Be Strong and Courageous and Do It

Posted on July 6, 2021 by Pete

When Moses spoke the words to the Israelites, they were about to enter into a land of promise in which they would have to dispossess those who already possessed it (Deut. 31:6). When he spoke the words to Joshua (Deut. 31:7, Josh. 1:6,9), Joshua had been tasked with standing at the front of the line as they marched into enemy territory. So, it was the sort of pep talk you’d expect for those going into battle. A logical rallying cry for those about to wage war. I get that. But use the same words to build a house? Hmm, less intuitive.

Then David gave Solomon his son the plan of the vestibule of the temple, and of its houses, its treasuries, its upper rooms, and its inner chambers, and of the room for the mercy seat; and the plan of all that he had in mind . . .

Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the LORD God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.”

(1Chronicles 28:11-12a, 20 ESV)

Joshua, take the land! Be strong and courageous! I get it.

Solomon, build the building! Be strong and courageous! At face value, seems a little over dramatic. Building a building doesn’t initially connect for me as being in the same category as conquering Canaan. Worth noodling on . . .

Okay, so both were big, multi-year projects. Both would require endurance and stick-to-itiveness. But while Joshua was essentially entering into the dangerous unknown, Solomon was heading into the domestically determined and had everything laid out for him in advance — blueprints drawn, materials amassed, workforce ready.

But again, Joshua had only one job before him, lead the people into battle as directed by the God who had promised them the land. Hard work. Dangerous work. Yet, pretty singularly focused work. Solomon, on the other hand, had a kingdom to run and a land to defend. Talking on such a huge project ran the risk of losing focus on the day to day needs of the people. Ran the risk of appearing to his enemies as a weakness to exploit as he was distracted, and so many resources were diverted, by building such a magnificent structure.

But worthy of “Be strong and courageous?” Evidently. So, how come? Here’s an off-the-top-of-my-head thought.

Not just cause it’s big, or dangerous, or multi-faceted. Not even because it’s unique and unprecedented. But, perhaps, because ultimately what is done in obedience to the Lord, whatever is undertaken for the Lord, is an act of faith. Whether it’s something as radical as leaving a 40-hour-a-week job to enter a mission field dependent on a team of supporters, or something as mundane as determining, by God’s grace and enabling, to get up in the morning and walk the day before you in a manner consistent with the calling over you, it’s gonna take some faith. It’s gonna require some endurance. Quite possibly encounter some resistance. For sure creating a dependence on the God who has promised never to leave you nor forsake you.

So, ultimately we do whatever we do in obedience to God, with a desire to be faithful for God, that others might see the glory of God (1Cor. 10:31). And that sounds big. So . . .

“Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the LORD God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work . . . is finished.”

Worth chewing on? I’m thinkin’ . . .

Only by His grace. Always for His glory.

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Becoming What You Worship

Posted on July 5, 2021 by Pete

According to the inspired songwriter this morning, you become what you worship.

The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; they have eyes, but do not see; they have ears, but do not hear, nor is there any breath in their mouths. Those who make them become like them, so do all who trust in them.

(Psalm 135:15-18 ESV)

Precious metals. Fashioned by human hands. Look good. Do nothing. Gleam in the light. But are inert. Mouths, eyes, ears. But no senses. Build them, invest in them, pursue them, trust in them — become like them. Perhaps looking pretty good yourself. But without real life. Putting on the finer things. But not flourishing. You become what you worship.

Bad news for those who worship idols and inanimate objects. Bad news for those who worship any created thing. But really, really good news for those who worship the Creator. Reminded of that as I also started into Thessalonians this morning.

For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

(1Thessalonians 1:9-10 ESV)

They turned from idols to serve the living and true God. They cashed in the gold and silver of earth for an inheritance in heaven. Rather than servicing things created by their own hands, they waited on the One who created all things and promised to return one day. They believed the promise. They trusted in the Promiser. And they become what they worshiped.

They became imitators of the Lord (1:6). Examples for other believers (1:7) in faith, love, and hope (1:3). To see them in action was to see Jesus in action. To hear their heart, understand their ambitions, and comprehend what compelled them was to know something of the heart, ambitions, and purposes of the One they worshiped.

They became what they worshiped. So do we.

