (18:21)

Now I’m guessing that Peter thought that was a pretty generous number, “Seven times . . . I know it would be tough, Lord . . . but I can do all things through You who strengthens me . . . even to the point of forgiving someone who transgresses against me up to seven times.” And if you think about it, that would be pretty big of someone. But Jesus’ answer blows the lid off of Peter’s idea of what would be “above and beyond” behavior. Jesus comes back with “seventy times seven.” Not that He was setting a higher limit, but that He was conveying no limit at all. Who could track forgiving someone 490 times. Wouldn’t be done. The charge was clear . . . forgive.

And then, to make the point, Jesus tells a parable. He tells the story of a king who has determined to settle accounts with those who owe him money. One of them is a servant who somehow owes the master 10,000 talents. Ok . . . so that’s a huge amount . . . putting it in our terms, its like several millions of dollars . . . more than a lifetime of wages for most people, never mind for a servant. How he got into such debt is beyond understanding . . . and it’s also not the point. When commanded to pay up, the servant begs for time promising to pay it all back if the master would but have patience. Empty promise . . . no way he could pay it back. He knew it . . . the master knew it. But the master is moved with compassion . . . and forgives the debt . . . all of it . . . unconditionally.

The servant however, though given this new lease on life . . . though forgiven this huge debt . . . finds a fellow servant who owes him a hundred denarii, a hundred days of wages, and demands payment. Ok, so over 3 months wages is nothing to sneeze at . . . it’s a pretty significant debt . . . but the point is pretty clear . . . compared to what had been owed to and forgiven by the master, this was insignificant. It’s almost incredible to imagine this servant demanding that his buddy be thrown into debtors prison until he could pay in full. But that’s Jesus’ point, isn’t it? Forgive seven times? Forgive seventy times seven times? No, forgive in the measure to which you have been forgiven.

How great was my debt? Far too great for me to pay. The debt owed for my sin was beyond my ability to pay. Apart from the grace of the Master who freely forgave my debt in full, I would be without hope. How then can I not forgive?

Unlimited forgiveness . . . that’s what I have received. The Cross should be an ever present reminder of the price paid by the Father, through the Son, for my sin. Jesus bore my sin, and it, along with the Lamb of God, was nailed to the cross . . . the debt was canceled . . . new life imparted through faith in Him.

Unlimited forgiveness . . . that’s what I’m called to extend to others. Oh, I know it is much easier said than done . . . but it really is the appropriate response as we consider the grace we’ve known. Paul told the Ephesians to “forgive one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph. 4:32). It’s not about keeping track of wrongs, apologies, and the number of times we forgive. It’s really not about keeping track at all. It’s about forgiving others as God has forgiven us through His Son. Trying counting that . . . try measuring the number of sevens in the Father’s forgiveness . . . unlimited!

Praise God!

Posted in Matthew | Leave a comment

A Sudden Turn of Events

Posted on February 15, 2010 by Pete

Talk about your sudden turn of events . . . about going from your high to your low . . . about going from glory to grief. Sudden, swift, and absolutely life-changing . . . that’s the feeling you get as you finish reading Leviticus 9 and then head into chapter 10. Here it is:

Then Aaron lifted his hand toward the people, blessed them, and came down from offering the sin offering, the burnt offering, and peace offerings. And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of meeting, and came out and blessed the people. Then the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people, and fire came out from before the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces. Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the LORD and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. And Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD spoke, saying: ‘By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people I must be glorified.’” So Aaron held his peace. (Leviticus 9:22-10:3)

Man! What a sour, sobering end to what had been an amazing “opening ceremonies.” The tabernacle had just been opened for business . . . the business of atonement. The priests had just been consecrated . . . the offerings for their atonement completed, they were now ready to make atonement for the people. Aaron, the high priest, raises his hand in exaltation as he finishes up the offerings. Moses joins him and together they bless the people. The glory of the Lord then appears . . . fire comes directly out of the cloud (assuming a cloud was how God manifested His glory) and consumes the offerings on the altar. The people cry out with joy . . . or fear . . . or both . . . and then go facedown before Jehovah. And then it happens.

What exactly they were thinking, we don’t know. But the sons of Aaron . . . those called to minister with their dad as priests . . . Nadab and Abihu . . . they decide to improvise. They are inside the tent . . . at the altar of incense . . . just before the curtain which closes off the Holy of Holies. They take their censers . . . and they approach God with what they thought was a pretty cool offering . . . but one which the Lord had not commanded them. And then . . . BAM!!! Fire comes out of the cloud . . . the glory of God “devours” them . . . they are consumed by fire . . . they lay their dead. What they had thought would be their shining moment, had become the end of their service to God . . . and end to their lives.

And you can’t help but think, “Seems a bit extreme, don’t you think?” Apparently not.

God has made atonement . . . through the blood of Christ He has taken down the veil and given us, as believers, bold access into the most Holy place. We enter by the grace of God . . . we enter clothed in the righteousness of Christ . . . but we are to enter reverently. Those who would come near to God must regard Him as holy . . . not as common place. Those who would come near must come to glorify Him . . . not themselves.

And it’s not about ritual . . . but about a right heart. Setting Him apart as holy . . . desiring to bring Him the glory due His name . . . that’s the offering He desires . . . that’s the heart attitude He deserves . . . that’s the privilege we possess. Father, keep us from offering “profane fire” . . . by Your grace, and through the Spirit within us, lead us to offer only that which pleases You. Amen.

Posted in Leviticus | Leave a comment