More...Listening

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” 
Matthew 17:5

I like to hear the sound of my own voice. I sometimes speak out loud when I am by myself. I like to hear the sound of myself sharing my thoughts. While this isn’t inherently wrong, it can sometimes get in the way of hearing what God wants to say to me. You see, usually when I speak to myself I am not waiting for Him to speak but am voicing what I want first.

That very well may have been Peter’s issue when he was on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus. He wants Jesus. That is not in doubt. But was Jesus truly enough for Peter? Or was he easily distracted by the appearance of two of his heroes in the faith?

One minute Peter is with Jesus, enjoying some much needed respite from the crowds and demands and the next minute Jesus is shining, glowing as though He has somehow become nuclear! And with Him are two men Peter recognized instantly! Moses and Elijah! His lifelong heroes!

No doubt Peter was afraid. Mark tells us as much. Mark’s gospel is likely told through the experience of Peter. (Mark 9:5-6) Mark relates Peter’s story, “I didn’t know what to say!” (my paraphrase)

Indeed, what do you say when the man you have walked hundreds of miles with, had conversations with, who you thought you knew pretty well suddenly becomes bursting light? And if that wasn’t enough two of your faith heroes show up too! I would submit that the human brain damaged by its sin nature can’t fully grasp that sort of reality.

Peter, in his shock, blurts out, “Let’s build some shrines! You can have one, Jesus. And yes, I’ll make a couple for Moses and Elijah as well! Just give the word!” Somehow Peter has yet to connect all the dots. He has not yet come to understand that it is Jesus who is preeminent. Peter has betrayed his own heart. Jesus is his hero, yes. But he has other heroes as well. He is willing to give these lesser heroes equal billing. Jesus has not yet become his all in all.

Before another word can be spoken, the whole mountain is enveloped with something like a cloud, but one that glows with light rather than covering everything in shadow and darkness. Papa God has shown up and He’s not messing around. “Pay attention! This is my Son, whom I love dearly and who pleases me completely. Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5, my paraphrase)

Listen to Him. I have ruminated on just that phrase all day long. Do I really listen? Or do I respond to Jesus in much the same manner Peter demonstrates on the mountain? Do I make lesser things equal to or greater than Jesus? It is an important question. And if I truly want more of God, I need to pay attention to what God tells me to do.

Listen.

Listen instead of clamoring to get my own way.

Listen instead of yelling and screaming out of the pain of my own circumstances.
Listen when I think I’ve got things figured out...because I really don’t.
Listen when life seems to be going well and I don’t seem to have any cares.
Listen when life is falling apart.

Listen...  

Always.

When I am listening I am more apt to speak helpful, God glorifying things. I am more in tune with His desires.  I am more able to put away lesser things.  I am more apt to be worshipful.  My heart more openly beats with desire for Him!  More of Him!

Today I leave you with the words from a song written by the worshipper, Matt Redman:

You are God in heaven

And here am I on earth

So I'll let my words be few

Jesus, I am so in love with You

And I'll stand in awe of You, Jesus

Yes, I'll stand in awe of You

And I'll let my words be few

Jesus, I am so in love with You

The simplest of all love songs

I want to bring to You

So I'll let my words be few

Jesus, I am so in love with You

More...The Language of Covenant Love

After supper was over, he lifted the cup again and said, 

“This cup is my blood of the new covenant I make with you, and it will 

be poured out soon for all of you." 

 Luke 22:20

Probably the most stunning and beautiful moments in my life came when my husband, Alan, handed me a beautiful little card in which he’d written a sentimental request, “Will you marry me?” As I gasped, he handed over a perfectly fitting diamond ring. With a nearly shouted “Yes!” I became engaged. While it looked dramatically different, Jesus, too, extended a covenant proposal to His followers.

