Under His Wings

Posted on April 20, 2022 by Pete

Reading Ruth is kind of like engaging in a “Where’s Waldo” book. No, I’m not on the lookout for some skinny dude in a striped red shirt with a beanie on. Instead, I’m actively trying to spot Jesus. In particular, I’m looking for Jesus in the character of Boaz, Ruth’s kinsmen-redeemer. It’s a great way to engage the brain in a story that is so familiar. It’s a also a great way to prime the pump of wonder and worship. This morning I’m captured by what could be seen as a Triune connection, as I’m reminded afresh that I am under His wings.

As I’m reading, I’m first noticing the familiar connections. Boaz is a “worthy man” (2:1), a man of impeachable character. Jesus too. Boaz is a wealthy man, he owns the field (2:3). So too, my Savior owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Boaz came from Bethlehem (2:4). Yup, so did Jesus. Boaz is a blessed man who takes notice of the least of these (2:19). Oh, that the Lord of heaven would take note of specks of creation is wonder for wonder. You get the idea.

But that Boaz is intricately linked as Jehovah’s active agent on earth? That’s something I’m not sure I’ve ever hovered over before.

“The LORD repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” ~ Boaz to Ruth

(Ruth 2:12 ESV)

He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” ~ Ruth to Boaz

(Ruth 3:9 ESV)

Boaz commended Ruth for her faithfulness to Naomi and for her faith in the God of Israel. She had followed her mother-in-law but she believed she could find refuge in a heavenly Father. Under His wings she had come to take refuge.

Then Ruth says to Boaz, in effect, you be God with skin on. Would you spread your wings over me? I trust in you as a redeemer.

Okay, is Jesus not there, too? Isn’t that what He did? God in flesh come to redeem and cover us with His blood, and spread over us a garment of righteousness?

Some translations say, “Spread your cloak over me.” Accurate translation. But what it fails to highlight is that “cloak” is the exact same word as “wings”. The wings of the Almighty are the corner of the garment of the Redeemer. To be at the Redeemers feet, covered by His skirt, is to rest in the secure refuge of the God Who Is.

Drop you jaw! Bow your knee. Close your eyes. And put your face to the floor!

Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” ~ Ruth to Boaz

(Ruth 2:10 ESV)

How prophetic was Ruth in chapter 2? The favor she had recognized then was nothing compared to the favor she would know under her Redeemer’s wings in chapter 4. And the “why?” of favor would be her meditation and delight for as long as they both were together.

Us too. Under His wings! Such favor. Amazing grace! Why?

O’ what a Savior!

To Him be all glory!

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Those Who Belong to Christ

Posted on April 19, 2022 by Pete

I know it’s not supposed to be about me. But this morning it ends up being about me. Maybe that makes sense considering I’m reading about the gospel preached by Paul. The good news that:

. . .Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures . . .

(1Corinthians 15:3a-4 ESV)

I’m feasting on the resurrection chapter this morning. Kind of appropriate considering there’s still an afterglow from the celebration we had on Sunday. Yet, in a passage that is all about the “fact” (v. 20) that Jesus rose from the dead, I’m hovering over some words about me.

But in my defense, Paul is kind of making it about me. For if Christ has not been raised, he writes, then my faith is in vain (v.14). If Christ has not been raised from the dead, I’m still in my sins, my hope is no real hope, and of all people I am “most to be pitied” (v.17-18).

Praise God for a risen Savior! My faith is neither in vain nor is it futile. My hope is a living hope. I am no longer “in my sins”, no longer defined by my sin.

But what particularly captures my attention this morning is what does define me.

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a Man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at His coming those who belong to Christ.

(1Corinthians 15:20-23 ESV)

Those who belong to Christ — that’s what popped from the page this morning. The implications of belonging to Christ — that’s what I’m chewing on.

In this context, that I belong to Christ is the assurance that what He has experienced in the flesh, resurrection, I will one day experience, as well.

Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?

(1Corinthians 15:54b-55 ESV)

And that where He is, heaven, I will be one day, also.

