Category: Faith

Great(est) Expectations

Posted on by scott

Old expectations

My name is Philip; my friends call me Pip.   My heritage is Jewish; my name is Greek.  My hopes are old; my anguish is not.  Such is life in Bethsaida of Galilee under Roman oppression. While we wait for the hand of God, we experience the fist of Caesar.  The promises of Moses seem so distant.  God has been silent for a long time.  How many hearts have grown cold waiting for the deliverer?  We try to live with our hopes up, the reality is we live with low expectations.  With each passing generation there is less to kindle hopes fires.

Follow me

That’s what the stranger said to me.  Amazing how two simple words can turn one’s world upside down.  A simple carpenter.  A simple command.  I followed.  How could I not?  This was the one Moses wrote about.  Jesus, son of Joseph from Nazareth.  He came to Galilee and found me!  I found my friend Nathanael and told him about Jesus.  He was skeptical but he followed too.  Somehow Jesus knew Nathanael before He met him.  Jesus promised we would see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.  Here were some sparks to kindle hope’s fires.

Watch me

Water into wine.  Cleansing of the temple.  Healing the ill.  Healing the lame.  I was amazed at what Jesus could do, yet I didn’t completely comprehend.  My test came by the sea of Tiberias.  A multitude followed Jesus.  He looked on the crowd with sympathy.  He looked to me and asked how we could feed them.  I relied on my own logic when Jesus wanted me to exercise faith.  How quickly one forgets what Jesus is capable of doing.  Jesus turned a little boys lunch into a feast for thousands.  Some things logic can’t explain.  My faith needed maturing.  My expectations needed raising.

Imitate Me

It was one thing to witness the authority of Jesus.  Exercising it was entirely different.  The day came when Jesus called us twelve together and gave us the authority to cast out evil spirits and heal every kind of disease and illness.  We preached that the Kingdom of Heaven is near.  The sick were healed.  The dead were raised.  Lepers were cured and demons were cast out.  Sinners repented.  Roman oppression cannot touch the Kingdom of Heaven.  Unlike the hand of God, Caesar’s reach is limited.

Show us

Three years with Jesus and I still had more to learn.  Jesus was teaching us about a home He was going to prepare for us.  He was teaching us about the Father.  Words I wasn’t comprehending.  I wanted something tangible.  “Lord, show us the Father,” I said.  “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know Me, Philip? Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father.”  Jesus had shown us the Father for three years.  I didn’t recognize the tangible.  No wonder I didn’t comprehend the words.

Exceed Me

Jesus was going back to the Father.  He was going to send the Holy Spirit.  The command to follow now gave way to the promise of exceeding.  “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in Me, will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.”  Jesus came to Galilee and found me.  He called me to follow Him.  I abandoned everything in obedience.  I wasn’t quick to grasp the significance of His teachings.  Who was?  Walking with God on a daily basis takes some getting used to.  So do great expectations.  With the Holy Spirit indwelling us, hopes fire will burn perpetually.

New reality

As impressive as the physical miracles are, they cannot compare to those in the spiritual realm.  God took this Jew with a Greek name and used him to help convert the Gentiles.  Stone hearts were made alive.  Sinners were turned into worshipers. Amazing what happens when you follow a carpenter.  Humbling when old expectations become new realities.  Jesus came to your Galilee and found you.  He gave you the simple command, “Follow me.”  God has the greatest expectations of you.  He has equipped you to do the greatest work.  May He find us faithful to the calling.

“Whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” – John 14:13-14

“I found myself with a perseverance worthy of a much better cause.” Charles Dickens, Great Expectations

Beginning and Completing

Posted on by scott

 

 

“And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” – Phil 1:6

A Rebel with a Cause

For years Paul wandered in darkness, thinking he was seeing clearly.  A man of great intelligence.  A man of great zeal.  A man the world would esteem.   “Circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law; blameless.”  Great credentials?  Rubbish.  A dead man doing a dead man’s work.  Working against God in the name of religion.  A man God would redeem.

While Stephen was being stoned to death, Paul approved.  Like guilt, the garments of the murderers were laid at Paul’s feet.  From his knees, the dying Stephen lifted his eyes to heaven and saw Jesus.  With his last breath, he prayed for the forgiveness of his murderers.  For Stephen, Glorification awaited.  With a prayer on his lips, Stephen would enter into the embrace of Jesus.  His earthly tent would be traded in for a white robe and a heavenly home.  However; his dying witness would remain.  Jesus was about to leave His heavenly home to redeem His chosen instrument Paul.  A dead man doing a dead man’s work.

