Archive for the ‘Redemption’ Category

Day 355: Amos 3-6; Revelation 9 — By the Light of the Slivery Moon

Tuesday, December 21st, 2010

Right now as I write this it is 1:30 AM on the winter solstice and I have awoken to partake in the viewing of the lunar eclipse. Unfortunately it is very cloudy and there are only brief glimpses of the slivery moon. Mildly disappointing. Like someone promised me a grand event and didn’t follow through (at least not with the grand part).

Fortunately God is not like that. He always follows through. Today’s reading in Amos 3-6 is replete with messages from God listing out the warnings and chances he has given Israel to repent. And since they have chosen not to follow him but rather the ways of the nations around him, he will soon destroy them utterly.

Yet just like the small break in the clouds for me tonight, there is a glimmer of hope as there is with every message from the Lord “Seek the LORD and live” (Amos 5:6). God never warns us just to let us know what is coming. He always gives the opportunity to repent and be made right with him.

If we choose not to repent, our fate will be the same as those in Revelation 9. If we do repent, well, you’ll have to read the rest of Revelation to find out how that turns out.

For now, I’m going to head outside one more time and hope for a break in the clouds and then back to bed with the sane people.

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Posted in Amos, Grace, Judgment, Mercy, Redemption, Repentance, Revelation | 2 Comments »

Day 354: Joel 2:18-Amos 2:16; Revelation 7:13-8:13 — Redemptive cycles

Monday, December 20th, 2010

God punishes the vile idolatry of the people sending extraordinary “natural” disasters. Afterward He will return the fortunes of the people. The planned outpouring of the Spirit of God demonstrates His next step to redeem man, to adopt people as His children, beautiful apocalyptic, revealing, language, Joel 2:28-32, Acts 2:14-21. Israel was led by Spirit filled people chosen of God, but these covenant people as a whole were not related to God in the Spirit as those today are, Romans 8:9-11. The dramatic antithesis of Isaiah 2:4 tells His people that they will defeat their enemies. The cycles of “the day of Lord” say He will repay the evil and extract the faithful from doom.

Amos, the fig nipper of the Tekoa, declares the end of the nations throughout Palestine. The intense number language, for three — for four offenses, tells us God is done with them. But these words, again, speak of the global reign of God, not just a God of Hebrews, but of all mankind. As you read these passages in Amos get out a map and swirl your finger from place to place, Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab, Judah, Israel, a swirling storm of fury and destruction.

The context of Revelation shows the intention of God to preserve His people, the church, and expunge the rebellious from heaven and earth. The cycles of judgment and deliverance are nearly dizzying. The Lamb receives the scroll, one who shall reveal and lead the destiny of His people. As the seals break cycles of punishment and time to repent are given to the offending powers, one fourth destruction. In the trumpets, one third destruction. By the time the bowls of wrath are poured out, it’s all over. Those who persevere in spite of the pressures of the evil culture will pass into the throne room of the Holy One, to an eternal, blissful life in His presence, Revelation 7:13-17.

What do we take away from this?

1. Beauty and meaning in prophetic language need not be confusing. It speaks of the justice, mercy, and love of God to move us to faithful living, waiting the last great “day of the Lord.” 2 Peter 3:8-13

2. Our Faithful Creator means what He says. It may or may not seem that way to us as the world appears to ignore Him or twist His holiness into covenants He did not write. He wants all of His creation to turn to Him, but He will wait only so long. Those cycles of judgment and reward may come in the very personal death of someone, passing them into the Ultimate Reality, in the building up of a “good” nation or destruction of one that is vile, Psalm 33:12, yet certainly will come in the end of all things temporal.

Prayer: Almighty God, Holy, Righteous, Merciful: In this day please help us see Your judgments and blessing, patiently to wait the wonders not yet known, and by Your Spirit to live holy and endure. In Jesus name, Amen.

Posted in Amos, Joel, Redemption, Revelation | Comments Off

Day 334: Ezekiel 24:15-26:21; James 3, 5 — When Words Collide

Tuesday, November 30th, 2010

There is so much to talk about today. I’d like to reference Matt Wilson’s post from Sunday for a few reasons. If you have not read it, please stop now and go read it. It’s a beautiful remembrance of a beloved family member. Now imagine if he and his family were commanded not to show any sign of sorrow at her passing. It seems that is just what God asked of Ezekiel at the passing of his wife (Ezekiel 24:15-18). It’s a strange object lesson, but no stranger than some of the others God passed along through his prophets over the years.

In addition, since Matt did not cover James 3 that day I’d like to do so now. It is a powerful passage and one of my favorite. Simple, and yet extremely difficult. James is one of my favorite letters because of its simple practicality for everyday Christian living. Paul sometimes puts my mind in a twist, but James gets right to the everyday issues that I face as a Christian. James starts out by admonishing those of us in leadership (specifically teachers) to be extra careful especially in what we say (or write on a blog I suppose). The ability to keep my tongue in check is a skill I have not yet mastered and James sheds some light on just why that is. If I can control my tongue, I stand a good chance of keeping my whole body in check. Already this week in a single day I have had the opportunity to speak out harshly on two different occasions. Thankfully, in both cases I refrained from speaking immediately. In one case, others were able to say with grace and tact what I would have said with anger and spite. In another instance, I was able to think through my words with prayer and deliver a measured response. Now that I’ve used up my quota of patience and control for the week I would advise everyone to steer clear or you may receive a tongue lashing.

Finally, I’d like to consider James 5. James starts out by slamming the rich that will be put in their place because of their uncompassionate treatment of others. The words are a striking parallel to the condemnation of Tyre in Ezekiel 26. Go read it. If you are a fan of fantasy fiction like I am, it will remind you of many of the battle sequences throughout the genre (such as the Battle of Palennor Fields in Tolkien’s The Return of the King). God is very detailed in what he’s about to do to them. Our treatment of those who are suffering and downtrodden is extremely important to God apparently. Who would have thunk it?!? James continues by encouraging the Christians to patience in their sufferings.

Then we come to a passage that has long stumped me in trying to discern its meaning. I like to take the words of the Bible at face value, and yet there seems to be something missing in my understanding here. What does James mean when he writes:

Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

I have heard different interpretations across the entire spectrum, but nothing seems to fully explain what will actually happen when I faithfully pray over someone (being the righteous person that I am). The tie in between physical and spiritual health is reminiscent of Jesus’ own words when the lame man was lowered through the roof and Jesus forgave him then healed him. Whatever the case, there is the aspect of faith when praying, confession of sins to each other, and praying for each other. Maybe I don’t need to worry about the results and just practice the process more and leave the hard part up to God.

“Who is wise and understanding among you?” Not I.

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Posted in Anger, Ezekiel, faith, James, Redemption, Repentance, Salvation, Sin | 2 Comments »

Day 268: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 — Being renewed day by day

Saturday, September 25th, 2010

16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

What is possibly my favorite verse in 2 Corinthians closed out yesterday’s reading — But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Cor 4:7. Paul continues those thoughts in the remainder of chapter 4, with encouragement such as “life is at work in you”, “we know that the one who raised Jesus…will also raise us”, “this is for your benefit, so that…thanksgiving [will] overflow to the glory of God”.

In the closing verses of chapter 4, quoted above, he reminds us that although we are getting older, and our bodies are deteriorating more each day, there is something beyond that — something of eternal importance.

When I read we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, my first reaction is that this is a good theory, but humans can’t do that. We can only see what we can see. That’s where our vision is, and that’s where our thoughts are.

Yet that’s not really true, is it?

Have you ever looked forward to something you haven’t experienced yet? Perhaps an upcoming marriage. First house. First child. The joy of leading someone else to Christ. Surely you daydream; we all do, don’t we? What Paul is talking about here is much more than daydreaming, because this dream results from a promise.

What is unseen is eternal.

And realizing this is what renews us day by day.

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Posted in 2 Corinthians, Redemption, Salvation, Treasure | Comments Off

Day 177: John 19:16-37 — Wounded for me

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Wounded for me, wounded for me,
There on the cross He was wounded for me;
Gone my transgressions, and now I am free,
All because Jesus was wounded for me.

Dying for me, dying for me,
There on the cross He was dying for me;
Now in His death my redemption I see,
All because Jesus was dying for me.

William G. Ovens & Gladys Westcott Roberts
public domain

Jesus on the crossI cannot read today’s New Testament reading without feeling many things — humility at being redeemed by the only One qualified to do so, gratitude in knowing I don’t have to depend on my own righteousness to get me to Heaven, awe at the number of prophecies He fulfilled, thankfulness because of the example He showed by caring for His mother even in His darkest hour.

I cannot read today’s New Testament reading without it being new to me every time. It never gets old — a sad story, yet with a happy ending; a broken human being without a broken bone; the “defeated” who showed He was the victor all along.

I cannot read today’s New Testament reading without being thankful for the many ways in which we are reminded of Jesus’ love for us shown on the cross — from the song quoted above, to the Holy Word itself, to the observance of the Lord’s Supper each and every Sunday, to the way I see Jesus continuing to live in the hearts of my Christian brothers and sisters.

I cannot read today’s New Testament reading without two final thoughts — thank you Jesus! and Maranatha, Lord come quickly!

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Posted in Cross, Jesus, John, Redemption | Comments Off

Day 81: Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29; Mark 15:1-21 — God has prepared the Way.

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

Several years ago while living in Jefferson City, MO, road construction provided frustration and excitement, all at the same time. Frustration as we may stare at the lines of traffic waiting to go through a crowded intersection, but excitement and promise as we looked at roads and paths that would allow us to travel faster and easier through town. I bought a booster seat for my truck so Jared could look out the window at the heavy equipment. Believe it or not there was a time that he was short! Oh, and a brand new bridge across the Missouri river that would really save time, but we never did get to cross; we moved before it was completed.

In the Deuteronomy reading, Moses tells Israel how they came to the border of Moab, looking over into the promised land. God prepared the Edomites, descendants of Esau, to be in the right place at the right time, to help them along. Moses recounts God’s providence, plan, and power to bring His people to the promised land, overcoming all opposition. In fact, the only enemy difficult to overcome existed in their own hearts of fear and doubt. In a short while they will cross over to the land of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, home. Moses would not go in and enjoy the promise for the life in this world, he had made truly fatal errors in failing to hold God as Holy. God prepared the way. Would they follow Him?

Our reading today in Mark proves always to be difficult for me. My heart always shudders and pulls back in horror and shame as I see Jesus ridiculed, beaten, unjustly condemned and taken as a lamb to be slaughtered — for me. “Why! what wrong has He done?” even the pagan Pilate asks. In the darkest hour of man, no more evil and vile expression and act of rejection exists of man against his Creator, “Crucify Him!” Some will later follow the Way, others will not reverence God and hold His paths as holy.

Honestly, I really hate that part, it hurts physically sometimes for me to read it. I know, I know, Sunday is coming . . . but for now my Pascal Lamb goes to slaughter. “Thank You, Almighty Father. You have prepared the way of Life for me in spite of my sin, my shame, my rejection of You. Help me take the Way of Life this day. The Way You have prepared lies ahead. Help me to take that road of Life, and to take the hand of others to go with me on the road to You. For the sake of Jesus, thank You for hearing.”

God has prepared the Way. Where will you go today?

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Posted in Cross, Deuteronomy, Jesus, Mark, Redemption | Comments Off

Day 16: Genesis 32-33 — Apprehension

Saturday, January 16th, 2010

I had noticed her already — somewhat quiet, attractive, nearly my age. Having been burned so many times before, I wanted to make fairly certain she would respond favorably before I made a move. So I sat through the day, pretending to mind my own business, pretending not to notice when she cracked a smile, hoping she didn’t catch me staring at her. Now here I am laying on the floor playing a board game, and she starts massaging my back with her feet.

Now, just months shy of 40 years later, I still let her massage my back once in a while.

So what is it about apprehension? This is what keeps the Maalox people in business, isn’t it?

He hesitates to ask a girl out because he’d rather not go out with her than risk having her say “no”. Then when he gets the courage to ask her, he discovers she would have asked first if she thought he would have said “yes”.

After applying for her dream job, and convinced she won’t even get an interview, she not only aces the interview, the salary she’s offered is more than the highball she was originally going to throw at them.

Twins. One the indoors-type, the other very much a play-outside-until-you-have-to-find-him-for-suppertime type. One, a sly mama’s boy who knows how to get what he wants even when it isn’t rightfully his. The other, a do-what-dad-said daddy’s boy.

Time heals all wounds, right? Not so fast, bigamy-breath. Here’s Jacob, some 14+ years after stealing the birthright from Esau, two wives and untold flocks later, and he’s ready to reconcile. He wants to reconcile. He wants to ask his brother for forgiveness and just put all of this behind them, except for one thing. That one little get-in-the-way thing that almost makes him go the other direction.

Apprehension. (Read Genesis 32:1-21 & Genesis 33:1-20)

Split the livestock, split the family, split the servants — send them to brother Esau in waves, the least-valued to the most-valued, then me. If he makes it to me and hasn’t cut them all down, I might have a chance.

Wait a minute — his arms are open! I expected clenched fists, and he comes with bear hugs! (What was it Jacob’s descendant Solomon wrote years later? Something about burning coals? Proverbs 25:21-22)

Don’t we do the same thing…

  • …with regard to the church? “I can’t go back there. They know what I’ve done and there’s no way they’ll accept me.”
  • …with regard to God? “I just don’t feel like God can ever forgive me. I can’t even pray. I just don’t know what to say.”

Questions

What are your thoughts on that? Shouldn’t the church hold members accountable for their sins? What right do we have to approach the throne of God with confidence? (God has revealed the answers to these questions in His Holy Word.)

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Posted in Forgiveness, Genesis, Redemption | 2 Comments »

Day 2: Genesis 3-4 – Whatever Happened to Sin?

Saturday, January 2nd, 2010

He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” (Genesis 3:11-13, ESV)

My wife told me about a t-shirt she saw a young boy wearing,  It said, “I didn’t do it, It’s my brother’s fault.”

A man gets drunk and drives down the road late at night and hits a family in on-coming traffic and kills a child.  We overlook the drunk and we get upset and blame God for not intervening to prevent tragedies. Of course, if God intervened, we would complain that He doesn’t really give us free will.

I was standing on a sidewalk, leaning against the wall, minding my business, and this young child walks toward me with her mother.  The child is walking a little erratic and steps over to my side of the sidewalk and trips on my size 10½ tennis shoes and falls.  “Oops”, I say and the mom yells at me for being in the way.  I hate to point out again that I was minding my own business, leaning against the wall, and the child and mother were invading my space.  Yet, somehow, I was blamed.  It was my fault for doing nothing (notice how I blame the mother?)

More and more, I notice that we blame everyone and everything about our sins.  What’s new?  Adam blamed the woman God gave him and in the process blamed God.  Eve blames the serpent.  Everyone is innocent.  This is the story of Genesis.  The origin of sin.  It is our story and it occurs to me that history continues to repeat itself.  God makes something great and tells us the do’s and don’ts, we break the law and consequences happen but somehow God’s or someone else is to blame. Yet, in the end God will transcend our petty complaints.

God gives man free will and man chooses to sin.   A t-shirt represents the philosophy of man…”It’s my brothers fault.” A drunk driver chooses to drive and is guilty of causing the tragedy.  Parents defend their children at all costs. Whatever happened to sin?  It hasn’t gone anywhere.  It’s still right here before us.

God chooses to send His Son to redeem us but we have become too sophisticated to admit we have done anything wrong.  The amazing thing is that our denial perpetuates our sin and we just grow increasingly neurotic.  What’s the answer? It’s time to acknowledge sin is ever-present and claim our need for “the anointed one” (Christ).

Question:

Will we ever look at ourselves and see our sins and take responsibility for them?

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Posted in Blame, Free Will, Genesis, God, Redemption, Repentance, Sin | Comments Off