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also.” ~ Jesus

(John 14:3 ESV)

But not only has He blazed the trail to a resurrected life in resplendent place, because I belong to Him He’s gonna make sure I get there.

“And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I should lose nothing of all that He has given Me, but raise it up on the last day.” ~ Jesus

(John 6:39 ESV)

Not that I get to coast my way to heaven, but that I get to pursue it with confidence. Not that I make no effort, but that I work knowing the work is finished.

In fact, because I belong to Him, it reorients my entire internal GPS. Because I belong to Him, I belong to no one else. Not even me. Because I belong to Him, I live for no one else. Not even me. I am His exclusive property. I belong to Him, thus I am to live for Him.

You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

(1Corinthians 6:19b-20 ESV)

I belong to Christ therefore I serve Christ. Worth it? Yeah! Did I mention the resurrection and heaven thing that’s awaiting me?

But the belonging isn’t just about where I’ll be someday and what I should be doing do in the meantime. It’s also about who belongs to me.

I am my Beloved’s and my Beloved is mine.

(Song of Solomon 6:3 ESV)

He is the Vine, we are the branches. If I abide in Him, He abides in me (Jn. 15:5). Inseparable! Because I belong to Christ it’s no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me (Gal. 2:20). He claims me as His own, I claim Him as my own. Unreal!

This morning I’m savoring some of what it means to be His. The promises, the part I play, and the privilege of an abiding relationship with the risen Christ through His indwelling Spirit.

Those who belong to Christ. Yeah, it kinda is about me this morning.

But only by His grace. And only for His glory.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

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Love Never Fails

Posted on April 14, 2022 by Pete

I’d like to say that a lot has changed in the last two years. And it has. But if I’m honest, not as much as I’d like — at least when it comes to me.

After my readings this morning, I reread my post from two years ago, some thoughts about not being all that I should be yet being so thankful that Jesus is more than I could ever fully fathom. And I’m reminded that I was repenting of stuff two years ago that I find myself needing to repent of again two years later. And I think to myself, “Self, sanctification can be a slow and frustrating process.” At least for me, the flesh is a persistent and unrelenting combatant with the Spirit. Yet, I trust that Lord is doing His perfect work. ‘Cause love never ends. Or, as the NIV and NKJV puts it, love never fails.

Here are those musings from April 2020.

Honestly, when I open my bible in the morning, I’m counting on it being “living and active” (Heb. 4:12a). I’ve often said that reading our bibles is kind of a guaranteed encounter of the divine kind. The God-breathed Word illuminated by the God-sent Spirit continually pointing us to the God-man Jesus.

But equally honestly, not always prepared for, nor is it ever easy when I open my bible in the morning and it cuts deep like a “two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb. 4:12b). While I look forward to the awe in the morning, sometimes I get surprised by the ouch! Such is the case this morning.

Honestly again . . . feeling kind of splayed and shredded. Wasn’t expecting it and certainly not from 1Corinthians 13. But yup, splayed and shredded.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.

(1Corinthians 13:4-8a ESV)

I read that and the living and active, soul-piercing word cuts open up my heart and reveals, “Pete, this doesn’t completely describe you. Some of these attributes have been absent.” And then, as if piling on, what I just read comes flooding back:

. . . have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal . . . have not love, I am nothing . . . have not love, I gain nothing.

(1Corinthians 13:1-3 ESV)

I’ve been working hard over these past few weeks, and for the kingdom. And the thought of just being noise, of accomplishing nothing, of gaining nothing, because I haven’t perfectly operated in love . . . well, that’s shredding. And, I think I can say with integrity, it’s not that I want to be heard, or that I should accomplish anything for my glory, or gain anything for my own sake, but that I want my work to count for the sake of my Savior and for the profit of His people. And to think, just noise? Nothing? Zip, zilch, nada? Kind of shredding.

