A One-Way Trip (2010 Rerun)

Posted on September 22, 2023 by Pete

Chewing on a command to obey as I wrap up Hebrews. Went back deep in my journal archives and noodled on some thoughts from 2010. I smile at the things that came to mind then about “the camps I’ve had to leave” as I consider the other “camps” life has had me exit since then. But what hasn’t changed is that it’s still about “going forth to Him.” Whatever context “outside the camp” may take, it’s there we find Jesus. Rerunning those thoughts this morning.

For the better part of 13 chapters he has contended for their faith. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews addresses those who thought that they had seen in Jesus the prophesied Messiah and had put their hope and trust in Him . . . most likely they had publicly declared their faith through baptism . . . identifying themselves with this new movement that preached a salvation apart from works. The Mosaic law, the temple, the Levitical practices, while all still very important and meaningful had become “the old way of life” . . . no longer viewed as the means of acceptance with God, but now seen as but a shadow of that which was accomplished by Jesus through His death and resurrection. But with this new Way came new troubles. Rejected by family, friends, and the Hebrew community at large, they wavered . . . was Jesus really Messiah? . . . is this truly the way? . . . is it worth the trial and struggle? And so, he contends for their faith.

And as he concludes his letter with a number of final exhortations, one in particular has me thinking . . .

Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach.”

(Hebrews 13:13 NKJV)

Just as the carcasses of the animal offerings of old, whose blood was shed for temporary atonement, were taken and burned outside the tent city of Moses’ time, so Jesus was taken outside the walls of Jerusalem to suffer and die. He, being the better sacrifice of a better covenant, was taken outside the gates of Jerusalem and there, that He might sanctify the people, He shed His own blood . . . securing once for all atonement . . . opening forever a way into the presence of God and into relationship with God. This way being made available to all who believe . . . apart from works . . . by grace alone. Free . . . but, as these believers were experiencing, not without cost. And thus, says the writer, we need to be prepared to go to outside the camp and bear His reproach.

I guess there are a few camps that I have had to leave in order to pursue this new life in Christ. The camp of the “faith of my fathers” or, in my case, the lack thereof . . . not popular initially, still not understood now, by many of my blood relatives. There was also the camp of the dance band and the world that it had brought me into — a world I was led to leave. And the camp of “normal college activities” which I felt I needed to sit out and take an outsider’s posture toward thus not quite fitting in. And as I think on it, I can probably come up with other camps that I have had to leave or decide to forego participating in because of a Spirit fueled desire to try and follow Jesus . . . to try and walk the talk . . . to be consistent . . . to be obedient. The reproach hasn’t been severe . . . the price doesn’t even compare to what others, in different parts of the world, are suffering for the sake of following Christ. But regardless of the degree of reproach, there was a trip to be taken . . . a one-way trip . . . a trip that I think all believers have to, at some point or another, decide to make . . . a trip to “outside the camp.”

But it’s not going outside just for the sake of being different . . . not just leaving something . . . not just “not doing” something . . . but we “go forth to Him.” We step out in pursuit of something better . . . Jesus. We go outside because being with Him and living for Him is so superior to staying inside. We exit the gates of that place because “here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come” (Heb. 13:14). It’s not about looking back at what we’ve left, but looking forward to what lies ahead . . . considering “that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18).

Oh, that God, through the Spirit living inside believers, would enable us to go outside the camp . . . whatever that might be . . . to leave the constraints of the old man and the old ways . . . to not be trapped by what others might think or not think of us . . . but, to go outside the camp in pursuit of the Giver of Life . . . to fix our eyes on that city to come . . . to set our feet upon pilgrimage to the place where He is the glory and the Light and the All-in-All. That He would lead us on this one-way trip . . . by His grace . . . for our good . . . and for His glory . . . amen.

Posted in Hebrews | Tagged , | Leave a comment

A Healthy Heart

Posted on September 21, 2023 by Pete

This morning I’m chewing on a bit of advice tucked away in Hebrews. An assessment of faith, which I know to be true, but that I need to be reminded of again and again. Something that is good. Something which contributes to a healthy heart.

. . . for it is good for the heart to be established by grace and not by food regulations . . .

