...pain resulting from love, rather than pain resulting from hate...

Pain and suffering…grief and loss…are unavoidable realities in this sin-cursed world.

Still, Father, grant that my experiences of those realities might come as a result of my efforts to express Spirit-produced…Spirit-empowered actions and attitudes of Christ-like love, and not as a result of my own fleshly actions and attitudes of selfishness and hate.

...of all believers most to be pitied…

If my hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ is limited to what I can look forward to after death, then, I am of all believers most to be pitied…

It is essential that those who believe in Jesus Christ...those who have been born again to a living hope through His resurrection from the dead, at such a great cost...both understand, and live in light of the truth that His resurrection has critical implications for each and every believer, now, even as we remain alive...in our day-to-day walk.

...true deliverance from the power and dominion of sin...
...true access into the very presence of God...
...true courage and confidence to endure...
...true rest...

...and so much more...!

...strength for today...hope for tomorrow...

If we would take some time to reflect on Our Lord’s past demonstrations of His power, His presence and His faithfulness as He has sustained us in and through times of particularly difficult trials and testings, Scripture instructs us to do so with the understanding that such demonstrations were, at the same time, sovereignly designed by Him to prepare us for, and sustain us through, future times of trail and testing as well.

As we consider this truth, it should move us to  face and receive today’s trials and testings with an anticipation, and a sure hope, that they come to us as preparation for His future demonstrations of His power, His presence and His faithfulness.

This blessed reality is summed up well in the words of Thomas Chisholm in the hymn he penned...Great is Thy Faithfulness , "...strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow..."

...the perfect altar of uncut stones...

And there you shall build an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones. You shall wield no iron tool on them; you shall build an altar to the Lord your God of uncut stones.
(Deuteronomy 27:5-6 ESV)

...you shall not build it of hewn stones, for if you wield your tool on it you profane it.
(Exodus 20:25 ESV)

…the altar…the God-ordained place of sacrifice…

…Jesus' cross…the final altar…

...His body, His blood, His life, violently and voluntarily given…the final, and only efficacious sacrifice…once…for all...


…I cannot improve on Jesus as my means of, and place of, approach to God…not only can I not improve on Jesus, but, when I attempt to alter or modify or re-form any aspect of the perfect provision God has provided in Him, I can only profane it.

What presumptuously sinful foolishness to ever even consider taking hammer and chisel to the perfect Rock of my salvation...

...thinking about first thoughts...

What were my first thoughts as I awoke this morning?

Dread, for the day ahead? Or, delight, in the One Who goes before me?

Fear, of the unknown? Or, faith, in the Faithful One Who knows all things, and is sovereign over all things?

Potential problems that kept me from sleeping most of the night? Or, the promises of the One Who kept me while I slept, and praise for the possibility of knowing and sharing the blessings awaiting as He unfolds His perfect plan?

Jesus said, Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
(Matthew 11:28-30)

...fix your eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith...
(Hebrews 12:2a)

...thoughts on Jesus' obedience...

Although He (Jesus) was a Son, He learned obedience through what He suffered.
(Hebrews 5:8)

Jesus' choice to act in obedience as the Suffering Servant was His choice to be looked upon and treated by the Father as though He was thoroughly disobedient.

Jesus' choice to act in submission to the will of the Father was His choice to be looked upon and treated by the Father as though He was thoroughly rebellious.

For our sake He (God, the Father) made Him (Jesus) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him (Jesus) we might become the righteousness of God.
(2 Corinthians 5:21)

"...the LORD was angry with me because of you..."

“…the LORD was angry with me because of you…”

The name of the individual being quoted in the verse above might seem obvious considering the fact that we are in the midst of “Holy Week,” the week between “Palm Sunday” (celebrating Jesus’ “triumphal” entry into Jerusalem) and “Easter,” or “Resurrection Day.”  After all, this week we especially focus our thoughts, our worship, on the wonder of God’s gracious provision of a final subsitutionary atonement.  That is, specifically, on Jesus’ suffering  (on our behalf, in our place, and for our sin), of God’s Holy wrath, His righteous anger against sin.  We focus on Jesus’ death, burial, and triumphal resurrection, demonstrating His final and complete victory over sin and death…our blessed and only hope.

However, without looking it up in a concordance, can you cite the specific book of Scripture where the quote is found?

HINT:  The quote above is repeated twice in that one book of Scripture, and a very similar quote (shown below) is also included in that same book.

“Even with me the LORD was angry on your account…”

Now, just to confirm…look these verses up in a concordance, and see how you did with your answers.

How did you do?

If you did look it up, you have now seen, (…perhaps, as you recognized from the beginning…), the individual being quoted in these verses is not Jesus, but Moses.  The quotes are not from any New Testament Scripture, but from the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy (Deut. 3:26, 4:21 and 1:37, respectively).