Yeah, I know it often seems like two steps forward one step back. But, having entered the dynamic of transformation through worship, we can rest in the promise that He who has turned us to Himself, who has begun a good work in us, will make us like unto Himself and complete the work (Php. 1:6).

By His grace. For His glory.

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Who Am I?

Posted on July 2, 2021 by Pete

It was a king’s question. But it could be, and should be, a question that finds its way seeping from my heart on a regular basis.

Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and said, “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that You have brought me thus far?

(1Chronicles 17:16 ESV)

David wants to build a house for God, a more permanent structure where the glory could dwell. To upgrade the covering for the Holy Place from a tent of animal skins to a house of cedar. But God informs David, through Nathan the prophet, that instead of David building a house for God, God has purposed to build a house for David. To establish his throne forever. To raise up one of his descendants, and establish His kingdom forever. And David pauses to process such an unexpected and unfathomable revelation. And in doing so, at some point, he goes in and sits before the LORD and says, Who am I? That I should be in this place, at this point, with such promises?

I’m no David. Not elevated from tending sheep to ruling over God’s people. But I have been freed from my sins by His blood and drafted to be part of a kingdom of priests (Rev. 1:5-6). Not promised an eternal throne. But I am promised an eternal crown (James 1:12).

I’m thinking that any believer, regardless of their current lot or circumstance, has more than enough reason to pause, reflect, and ask the king’s question, “Who am I, that you have brought me thus far?”

A sinner saved by grace. Lost but now found. Once far way, but then brought near. Once an enemy, now regarded as friend. Once without hope, now anticipating a glorious eternity.

And don’t even get me started on the promises. Precious and very great promises through which I participate in a divine nature (2Pet. 1:4). Promises bringing strength for today (Php. 4:13, 4:19). Promises of an unimaginable glory for tomorrow (Heb. 9:15). All the promises of God finding their Yes in Jesus, and “that is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory” (2Cor. 1:20).

Regularly we should pause. Often we should reflect on where we’ve come from, even if we’re not where we want to be. Frequently we should run a mental inventory and recall the promises made to us by the Almighty God of all creation. And when we do, how can we then not whisper, “Who am I, O LORD God, that You have brought me thus far?”

It’s a king’s question. It’s a grace question? From time to time, it should be our question.

Reflecting on grace. In awe of His favor. Only for His glory.

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A Personal Life Verse for a Corporate Context

Posted on July 1, 2021 by Pete

It’s a verse which, if I am honest with myself (and I try to be), I most often apply out of context.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

(Colossians 3:17 ESV)

Wanna a life verse? Thinking this is a good one. A broad, all-encompassing principle to order everything under? This fits the bill. But, if I’m reading this correctly, it’s not targeted at you, the individual, but targeted at you, the church. Sure, it can be applied at an individual level, but I’m thinking it was intended to be obeyed in a corporate context.

Colossians 3 starts with the individual, everyone who “have been raised with Christ” (3:1). Exhorted to seek things above (3:1), set their minds on things above (3:2), and to put on the new self from above “renewed in knowledge and after the image of its creator” (3:10). But then Paul shifts from the you who are “hidden with Christ in God” to the you who are “God’s chosen ones, holy, and beloved” and are to put on “compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another” (3:12).

The you who are to be “forgiving one another” (3:13). The you who are to “put on love” so that you may be bound together in perfect harmony (3:14). The you who are to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” because He has called you in “one body” (3:15). The you who are to be thankful as the word dwells in you, even as you teach and admonish “one another” by “singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (3:16). So, concludes Paul:

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

An individualized culture will prioritize individual rights and behaviors. A people who celebrate independence can be a people for whom it’s an upward push to embrace dependence on others. Where selfies occupy millions and millions and millions of bytes of computer storage, prioritizing “one another” activities and behaviors may not come natural. But the church is to be counter-cultural and supernatural.

While each is a born again believer, all are members of a body. All are members of a family. Expected to live as a family, function as a body, and in whatever you do, as a church, it’s all done in the name of the Son, with thanksgiving to the Father.

More than worthy of a personal life verse. But I need to beware of failing to practice it in a corporate context. ‘Cause it’s not about me, but about He.

Because of grace. For His glory.