A Saint with a Purpose

“Breathing threats and murder”, Paul was going the wrong way fighting the Way.  On his way to Damascus to persecute the church, Jesus changed Paul’s course.  The pride of Paul was no match for the radiance of Jesus.  Paul was on his face before the Lord.  Blinded.  Paul entered Damascus humbly, guided by others. His eyes were open but he could not see.  His breathing of threats and murder were replaced by prayers. Instead of killing the saints he was dependent upon them.  After Paul spent three days “in the grave,” Ananias laid his hands on Paul.  The scales fell from Paul’s eyes and he could see. For the first time.  Paul was alive.  Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit.  Paul was justified.  I’m sure when God gave the “dead man” Paul spiritual life, Stephen approved.

The Living God began His good work in Paul.  Paul once had authority from the chief priest to bind the Christians.  Now he was commissioned from God to liberate the lost.  Paul was now alive, “working” for the living God.  And God was working in him. Paul was sure that the God who justified him would also guarantee his sanctification and glorification.  How?  Look at the radiance that enveloped him. Everything Jesus begins, He completes.

Jesus is the cornerstone and capstone.  He is the alpha and omega.  He spoke creation into being, He will destroy it with a roar.  He began His earthly pilgrimage with an infant’s cry in a manger, He ended it with a cry of victory on the cross; “It is Finished”.  He is the author and perfecter of our faith.  “He was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification” (Rom. 4:25).  “And because of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Cor. 1:30).  “And if children, then heirs-heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may be glorified with Him” (Rom. 8:17).  No wonder Paul is so sure.

Mission Accomplished

After faithfully serving God for the remainder of his life, Paul wrote these words, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all that have loved His appearing” (2 Tim. 4:7-9).  No rubbish here.  Amazing what happens when a dead man comes face to face with Jesus, and God begins His good work.  It is even more beautiful when that work is completed. That you can be sure of!  Some day we will join Paul and Stephen and the twenty four elders, and lay our crowns at Jesus feet.  The God who completes will approve.

“And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified.” – Rom. 8:30

The Nobody I’m Thankful For

Posted on by scott

“For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as yours?” – Deut. 3:24

“If it is a contest of strength, behold, He is mighty!  If it is a matter of justice, who can summon Him?” – Job 9:19

“But He is unchangeable, and who can turn Him back?  What He desires, that He does.” – Job 23:13

“Behold, these are but the outskirts of His ways, and how small a whisper do we hear of Him!  But the thunder of His power who can understand?” – Job 26:14

“When He is quiet, who can condemn?  When He hides His face, who can behold him, whether it be a nation or a man?” – Job 34:29

“Who can understand how He spreads out the clouds, how He thunders from His pavilion?” – Job 36:29

“But you, you are to be feared!  Who can stand before you when once Your anger is roused?” – Psalm 76:7

“For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD?  Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD, a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around Him?  O LORD of hosts, who is mighty as You are, O LORD, with Your faithfulness all around You?” – Psalm 89:6-8

“Who can utter the mighty deeds of the LORD, or declare all His praise?” – Psalm 106:2

“He hurls down His crystals of ice like crumbs, who can stand before His cold?” – Psalm 147:17

“For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it?  His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?” – Isaiah 14:27

“Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD, or what man shows Him his counsel?  Whom did He consult, and who made Him understand?  Who taught Him the path of justice, and taught Him knowledge, and showed Him the way of understanding?” – Isaiah 40:13-14

“Also henceforth I am He; there is none who can deliver from My hand; I work, and who can turn it back?” – Isaiah 43:13

“For who is like Me?  Who will summon Me?  What shepherd can stand before Me?” – Jeremiah 49:19b

“Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it?” – Lamentations 3:37

“all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and He does according to His will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?'” – Daniel 4:35

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” – Romans 8:31

“Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect?”  It is God who justifies.  Who is to condemn?” – Romans 8:33-34

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” – Romans 8:35

“For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” – Revelation 6:17

“Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose.'” – Isaiah 46:8-10

Crime(s) and Punishment

Posted on by scott

 

“But they all cried out together, ‘Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas.'” – Luke 23:18

Death Row

Death row.  Guilty. The cross is looming.  It is your just punishment.   While time is carrying you towards your cross, your memory is going back in time.  How simple things seemed as a child.  Your parents instructed you.  You were taught the difference between right and wrong.  You knew the consequences of each.  The daily sacrifices were a reminder.  How many lambs did you see sacrificed?  Too many.  For emphasis, you had to help carry the lamb.  The images are still vivid. Blood is never easy to forget, especially when you are the cause.  As a child, you would try to shut out the bleating by covering your ears, but you couldn’t cover the blood.  When the lamb was dead, the shed blood still spoke to you.  Guilty.