So, I hover over (or perhaps lie under) this two-edged sword as it does its work on me. And then I’m reminded of John Schoberg and that morning many, many years ago when, around the Lord’s table, he opened his bible to 1Corinthians 13 and for the first time I heard it read this way:

Jesus is patient and kind;
Jesus does not envy or boast;
He is not arrogant or rude.
He does not insist on His own way;
He is not irritable or resentful;
He does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
Jesus bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Jesus never ends.

And the Spirit who shreds my soul reminds me that because Jesus is love, and perfectly love, He could die and pay the price for my failing to perfectly love. And so, with shredded heart, I confess my less than perfect love and know that He is faithful and just to forgive my less than perfect love.

And the Spirit who cuts me wide open also reminds me that because it’s true that Jesus lives, it’s also true that He lives in Me. And that while my love can be distorted by the flesh, His perfect love can work in me and through me by His Spirit. So my confession results in a hopeful repentance believing that in Him, through Him, and by Him a 180 is possible as His perfect love, by His abiding power, can become an increasing reality in this imperfect disciple.

So, because of the cross, peace with God edges out the panic at having failed God. And because of the empty tomb, my weak flesh continues to be redeemed by the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.

And while I haven’t loved perfectly, I’m still perfectly loved.

The sword having done its work. The Savior more than ever worthy of worship.

Because of grace. For His glory.

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Individually Members

Posted on April 13, 2022 by Pete

“Expressive individualism.” It’s a term that’s been around for a few years, but one that’s been on my radar more recently. If I’m understanding it correctly, at its core is “You be you.” Be true to yourself. Be the authentic you. Community then being found with people like you whose highest calling is also being true to themselves. But what if “finding ourselves” really happens, as Jesus says, when we lose ourselves (Matt. 10:39)? What if we flourish as individuals when we are committed to a collective?

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body —  Jews or Greeks, slaves or free —  and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. . . . Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

(1Corinthians 12:12-14, 27 ESV)

Jew and Greek. Slave and free. Expressive individualism within these parameters doesn’t leave much room for coming together (see yesterday’s thoughts). In this context, me being me would be at odds with me caring for you, much less wanting to be with you.

But I’m reminded that my “personal” relationship with Jesus means I’ve been baptized into a body with others who have a “personal” relationship with Jesus. Many others. Really different types of others. Yet all brought together in one Spirit, to be one body in Christ, and individually members of it.

Individually members. Me being me but as part of being something else. My true self found in the context of many others. My uniqueness celebrated as I’m part of a greater whole.

I know that hasn’t been everyone’s experience within the body of Christ, but it should be.

Unfortunately, “work in progress” body parts are gonna result in a “work in progress” body. Not trying to ignore or minimize the hurt and harm done so often by the church to the church, but also not wanting to lose sight of the fact that we’ve been called to be the church.

Called by the Father. Baptized by the Spirit. Becoming one body in the Son. No one of us able to be the whole. Individually compromised if we stay as individuals. Yet flourishing as individuals if we, by faith, individually pursue being members of one another as the body of Christ.

Expressive individualism is by definition a divider of people. Our identity found in others only as long as others look and think just like we do. But when it comes to the people of God, there should be “no division in the body.” Instead, each part is doing its part as each part cares for one another (1Cor. 12:25).

Me being me even as I know I’m serving you. My authentic self realized as I become an imitator of Christ. Finding myself as I lose myself in the body of Christ.

This morning, I’m thankful that I’m me. An image bearer of God redeemed by the blood of Christ. An individual. Individually a member of the body of Christ.

By His grace. For His glory.

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Come Together

Posted on April 12, 2022 by Pete

I don’t think it’s “proof-texting.” You know, that practice where you find Scriptures that say what you want to say? But I do think it’s a text that gives further proof of what has been on my mind over recent months. The church is meant to come together.

This morning, my plan has me reading 1Corinthians 11. And it’s a thrice repeated phrase penned by Paul that grabs my attention.

But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat.

