What does it mean that God is patient? It means he waits when he
does not have to wait. It means he postpones what he does not have to
postpone. It means he experiences what he does not have to experience.
Of course sometimes we have to wait, postpone, and experience things
because of actions outside of our control. Our patience is often more
about whether we will respond with joy and peace when our desires are
delayed. I can't change traffic, but I can choose to respond with
patience toward my fellow drivers. Sometimes, we do have the choice to
postpone, wait, or endure something or not. I can choose to be patient
as my son slowly puts on his shoes or impatiently inform him that he's
already taken too long. Sadly, we often prefer ease to patience.
God
is under no limitations or restrictions that come to him from the
outside. God never gets stuck in traffic. No force controls him, but
himself. He never has to wait for anything. He chooses patience. He
chooses to wait for our full glorification. He chooses to postpone the
full vindication of his glory and power. He chooses to experience the
stumbling and foolishness of his people and the blasphemy of his
enemies. He chooses patience, not because he has to, but because he
wants to. He even chooses to be patient with impatient people. Why does
he want to?
The Lord is not slow to
fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you,
not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach
repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
But I received mercy for this
reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his
perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for
eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:16
He chooses to be patient to
display his mercy, to reveal his love, to give time for many to turn to
him in repentance. He is patient again and again and again, days
innumerable, until the end of time.
Thank you, Lord, for the beauty and marvel of your patience toward us. You patience is truly a wonder to behold.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Be Like David or Trust in Jesus?
Let us consider the David and Goliath story for a moment. What is
the main point of the story? Are we to conquer our own Giants of Fear
and Doubt just like David did? Is courageous faith the main point of
the story? Such a summary neglects the main point of the Bible: the
Person and Work of Jesus Christ. Therefore, it must be reformed.
Ok, so the main point of the story must be: trust in Jesus. Jesus is the Messiah, the Anointed one, and the ultimate New Testament fulfillment of the storyline of 1 Samuel which reveals the value of a righteous, victorious, King-Deliverer. David was this king temporarily. Jesus is this King permanently. We should identify with the cowering Israelite soldiers in need of an anointed Messiah, someone who could conquer the towering grim reaper of condemnation and death who was facing us. Jesus is our Savior in an even greater way than David was the savior of Israel. Trust in Jesus. Yes, this is certainly the main point of the story. If nothing else is said about David and Goliath, this must be said. Without this point, the David and Goliath story misses its mark. Jesus is clearly the ultimate King-Deliverer of whom David was an anticipating shadow.
But then, what do we do with Hebrews chapter 11 verse 32. And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gidoen, Barak, Samson, Jepthah, of David.....who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises...
The author is clearly telling us to follow in the footsteps of these men, to imitate their faith. Oh no! Doesn't this take us right back to our first point--be like David? Have faith like David? But isn't this just Old Testament moralism that neglects the primary purpose of the Scriptures of pointing to Jesus?
Here is an attempt at a solution. The New Testament is very clear on several points that help us in interpreting the Old Testament.
1. Jesus is the ultimate point of the Bible. Trusting in Jesus as our Savior must be the ultimate goal of Old Testament interpretation. David defeated Goliath means trust in Jesus.
2. There are no works of faith or righteousness that we add to the finished work of Christ. David defeated Goliath doesn't mean that you and Jesus save you together. Jesus paid it all.
3. In union with Christ we should strive to reflect his power over sin and Satan in our daily life.
David defeated Goliath means that Jesus defeated your greatest enemy on your behalf and in Him you can fight against spiritual enemies in your life. We do this as he empowers us by his Spirit, as he works in us to will and to work for his glory. In other words, it's not wrong to want to be like David, but a better way of saying it would be--seeing David defeat Goliath should make you Trust in Jesus and trusting in Jesus should make you want to be like Jesus in your daily life. The "being like" doesn't save you. The "trusting" doesn't negate the value of "being like."
Another way of describing this interpretation would be the phrase multiple fulfillment. There are actually a number of examples of this interpretation in the New Testament.
For example:
Jesus is the new temple, but in Christ we are a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is the final, complete sacrifice, but in Christ we are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices of worship to God.