(Hebrews 13:9b CSB)

This valuation of what’s good for the heart is tucked inside an exhortation to not be “led astray by various kinds of strange teachings” (Heb. 13:9a). Strange teachings about how to merit God’s acceptance and that through what you put in your belly. Strange, but familiar. Traditions based on the law of Moses to which some who have tasted of Christ are looking again because the trials that come through following Christ are feeling like they’re too much to handle. But, says the writer, going back isn’t what’s going to make it better. In fact, what’s good for the heart doesn’t depend on what you purpose to eat, it’s fueled by that upon which you determine to stand. It is good for the heart to be established by grace.

Established by grace. Standing firm because of unmerited favor. Strengthened in the inner man because of what’s abundantly gifted from outside a man. Independent of religion, wholly dependent on the dynamics of redemption — for by grace you are saved (Eph. 2:8).

If we’re being real — as I was once told as a young believer — while salvation is free it really will cost you everything. While it breaks the bondage of sin, it also enlists you as a bondservant of Christ. A lot of to do’s and a lot of to be’s come with receiving the gift. You are not your own, for you were bought with a price (1Cor. 6:19b-20a). But it is not in our doing or our being that we are firmly established, they are but the outcomes of a healthy heart. And it is good for the heart to be established by grace.

Grace. God’s grace. The grace found at the foot of the cross, at the entrance to an empty tomb, at the seat of the One who sits at God’s right hand ever interceding for us. That’s where the power lies to power our lives. That’s where standing firm is sourced, and re-sourced again and again, when we fail. That’s where hope is made sure, even when doubts assail. Grace, grace, God’s grace; Grace that is greater than all my sin.

It’s good for the heart. It’s good for the soul. Because we can’t out sin grace (Rom. 5:20). And we certainly can’t out work grace (Rom. 11:6). We can only stand on grace, hold fast by grace, and be established by grace.

Grace is good for the heart. A windfall for the weary. Strength for the shaken. Benefiting those who are beat up.

Established by grace.

Keeping on for His glory.

Posted in Hebrews | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Make Sure

Posted on September 20, 2023 by Pete

I’m reminded again this morning how wired I am (not the “good” wiring, me thinks) to read Scripture as if it’s meant for me the individual rather than me the member of a community. I can “amen! — I’ll do that” pretty quickly one moment and then “what!?! — you want me to do that?” just as quickly the next. Case in point, some verses in my Hebrews 12 reading this morning.

Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness ​— ​without it no one will see the Lord. Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many. And make sure that there isn’t any immoral or irreverent person like Esau, who sold his birthright in exchange for a single meal.

(Hebrews 12:14-16 CSB)

Pursue peace. Pursue holiness. Check!. Got it. Will do. By Your grace, for Your glory. Thanx for speaking to me this morning, Lord.

What? There’s more? With everyone? It’s a team sport? Um, okay. I’ll get together with everyone for 90 minutes once a week, 2 or 3 weeks a month, and we’ll get ‘er done. That should do it. Easy-peasy!

What again? There’s even more? Pursuing peace and holding on to holiness means that I’ll make sure no one else misses out on the grace of God and that I’ll make sure no root of bitterness springs up in our midst. And that I’ll make sure that immorality and irreverence for God isn’t found in our spiritual family? Okay, now that seems a bit extreme.

I am so quick to underline the commands about pursuing. But I had to do a double-take and go back and mark the commands to make sure. Did I mention that I tend to be wired to filter God’s word through a me mindset rather than a we mindset?

If church is easy, then I’m thinking we really aren’t doing church as Scripture envisions. We’ve been so cooked by the boiling water of the worldly way of expressive individualism which has subtly raised the temperature of the “watch out for number 1” waters around us, that we totally miss that most of what is written in our New Testament is not written to individuals but to a community of believers. Yes, I’m exhorted to take personal responsibility for obedience. But I’m also expected to do it in the context of community where I take on some responsibility for the obedience of others. Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God.

If doing church doesn’t get messy at times, then we’re just mingling and not really fellowshiping with other sinners saved by grace who are but works in progress like us? And I’m wondering if that’s because we’ve answered an ancient question with an errant response. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gen. 4:9). Based on this morning’s reading, “Evidently, yes.” Make sure that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many.

When’s the last time I was involved in drawing alongside a brother or a sister who was “overtaken in any wrongdoing” (Gal. 6:1)? When’s the last time I called someone on being overtaken? When’s the last time I knew someone well enough to do so? When’s the last time I loved someone enough to do so? We are called the household of God, a family (Eph. 2:19, 1Tim. 3:15, 1Pet. 4:17). Think back on doing life when you were in the same house with your family — and not just the good, but the bad and ugly too. Isn’t that kind of what church is gonna look like from time to time? We’re brothers and sisters in Christ — so, tell me what it was like growing up with your brothers and sisters from your mom and dad? If we are living in real Christian community, it’s gonna get real every so often. Make sure that there isn’t any immoral or irreverent person.

