The internet sure is fast. I’ve seen several references to this Kevin DeYoung quote the last few days from different sources:
"No doubt some Christians need to be shaken out of their lethargy…But there are also a whole bunch of Christians who need to be set free from their performance-minded, law-keeping, world-changing, participate-with-God-in-recreating-the-cosmos shackles. I promise you, some of the best people in your churches are getting tired. They don’t need another rah-rah pep talk...They need to hear about Christ’s death and resurrection…Because the secret of the gospel is that we actually do more when we hear less about all we need to do for God and hear more about all that God has already done for us."
We are complicated beings. At one moment, I am working in bondage to man’s approval with a performance mindset. At other times (or concurrently, in another area of life) I am working restfully out of a deep awareness of my freedom in Christ.
But even when I am relaxed, feeling free, and enjoying my work, C. J. Mahaney shakes me up with this quote. He writes that he is busy, but he is sometimes busy “neglecting the most important work, and busy knocking out a to-do list filled with tasks of secondary importance.”
Ouch. When I am working out of my own strength for man’s (or God’s) approval? And when am I busy working in order that I may neglect more important matters due to deeper sins of fear, idolatry, pride and selfishness? And when am I just plain lazy, sticking my head in the sand of talk-radio or TV?
Being in doubt, I am going to push the reset button and just turn back to the gospel. I’m going to remind myself, and be reminded by others, of what God has already done for me. And I’ll pray that out of that wonderful, restful reminder, he will align my priorities with his, that he will root out and crucify the deeper reasons why I avoid certain tasks, and that he will purify my motives.
So, with this as my prayer, I’m going to take a six-month sabbatical from blogging to rest and reflect on the simple, beautiful, finished work of Christ. I started writing primarily for my kids, to give them a window into their dad’s soul. I may continue to do that from time to time with paper and ink for now, and I hope to return to the world of blogging, or whatever has taken its place, in six months’ time.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Conspiracy Solved
The talk radio host Michael Medved has what he calls “Conspiracy Day,” when listeners call up and present what they believe to be modern day conspiracies. It is sad how many still believe 9/11 was a conspiracy by the US government, and humorous that some still believe man has never been to the moon. Of the latest are conspiracies about Obama—that he was born in another country, that he is really a closet Muslim and terrorist.
Most of us do not go to such extremes, but we often get caught up in imagining—and seeking out the worst in Obama, and the worst in our government in general. Isaiah 8 speaks a great deal of relief when we are commanded, “Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, and he will be a sanctuary…”
In the face of the Lord Almighty (think Isaiah 6), the relative power of our leaders melts away. God Almighty is the one we are to revere—even to dread, that in so doing we may turn to Christ and receive sanctuary.
God, no matter how many policies I disagree with, no matter how much money I believe is wasted, help me to keep a healthy perspective. May there be absolute respect for our government and leaders, just as we are called. Yet, may there be absolutely no fear, remembering that you hold the hearts of kings in your hand and direct them as a watercourse wherever it goes.
Most of us do not go to such extremes, but we often get caught up in imagining—and seeking out the worst in Obama, and the worst in our government in general. Isaiah 8 speaks a great deal of relief when we are commanded, “Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, and he will be a sanctuary…”
In the face of the Lord Almighty (think Isaiah 6), the relative power of our leaders melts away. God Almighty is the one we are to revere—even to dread, that in so doing we may turn to Christ and receive sanctuary.
God, no matter how many policies I disagree with, no matter how much money I believe is wasted, help me to keep a healthy perspective. May there be absolute respect for our government and leaders, just as we are called. Yet, may there be absolutely no fear, remembering that you hold the hearts of kings in your hand and direct them as a watercourse wherever it goes.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
When my mother-in-law died several years ago, we went through boxes and boxes and piles of possessions in an over-stuffed garage. Some items were precious keep-sakes. Much we burned. We took loads to Good Will. One hidden treasure that I discovered was a book by Thomas Kempis called Imitation of God.
Speaking from God’s perspective, Kempis writes, “I am he who in one instant do lift up the humble mind to comprehend more reasonings of eternal Truth, than if one had studied ten years in the schools.” That is worth reading again. And again. To me, it is worth the price of the book.
Are you insecure at work as you compare yourself with your co-workers? Pursue the gracious wisdom of God and you will learn the secret of contentment in ways you never dreamed possible. Does your husband win every argument because…he just does? Pursue the gracious wisdom of God, and maybe your definition of ‘winning an argument’ will change in your favor.
