Glorious Within

Psalm 45:13 (NIV)
¹³ All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold.

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

I must first admit that when I read Psalm 45, all I could see was a wedding song that is over the top. Clearly it was originally written to flatter the king to whom it was written. It's laid on pretty thick as the king receives high marks for his excellence, appearance, marital prowess, character, wedding array, fragrance, music and harem. The king is even referred to as God. The poet continues with praise for the bride, of which our study verse today is in the middle, and makes predictions of the future children. The poet even predicts his own involvement in making certain the royal family is extolled through all generations.

Frankly, it seems a bit offensive to me. But whenever my sensibilities are challenged by the word of God, I know that I must look deeper in an effort to find the true meaning of the passage. Such is the case with my study verse today.

It is certainly no accident that this chapter has been preserved and included in the canon. And in the light of 2 Tim 3:16,17 I believe it serves a true purpose. We must remember that the relationship of 'the church' is portrayed in scripture as that of a bride; Christ being the bridegroom. We also may recall that in Luke 24, Jesus revealed himself in all the scripture beginning with Moses.

Therefore, I can only conclude that this passage, while originally written about an egotistical king is actually about the wedding of the church to Christ. With that in mind, examination of today's focus verse takes on new meaning. Let's consider it anew...

Psalm 45:13 (NIV)
¹³ All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold.

Applied to humans, this would indicate a beautiful bride in a moment of repose, in her room so to speak. Having been prepared for the wedding she is resplendent with beauty as she waits to be led to the throne room for the royal ceremony. Recalling the day of my own marriage some 25 years ago, I can attest to the beauty of the prepared bride as she enters the room.

Yet in our context today, this is not about outward appearance. We know that God is no impressed with outward beauty but searches within. I believe that this is a reference to the inward condition of the church, of its heart so to speak.

The bride is to be prepared for the groom. If the church is so prepared and is living with the fervent expectation of the coming bridegroom, her heart will be glorious. Her service to the world powerful and effective. In the same way that a human bride is beautiful on the outside (with no deference given to inward condition) so too is the church on the inside (with no deference given to outward appearances). Further, in the same way that the bride is attended to and 'made to be beautiful' so to are the efforts of church members with respect to the church.

There is in my head right now a bit of a nagging thought. To wit, perhaps Israel is the true church or bride. If that is the case, then we (the gentile church) are her attendants. As was the custom of the day, the bride AND HER ATTENDANTS all passed into possession of the groom upon marriage. Perhaps this is a more accurate portrayal of the deeper meaning of this passage.

Nevertheless, the passage continues with mention of her raiment. "her gown is interwoven with gold." Within the context of my interpretation of this passage, the church (the bride) is clothed with a great cloak of Christ's righteousness. Pure white is the description. Yet, the effective works of the church, those things which are of lasting value in God's economy, are woven into the very fabric of righteousness. Where the church loves and serves and teaches and encourages and accepts and forgives and cares and provides, these are added as adornments to the robe which has been given her.

In this way, purity of inward condition, clothed in righteousness and adorned with service to The Lord, the bride is indeed glorious within and without.

In His Grip,

Carl

Choose Wisely

There's a scene in an old Indiana Jones movie where 'Indy' and the protagonist are faced with choosing from a variety of cups. A wise choice leads to life and a poor choice leads to a dramatic, agonizing, slow and painful death. After the villain chooses and dies (you KNEW that was coming) the 'keeper of the cups' says something to the effect of "He chose unwisely."

Each of us faces a 'life or death' decision at least once in our lives, that's when we choose whether to be a child of God or remain in the family of Adam and Satan; sheep or goats. For those that shun Jesus no other decision really matters because death is certain. I'm not espousing any sort of nihilistic perspective but one who shuns Jesus and then decides to live a life of 'goodness' is just wasting their time. Nevertheless, for those who 'choose wisely' and accept the vicarious sacrifice of Jesus Christ as atonement for their personal sins, though secure in salvation, face a hundred choices a day; each choice being an opportunity to draw nearer or to draw back.

The basis for my study today is

Proverbs 14:16 (NIV)
¹⁶ A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

It is said elsewhere in Proverbs that 'fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom' and so it is. We could chase the rabbit of what fear is but for my purposes it is respect for the authority and justice of God, reverent awe for the power of God, keen appreciation for the love, mercy and grace of God and a fervent desire to please Him with every breath. A man that lives with this conviction in his heart is indeed wise and far wiser than the wisest man that has not such conviction.

Our verse then speaks of the person who is faithful and attentive to their relationship with God. It is a person who has been justified through that faith and their names have been written in The Book of Life. Yet, they are confronted in every direction with choices that either testify to their salvation or condemn it. I speak of course of the most basic decision between good and evil.

Though it seems an easy decision to always choose on the side of goodness, it is not easy nor convenient. If you faced a decision between an Angel and a Demon, your decision would be instantaneous. But ask you to choose between keeping the 'bank error in your favor' or returning it to it's rightful owner and the decision becomes much more difficult. Choosing to look away from temptation versus entertaining the notion to sin seems insignificant but it is not.

Proverbs teaches us that as a result of our wisdom we fear the Lord. As a result of our wisdom and our fear of The Lord, we SHUN evil. Webster's defines 'shun' as "to avoid deliberately and habitually." By that definition, we do not ever accidentally 'fall' as a distracted man walks into a trap. We are to be vigilant, diligent, persistent and intentional in our turning away from ALL evil ALL the time. An occasional 'dalliance' or 'indulgence' speaks clearly of the absence of wisdom and the weakness of our own conviction to fear the Lord.

A wise person hides God's word in their heart, contemplates it day and night, observes all that is written therein, loves unconditionally, listens intently, is slow to speak, delays anger, forgives instantly, prays ceaselessly and in every breath they shun all that is evil. There can be no quarter given in this daily struggle to 'choose wisely.'

On the other hand, the second fragment of this verse tells how to identify the fool by his actions. "Hotheaded and reckless" are key indicators given us by Solomon. The Fool is the opposite of the wise man. He has no fear for God and by that lack, all other matters are lost. Though he may know the Bible by memory, his soul knows not God. His love is self-serving, selfish and narcissistic. He is quick to speak, slow to listen. There is no value in forgiveness and it is only given as it suits the achievement of his own goals. Prayer is a last resort and in every decision is a complete absence of discernment between good and evil.

I challenge you today to examine yourself to see if you are in the faith. Do you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Do you shun evil? Really? You give no quarter to Satan or his minions? There is no habit, no proclivity, no vice to which you return over and over in secret? If that is so, then you are wise and have already entered into fellowship with God. You have chosen wisely.

Or are you a fool? Have you rejected the offer of salvation by the blood of Christ? Do you dabble in sin? Do you dialog with the devil as you consider what he causes to be put before you? Are you deceived in your discernment of good and evil? Are you quick to anger? Are your decisions prayerful or are they reckless? It takes only one bad choice to reveal the fool no matter how practiced his pretending.

To which standard to you aspire; to be wise or to be a fool? Choose wisely for this is the choice between life and death.

Shalom,

Carl

What Was Is Not What Is

Last night at my weekly accountability group meeting, we talked about that moment when the 'old things passed away and the new had come'; when we drove a stake in the timeline of eternity that delineated past and present. For some, that moment can be literally remembered down to the minute as though a 'road to Damascus' experience. For others, it is more nebulous for their 'passing away' and being 'reborn in the spirit' were less dramatic more gradual processes.