(1Corinthians 11:17-20 ESV)

Paul addresses the problem of the gong show these Corinthians believers were making of the Lord’s supper. What had been instituted of the Lord to remember Him (11:23-25) had become about them. What had been intended to be a regular reminder of their unity as the body of Christ (11:29), had become a means to distinguish the haves from the have nots (11:21-22).

But what hits me this morning is that how they treated each other when they came together could only be a problem because they came together. That missing the mark of doing what the church should do was only possible because they were trying to do what the church ought to do when you come together.

I know I’ve been sensitized to making this observation because of the fact that as a church leadership we’ve been reading and discussing a book about the church. Rediscover Church, a book written for a church coming out of a pandemic, encourages us to be the church coming out of the pandemic. And at the core of being the church, is coming together.

“Sometimes people like to say that ‘a church is a people, not a place.’ It’s slightly more accurate to say that a church is a people assembled in a place. Regularly assembling or gathering makes a church a church. This doesn’t mean a church stops being a church when the people aren’t gathered, any more than a soccer ‘team’ stops being a team when the members are not playing. The point is, regularly gathering together is necessary for a church to be a church, just like a team has to gather to play in order to be a team.” (Rediscover Church, p. 48. Emphasis added)

When “shelter in place” hit two years ago, we encouraged our church family to remember that the church wasn’t a place, it wasn’t a program, it was a people. True enough. And we continued to behave like the church from our homes as we virtually tethered ourselves together each Sunday morning. And to be sure, the church is a people. But, when it can, it is meant to be people who come together.

When you come together, says Paul, not if you come together.

Sure, that’s when problems in the church can surface. That’s when friction can occur as a diverse group of sandpaper-y people rub shoulders with one another. But it’s also the place where those things can be addressed. Where rough edges can be smoothed out as the Spirit works in the body to work out its salvation as a body. It’s by coming together that those “sanctified in Christ Jesus” (1Cor. 1:2) can be sanctified in Christ. Where what we are positionally gets a chance to work itself out practically. Where a letter like Paul’s can be read because Paul knew that it could be read when you come together.

Don’t want to be proof-texting. But I do think this morning’s text is further “proof” that the church, the ekklesia — literally an assembly, allows God to do His best work in His people when His people gather regularly together in a place.

Come together.

By His grace. For His glory.

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An Ode to the Church

Posted on April 8, 2022 by Pete

It’s a fact thing based on a faith thing through an overflowing grace thing. That’s what I’m picking up this morning from what’s being laid down in Psalm 84.

It’s a psalm about the courts of the LORD. A hymn about His house. And the blessing that is owned by those who long to dwell there, “in whose heart are the highways to Zion.” For every hour spent on the holy hill provides strength for the inevitable hours of going through the valley of weeping (“Baca”). And beyond just surviving Baca, they flourish in Baca as the tears of Baca are used of their God to “make it a place of springs.”

For the songwriter, to be in the courts of the LORD for but a day “is better than a thousand elsewhere.” Give the seeker of God a choice between being a doorman in the house of God or the guest of honor in the opulent tents of the wicked, and they’re going to pick being a doorman every day, all day long. They want to be where the glory is. They want to ever “sing for joy to the living God.”

It’s a psalm about the courts of the LORD. About the temple in Zion.

So, isn’t Psalm 84 also an ode to the church? I’m thinkin’ . . .

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

(Ephesians 4:19-22 ESV)

A holy temple in the Lord. A dwelling pace for God by the Spirit. Welcome to the church! So why wouldn’t Psalm 84 be our psalm?

My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. . . . For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.

(Psalm 84:2, 10a ESV)

It’s a fact thing, the church is the dwelling place of God. We should long and yearn for every chance we get to be where she comes together and where God has promised to make Himself known in her midst. We should desire to serve in her courts. We should expect that spending time with her can be the mountain top experience that will sustain us in the valleys.

But it’s a reality that is founded on faith.

O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in You!

(Psalm 84:12 ESV)

We don’t always encounter the glory and so we need to believe the LORD of hosts when He says the glory’s there. We don’t always see the bride in her splendor, but we trust that the Bridegroom is actively engaged with her to present her “to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (Eph. 5:27).