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With a Whole Heart, Of a Single Mind

Posted on June 30, 2021 by Pete

1Chronicles 12 reminds me that David started accumulating a following of mighty men long before he became king. That many chose to faithfully serve under the promised heir of the throne even while there were those who tried to prevent him from taking the throne. And the roll call of those who “went over to David” (12:8) or “came to David” (12:23) or “deserted to David” (12:19) culminates with this:

All these, men of war, arrayed in battle order, came to Hebron with a whole heart to make David king over all Israel. Likewise, all the rest of Israel were of a single mind to make David king. And they were there with David for three days, eating and drinking, for their brothers had made preparation for them.

(1Chronicles 12:38-39 ESV)

Determined to follow, though their leader was not yet visibly crowned. Committed to seeing his kingdom established, to making him king, with a whole heart and of a single mind. And my thoughts go to the greater David.

I’m no mighty man, save for the power of God made perfect in my weakness (2Cor. 12:9). Couldn’t swing a sword if my life depended on it, unless, perhaps, it was “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17). I’ll never march in the infantry . . . ride in the cavalry . . .shoot the artillery . . . I won’t ever fly o’er the enemy . . . but I’m in the Lord’s army (whoa! where’d that flashback come from?).

But by God’s grace, I have come to Jesus, the greater David. I have gone over to the promised heir of heaven’s eternal throne. I have, by faith, deserted to the kingdom of God’s beloved Son, having been delivered from the domain of darkness (Col. 1:13). And, with a whole heart and of a single mind, I want to make the greater David, Jesus the Messiah, king.

I desire to identify with all those drawn to come to Him. I long to gather with those who, at least in their hearts, have gone AWOL from the kingdoms of this world to be near to His side. And together, with those who have gone over to Jesus with a whole heart and of a single mind, to make Him king.

King of my life, I crown Thee now
Thine shall the glory be
Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow
Lead me to Calvary ~ Don Moen

Gathered today at Calvary — under the shadow of a cross on which He gave Himself for me — to the yet to be manifested King of Heaven . But anticipating a day when we’re gathered together at a banqueting table, eating and drinking, with the King who has come in all His glory.

With a whole heart, of a single mind.

Because of grace. For His glory.

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How You Hear

Posted on June 29, 2021 by Pete

If you’ve been around the gospels for any period of time, I’m guessing you’re familiar with the following kingdom teaching by Jesus:

“For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

(Matthew 25:29 ESV)

It’s a stewardship principle. Today we might say something like, “Use it or lose it.”

If you’re like me, you probably connect the principle to Jesus’ parables of the Talents in Matthew 25, or the Ten Minas in Luke 19. The stories of a master entrusting to his servants “his property” (Matt. 14) before he leaves for a long journey, telling them to “Engage in business until I come” (Luke 19:13). His expectation being that they will steward and invest what they’ve been given and present a return on investment when the master returns.

We often think of the talents as being, well, talents. Gifting, abilities, skill. Unique provisions of the Lord, by birth and through rebirth, which we are to use for the kingdom’s profit. Or, think of the minas as currency, whether treasures in the bank account, or time allotted every 24-hour day. Whether it’s talents, treasure, or time, we’ve all been given something to invest for the kingdom by a Master who is soon to return and bids us, in the meantime, “Occupy till I come” (Lk. 19:13 KJV).

But this morning I’m reminded of another source of “investable” material. Another provision from the Master which can be managed now for eternal benefits later.

“Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.”

(Luke 8:18 ESV)

Take care then how you hear. Take heed as to the manner in which you leverage the kingdom input that’s been provided to you. How’s that for a command to obey?

And, at least in this land, talk about leveling the playing field. While I might think that others have more time, treasure, and talent then I do to invest for the kingdom, we all have access to the same voice of God — His holy word, the Bibles sitting on our desks or side tables (hopefully not collecting dust on our shelves). We all have the same resident Teacher within us, the Holy Spirit who delights to fire up the active agency of illumination as we make time for a bit of meditation. We can all claim the same promise that when the seed of God’s word finds the good soil of an open heart, there’s gonna be a return on investment, “some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty” (Mt. 13:8 ESV).

Ours is to “pay attention to how you hear” (NLT). Considering carefully not only what we hear, but also how we hear it. How we make time to consistently plug into God’s word. How we prepare our hearts for the supernatural dynamic of interacting with a “living and active” word (Heb. 4:12). How we engage our minds, whether on our own in personal reading, or with others before the pulpit, to maximize the opportunity to pick up what’s being laid down in God’s word.