Jesus is the only priest we need, but in Christ we are a priesthood of believers.
Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith, but in Christ we are to have faith until the end.
Jesus bears the only cross of our judgment and condemnation before God, but in Christ we are to take up our crosses and live for his glory.
This does not mean Jesus + our righteousness = salvation. There is a primary and a reflective fulfillment here. Jesus is the primary fulfillment. He is the main point. But His glory is extended further as he continues to accomplish His work, through His Spirit, in His bride, the church. It is no surprise, since we are united to Him, indwelt by His Spirit, and His witness in the world, that our calling takes its definition in reflecting Him.
In saving us, His person and work are unrepeatable and complete. In our calling, we reflect Him and in so doing continue to reveal His fulfillment of the Old Testament which anticipated the person and Work, and ongoing work, of the great King-Deliverer, Jesus Christ.
Trying to be like David without trusting in Jesus is legalism, and hopeless. Trying to trust in Jesus without becoming like Jesus, and therefore like David in his better moments, is impossible, and unbiblical. Trusting in Jesus for all of salvation, and seeking to be like him in grateful worship, is the right answer to our Bible question.
Ok, so the main point of the story must be: trust in Jesus. Jesus is the Messiah, the Anointed one, and the ultimate New Testament fulfillment of the storyline of 1 Samuel which reveals the value of a righteous, victorious, King-Deliverer. David was this king temporarily. Jesus is this King permanently. We should identify with the cowering Israelite soldiers in need of an anointed Messiah, someone who could conquer the towering grim reaper of condemnation and death who was facing us. Jesus is our Savior in an even greater way than David was the savior of Israel. Trust in Jesus. Yes, this is certainly the main point of the story. If nothing else is said about David and Goliath, this must be said. Without this point, the David and Goliath story misses its mark. Jesus is clearly the ultimate King-Deliverer of whom David was an anticipating shadow.
But then, what do we do with Hebrews chapter 11 verse 32. And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gidoen, Barak, Samson, Jepthah, of David.....who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises...
The author is clearly telling us to follow in the footsteps of these men, to imitate their faith. Oh no! Doesn't this take us right back to our first point--be like David? Have faith like David? But isn't this just Old Testament moralism that neglects the primary purpose of the Scriptures of pointing to Jesus?
Here is an attempt at a solution. The New Testament is very clear on several points that help us in interpreting the Old Testament.
1. Jesus is the ultimate point of the Bible. Trusting in Jesus as our Savior must be the ultimate goal of Old Testament interpretation. David defeated Goliath means trust in Jesus.
2. There are no works of faith or righteousness that we add to the finished work of Christ. David defeated Goliath doesn't mean that you and Jesus save you together. Jesus paid it all.
3. In union with Christ we should strive to reflect his power over sin and Satan in our daily life.
David defeated Goliath means that Jesus defeated your greatest enemy on your behalf and in Him you can fight against spiritual enemies in your life. We do this as he empowers us by his Spirit, as he works in us to will and to work for his glory. In other words, it's not wrong to want to be like David, but a better way of saying it would be--seeing David defeat Goliath should make you Trust in Jesus and trusting in Jesus should make you want to be like Jesus in your daily life. The "being like" doesn't save you. The "trusting" doesn't negate the value of "being like."
Another way of describing this interpretation would be the phrase multiple fulfillment. There are actually a number of examples of this interpretation in the New Testament.
For example:
Jesus is the new temple, but in Christ we are a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is the final, complete sacrifice, but in Christ we are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices of worship to God.
Jesus is the only priest we need, but in Christ we are a priesthood of believers.
Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith, but in Christ we are to have faith until the end.
Jesus bears the only cross of our judgment and condemnation before God, but in Christ we are to take up our crosses and live for his glory.
This does not mean Jesus + our righteousness = salvation. There is a primary and a reflective fulfillment here. Jesus is the primary fulfillment. He is the main point. But His glory is extended further as he continues to accomplish His work, through His Spirit, in His bride, the church. It is no surprise, since we are united to Him, indwelt by His Spirit, and His witness in the world, that our calling takes its definition in reflecting Him.