Where did you go wrong?  Parental instruction melted under the heat of peer pressure.  Wisdom wasn’t as exciting as foolishness.  The world swayed you.  Your sins were encouraged.  Your sins grew and multiplied. With each sin, your heart became a little harder.  From a young child stealing an “insignificant” item and telling a “little” lie, to an adult, taking part in a rebellion, stealing and committing murder. Murder. How do you wash the blood from your hands?  The blood you have shed speaks out like the blood of Abel.  Now your heart is hard as stone and your hands are stained red.  Your conscience gives you no rest. Guilty.

Alone

Alone.  No parents to comfort you.  The world has abandoned you.  The cell is as cold as your heart.  Death row reminds you that you are responsible for your actions.  Your actions have consequences.   Is this really how it ends?  The grains of sand are falling.  Your crimes demand punishment.  Execution is approaching.  You can already feel the nails and hear the hammers.  If only you could go back and undo your wrongs. But you can’t.  Time is a one-way street.  Yours is heading towards a dead end. Guilty.

The forbidden fruit is full of worms.  The lustful look has birthed heartache.  The harsh words have triggered rebellion.  The stolen money has been wasted.  The cheated friend is now an enemy.  The deceitful kiss has led to death.  You succumbed to the serpent’s whispers, now you must listen to your conscience.  It’s not so subtle.  Your actions don’t make you a sinner, they just expose you for what you are.  Sinful. Guilty.

As the the memories of your past begin to drown in the reality of the present, your hands begin to sweat and your hard heart begins to race. You hear approaching footsteps.  The hour has come.  No more sand in the glass.  Too late for what ifs.  You hear the rattle of keys.  You have one more flashback of your childhood.  The devil is speaking.  You are tempted.  The lamb is bleating.  The key is in the door now.  You cover your ears with your chained hands, but you can’t stop your memory.  More bleating.  The knife is unsheathed, it glistens in the sun.  As it is about to meet the throat the door swings open.  It is finished.  You lift your eyes.  There stands the Lamb.  Innocent.

Decision Time

So Barabbas, what are you going to do now?  The crowds called out for you.  Pilate released you.  But they can’t forgive you.  The blood of Jesus is on your hands.  Your sins put Him on the cross.  He paid the punishment for your “crimes”.  He put an off ramp on your one-way street.  The release was merely a speed bump.  The choice that is before you is forgiveness or punishment.  You can listen to the devil, or embrace the cross.  You can’t go back in time, but you can secure your eternity.  The Lamb is speaking. Don’t cover your ears.

“Because I couldn’t bear my burden and have come to throw it on another:  you suffer too, and I shall feel better!  And can you love such a mean wretch?”  Fyodor Dostoyevsky – Crime and Punishment

“He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5

Fasting and Weeping…That the Child Might Live

Posted on by scott

“While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows whether the LORD will be gracious to me that the child may live?'” – 2 Samuel 12:22

“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13

Hope

The last couple of blogs we looked at faith and love through the experiences of infertility and disability.  Today we will talk about hope through the experience of death.  Infertility can be a lonely experience.  Having a child with Down’s Syndrome a “shock”.  But words can’t describe the pain of losing a child.  It is the darkest and deepest valley.   At such a time sympathy is irrelevant.  Only Truth will help you through.

As I mentioned previously, after struggling with infertility God decided to bless us with three daughters and a son, albeit spaced rather far apart.  Around the time of our twenty-fifth anniversary, God decided to surprise us one more time.  Our daughters had started to pressure us to adopt thinking we were too old to have any more children.  Despite approaching the “Abraham and Sarah” age group, according to some, we were excited.  How soon the excitement would give way to concern.  Roughly twenty-two weeks into the pregnancy there were complications.  At about the twenty-four-week mark our fifth child was born very prematurely.  A fourth daughter we named Brooke.  Brooke tipped the scales at 1 pound and eight ounces.  What a journey this little blessing was going to take us on.

For years we prayed that God would bless us with children.  The fervency of those prayers couldn’t match the desperation of the prayers we cried asking God to spare our child.  Brooke’s little body was so underdeveloped internally that every day seemed to bring a new trial.  Her health was so delicate that we could not hold her.  To do so might endanger her life.  If holding our daughter meant conceding, we chose to simply to look and “touch” through the little plastic “box”.  Certainly not the way God “wires” us to nurture newborns but what else could we do?  Like David, we could keep praying that our child might live.

We not only prayed, we held on to hope.

For every step forward, there seemed to be two back.  Every encouraging sign seemed to be followed by a string of bad news, but like Abraham, “in hope, we believed against hope.”  After all, we were once told we would probably never have children, and Brooke was now our fifth.  We didn’t want to be naive, but we didn’t want to give up either.  If only Brooke could communicate with us.  If only God would give us clear direction.  Were we fighting for the sanctity of life or were we being selfish?  If dying is gain, what were we afraid of?  How hard should we “push” our little girl?

Holding on to let go.

