“For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.” (Psalm 1:6 CSB)
In the first psalm, David speaks of how happy is the man who does not align himself with those who are wicked but instead seeks the Lord and delights in His instruction, meditating on it day and night. Such a one is like a tree planted beside a stream and is always productive. The wicked, on the other hand, are like wheat chaff which have little substance and are easily blown away by the slightest wind. The wicked cannot withstand judgment, while the righteous certainly will. The reason for this is that the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, while the way of the wicked leads only to ruin.
The first statement to be made about this psalm and its teaching is that it is a confession of faith. People of faith believe that God will watch over those who are in right relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. So, what does that mean?
Does this mean that people in right relationship with the Lord can expect that God is going to keep them from all harm? Some will read these verses and conclude that that is exactly what it means. And if that is true, then we have a disconnect when someone who actually is in a right relationship with the Lord suffers harm or death, which will then cause folks to question whether it is really true. Worse, it can cause some to actually turn away from their faith. So, how can we reconcile all this?
First, we simply accept by faith that this psalm and these individual verses are telling us the truth. Clearly, they are expressing David’s understanding of the ways of God, and David experienced these truths and gives testimony to his observation. We should note, however, that David’s life was not without suffering, danger, and struggle. His faith led him to practice trusting God to watch over his way. It was simply a matter of faith and trust.
Second, we recognize the spiritual nature of what is being taught. Our human minds are firmly grounded and oriented to the physical. We tend to read verses like this assuming the physical. Faith tells us that God does watch over the way of the righteous in physical terms, but we recognize that spiritual reality is a greater reality than the physical, and that God’s providence and sustenance applies to the spiritual as well. It may actually have more to do with the spiritual anyway, since the word “happy” used in verse 1 literally means “spiritually prosperous.”
Third, our faith tells us that we trust God regardless of anything that occurs, either toward us or toward those we love. Shadrach, Mechech, and Abednego stated to Nebuchadnezzar that God would rescue them from the fire, and that even if He did not, they would never worship some other god or man, like Nebuchadnezzar. Faith causes us to simply put supreme trust in God and His purposes, whether we understand them or not, or whether we like them or not.
Lord, Remind us today that Your death on the cross and all the suffering You went through for us happened as a result of a supreme faith and trust. Help us to recognize that even those in a right relationship with You might undergo some level of suffering or struggle, and that You will watch over our way. Help us to not allow experience or observation to undermine our trust in You, as if they were somehow greater than You. Amen.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
It’s War! Or Not?
“Then the Israelites heard it said, ‘Look, the Reubenites, Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh have built an altar on the frontier of the land of Canaan at the region of the Jordan, on the Israelite side.’ When the Israelites heard this, the entire Israelite community assembled at Shiloh to go to war against them.” (Joshua 22:11-12 CSB)
The time came in the conquest of Canaan when Joshua was able to dismiss the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh so they could return to their families on the east side of the Jordan River. They parted at Shiloh, but before these warriors crossed the Jordan they built a replica of the Tabernacle altar on the west side of the Jordan. There was to be only one altar. The Israelites knew that a second altar would offend God and would result in their being judged. So, they issued a call to arms and assembled the army at Shiloh. But, before they attacked, they sent Phinehas the priest and 10 leaders from the tribes of Israel to ask about this “treachery.” The leaders of the Reubenites, Gadites, and half tribe of Manasseh answered that they altar was not built as an altar to be used, but as a symbolic reminder that those tribes east of the Jordan were their brothers. They realized that the day may come in the future when later generations might forget that fact, so their purpose was to maintain their ties with their brothers in Canaan. They stated clearly that they would never worship another god or turn away from the Lord. Their answer averted war.
On a somewhat smaller scale, people sometimes get involved in conflict with one another. The conflict can be precipitated by an action of one which is not understood or is otherwise misconstrued by the other. It appears one way, while another truth could actually be at work. What we see in this example in Israel offers us some advice for helping us to deal with some conflicts.
First, if the action of another appears to be offensive, it is all right to “feel” offended and to express as sense of offense. It is possible that an offense was given, and we do not know until later whether it was or not. Immediately, however, it is all right to have the feeling of being offended.
Second, rather than “fly off the handle” with emotion and subsequent action, it is better first of all to allow reason an opportunity to work. We see this in Phinehas, who decided that it would be better to go see those on the east side and confront them with what they observed.
Third, evaluate what was observed in the actions of others by at least considering that what is seen may not represent the reality that is perceived. Give at least a little bit of “the benefit of the doubt” so that an evaluation is at least possible.
Fourth, express concern. Let the other party know that an offense has been perceived and why it is an offense.
Fifth, give the other party an opportunity to respond. The explanation could well resolve the issue altogether. If it does not, you will at least then know what the real story is, so that further decisions can be made based on the facts.
Communication is often the way to conflict resolution.
Father, Help us to learn from the wisdom of Phinehas and others like him so that we can find resolution to the conflicts we sometimes face with others. We ask that You will be glorified in this. Amen.
The time came in the conquest of Canaan when Joshua was able to dismiss the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh so they could return to their families on the east side of the Jordan River. They parted at Shiloh, but before these warriors crossed the Jordan they built a replica of the Tabernacle altar on the west side of the Jordan. There was to be only one altar. The Israelites knew that a second altar would offend God and would result in their being judged. So, they issued a call to arms and assembled the army at Shiloh. But, before they attacked, they sent Phinehas the priest and 10 leaders from the tribes of Israel to ask about this “treachery.” The leaders of the Reubenites, Gadites, and half tribe of Manasseh answered that they altar was not built as an altar to be used, but as a symbolic reminder that those tribes east of the Jordan were their brothers. They realized that the day may come in the future when later generations might forget that fact, so their purpose was to maintain their ties with their brothers in Canaan. They stated clearly that they would never worship another god or turn away from the Lord. Their answer averted war.
On a somewhat smaller scale, people sometimes get involved in conflict with one another. The conflict can be precipitated by an action of one which is not understood or is otherwise misconstrued by the other. It appears one way, while another truth could actually be at work. What we see in this example in Israel offers us some advice for helping us to deal with some conflicts.
First, if the action of another appears to be offensive, it is all right to “feel” offended and to express as sense of offense. It is possible that an offense was given, and we do not know until later whether it was or not. Immediately, however, it is all right to have the feeling of being offended.
Second, rather than “fly off the handle” with emotion and subsequent action, it is better first of all to allow reason an opportunity to work. We see this in Phinehas, who decided that it would be better to go see those on the east side and confront them with what they observed.
Third, evaluate what was observed in the actions of others by at least considering that what is seen may not represent the reality that is perceived. Give at least a little bit of “the benefit of the doubt” so that an evaluation is at least possible.
Fourth, express concern. Let the other party know that an offense has been perceived and why it is an offense.
Fifth, give the other party an opportunity to respond. The explanation could well resolve the issue altogether. If it does not, you will at least then know what the real story is, so that further decisions can be made based on the facts.
Communication is often the way to conflict resolution.
Father, Help us to learn from the wisdom of Phinehas and others like him so that we can find resolution to the conflicts we sometimes face with others. We ask that You will be glorified in this. Amen.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Godly Grief
“For godly grief produces a repentance not to be regretted and leading to salvation, but worldly grief produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10 CSB)
There are two kinds of grief we can experience. One kind is “worldly grief,” which is the normal kind of human experience. We encounter this grief when we perceive a loss. The loss of a relationship, the loss of a sense of significance, and the loss of a family member to death create varying degrees of grief. This grief ranges from very difficult to extremely difficult. Paul says that this kind of grief “produces death.” This means it is related to death, and in reality, if grief is not dealt with adequately, it actually can lead to death.
The other kind of grief is referred to as a “godly grief.” This is grief that comes from the will of God. It is produced by the Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers who are sensitive to the Spirit’s inner conviction regarding sin. This kind of grief, when we listen to the Spirit’s leading, produces repentance from sin and takes us toward renewal. No one wants to have to go through this grief, but believers know how necessary it is when there is something in our lives that needs correction. This kind of grief need not be feared but, rather, should be welcomed, because we know this is God disciplining us so that we can live a life that more greatly honors Him.
Lord, We do not like the idea of grief, but we thank You that through godly grief You help us to move beyond sin and more fully into a life that glorifies You. Amen.
There are two kinds of grief we can experience. One kind is “worldly grief,” which is the normal kind of human experience. We encounter this grief when we perceive a loss. The loss of a relationship, the loss of a sense of significance, and the loss of a family member to death create varying degrees of grief. This grief ranges from very difficult to extremely difficult. Paul says that this kind of grief “produces death.” This means it is related to death, and in reality, if grief is not dealt with adequately, it actually can lead to death.
The other kind of grief is referred to as a “godly grief.” This is grief that comes from the will of God. It is produced by the Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers who are sensitive to the Spirit’s inner conviction regarding sin. This kind of grief, when we listen to the Spirit’s leading, produces repentance from sin and takes us toward renewal. No one wants to have to go through this grief, but believers know how necessary it is when there is something in our lives that needs correction. This kind of grief need not be feared but, rather, should be welcomed, because we know this is God disciplining us so that we can live a life that more greatly honors Him.
Lord, We do not like the idea of grief, but we thank You that through godly grief You help us to move beyond sin and more fully into a life that glorifies You. Amen.
Friday, April 4, 2008
A New Way of Thinking
“From now on, then, we do not know anyone in a purely human way. Even if we have known Christ in a purely human way, yet now we no longer know Him like that. (2 Corinthians 5:16 CSB)
Christians are human beings, and we relate to one another as human beings. But we do not relate to one another in a “purely human” way. Something has happened to us that has changed how we relate to one another and to all people. Paul points out two truths that help us understand.
If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away, and everything is new. When we came to faith, we received Christ into our hearts, and we spiritually entered into Christ. When this happened the old “purely human” way of relating to others, along with our views of the world changed. Basically, these died. The old set died. We were “born again.” Everything became new. So now, we see people and our world through a new set of eyes, through the eyes of God.
As a result of this change, God imparted a ministry to us. Since we were reconciled to God, He gave us a ministry of reconciliation. A “ministry” is a way of serving. We serve God now as His ambassadors. We represent Him and His desire to reconcile the world to Himself, so that sin may be destroyed. This means that we have a clear, god-given task before us, and that task is to proclaim a message of reconciliation to our world, inviting people to turn from sin and its destructiveness and toward faith and the life of fulfillment it brings.
Lord, May we daily walk in this new way, continually laying aside and leaving behind the old ways. Help us to engage fully in this ministry of reconciliation You have called us to. Amen.
Christians are human beings, and we relate to one another as human beings. But we do not relate to one another in a “purely human” way. Something has happened to us that has changed how we relate to one another and to all people. Paul points out two truths that help us understand.
If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away, and everything is new. When we came to faith, we received Christ into our hearts, and we spiritually entered into Christ. When this happened the old “purely human” way of relating to others, along with our views of the world changed. Basically, these died. The old set died. We were “born again.” Everything became new. So now, we see people and our world through a new set of eyes, through the eyes of God.
As a result of this change, God imparted a ministry to us. Since we were reconciled to God, He gave us a ministry of reconciliation. A “ministry” is a way of serving. We serve God now as His ambassadors. We represent Him and His desire to reconcile the world to Himself, so that sin may be destroyed. This means that we have a clear, god-given task before us, and that task is to proclaim a message of reconciliation to our world, inviting people to turn from sin and its destructiveness and toward faith and the life of fulfillment it brings.
Lord, May we daily walk in this new way, continually laying aside and leaving behind the old ways. Help us to engage fully in this ministry of reconciliation You have called us to. Amen.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Clay Jars
“Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7 CSB)
The treasure Paul is talking about above is the glory of God, the light of God, the mercy of God, the truth of God, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. These are priceless. They are treasure that surpasses anything we might consider treasure, essentially because they are living treasures. They have the dynamic to change our lives.
How interesting that God is then willing for us to have these treasures in “clay jars,” which is a metaphorical description of who we are. We are souls, and we have bodies composed of “the dust of the earth.” Clay, essentially. That is, our bodies are composed of basic elements, physically speaking, which are made organic by the power and will of God. God created us, in other words, and He created us from what amounts to ordinary dirt. And it is in this “dirt” jars that God allows His treasure, and now, our treasure to be placed.
God’s purpose in doing this is to show everyone else that the power of glory, light, mercy, truth, and the gospel has nothing to do with the clay jars in which they reside. God wants everyone to see that these treasures come from Him, and that they reside in us. Consequently, He wants everyone to see that those same treasures can reside in them as well. That is what honors Him and His purposes.
Further, this is what makes it possible for us to then deal with the perplexities of life. Glory, light, mercy, truth and the gospel bring order out of chaos, and then bring even an eternal order, focusing our lives beyond life’s perplexities and difficulties, while enabling us to deal with them effectively at the same time.
Only one response will do here: thank You, Lord.
Father, Your wisdom is beyond our ability to comprehend, but we recognize that in Your infinite wisdom You have allowed us to have these treasures in clay jars, so that You might be honored and glorified. We each join in the heavenly chorus that sings praise to You, and we offer our thanks to You. Amen.
The treasure Paul is talking about above is the glory of God, the light of God, the mercy of God, the truth of God, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. These are priceless. They are treasure that surpasses anything we might consider treasure, essentially because they are living treasures. They have the dynamic to change our lives.
How interesting that God is then willing for us to have these treasures in “clay jars,” which is a metaphorical description of who we are. We are souls, and we have bodies composed of “the dust of the earth.” Clay, essentially. That is, our bodies are composed of basic elements, physically speaking, which are made organic by the power and will of God. God created us, in other words, and He created us from what amounts to ordinary dirt. And it is in this “dirt” jars that God allows His treasure, and now, our treasure to be placed.
God’s purpose in doing this is to show everyone else that the power of glory, light, mercy, truth, and the gospel has nothing to do with the clay jars in which they reside. God wants everyone to see that these treasures come from Him, and that they reside in us. Consequently, He wants everyone to see that those same treasures can reside in them as well. That is what honors Him and His purposes.
Further, this is what makes it possible for us to then deal with the perplexities of life. Glory, light, mercy, truth and the gospel bring order out of chaos, and then bring even an eternal order, focusing our lives beyond life’s perplexities and difficulties, while enabling us to deal with them effectively at the same time.
Only one response will do here: thank You, Lord.
Father, Your wisdom is beyond our ability to comprehend, but we recognize that in Your infinite wisdom You have allowed us to have these treasures in clay jars, so that You might be honored and glorified. We each join in the heavenly chorus that sings praise to You, and we offer our thanks to You. Amen.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
We Do Not Give Up
“Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not give up.” (2 Corinthians 4:1 CSB)
On the basis of the hope we have in Christ in this new covenant, we follow Him faithfully in faith.
Because of our hope in Him we walk in the light, choosing to follow the way of truth openly. We know by way of experience that the darkness of un-truth can never produce even a little hope. The light of the truth of Christ shows us the way to hope, and that hope in turn steels us with a resolve to remain in the truth and continually learn about the kind of life that blesses the world we live in.
Because of our hope in Him we approach the struggles of this life from the viewpoint of the power of God, which works in us to enable us to endure. The pressures of this life can be enormous at times. The uncertainties in this life can produce anxiety that threatens our peace. But the Holy Spirit dwelling in us speaks to us of the power of God that comes from the sufficient grace He provides us. This assurance then further steels our resolve to follow Jesus.
Because of our hope in Him we approach death the same way we approach life. We all recognize that the physical body deteriorates. Day by day it does so. We do not notice it so much when we are younger, though it happens all the time, but the older we get the more noticeable it becomes. Yet, we recognize also that these are “momentary, light afflictions,” while what awaits us is an incomparable weight of glory. That is the reason we are able to stay focused on what is eternal rather than what is temporal. And this, too, steels our resolve to follow Christ faithfully in faith.
We do not give up.
Lord, Your truth and light, Your power, and Your eternity spring forth from the hope we have in You, and we will not give up. We will stand our ground in You and not back down from the opportunities You give us. Amen.
On the basis of the hope we have in Christ in this new covenant, we follow Him faithfully in faith.
Because of our hope in Him we walk in the light, choosing to follow the way of truth openly. We know by way of experience that the darkness of un-truth can never produce even a little hope. The light of the truth of Christ shows us the way to hope, and that hope in turn steels us with a resolve to remain in the truth and continually learn about the kind of life that blesses the world we live in.
Because of our hope in Him we approach the struggles of this life from the viewpoint of the power of God, which works in us to enable us to endure. The pressures of this life can be enormous at times. The uncertainties in this life can produce anxiety that threatens our peace. But the Holy Spirit dwelling in us speaks to us of the power of God that comes from the sufficient grace He provides us. This assurance then further steels our resolve to follow Jesus.
Because of our hope in Him we approach death the same way we approach life. We all recognize that the physical body deteriorates. Day by day it does so. We do not notice it so much when we are younger, though it happens all the time, but the older we get the more noticeable it becomes. Yet, we recognize also that these are “momentary, light afflictions,” while what awaits us is an incomparable weight of glory. That is the reason we are able to stay focused on what is eternal rather than what is temporal. And this, too, steels our resolve to follow Christ faithfully in faith.
We do not give up.
Lord, Your truth and light, Your power, and Your eternity spring forth from the hope we have in You, and we will not give up. We will stand our ground in You and not back down from the opportunities You give us. Amen.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Image Is Everything
“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. We all, with unveiled faces, are reflecting the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:17-18 CSB)
Have you ever been driving down a road or street you’ve driven a thousand times, only to notice something you never noticed before, though it’s always been there? Sometimes that is the way with Scripture. We may read a verse or verses we’ve read over and over, and then suddenly the Spirit of God shows you something that was always there, but you never noticed it before.
In the verses above, Paul has been talking about the glory on the face of Moses following his intense, personal encounters with the God of glory, and how Moses used to put a veil over his face after these encounters so people would not see the fading glory. That action was more for the people than for Moses, since they were all frightened by what they saw.
Paul says that our faces are unveiled, and that is because the glory of God is us never fades. The reason it does not is because the Holy Spirit dwells in us, and it is the freedom from the tyranny of sin that the Holy Spirit gives us that produces this glory in our faces. Our faces reflect the glory of the God who has set us free. And now, we are constantly being transformed into the same image of the Lord of glory.
This transformation is worthy of an “Amen!” This is what causes our hearts to soar with gratitude and joy. We are not now what we once were. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom, and He is in us. Our transformation, though sometimes challenging and painful, is nonetheless wondrous. And it isn’t always challenging and painful. It is also deeply rewarding, and a joyous experience. And we receive it with humility and eternal gratitude to God for what He is doing in us.
Lord, All glory and honor to You! Amen.
Have you ever been driving down a road or street you’ve driven a thousand times, only to notice something you never noticed before, though it’s always been there? Sometimes that is the way with Scripture. We may read a verse or verses we’ve read over and over, and then suddenly the Spirit of God shows you something that was always there, but you never noticed it before.
In the verses above, Paul has been talking about the glory on the face of Moses following his intense, personal encounters with the God of glory, and how Moses used to put a veil over his face after these encounters so people would not see the fading glory. That action was more for the people than for Moses, since they were all frightened by what they saw.
Paul says that our faces are unveiled, and that is because the glory of God is us never fades. The reason it does not is because the Holy Spirit dwells in us, and it is the freedom from the tyranny of sin that the Holy Spirit gives us that produces this glory in our faces. Our faces reflect the glory of the God who has set us free. And now, we are constantly being transformed into the same image of the Lord of glory.
This transformation is worthy of an “Amen!” This is what causes our hearts to soar with gratitude and joy. We are not now what we once were. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom, and He is in us. Our transformation, though sometimes challenging and painful, is nonetheless wondrous. And it isn’t always challenging and painful. It is also deeply rewarding, and a joyous experience. And we receive it with humility and eternal gratitude to God for what He is doing in us.
Lord, All glory and honor to You! Amen.
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