Are you embarrassed that school didn’t work out and you are pursuing your GED? Pursue the gracious wisdom of God and you will realize that he has already given you everything you need for life and godliness. Do you get tongue-tied trying to express yourself? Pursue the gracious wisdom of God, and you will comprehend more eternal truth than a star PhD student. Do you put your pastor on a pedestal? Pursue the gracious wisdom of God and you will see how Jesus equalizes us all—humbling us due to the common condition of sin, and lifting us up together through faith in Christ.
Wisdom is an enigma. The world offers wisdom that really has no source and no end. The gracious wisdom of God cries out for us, and yet we are to search for it. These and other like situations are usually not solved in an instant. It doesn’t come easily, we have to wait for it (Prov 8:34). I don’t even know if we will recognize it in ourselves, though others will see it in us.
God, forgive my simple, foolish, scoffing ways, and fill me with godly, true wisdom from above. Would you please lift me up to comprehend more eternal truth than if I had studied ten years in the schools. And instead of puffing me up, would it have the effect of humbling me and causing me to joyfully point to you as the source of all wisdom and life.
Speaking from God’s perspective, Kempis writes, “I am he who in one instant do lift up the humble mind to comprehend more reasonings of eternal Truth, than if one had studied ten years in the schools.” That is worth reading again. And again. To me, it is worth the price of the book.
Are you insecure at work as you compare yourself with your co-workers? Pursue the gracious wisdom of God and you will learn the secret of contentment in ways you never dreamed possible. Does your husband win every argument because…he just does? Pursue the gracious wisdom of God, and maybe your definition of ‘winning an argument’ will change in your favor.
Are you embarrassed that school didn’t work out and you are pursuing your GED? Pursue the gracious wisdom of God and you will realize that he has already given you everything you need for life and godliness. Do you get tongue-tied trying to express yourself? Pursue the gracious wisdom of God, and you will comprehend more eternal truth than a star PhD student. Do you put your pastor on a pedestal? Pursue the gracious wisdom of God and you will see how Jesus equalizes us all—humbling us due to the common condition of sin, and lifting us up together through faith in Christ.
Wisdom is an enigma. The world offers wisdom that really has no source and no end. The gracious wisdom of God cries out for us, and yet we are to search for it. These and other like situations are usually not solved in an instant. It doesn’t come easily, we have to wait for it (Prov 8:34). I don’t even know if we will recognize it in ourselves, though others will see it in us.
God, forgive my simple, foolish, scoffing ways, and fill me with godly, true wisdom from above. Would you please lift me up to comprehend more eternal truth than if I had studied ten years in the schools. And instead of puffing me up, would it have the effect of humbling me and causing me to joyfully point to you as the source of all wisdom and life.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Transforming Grace
An area church has as its first core value the Transforming Power of the Gospel. Here is part of the definition that really struck me this week: “That means our sinfulness does not count against us and it also means our religious efforts do not count for us.”
First, the Transforming Power of the Gospel means that in Christ, our sinfulness does not count against us. I believe too often we live like practicing Roman Catholics. Yes, we believe our past sins are covered, but when we sin today—“Oh oh, I need to do some penance to get this off my back.” Instead of fasting and whipping our backs it may be going to church and reading the Bible. But it is the same unbelief in the sufficiency of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that leads us to believe we need to somehow take care of our own sin.
Second, the Transforming Power of the Gospel means that our religious efforts do not count for us. This sentence makes us step back and scratch our heads. “Yes I believe this, but…my work doesn’t count for anything?” We confuse the effect of God’s love toward us with the cause of God’s love for us when we take pride in, and rest in, our good works.
And that leads us to this wonderfully biblical word, transforming. I love Romans 12:1, which calls us in part to “Be ye transformed.” It is both a clear command, and a passive action, indicating that we are objects being acted upon. (The Bible itself has no problem with the mystery of sovereignty and accountability—neither should I.)
To see the Gospel merely as a ticket to heaven is to severely truncate its beauty and power. To see it as a legal transaction and right standing with God is accurate, but also not sufficient. To also see it as the power of God to transform the lives of its recipients is a beautiful and important aspect in rounding out our view of salvation. It may be slow, it may smolder at times, it may need fanned into flame. But I am confident that God will carry his work to completion in making me a new powerfully preparing me for the next world to come.
First, the Transforming Power of the Gospel means that in Christ, our sinfulness does not count against us. I believe too often we live like practicing Roman Catholics. Yes, we believe our past sins are covered, but when we sin today—“Oh oh, I need to do some penance to get this off my back.” Instead of fasting and whipping our backs it may be going to church and reading the Bible. But it is the same unbelief in the sufficiency of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that leads us to believe we need to somehow take care of our own sin.
Second, the Transforming Power of the Gospel means that our religious efforts do not count for us. This sentence makes us step back and scratch our heads. “Yes I believe this, but…my work doesn’t count for anything?” We confuse the effect of God’s love toward us with the cause of God’s love for us when we take pride in, and rest in, our good works.