The day of reckoning finally came.  It was a Friday, but not a good one.  Much of the NICU staff asked for a special meeting with my wife and I.  In no uncertain terms they told us they had never seen a baby survive with the statistics/vitals that Brooke had.  According to them, Brooke was artificially kept alive by the ventilator.  The time to concede had come.  If the end was near, we could at least look forward to finally holding our daughter.  How can we let go of that which we haven’t held?  As much as I was anticipating holding her, deciding when to actually “Pull the plug” was a different story.  Both would be emotionally charged.

The next day, arrangements were made for our immediate family to spend many hours in a private room with Brooke.  I melted when I held her for the first time.  But it didn’t compare with the privilege of seeing my wife hold Brooke.  I am not sure there is anything more unnatural than for a mother not being able to hold her newborn child.  After waiting for thirty-six days to witness it, I was greatly relieved.  We were light years removed from her cry, “I just want to be a mother so bad.”  Even though we knew the time was short, it was beautiful.  Brooke’s sisters couldn’t wait to lavish her with affection.  They too had pent up love to express.  It was a memorable day, to say the least.  Brooke’s nurse told us it was a miracle.  According to her, there was no way Brooke should have been as alert as she seemed to be.  Perhaps she was starving for the love she was finally receiving through meaningful contact.

Sunday.  Resurrection day.

Now it was time for the extended families to meet their cousin/niece for the first and last time.  As you might imagine it was very emotional.  Not the way things are supposed to work in a perfect world.  But these things happen in the world we live in. The mood was somber.  What can really be said?  When everyone finally left, God “spoke” through Brooke. As I was holding her in my arms she opened her little eyes.  As her eyes met mine she lifted her arm and literally pushed the tube out of her mouth.  In her condition, she wasn’t supposed to have the strength.  In our condition, we didn’t.  She was ready to go home.  I immediately got up and placed her in my wife’s arms.  That is where I wanted her to pass.  Where else did Brooke belong?  Brooke was not only in her mother’s arms for her last earthly breath, she was also in the arms of her Heavenly Father. He held her every day of her life, even when we couldn’t.  He gives us a peace words can’t describe.

“But now he is dead.  Why should I fast?  Can I bring him back again?  I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.” – 2 Samuel 12:23

Although Brooke never made it home alive, her grave-site is visible from our house.  Some day Caleb, my wife and I will be buried next to her.  Our bodies will be buried, but not our hope.  With Brooke’ death, David’s prayer gave way to David’s hope. We can’t bring Brooke back, but we shall go to her. There is no greater hope than that of the Christian resurrection.  Even in our darkest valley, Truth was at our side every step of the way.  Every time we felt we couldn’t take another step, He would extend His nail scarred hand.  The hand He offered was Hope.  We will hold it until our family is reunited in Heaven.  There faith will become sight.  Hope will spread it’s wings as enjoyment, and love will be made perfect.  No need to fast and weep, God is gracious.  Our daughter lives.  I can’t wait to look her in the eye again, embrace her, and lavish her with love.  What could be more natural in a perfect world?

For This Child I Prayed

Posted on by scott

faith

“For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I have made to Him.” – 1 Samuel 1:2

Barrenness.  Torment.  A deep longing.  Pleading with God.  Faith.  Hannah traveled a lonely road.  A road many travel. Those that walk it don’t always know where to turn for help.  Those that haven’t, don’t always know what to say, making the journey even more lonely.  My wife and I have been down that road.  Perhaps like some of you, we can relate with Hannah…..

……..For the next few posts, I am going to share some personal experiences, I do so with some hesitancy.  I don’t want this post to become a family update “bulletin” or anything with a scent of gossip.  I am not looking for sympathy.  Rather, this site is to edify the Saints.  I do believe, however; that the trials we go through have a “redeeming” value.  After refining us in the furnace, God then gives us opportunities to help others going through similar trials.   Think about what Jesus said to Peter in Luke 22:23, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith might not fail.  And when you have turned again strengthen your brothers.”  

“I just want to be a mother so bad.”

Like Hannah, my wife also “poured out her soul before the Lord.”  When we were married, we submitted everything to the sovereignty of God, including the womb.  We vowed we would take as many children as the Lord would bless us with.  Seven years into our marriage, that number was zero.  One day I walked in on my wife during her devotion time and found her with a Bible opened before her as she was crying over it.  When Hannah poured out her heart to God, Eli the priest observed her and mistook her for being drunk.  The Bible records that Hannah was “deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly.”  When I saw my wife deeply distressed, I confused her with being upset with me.  After much prying, she finally shared her heart’s desire between sobs.  “I just want to be a mother so bad.”  It broke my heart to see her intense longing to fulfill such a sacred calling, motherhood.  One of the few times I wished she was mad at me. Saying sorry wasn’t going to “fix” a barren womb.  Crying out to God was our wisest option.

