In the Right

Posted on October 18, 2021 by Pete

I have an early morning airport run to make, so gonna be quick to jot down a few thoughts after starting in on Lamentations this morning.

The city is empty. The sounds of weeping echo in the barren streets. Most of the people are in exile, learning what real hard labor is all about — reminiscent I wonder of bondage in Egypt. The roads leading to Jerusalem, once filled with people coming to the city to celebrate the festivals, are now dotted now only a few scattered mourners.

What’s happened?

Her foes have become the head; her enemies prosper, because the LORD has afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions; her children have gone away, captives before the foe.

(Lamentations 1:5 ESV)

Jerusalem had “sinned grievously” and had become filthy (1:8). “She played fast and loose with life, she never considered tomorrow, and now she’s crashed royally” (1:9 MSG). And so, the Lord gave her “into the hands of those whom I cannot withstand” (1:14b). The Lord rejected her, summoned an assembly against her, and had trodden her “as in a winepress” of judgment (1:15). Heavy sigh!

And here’s what’s grabbed me this morning:

“The LORD is in the right, for I have rebelled against his word.”

(Lamentations 1:18a ESV)

The LORD is in the right.

Slice and dice it anyway you want. Go over the game tapes. Play it over and over again. Assess, process, and re-address — but in the end they had to confess, “The LORD is in the right.”

What comfort! What a concrete foundation. There may be much I don’t understand about the current state of affairs, much I can’t reconcile about prolonged seasons of suffering, but at the end of the day — at the end of each day — I can know that the LORD is in the right.

Our God is, by definition, a righteous God – a God in the right.

Not only is He the definition of righteousness, but the very source. In Him is righteousness. All that proceeds from Him is righteousness.

Thus, I can rest, in whatsoever state, in His righteousness (Php 4:11-13).

By His grace. For His glory.

Posted in Lamentations | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

On the Contrary, Bless

Posted on October 15, 2021 by Pete

A rerun from 2016. Timely for our times I think.

It’s been my experience that when the circumstances of life get difficult it often puts strain on relationships. Show me a couple in the pressure cooker of financial need and it won’t surprise me if, from time to time, they blow off steam at one another. Or consider the impact of a chronic illness within a family–tiredness can give way to testiness or fear of the unknown might manifest itself in fights over the unimportant.

This morning I’m continuing to read about a group of believers who lived under the constant pressure of persecution. Peter calls them the “elect exiles of the Dispersion” (1Peter 1:1). They were the elect, called to be holy. But there were also the exiles, on the run for their calling. Life wasn’t easy and, it would seem, wasn’t about to get any easier anytime soon. And so Peter writes to encourage them. Reminding them of who they are in Christ, “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,” and what they have been called to do for Christ, “that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness and into His marvelous light” (2:9).

But Peter also knew that the constant pressure of persecution and suffering would conspire to test the peace and tranquility of their fellowship. That as the going got tough it would be tough to not get going on one another. That even though they had all been ransomed with the precious blood of Christ (1:19) and had been born again through the imperishable seed of the living and abiding word of God (1:23), there would still be the temptation to yield to the old ways of dealing with all these new troubles.

After addressing servants, wives, and husbands as to how to deal with the stress of their daily circumstance, Peter turns to the whole fellowship of believers. Knowing that just as hard times impact people’s homes, Peter was also aware that hard times can also conspire to fracture God’s household. And so he exhorts God’s people to bless.

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

(1Peter 3:8-9 ESV)

Let’s face it. Even if we don’t live under the same pressure cooker of persecution that these early believers endured, if we are serious about doing family with other Christians, at some point we’re going to know some friction with at least a few of them. If we believe that we’ve been called to go deeper than, “Hi, how are you?” on a Sunday morning with other believers, if we are willing to not just call them our brothers and sisters but actually live with them as brothers and sisters, then we probably should be prepared for a family spat from time to time. We shouldn’t be surprised when, for whatever reason, things get a bit tense between Christians. It’s then we should remember Peter’s encouragement to bless.

Peter addresses all of them. No one is exempt from the propensity under pressure to turn on those they share Christ with.

And it starts with a unity of mind. Not that they would see eye-to-eye on everything. That would be uniformity, not unity. But that, through the Spirit’s ever-present enabling, they would be committed to a common attitude concerning one another. An attitude marked by compassion, a willingness to suffer alongside with each other. A mindset that recalls these are not just other people but that they are blood relatives, as in brothers and sisters bought by the blood of Christ, and thus are to be treated with a familial type of love, just as Christ loved us.