We came to this discussion as part of our investigation into the parable of the sower. As we talked about how the different soils yielded different harvests, or none at all, one of the men present likened his heart to the shallow soil and pondered whether that would explain the lack of depth he perceives in his current relationship with God. As we tried to get to the 'meat of the matter' we talked of the moment described above, when first we believed.

Though our individual awakenings were different, we all started in the same place. We started in a place that is normally thought of as the end, not a beginning. That place was death. In our sinfulness, we were dead; walking dead but dead nonetheless. Of course in this context, we speak of death in terms of our moral state. We were lifeless and devoid of everything holy, heavenly, spiritual or divine. We had neither interest nor participation in the life that God intended for us; one of holiness, purity, wisdom and goodness. Though present in life, we walked in darkness utterly contemptuous of the glorious light of God's perfection and utterly disdainful of those who walked with Him therein. We had no part in God.

The Apostle Paul was familiar with people such as me. Consider this passage;

Ephesians 2:1-2 (NIV)
¹ As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, ² in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

This accurately described the state of my being, then. It reminds me too that even now there are others who languish still in the throes of death. Paul continues with an acknowledgment that we all share this same heritage. He writes...

Ephesians 2:3 (NIV)
³ All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

All have sinned, all have lived among the dead at one time, all have pursued the gratification of the sinful nature responding to their nature as though it were right and acceptable; behaving as mere animals. Though created in the image of God we have all lowered ourselves to equality with the beasts of the field. And as such, being carnal and selfish and dead, we were condemned by The Law and became the objects of God's holy wrath.

What a dire predicament! What a sad story to be repeated over and over throughout all known time. Such despair! Yet, that is not the end of the story. Consider...

Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)
⁴ But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵ made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

And there it is, in as much as we all shared in death brought about by sinfulness, we as believers no share in the life in Christ! I no longer walk the Earth as though the living dead. Instead, I have died in Christ and been reborn, yet not I but Christ. What was is not what is.

So it is with joy and gladness that I recall the moment of my death when I passed through the grip of Satan and into the bosom of Christ. Perhaps you remember your moment and would like to share it with me by commenting on this blog entry. Perhpas you have not experienced that moment but feel the tuggings of The Spirit upon your conscious even now and you'd like to embrace that opportunity; if that's the case then speak to God. Admit your own sinfulness and your need for Him. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and in his sacrifice on the cross as full payment for your sin-debt. Confess your sins to God and be forgiven. Rise from the grave in which you dwell and join us as we walk in the light of God's Holy Perfections.

If that speaks to you and you had that conversation with God, I encourage you to tell someone. You can start with me but don't stop there. Tell your pastor, your teacher and your friend. Tell them that what was is not what is.

Shalom,

Carl

I Want To Be A Grape

I want to be a grape. I don't mean that I want to hang out on the vine and sit in the sun all day. Nor do I mean that I want to get squished and turned into a bottle of wine. What I mean is that I want my life to be all that it can be. Knowing that I'm hanging off a branch attached to the vine, a grape seems to be the best representative of that concept.

But wanting to be something or even trying with all my might does not mean that I will be successful. The truth is that for the greater part, I am incapable of accomplishing my goal. That's because the health of the grape, the production of the branch is completely dependent upon the vine.

It is the vine that takes up the nourishment from the soil. It is the vine that lifts up the branches from the dirt and mud. It is only by the vine that the plant may live and be fruitful. Fortunately for me, the vine to which I am attached is Jesus. Not only that but this vineyard, the one I'm in is tended to by God.

Check out this verse...

Isaiah 27:3 (NIV)
³ I, the Lord, watch over it; I water it continually. I guard it day and night so that no one may harm it.

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

My ability to be a grape; to love others, to forgive, to forbear, to give, to grow, to live, to pray, to read, to study, to hear the Word of Truth, to meditate, to contemplate, to teach, to reach, to serve, to blog, my very redemption... all these things are completely dependent upon the health of the vine. God has to continually send down fresh supplies of mercy and grace, every day, to maintain the health of the vineyard. Without this continual nourishment and attention, I would wither and become a raisin.

But God watches over his vineyard, he waters and nourishes it. He guards it against intruders. He cuts back the branches that would compromise the vine. He lifts and washes the branches that have fallen. He judges the condition of the entire plant by the fruit that it bears and always provides what is necessary for growth, health and fruitfulness.

The fruit from God's vineyard yields a wine that is delicious and it is this 'fruit of the vine' that Christ Jesus will drink anew in the kingdom of God.

So I want to be a grape.

Carl

Whenever You're Ready

Each morning I awake in the pre-dawn darkness. As my consciousness returns to me chasing away the dreams of my slumber my thoughts set the tone for the day. Sometimes, like butterflies, my thoughts fly off to far away places, other times, like wild horses, they immediately chase after my 'to-do' list that awaits me. As soon as I am able to recognize what is going on I try to gather my flitting thoughts as in a net or I try to rein in those wild horses that I may reset their purpose by focusing my thoughts on my Creator. There are times when I succeed and times when I fail.

But regardless of my subjective success, everything is predicated upon the assumption that it is a new day; that the sun will rise, the wind will blow, the rain will come and I have yet another day on this ball of dirt called Earth. It is a safe assumption, that the sun will rise and it is natural that I count on that fact.

There is another assumption upon which I stake my life. That is whenever I show up to my morning appointment with God, He will always be there. He never fails to keep our appointment and though I may through laziness or interruption find myself unable to make the date, I know that he is there whenever I'm ready. All I have to do is get into the correct posture, spiritually and intellectually, ready to study, eager to learn with a contrite heart and expectation and He will come.

I know this to be true for two reasons. First, the lesser reason; it is my experience. In the same way that I know to withdraw my hand from a hot iron, by experience, I know that He comes.

Secondly, the more important reason; it is stated in God's Word. Consider;

Hosea 6:3 (The Message)
³ We’re ready to study God, eager for God-knowledge. As sure as dawn breaks, so sure is his daily arrival. He comes as rain comes, as spring rain refreshing the ground.”

Peterson, Eugene H.: The Message : The Bible in Contemporary Language. Colorado Springs, Colo. : NavPress, 2002

Whether this passage was a prediction of future behavior by believers or a statement of then-current exhortation and encouragement among believers is of no consequence to me. As God's word it is eternal and continuous. It describes the conditions that are favorable for a meaningful daily devotional.

"We're ready to study God, eager for God-knowledge." This is a core requirement that reflects the true heart of the seeker. If you sit down to study God, His Word, His Son, His Spirit, His Will, His Mercy, His Grace, His Justness, His Faithfulness without a ready heart, if you do this begrudgingly as if by compulsion, then the core requirement is not met and your daily devotional, though performed, will not be as productive or profitable as intended. Our hearts should be as expectant as a new parent or someone about to receive a big award for that is what is about to happen.

When the core requirement is met, when our hearts and minds are right and we are in a posture of eager anticipation, "As sure as dawn breaks, so sure is his daily arrival." In the same way that we depend on the sun to rise in the morning, we are able to depend on God to arrive. I realize that is a little bit backwards for it is God that sets the standard, not the flaming ball we call the Sun but it is sufficient for our understanding.

His arrival in our daily life is not heralded by trumpets or claps of thunder. Rather he comes silently as the wind as easily as a breath and His presence is neither intrusive nor oppressive. He joins us as a loving friend, a doting teacher, a caring parent. His presence may be felt or not. Nevertheless, he is there.