Make sure. It’s a command to obey. It’s the love of Christ in action. It’s how we are to do sanctification — together!

Because it really isn’t just about me . . . it’s about we.

By His grace. For His glory.

Posted in Hebrews | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Limping, But Not Dislocated

Posted on September 19, 2023 by Pete

“No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful.” Ya’ think?

Thinking this morning that I need to make the first half of Hebrews 12 mandatory reading when the going gets tough. It’s an exhortation to “run with endurance.” And such running requires dealing with “the sin that so easily ensnares” and fixing our eyes on Jesus so that we “won’t grow weary and give up” (Heb. 12:1-3). But doing that, the writer makes clear, while helping us to endure the going that has gotten tough, does not extricate us from tough going. Instead, we are to “endure suffering.”

But wait, there’s more!

Our suffering is not to be an excuse for a pity party, though it may be cause for pity. Our suffering is not something we are to rail against demanding justice, though we may be enduring grave injustice. Rather we are to “endure suffering as discipline”, God’s discipline, the discipline that proves we are beloved sons and daughters of our Father on high. Does that help? It’s supposed to.

Rather than resist, we are to receive (Heb. 12:9). Rather than bemoan how bad things are, we believe it is for our benefit (Heb. 12:10). Easy? Nope. That’s why the exhortation to endure. That’s why the need to fix our eyes on Jesus.

But fruitful? Yup — if we endure suffering as discipline.

No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Therefore, strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed instead.

(Hebrews 12:11-13 CSB)

It’s that last phrase I’m chewing on . . . so that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed.

Maybe the reason we (me) don’t like suffering is because it reminds us of how weak we are, how lame. Literally, how “deprived of foot” we are. That, at our best, we are just limping along. Limping, that’s us (me). New creations crippled by the old nature. Pressing on in pilgrimage but haltingly because of weakness.

Sufferings, so contends Hebrews, are gonna help with that. If we engage our sufferings, believing they are being used by a loving Father who is for us and not against us (Rom. 8:31) to train us, then the limping gets better. If we don’t submit to the training, the limping gets worse — eventually becoming “twisted out” or “wrenched out of joint” (literal translation).

The Scriptures aren’t in denial, they don’t mince words. Suffering is hard. Suffering requires endurance. Suffering pleads with us to run the race. But suffering knows it’s gonna show that we run with a limp.

Great! Not only suffering but limping too. Can it get worse? Apparently — think dislocation.

But can it get better? Yes it can. There can be healing. There can be the “peaceful fruit of righteousness” produced through the permitted seasons of pain. That’s the promise here.

How? Not in our own strength. Only by . . .

. . . keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before Him, He endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

(Hebrews 12:2 CSB)

Our eyes fixed on the Son who was “disciplined” by the Father for our sin as He endured the suffering of the cross. The Source of our salvation made perfect through suffering (Heb. 2:10), now ascended, seated at the right hand of God, ever living to make intercession for us (Rom. 8:34, Heb. 7:25). The One able to sympathize with our limping (Heb. 4:15), the One who has promised our healing. If we will endure suffering as discipline.

Limping, but not dislocated.

By His grace. For His glory.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Consequences of Faith

Posted on September 18, 2023 by Pete

Last Friday’s meal on Hebrews 11, which focused on some of the works which accompany faith, seems somewhat bland in comparison to what I’m chewing on this morning as I conclude Hebrews 11. It’s one thing to be encouraged towards works which accompany faith, but am I ready for the consequences which may accompany the works which accompany faith?

And what more can I say? Time is too short for me to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the raging of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, gained strength in weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead, raised to life again. Other people were tortured, not accepting release, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Others experienced mockings and scourgings, as well as bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they died by the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, destitute, afflicted, and mistreated. The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and on mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.

All these were approved through their faith . . .

(Hebrews 11:32-39a CSB)

Even the “wins” in this list are pretty harrowing. Shutting the mouths of lions is pretty cool . . . but first you need to be willing to look down their throats. Quenching the raging fire would be a rush, but first you need to be willing to walk in the flames. Who wants to get so near a sword that you’re looking down its edge, even if you do escape it? And those are the “victories.” What about the “losses”; the mockings and scourgings and imprisonments, oh my?!? Stoned, sawn in two, dying by the sword. And, if you avoid death, what about living in goatskins and being destitute as you awake each morning to another day of being afflicted and mistreated. Welcome to the consequences which accompany the works which accompany faith.