An attitude towards one another sourced from a tender heart, a heart sensitive to the needs and feelings of one another. A heart that refuses to, despite the pressure to do otherwise, shutdown or go cold concerning a fellow sojourner.

And finally, an attitude cultivated by a humble mind. A mind that puts others first. A mind resolved to be kind, courteous, and considerate of others, even when it wants only to watch out for itself.

And when this attitude of mind prevails, then follows the resolve to act. Rather than repaying evil for the evil perceived against me, or determining to win a war of words with a brother or sister who has offended me, I will, on the contrary, bless.

Bless. To speak well of. To seek the welfare of.

When the going gets tough. When the pressure cooker is about to blow. When paranoia is just smart thinking ’cause everyone IS against you–even in the family of God . . . by God’s grace, we determine to bless!

For to this we were called. As recipients of blessing, we are to be the distributors of blessing. As benefactors of grace, we are to extend grace. As children of God, we have been called to love the family of God.

Even when life puts a strain on relationships, bless.

Perhaps not a natural reaction, but hey, we are supernatural new creations. The mind of Christ and the love of Christ so implanted in us that, if we have been so blessed, we ought, in turn, bless one another.

Because of God’s grace. For God’s glory.

Posted in 1Peter | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Not For Wives Only

Posted on October 14, 2021 by Pete

It really is outstanding how much emphasis the Spirit leads Peter to place on right relationships in addressing a people who are experiencing increasing pressure amid persecution. And I can’t help but think that, knowing our frame and the nature of our flesh — having experienced our humanity and been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin (Heb. 2:18, 4:15) — the Lord knows that when the heat gets turned up on people, people have a way of turning on one another. And yet, it’s in such times — when being “crabby” towards others is a natural by-product of crushing concerns, when back-biting becomes the fruit of bad times, when tribalism emerges from tension — that right relationships can draw people to a Righteous Savior “without a word” by our conduct.

And so Peter talks first about right relationships to “every human institution”, even exhorting these believers to “honor the emperor” behind their increasing persecution (1Pet. 2:13, 17b). Then he talks about right relationships between servants and their masters, regardless of whether their masters are “good and gentle” or “unjust.” He lays out a high-road posture modeled after Him who walked the road to Calvary (1Pet. 2:18-25).

This morning, I’m hovering over Peter’s exhortations of how to hold it together in the home when the pressures of the world take people to a breaking point. In particular, I’m chewing on something that I’m pretty sure isn’t for wives only.

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external —  the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear — but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.

(1Peter 3:1-4 ESV)

What caught my eye was the word “imperishable.” Incorruptible in the NKJV. Unfading in the NIV. In essence, undecaying.

The word isn’t used a lot in the NT. Paul talks about an imperishable wreath for those who run the race well (1Cor. 9:25). In 1Corinthains 15, he uses imperishable 5 times to describe the nature of the resurrected body (1Cor. 15:42). An imperishable body is the only body fit to inherit the kingdom of God (1Cor. 15:50), and will be the eternal testimony that “death is swallowed up in victory” (1Cor. 15:54). Peter uses imperishable three times in this letter. The first two times to describe the nature of our inheritance “kept in heaven for you” (1Pet. 1:4), and then the nature of the seed of the word of God by which we’ve been born again (1Pet. 1:23). The third time, talking about the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.

Hmmm. Respect and pure conduct sure seems to carry an eternal weight in God’s economy. To adorn oneself with a gentle and quiet spirit apparently rivals other unimaginable beauties of heaven. Gold jewelry and fine clothing will perish, but not so putting on the beauty of the Savior.

“Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart . . . ” ~ Jesus

(Matthew 11:29 ESV)

A gentle and quiet spirit. Oh, how this isn’t the natural me. Especially when the points start piling up on my stress chart. In fact, how easy it is for me when I’m feeling maxed to be “crabby in heart” and reckless with words.

But praise God for a supernatural gospel. A cross where confession can be made. Blood once poured out as the just basis for a holy Father to forgive all sin and cleanse from all unrighteousness. A righteousness credited to my account, and an indwelling Helper to lead me in drawing from that account, so that my heart can, in practicality, know the adornment of the imperishable beauty of a gentle quiet spirit even as it is more and more reflective of His gentle and lowly heart living through me.