The purpose of his arrival is not to make us feel better nor is it to reprove His faithfulness again and again. Rather "He comes as rain comes, as spring rain refreshing the ground." He comes to refresh us, to renew us, to give us the strength we need and the hope we desire. By His presence and our study, He imparts knowledge, wisdom and discernment. In His presence, his will is revealed and our orders unsealed.

So whenever you're ready, get into the right posture, clear your mind, still your heart. Open yourself to Him in eager anticipation and as you read His words from the Bible, He will come and you too will be refreshed.

Saturated,
Carl

Is You Is or Is You Ain't

From my study window this morning I see a a beautiful sky and I can already feel that it's going to be a great day! I know that the temperature has risen and that the inescapable cold has at least temporarily abated. The Spirit has stirred my heart already this morning and God was waiting for me to crawl out of the bed for our appointment.

As I made my way to the study verse for today I knew that, as usual, God had something prepared for me just as he has something prepared for countless others who are meeting with Him today according to their own schedules. I am eager to start my day in God's Word.

The verse today is

Romans 8:5 (NIV)
⁵ Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

In my past life, not a previous life but rather the life I 'lived' without God, I was constantly consumed by thoughts, plans and goals that were centered on the world. The thing I wanted most was financial prosperity. Heaped up against this consuming desire were other more fleshy, more hedonistic desires. Every fiber of my being was straining towards selfish goals with little or no thought about anyone else unless it suited my own desires. My decisions were guided by my own faulty sense of right and wrong and my chief counselor was the fallen angel Lucifer or more likely some lesser demon. I willingly lived according to my sinful nature and my mind was consumed by thoughts that were dishonorable, twisted, abhorrent, disgusting and vile. That is the nature of my nature. In itself there is nothing honorable, good, appealing or redeeming.

I am thankful to God that I was so inept at being bad for had I been successful, I would likely have never come to the point of brokenness where I could accept the love of God! The very things that I desired drove me to a point of despair that was so dark and so threatening that I had to open my eyes to the reality of God. It really was as though I had been blind and now could see.

In retrospect I understand that it wasn't that I was blind it was that I was singularly focused on the object of my affection. So focused in fact that I was unable or unwilling to see anything that did not support my paradigm of life.

But enough of that for it has now passed! As my eyes were opened to God, they were shuttered to those things which I once held dear. As my mind absorbed the truth of God's word and love and justice and mercy and grace, the things of the world were squeezed out.

I believe it is that way for all believers who will trust God and let go of their old habits and desires. In Romans we are admonished to "no longer conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds." That's all I'm trying to describe with my abundance of words. God sends his spirit to renew our minds. The product of a renewed mind is a changed life.

Where once was a life of selfishness, now appears of life of selflessness. Where once was a life of pursuing financial gain, now comes the pursuit of God's will. Where once was a life of hedonistic pleasure, a life of Godly joy. For every ugly thing that is cast away God replaces it with something beautiful and bigger.

It is a profound mystery to me as to why God would do this. Certainly it is nothing I deserve nor have I earned it. It is an act of love on His part that is beyond my comprehension. And yet I think about it and try to understand it that I may someday manifest such love into the lives of those around me.

This passage today is true even if you jumble it up. Those who dwell on their sinful desires will live a life according to their sinful nature. Those who dwell on what God desires according to the stirrings of the Holy Spirit will live a life according to God's spirit. If you treasure yourself, you will live for your self. If you treasure God, you will live for God. Your actions follow your heart and your mind.

On the other hand, as this verse states, your actions can lead your heart and your mind out of the grave and into the light. I'm not talking about good works, I'm talking about intentionally replacing your bad habits with godly habits. I'm talking about making a conscious decision to step from the darkness into the light. As soon as you do that, your heart and mind will respond and the vicious cycle will be transformed into a virtuous cycle.

So with respect to your life today; is you is or is you ain't living according to the Spirit?

Peace,

Carl

Home for Adopted Children

The Word should be first...

Ephesians 2:19-21 (NIV)
¹⁹ Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, ²⁰ built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. ²¹ In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

Consequently: as a result: in view of the foregoing

It is important to know what the foregoing IS as we dive into this verse. Otherwise we completely lose the context. In this cast, it is the sacrifice of Christ which has reconciled us to God. So in reading this passage, we could substitute this for the word "consequently."

Ephesians 2:14-18 (NIV)
¹⁴ For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, ¹⁵ by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, ¹⁶ and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. ¹⁷ He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. ¹⁸ For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

With that in mind, we can rejoice not only that by Christ we have been reconciled to God and may come into his presence but also that we have been adopted. The passage speaks to the fact that we are no longer 'foreigners and aliens.' Perhaps even, we have relinquished our hold to the title 'Gentile.' I suppose that would be a great point for a heated debate! Nevertheless, we have become 'fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household.' We have been picked up from the streets of despair and given a place at God's table as one of his own.

The household into which we have been given membership is that of the church. Now I don't necessarily mean your local church building and congregation. What I'm really thinking of is the church 'universal', the church that is comprised of all true believers in God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit. This church spans time, culture, language, geography, genetic and all socio-economic distinctions.

The church has been being constructed according to the will of God since the beginning of time. As today's verse indicates it has been 'built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.' For the prophets of the Old Testament, it was always forward looking. They expected with great anticipation the arrival of the Messiah and the 'birth' of His church. They are aware of the pregnancy but were not there for the birth.

The apostles on the other hand, had some knowledge of the pregnancy in that they were familiar with the prophets. But they were on the scene when the time came. They witnessed the birth of the church and indeed it is they that went throughout the land spreading the news as ancient "Johnny Appleseeds" leaving a trail of believers wherever they went. And as this verse teaches it is "Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone." I think of it as though the prophets cleared the construction site, Christ laid the cornerstone and the apostles laid the first row of bricks. It is the foundation upon which all other believers have been added.

The passage goes on "In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord." We can never forget that what joins us together (the living believers) is Christ. What joins us to the generations before us is Christ. What joins us to the apostles and the prophets is Christ. What joins us to God's people, the children of Abraham, is Christ.

It is an understanding of this core principle that enables us to love one another and to work together for the advancement of God's kingdom here on Earth. It is an understanding of this principle which allows me to live with confidence now that my house is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets and is anchored on the cornerstone of Christ Jesus.

Carl

Be Holy

Yeah, yeah, I'm really late on the post today. I could explain my tardiness as being related to the change in timezones and not yet being acclimated. But that isn't the entire reason. Oh, it's part of the reason sure enough but... I was up early enough. What happened is that I went to my verse for the day and read it. Then I read the verses before and after it to get the context proper. Then I realized that I was very confused and decided that to blog on this verse might result in my leading someone astray so I decided to wait. I've spent a good part of today chewing on this passage and honestly, as I set down to make this entry, it was not my intent to address the verse but rather to offer and explanation as to why I hadn't posted. That's weird though that my blog of daily devotional reflections should be an explanation as to why I didn't post. Lame.

So, I'm going to share the verse and then share my thoughts. I don't feel like I'm on solid ground with this verse so consider this just opinion and not divine revelation of anything like that lest you take this seriously. Let's just consider this passage and see where it all comes down.

First though, the verse...

2 Corinthians 6:17 (NIV)

¹⁷ “Therefore come out from them

and be separate,

says the Lord.

Touch no unclean thing,

and I will receive you.”^c

^c Isaiah 52:11; Ezek. 20:34, 41

^[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

Okay, the first thing that grabs me is that this is a command to separate from unbelievers. Truly. Go back and read from V14. It's the section on "don't be yoked with an unbeliever." As I read this passage I feel a deep sense of confusion. On the one hand, we've been commanded to live 'in the world' but not to be 'of the world.' I've always interpreted this to mean NOT to separate from the world no matter how much I'd like to start a Christian commune. Second, the core message of Jesus Christ was to love sinners. I just don't see how we can love sinners if we don't hang out with any of them. One of my deepest frustrations with my current situation is that I've managed to isolate myself from most all unbelievers (except for the children). How does that show Christ's love to the world?

So to read this passage telling me to 'have no fellowship' just flies up my nose.

Even so, this IS God's word so I know there has to be more to it. That's when I noticed all the little super-script letters [a-d]. Every one of these points back to the Old Testament and most of them to the Books of the Law. So in this context, this is a quote and in fact, in V16, it says "As God has said..." So the Apostle Paul is quoting GOD but he is quoting GOD from before the fulfillment of The Law. So now, I'm really confused because it seems that Paul is advocating a return to the Law with respect to purity.

Now the problem I have with that is that "pre-fulfillment of the law (PFOTL)" purity was a great big deal. God walked in the camp so we couldn't have poo laying around that He might step in. God's people couldn't defile themselves by eating anything forbidden or by touching anything unclean or by looking upon anything despicable. To do those things would absolutely separate them from God. To get back into God's graces (so to speak) required a sacrifice. But that was all PFOTL. Christ was the final sacrifice which in my mind meant that all those prohibitions against food and all the pointless trying to live according to the LAW were no longer the issue that they were. The LAW condemns but GRACE sets free.

Then it occurred to me that Paul may have just been being particular in the manner in which he handled God's word (from the Old Testament). Maybe, he just wanted to draw the peoples attention to the promises in V18 but didn't feel it was legitimate to just rip out that part of scripture which illustrated his point. If we read down to 7:1 this would seem to be the case.

Paul's point seems to be that we should willingly and intentionally, out of deep love and reverent awe for God, be as pure and holy as we can possibly be. That our choices should always be oriented around the concept that since God is holy, we should strive to be holy. Now, make no mistake, we will absolutely fail at this task. But it is the trying that matters, the failing has been taken care of.

So now, I have to wonder about why Paul wrote this. What must have been going on in the church at Corinth for him to say these things. Clearly, there is a lot of opportunity here for me to study and to discover the answer to these matters which perplex me.

What do you think?

Shalom,
Carl

Don't Be Surprised

I remember a particular conversation I had with God a few years ago. Having recently accepted Christ Jesus as my Lord and Savior I was befuddled by how complicated and difficult my life remained. I was under the mistaken assumption that once you became a Christian the matters of life would suddenly become much less of a burden or an obstacle; they'd just be less of a matter than before. I distinctly recall saying "What's up with this, God?" I also remember receiving the understanding that God never promised an easy life, he just promised the strength to get through it. He just promised to send help (in the form of The Counselor) who would help me, comfort me, guide me and poke me whenever I needed poking. But he certainly never promised to just make it all easy or to do things for me. That was a pretty big deal to me at the time and that understanding stands under my entire life now. The challenges I face no longer have strength and power over me, they no longer rule my life.

Even so, today I am reminded that my troubles, all my troubles balled together and multiplied by ten or so are nothing compared to what other Christians face. Consider this passage today

1 Peter 4:12 (NIV)

Suffering for Being a Christian

¹² Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

Did you notice what the section title (pericope) said? "Suffering for Being a Christian" Now there's something that I really don't have a perspective on. You see, the 'things' I suffer are 'as a Christian' not 'for being a Christian.'

There's a world of difference between those two. 'As a Christian' I am offended, appalled, ridiculed, scoffed at and marginalized. oooOOOooo scary. The only real opposition I face is that I am sometimes walking East when everyone around me is walking West. It's like the opposition a salmon faces when it is trying to swim upstream, against the current. Hardly a life-threatening situation! And when I tire of the 'opposition' I can simply go home, close the door, put my feet up and take a nap till my irritation passes.

But that is not the case for those who are persecuted 'for being a Christian.' It's easy for me to believe that when Peter wrote the passage I study today there were people being stoned to death or crucified for their faith in Jesus. But it is very difficult for me to accept that that same practice continues today. Oh the methods may be different but the outcome is still the same. There are people on this planet who are killed for their faith in Jesus. There are people who lose their homes, their families, their friends, all their earthly possessions. Not only that but they lose their freedom and find themselves in prison. Some lose their life. That's real, in-your-face opposition for being a Christian. And indeed, that surprises me. I'd like to think that we live in an advanced age of reason and that nobody gets killed because they proclaim the Risen King. But, I am naive. I live in a sheltered society where the biggest challenge is deciding what to eat. That's pretty embarassing.

So, these words from the pen of Peter are here to remind me of the suffering of others whose faith is sorely tested. They are also to remind me that I stand in opposition to the culture in which I live. Neither I nor the believers in oppressed countries should be surprised that there is opposition. And no matter how consequential the suffering, we are to count it as a blessing. I mean, when it comes right down to it, isn't that kind of persecution an honor and a tribute?

Recently in response to one of my posts, a friend remarked that "if I were indicted for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict me?" That's a remarkable question in light of today's passage. In order for us to face suffering for being a Christian, there must be sufficient evidence. That's what I meant when I asked if this isn't an honor and a tribute.

What are we doing, today, that would warrant opposition and suffering for being a Christian? If you, like me, can find nothing in answer to that challenge, isn't that the strange thing here?

Checking the map,
Carl

What HE Says He Is

During his all to brief but sufficient life on earth, Jesus made several statements as to who or what He is. He referred to himself as the good shepherd, the Son of God, the Son of Man, the way, the truth, the life and many others. In every reference is an amazing cohesion of purpose and a fulfillment of prophecy. There is something else in these references and that is a common understanding of the 'customs of the country.' Jesus spoke in terms that were easily understandable by the common man and did not resort to high-minded or complicated explanations as to who he is.

In my study passage today, Jesus refers to himself as an inanimate object, or so it seems. The passage is

John 10:9 (NIV)

⁹ I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.^a He will come in and go out, and find pasture.

^a Or kept safe

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

Yes, he is the gate. Though in function he is a gate he bears no resemblance to the gates with which you and I are familiar.

In this passage, Jesus is speaking of the church. In his example, that of sheep-herding, it was common practice to collect the various flocks of sheep into separate pens which were located around the perimeter of the house. In each pen would be one flock. All the flocks together constituted a fold. The shepherd would stand at the opening of the pens and either permit or deny entrance (or exit) depending upon the individual sheep.

This means that the shepherd had to know each sheep as an individual. In that manner, he could determine which flock a given sheep belonged to. Thus, the shepherd would keep the sheep properly organized for their own safety and health and would be able to easily keep out sheep that were not his or even other animals such as goats that might try to 'herd' with the sheep.

Nevertheless, in this case, the shepherd is the gate. Only his chosen are allowed to pass through, all others are turned away.

Further, it is helpful to know that the pen represented safe haven for the sheep. Anytime they were fearful they could return to their pen for safety. And we are all familiar with the idiom "there is safety in numbers." Thus when the sheep were herded together in their pen they were able to rest without anxiety or fear because they knew, from experience, that the shepherd was keeping watch over them.

Whenever it was time for the sheep to feed, they were allowed to leave the pen that they might be led to the pasture selected by the shepherd.

So in this similitude, we see ourselves with respect to Jesus. The ecumenical church represents the fold of God's people on earth. Each individual church of believers represents a flock. It is God's intent that within the pen of our church, we may find safety and rest. It is also his intent that we flow out of the pen as we follow him that he may lead us to green pastures through service and living evangelism. Though any may willingly walk through the door of a church, only those that enter through belief in Christ are saved.

Baaa,

Carl

Why DID He Write That?

There are a great many things in the Bible which make you go "hmmmmm." If you just take a cursory glance through the scripture you will pick up quite a bit about amazing exploits and adventures. You'll read stories of wars and imprisonment, the building and tearing down of walls and cities, the birth and death of peoples across thousands of years many, many things which are of interest. If you will stop along the way and 'turn over a few rocks to see what's underneath' you will find a cornucopia of knowledge and wisdom. Slow down a little more and you'll find diamonds and rubies, emeralds and sapphires and numerous other gemstones in God's Word. Along the way, you'll run into things that make you wonder exactly WHY that was preserved by God for you to read.

This would be a great point to tell you about some of them but I'm going in the opposite direction. Because there are a couple of places where the author tells you exactly why their writing is before you. Consider my study verse of today

1 John 2:1 (NIV)

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

John tells us plainly why he is writing. He repeatedly informs the reader as to why he is writing as though he is anticipating my question of 'why?'

In this passage, John starts by addressing his audience "dear children" which may also be translated as "dear little ones." So it is with great affection that John is addressing the church and by the power of the Holy Spirit, you and I. And it is as a loving father that he is teaching the believers that they may have victory over sin. The purpose of his loving labor is that they may know that they need not sin. It is not teaching that they 'will not' sin but rather that as children of God or as one who 'lives in the light' they are no longer slaves to sin. They understand the choice and have the power to choose appropriately.

Knowing their human weaknesses he encourages them that even if someone sins, there is already an 'advocate' for them in the presence of God the Father who has, is and will come to our defense. Thus they and us too are freed from the bondage of sinfulness.

That's rather the point of the Bible isn't it? To let us know in a thousand different ways, through verses long and short that we have been redeemed. That God through his mercy has given us strength by way of the Spirit to live a different life than the world would have us live. We have the right to live as children of God, to walk in the light and lead of life of openness, honesty and sincerity. That our debts have been paid, the punishment meted out onto Jesus who bore our iniquities that we may come to God. That when by our human weakness we do fail he is always there to come to our aid.

That's one thing I never ask 'why' about. Instead I just give praise and glory for the fact that he DID do that. And I thank God for His Word, for writing that.

Shalom,

Carl

Whose Are You?

Merriam-Websters 11th Edition defines "disciple" as "one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another" and qualifies that a little further in sub-point 'b' with "a convinced adherent of a school or individual."

So with that in mind, answer the question. Whose disciple are you?

Over the years I've been a disciple of a number of people and 'schools.' I've been a disciple of Jacques De Molay, capitalism, Stephen Covey, Dennis Waitley and others. I know people who are disciples of various coaches and pundits and methods. If we stop and examine ourselves, our lives and our passions, whose disciple would we appear to be?

My study verse today is

John 8:31 (NIV)

³¹ To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

Now to really appreciate this verse you really must read it in full context by reading John 8:12-59. I'll leave it to you to look-up this passage and read it. It is a fascinating exchange between Jesus and a group of Jews including some Pharisees. But for my purposes of intent study today, v31 is all I will comment on.

First, Jesus is addressing a group of believers. "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said..." Then, as now, whenever a group of people are gathered together in the presence of God, there will be believers and non-believers. For the non-believer the message of import is that of salvation. Scripture considers this 'spiritual milk' for the 'new-born believer.' But for believers, the message, though different is of equal importance. Not only do you require milk (salvation) but to this you must add the "solid food" of righteousness.

Secondly, in addressing the 'believers' Jesus is articulating the truth that there is a propensity for believers to fall away. Receiving the word of salvation is relatively easy, perhaps even easier for us today since 'the law' has not the hold on us that it did on the Jews in Jesus' day. But to 'hold to' the teachings of Christ, that is another matter altogether. Jesus acknowledged this with the condition "If you hold to my teaching..." He recognizes that it is possible for the believer to 'fade away' or to never be weaned to the solid food of righteous living.

Third, Jesus establishes the standard by which his disciples are identified. If we satisfy the condition "if you hold to my teaching" then we are identified as the real disciples of Christ. He said "you are really my disciples." Not in word or in name but in action and truth. The test of discipleship is not whether we first believe but whether 'if we hold to His teaching.' If you can imagine that, at the time, believing in Jesus was a very dangerous proposition. You could get stoned! (with rocks!) Even today it is a challenge. Though people are not pelted with rocks anymore, the true disciples of Christ face different forms of persecution including being shunned, ridiculed, marginalized and ignored. Those who hold unswervingly to the teachings of Christ, the true disciples, must struggle in this world.

So, again I ask... if we stop and examine ourselves, our lives and our passions, whose disciple would we appear to be?

Shalom,

Carl

Live By It

I am often incensed at the gall of criminals. Not just that they show contempt for the law and for society by conducting themselves above the law but because when caught they will use the law for their own protection. It seems to me that if you aren't willing to live by the law then you should not enjoy it's protection when it suits your purposes and needs. It's unconscionable to ignore the laws that protect society but to cling to the laws which protect yourself.

This type of behavior is not limited to the criminal element in our culture but can be displayed by Christians in very covert ways. Consider the Christian who claims the salvation of Jesus Christ but serves the god of money in violation of the First Commandment. How about the Christian who gives his tithe but never pushes back from the table and is a glutton? What about the Christian who having promised 'till death us do part' cries "don't judge me" as they pursue a divorce of convenience? Surely you get the point.

My study verse today is

Psalm 119:146 (NIV)

¹⁴⁶ I call out to you; save me

and I will keep your statutes.

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

When I first read this verse my initial inclination was to cry 'foul!' The reason being that it sounds very much like a negotiation with God along the lines of "If you'll do this, I'll do that." I am quite familiar with these types of offers and I am guilty of having said something similar numerous times in my life when confronted with the consequences of my own sin. You see, I am the person at the top of this post, or rather, I was.

Upon further study of this verse, having established the proper context with the surrounding verses, I see that this is no negotiation at all. It is rather a statement of present and ongoing fact. The psalmist, David, is three-quarters of the way through the longest book of The Bible wherein he extolls the virtues of God's law. Out of the 176 verses in this book, he mentions God's law or God's will in almost every verse. He very carefully and laboriously wrote this 'chapter' to extol the virtues of God's law. He refers to it using about ten different terms including; law, statutes, ways, precepts, decrees, commands, word, promise, faithfulness.

The reason for this is that David loves God's law. He knows that by obedience he may enjoy a long and prosperous life. Obedience allows us to live fully, safely, wisely and well. He knows that to run contrary to God's law is to call down present judgment on himself. He is THRILLED to have God's truth in his mind and God's wisdom in his heart.

With such a love for God and His decrees, David gladly follows and 'keeps his statutes' as stated in today's verse. It's not a negotiation on David's part for David is already keeping the statutes, obeying the law and following God's decrees.

I submit that our attitude with respect to obedience to God should be like that of David or more appropriately like that of Christ Jesus. Then, when we 'call out' to the Lord, he is faithful to save us.

Exonerated,

Carl

As You Think, So You Are

There are these shows on television that are quite popular and have been for several years now. Their theme is simple, select some deserving family, send them on a vacation, tear out or tear down their house and give them a new one in the same place. Its the Extreme Makeover mentality and it is wildly popular.

One of the things that make it so popular is the concept that the people benefiting from the makeover, have no responsibility at all. They need only make themselves scarce, get out of the way for a while and when they return, voila! the work is all done. They move into their new digs and resume their life already in progress.

Unfortunately, I believe many Christians come to God with that same mentality. That He is going to do all the work and they can just get on with their lives albeit in a new house. Now certainly there are aspects of our relationship with God that work in just this manner; Salvation is chief among them. But there are numerous other aspects of the abiding relationship that require work from both sides.

Consider the sanctification process, that is, the gradual and relentless bringing your own mind into alignment with God's will and plan for your life. It is this process that drives out sinful behavior and effects a change in this life that is visible and encouraging to others. We know that this process is aided and abetted by the indwelling Holy Spirit, given by God for this very purpose. We know that a central component of the effectiveness of this transformative process is the renewing of your mind.

Now this is not something that is forced upon us but instead requires not only our consent but our willful cooperation, persistent practice and humble obedience. I make this assertion because of what I read in Romans 12:2a which teaches "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Not that the verb is 'be', not allow. This indicates a present active tense and that requires our direct involvement.

I would like to draw your attention to one aspect of why this 'renewing of the mind' is so important. I trust that you accept that our minds, left to our own devices, would invariably become consumed with passion for the world and everything therein. This is the result of our carnal nature against which we are powerless in and of ourselves. My study verse to is

Romans 8:6 (NIV)

⁶ The mind of sinful man^e is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; ^[1]

^e Or mind set on the flesh

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

This verse reminds us that if we allow our minds to dwell upon matters of the flesh, we willingly walk down the path to death and by way of contrast, discord. On the other hand, if we 'be transformed by the renewing of our mind' our mental focus and all our energies will become controlled by the Spirit. When that happens, our path leads to life and peace.

The difference between death and life is as obvious as the difference between Hell and Heaven. And do not be misled into believing that these are places in the future. We are already living in the timeline of eternity. For the carnally minded man, Hell is a reality even on this earth. For the spiritually minded man, Heaven is already a reality even on this earth. Consider Matthew 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Not will be one day, but IS as in now. I give testimony to the truth of this concept and offer my own life and experience as proof. When I was focused on 'the world' my life was hell. Now, with my focus upon God's will and his kingdom, my life is heavenly. Circumstances of my life are not much different but my life is.

The difference between discord and peace is likewise as obvious. The carnally minded man knows no peace, no comfort, no joy for the carnal nature knows nothing of these matters. Life is one never-ending pursuit of empty and elusive goals. Achieving fortune, fame or power adds nothing but the fear of losing them to the life of the carnal man. Every relationship is based on consumption or convenience or personal benefit with no sense of truth of love. Happiness is but a function of circumstance and can be snatched away in but a moment.

But for the spiritually minded man, achieving fortune, fame or power adds nothing to the satisfaction of a life lived in communion with the Almighty God. Every relationship is based on selflessness or helpfulness or mutual benefit and is underpined with God-honoring love. Happiness is usurped by joy and cannot be stolen no matter the circumstance.

Thus we are taught by the Apostle Paul that as you think, so you are. Set your mind and your heart upon God's kingdom and His will; the rest of you will follow. Where that leads is to the green pastures and still waters of God's provision and love. There, there is life and you will know the peace that passes all understanding.

Shalom,

Carl

When The Going Gets Tough

Being involved in men's discipleship and accountability, I am often asked about 'dry periods' or the pervasive sense that "I'm not making any progress." Many men remark that when the 'came to the Lord' they seemed to be 'on fire' but over the course of time, the fire has waned. Having tasted the passion of love for Christ, they are eager to recover that passion but often times they are not willing to make the sacrifices necessary to resume or renew their spiritual growth. "It was so easy in the early days to feel and to see the difference that God was making in my life now... it's so hard" is a typical remark. To me, it sounds just like a human marriage!

In the early days of a new relationship, everything is bright and new. Inconveniences and sacrifices are willingly and eagerly overlooked for the sake of keeping the budding relationship alive. But over time, weariness sets in and those habits and proclivities that were once simply ignored now take on a gargantuan life of their own. Instead of seeing the person we love, we see only 'what they do' or 'do not do.'

I believe that our spiritual growth is similar but I think it also is subject to the 80/20 rule. Basically, 80% of our spiritual growth is accomplished with 20% of the effort. Let's face it, God is doing the work! All we have to do is believe, accept and love and our entire lives get turned around. But then, then we come to the remaining 20% of our spiritual maturation. Suddenly, it gets tough and that last 20% of development requires 80% of the effort. It's not that God has stopped doing His part, it's that He has done the majority of His part and the burden is now on us.

It is true that we still have to believe, accept and love but in addition to those easy things we also have to OBEY. In order to OBEY, we need to STUDY and PRACTICE. This might mean laying aside some habits that are hard to break. It might mean getting up early or staying up late. It might mean giving up a sports night for an accountability group or any number of other things that are 'hard' to us.

It has been my experience in spiritual development that God rolls away the 'big boulders' of sin to reveal 'big rocks' of sins. As the 'big rocks' are rolled away, stones are revealed. As I bend over to remove the stones, underneath I find pebbles. As I crawl on my hands and knees to collect pebbles I discover there is sand. Now I need a broom. I call this the ever-increasing granularity of understanding. Others think of this as layers of an onion. Either way, it illustrates the point that the path of sanctification, which is evidence of spiritual maturation, is neither easy nor quick.

I take comfort in knowing that this is not unique to me or to the men I serve. We need only to look at the writings of Paul to see that he too encountered such complaints and problems. My verse today is

Hebrews 6:12 (NIV)

¹² We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

In this passage, Paul is exhorting the reader to persevere. He is challenging us to continue the struggle, to redouble our efforts, to withstand the desires of our flesh to rest and to not BE LAZY.

Instead, he admonishes us to imitate the examples before us. He speaks of course of all the 'characters' that are shown to us in scripture. He speaks of the 'hall of fame' that is recorded in Hebrews 11. And he reminds us that it is through faith and patience (endurance, perseverance, struggle and persistance) that we may claim the prize that has been shown to us, promised to us.

When a man tells me that he 'wants to feel the passion again' then I tell him to get serious about his devotional time. When a man tells me that he 'wants to see the presence of God in his life again' I tell him to get busy in service. When a man tells me that he 'wants to hear from God again' I tell him to get on his knees and pray. With almost no exception, the man who tells me these things has no devotional or study time, serves only the needs of himself and prays over his meals alone, if even that.

So, the adage is 'when the going gets tough, the tough get going.' Sure, it's a military recruiting slogan and sure it might be corny. But, it is no less true. If you think that being a Christian is not in many ways like serving in the military, then you aren't reading the same book as me. There's a war going on! It's raging in the heavenly realm, it rages in the world around us and it rages in our own heart. That battle is hard and fraught with danger. But our commander, our General, has already won the battle for us. All we need do is to finish the fight.

Salute,

Carl

A Form of Compassion

When reading of the crucifixion of Christ in Mark in terse terms, there is a passage (Mark 15:23) that is so benign as to be neglected. It reads "Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it." There is no explanation as to why they would do this but I think that most people view it as a form of compassion showed by the Roman guard to Jesus. After my study this morning, I am convinced it is so.

My study verse today is

Proverbs 31:6 (NIV)

⁶ Give beer to those who are perishing,

wine to those who are in anguish;

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

I find it interesting that in the 'book of wisdom' we find instructions from a mother to her kingly son as to the appropriate use of alcohol. In this same book we find numerous admonitions against drunkenness and indeed against "the king's" use of alcohol. And here near the end of the book we find instruction as to how a king should use alcohol, not for himself but as a form of compassion for those who are suffering.

The first phrase "give beer (or strong drink) to those who are perishing..." speaks to the manner in which the king or the compassionate may mitigate the suffering of one who is headed down to destruction. In modern terms, we refer to this as 'making them comfortable' and it is often accomplished through the use of narcotic drugs. For the person who is dying one could argue that there is nothing to be learned by enduring the pain and that allowing that person to die 'pain free' preserves their dignity and is a form of compassion. It is a noble sentiment and one that has existed long before the advent of modern society and narcotic drugs.

So too is the second phrase "{give} wine to those who are in anguish.." Whereas in the first phrase the concept is to ease the transition into death, this phrase speaks to the concept of easing back into life. The purpose of wine in this instance is to provide endurance and to temporarily relieve the burden of an over-burdened mind so that the person may be re-established. It is as though it is a 'reset button' of sorts. It interrupts the 'run away' anguish and anxiety that our minds so easily engage in and allows a moment of relief after which a new perspective may be gained. Neither this passage nor I indicate that drinking to drunkenness is the order but rather to the point of dulling the pain so as to be better able to handle it. It is a form of compassion for the king, or for us, to bear the burdens of others in this manner.

Now returning to the passage in Mark with the understanding that the offering of wine mixed with myrrh was intended to ease the transition from life to death for Jesus, we must take note that he declined. I believe he did this that he might fulfill his duties in full conscience and in the full embrace of his sorrow.

Having addressed the practical and obvious considerations of today's study passage, I feel that I must offer an alternative interpretation based on the new convenant of Christ's blood. Specifically, that for those who are perishing, and by that I mean perishing in the world by way of sinfulness, we must offer the strong drink of Godly repentance. For many, it may be perceived as a 'bitter pill' but having consumed this strong drink ourselves we are full aware of the soothing effect upon our soul. We know too that the 'elixir' of repentance leads to the reversal of perishing. Thus, to strongly rebuke the sinner and to offer the 'strong drink' of the message of repentance is too a form of compassion.

For all people who are vexed by the problems of life, those who are oppressed by anxiety and anguish, we must offer the sweet wine of Christ's love. I do not speak of mere words and platitudes but rather the loving embrace of a real disciple. Words of encouragement, sincere prayers, loving patience, warm presence and yes, casseroles offer the opportunity for the vexed to gain a new perspective, to be re-oriented and to right themselves anew that they may bear their burden with dignity. In every way, we are to help to bear their burden, this is the wine of Christ's love and it is the very essence of compassion.

Christ filled my glass in this manner and I will seek today to fill someone's glass from my own.

Cheers,

Carl

Not Quite Dead

For those who walk in the ways of the world, immersed in sin and self, there comes a time when it is too late to turn back. Their fate is sealed and their path leads only to the grave and eternal suffering. That time of course is when their life on earth is over, the deathbed. It may come as slow and stealthily as a long, healthy life. It may come as quick as the blink of an eye by accident or circumstance. But however it comes it seals the fate of the unbeliever and removes any chance for redemption.

We know from Scripture that there comes a day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. I believe that will include everyone in Heaven, in Hell and everywhere in between. The difference though will be whether it is an exclamation of praise or a forlorn lament. For the faithful in Heaven, it will be the former. For those in Hell, the latter.

But before that moment of no return, there is ample opportunity for the unbeliever to repent, to turn back from the abyss and to join the ranks of the believers. My study verse today is

Psalm 88:10 (NIV)

¹⁰ Do you show your wonders to the dead?

Do those who are dead rise up and praise you? Selah

^[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

I submit that there are two perspectives with which to frame this passage. The first is obvious and that is with reference to physical death. I believe the dead are aware of God's 'wonders' as illustrated by the story in Luke 16. Yet the physically dead do not rise up and praise God.

The second perspective is with reference to spiritual death. I do not mean that the soul is snuffed out but rather whether a person, while living, is receptive to the Word of God. I believe that God will continue to draw and offers glimpses of His 'wonders' to those who are not quite dead.

This belief is grounded in my own personal experience and my observations that God reveals himself to anyone whose spirit struggles against their carnal nature. To the person who, though a sinner seeks something more, God does not give up on them. To a staunch Christian, this person might be considered spiritually dead but to God, they are not quite dead.

If their spirit struggles against their flesh, if that which is in them that is of God pushes and groans against the oppressive weight of their carnal selves, there is yet hope that they may climb up out of the grave they are in and walk again.

In this manner, I would say that God does show his wonders to the dead and that one considered dead may rise up and praise Him.

That's why that moment of no return is so critical. There is a hard point in time where someone considered dead is actually dead and the opportunity lost. There is nothing I can do for those that have passed that point. But for those still on this side of that point, I can jump and shout and point. I can scream to them that "you're not quite dead... yet."

Zombie for Jesus,

Carl

High and Lifted Up

During that period in my life when I came to know The Lord Jesus as my Lord and Savior, there was a praise song that was popular. In that song were the words "To see you high and lifted up, shining in the light of your glory, pour out your power and love as we sing holy, holy, holy." In my minds eye I always envisioned a bright and shining Jesus in flowing robes very clean and orderly, with his hands reaching out welcoming me to him. Naturally he was backlit with an aura about him.

I suppose that's a common perception but I now contend that it is naive and unrealistic. I'm not saying that it isn't a lovely thought, for it surely is, I'm just not sure that it is scripturally accurate. Hear me out and feel free to offer your objections.

My study verse for today is

John 12:32 (NIV)

³² But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” ^[1]

^[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

Upon first reading this passage, my mind immediately runs to the vision of Christ rising up to the clouds as he ascends to heaven. But then, I study the passage intently looking past the euphoric feelings and paying close attention to the context of Christ's words.

We must remember that these words were said by Christ as the prelude to his crucifixion. In the verse (31) that precedes this one, Christ said "now is the time for judgment on this world, now the prince of this world will be driven out." It was at this point that Christ declared that the purpose for which he had come was about to be realized. Therefore, what was on his mind was not choir-lofts full of angels but a cross full of anguish. He was not envisioning robes of glory but rather the casting of lots for his robes. This was not a moment of beauty but of pain.

Turning our attention to what He said "when I am lifted up..." This speaks of something that is inevitable, 'when' as opposed to 'if'. Some versions do read 'if' but it does not imply that there is any sense of a different outcome but rather a condition that precedes a result. Nevertheless, 'when I am lifted up...' does not convey the ultimate ascension but rather the crucifixion.

Upon examination of how the words 'lifted up' or 'lift up' are used throughout Scripture I discover that it is used primarily in three different manners. First, it is used to indicate an offering. This includes lifting your hands, lifting your hearts, lifting your praise and lifting your sacrifice. Secondly, it is used to indicate a preparation for an attack or to strike down. Thirdly, it is used to indicate a form or protection or deliverance.

If we examine how Christ himself used the term 'lifted up' elsewhere in scripture, we find that in John 3:14 Christ made a reference to that time when Moses lifted up the snake in the desert and the certainty that so too must the Son of Man be lifted up. You may remember this story when the nation of Israel was plagued by snakes and many were bitten and died. The deliverance from their affliction was a bronze snake mounted on a pole. All who were bitten by the vipers could look upon this bronze snake and be healed. This of course was an early prediction of the crucifixion of Christ to which we shall return in a few moments.

Another example of how Christ used this term is found in John 8:28 when Jesus said "when you have lifted up the Son of Man..." which alludes to the fact that the lifting up of Jesus was to be accomplished by man. I can only conclude from this research that Jesus is referring to his own crucifixion.

Here's why... if indeed it is a reference to the crucifixion, it is;

1) Consistent with the use of 'lifting up' as a form of offering or sacrifice. Christ is the sacrifice.

2) Consistent with the use of 'lifting up' as a form of attack. Satan is defeated.

3) Consistent with the use of 'lifting up' of a form of protection of deliverance. We are delivered.

4) Consistent with the 'type' from the Old Testament as illustrated by the snake on a pole offering healing to all who looked upon it. (In this case, we are all bitten by the snake (Lucifer) and afflicted with a fatal condition (sin). When we cast our eyes upon the cross, accepting the sacrifice of Christ, we are healed. We were not healed by the ascension.)

5) Consistent with the concept that the lifting up would be accomplished by men. The ascension was accomplished by God.

With this in mind then, the concept of high and lifted up takes on a much more somber note.

Returning to the study of our passage today, Christ further predicts that as a result of his being 'lifted up from the earth' he 'will draw all men to myself.' A couple of thoughts on this. First, this is not an allusion to the unconditional salvation of all men but rather a revelation that his atoning sacrifice was not only for the Jews but also for the Greeks, the Romans and all Gentiles. Secondly, the drawing of all men is not a vision of one giant huddle. It is rather the explanation that by His sacrifice, people of every nation, tribe and tongue would love Him.

Consider your love for Christ in the light of these questions;
1) Do you love Him for stepping down from heaven?
2) Do you love Him for his lowly birth?
3) Do you love Him for his simple life?
4) Do you love Him for the miracles he performed?
5) Do you love Him for his resurrection?
6) Do you love Him for his descension into hell?
7) Do you love Him for his ascension into heaven?
8) Do you love Him for his imminent return?

Or do you, like me, love him for his sacrifice? Isn't it his selflessness and sacrifice, his crucifixion that draws you to him as the object of your affection? This is what Christ was talking about when he said "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."

With this understanding in my mind, the words of that song take on a totally new and deeper meaning. To see you high and lifted up (on the cross) shining in the light of your glory (selfless sacrifice and total obedience to God the Father) pour out your power (by coming to earth) and love (by pouring out your blood) as we sing holy, holy, holy. In my mind's eye I see the beaten, battered and bloody Christ. It's a very messy image as He dies upon the cross, racked with pain, alone and in the dark. His hands are spread wide, wide as can be, open for the entire world across all time. For me. For you. Forever.

Carl

What's That Up Ahead? A Signpost...

As I have written here before and am reminded on numerous occasions, the purpose of Christ's sacrifice is to reconcile or to bring mankind to God. We can read this in 1 Peter 3:18 "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit." (emphasis mine).

My testimony, though dear and personal to me, is of no significant difference from the testimony of any other wandering sinner who has turned their back on God, pursued the ways of this world and then returned to God. I read my story in numerous places in scripture and know that I am not alone in this experience.

My study verse today is

Jeremiah 31:21 (NIV)

²¹ “Set up road signs;

put up guideposts.

Take note of the highway,

the road that you take.

Return, O Virgin Israel,

return to your towns.

^[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

This bit of prophecy was delivered as the people of Israel were being led into captivity in Babylon. In that historical context it was meant to encourage the Israelites to remember well from whence they came, take note of the roads and leave markers behind (a trail of breadcrumbs if you will) for they would soon be returning by that same path to their homeland. It would be a faithful, hopeful and God-fearing Israelite that would pause along that road to leave such markers, even as they marched into captivity.

To me, this verse speaks of the need for people such as myself to point out the guideposts and road-signs to those who are wandering away. To offer the map of God's love to all those weary travellers who are lost in the desert and looking for the way home. To offer water, compassion and guidance to any who seek to slip the bonds of slavery to this world but having exited the dungeon, have no idea where to go.

As an individual, we are to continually turn towards God, take the road He has laid before us and return home. This is the path marked by repentance and sanctification.

As a church, we are to shine bright lights on the road-signs and guideposts that we may direct the lost to a new home and a new hope in God.

As a nation, we are to recall with fond remembrances how we came to be in the place where we are and with that remembrance we are to yearn for and look forward to a restoration with God.

Keep your eyes on the horizon and keep a careful watch for the sign-posts.

Carl

A New Day

This marks the first post of the new year 2009. Where I am it happens to be a beautiful, glorious day. From my study window I see a clear sky and bright sunshine. I hear birds chirping merrily. Though the ground is covered in leaves, it is very much alive with the flitting of birds and the scurrying of squirrels. It is a new day, full of promise, potential and possibilities.

This morning during our breakfast prayer, my family and I prayed for God's help in realizing the potential He has placed before us this year. Each of us has our own goals with respect to improving ourselves and realizing our possibilities in God. For my family, this year will be about stewardship. We will be intentional about how we utilize all the resources with which God has blessed us. This includes our time, talent, treasure and the temples of our bodies. Next week, as a family, we will establish budgets for all these things and together we will hold each other accountable. It seems a bit strange to think about budgeting calories but that's what I'm going to do. We're going to budget our time so that we accomplish the great things God intends and not settle for the good things.

Nevertheless, in and of ourselves we are incapable of any success in this regard. But we do not engage in these efforts alone. We have God to give us strength. We have The Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and we have Jesus Christ to give us hope for through Him, all things are possible. Thus we do not enter into this effort without forethought and preparation. Nor do we undertake these tasks with the misconception that we have an unlimited amount of time in which to accomplish them.

I am reminded of this by my study verse today;

Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

¹² Teach us to number our days aright,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

^[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

It is fitting and appropriate that on this day, January 1, 2009 we start the counter of days at one. For now, this is a new day and it will not be until this day is done that we will know whether we have used it wisely. Tomorrow too will be a new day and so it will continue throughout the year.

We establish our plans and goals for the year and then work to accomplish them each day, one step at a teim. God directs our steps and offers strength and correction. In this way, we are ever mindful of what day it is and that helps us to "number them aright." And as today's verse alludes, the right numbering of our days yields a heart of wisdom.

As a practical matter, I may have as a goal to lose 24 pounds this year. Each day, I pray to lose just a little bit, not enough to even be perceptible until all those little bits are piled together. But that will not work with my goal to love others more fully. That goal is a daily battle and is won or lost with each personal encounter. There will be no lumping together, no cumulative effect and no time to make careless mistakes. Wisdom tells me to lose weight gradually but to love fully immediately. Wisdom tells me too that in order to love others more fully, I must be mindful that 'the day' fast approaches and that I must not delay in offering the knowledge of Jesus Christ to those I offer my love. After all, there is no greater love that I can offer than the saving grace of Jesus.

So then I am off now to spend the day with my family, to enjoy the beauty of this moment. To savor this new day which has been offered to me.

Shalom,
Carl