And then, refusing to be a miser of what we’ve received, resisting any temptation to bury what we’ve been given in the ground, we steward what we’ve heard. We seek to leverage what we’ve received for our soon to return Master. Investing it as we live out lives transformed by the renewing of our minds, lives in obedience to the word we’ve heard. Multiplying it by transferring the truth we’ve received by openly sharing our testimony, our witness, and our walk and work for the kingdom.

And it all begins on a level playing field. Availing ourselves of the treasures of God found in the word of God. Being thoughtful as to how we receive what He is so graciously ready to give. Being intentional as to how we process what He has provided.

Take care then how you hear.

By His grace. For His glory.

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Making Our Mundane Magnificent

Posted on June 28, 2021 by Pete

“Welcome to your first day on the job. Listen carefully as I explain your duties. Open the door in the morning. Close it at night. Did you get that?”

This morning, I’m hovering over some verses in 1Chronicles that have me thinking about how even the seemingly mundane, when it concerns the things of the Lord and is executed faithfully in service to the Lord, is quickly elevated to the magnificent.

The gatekeepers were Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their kinsmen . . . in charge of the work of the service, keepers of the thresholds of the tent, as their fathers had been in charge of the camp of the LORD, keepers of the entrance. . . . David and Samuel the seer established them in their office of trust. . . . And they lodged around the house of God, for on them lay the duty of watching, and they had charge of opening it every morning.

(1Chronicles 9:17, 19b, 22b, 27 ESV)

Office of trust. That’s the phrase in 9:22 that first caught my attention.

They were gatekeepers. Keepers of the thresholds to the temple. Keepers of the entrance. Doormen, essentially.

And my initial thought was that being a doorman is a pretty straight forward, easy to overlook job. But put that door at the entrance to the place where the glory dwells? Now being a doorman becomes a scared trust. The work might be somewhat menial, but it’s purpose quickly becomes somewhat majestic. Work that didn’t require a college degree, yet significant enough that the king, David, and a prophet, Samuel, took it upon themselves to fill the job.

For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

(Psalm 84:10 ESV)

So, initially I’m thinking that even a mundane job is elevated when conducted with a divine mandate.

But as I continued chewing on the passage, something in verse 27 got me thinking. Not only was their office of trust concerned with watching the gate and keeping the threshold, ensuring that nothing entered which would defile holy ground, but they also had charge of opening it every morning — ensuring, as well, that all would have access. That there would be nothing impeding access to the God who is in the midst and desires His glory to be known.

Too much of a stretch to place whatever our mundane duties in life are in such a context? Thinking not.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

(1Corinthians 10:31 ESV)

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. . . . in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

(1Peter 4:10-11 ESV)

I think we can make the case that everything we do is a sacred trust. Every day we are left on earth to live as followers of Christ allows us to do whatever we do — even eating and drinking — to the glory of God. Whether a doorkeeper or a CEO, a pastor or a parking lot attendant, it’s all a stewardship, that in everything God may be glorified.

We don’t need to go looking for some special “call of God” for our lives. Our lives are that call. Our mundane becomes magnificent when done for the LORD. Our ho-hum is elevated to holy when we see it as opening a door for some fellow sojourner to see Christ in us and through us, beckoning them to enter His gates with us.

This day, in all we do, is our office of trust. The mundane which, in Him, becomes magnificent.

Only by His grace. Only for His glory.

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The Riches of Full Assurance

Posted on June 25, 2021 by Pete

They were in a battle. Not against flesh and blood, but against thoughts and ideas. Paul referring to them as “plausible arguments” (Col. 2:4) and empty philosophies “according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world” (Col. 2:8a). Thoughts and ideas “not according to Christ” (2:8b). Can’t help but make the connection between them and then with us and now.

Seems to me there’s a very similar battle around us today. We’re bombarded with voices telling us what we should think. Thoughts and ideas on how we should think politically, how we should think historically, how we should think sexually, how we should think conservatively, how we should think progressively. But if I’m picking up what Paul’s laying down this morning, we need to prioritize thinking christianly.

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.