In the night before Jesus’ death, when the disciples sat down with Him to celebrate Passover as they had certainly done on at least two prior occasions, the last thing they expected was for Jesus to deviate from the only Passover script they’d ever known. Yet when the time came for Jesus to break the middle piece of flatbread, or matzah as it is commonly known, He added a new line, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19b) While this may have caused them some discomfort, what Jesus did after they’d taken their bite of bread probably took their breath away. “After the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant.’” (Luke 22:20a) I imagine the disciples must have gasped, for this was way outside the normal conversation of the Passover seder. So far out, in fact, that they likely wondered why Jesus would speak the language of a marriage proposal to them!

According to Barb Peil, “when a Jewish man proposed to a woman, he passed her a cup of wine. If she drank from it, she accepted the proposal and they were engaged.” (You Bible - 100 Days with Jesus - Passion) That cup of wine in Jesus’ hand and His declaration of a new covenant would have indicated to the Jewish minds of His followers that He was making a proposal of marriage to them. This very well could have left them confused. “Jesus, why are you toasting us with a marriage proposal during Passover? Aren’t we supposed to be remembering as is the custom of the Law? Why this change, Jesus?”

In case His disciples missed His point with the glass of wine Jesus continues with more of His intimate marriage proposal language during His final hours with His disciples, framing His deep, sacrificial love for them. “In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:2-3) “Preparing a room” is the language of marriage, the language of intimate love.

A part of the expected marriage tradition in Jewish homes in those days was for the bridegroom to prepare, or construct, the room to which he would bring his bride at the appointed time. Extended families often lived together. Additions to the main home structure would be added to make room for new family units. The marriage would take place when the Father determined the room was adequately ready for the new couple. And in those days entering into marriage was ceremonious only in that there would be a procession leading to the new room. The bride and groom would step across that threshold and enjoy passionate, intimate relationship with each other as they consummated their marriage.

Not only has Jesus imparted a marriage proposal of sorts with the offering of wine as part of a new covenant, He now increases the intimacy of the conversation by telling His disciples that He is making their room ready and will come to get them when that room is ready, when the Father says it’s time!

In the last few hours of His life He wanted His followers to know that this wasn’t the end. He had a bigger, better plan in mind. He gave them hope and something for which to look forward.  He wanted them to have More.  He wanted to give them More than they could ever imagine.  When Jesus calls you to be His own, He uses the language of passionate love. He invites you into intimacy with Him. He is the bridegroom every heart longs for! He is the passionate lover who lays down His life for His bride.

Now whenever I come to the table, to take communion, I remember Jesus' proposal...and I smile.  I am forever the bride awaiting my passionate, self-sacrificing groom!  I drink the wine and I accept His invitation to be His own.  I renew my commitment to follow Him the rest of my life.

Imagine at this moment that Jesus is handing you a cup of wine - because He is. “This cup is my blood of the new covenant I make with you,” He says.  How will you respond?

Notre Dame Has Fallen...But God's Spirit Has Not

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner 

self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is 

preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 

 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are 

unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that

are unseen are eternal. 

 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

This afternoon I watched in shock as the most iconic church in the world succumbed to flames. Notre-Dame de Paris, or simply Notre Dame, had stood largely complete since the early 13th century, its towers beacons of hope and its flying buttresses lending to its grandeur. Tonight it is but a shell of its former self...literally.

As I watched in disbelief while the flames licked away at the centuries old structure, ironically at the climax of the church calendar, I couldn’t help but juxtapose the reality that the stuff of this life is all temporary but God remains forever, a permanent fixture in an ever changing world. The apostle Paul put it this way, “the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

Victor Hugo published his book Notre-Dame de Paris, more commonly known in America as The Hunchback of Notre Dame, in the early 19th century in hopes that the cathedral, which largely lay in disrepair at the time, might receive some attention (which it did). Lindsey Ellis, a researcher on Victor Hugo, said of Notre Dame, “In Hugo’s eyes it was the summation of human ingenuity. Hugo’s idea was the building will outlast the time it exists in.” She added as a result of the fire, “that’s just not true anymore.” When something as significant as a medieval cathedral which has stood through many lifetimes falls, it might just shake your world.