In saving us, His person and work are unrepeatable and complete. In our calling, we reflect Him and in so doing continue to reveal His fulfillment of the Old Testament which anticipated the person and Work, and ongoing work, of the great King-Deliverer, Jesus Christ.
Trying to be like David without trusting in Jesus is legalism, and hopeless. Trying to trust in Jesus without becoming like Jesus, and therefore like David in his better moments, is impossible, and unbiblical. Trusting in Jesus for all of salvation, and seeking to be like him in grateful worship, is the right answer to our Bible question.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread
Refrigerators are very useful inventions–they’re vastly superior to
salting our beef, buying ice in large blocks, and keeping cold cellars
full of semi-perishable food stores. However, there is one serious
downside to the refrigerated box sitting in my kitchen.
Refrigerators deceive me into thinking that I can store up for my needs for the future. I am under the illusion that I already have enough resources to sustain my life, at least for the next few days. The reality is very different. My existence is continually dependent on the Lord. My every breath comes from him as does my daily bread. Pulling food that I purchased a few days ago out of my fridge might subtly induce me to forget my daily, continual dependance on the Lord. I’m guessing that the pre-modern cultures were a little more aware of this ongoing need than I am. They were a little more in touch with the need for daily bread.
This realized dependance is all the more important because Jesus used bread as an illustration for his provision of salvation to his people. He called himself the Bread of Life. And my union with Him is not something I need occasionally–I can’t put my union with Christ in the crisper to be pulled out when I want it. Though his Spirit I am continually relying on my union with him for the existence of my spiritual life, just as I depend on his sustaining power for my physical life.
So, the next time we open the fridge door today–let’s take a moment and declare our joyful trust in our Bread of Life, the one who provides for all our needs, the one by whom and through whom, and to whom are all things.
Give us this day, Lord, our daily bread.
Refrigerators deceive me into thinking that I can store up for my needs for the future. I am under the illusion that I already have enough resources to sustain my life, at least for the next few days. The reality is very different. My existence is continually dependent on the Lord. My every breath comes from him as does my daily bread. Pulling food that I purchased a few days ago out of my fridge might subtly induce me to forget my daily, continual dependance on the Lord. I’m guessing that the pre-modern cultures were a little more aware of this ongoing need than I am. They were a little more in touch with the need for daily bread.
This realized dependance is all the more important because Jesus used bread as an illustration for his provision of salvation to his people. He called himself the Bread of Life. And my union with Him is not something I need occasionally–I can’t put my union with Christ in the crisper to be pulled out when I want it. Though his Spirit I am continually relying on my union with him for the existence of my spiritual life, just as I depend on his sustaining power for my physical life.
So, the next time we open the fridge door today–let’s take a moment and declare our joyful trust in our Bread of Life, the one who provides for all our needs, the one by whom and through whom, and to whom are all things.
Give us this day, Lord, our daily bread.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament
Our church is preaching through the Old Testament book of Jonah right
now. After Jonah is completed we will begin a series through Genesis.
Based on the teaching of the New Testament, we believe that all of the
Old Testament--narratives, poetry, law, wisdom, prophecy--teach us about
the person and work of Jesus Christ. These OT images of Christ are
limited. Not one represents him in his perfection, but they invite us
to meditate on the fullness of his glory and to consider his complete
fulfillment of God's plan of salvation.
One way to walk through the Old Testament and see Jesus is to ask how the characters and patterns anticipate Jesus by comparison and how they anticipate him by contrast. Similar to the negatives-and-pictures of the old film process, sometimes these people and patterns reveal what Jesus will be like and sometimes they reveal what he will not be like or how much better he will be.
Take Adam, for example. Like Jesus, he is responsible to represent humanity before God. Like Jesus, he is called to cultivate God's creation and to bring about God's perfect plan for mankind. Like Jesus, he had to bear the curse of sin and be banished from God's presence. In Adam's call, we see God's call of Jesus. In Adam's banishment, we see Jesus on the cross and in the grave. This is seeing Jesus in the positive comparison of an old testament character. The ultimate reason for Adam's role was to anticipate the greater role of Jesus.