(Colossians 2:1-4 ESV)

Truth dispels error. In the absence of being filled with the truth, the vacuum will be filled with the best (or the worst) of what this world has to offer. So, as Paul struggled to contend for the minds of the saints at Colosse and Laodicea, he did so by encouraging them to load up on understanding and knowledge. Not the understanding and knowledge of the political pundits, not the understanding and knowledge of 24/7 newsrooms, not even the understanding and knowledge of favorite blog sites and popular social media platforms — but the understanding and knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ.

Jesus really is the answer!

Yesterday Paul talked about the mystery. The mystery is Christ in you (Col. 1:27). The mystery is integrally linked to new creations in Christ brought together into the body of Christ to make known the glory of Christ. And to this body has been made available understanding and knowledge through Christ. To such an extent, and through such a supernatural dynamic, that we can cash in on the riches of full assurance. Literally, we can experience “entire confidence” in what is true and what is not so true. In what is of the world, and what is of the Way. In what is spiritual, and what is carnal. In what is founded in heaven, and what is conceived of in ignorance on earth. And that, through the understanding and knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

How we need wisdom. Ergo, how we need Christ.

How we need discernment. Thus, though we should be informed by credible news feeds, we must be infused with God’s word. Certainly true individually, as we read and study at home. But, if the mystery Paul refers to is the church (see yesterday’s post), then through community as well. Learning together, studying together, even, as Paul says, struggling together to plumb the depths of the understanding and knowledge God has made available to us in Christ.

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

(Colossians 2:6-7 ESV)

Beyond receiving Christ we are to walk in Christ. And that as we are rooted and built up in Christ through the things we have been taught. Confident we are thinking correctly because we have availed ourselves of the riches of understanding and knowledge which are in Christ.

Full assurance. Not because we’re so bright, but because we have access to the words of Christ, the mind of Christ, and the active agency of the Spirit of Christ — all in the context of the body of Christ.

Ours is to determine, by His enabling and provision, to battle against thoughts and ideas which may sound plausible and seem to make sense according to human reasoning. And we do that with a passionate pursuit of understanding and knowledge to reach all the riches of full assurance.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true . . . think about these things.

(Philippians 4:8 ESV)

By His grace. For His glory.

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A Glorious Mystery

Posted on June 24, 2021 by Pete

It sits in the shade, as it should. But glorious truth in the shade of “glorious-er” truth should still be jaw-dropping. But sometimes we become accustomed to that which should evoke awe, too familiar with that which should foster praise, perhaps even weary of hearing again about that which should be a catalyst for worship.

As I reflect on it, ask me what’s the magnum opus of Colossians 1 and I’m immediately going to Christ, the image of the invisible God, the creator and sustainer of all things. The One in whom all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell (1:15-21). Strike up the band! Cue the choir of angels! That’s the apex of awe and wonder.

But this morning I’m chewing on what’s in the shade of Christ, the Head. While no less marveling at the Head, it’s the wonder commanded at His Body which spikes the awe-o-meter.

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to His saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

(Colossians 1:24-27 ESV)

His body, the church.

The mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed.

The riches of the glory of this mystery is Christ in you.

For all that was foretold and foreshadowed of the promised Messiah in the prophetic records of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophets, nobody would have guessed all that it meant for Messiah to come.

That He would deliver a people out of bondage to the flesh, freeing them from sin and death, just as God had delivered a people out of Egypt from slavery and oppression? That was hinted at pretty clearly. That the eternal Heir to David’s throne would govern over a people of His own? Yup, it’s there — even though the kingdom come was established in the hearts of its subjects rather than in visible structures. That the promised Deliver would be God incarnate? Perhaps a bit more hidden — still, it’s there in the prophets. But that He would live in His people and through His people? And that His people would include Jew and Gentile? Nope, didn’t see that one coming.

The church, born at Pentecost, was something totally new. A mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to, and through, His saints. Jaw-dropping. Rich and glorious pale to fully express the nature of this mystery. To the Ephesians, Paul declares that the church makes known “the manifold wisdom of God . . . to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places” (Eph. 3:10). Really? The multi-faceted, broad and full intelligence of the Omniscient Creator? That’s what the church provides insight to for the heavenly beings? Oh, the glory of the mystery of His body, that is the church.