“What are they doing here? They don’t have kids.”

……Being barren is difficult.  Being reminded of it is almost unbearable.  Hannah’s husband Elkanah had a second wife, Peninnah.  Peninnah had children and used this fact to intentionally torment poor Hannah. Peninnah was beyond insensitive, she was cruel.  The Bible records she would, “provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb.”  Years ago, my wife and I went on a trip with our church Sunday School class to the local zoo. Outside the zoo, we were having a picnic with our fellow class members and their children.  As I stood in line for food a member of our class pointed us out and asked, “What are they doing here?  They don’t have kids.”  Ouch. I don’t believe the comment was meant intentionally to hurt us, but it was very insensitive and stung none the less.  Infertility is not contagious but sometimes it seems insensitivity is.  Barrenness is not a sin, cruelty is.  The Hannahs in our life don’t need a Peninnah: they need the love of Christ.  Offer them support, encouragement, and prayers.  If you don’t know what to say, listen.

“I am sorry.  It looks like you may never have kids.”  In time we were convicted that perhaps God needed “help” or was testing our resolve, so we decided to see a fertility specialist.  God’s sovereignty doesn’t negate human responsibility.  After months of testing and much expenses, the specialist delivered the news we feared.  She told us we would probably never have children.  God had other news.  But it would have to wait.

“So now FAITH, hope, and love abide, these three.” 1 Corinthians 13:13a

When Hannah prayed to God for a son, she vowed to Him that if He answered her prayer, she would “give him to the LORD all the days of his life.”  God answered her prayer and Hannah fulfilled her vow.  Hannah gave birth to Samuel and then “lent” him to God.  God may not answer our prayers in the affirmative as He did for Hannah, but He will grow our faith.  Regardless of our circumstances, we have to keep our focus on God. In 1 Samuel chapter three, “Hannah’s Prayer” is recorded.  I encourage you to read it.  Verse two states, “There is none holy like the LORD: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.”  Despite her trials, Hannah clung to her faith, and passed it on to her son Samuel.  Listen to his words later in his life.

“Only fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart.  For consider what great things He has done for you.”  1 Samuel 12:24

Barrenness.  Walking down this road?  Don’t isolate yourself from others.  Invest yourself.  Don’t look at the children around you as a reminder of what you don’t have, see them as an opportunity to share your faith.  Christ is with you and He is praying that your faith doesn’t fail.  “Redeem” your trial.  Strengthen your brothers and sisters.  They may not share your trial, but they can be edified by your trial tested faith.

“The Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are justice.  A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is He.” – Deuteronomy 32:4

If you are interested in reading more about my wife’s infertility story check out my Daily devotional series where I share more about our struggle and other struggles God has allowed in our path.

====> Daily Devotional Series <=======

Bleak House(s)

Posted on by scott

“It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind and the living will lay it to heart.  Sorrow is better than laughter for by sadness of face the heart is made glad.  The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.”  Ecclesiastes 7:2-4.

Solomon

My name is Solomon.  I live in the town Underthesun.  Life here is dull.  Never anything new.  Nothing seems to have any meaning.  In my boredom, I stepped out my front door looking for my friend Wisdom.  Curious to know what is new with him.  Hopeful he can help me find meaning in life here in Underthesun.  With my best pair of walking sandals on I headed down the street.

House of Feasting

The sun was rather hot so I stopped at the House of Feasting for a drink.  I pulled up a stool and asked for a water. Not sure what was so funny but the “gentleman” next to me started to laugh.  I asked him his name.  “Fool” was his reply.  “I’m looking for Wisdom, do you know him?”  “Never met him, not here anyhow,” and then he laughed again.  Never realized I was so funny.  “Do you come here often?” I asked Fool.  “Often as I can.”  More laughing.  “Have a family?” “Yup.”  “Do you ever bring them here?”  Laughter.  Now my curiosity was getting the better of me.  “What’s so funny?”  Nothing.  “Oh.”  “What brings you here?”  “HaHa, I want to get away.”  “From what?”  “Everything.”  Once again Fool laughed.   “Have any hobbies?”  “Nope.”  “Read?”  “Nope.”  “What do you do when you are not here?”  “T.V.”  “What do you do for a living?”  “Die.”  “Die?”  “Yup, work at Godless Die Shop.”  “Don’t believe I ever heard of it, been in business long?”  “The Atheist family has owned it for years.”  “Good family?”  “Take care of their own.”  “Benefits?”  “None.”  Again Fool laughed.  Then we were distracted by a line of cars driving by the window.  “What is that all about?” I asked Fool.  “Going to the House of Mourning”.  “For?”  “Mr. Living passed away.”  “Mr. Living?”  “Yes.” “Which one?”  “Dr. Sober Living.”  Did you know him?”  “No, never wanted to meet him.”  “An aversion to doctors in general?”  “No, just Sober in particular.”  “Might have done you some good.”  “What’s that?”  “Oh nothing, just thinking out loud.”  Although I was not close to Mr. Living, I knew him to be a good man.  He and Wisdom were close.  Hearing of his passing was a dose of reality.  I looked at my glass and I looked at Fool.  Like the crowd around me, both were empty.  It was definitely time to go.  I offered to pay for Fool’s drinks.  Thought it was the least I could do.  I was shocked by the cost. A couple of concoctions called Superficial and Denial, not sure how Fool can afford to drink them. Oh well, I’m off to the House of Mourning.  Despite the name, this House seems rather bleak.

House of Mourning

The walk to the House of Mourning gave me time to think.  What is it that attracts someone like Fool to the House of Feasting?  How can he afford to frequent there? Why had he never met my friend Wisdom there?  How much Superficial and Denial do they serve?  And how about Fool?  Why did he say he never wanted to meet Sober?  Why did he laugh at everything?  What kind of family life did he have?  Between the House of Feasting and television, how much time did he interact with his family?  The only thing I knew for sure is when I left the House of Feasting, I did so with less money and more confusion.  Poor Fool!

I found my chain of questions quickly broken by the House of Mourning.  In proximity, it is not so far from the House of Feasting.  I entered rather hesitantly.  It can be intimidating entering such a place.  What would I say to the family?  Before I could find an excuse to walk back out I was approached by a young man with a smile on his face and his right hand extended.  “Dr. Living’s son I presume?”  said I.  Taking grip of my right hand he replied, “Yes.  Grateful Living is the name.  Thank you for coming and paying your respects.”  “Don’t mention it.  Sorry about your loss.”  “Thank you for saying so, but as Father would often repeat, to die is gain.”  Gain?  “Grateful, were you close to your father?”  “Oh yes, he always made sure he had time for all of us.  Would you like to meet the family?”  “Sure.”  Grateful then introduced me to his mother Grace and his siblings.  They were gathered around my friend Wisdom.  After we embraced, we listened earnestly as they reminisced about Sober.  With tears in their eyes and Peace in their hearts, they took turns sharing.  Seems Sober was quite a God fearing man.  Apparently, my friend Wisdom had something to do with that.  Years ago, Wisdom introduced Sober to his favorite drink, Repentance.  Dr. Living always said it made him feel like a new man.  Claimed it was bitter to swallow but filled him with joy. The best medicine he ever had.  Suddenly, I was feeling thirsty again. “Do you suppose I could have a glass?”  I asked.  “Certainly, said all of the Living family.”  And then Grace offered me a glass.  With sorrow, I put the glass to my lips.  With joy, I set it down.  I finally felt fulfilled. I found Wisdom, my thirst was quenched, it was time to leave the House of Mourning.

The walk from the House of Mourning gave me time to reflect.  Someday my body will be at a House of Mourning. The Living will come and pay their respects.  Tears will be shed there.  Memories will be shared there.  Wisdom will still be there.  But I won’t really be there.  I will be Feasting at the House Jesus has prepared for me.  Better shed the tears now.  In Heaven, there is no House of Mourning.

“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief grief produces death.” – 2 Corinthians 7:10

“Dead, your Majesty.  Dead, my lords and gentlemen.  Dead, Right Reverends and Wrong Reverends of every order.  Dead, men and women, born with Heavenly compassions in your hearts.  And dying around us every day.” Charles Dickens –Bleak House.

The Righteous Shall Live By His Faith

Posted on by scott

“Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.” – Habakkuk 2:4b

“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.'” – Romans 1:17

“Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for ‘The righteous shall live by faith.'” – Galatians 3:11

“But my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” – Hebrews 10:38

Repetition is a great teaching tool as we all know.  Repetition is good for the young to develop healthy habits.  Contrary, it is often necessary for the elderly because of forgetfulness.  Many of us need it because we are “thick’ headed.  All of us need it because we are hard-hearted.  When God repeats something four times, we better take notice.

Behold.  Take notice.  How does He want us to see?  Clearly.  Why?  Listen to part of Habakkuk’s complaint.  “Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong?  Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise.  So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth.  For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted.” (1:3-4).  A good illustration of the clay questioning the Potter.  Habakkuk is concerned about iniquity, the righteous and justice.  Why is God idle?  Doesn’t God see?  Not like man does.  God’s response:  You haven’t seen anything yet.  Habakkuk was looking at the immediate, God sees the eternal.  Habakkuk was looking at the external, God the internal.  “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

But.  What is it we are to see clearly?  The contrast between the proud and the righteous.  Habakkuk was confused that God could use a wicked nation like Babylon for His divine purposes.  How can a wicked people be used to “punish” a more righteous people? Doesn’t seem fair!  God’s response is quoted above.  The soul of Babylonia is proud, puffed up, “it is not upright within him, BUT the righteous shall live by his faith”.  Listen Habakkuk.  Don’t worry.  Don’t complain.  Don’t question.  Believe.  The proud will be punished in due time, the righteous will live.  Forever.  Stay humble.

The Righteous

If repetition is helpful for memorization, exposition is critical for understanding.  As this truth, “The righteous shall live by faith” is repeated in scriptures, it’s components are explained.  When it comes to defining justification and what it means to be righteous, the Book of Romans is unequaled.  “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith…the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe…Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness..since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”  You get the picture.

Shall Live

While in the Book of Romans Paul expounds on how we are made righteous, in Galatians he encourages us to live out our faith.  How?  Freely.  In Romans, Paul says he is “not ashamed of the Gospel because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”  Different story in Galatians.  They were being taught a false “gospel”.  One from man, not from God.  One that would enslave not liberate.  The false teachers were promoting the law which condemns.  Hence Paul’s rebuttal, “For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.’  Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for ‘the righteous shall live by faith.'”  Paul’s advice, live free in Christ.  “But now that faith has come we are no longer under a guardian for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.”  “For freedom Christ has set you free.”  “You were called to freedom, brothers.”  “Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’.”  “Walk by the Spirit.”  “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”  “The one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”

By Faith

The last repetition of the words first penned by Habakkuk is found in Hebrews.  After stating that “the righteous one shall live by faith”, the author proceeds down the Hall of Faith.  Before he does, however, he gives us a definition of faith.  “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”  Throughout Hebrews chapter eleven, many are commended for their acts of faith.  From believing to obeying, from offering to refusing.  The acts may be different, but the epitaph was the same, “These all died in faith.”  Quite a testimony.  Quite a lesson.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith..” – Hebrews 12:1-2a

Jesus makes us righteous.  Jesus empowers us with the Spirit.  Jesus is the founder and perfecter of our faith.

The righteous shall live by HIS faith.  Definitely a Truth worth repeating.

Like Clay in the Potter’s Hand

Posted on by scott

The Potter’s House

Today we are going to walk with Jeremiah down to the potter’s house. Words alone are not sufficient, so God has asked us to go to the potter’s house and observe him.  “There I will let you hear my words” (Jeremiah 18:2).  So to the potter’s house we walk to hear with our eyes.  Hopefully, Jeremiah can stop weeping long enough to hear clearly.

When we arrive at the potter’s house we find him working at his wheel.  As the wheel turns the clay, his hands are busily shaping it into a vessel.  He restricts the strength in his hands to so as to not destroy his creation.  However, the vessel he was shaping was spoiled, so he began to make another vessel, “as it seemed good to the potter to do.” Our eyes have seen what was necessary for our ears to be able to hear want God wanted to communicate, so God spoke to Jeremiah.

“Then the word of the Lord came to me: ‘O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done?  declares the Lord.  Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.” –  Jeremiah 18:5-6

God’s Sovereignty

God proceeded to tell Jeremiah of His ability to “pluck up and break down and destroy” any nation or kingdom. Rather intimidating.  But such is the sovereignty of God.  As Creator, God has control over His creation, hence the imagery of the potter and the clay.  As God’s creation, you and I are in the same position as the house of Israel; like clay in the potter’s hand.

Jeremiah had a strong understanding of God’s sovereignty.  Before he was even born God appointed him a prophet.  “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations” Jeremiah 1:5.  The Sovereign Potter formed Jeremiah to be a mighty prophet.

God’s Love

Like Jeremiah, God has a plan for you.  Your existence is by design, not chance.  “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13).  God is turning you on the wheel and shaping you like clay in His hands.  But we don’t need to be intimidated by His sovereignty, it is balanced by His perfect love.  This too, Jeremiah was acquainted with.

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

Doubt the Love of God?  Perhaps you need to take more walks in God’s word.  Perhaps with John, who referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved.  It is helpful to hear God’s word through the eyes of others.  That is why God appointed them to declare His word.

As God turns you on the wheel, submit to His authority.  His plans are perfect, so humble yourself to His sovereignty.  As He shapes you in His hands, look closely.  The wounds in His palms are all the proof you need of His love for you.  Our sovereign God can take dust from the ground, breath life into it, and transform it into the image of Christ.  What hands would you rather be in?

“But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” – Isaiah 64:8

A Tale of Two Mountains

Posted on by scott

A Mountain View

Been looking for a place to settle down and retire.  I decided I would like to do so with a mountain view.  Came across a pamphlet that caught my attention.  The title was short enough.  Hebrews.  Not sure who wrote it.  But the author had a couple of advertisements for mountain resorts that might fit the bill.  Doesn’t hurt to check out my options does it?

Sinai

The first mountain was one named Sinai.  The locals affectionately refer to it as the “Law”.  Seems to be popular enough.  Found the description rather curious, however.  Actually somewhat foreboding.  First of all, it can be touched, but if you touch it you will be killed.  Interesting.  So it exists, it just isn’t approachable.  Sounds a little chaotic also.  All this stuff about a blazing fire and darkness; gloom and a tempest.  A loud trumpet and a scary voice.  Scary enough to make those that hear it beg that it speaks no more.

Out of curiosity, I decided to call the manager.  Some man called Moses. As we spoke, he sounded as if he was trembling with fear. “Why”, I asked, “do people come to Mount Sinai?”  “Tradition, for one.  People have been coming to the ‘Law’ for years.  Tough to break traditions.  Have a lot of Pharisees here.”  he replied.  Pharisees?  Fair enough.  “Any other reasons?”  “Popularity I guess.  It’s the ‘in’ thing.  People like following the crowd.  If it’s good enough for everyone else…  You understand.”  Although I didn’t, I played along.  “Sounds like herd mentality to me.  Might be handy to have a shepherd on staff.  But what about the amenities?”  “People don’t seem to care as long as they are with friends.  Or so they say.”  Personally, I thought it sounded like strike two.  “Any other reasons?”  And then I heard a sigh from Moses.  In an almost embarrassed response, he said “pride”.  “Pride?”  “Yes.  At the ‘Law’ we insist our residents work.  No freeloaders.  Here one must earn their keep.”  “One last question.  Is it easy to get to Mount Sinai?”  “Yes, the path is nice and broad.”  “Safe?”  “Have to talk to Abel about that.”  “Abel?”  “Long Story.”  “Is he available?”  “No.  He’s dead.”   “Ok.  thank you for your time.”  “Got plenty to kill.  Hope I was of some help.”  Nice man that Moses.  Not sure about Mt. Sinai though.  Something about darkness, fear, and death that just isn’t appealing to me.  Besides, had this eerie feeling that the blood of this Abel guy was telling me to stay away.

Zion

Now for that other mountain.  Mount Zion.  Affectionately referred to as “Grace.”  According to my brochure, it is the city of the living God and the heavenly Jerusalem. Sounds big.  Also home to innumerable angels in festal gathering.  Must be big. Interesting.  In addition to the angels, there is the assembly of the firstborn.  If that isn’t confusing enough, spirits live there as well.  Spirits of the righteous made perfect. Definitely time for another phone call.

So I dialed the number to Mount Zion.  Some guy named John the Baptist answered.  “Hello,”  I said.  “Are you the manager?”  “No, just a cousin.  I do the prep work for Jesus.”  “Jesus?”  “Yes.  He bought this place.”  “Is it as nice as the brochure says?”  “Actually, words don’t do it justice.”  “Must have cost Jesus a lot?”  “His life.”  “Huh?” “Long story.  Would you like to talk to Him?”  “But you said He was dead.”  “He was.”  “And now He is there?”  “Yes, and all of His followers.”  “Are they nice?”  “Perfect(ed).”  “John, do you have a sense of humor?  You’re not serious?”  “Always.”  Hmm.  “Brochure doesn’t give a price.  What does it cost to stay there?”  “Free.”  “John, you are funny.  Nothing is free.”  “This is.”  “How can that be?”  “Jesus paid for it.”  “Sounds too good to be true.”  “That’s what everyone says.”  “All inclusive?”  “You will never go hungry or thirsty.”  “How’s the food?”  “Locusts and wild honey are out of this world.”  “Music?”  “Angelic!”  “Wow.  Why wouldn’t everyone want to come?”  “Pride.”  “Pride?”  “Many would rather work than accept the gift of Jesus.”  “Sad.  One last question.  Is it easy to get to?”  “Actually the road is narrow, but Jesus will meet you and escort you.  Would you like to speak with Him or the Father?”  “Can I?”  “They are waiting to hear from you.”  “Later.  Thank you for your time.”  “You’re welcome.  Got plenty to redeem.”  Something about light, joy, and love that just appeals to me.  Besides, had this overwhelming feeling that the blood of Jesus was beckoning me to approach Mt. Zion.  Time for a decision.

Maybe the “grand openings” will help you decide.

“And the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses.  And about three thousand men of the people fell (died).” – Exodus 32:28

“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” – Acts 2:41

Sounds familiar.  “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…It was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness..”  (Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities)

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death blessing and curse.  Therefore choose life..” – Deuteronomy 30:19-20a

If you would like to read the brochure before you choose, see Hebrews 12:18-29.