We also see Jesus in contrast to Adam. Unlike Jesus, Adam surrendered to the lie of Satan and disobeyed and disbelieved God. Unlike Jesus, Adam sought to transfer responsibility for his role to someone else (Eve) and did not want to shoulder it himself. Unlike Jesus, Adam was cursed because of his own sin rather than becoming a cursed exile only as a substitute for others. Frequently, when we see a character in the Old Testament showing contrast to Jesus, they are simultaneously revealing the need for Jesus' salvation that anticipates our condition as well. Like Adam, more than that, in Adam, we desperately need a Savior.
In comparison and contrast, thinking about Adam helps us to see the calling and perfection of Jesus Christ and the prefect Savior he is for us.
A Christian reading Genesis 1-3 should not just be thinking, "What an interesting historical story..." or even "how should I be like or unlike Adam?". Those thoughts are not wrong--but they should progress to the ultimate meditation: "How should I respond to the picture of Jesus that I see here?"
One way to walk through the Old Testament and see Jesus is to ask how the characters and patterns anticipate Jesus by comparison and how they anticipate him by contrast. Similar to the negatives-and-pictures of the old film process, sometimes these people and patterns reveal what Jesus will be like and sometimes they reveal what he will not be like or how much better he will be.
Take Adam, for example. Like Jesus, he is responsible to represent humanity before God. Like Jesus, he is called to cultivate God's creation and to bring about God's perfect plan for mankind. Like Jesus, he had to bear the curse of sin and be banished from God's presence. In Adam's call, we see God's call of Jesus. In Adam's banishment, we see Jesus on the cross and in the grave. This is seeing Jesus in the positive comparison of an old testament character. The ultimate reason for Adam's role was to anticipate the greater role of Jesus.
We also see Jesus in contrast to Adam. Unlike Jesus, Adam surrendered to the lie of Satan and disobeyed and disbelieved God. Unlike Jesus, Adam sought to transfer responsibility for his role to someone else (Eve) and did not want to shoulder it himself. Unlike Jesus, Adam was cursed because of his own sin rather than becoming a cursed exile only as a substitute for others. Frequently, when we see a character in the Old Testament showing contrast to Jesus, they are simultaneously revealing the need for Jesus' salvation that anticipates our condition as well. Like Adam, more than that, in Adam, we desperately need a Savior.
In comparison and contrast, thinking about Adam helps us to see the calling and perfection of Jesus Christ and the prefect Savior he is for us.
A Christian reading Genesis 1-3 should not just be thinking, "What an interesting historical story..." or even "how should I be like or unlike Adam?". Those thoughts are not wrong--but they should progress to the ultimate meditation: "How should I respond to the picture of Jesus that I see here?"
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Feeling Emotional?
Americans view emotions as out of our control. Emotions are like
tornadoes--the best you can do is duck and run for cover. The better
your storm cellar of escapism or therapy or friends or accessible
distractions, the less emotions will toss you around. But, as the
popular assumption goes, no one actually controls their
emotions--limiting the damage is the best you can hope for.
The Biblical view of emotions is quite different. God commands us to feel certain ways. We are to "rejoice in the Lord always" for example, to be "content in all circumstances", to "not be anxious about anything." Certainly these commands aren't a restriction from feeling sad at the prospect or the pain of suffering (consider Jesus in the garden), nor an expectation that feeling joy in the Lord will be a simple act of the will, like flipping an internal switch. "Don't worry, be happy" may be in line with the Bible's call to those united to Christ, but its triteness guarantees its uselessness in moments of true temptation or trial.
Our own experience, and the Biblical testimony, indicates that our emotions are often more difficult to manage than our physical actions. After all, the Pharisees were able to conform to a certain type of external discipline, while their love for God was cold. And many saints in the Bible exerted great spiritual effort before they could force their emotions to line up with their beliefs. Clearly, aligning our emotions with our beliefs requires extended spiritual exertion and ultimately the power of the Spirit.
However, and here is the point for the American "we are the helpless victims of our emotions" mentality: God calls us to command our emotions. They usually obey slowly, they frequently obey our flesh rather than our new nature in Christ, but we are not free to throw up our hands and surrender to their latest spontaneous mood. Here are a few questions we can ask of our emotional state to start the process of bringing them under the control of the Spirit.