And that also makes it a grace thing. His glory present amidst His less than perfect dwelling place even as He supernaturally interacts with her, sanctifying her and cleansing her by washing her with His word (Eph. 5:26). Having declared her holy, having purposed to be where two or three or gathered in His name, He makes her holy and let’s His presence be known.

An encounter of the divine kind. Every week, at a gathering near you. A fact thing. A faith thing. An abundance of grace thing. The thing I want to encounter and experience.

My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD . . .

By His grace. For His glory.

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His Righteous Triumphs

Posted on April 7, 2022 by Pete

Deborah. A wife, a prophetess, a judge of Israel (Jud. 4:4). Willing to be a “right hand man” for a fearful general called by a faithful God (4:6-9). And, a singer songwriter. This morning I’m hovering over her song in Judges 5.

It’s a song of victory. It’s a song of a mighty God who graciously rescues a rebellious people (again) for His redemptive purposes. A tale of triumph over a terrible oppressor. An ode to a tent-dwelling, stay-at-home mom who crushed the head of a powerful military enemy. But the thing that grabs me in particular as I chew on this lyrical collaboration between a judge of Israel and a general of Israel, is the integral dynamic between God’s mighty purposes and God’s not so mighty people.

“That the leaders took the lead in Israel, that the people offered themselves willingly, bless the LORD! . . .

My heart goes out to the commanders of Israel who offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless the LORD.

“Tell of it, you who ride on white donkeys, you who sit on rich carpets and you who walk by the way. To the sound of musicians at the watering places, there they repeat the righteous triumphs of the LORD, the righteous triumphs of His villagers in Israel.”

(Judges 5:2, 9. 10-11 ESV)

It was God who heard the cries of a people cruelly oppressed for twenty years (4:3) and determined to deliver them. But His power would be shown through His people. Rather than send a host of heaven, He would send those who repeatedly fell to the flesh.

Oh, but when their leaders lead, when the people offer themselves willingly, then the righteous triumphs of the high and holy LORD of heaven become the righteous triumphs of a lowly and less then always reliable people. Bless the LORD!

Yeah, I’d like to think I’m Deborah. But I know I am far more like Barak. Yet, when all was said and done, they both offered themselves willingly (though Barak not unconditionally). These leaders led. Their commanders followed. And an oppressed people gained victory over their mighty oppressors. A victory through the woven cord (Eccl. 4:12) of a Triune God and His called out people. A righteous triumph.

The triumphs of God are the triumphs of His people. The triumphs of His people, triumphs of God. Talk about an intimate yoking. Talk about linking two things together which only in the sovereign purposes of a loving God make sense to tie together. Oh, the wonder of the depths to which God is determined to work for His people even as He binds Himself to them and works through His people.

And not just an Old Testament thing.

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. . . . By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My disciples.” ~ Jesus

(John 15:4-5, 8 ESV)

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

(Galatians 2:20 ESV)

A God intricately connected with His people. A people willingly rising to follow their God. Such are the dynamics of His righteous triumphs.

Only through His abundant grace. Only for His everlasting glory.

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A Drip of Disobedience

Posted on April 6, 2022 by Pete

It’s the first drip in what quickly becomes a gushing reality. The first hint that the worst is yet to come. The beginning of the setup as to why Israel would come to need judges to deliver them. And, as I chew on it this morning, it’s a pretty curious statement.

And the LORD was with Judah, and he took possession of the hill country, but he could not drive out the inhabitants of the plain because they had chariots of iron.

(Judges 1:19 ESV)

The LORD was with Judah. But Judah couldn’t drive out the inhabitants because they had chariots of iron. Weird!

For 18 verses Judah has been kicking keister and taking names. Literally. After Joshua’s death, operation “Take the Land” continues as the book of Judges opens, and Judah, along with Simeon, are the first out of the gate. They fight, they defeat, and the names of kings, places, and people are listed. The LORD God who said, “I have given the land into his hand” is giving the land into his hand (1:2, 4). But apparently, there’s a problem when it comes to iron chariots. And so they didn’t drive out the inhabitants of the plain. Drip.