Respectful and pure conduct. Gentle and quiet spirit. An imperishable beauty. Not for wives only.

By His grace. For His glory.

Posted in 1Peter | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Mindful of God

Posted on October 13, 2021 by Pete

It was overdone, over merchandised, and, eventually, over trivialized. Four letters that seemed to be everywhere in cool Christian culture, but eventually faded away. Some of us may still have the wristbands, but not many of us are still wearing the wristbands. Four letters which, it often seems, have been forgotten. But while WWJD isn’t something you see much any more, I’m reminded that asking “What Would Jesus Do?” is still some pretty good advice to heed — especially when the going gets tough.

Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps.

(1Peter 2:18-21 ESV)

Mindful of God. That’s the phrase I’m chewing on this morning.

Tough counsel to these servant who are already taking it in the teeth as “exiles of the Dispersion.” Life on the run is already hard enough without having to work for an unjust boss. But be subject to them, says Peter. Show them all respect, says Peter. Suffer unjustly, says Peter. For this is a gracious thing in the sight of God when done mindful of God.

Earthly actions filtered first through heavenly attitudes. Daily practices shaped by eternal principles. Every day efforts informed by one, time-transcending example. What would Jesus do? Before doing what seems right to you, or right to the world around you, be mindful of God.

It starts with having our minds set on the things of God. Regularly informing and reminding ourselves of the way of God through the word of God. Taking in truth that can inform our reality. Providing material which the Spirit in us can work with as we navigate this pilgrimage through hostile territory. The Spirit of God, taking the word of God, enabling us to be mindful of God.

So that we might emulate the Son of God by the grace of God.

And that, only for the glory of God.

Amen?

Posted in 1Peter | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

A Magnifier Against God

Posted on October 12, 2021 by Pete

Reminded this morning that the OT prophets weren’t sent just to warn unfaithful Israel of wrath to come but some of their ungodly neighbors as well. While these weren’t nations in rebellion to an irrevocable covenant spoken by a holy God to them, they were people willfully rejecting the internal compass placed by a holy God within them.

For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness . . .

(Romans 2:14-15a ESV)

And it’s Jeremiah’s pronouncement of judgment on Moab that captures my attention this morning.

For, because you trusted in your works and your treasures . . . We have heard of the pride of Moab — he is very proud — of his loftiness, his pride, and his arrogance, and the haughtiness of his heart . . . Moab shall be destroyed and be no longer a people, because he magnified himself against the LORD.

(Jeremiah 48:7a, 29, 42 ESV)

Underlined each of these verses with my black colored pencil — it’s what I do to take note of sins to beware of. And I look back, hover over the black on the page, and there seems to be a progression here. Trusting in their treasures, pandering their pride, magnifying themselves against the Almighty. Relying on their works, abounding in arrogance, exalting themselves above the Eternal. Might be something to take heed of for someone living in a nation and surrounded by a culture known for its great works and abundant treasures.

Self-sufficiency and pride have a way of going hand-in-hand, I think. Unchecked pride has a way of trying to dethrone God, I think. Danger, danger, danger!

A wealthy people, it seems to me, need to be extra careful to be a humble people. To have need of little, is to be tempted to esteem self too much.

Honestly, that’s where a daily does of truth and reality from the Scriptures can be really helpful. Reminding me of the flesh within me that wants to trust in itself and awakes every morning at war with the indwelling Spirit who says walk by Me (Gal. 5:16-17). Reminding me pride is unbecoming, not to mention inconsistent, for one who claims to follow a Master who “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Php. 2:8). That, unwittingly or not, becoming a glory-grabber may not be the smartest thing to do before a God who has declared, “I am the LORD; that is My name; My glory I give to no other” (Isa. 42:8).

Nope. Don’t want to be a magnifier against God. Don’t want pride to find a place to reproduce. Need to be careful about trusting in my works and my treasures.

Only by His grace. Only for His glory.

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

Counsel That Transcends Circumstance

Posted on October 11, 2021 by Pete

Whatever it meant to be one of the “exiles of the Dispersion”, you sense life isn’t easy for those Peter is writing to in 1 Peter. Life’s not going “swimmingly.” Far from it, you sense. Instead, it seems kind of intuitive that life in “dispersion” means life that’s been severely disrupted, life that’s hard, life where it’s becoming more and more evident you’re not going to back to doing the old “normal” anytime soon.