And that leads us to this wonderfully biblical word, transforming. I love Romans 12:1, which calls us in part to “Be ye transformed.” It is both a clear command, and a passive action, indicating that we are objects being acted upon. (The Bible itself has no problem with the mystery of sovereignty and accountability—neither should I.)
To see the Gospel merely as a ticket to heaven is to severely truncate its beauty and power. To see it as a legal transaction and right standing with God is accurate, but also not sufficient. To also see it as the power of God to transform the lives of its recipients is a beautiful and important aspect in rounding out our view of salvation. It may be slow, it may smolder at times, it may need fanned into flame. But I am confident that God will carry his work to completion in making me a new powerfully preparing me for the next world to come.
Friday, July 31, 2009
'The Price is Right' Kind of Comfort
There are many activities my kids simply won’t do without me: Meeting new neighbors, walking across a narrow log, flying on a plane, riding a roller coaster to name a few. I wish they were more daring, but at the same time, I like being the source of their strength. In 2 Tim 4:17, “The Lord stood at Paul’s side and gave him strength.” But how does this work? I am physically there to hold my kids hands and whisper comfort in their ears—in what way did Jesus stand by Paul’s side, and how did Paul receive strength from it?
I often touch on suffering while I preach, and I confess that I myself struggle understanding—much less explaining—in what way God is with us and helps us in our suffering—what difference that can possibly make? But now I understand that this short letter of 2 Timothy, written late in Paul’s life, gives us the answer.
Paul shows us clearly through his writing that strength comes from an eternal perspective, knowing that just as Christ has overcome death, Paul knew that—in Christ, he would too. It is as if—no, Jesus is standing beside Paul with his arm around him, pulling back a curtain, revealing a glorious view of what really and truly lies in store for Paul, ready for him to simply walk in and receive the prize.
Look through Paul’s eyes at what Jesus is revealing by pulling back the curtain during the very experience of Paul’s suffering: In 1:10, Christ has brought “life and immortality to light, in 1:18 Paul is looking ahead to that day, in 2:8 Paul relates (equates?) the gospel directly to the resurrection of Jesus. A couple verses later, this is why he can endure hardship—for salvation and eternal glory. In chapter 3, he writes of terrible times in the last days preceding the return of Christ.
Perhaps the most powerful sign that Paul is looking ahead and receiving strength through this eternal perspective comes in 4:6 and following: “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering and the time has come for my departure.” Paul knows he is going to die soon, and this is his last letter. But he follows immediately—not with sadness and despair, but with the exact opposite: “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to me on that day!”
And finally, one of my favorite verses, which reminds us that the presence of God in our lives is no empty comfort, it is not just in our minds, it is no mere sentiment. 4:18 reads, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.” Here, physical death has absolutely no meaning for Paul. It is at most a door to walk through. No, it is a mere reminder that this life we now live is more like a dream in comparison with that life which is truly life and which awaits us who long for His appearing. For Paul (and potentially for us), Jesus has shattered our well-defined, puny conception of getting old and dying at about age 78.5; Jesus has opened up the reality, and the view of, untold thousands of years, upon untold thousands of years…which we will do in the prime of our lives.
God, to you be glory for ever and ever, Amen!
I often touch on suffering while I preach, and I confess that I myself struggle understanding—much less explaining—in what way God is with us and helps us in our suffering—what difference that can possibly make? But now I understand that this short letter of 2 Timothy, written late in Paul’s life, gives us the answer.
Paul shows us clearly through his writing that strength comes from an eternal perspective, knowing that just as Christ has overcome death, Paul knew that—in Christ, he would too. It is as if—no, Jesus is standing beside Paul with his arm around him, pulling back a curtain, revealing a glorious view of what really and truly lies in store for Paul, ready for him to simply walk in and receive the prize.
Look through Paul’s eyes at what Jesus is revealing by pulling back the curtain during the very experience of Paul’s suffering: In 1:10, Christ has brought “life and immortality to light, in 1:18 Paul is looking ahead to that day, in 2:8 Paul relates (equates?) the gospel directly to the resurrection of Jesus. A couple verses later, this is why he can endure hardship—for salvation and eternal glory. In chapter 3, he writes of terrible times in the last days preceding the return of Christ.
Perhaps the most powerful sign that Paul is looking ahead and receiving strength through this eternal perspective comes in 4:6 and following: “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering and the time has come for my departure.” Paul knows he is going to die soon, and this is his last letter. But he follows immediately—not with sadness and despair, but with the exact opposite: “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to me on that day!”