1. Am I aware of my emotions through the week? When am I angry, happy, sad, joyful, passionate, apathetic--and what is motivating me to feel these ways? (Awareness of my emotions is the first step in bringing them into alignment with Biblical truth.)
2. Do my feelings right now reflect the truths of the Bible? (In the midst of my sadness over sin or suffering, am I also feeling hope in Christ? Is my anger at God's providence or my joy in sinful pleasures in keeping with my gospel identity?)
3. Do my feelings right now reflect the values of the Bible? (Intense emotion over the traffic or the line at the grocery store indicates that my value system is out of sync. Apathy at the preaching of God's Word followed by exuberance over a sports game reveals the need for a reversal of passions.)
Identifying emotional variance from our beliefs should lead us to prayer--asking God to change our hearts and make us feel as we should for his glory. God made us to feel emotional. God remade us, by his Spirit, to feel emotional in ways that demonstrate the authority of His Spirit and the newness of our life in Christ.
Feeling emotional? Good--be as emotional as you can be, by the power of the Spirit, in keeping with your calling in Christ, for the glory of God.
The Biblical view of emotions is quite different. God commands us to feel certain ways. We are to "rejoice in the Lord always" for example, to be "content in all circumstances", to "not be anxious about anything." Certainly these commands aren't a restriction from feeling sad at the prospect or the pain of suffering (consider Jesus in the garden), nor an expectation that feeling joy in the Lord will be a simple act of the will, like flipping an internal switch. "Don't worry, be happy" may be in line with the Bible's call to those united to Christ, but its triteness guarantees its uselessness in moments of true temptation or trial.
Our own experience, and the Biblical testimony, indicates that our emotions are often more difficult to manage than our physical actions. After all, the Pharisees were able to conform to a certain type of external discipline, while their love for God was cold. And many saints in the Bible exerted great spiritual effort before they could force their emotions to line up with their beliefs. Clearly, aligning our emotions with our beliefs requires extended spiritual exertion and ultimately the power of the Spirit.
However, and here is the point for the American "we are the helpless victims of our emotions" mentality: God calls us to command our emotions. They usually obey slowly, they frequently obey our flesh rather than our new nature in Christ, but we are not free to throw up our hands and surrender to their latest spontaneous mood. Here are a few questions we can ask of our emotional state to start the process of bringing them under the control of the Spirit.
1. Am I aware of my emotions through the week? When am I angry, happy, sad, joyful, passionate, apathetic--and what is motivating me to feel these ways? (Awareness of my emotions is the first step in bringing them into alignment with Biblical truth.)
2. Do my feelings right now reflect the truths of the Bible? (In the midst of my sadness over sin or suffering, am I also feeling hope in Christ? Is my anger at God's providence or my joy in sinful pleasures in keeping with my gospel identity?)
3. Do my feelings right now reflect the values of the Bible? (Intense emotion over the traffic or the line at the grocery store indicates that my value system is out of sync. Apathy at the preaching of God's Word followed by exuberance over a sports game reveals the need for a reversal of passions.)
Identifying emotional variance from our beliefs should lead us to prayer--asking God to change our hearts and make us feel as we should for his glory. God made us to feel emotional. God remade us, by his Spirit, to feel emotional in ways that demonstrate the authority of His Spirit and the newness of our life in Christ.
Feeling emotional? Good--be as emotional as you can be, by the power of the Spirit, in keeping with your calling in Christ, for the glory of God.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Inheritance Day
You have been given an infinite inheritance in Christ, if you belong
to him. In our world, such an inheritance would mean that all of your
financial needs are met, that you will never lack for any physical need
in your life, that you will have power to accomplish your heart's
desire. Of course, our full inheritance awaits the return of Jesus, and
our entrance into heaven. The heavenly inheritance means all this
infinite provision and more--it means personal and unrestricted
relationship with the infinite God.