So, it’s interesting to note the kind of things Peter is led by the Spirit to write to exiles. People who no longer feel at home in the land around them. People who feel more like pilgrims than permanent residents, more like sojourners than citizens, more like foreigners than friends to the world around them. And what Peter says has little to do with trying to fight to restore the old order they had known, but to continue to live into the new order they had been redeemed for and born again into.

After reminding them of the “living hope” that is their’s through the new birth (1:3-9), Peter also reminds them of the abiding call put upon their lives to “be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy'” (1:15-16). Though without a home, in a sense nothing has changed, they’re still to be focused on “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” Though life has been turned upside down, it doesn’t change how they are to live life, holy as God is holy.

While everything has changed for these believers, actually nothing has changed. That’s what hits me in the opening verses of chapter 2, this morning.

So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation — if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

(1Peter 2:1-3 ESV)

Watch how you behave. Grow up in your salvation. How come? Because you’ve tasted that the Lord is good.

That’s counsel that transcends circumstance. Advice that cares little about struggling to hold on to the “old normal” and isn’t even so much concerned with figuring out a “new normal.” Instead, Peter exhorts these pilgrims to be holy regardless of the normal.

Get rid of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander. Don’t waste your energies on them. Not only are they not becoming of a child of God, in the end they’re unprofitable.

Rather, with the determination of a newborn wanting to feed, focus on growing up in your salvation. That’s the major “to do” on any spiritual “to do” list regardless of what’s going on in our world — either our immediate world or the larger world around us. You’ve tasted the Lord is good! Keep on feeding deeply on the Lord who is good. Grow up into your salvation.

Keeping the main things the main things. Seems to me that’s job one when everything else seems to be shifting sand.

Only by grace. Always for His glory.

Posted in 1Peter | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Grace to Come

Posted on October 8, 2021 by Pete

Know a thing or two about all-sufficient grace? You’ve just scratched the surface. Experienced saving grace, redeeming grace, justifying grace, adopting grace? Just a few drops in the bucket! Come to appreciate abiding grace and abundant grace? You ain’t seen nothing yet!

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

(1Peter 1:13 ESV)

The grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. The gift you’re gonna know when Jesus returns. The unmerited favor you will realize when you behold the glorious King. Set your hope fully on that, says the Spirit.

Whatever we know of grace, whatever we’ve already interacted with of divine favor, whatever real-life experience we have had with unmerited blessing, it’s just a foretaste of what’s to come. The grand slam of grace will be brought to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

To whatever degree grace for the day has evoked a response of thanksgiving, to whatever measure unmerited favor has evoked unrestrained praise, it’s just a rehearsal for the well of worship that will be released when we experience the gift of seeing our Savior face to face.

So set your hope fully on the grace to come.

Not just some pie-in-the-sky in the sweet-by-and-by, I-wish-I-may-I-wish-I-might hope. No, we’re talking about faith fueled, substantive hope (Heb. 11:1). We’re talking about Father promised, Son prepared hope (Jer. 31:33-34, Jn. 14:1-3). We’re talking about Spirit sealed, Spirit guaranteed hope (Eph. 1:13b-14). A fully persuaded hope. A hope that prepares minds for action because it recognizes the season for the temporary sojourn it truly is. A hope that leans into life here and now in anticipation of an unimaginable grace there and then.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.

(Titus 2:11-13 ESV)

The grace of God has appeared. The grace of God will appear. This is our blessed hope.

This is what we have tasted of, barely. What we have seen, dimly. What we hope for, fully.

By His grace. For His glory.

Posted in 1Peter | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Nothing Too Hard

Posted on October 7, 2021 by Pete

When cousin Hanamel came to Jeremiah with a “good deal”, he must have thought it was a long shot. The Chaldeans had laid siege to Jerusalem, which meant its massive Babylon-based army was already occupying a lot of the land surrounding Jerusalem — so you gotta know real estate just wasn’t moving like it once had. But still cousin Hanamel comes to Jeremiah and presents to him an “opportunity” to buy a little fixer-upper on a couple of acres at a real reasonable price. (Did I mention it probably has a marauding hoard living on it?)

But to everyone’s surprise, Jeremiah’s in. Signs on the bottom line, Venmo’s the required cash (or whatever the equivalent in 600 BC.), and takes the deeds of purchase and seals them away until its time to take possession of the land. (Did I mention the marauding hoard, the most powerful fighting force on earth at the time, overrunning the land?)