Then it’s Benjamin which, for some reason, doesn’t drive out the Jebusites (v.21). Drip, drip. Then Manasseh “did not drive out the inhabitants” (1:27), and Ephraim didn’t drive out the Canaanites (1:29). Then Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali, without explanation, “did not drive out the inhabitants.” It’s free flowing now — “Take the Land” has become operation “Share the Land”. And, while the other tribes were at least able to subject the un-evicted Canaanites to forced labor, the tribe of Dan is actually unable to move in to their allotted land in the plain and are “pressed back” into the hill country by the Amorites (1:34). Gush!

And the people who God said to remove, remain. And not just the people, but their altars as well. And the angel of the LORD calls it for what it is . . . and for what it will become.

“You have not obeyed My voice. What is this you have done? So now I say, I will not drive them out before you, but they shall become thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you.”

(Judges 2:2b-3 ESV)

And it all started because of chariots of iron. Hmm . . .

At first reading, it makes you wonder, are iron chariots the God of Creation’s kryptonite? Is He the omnipotent God except when it comes to the 26th element on the periodic table, Fe? Nope, that’s not it.

Instead, it seems that there was something about iron chariots that caused Judah to waver. Maybe the sheer display of force struck fear in them. Maybe it was the unknown, how do you fight chariots of iron, that caused them to say, “Pass.” Or, maybe they were just getting tired, relying more on their own power than on the LORD who was with them, and felt like they needed to tap out. Or perhaps, they just became complacent and lazy, and settled for “good enough”, iron chariot’s being just an excuse to call it a day.

I don’t know. Whatever it was — faltering faith, worn-out weariness, or a smug sense of security — Judah failed to obey the LORD and cleanse the land of what God had warned them would be thorns and snares. And this drip of disobedience quickly became a flood of failure.

There’s gotta be a warning here for those with ears to hear. Our God’s hand is not too short to save. Instead, it’s our sin which can hamstring our salvation (Isa. 59:1-2). Our complacency which can compromise God’s power. Our inability, or unwillingness, to trust the LORD with all our heart that can lead us to settle for thorns in our sides and snares around our feet.

Yup, the setup is complete for the book of Judges. Let the rollercoaster ride begin.

But even as I anticipate working my way through this book, I know that when God’s people cry out to God, God in His mercy and grace delivers His people, again and again. He sets them back on their feet. He patiently calls them to resume the mission. Faithfully, He promises again to be with them.

The drip of disobedience met with rivers of grace.

All for the glory of God.

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Pay Attention to What You Hear

Posted on April 5, 2022 by Pete

As I hover over some verses in Mark, two common sayings come to mind. One from my days in the business world, the other from the world at large. Back in the days when I drove to an office building every day, we’d often kid, “Yeah, the reward for taking on a lot of work is more work.” Conversely, it’s pretty common to hear folks from all walks of life concede that there seems also to be a life principle of “Use it or lose it.” Reminded this morning that there’s a biblical basis for both.

And [Jesus] said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

(Mark 4:24-25 ESV)

Pay attention to what you hear. That’s the “command to obey” which caught my eye this morning and had me grab for my purple colored-pencil and underline it.

Context? Jesus has just explained the parable of the sower and seed to “those around Him with the twelve” (4:10). He’s providing insider intel for those who have left the crowd and are wanting to follow at “the next level.” Those wanting more than just the signs and wonders but who hunger and thirst for the secrets of the kingdom. And the parable is about “the word.” The parable is about supernatural dynamics involving the soil of the heart, the truth of God’s word, and a fruitful harvest made possible by the two coming together.

So, says Jesus, because the word of God is the light of God — because a lamp is meant to shed light on darkness, to make manifest what was hidden, to bring to light what was once in secret (4:21-22) — pay attention to what you hear.