Pretty violent reading this morning. But not the most violent of this morning’s readings. And it’s the other one that gives a clue as to how participating in this one is even possible. For “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20a).

But He was pierced because of our rebellion,
crushed because of our iniquities;
punishment for our peace was on Him,
and we are healed by His wounds.
We all went astray like sheep;
we all have turned to our own way;
and the Lord has punished Him
for the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet He did not open His mouth.
Like a lamb led to the slaughter
and like a sheep silent before her shearers,
He did not open his mouth.

(Isaiah 53:5-7 CSB)

God’s suffering Servant, our Lord Jesus Christ, is not unable to sympathize with the consequences which accompany the works which accompany faith (Heb. 4:15). He’s been there, done that. And now He lives here (in me) and is ready to enable that, if that’s what God calls me to in order to walk by faith. And while it’s probably not gonna be in lines with what I’m hovering over this morning in Hebrews 11, it is for some of our brothers and sisters in the world. Lord, have mercy!

However, for me to think that the faith-fueled life will never result in hard to bear, faith-fueled consequences would require me to be in denial of what is implied by Jesus calling me to take up my cross and follow Him (Lk. 9:23). I need to expect that there will be less than desired consequences of faith. But I don’t bear them alone.

Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). But with faith I shouldn’t be surprised if being faithful might also mean seasons a wandering in deserts and hiding in caves. But I wander with Jesus. And I’m hidden in the cleft of the Rock — the Rock who was led like a lamb to the slaughter; the Rock who rose again on the third day (read that too this morning); the Rock who even this day lives in me.

Enabling me by His all-sufficient grace. Enlisting me for His everlasting glory.

Posted in Hebrews | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

More Than A Feeling

Posted on September 15, 2023 by Pete

Defining faith. That’s what I’m doing this morning as I mentally chew on the first half of Hebrews 11.

Ask me what faith is before this morning’s reading and I probably would have been quick to give a one-word answer, “Believing.” And it is. But it’s also more.

Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.

(Hebrews 11:1 CSB)

Hmm . . . the reality . . . the proof . . . pretty substantive stuff. To quote a famous band from the ’70’s, faith is “more than a feeling.”

And as I read on, it really is! It’s more than just some pie-in-the-sky for a sweet-by-and-by. Faith fuels action. Where there’s the “smoke” of living outside the norms of those around us, you can suspect there’s the “fire” of faith operative within us. Or, to say it as James would, “I will show you faith by my works” (James 2:18b).

So, what are some of the works of faith? Well according to the cast of characters in Hebrews 11:1-16 . . .

A person of faith is an understander, knowing that God created the universe (v.3). They are an offerer (v.4), sacrificially giving gifts to God. And they are a pleaser (v.5), their acts of faith serving to delight their God — in fact, without faith it is impossible to please God (v.6).

What’s more, the person of faith is a condemner (v.7), their determination to hold fast to what is not seen an indictment to all around who worship and live for what is.

The person of faith is a goer, even when they are not a knower of where they are going (v.8). When called, they obey, willing to live as a foreigner in the land of promise even as they wait for the promise to be fulfilled.

And the person of faith is a receiver — a receiver of power beyond their own power because they are also a considerer, considering God faithful to His promises (v.11).

Faith’s presence is manifest in faith’s performance. Its existence is known by its execution.

It’s more than a feeling.

Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. For by this our ancestors were approved.

(Hebrews 11:1-2 CSB)

Because of God’s grace. Only for God’s glory.

Posted in Hebrews | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Sweet!

Posted on September 14, 2023 by Pete

Really quick post this morning . . . gotta get on the road for a quick day-trip down to Oregon.

This morning, a Proverb grabs not just my attention by primes the pump for praise. And that, because I’m reminded of something that’s really, really sweet.

Oil and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the sweetness of a friend is better than self-counsel.

(Proverbs 27:9 CSB)

This is where I think the CSB maybe leaves things cloudier than it should. Almost all the other translations capture the thought better. Here’s three of them.

Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. (ESV)

Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel. (NKJV)

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. (NLT)

Lots a people thinking they have a lotta “friends” these days — so they’re told by a number which appears on their social media feed. But we have so lost the definition of what it means to be a friend.