Your needs and wants today will ultimately find fulfillment in perfect, holy enjoyment of the inheritance of permanent relationship with the God of all glory and joy. God will be the sun that shines away all of your gloom and the treasure that meets all of your needs. He will be the rock beneath your feet that will never shake and the fountain of water that keeps you in perfect health and refreshes your soul. God will be all if all to you and your inheritance will never diminish, never fade, never be traded away, never be in danger. The coming of Jesus will be our full inheritance day. Let us live today in light of that day--letting all of our worries and anxieties fade in the light of his certain return--the Day of days, when the glory of eternity will shine into our hearts forever.
Your needs and wants today will ultimately find fulfillment in perfect, holy enjoyment of the inheritance of permanent relationship with the God of all glory and joy. God will be the sun that shines away all of your gloom and the treasure that meets all of your needs. He will be the rock beneath your feet that will never shake and the fountain of water that keeps you in perfect health and refreshes your soul. God will be all if all to you and your inheritance will never diminish, never fade, never be traded away, never be in danger. The coming of Jesus will be our full inheritance day. Let us live today in light of that day--letting all of our worries and anxieties fade in the light of his certain return--the Day of days, when the glory of eternity will shine into our hearts forever.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
The Rest and Feast of Serving
Serving is a feast. Serving provides rest.
Jesus said in John 4 “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. He said again in Matthew 11 "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
In the process of serving the Lord restores our souls and gives us strength--he sustains us through the activity of serving. Of course this doesn't mean that times of inactivity are wrong, or that God never calls us away from labor for a time of workless rest. However, for most of our lives, God's life-giving Spirit rejuvinates us while we labor in his service. This means that one answer to the question "How can I feel more of God's strength in my life, since I feel so weak and needy right now?" is: Serve. If you want to rest, serve. If you want to feast, serve. Again, it's not the only answer, but it certainly is one Biblical venue of God's provision.
One caveat, from my own experience and I'm sure yours as well. The kind of servanthood that provides rest and refreshing grace is joyful servanthood, not grudging work or bitter labor. When we take the yoke of our master with joy, when we do the Father's will with gladness of heart, we find that our souls feast on his grace, and our hearts are lifted up by the rest of His Spirit.
So...who would like to rest and feast today?
Jesus said in John 4 “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. He said again in Matthew 11 "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
In the process of serving the Lord restores our souls and gives us strength--he sustains us through the activity of serving. Of course this doesn't mean that times of inactivity are wrong, or that God never calls us away from labor for a time of workless rest. However, for most of our lives, God's life-giving Spirit rejuvinates us while we labor in his service. This means that one answer to the question "How can I feel more of God's strength in my life, since I feel so weak and needy right now?" is: Serve. If you want to rest, serve. If you want to feast, serve. Again, it's not the only answer, but it certainly is one Biblical venue of God's provision.
One caveat, from my own experience and I'm sure yours as well. The kind of servanthood that provides rest and refreshing grace is joyful servanthood, not grudging work or bitter labor. When we take the yoke of our master with joy, when we do the Father's will with gladness of heart, we find that our souls feast on his grace, and our hearts are lifted up by the rest of His Spirit.
So...who would like to rest and feast today?
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Even If
In the book of Daniel, three young men stand face to face with the
emperor and dare him to carry out his threat and throw them into a
furnace. He has said that unless they worship his idol of gold, they
will be burned alive. They declare that God is able to save them from
the fire, but even if God chooses to let them die, they will still be faithful to worship God and God alone.
This strikes to the heart of my feeble faith, and at the core of the American prosperity gospel. Even if. Even if He does not save us from physical pain and even death? Even if He does not do what we want Him to do, what seems good for Him to do, what makes sense for Him to do? Even if He doesn't demonstrate His power and His favor over our lives or reward our faith right now?
Of course we will pray for the power and mercy of God to be on display in generous provision and miraculous protection. We pray that God will reveal himself in keeping us from the fire of trial and suffering. But...even if he does not, by the power of his grace, we will still worship the Lord and will only bow before Him.
Consider a few "even ifs" that bring the magnitude of this faith home to our ordinary lives.
This strikes to the heart of my feeble faith, and at the core of the American prosperity gospel. Even if. Even if He does not save us from physical pain and even death? Even if He does not do what we want Him to do, what seems good for Him to do, what makes sense for Him to do? Even if He doesn't demonstrate His power and His favor over our lives or reward our faith right now?