So what’s up with that?

Check out Jeremiah 32. Before Hanamel ever approaches Jeremiah, the LORD tells Jeremiah that his cousin is going to come to him with an offer and Jeremiah is not to refuse it. Buy the land, says the LORD. Okay, says obedient Jeremiah. Then, after the deal’s done and the witnesses have left, Jeremiah goes into his prayer closet and says to the LORD, “What?”

“After I had given the deed of purchase to Baruch the son of Neriah, I prayed to the LORD, saying: ‘Ah, Lord GOD! It is You who have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for You. . . . Behold, the siege mounds have come up to the city to take it, and because of sword and famine and pestilence the city is given into the hands of the Chaldeans who are fighting against it. What You spoke has come to pass, and behold, You see it. Yet You, O Lord GOD, have said to me, “Buy the field for money and get witnesses” —  though the city is given into the hands of the Chaldeans.'”

(Jeremiah 32:16-17, 24-25 ESV)

Before asking God what’s going on, Jeremiah first acknowledges who God is. The Creator of heaven and earth (v.17). The Caregiver and Court Arbiter showing “steadfast love to thousands” but repaying “the guilt of the fathers to their children” (v. 18-19). The Deliverer from Egypt (v.20-22) and the Director of the Chaldeans (v. 23b-24). And in that context, Jeremiah tries to make sense of God the Realtor.

And the LORD will answer Jeremiah’s questioning prayer and explain to him the plan. But what grabs me is that the LORD doesn’t immediately address what Jeremiah doesn’t understand, but begins with affirming and emphasizing what Jeremiah does understand.

The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for Me?”

(Jeremiah 32:26-27 ESV)

“Is anything too hard for Me?” says the LORD. Implied answer? Nope!

That’s the starting point for making sense of the nonsensical. Being reminded of who God is helps us deal with trying to figure out what God’s doing. Knowing He is the Creator has a way of putting into perspective the chaos. Believing that nothing is to hard for Him calms the concerns of what seems too much for us.

I’m not dealing with a siege. Not wondering whether or not I’ve made a bad real estate deal. But I look at what’s on my horizon and, at times, it can seem a bit overwhelming. And a still small voice whispers from the words on the page, “Is anything too hard for Me?”

Nope!

So, I’ll trust in the LORD with all my heart. Lean not to my own understanding. In all my ways acknowledge Him. Confident that He’ll make straight my paths. (Prov. 3:5-6)

‘Cause nothing is too hard for Him.

By His grace. For His glory.

Posted in Jeremiah | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Time and Chance

Posted on October 6, 2021 by Pete

They’re bro’s but they’re bullies. Where you see one, you know the other is often lurking. Though you might be able to avoid them for awhile, there’s always this low-lying dread that you’re going to run into them at the least desirable moment. When you do run into them, at their best they’re frustrating — at their worst, they can sometimes be fatal. One is extremely predictable, it’s not a matter of if he’s going to bite you but when. The other? Well, he’s the opposite. You have no idea when he’ll show up and turn things upside down. They’re bullies. And where they thrive is “under the sun.” Their names are Time and Chance.

Chewing on a verse in Ecclesiastes 9 this morning. The Preacher continues to try and make sense of life under the sun. Trying to find something that our hands can find to do that doesn’t eventually find itself being “vanity of vanities” (ESV), “absolute futility” (CSB), “meaningless” (NIV), or “smoke, nothing but smoke” (MSG). And no matter what road he walks down, regardless of what path he explores, he ends up at a dead end. Literally.

. . . .for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.

(Ecclesiastes 9:10b)

What’s more, down every road, along every path, inevitably there’s going to be one or more encounters with the bully bothers, Time and Chance.

Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all.

(Ecclesiastes 9:11 ESV)

She’s the fastest gal on the track. He’s the strongest, best-armed dude on the battlefield. But on the final leg of the race she trips. In the heat of battle a randomly shot arrow “luckily” (for the enemy) finds it’s mark in the chink of his armor. They’re both the best at what they do. But Time and Chance come along and neither of them walks away as victor. Under the sun.