A friend, a sweet friend, is one who provides counsel, earnest counsel, hearty counsel, heartfelt counsel. They care enough to consult. The love enough to listen and then lay it out. They get you to the point where they’re willing to give it to you — even when it hurts. (And Proverbs covers that too, check out Proverbs 27:6.)

I have a few of those sweet friends. One I meet with weekly and have, for more weeks than not, for the past 15 or so years. Another, I connect with regularly, and a couple of others who I am able to see maybe twice a year — but every time we connect it is sweet ’cause they get in my business. And there are others who while not as close, still care enough to counsel and are willing to be iron to sharpen my iron (Prov. 27:17).

God designed us for friendship . . . real friendship . . . sweet friendship . . . hearty friendship . . . friendship that bears the sweet fruit of counsel. Oh, that I would be such a friend.

So thankful for my friends. So grateful to my God.

Sweet!

Thank you, Lord.

By You grace. For Your glory.

Posted in Proverbs | Tagged | 1 Comment

Perfected

Posted on September 13, 2023 by Pete

Reminded this morning that while I may not be perfect (I new that well before this morning), I am perfected.

For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified.

(Hebrews 10:14 CSB)

The letter written to the Hebrews continues to remind me that Christ is better . . . like, so much better. Not only is He the better revelation of God; not only better than angels and better than Moses; not only a better high priest with a better priesthood operating on the basis of a better covenant; I read this morning that He is also a better sacrifice for sin.

Every priest stands day after day ministering and offering the same sacrifices time after time, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after offering one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God.

(Hebrews 10:11-12 CSB)

One sacrifice for sins forever. One and done. Time for Jesus to sit down, the work is finished. And what was that one sacrifice?

We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time.

(Hebrews 10:10 CSB)

The body of Jesus Christ. That’s the better sacrifice. By offering Himself as the payment for the debt of sin I could never pay, Jesus is the once for all time atonement for all my iniquity.

Not just a better offering, but the ONLY offering that could deal with my sin problem. And not just deal with it, but actually turn it completely around. Thus, He has perfected forever those who are sanctified. Like I said, I may not be perfect, but I am perfected.

A finished work (as in the cross) results in a finished product (as in a Christian). Complete. Not lacking nor wanting. Assured that I will be all that I was born again to be. Called by the Father. Redeemed by the Son. Guaranteed by the Spirit. So, let me say it again, this morning I am perfected.

But while I am yet to be perfected in my state — that will occur in a future time, perhaps soon and very soon — my friend William MacDonald reminds me that now I am perfected in my sanctification, my set apart, holy status before God.

They have been perfected in a twofold sense. First, they have a perfect standing before God; they stand before the Father in all the acceptability of His beloved Son. Second, they have a perfect conscience as far as the guilt and penalty of sin are concerned; they know that the price has been paid in full and that God will not demand payment a second time.

William MacDonals. Believers Bible Commentary

A better sacrifice, a better state. A better offering, a better outcome.

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am.
~ Fanny Crosby

Perfected. (Not perfect . . . yet).

By His grace. For His glory.

Posted in Hebrews | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Count On It

Posted on September 12, 2023 by Pete

Ben Franklin said that “in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” Others have tried to add a third or fourth thing to the list, but the one thing we all know is undeniable is that death is certain. Since the creation of the world, but for a couple of notable exceptions, the mortality rate for those being born is essentially 100%. Gonna happen. It’s tragic and unexpected when it happens earlier than the “threescore years and ten; [or] if by reason of strength they be fourscore years” (Ps. 90:10 KJV) most are allotted. But to avoid that manner of loss is not to avoid the loss — death’s gonna do what death’s gonna do. Count on it.

But this morning, someone wiser than Ben (aka inspired by God) reminds me through the Scriptures that taxes aren’t death’s twin of certainty. It’s actually something far more glorious.

And just as it is appointed for people to die once ​— ​and after this, judgment ​— ​so also Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.

(Hebrews 9:27-28 CSB)

Just as it is appointed for people to die . . . so also Christ will appear a second time. That’s what I’m chewing on this morning — the certainty of Jesus’ coming again.

Every funeral can be a reminder of the future. Every burial, a prompting to anticipate an already scheduled arrival. Every encounter with mortality an encouragement to look afresh to the eastern sky (Mt. 24:27). Death is certain? Yup. So is Jesus’ return.

Not wanting in any way to minimize or trivialize the sting of death. But because they’re linked together here, we shouldn’t minimize or trivialize the Lord’s second coming either.