In my lifetime, as I’m sure you’ve observed in yours, things wear out or get broken or lost. Life happens. In Paul’s life his bold proclamation of the gospel brought him jarring consequences. In your lifetime, you likely have encountered difficulty as well. But Paul tells us to not lose hope:

We have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. 

 (2 Corinthians 4:7-10)

Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 

 (2 Corinthians 4:16b-18)

Jars of clay was Paul’s way of saying “Life as you know it is temporary.” You may be experiencing temporary affliction, but it’s nothing when we compare it to eternity. 

 Have this hope: “the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7)

 Notre Dame has fallen...but God’s Spirit has not.

Love to the Uttermost: A Holy Week Volcano

Those who were guarding Jesus mocked and beat him severely. They also made fun of him, blindfolding him and slapping his face and saying, “Prove that you are a prophet and tell us which one of us hit you!” They blasphemed and heaped insult after insult upon him. Luke 22:63-65

Today I read an excerpt from John Piper's book, Love to the Uttermost.  It was too good not to share.  So in this moment I share with you Piper's words, not my own.

A Holy Week Volcano

As I read these terrible words, I found myself saying to Jesus, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Jesus. Forgive me!” I felt myself to be an actor here, not just a spectator. I was so much a part of that ugly gang that I knew I was as guilty as they were. I felt that if the rage of God should spill over onto those soldiers and sweep me away, too, justice would have been done. I wasn’t there, but their sin was my sin. It would not have been unjust for me to fall under their sentence.

Has it ever bothered you that sometimes in the Old Testament when one man sins, many get swept away in the punishment God brings? For example, when David sinned by taking a census of the people (2 Samuel 24:10), “there died of the people from Dan to Beersheba 70,000 men” (2 Samuel 24:15). In another example, Achan kept some of the booty from Jericho and his whole family was stoned (Joshua 7:25). Maybe my experience in reading Luke 22 is a clue to the divine justice in this.

My Volcanic Rebellion

An analogy came to my mind. The hearts of humanity are like a molten mantle beneath the surface of the whole earth. The molten lava beneath the earth is the universal wickedness of the human heart—the rebellion against God and the selfishness toward people. Here and there a volcano of rebellion bursts forth which God sees fit to judge immediately. He may do so by causing the scorching, destructive lava to flow not only down the mountain which erupted, but also across the valleys which did not erupt, but which have the same molten lava of sin beneath the surface.

The reason I confess the sin of beating Jesus, even though I wasn’t there, is that the same lava of rebellion is in my own heart. I have seen enough of it to know. So even though it does not burst forth in such a volcanic atrocity as the crucifixion, it is still deserving of judgment. If God had chosen to rain the lava of their evil back on their own heads and some of it consumed even me, I would not be able to fault God’s justice.

We may wonder why God chooses to recompense some evils immediately and not others. And we may wonder how he decides whom to sweep away in the judgment. Why seventy thousand? Why not fifty thousand, or one hundred, or ten? Why Achan’s wife and not the greedy neighbor two tents down? I doubt that answers are available to us now. We are left to trust that these decisions come from a Wisdom so great that it can discern all possible effects in all possible times and places and people. How widely the lava of one person’s rebellion and judgment will flow lies in God’s hands alone.

And I believe from Romans 8:28 that, even though the lava of recompense overtakes me at a distance from the volcano, there is mercy in it. I do not deserve to escape, for I know my own heart. But I trust Christ, and so I know the judgment will be turned to joy. Though he slay me, yet will I trust him. For precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose. Romans 8:28

~ John Piper, Love to the Uttermost

More...Grace

This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise. 

 Galatians 3:17-18

I recently heard someone reading through the Old Testament comment that it seems like the God of the Old Testament is very different from the God of the New Testament.  Yet we have more than one instance of Scripture highlighting the unchanging nature of God. (Malachi 3:6 and Hebrews 13:8 are just two examples.) So why does the God of the Old Testament seem so judgmental and full of retribution while the God of the New Testament is so steeped in grace?