And finally, one of my favorite verses, which reminds us that the presence of God in our lives is no empty comfort, it is not just in our minds, it is no mere sentiment. 4:18 reads, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.” Here, physical death has absolutely no meaning for Paul. It is at most a door to walk through. No, it is a mere reminder that this life we now live is more like a dream in comparison with that life which is truly life and which awaits us who long for His appearing. For Paul (and potentially for us), Jesus has shattered our well-defined, puny conception of getting old and dying at about age 78.5; Jesus has opened up the reality, and the view of, untold thousands of years, upon untold thousands of years…which we will do in the prime of our lives.
God, to you be glory for ever and ever, Amen!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Delayed Flight, Expedited Friendships
The terminal was huge, and would-be passengers were spread throughout waiting for their long delayed flight from Greenville, SC to St. Pete, FL. This was no business crowd, instead it was mostly families who were more patient with delays and who were glad to save a buck with a discount airline.
We were only concerned with our youngest, constantly trying to come up with new, innovative ways to keep a 20 month old from screaming our ears off well past midnight. But our other three—this was a dream come true. We generously doled out soft pretzels, and caramel covered Bugles. The airline felt bad and gave out ice-cold soft drinks (I’m sure they cut off my son Craig at some point).
Groups of kids were chasing each other, drawing, playing cards, and huddled around DVD players watching cartoons. And as I met and spoke with one parent from Tampa in another part of the terminal, my four year old, Benjamin ran up, looked at his kids, and said with a smile, “Look dad, we have more friends up here.”
We dreaded this evening on account of our infant (for good reason). But to see this experience through an older kid’s eyes is something of a delight, even something like the New Heavens and New Earth. It will be like a massive, mile long terminal, better yet, a City. It will be ripe for, and inviting to, young explorers who long to see what is around the next corner. It will be full of interesting games and activities. And yes, it will be full of friends—but not limited to the friendships we have on this earth. Instead, everyone will be our friend. We will know them instantly, and grow in our knowledge and love of them with endless time. We will run on young legs to the next group, and the next group, of laughing, excited sojourners, and we will say to one another, “Look, we have more friends up here.”
We were only concerned with our youngest, constantly trying to come up with new, innovative ways to keep a 20 month old from screaming our ears off well past midnight. But our other three—this was a dream come true. We generously doled out soft pretzels, and caramel covered Bugles. The airline felt bad and gave out ice-cold soft drinks (I’m sure they cut off my son Craig at some point).
Groups of kids were chasing each other, drawing, playing cards, and huddled around DVD players watching cartoons. And as I met and spoke with one parent from Tampa in another part of the terminal, my four year old, Benjamin ran up, looked at his kids, and said with a smile, “Look dad, we have more friends up here.”
We dreaded this evening on account of our infant (for good reason). But to see this experience through an older kid’s eyes is something of a delight, even something like the New Heavens and New Earth. It will be like a massive, mile long terminal, better yet, a City. It will be ripe for, and inviting to, young explorers who long to see what is around the next corner. It will be full of interesting games and activities. And yes, it will be full of friends—but not limited to the friendships we have on this earth. Instead, everyone will be our friend. We will know them instantly, and grow in our knowledge and love of them with endless time. We will run on young legs to the next group, and the next group, of laughing, excited sojourners, and we will say to one another, “Look, we have more friends up here.”
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Default Response
Nehemiah is one of my favorite books in the Bible—what is most interesting is that he always seems to be praying. My favorite is when he is in the presence of the king, and the king asks what he wants. Before Nehemiah responds, he prayed to the God of heaven (2:4). This must have been a very short prayer so as not to keep the king waiting, or to seem indecisive.
One of the greatest blessings for a Christian is that we can pray whenever we want, wherever we are, no matter the circumstances. There is no external circumstance that can keep us from this privilege. Yet I find myself so often failing to utilize and exercise this gift.
God, help me by making prayer my default response in times of need. And in times of peace and quiet, lead me to pray. Before running to music and talk radio, put yourself on my mind. In the chaos of family life, remind me to pray. And far from being a mere duty and burden, may it become more and more sweet and enjoyable as I realize the reality of the Holy Spirit within me.
One of the greatest blessings for a Christian is that we can pray whenever we want, wherever we are, no matter the circumstances. There is no external circumstance that can keep us from this privilege. Yet I find myself so often failing to utilize and exercise this gift.
God, help me by making prayer my default response in times of need. And in times of peace and quiet, lead me to pray. Before running to music and talk radio, put yourself on my mind. In the chaos of family life, remind me to pray. And far from being a mere duty and burden, may it become more and more sweet and enjoyable as I realize the reality of the Holy Spirit within me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