He’s shrewd and cunning. Not just book smart but street smart. Knows how to navigate life and make the most of a situation. She’s brilliant, has an above average IQ and is not afraid to use it. Able to discern, able to learn, and with unlimited potential to monetize her brilliance. At least under the sun. But circumstances beyond his control shipwreck his plans and he can’t even put food on the table. And for her, she either can’t find someone to give her chance to pitch her ideas or someone smarter than her beats her to the punch, and she’s left working a minimum wage job. How come? Time and Chance. The wrong place at the wrong time. Or the right place without enough time. Or the right place with enough time but derailed by unforeseen circumstances. Did I mention frustrating? How about unfair?

But what if Time and Chance were to lose their super powers? Spoiler alert: They have!

Their powers are only operative if we are limited to life under the sun. But for those who live with minds set “on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Col. 3:2), Time and Chance give way to Faith and Hope. Seeming randomness is displaced by Sovereign purposes. The pursuit of perishable prizes for earthly triumphs gives way to the promise of imperishable crowns with everlasting glory. Time is swallowed up by Truth. Chance is deposed by the One In Charge.

And so, we run the race to the best of our ability. We enter the fray having put on the full armor of God. We use our brains, deploy our skills, compete to win, without fear of Time and Chance. Rather, we fight the good fight as those who just want to be faithful. Trusting that the Father has ordained for us just the right amount of time and has left nothing to chance. For He is faithful who has called us (1Cor. 1:4-9).

By His grace. For His glory.

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

Living In the End Times

Posted on October 5, 2021 by Pete

Heard it again this weekend from someone. Something to the effect that we need to be studying the end times right now ’cause we’re in the end times and need to be prepared for the end times. Maybe that’s why James’ words jumped off the page for me this morning. So, if I’m picking up what James is laying down, in light of being in the end times, at least part of what we need to do is to be patient, establish our hearts, and quit grumbling.

Whatever the circumstantial context of James’ letter, you sense there’s a lot of pressure being felt by the people of God. James comes out of the gate exhorting the brothers and sisters to “count it all joy” at the many and varied trials they are facing because, says James, “you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (1:2). He address trials (1:12), and he addresses temptation (1:13-14). He tells them it’s time for “pure religion” (1:27) to kick in, one where real faith is evidenced by actual works (2:18). He warns them about turning on one another, showing partiality (2:1,9), back-biting (3:9-10, 4:11), and quarreling and fighting among themselves (4:1). He speaks against oppression (5:1-6) and says it’s time for God’s people to humble themselves before the Lord (4:10).

You read James and it sounds like a really intense time for these believers. You gotta think that, whatever other “normal” burdens they are bearing from just doing life in a fallen world, things have been ramped up and the points on the stress chart are max’ing out. It had to make them think they were perhaps in the end times. Maybe even feeling like they were in the end times of the end times. So whaddya’ gonna do in the end times?

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.

(James 5:7-9 ESV)

The Lord is coming, says James, be patient. His coming is at hand, says James, establish your heart. The Judge is standing at the door, says James, don’t turn on one another.

Be patient. Things are going crazy and we wanna do something. React. Push back. Go back to the way things were. Rather, we’re to “be of a long spirit,” to “not lose heart.” Take a breath, a deep breath and look up, waaayy up! Persevere patiently and bravely. Be mild in manner and slow to act. Longsuffering. Tempering our temper. Trusting in the Lord who is coming soon.

Establish your heart. An active command, keep on establishing your heart. Keep it steady, keep it stable. Set it fast, fix it firm. Don’t tether it to the rollercoaster ride of the world but anchor it firmly on things above — on things revealed by the One above through His written word before us and through the Living Word within us. Know what you know. Remain constant in what you know. Keep doing what you’re supposed to being doing. Be salt in the earth. Be light in the darkness. Make disciples of all nations. Because the Lord is at hand, He’s coming soon, and time is limited to sow the seed of the good news of His kingdom.

And finally, brothers and sisters (James uses that term a lot in his letter, and really a lot in 5:7-12), don’t grumble against one another. Don’t sigh in exasperation against the people of God. Don’t groan, don’t murmur, don’t hold a grudge against one another. Because all people will know you are Jesus’ disciples if you love another (Jn. 13:35) — especially in a season where the stressors are straining civility. Why’s it so important not to grumble? The Judge is standing at the door. The Christ is ready to receive His bride. He doesn’t want to see her bickering at His return. He wants to find them behaving in a manner worthy of her calling.

James’ word is certainly not the final word on living in the end times. But, it is a word. A word worth chewing on I think.

Because of grace. For His glory.

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