Just as Jesus “has appeared . . . for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (9:26), so too He “will appear . . . to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.” Count on it.

It’s not a matter of if He will come again, but of when. And if that when is before my 70 or 80 years here are done, will I be found among those who are waiting for Him?

The ESV translates it as eagerly waiting for Him, trying to capture that the original word isn’t just a passive waiting, like waiting for a bus to arrive as you read the paper, listen to a podcast, or do your favorite crossword puzzle. Rather the waiting in mind here is waiting with great care, attention, and effort. Far from idle waiting it is anticipatory, active waiting. Waiting which compels one to be occupied with waiting. Waiting that creates a desire to be prepared and ready for when the waiting is over. Because of death’s certainty, we estate plan. Shouldn’t we also “eternity plan” because of the equal certainty of Christ’s return? I’m thinkin’ . . .

Jesus is coming again. Count on it.

By God’s grace. For God’s glory.

Marvelous message we bring
Glorious carol we sing
Wonderful word of the King
Jesus is coming again

Standing before Him at last
Trial and trouble all past
Crowns at His feet we will cast
Jesus is coming again

Coming again coming again
Maybe morning maybe noon
Maybe evening and maybe soon
Coming again coming again
Oh what a wonderful day it will be
Jesus is coming again

~ John W. Peterson

Posted in Hebrews | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

It’s Still a Promise

Posted on September 11, 2023 by Pete

I push back from my desk and realize afresh that this is why, by God’s grace, I purpose to read through the bible every year. It’s because I forget what I shouldn’t. Even well-known passages and verses can fade from memory due to time . . . or, perhaps, be displaced from memory because of the data begging to be processed through a given season.

I’m in a such a season. A season that in so many ways doesn’t make sense. One not foreseen nor anticipated. One with no guidebook containing the 7 easy steps to walking through it. A season where I recognized fairly early on that I would have to wait on the Lord in order to make sense of the past and to direct the future. A season that would require patience. And I don’t do patience well!

And yet, I have. By God’s grace, but not without ups and downs, I’m hanging in there. But more than hanging in there, I think I’ve been drawing nearer. And more than drawing nearer, I even think that perhaps I’m getting stronger. Hmm . . .

If I am surprised by that, I shouldn’t be. My reading this morning in Isaiah 40 reminded me why.

Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth.
He never becomes faint or weary; there is no limit to His understanding.
He gives strength to the faint and strengthens the powerless.
Youths may become faint and weary, and young men stumble and fall,
but those who trust in the LORD will renew their strength;
they will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not become weary,
they will walk and not faint.

(Isaiah 40:28-31 CSB)

They who wait on the LORD (that’s how I learned it) will renew their strength. Now there’s a promise to claim. But the power in the promise doesn’t lie in my remembering to claim it.

The power of the promise lies in the fact that the God who is the everlasting God has ordained a connection between waiting and refueling — between trusting and surmounting.

The reality of the promise isn’t dependent on me remembering it’s a promise. It’s real because the God who never becomes faint or weary and has no limit to His understanding of how things work, is ready, willing, and able to give strength to the faint and strengthens the powerless.

Whether or not I consciously remembered that when I purposed to be patient isn’t the operative factor of whether or not the dynamic is engaged. Those who wait on the LORD — those who trust in the LORD — WILL renew their strength.

I pause as I read this verse and think back as to the start of this season and there wasn’t much soaring going on. The only running I might have considered was the temptation to just run away. The only walking anticipated was with my head bowed down. But sitting where I’m sitting this morning — and knowing the race is not yet fully run — the weariness has not won and this fellow, by God’s grace, has not fainted.

So, this morning I don’t claim the promise, I rejoice in it. Mine wasn’t to remember it, recite it, demand it, or to hold God to it in order to experience the truth of it. Mine was just to trust in the LORD — just to wait. And the fact that, almost a year later, I’m still trusting and still waiting — and sometimes even feeling like I might be soaring and not fainting — is not evidence of my endurance but is witness to God’s faithfulness. Not because of who I am, but because of what He’s done. Not because of what I’ve done, but because of who He is (thanx again Casting Crowns for that line).

Gonna keep doing what I can do, wait on the Lord. Gonna trust that God’s gonna do what God said He’d do, renew my strength. Because whether I remember it or not, it’s still a promise.

Through His overflowing grace. For His everlasting glory.

Posted in Isaiah | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments