ResponsiveReiding

Fearing God, AND the “king”

March 24th, 2011

Proverbs 24:21–22 (ESV) “My son, fear the Lord and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise, for disaster will arise suddenly from them, and who knows the ruin that will come from them both?”

Most Christians like to think of themselves as those who fear God. We want to acknowledge Him in His rightful reign and in His capacity as – God. Isn’t it strange then, that it is often the case among us (especially in our day and age) to find the very ones claiming to fear God – having little fear of those God puts in civil authority? I will confess my own severe failing in this regard.

While the Scripture nowhere requires that we agree with the policies or philosophies of governmental systems and those who hold offices within them – we are nevertheless to “fear” them, even as we fear God. For the same word in our text is applied to both. We do not fear them AS God, but we fear them as we recognize God’s appointment of them and His institution of them for our good. (Rom. 13:1-8)

It came as a surprise to me that we do not have the right to just lambast Government officials at will. Clearly – the Scripture envisions the Church speaking openly and directly to sin issues – no matter who is involved. Such is the case with John the Baptist rebuking Herod in Matt. 13:3-4. But there is nary a word of disdain to be found for the governing of Herod himself – though we know him to be a pagan, ungodly, self-seeking, unjust and scandalous man. Our arena is sin – not policy. Though at times, certainly, some policies may be sinful too.

More to the point of the text however – is that we are to have an attitude of fear toward offices, and thus the ones who occupy them – irrespective of how well they do or do not rule. We may well disagree – but we dare not disdain or verbally pummel them carelessly. Nor, are we to truck with those who do.

It is not permissible for us to refrain from failing to fear the authorities – only to take up for and support those who do. We are not to join with others who take it upon themselves not to fear those in authority and let them tongue-lash others vicariously in our place. Note why: “disaster will arise suddenly from THEM” – the ones who we think are championing our cause by berating government officials in our place. And who can tell the depth of the disaster that will fall on both of us if we join them in their folly.

This is a place where we simply must not let our freedoms, cross over into license. Beware how you speak of our elected officials. God is listneing.
Margin notes: Death and 1 Cor. 15:55

March 23rd, 2011

1 Corinthians 15:55 (ESV) “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

O death, where is thy victory?

O grave, where is thy sting?

Thinkest thou the thought of fools,

Of pow’r o’er everything?

This man for one though mortal be,

Shall not by fear be swayed.

To flee thy cold unyielding hand

Which makes the world afraid.

For One has gone before me now,

He’s plumbed your icy pit.

And rose from out with triumph’s shout,

Life’s candle spark re-lit.

Come now thou dupe of evil’s mind,

Stretch forth your numbing hand.

Unnumbered hordes of demon ranks,

Cannot my Lord withstand.

Sing your final ghoulish song,

Chant your hellish phrases,

And even in those closing hours,

I’ll hear nought, but His praises.

For you O death, can only serve,

To free me from this shell.

And grave, to let this body rest,

You’ll serve me very well.

O death, where is thy victory?

O grave, where is thy sting?

For when your dual works complete,

You’ve but brought me to my King!
Margin notes: The Cost of Forgiveness

March 22nd, 2011

1 John 2:12 (ESV) I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake.

Forgiveness is a constant and pervasive theme in the Bible. Apart from God’s forgiveness of our sins, we cannot be reconciled to Him. His provision of forgiveness, the means whereby He CAN forgive us, without also violating His own holiness and justice, is the mystery of the cross. God remains fully just and justice is done – even in His forgiveness, because the penalty has been paid. Justice and mercy meet in Jesus. He dies in our place (meeting justice) and thus the Father freely forgives without contradicting His own nature. What a wonder to behold. I confess it stuns me afresh every time I consider it. What a God, who loved us so – that He would create such a plan to redeem us – and at what a cost!

That last statement of course is something we must consider regularly too. Forgiveness is costly. Many a person doesn’t want to forgive, until it seems as though it isn’t costly anymore. They want to wait until the sting of the offense is gone. Until it isn’t painful to forgive. Of course, if the Father had done that in our case – none of us would be saved. The Father had to be willing to let His Son endure the pain on our behalf, and the Son had to be willing to endure it Himself. Forgiveness is expensive. And what it costs to redeem a human soul is beyond the realm of our ability to see completely – except that it is never less than the death of the eternal Son of God.

Now we often talk about forgiveness being for the benefit of the sinner. For our sakes, Jesus died – so that we might become His and be reclaimed from the bondage and penalty of sin. And, sometimes we talk of forgiveness in terms of the one offended. Haven’t we all been exhorted (and rightly so) that to fail to forgive is destructive to one who refuses. Bitterness ensues and an even greater harm (than the original offense) comes in the wake of unforgiveness.

But our text considers a third aspect of forgiveness – that God has forgiven us for the sake of Jesus’ name. And if you are struggling with forgiveness toward someone today – I would like you to consider this for just a moment. Perhaps the argument that unforgiveness is harmful to you isn’t persuasive. Perhaps the argument that the offending person NEEDS forgiveness isn’t compelling either. But if those two have failed – then consider this: Beloved, we need to forgive for HIS name’s sake. In other words – that the world might see the extravagant, unsearchable, amazing wonder of His mercy and grace displayed through our willingness to bear the cost – that others might know what His forgiveness is like. Do it for Him. Forgive so that others might see Him displayed. For His name’s sake, forgive. Make Him known.
“Heaven is For Real” – But not because Colton Burpo says so: A Review

March 18th, 2011

I know I’m going to be seen by some as a party pooper in this review – but bear with me. I think this little book raises from serious questions we DO need to ask.

That said – let me plunge on into it.

Heaven is For Real, is the (supposed) account of Colton Burpo – son of Todd Burpo, a pastor in Imperial Nebraska. When I use the word “supposed” in parentheses above, I do not wish to imply that there is any kind of fraud being perpetrated in this story. I use it only because a lot of what is reported in the book (beyond the verifiable historical facts), is all dependent upon what may or may not be the genuine experience, or dreams, or hallucinations or combinations of these – of 4 year old Colton Burpo. I do not use it either to impugn the sincerity of the Burpo family in any way. I use it because “experiences” are tricky things. And how we interpret our experiences may or may not be accurate. And herein rests a key problem with this little -quick reading and fun book.

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43.012215 -77.367031
Ten Myths About Calvinism: A Review

March 15th, 2011

In the mid-sixties, my family was in a horrible car crash on Christmas day. The car was totaled. My Dad had a broken ankle and severe lacerations on his forehead. The rest of the family all had their various bruises, cuts, strains, etc. Thankfully, no one was permanently disabled or killed. But my older sister – suffered the strangest of effects. For weeks afterward, she was plagued with uncontrollable crying. It seemed to have no direct connection to her emotional state either. Sad or happy, otherwise engaged or simply thoughtful, nevertheless, she would break out into tears. Everyone thought it would just go away on its own – an after effect of the shock of the whole incident. It didn’t.

One day, my Mom – who had suffered some serious back discomfort from all of this, went to see a Chiropractor who was invaluable in relieving her physical distress. As the whole incident was discussed with him, and all of our various conditions gone over – the curious case of my sister was visited too. And the good Dr. suggested Nancy (my sister) come to see him as well. It was amazing. One adjustment, one thing seriously out of place – put back into place – relieved what everyone assumed was a purely emotional malady. A pinched nerve (or so it was assumed) was producing the episodic and inexplicable crying. It ended that day.

How does all of this relate to Ken Stewart’s “Ten Myths About Calvinism”? Because for lack of a better term – this book is an exercise in ecclesiastical, historical chiropractic. It serves to realign some very critical, misaligned historical conceptions that for some (I have not a doubt in the world) have been producing undiagnosed pains, discomforts and perhaps even tears. It is a healing book. And I am profoundly grateful for it.

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Dressing up for The King

March 11th, 2011

Psalm 45:10–11 (ESV) Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father’s house, 11 and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him.

Every woman knows that she can do things which add to her desirability to her husband. We’re not talking about increasing love here, but pursuing attractiveness. Certain perfumes, or that special dress evoke a smiling response. Maybe he’s mentioned how he prefers her hair, or when she does or does not wear makeup – or uses certain makeup – etc. These are simple facts of life. And we wouldn’t imagine any wife unwilling to make herself attractive to her beloved – after all, if the relationship is healthy, she WANTS to be desirable to Him.

For the gal in our graphic – in her culture – this is what beauty looks like. This is attractiveness. But the question is what is beauty in the culture of Heaven? As the Bride of Christ – all of us, both male and female redeemed by the blood of the Lamb – have we given much thought to what makes us attractive in special ways to Him? We have no doubt of His great love for us – we need no other proof than the Cross. But do we consciously consider how we might make ourselves more desirable to Him. How we might bring a smile across His face because we do those things that we know please Him? This short passage mentions one way we can do this that I believe is worth our consideration.

Look for a moment at the first sentence of verse 11 – “and the king will desire your beauty.” What an expression that is! What IS that? What makes our King “desire” our “beauty.” What is so evocative to the King of Glory? This: The heart of Christ is especially moved with desire toward His betrothed, when we forsake all others and cling only to Him. When His words are the dearest to us. When His majesty overwhelms us. That is when He finds us most lovely. We are never more beautiful to Him then when we are wholly and unreservedly – His.

Christian – put on that special dress. Adorn yourself with His favorite jewelry. Make yourself irresistible to the One who has already loved you beyond your wildest dreams. Live in such a way – that He knows you find Him so lovely, that no one, and no thing – even ranks on the same scale of importance. Be wholly and unreservedly – His. He delights in that scent.
Conformed to the Image of Christ

March 10th, 2011

Romans 8:29 (ESV) For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Graeme Goldsworthy aptly writes: “Our Christian growth comes from becoming more like Christ, not more like Abraham or David or Daniel. These heroes of the Old Testament are examples for us only insofar as they foreshadow and point to Christ.”

Given Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 1:10-4:1, I haven’t the slightest doubt he would completely concur. “What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each.” (1 Corinthians 3:5) What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:12–13)

Yet often, this is the very thing we may see or hear in preaching – and especially in Sunday School lessons for children. The promoting of some laudable character trait in an individual – and the failure to connect that trait to a looking toward Christ results in mere moralism. And good morals and character traits – no matter how wonderful, cannot save. Only Christ can save.

It is good for us to look back at the great heroes of the faith in every generation and marvel. But marvel more than just at the personalities themselves. Carry it to full length – and marvel at the Christ they preached, lived, and who gave them to us to see His glory in.

When a man or woman has no greater desire than that the One who has saved them from their sins be seen for who and what He is – it is no slight to them to focus on the same object of their affections. It is their heartfelt desire. You honor them more by honoring their Savior – than by honoring them themselves.

Recently, I stumbled upon the following quotes – and found them germane to this very topic.

1. From Martin Luther: “I ask that men make no reference to my name, and call themselves not Lutherans, but Christians. What is Luther? My doctrine, I am sure, is not mine, nor have I been crucified for any one. St. Paul, in 1 Cor. 3, would not allow Christians to call themselves Pauline or Petrine, but Christian. How then should I, poor, foul carcass that I am, come to have men give to the children of Christ a name derived from my worthless name? No, no, my dear friends; let us abolish all party names, and call ourselves Christians after Him Whose doctrine we have.”

2. From John Wesley: “Would to God that all party names, and unscriptural phrases and forms which have divided the Christian world, were forgot and that the very name [Methodist] might never be mentioned more, but be buried in eternal oblivion.”

3. From Charles Spurgeon, “I look forward with pleasure to the day when there will not be a Baptist living! I hope that the Baptist name will soon perish, but let Christ’s name last forever.”
The Cost of Deliverance

March 8th, 2011

Matthew 8:28–34 (ESV) And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. ²⁹ And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” ³⁰ Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at some distance from them. ³¹ And the demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.” ³² And he said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters. ³³ The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, especially what had happened to the demon-possessed men. ³⁴ And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region.

The power of Jesus to cast out these demons ought to make our hearts rejoice that such deliverance has come through our Savior. But then, that is what we ought to expect from such an one. If He is who He says He is – then this is what we ought to expect – the vanquishing of the powers of darkness even when displayed in unimaginable and hideous ways.

What ought to shock us, is the response of the people recorded in vs. 34. Having wrought so great a miracle among them, they begged Him to leave their region. Why? The text does not offer us a specific reason. And yet, perhaps it isn’t too hard to discern at least a part of it.

It seems most simply here, that the cost of deliverance was too high. If they were going to lose a herd of pigs every time demons were cast out – better to have their financial security than to see the kingdom bring its freedom. How much we value the things of this world.

And I wonder – how often do we judge the cost of deliverance from the torment and bondage of sin too high as well? So I make sure the Church gets my tithe – but no more. I budget my time and energy so that I never give TOO much. After all, our security is in the things of this life – right? Or maybe there is a sin I value so much – that to lose it – is just too expensive for the freedom I might enjoy. What’s my herd of pigs?

Beloved, may we grow to be more like the dear one who anointed Jesus for His burial with the flask of spikenard. A year’s wages were not too much in her eyes to honor her dear Redeemer.

When did we stop being lavish in return for the lavishness of His sacrifice on our behalf? He thought no cost was too high for our deliverance. May we find no cost too high that others and even ourselves, might have such a deliverance too.
Fulfilling the Law and the Prophets

March 2nd, 2011

Matthew 5:17–20 (ESV) “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. ¹⁸ For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. ¹⁹ Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ²⁰ For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

How has Jesus fulfilled the Law and the Prophets – rather than “abolishing them? At least in three ways. And as we consider this, remember that our answers cannot contradict His assertion in vs. 20 that no matter what, God’s standard of righteousness has not been relaxed in the slightest degree. To enter the kingdom of heaven, we will need a righteousness that exceeds that of the strictest adherents to the Law can offer up.

But for now – consider this, Jesus fulfilled the Law and the Prophets by:

1. Fulfilling its REQUIREMENTS. If I might use a crude analogy, Adam, was captain of Team Mankind. And when the captain of the team broke the rules so that the team lost the game – the WHOLE team lost the game. We all lost. And, we all suffered unspeakable consequences. The team didn’t lose neutrally – we lost because we sinned. We disobeyed. And every time we still sin, we demonstrate our concurrence and approval of Adam’s actions. We show we would do the very same. We rebelled. But the 2nd Adam, is putting a new team together. Not one assembled by natural generation – being born into it like Team Mankind. This team is hand picked and the members are adopted in. But this time, the Captain has already played the entire game – and not only won it, but incurred not the slightest penalty. And as a result, all of those on Team Redeemed – enjoy the victory won by the Captain. His perfect fulfillment of all – is ascribed to the whole team, even though we weren’t even members yet. What a Savior!

2. Fulfilling its PROPHECIES. Everything said of the The Seed of the woman who was to crush the serpent’s head – He has done. Every type, every shadow, every forward look portrayed throughout the whole of Holy Writ He has personally brought to its conclusion. He is unmistakably and incontrovertibly the One. The subject of God’s Word. The outshining of His glory. The exegesis of God. God with us. He has fulfilled all that was spoken of Him. And even the small bits pointing yet to His return, we might confidently know He will yet accomplish. How do we know this? When He fulfilled rising from the dead!

3. Fulfilling its PENALTIES. Isaiah 53:1–12 (ESV) Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.

Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.
Blessed are we…

March 1st, 2011

Matthew 5:1–16 (ESV) Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. ² And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

⁴ “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

⁵ “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

⁶ “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

⁷ “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

⁸ “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

⁹ “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

¹⁰ “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Can one truly be “blessed” , “privileged” (for so the word implies) when –

3 – Unsuccessful and obscure?

4 – Suffering from grief?

5 – Humble and non-self-promoting – Non-aggressive?

6 – Battling sin?

7 – Unwilling to crush their enemies?

8 – Wide-eyed and not worldly wise?

9 – Conciliatory instead of confrontational?

10 – When suffering for doing what is right and good?

YES! If they are Christ’s – and are in His Kingdom! When you know your reward is in Heaven and not here.

13 – This perspective is what is “salt” in this world. Keeping its consuming decay at bay.

14 – This is the light of God shining into the darkness of this world.

In order to be salt and light – you must uncompromisingly live as those who know their blessedness does not come from this world – but rests in their being citizens of Christ’s Kingdom.

It does not appear that Jesus here is referring to generic good works – but continuing to live as poor in spirit, suffering mournful circumstances, remaining meek, striving after righteousness, unvengeful, pure, conciliatory and persecuted, all for the sake of the Kingdom – in open contrariness to the values and system of this world. Nothing glorifies God more than living in such a way that people are made aware that we live for something higher because of Christ.

Father – be glorified through me like that!