So, why did I even propose this exercise?  Was it nothing more than an attempt at a “gotcha” moment or a “trick” question?

Not at all!

In fact, looking into the background of these verses provides us with important insights into both our reading of Old Testament Scripture and our understanding of the way in which God has been progressively revealing His plans and purposes for His perfect provision of the ultimate deliverer…the Messiah…for His people.

As Jesus said to his disciples after His resurrection, “…everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled”  (Luke 24:44b); and, just prior to that to the two forlorn and confused individuals on the road to Emmaus, “…beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning him” (Luke 24:27).

My own recognition of the divinely ordained connection between Moses’ statements quoted in Deuteronomy, and Jesus’ finished work as Messiah, came as I was reading through Deuteronomy as part of my “chronological, through the Bible” reading a couple of weeks ago.  I must admit, however, that I did not make the connection immediately.

In fact, reading these verses from Deuteronomy in their context, and reading chronologically, I had recently read the account in Numbers 20 of Moses’ failure to “…believe (God), to uphold (Him) as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel,” which resulted in God’s anger against Moses and His divine judgment that Moses would not be allowed to enter the Promised Land.  After 40 long years of being used by God to first deliver His people from bondage, and then to lead them, dealing repeatedly with their rebelliousness and refusal to believe God, Moses himself would die in the wilderness, never entering the place of God’s promised presence, provision and protection…of His rest.

With this image of Moses’ failure fresh in my mind, I must admit that I was initially struck as I read Moses’ words in Deut. 1:37 as he told the people that the LORD was angry with him “…on (their) account.”  Then, as I continued, I read 3:26 where Moses again tells the people “…the LORD was angry with me because of you and would not listen to me.”  Again, as I reached 4:21, it seemed to get even more difficult to understand as Moses says, “…the LORD was angry with me because of you, and he swore that I should not cross the Jordan, and that I should not enter the good land that the LORD your God is giving to you for an inheritance.”

I know I have read this portion of Scripture before, but this time it really struck me.  I found myself wanting to say, Now, wait a minute Moses!  How can you possibly blame these people for the judgment God pronounced on you for your own disobedience…your own act of “unbelief?”  Certainly, I can understand your frustration…even your anger…after all you have gone through with these people, but, really!  I don’t like the contemporary expression, but, I felt like saying aloud “Man-up Moses!”  At least take responsibility for your own actions!  It sounds like you’re taking advantage of God’s call to you to record this history of His people…crafting your own “revisionist history” of what actually happened to make yourself look like the victim here.

Then, looking up a cross-reference that cited Psalm 106:32-33, I read:

“They (the people of Israel in the wilderness) angered him (God) at the waters of Meribah,

and it went ill with Moses on their account,

for they made his spirit bitter, and he spoke rashly with his lips.”

Here, then, was a much later Holy Spirit inspired (as were Moses’ words in Deuteronomy…I reminded myself) account, not written by Moses, which makes the same point that Moses made.  This helped me to begin to view Moses’ statements in a broader context.  Yes, Moses bore God’s anger, rightfully, though, in some measure, humanly, even understandably, as he fulfilled his role as God’s chosen deliverer and mediator for His people.

Then, I recalled Moses’ statements in Deuteronomy 18 regarding a coming future prophet, like Moses, whom the LORD would one day raise up for His people, and I recalled the Apostle Paul’s statements in 1 Corinthians 10 where he informs his readers (and us) that:

“…they (the Israelites in the wilderness) drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.”

(1 Corinthians 10:4)

and that…

“…these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did.”

(1 Corinthians 10:6)

…and that…

“…these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction…”

(1 Corinthians 10:11)

I was also reminded of the divinely inspired “comparison” in Hebrews Chapter 3 between Moses and Jesus, that future prophet Moses had spoken of Who would be the ultimate deliverer and mediator for God’s people…the One Who is faithful over God’s house as a Son…the One Who is better than Moses.

Now, as I reflected back on those initially “troubling” statements by Moses, I heard them coming from a different voice…from the voice of the Greater Moses…the True Deliverer…the perfect Mediator…who could, indeed, say to all His people “…the LORD was angry with me because of you…on your account.”  He was the One Who did not simply miss out on entering the earthly “Promised Land,” but, rather, He, was the One Who had always known perfect fellowship with the Father, and voluntarily left that place of perfect rest to bear not only the indignity and humiliation of dealing with the rebellion of His Own creatures, but also God’s Holy wrath, His righteous anger against sin, my sin, though He, Himself, had never sinned…so that God’s people might enter into His Perfect Rest…redeemed and reconciled…once and for all.

For our sake he made him (Jesus) to be sin who knew no sin,

so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

(2 Corinthians 5:21)

As I focus my thoughts and worship during this Holy week, I do so mindful that the LORD was angry with Jesus, because of me...but also mindful that, because Jesus was willing and able to bear the wrath I deserved, I can now know the fullness of His perfect rest, reconciled to a right relationship with God, because of Jesus, and because of Him, alone.

Jesus...the Great High Priest of a New and Better Covenant...

The Levitical  (Aaronic) High Priest...

Under the Old (Mosaic) Covenant, established by God Himself, the people watched with anxious anticipation as their High Priest, adorned in his elaborated priestly garb, entered the Holy of Holies, bearing the blood of the sacrifice (offered first for his own sins, and then also for the sins of the people) surrounded by an arrangement of carefully crafted curtains that separated him from the people he represented, as they did, at the same time, separate the people from the place of the presence of God.

The people waited in fear for his return, his re-appearance, so that they could know that their Priest remained alive...the sacrifice offered on their behalf had indeed been accepted…their sins were indeed atoned for…for that year…as the curtains of separation remained...


Jesus as Great High Priest...

Jesus, as the Great High Priest of the New and Better Covenant, promised by God Himself, entered the true Holy of Holies in Heaven, by His own blood, having offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for the sins of His people, while angels bore witness, but, the people He represented knew nothing of His actions.

Rather, those who first saw Him and heard Him...those who first hoped that He might be the one who would deliver them as God’s people, only bore witness to His lifeless body being carried, wrapped in grave clothes, into a cold, dark tomb that was sealed with a great stone…separating Him from His people.

And yet, after three days, He arose from that tomb…resurrected…confirming that His finished work as the Holy and Righteous Son of God of putting away the sins of His people forever…had indeed been accepted by His Father...and, the veil of the temple on earth was torn in two, from the top to the bottom...

Now, His people enjoy access, by faith...being invited...even commanded...to come boldly before His Throne, that they might receive mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.  And, His people now wait, not in anxious fear, but with a sure hope...a confident expectation and anticipation, for His promised and sure return in glory and power to reign over His Kingdom…for eternity...

Confessing my Pride doesn't make me Humble...

When (...not if...) I am confronted with pride in my life...when I recognize it, confess it, and even repent of it, turning from it, I dare not confuse that with true humility. All of that is merely a necessary step in the right direction.  I will never attain to true humility while my eyes are fixed on me.

Rather, true humility begins when I see God for Who He is...when I am confronted with, and recognize Him for Who He is, and then, as a result of having seen Him, I become honestly aware of...reminded of, who I am in light of Who He is...

Therefore, walking in true humility requires that I walk with my eyes continually fixed on Jesus...

Promise, or Process? (update addressing a comment and question posted on Facebook)

ORIGINAL POST
  
“I can do all thing through Him who strengthens me.”

This familiar statement by the Apostle Paul, recorded in Philippians 4:13, is preceded by his statement that “I have LEARNED to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have LEARNED the SECRET of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and of suffering need.”

Paul both establishes the context of the “…ALL THINGS…” he is referring to, and tells us that this ability to “…do all things through Christ…” comes as the RESULT of a PROCESS. The PROCESS is one of LEARNING THROUGH EXPERIENCE to be hungry, as well as to be filled…of having abundance, as well as of suffering need. Paul even refers to it as LEARNING a SECRET…it has the idea of learning a mystery…of an initiation. And, that initiation involves experiencing getting by with “…humble means,” as well as living “…in prosperity…”

So commonly claimed as God's "PROMISE," Paul more properly presents it as a truth he learned...came to realize as a result of his having experienced the Lord's faithfulness through the varied extremes of the PROCESS of His ordained and unfolding plan.


COMMENT AND QUESTION POSTED ON FACEBOOK

 

I agree with this context, but it begs the question, if we can't take this verse to mean that Christ strengthens us to do "ALL" things, then how many things can we apply it to? Only the afore mentioned things in the context? And then we are to do all the "rest" of life's things not mentioned in our own strength because we can't claim it as a promise that Christ will strengthen us to do the tasks that we need to? This week my son asked a non believer; an adult - a doctor - if he could pray for him because this doctor said he was not feeling well. In a room full of unbelievers and office staff, who feel silent, he laid his hand on his arm and prayed in the name of Jesus for this man. I know that was in Christ's strength that he had the courage to do that. I know for me, I MUST claim this as a promise that I can DO everything I need to do each day in Christ, because I KNOW I don't have the strength and ability to do it on my own. I don't want to just "get along" and "endure" - I want to soar on the things I can do in Christ and bring Him glory!

MY RESPONSE POSTED ON FACEBOOK

Thanks…an excellent question.

First, I did see your post about your son praying for that doctor.  As I read it, I smiled…my soul delighted by his loving boldness…a testimony to his relationship with Our Lord, and also to your parental instruction and example.

To your question…  The reality is that when it comes to our walk as believers, Jesus Himself tells us that apart from Him, we can do NOTHING.  As Paul says in Colossians, we are dead, and our very life is hid with Christ in God…He, Who is at work in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Philippians).  So, with reference to our walk as believers, EVERYTHING we do according to His will and for His glory, we do in His strength.  You are completely correct…none of us has…in ourselves…the strength to live the “Christian life.”  We MUST depend on Him.

The caution with regard to Philippians 4:13 is that it is often, I believe, carelessly taken as a blanket PROMISE that ANY believer can do ANYTHING through Christ, without consideration for the context of Paul’s statements.  In fact, Paul does not appear to be making the statement as a PROMISE for the Philippians to take, but as a testimony of a truth he’s had to learn through observation and experience.

Paul’s statement must first be understood in the context of Philippians 4:10-20, considering his purpose, albeit under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to, on the one hand, thank those who had demonstrated their loving concern for him through their gifts to meet his needs, but on the other hand, to testify to them lessons he learned of the Lord’s faithfulness, in whatever circumstances he found himself.  The Lord was, at one and the same time, working in the Philippians to develop the fruit of Christ-like love; and working in Paul to teach him His sufficiency in all things.  In context, Paul is speaking of the Lord’s faithful provision in ALL THINGS that He calls Paul to experience, as opposed to ANYTHING that Paul might himself choose to undertake…even something involving his ministry for Christ.

In Acts 16, we have just such an example:

And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night:  a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

(Acts 16:6-10 ESV)

The “ANYTHING” that Paul would have chosen, was a “good thing,” as far as he understood…spreading the Gospel in Asia…but, far from providing for him in that desire, the Holy Spirit was forbidding them to speak…the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go and speak.

Again, it’s absolutely true that we MUST depend on Christ, and His strength, for ALL we do for Him.  And, there is certainly ample Scriptural warrant (as cited above) for depending on the fact that He will indeed provide that strength.  However, that doesn’t mean that this specific statement by Paul can properly be taken (out of its context) to support a perceived PROMISE that ANY believer can do ANYTHING (without exception) with the confidence that Christ will provide the strength to accomplish it.  Unfortunately, that’s the way it is sometimes taken.

He is faithful, and He will provide for every need of His children…and, that’s a PROMISE we can, and must count on.

Thanks…

By His Grace, and for His Glory…

Three Reasons Christians Need to Read and Meditate on Old Testament Scriptures

Reason #1:  We find a necessary revelation of Our Lord, Jesus Christ:
(Jesus…speaking to the two disciples on the Road to Emmaus, following His resurrection…)

“…beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27 ESV)

“…Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures…” (Luke 24:44-45 ESV)

(Jesus…speaking to those who were questioning His healing on the Sabbath...)

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me…” (John 5:39 ESV)

Reason #2:  We find necessary encouragement:
(The Apostle Paul…writing to the Church at Rome…demonstrating the importance of knowing and following the example of Jesus Christ, that they might have both endurance and encouragement in their efforts to properly relate to one another…)

“…whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4 ESV)

Reason #3:  We find necessary warnings:
(The Apostle Paul…warning the Church at Corinth against idolatry by recalling the Scriptural account of Moses, as he led God’s people through the wilderness…towards the promised land…)

“…these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. (1 Corinthians 10:6 ESV)

“…these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.” (1 Corinthians 10:11 ESV)

Can there be any doubt?

…with His stripes, I am healed…stripes I alone deserved for sins past, present and future...

Can there be any doubt but that the lashes that caused Him the greatest pain are not those borne for sins I committed while walking in darkness, but rather, for those I commit today, while, supposedly, walking in the light?

…a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief…

Can there be any doubt but that He is most grieved not by the past rebellion of a heart of stone, but by the present resistance to His Spirit’s promptings towards holiness seeking to stir a heart of flesh, purchased at such a great cost?

…His mercies are new, every morning…

Can there be any doubt?

How dreadful our shame…How awesome Your Love…

The only One Who ever knew the full depth and beauty of the joyous satisfaction…even satiation…experienced in perfect communion with You, Father, and Your Blessed Holy Spirit, shuttered…wept…even sweat, as it were, great drops of blood in the Garden as He faced…in prolonged and measured, horrifying contemplation, the loss of that blessed relationship…all He had ever known from before time began…solely for the sake of those He came to save.  Repeatedly He pleaded…imploring from the depths of His Holy Soul, that if there were any other way…this dreadful cup might pass from Him…yet, still, entrusting Himself to You, and Your Perfect and Holy Will in loving obedience.

How dreadfully shameful that we…who have so gained, and that, only by virtue of His great loss…should ever fail to employ in its fullness…worse, that we should dare to carelessly ignore…that precious and indescribable gift of blessed communion…even union with the Divine Trinity…purchased at such a great cost…the very life of Your only Son…Our Lord, Jesus Christ.

How awesome Your Love, that continues to patiently invite us into that place of blessed communion, continues to call us to come boldly before Your Throne, that we might receive Your mercy, and Your find Your matchless grace, in time of need, through our Great High Priest…till that promised day when we shall, at last, be blessed to know You, in all Your Glory, as we see our Savior, face to face, and begin to enjoy, with Him, and in Him, that beauty…that joyous satisfaction…that satiation…of perfect relationship with You, for all eternity.

Distraction? Or, Divine Direction?

I have been struck by the obvious irony that the degree to which I allow, and tolerate in myself anger, and/or resentment against those distractions, encounters or areas of life whose demands seem to keep me from those things I consider to be "truly important," I am actually assigning to them ultimate importance and, effectively, control over me.

The result...increased anger and resentment…and, decreased time for, energy for, and focus on those "truly important" things I'm so concerned about.

The answer…first, to turn my focus from those "distractions," to the Lord, Himself.

Only in His presence…only with my eyes fixed on the One Who alone is Sovereign over every "encounter"…on the One Who alone knows what is "truly important," and what is a "distraction"…on the One Who alone is not only working "all things" together for (my good, and) His glory…but is also working all things together for my sanctification…for my transformation…for my conformance to the image of His Son.

Only then will I be able to view those "distractions" through clear and enlightened eyes…only then will I be able to discern the degree of  "importance" they truly deserve…only then, with eyes to see and ears to hear, will I be equipped to focus my attention and energy as He, my Lord, would have me to.

It might be that He will free me, and even empower me, to properly turn from those "distractions," without the sinful anger and resentment I once wrestled with, having come to the place where the drone of those distracting demands is silenced by the still small voice of His Spirit.

Sadly, however, my idea of what is "truly important," might well be "truly mistaken"

It might well be that those very "distractions" are indeed the "truly important encounters" He has ordained for me…it may well be that it is precisely there that He, in His Sovereignty, has chosen to reveal Himself to me, in me, and through me, for His Glory, and for mutual blessing...

Blessedness, being born out of brokeness...

There is a unique blessedness of soul that is experienced in the midst of those trials that make us recognize our complete and total dependence upon the Lord. Blessedness, being born out of brokenness.

"Putting the horse before the cart"...thoughts from Psalm 28:7...

Many "quaint old sayings" get carried on over time, while their original meaning gets completely lost.  One such saying is..."that's putting the cart before the horse."  Obviously, the intent of the original saying was to identify the fact that the order in which someone was doing, or about to do, something, was completely backwards...just the opposite of what it should have been.  It wouldn't work that way...it couldn't work that way.

Unfortunately, not many people today see horses pulling carts through their streets, let alone actually attempt to hitch a horse to a cart.  As a result, I once heard a man exclaim, in a very loud and serious voice, "...that's putting the horse before the cart!"  He hadn't simply misspoken...he was quite serious.  He was familiar with the expression, but, completely unfamiliar with the meaning of the expression.  As a result, his emphatic statement was as inappropriate as the situation he was applying it to.

Even though his comments were not directed towards me...I couldn't help but overhear his statement.  The clear contradiction caught my attention...I immediately thought to myself, but...that's where the horse belongs...before the cart!  How absolutely silly he sounded.

I was very quick to recognize that man's error.  Unfortunately, I'm not always quite so quick to recognize my own.

Putting things in their proper order...doing things in their proper order...is the only way we can reasonably expect a proper outcome.

It's a good thing to desire to know and experience joy in the Lord.  It's also a good thing to desire to trust the Lord...especially in the midst of difficult and trying situations.  Too often, however, we're prone to fall into the trap of expecting our experience of joy in Him to provide the motivation...the strength...the courage...to trust Him.  That, I believe, is putting the cart before the horse.


One brief verse in Psalm 28 is very helpful here.

      The LORD is my strength and my shield;
         my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
      My heart leaps for joy
         and I will give thanks to him in song.
                                                   Psalm 28:7

Having cried out to the LORD in his time of distress, and having seen the LORD respond in faithful provision...just as He has so faithfully in the past...David then offers his praise and thanks.  The sequence here is extremely important.


First, David restates a truth about the LORD...He is David's "...strength and shield."


Second, David responds to that truth, with trust.  "...my heart trusts in Him."

Then, David exclaims that his "...heart leaps for joy."

Finally, David determines that he will now, and in the future "...give thanks to Him in song."  David will worship his LORD.

David meditates on a truth about God, and is moved, based on that truth, to trust in God.  His joy in God is the result, as is his determination to praise God.  Some translations make this even more evident by including the conjunction "therefore," immediately before "...my heart leaps for joy."

I should not seek to be strengthened to trust God by, and because of, the joy I have in God.

Rather, it is right and proper to trust Him simply because of Who He is.  What I will find is that true joy will follow...not simply because He answers, but because I am living in light of the truth.

But, isn't it true that Scripture says that the joy of the LORD is my strength?  Absolutely.  This, however, is part of an ongoing process of growing in Him.  The joy David experienced as a result of his having trusted his LORD, then becomes a strengthening factor in his next time of trial...and, so too for each one of God's children.

But, isn't it also true that Scripture says that it was "...for the joy set before Him..." that Christ endured the cross, despising its shame?"  Yes.  But, Scripture also makes it clear that His matchless and unfathomable love, was His motivation...not His own joy.

Trying to get someplace by putting the cart in front of the horse would be a frustrating and futile undertaking.  So, too, trying to depend on my feelings of joy in the Lord to enable me to trust Him, will also prove to be frustrating and futile.

However, seeing Him for Who He is...meditating on the truth He's revealed, and acting on that revelation in humble trusting obedience, will, surely bring me to that place of true joy in Him, resulting in praise to Him, and He will be glorified, as He alone deserves.

A "blessed contradiction"...thoughts on true freedom...

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.    Galatians 5:1

We must be ever grateful for, and vigilant over, the blood bought freedom we are blessed to enjoy as citizens of this country.  It is even more important, however, that we are even more mindful of being grateful for, and vigilant with regard to, the freedom provided in Christ, for the blood bought citizens of His Kingdom.

Admittedly, to make that statement on the fourth of July is to run the risk of being seen as unappreciative of all that is being celebrated today.  If that is your initial response as you read this, then, to borrow someone else’s phrase, “you infer what I do not imply.”

My acknowledgement of and appreciation for the once-for-all Sacrifice made on my behalf by the Son of God, need not, and does not, imply a lack of appreciation for the multiple sacrifices of the sons of men from which I now benefit.  My acknowledgement of and appreciation for His deliverance from the yoke of slavery to the tyrant sin, need not, and does not, imply a lack of appreciation for the freedom I have from any earthly tyrant.

That said, my thoughts this morning are simple, and quite simply focused on the awesome nature of the blessed freedom we have in Jesus Christ, inspired by the words of the Apostle Paul in that brief verse from Galatians 5:1.

Because, and only because, of my Heavenly Father’s indescribable gift of His Son, I can experience and enjoy, eternally, true freedom.  It is, at one and the same time, a freedom from…and a freedom to…

In Christ, I have freedom from...

• the fear of death...
• the fears of life...
• the fear of man...
• the bondage of futile human effort and attempts to somehow make my sinful self right with, or acceptable to, a Holy God...of futile attempts to be good...to be good enough...to keep His Holy Law, that reveals His character and nature and Holy standard for His children...
• the penalty I rightly deserve for my sinful rebellion against my Creator...
• the power of sin over my soul...
• the presence of sin, ultimately and eternally...

In Christ, I have freedom to... 

• see, and experience, and enjoy, and be ever growing in the wonder of His love and mercy and grace...
• see, and experience, and enjoy, and be ever growing in the knowledge of Him, in all the beauty of His holiness...
• see, and experience, and enjoy, the wonder of relationship with Him...
• see, and experience, and enjoy, the wonder of relationships with others who, by His grace, share His life...
• experience the confidence and hope that come from His promised presence...knowing He will never leave me, or forsake me...
• look forward to an eternity in His presence...
• present myself to Him, unreservedly, to serve Him faithfully in unchallenged and unrivaled obedience, by His grace, and for His glory...

Paul’s words, inspired by the Holy Spirit, are at once both encouraging and challenging.  I am reminded of the wonder of the freedom I have in Christ, alone.  But I am also reminded of the very present danger of being drawn back into a yoke of slavery.

When God sets me free in Christ, it is not simply so that I might be free from the bad stuff that results from my slavery to the evil, tyrannical master, sin.  Rather, He sets me free that I might now willingly present myself to Him, to serve Him, my loving Master…my Lord…my Savior…my King.

The “blessed contradiction” of this life is that I experience true freedom only as I willingly submit myself as a slave to my Heavenly Master…my God…in and through my Lord Jesus Christ.

Theological Trauma...thoughts from Psalm 73...

Growing in our knowledge of God can be a soul-traumatizing process, even though knowing Him is, at the same time, our highest blessing.

In Psalm 73, Asaph, wrestles with an age-old question, “Why do the wicked seem to prosper?”  My thoughts here, however, are not concerned with that age-old question, but rather with the anguish of soul Asaph experiences as he wrestles with the question.  I believe his struggle is indicative of an oft times unrecognized struggle that is, nonetheless, common to God’s people.  Moreover, I believe that for those engaged in the holy pursuit of an ever increasing knowledge of God, this struggle should be expected.  It is a necessary consequence of the chasm that exists between the Infinite and the finite, between Creator and creature, between the Divine and the human, between the Holy and the un-holy.

Asaph does, obviously, address questions surrounding both the apparent prosperity of the wicked, and their ultimate fate.  He also clearly offers valuable insights into how the godly can deal with their own envy, discouragement and discontent, and find their true contentment in God.  Still, I believe there is more that underlies Asaph's recounting of his wrestling, a recounting that has the character of a confession.


As Aspah begins to write, he has come full-circle through his trial of soul.  And so, he acknowledges that "Truly, God is good to Israel."  Immediately though, he contrasts that truth about God with what he has learned of his own character, saying "But, as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped.  For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked."  Through this ordeal, he has, first, come to see himself more clearly, and, he's not proud of what he has seen.  This too is a natural consequence of growing in our knowledge of God.


While he freely admits his "envy," it soon becomes clear that Asaph's problem was not simply that he saw all that the wicked and arrogant had, and how they lived, and wanted that for himself.  In verse 16, he confesses that as he "...thought how to understand this..." it seemed to him to be a "wearisome task."  Still, he needed to try to understand what he saw around him.  I would suggest that his desire to understand is due to the fact that what he observed all around him just didn't fit, it didn't make sense, it couldn't be satisfactorily reconciled with what he thought he knew of the God of Israel.  This, I believe, is the beginning of our understanding of the true anguish of soul Asaph was experiencing.  Something far beyond mere envy, and, far more trying to his soul.


It is also important to understand that this was, for Asaph, a private anguish.


Having recounted what he saw in the lives of the wicked (vv. 3-9), Aspah writes that he had observed that the God's own people, Israel, also saw this prosperity and arrogance and were led to question (vv. 10-11), "How can God know?"  "Is there any knowledge with the Most High?"  Aspah's confusion and envy, are also shared by those around him.  The all too understandable result is that Asaph says, within himself, "In vain I have kept my heart clean, and washed my hands in innocence.  All day long I have been stricken, and rebuked every morning."


Asaph, however, does not publicly admit the trauma of soul he is experiencing...and, for this, he is later thankful.  He realizes, aloud, in verse 15 "If I had said, 'I will speak thus,' I would have betrayed the generation of Your children."  Having come, once again, full-circle, he realizes  now, as he writes, that if he had given in to simply venting his envy and confusion by questioning his God, he would have only succeeded in further shaking the faith of his fellow pilgrims...betraying them, and God.  He somehow understood, based on his prior knowledge of the character of his God, that there had to be an answer, even though he could not see it.  And so, he determined to first bring his anguish, his questions, to God, rather than simply commiserate with his fellow discouraged pilgrims.


It is at this point that Asaph's desire to understand begins to bear fruit, as he finally turns away from everyone and everything around him, and approaches God Himseslf...entering His sancturay.  The fruit of this growth in knowledge, once again, begins with an understanding of his own bitterness, brutish behavior and ignorance (vv. 21-22).  However, thankfully, it doesn't end there.  Rather, he is apparently graciously gripped with the understanding that "Nevertheless..."  he is constantly with his Lord, because, his Lord holds his right hand.


There is so much more to see and say with regard to this Psalm, but, this is not an attempt at a verse-by-verse exposition.  Rather, it is an attempt to identify what I believe is a natural struggle to be encountered by all who would desire to grow in their knowledge of God.  It is the anguish of soul that results when what we see and experience all around us cannot be simply reconciled with our knowledge of God, His character, His will, and His promises to His people.


It is the anguish of Abraham (Genesis 18) when the LORD chose to reveal His plan to destroy Sodom to Abraham.  This knowledge of God's plan, coupled with Abraham's knowledge that his nephew Lot was living in that city, gave rise to Abraham's cautiously guarded prayer, as he wrestled with the possibility that God would destroy the righteous along with the wicked.  This didn't fit what he thought he knew of the LORD, yet, it appeared to be what was about to happen.  So, he prayed...humbly asking in repeatedly decreasing numbers, if the LORD would still destroy that sinful city if there were 50, or 40, or 30 righteous...down to ten.  Abraham could not reconcile the actions God declared He would undertake, with His justice.  The tenor of Abraham's prayer makes his anguish of soul quite clear.  He was rewarded with a new understanding of his God, but, not without anguish of soul.


Job's ordeal is another classic example.  A man whom God Himself described as blameless, nonetheless experiences such extreme anguish of soul, leading him to question all he "knew" about God.  Still, in the end, he could say, I had heard of You with the hearing of the ear, but now my eyes see You...  Job was doubly blessed in the end, but, not without trauma of soul.


It was true of the Apostle Paul.  Oh, to know the Lord as Paul knew Him.  Yet, we are told of a time when he wrestled to understand why he was being prevented from moving on to share the gospel...exactly what he had been called to do...and yet, the Spirit prevented him.  Why?  It didn't make sense.  Until, he received the vision...the Macedonian call (Acts 16).  Paul knew what it was to be perplexed, though not in despair (2 Cor. 4).


It was likewise evidenced in the life of John the Baptist (Matthew 11) as, from prison, he sent to Jesus to ask, "Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for another?"  John, having faithfully proclaimed the coming of the Lord, after enduring hardship and ridicule most of his life, now sits in prison, awaiting death.  Is this the reward for faithful service as the messenger of the Lord?  Had he been mistaken?  Jesus sent John's messengers back with the words that confirmed His person and mission.  Enough to see John through his coming ordeal, yet, still, he first wrestled in anguish of soul as he wondered...'till the Word of the Lord brought him clarity and comfort.


As we struggle to deal with the varied circumstances and experiences we encounter in our pilgrim journey there is, oft times, an underlying unease that results from our limited, imperfect, yet growing, knowledge of Our Lord.  It is to be expected


While our circumstances and experiences might be difficult to deal with, still there is something even more troubling at times...at those times when things just don't make sense...when we're driven to question how this all fits with what we thought we knew of the character and actions of our God.  This experience can be more troubling than our circumstances because, at least in part, our foundations are shaken...they are not as secure as we once thought they were.  My confidence in my understanding of what (or Who) is truly MOST IMPORTANT...God Himself, is to some degree shaken.


Yet, this anguish of soul, this theological trauma, is an indication that I am, by His grace, on the path to an increased knowledge of Him, and, with that increased knowledge, a strengthened faith, as I recognize that I am continually with Him, as He holds my right hand.


This is eternal life...that we might know Him, the only true God, in and through Jesus Christ, Whom He has sent.

Covert Conditioning...

No enticement to sin occurs as an isolated incident. Every time I yield to temptation, I must realize that I am, at the same time, developing and strengthening a conditioned reflexive response to that which is the source of my temptation (a sinful habit).  As a result, my next encounter is made all the more difficult, because I have conditioned…disciplined my mind to see, to view, that source of my temptation from the perspective of the way it has met my needs in the past.  A further result of this conditioning, this discipline, is that I will find that I have trained the eyes of my mind to see only the temporary pleasures of sin, and not its heinousness.

At this point, I am no longer capable of a neutral response.  The stimulus associated with that temptation, a mere word, a sound, a sight, a smell, seemingly automatically triggers a response, and I find myself well down the road to falling once again, even though I have not consciously conjured up, considered, or entertained thoughts about it.  The sinful sense becomes the normal sense.  In my fight against sin, I find myself starting this round from the mat, already flat on my back, not standing firm on both feet to face the challenge of the confrontation in the strength of my Lord.

My hope?  First, recognizing, acknowledging His truth that, I am dead, and my life is hid with Christ in God.  Then, on that basis, constantly conditioning myself, disciplining myself, by looking to Him Who was tempted in all ways, just as I am, and yet, without sin.  Fixing my eyes on Him, that I might see and be overwhelmed with the beauty of holiness.  In His strength, in Him alone, mortifying, putting to death by starvation, the old man…drawing on, being nurtured by, the true life that flows from the true vine.  Finding my true satisfaction, the meeting of my every need, in Him, in Whom my life is hid.  Standing firm, in Him alone.  Experiencing the true blessedness of life in Him, that a new conditioned reflexive response (a holy habit) would be ever increasingly developed and strengthened, by His Grace, and for His Glory.

Questioning my questions...

Seeking answers to my questions from the Lord, in Sacred Scripture, is, without question, the appropriate thing to do.  However, it is also appropriate to question my questions.

Jesus' responses to the questions posed to Him by the people He encountered, are instructive.  Often, His response to someone's question was either another question, or, an answer to a question the individual never asked.  How is that instructive?  Since He knows my needs better than I know them myself, it tells me that I might well be wrong in thinking that I need an answer to that particular question, at that specific time.  Further, it tells me that there is likely an answer I do need, to a question I haven't even recognized, let alone asked.

When I stubbornly persist in asking the wrong questions...seeking answers I've wrongly determined that I "need," I only succeed in setting myself up for increasing frustration, diminishing hope and weakening faith.  Instead, I should consider that perhaps the lack of a forthcoming answer  to my question means that I should be quiet, and listen for the "answer" my Lord is trying to give me...the one that answers the question I should have been asking all along...the answer I truly need...not the answer I want.  Often, He is working to draw my focus away from what I see as my need, to see Him...to fix my eyes on Him, Who alone is the answer to my every need...