But how easy it is to become complacently familiar with the church. I can complain about her. Feel overworked by her. Rationalize away why I should be gathered to her. But I should be gripped by her. Blessed to be part of her. Privileged to serve her, as I get to be part of the mystery hidden for ages and generations, a mystery which makes known the riches of God’s glory. Which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

No shade this morning. The glory of this multifaceted diamond making known God’s wisdom is on full display as I chew on these verses. Awe has returned. Wonder is at work.

Not that I would put on rose-colored glasses when it comes to some of the realities of Christ’s Bride in her “work-in-progress” state. But in living with the realities, might I also never cease to wonder at the eventualities for His Bride. Christ having loved her, giving Himself up for her. Committed to sanctifying her. That He might present her “to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (Eph. 5:25-27).

A glorious mystery! A beautiful mystery! O, to be part of the mystery!

All by His grace. Only for His glory.

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If It Had Not Been . . .

Posted on June 23, 2021 by Pete

Some readings in my reading plan seem new every year. Sometimes because there’s a hidden detail never seen, or unfathomed depths yet to plumb, or, as often is the case, a brain defect that somehow minimizes memory.

And then, there are readings which are like old familiar friends. Passages which penetrate the heart, again and again, year after year. Verses very well known that evoke comfort, calm, assurance, and a whispered, “Amen. Thank You, Lord!” This morning, I’m hovering over such a passage.

Yet, this passage has a way of remaining new every year as well. Not for any of the reasons listed above, but new and fresh because there’s another year of life to validate its truth. Another year of experience providing context to apply its reality. Familiar yet fresh. Truly, “if it had not been the LORD who was on our side”, I can’t imagine how this pilgrimage would play out.

Went back and read some thoughts from 2018. Reminded me that while the LORD has “been on my side” for another year, helping me as I try to fight the good fight and keep the faith, the greatest victory He’s granted was decades ago when He brought me to faith. Blessed at the reminder. Thought I’d post it again.

An Escapee

Singing a song of ascent this morning, literally, to a tune I heard on a Gaither video (both likely written around the same time 🙂 ). An if / then song. If this had not been true, then that would have happened.

If it had not been the LORD who was on our side—
let Israel now say–
if it had not been the LORD who was on our side
when people rose up against us,
then they would have swallowed us up alive,
when their anger was kindled against us;
then the flood would have swept us away,
the torrent would have gone over us;
then over us would have gone
the raging waters.

(Psalm 124:1-5 ESV)

Repetition in the Scriptures is amplification. It’s a way of putting up a big sign post and saying “Look here!” Take note! Chew on this!

David’s sitting on the other side of the threat of a people who had risen up against him as a fierce enemy. Like a flood that would have swept him away. A raging river that wanted to steamroll him. With such opposing vitriol that they wanted to eat David alive. And, on the other side of the battle, knowing the sweet spoils of victory, he ponders, “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, where would I be?”

And to be honest, most often, and certainly most recently, when I think of this song of David I think about going through the trials of life. The raging waters associated with this pilgrim journey. But the reality is, I really have only one enemy like David’s enemy. Someone who so hates me that he sought to trap me in an eternal snare so that I might be prey in his teeth.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

(1Peter 5:8 ESV)

An adversary who had ensnared me in sin. Bound by iniquity.

And the wages of sin is death. Apart from deliverance, only to be swallowed up by destruction. Without rescue, dragged under and drowned in a flood of righteous, fully-deserved, holy wrath and judgment.

But then, more repetition, more emphasis, another great truth to take note of.

We have escaped like a bird
from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken,
and we have escaped!

(Psalm 124:7 ESV)

We have escaped. We have escaped.

That’s who I am this morning in Christ. An escapee.

An escapee, delivered, because the LORD was on my side. On my side even when I didn’t know I had a side that needed to be on. On my side before I even realized I was in a battle. On my side even while I ignorantly and willingly followed the enemies enticing bread crumbs into his eternal trap.

If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, where would I be?

Blessed be the LORD,
who has not given us
as prey to their teeth!
Our help is in the name of the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.

(Psalm 124:6, 8 ESV)

A sinner saved by grace. Once prey for a mortal enemy, now a trophy for the King of Kings.

An escapee.

By God’s grace. For God’s glory.

Blessed be the LORD!

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