“Consider carefully” (NIV). “Take heed” (NKJV). “Listen carefully” (MSG). Or, as one literal translation mixes metaphors, “Keep ever a watchful eye on what you are hearing” (Wuest New Testament).

But more than just a command to obey for the sake of being obedient, it’s a command with a promise. And a warning. A command that reveals the workings of the kingdom’s economy. A dynamic which explains, at least in part, why some flourish while others seem to be stuck in perpetual famine. A dynamic which reminded me of those two common sayings. The more you do with the truth you’ve been given, the more truth you will be given. But it’s a use it or lose it proposition.

Truth used is truth multiplied. Truth ignored is truth lost.

To the degree we pursue truth, truth will be found. With the measure we use, it will be measured. The more we take in and then invest for the kingdom, the more which will be given by the kingdom. It ties with the law of the harvest, sow a lot and you’re gonna reap a lot. Not because you’re a great sower, not because it’s owed for your effort, but because that’s the way the kingdom works. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled (Matt. 5:6). And that filling serves to generate more hungering and thirsting. Which, in turn, will be filled as well. And, in turn again, creates a desire for more.

But carelessly dabble in truth, and eventually there’ll be a drought of truth. Play half-hearted games with God’s word, and eventually you’ll lose all interest in God’s word.

So, says Jesus, Pay attention to what you hear.

Only by God’s grace. Always for God’s glory.

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He Wholly Followed the LORD

Posted on April 1, 2022 by Pete

Okay, not gonna lie, the CSB took a bit of a hit for me this morning.

While I’m pretty quick to pull the trigger on some things, other things, like switching which translation of the bible I use, takes a bit longer. It’s been over 10 years since I made the call to start reading the English Standard Version (ESV) rather than the New King James Version (NKJV) which I had been reading for years before that. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been toying with whether it wouldn’t be beneficial to change things up a bit and starting reading the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) translation. Part of considering that switch is to reference the CSB in my bible app during my morning readings. This morning, for me at least, the CSB fell a bit short when it came to bearing witness of Caleb’s character.

Bearing witness. That’s the thought that came to mind as I read Joshua 14 this morning. Particularly the biblical principle of a matter being established by two or three witnesses (Mt. 18:16, 2Cor. 13:1, 1Tim. 5:19). And in Joshua 14, there are clearly three witnesses bearing testimony concerning Caleb.

“But my brothers who went up with me made the heart of the people melt; yet I wholly followed the LORD my God.”

~ Caleb’s testimony on his own behalf (Joshua 14:8 ESV)

“And Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land on which your foot has trodden shall be an inheritance for you and your children forever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God.‘”

~ Moses’ testimony (Joshua 14:9 ESV)

“Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed the LORD, the God of Israel.”

~ Joshua’s testimony (Joshua 14:14 ESV)

On the evidence of three witnesses, I’m thinking I’m on pretty solid ground to take away that Caleb wholly followed the LORD. And here’s where the CSB comes up short for me, it translates the original as Caleb “remained loyal” to the LORD.

Now I get the connection and how both translations convey the same idea. But you gotta admit, there is a weight to the ESV that I don’t get from the CSB. While the CSB may be accurate, the ESV is inspiring.

The single word in the original has the idea of being filled, or complete. Some translations use the word fully. How did Caleb follow the LORD? Fully. All in. Wholly. Remained loyal feels like he stood His ground. Wholly followed conveys more the sense he was about taking ground.

Not a big deal. I really do think that next year I may start using the CSB for my morning readings. But this morning, my soul is stirred as think I about someone wholly following the LORD. Aspiring to be like that someone. But realizing that while Caleb might be great example for me, He is an even better foreshadow of the One who came to rescue me. Jesus wholly followed His Father’s will.

My Savior was all in. Fully committed. Didn’t waver from taking ground the enemy thought he had secured.

Praise God for a Redeemer who wholly followed the LORD!

The fullness of God’s grace. Completely in for God’s glory.

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