Of course we will pray for the power and mercy of God to be on display in generous provision and miraculous protection. We pray that God will reveal himself in keeping us from the fire of trial and suffering. But...even if he does not, by the power of his grace, we will still worship the Lord and will only bow before Him.
Consider a few "even ifs" that bring the magnitude of this faith home to our ordinary lives.
- Even if my marriage doesn't improve...
- Even if my children do not turn to the Lord...
- Even if my son turns toward sexual sin...
- Even if my daughter won't reconcile with me...
- Even if my boss fires me...
- Even if my car breaks down...
- Even if my pastor lets me down...
- Even if my friend betrays me...
- Even if my health fails...
- Even if I see hypocrisy in Christians...
- Even if my society becomes anti-Christian...
- Even if my enemy prospers...
Friday, May 2, 2014
The Hydration Test
Imagine two different people, both desiring energy. Energy Ernie
drinks exclusively highly caffeinated energy drinks. Water Wayne drinks
exclusively water. In the first hour of their hydration experiment
Energy Ernie would probably have much more energy; he would probably
seem more excited, even vigorous, compared to Water Wayne. How long
would it take for this to change? Two hours? Three hours? A full day?
Certainly by day two or three, probably far sooner, the energy levels
would begin to reverse. Energy Ernie would be anything but--he'd be
feeling his lack of sustainable hydration, probably his health would
quickly suffer. Water Wayne, on the other hand, would feel refreshed
and hydrated and his consistent water drinking would bring a noticeable
benefit to his health. His dependance on water would increasingly
reveal the benefits of water hydration to him.
The Word of God, accompanied by the Spirit of God, is like water to our souls. The entertainments and pleasures of this world are more like caffeinated energy drinks. Sometimes we crave the immediate high, the quick emotional impact with little investment, that entertainment and worldly pleasures can bring. We are disappointed when we don't feel a buzz from our latest 8 ounces of Scripture. However, as fun as a movie or a roller coaster might be, they can never attain or sustain the heights of strength and passion provided by a consistent intake of God's Word, energized by His Spirit. In a short time, temporary enjoyments leave us needing another experience. Pursued exclusively, or for the purpose of providing ultimate spiritual hydration, these enjoyments actually begin to decrease our energy and spiritual passion. Before long, our capacity for energy suffers burn out. Furthermore, we begin to crave and take energy from those around us, who, of course, can never fully satisfy our thirst.
Not so the Word of God. The more we take in, the more we drink of God's Word, the more our souls are truly refreshed, the more we look forward to more. And more than the benefit to us, the Word that has refreshed our souls flows out of us to refresh others. We share that Word the way a fountain provides water to those who are thirsty.
Don't look to the pleasures of this world to provide the ultimate hydration for your soul. Look to the Fountain--the Word that always satisfies, always energizes, always has more to give.
The Word of God, accompanied by the Spirit of God, is like water to our souls. The entertainments and pleasures of this world are more like caffeinated energy drinks. Sometimes we crave the immediate high, the quick emotional impact with little investment, that entertainment and worldly pleasures can bring. We are disappointed when we don't feel a buzz from our latest 8 ounces of Scripture. However, as fun as a movie or a roller coaster might be, they can never attain or sustain the heights of strength and passion provided by a consistent intake of God's Word, energized by His Spirit. In a short time, temporary enjoyments leave us needing another experience. Pursued exclusively, or for the purpose of providing ultimate spiritual hydration, these enjoyments actually begin to decrease our energy and spiritual passion. Before long, our capacity for energy suffers burn out. Furthermore, we begin to crave and take energy from those around us, who, of course, can never fully satisfy our thirst.
Not so the Word of God. The more we take in, the more we drink of God's Word, the more our souls are truly refreshed, the more we look forward to more. And more than the benefit to us, the Word that has refreshed our souls flows out of us to refresh others. We share that Word the way a fountain provides water to those who are thirsty.
Don't look to the pleasures of this world to provide the ultimate hydration for your soul. Look to the Fountain--the Word that always satisfies, always energizes, always has more to give.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
The Shortest Route to a Boring Bible
All of us struggle with ambivalent feelings toward the Bible at some
point or another. The pilgrimage toward heaven has seasons of light and
glory and other moments when we feel trapped in doubting castle or
wandering after the counsel of Mr. Wordly Wiseman. However, we would do
well to consider some of the easiest ways to make the Bible
boring...and strive to avoid them! Here are some that come to
mind--consider them as shortcut directions to a boring Bible experience.
1. Spend more time thinking about how boring the Bible is than reading it.
2. Consistently disbelieve or disobey what is read. Irreverence for Biblical authority will lead quickly to Biblical apathy.
3. Rarely ask a pastor or older Christian about passages that are hard to understand.
4. Rarely turn Bible reading time into prayer.
5. Read the Bible as primarily about our actions rather than God's actions.
6. Rarely ask God to help you love the Bible.
7. Read the Bible rarely rather than consistently. Expect immediate revelation and joy upon every reading.
8. Look forward only to other things as refreshing (food, entertainment, friends) and the Bible only as a responsibility.
9. Assume that current apathy toward the Bible reveals its potential and real value.
Hopefully none of us would celebrate these foolish directions boldly--however they are often the functional practice of our lifestyle and our inner thoughts. Let's consider their reverse and make it a practice to run toward the value and joy of God's Word.
1. Spend more time reading the Bible than musing about how boring it is right now.
2. Seek to obey and believe what is read. Functional authority will lead to an experience of relevance.
3. Consistently ask a pastor or older Christian to explain difficult passages.
4. Consistently turn Bible reading time into prayer.
5. Read the Bible as primarily about God's actions, especially in Christ, and only secondarily about our response.
6. Always ask God to help you love the Bible.
7. Read a little of the Bible consistently rather than a lot rarely. Expect the Bible to become more exciting as you read it over time, rather than expecting an instant adrenaline rush with every verse.
8. Look forward to God's Word as refreshing, rather than only finding refreshment in other things (food, entertainment, friendships).
9. Assume that the Bible is truly valuable and exciting and that current apathy toward it is an inaccurate indication of its worth.
Lord, open our eyes to behold marvelous glory in your Word. Show us yourself and speak to us by your Spirit. Enliven our hearts to love the Words of life you have given to us.
1. Spend more time thinking about how boring the Bible is than reading it.
2. Consistently disbelieve or disobey what is read. Irreverence for Biblical authority will lead quickly to Biblical apathy.
3. Rarely ask a pastor or older Christian about passages that are hard to understand.
4. Rarely turn Bible reading time into prayer.
5. Read the Bible as primarily about our actions rather than God's actions.
6. Rarely ask God to help you love the Bible.
7. Read the Bible rarely rather than consistently. Expect immediate revelation and joy upon every reading.
8. Look forward only to other things as refreshing (food, entertainment, friends) and the Bible only as a responsibility.
9. Assume that current apathy toward the Bible reveals its potential and real value.
Hopefully none of us would celebrate these foolish directions boldly--however they are often the functional practice of our lifestyle and our inner thoughts. Let's consider their reverse and make it a practice to run toward the value and joy of God's Word.
1. Spend more time reading the Bible than musing about how boring it is right now.
2. Seek to obey and believe what is read. Functional authority will lead to an experience of relevance.
3. Consistently ask a pastor or older Christian to explain difficult passages.
4. Consistently turn Bible reading time into prayer.
5. Read the Bible as primarily about God's actions, especially in Christ, and only secondarily about our response.
6. Always ask God to help you love the Bible.
7. Read a little of the Bible consistently rather than a lot rarely. Expect the Bible to become more exciting as you read it over time, rather than expecting an instant adrenaline rush with every verse.
8. Look forward to God's Word as refreshing, rather than only finding refreshment in other things (food, entertainment, friendships).
9. Assume that the Bible is truly valuable and exciting and that current apathy toward it is an inaccurate indication of its worth.
Lord, open our eyes to behold marvelous glory in your Word. Show us yourself and speak to us by your Spirit. Enliven our hearts to love the Words of life you have given to us.
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