The believers in Galatia struggled to reconcile these aspects of God’s character as well. And Paul had a ready answer. He said that the covenant made with Abraham could not be annulled by the covenant, the Law, God made with Moses. (Paul makes the argument in Galatians 3 and specifically verses 15-29.) The covenant “previously ratified by God” (Galatians 3:17) refers to the Abrahamic covenant that God made with Abraham. The cutting of this covenant unfolds the beauty of God’s gracious character in stunning fashion.

We find the story of the making of this covenant in Genesis 15. God meets Abram (also known by his covenant name of Abraham) in a vision. In this vision God promises a great reward, which Abram interprets as the fulfillment of God’s original promise of land, descendants and a great name so that he would be a blessing to all the families of the earth. This, of course, has its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.

To seal the deal, so to speak, God proves His intentions to Abram by cutting a covenant with him. God tells Abram to take three 3-year-old animals, a female cow, a female goat and a ram and cut them in half and lay each half across from the other along with a turtledove and a young pigeon. (Genesis 15:9-11) This is a signal to Abram that God intends to cut a covenant with him regarding His promise. He would have been very familiar with this concept as it was a traditional form of agreement making. (see Genesis 21:22-34)

Covenant cutting was a fairly common practice in those days. The parties participating would divide an animal such as a sheep or a goat. Each carcass half would have been laid on either side of a ditch dug in the ground. The blood draining from the animal would pool in the ditch. To cut a covenant literally meant to form a serious, binding agreement. To signify the gravity of the agreement, the parties forming the covenant would walk around the carcass in an infinity pattern, including through the bloody pool at the bottom of the ditch. The implication of this form of covenant cutting was that the agreement was so binding that if either party did not hold up the covenant agreement the offending party would pay for it with his life. I imagine the hem of the robes of the participants would become drenched in blood, a constant reminder of the covenant that had been made.

Most covenant ceremonies would have used one animal, or two at the most. Here there are three large animals (and two small)! The use of three in the Hebrew mind is like putting an exclamation point on the end of a sentence - it’s important in the very greatest sense! Abram instinctively knows this is a big deal and so he drives away the birds of prey that attempt to feed on the carcasses. (Genesis 15:11)  No doubt he was intending to actively participate in this venture.

At the close of the day, however, God causes Abram to fall into a deep sleep. While he sleeps God shows up again. He speaks the covenant over Abram as He makes His way through the carcasses. God doesn’t hold Abram’s feet to the fire. Abram never walks the bloody path through the animal pieces in an infinity pattern. God takes upon Himself all the responsibility for the covenant. He passes through the animals as both a smoking fire pot (a picture of God’s wrath) and a flaming torch (a light by which to see). Abram’s only participation is as an observer. The covenant is cut for him. He bears no consequence as he surely could not keep the covenant! Abram can’t stand up to God’s wrath - but Jesus (the Light - John 1:5) can - and He did!

The last verses of Genesis 15 summarize the agreement. “To your offspring I give this land…” (Genesis 15:18a) It is this statement that Paul highlights in Galatians 3:16... “Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, And to seeds,” as referring to many, but rather to one, ‘And to your seed,’ that is, Christ.”   The covenant God made with Abraham that day isn't predominantly about land.  It is first and foremost about relationship. It was a firm and binding covenant with implications even to this day because the relationship God offered Abraham extends to all who believe. (Galatians 3:6-7) Jesus paid for the covenant with His blood. He makes no requirement of us but to believe.

In the Old Testament we readily see God’s wrath. But if we’re willing to look closely enough His grace is just as prevalent.

Identity Colors Everything

In this new creation life, your nationality makes no difference, or your ethnicity, education, or economic status—they matter nothing. For it is Christ that means everything as he lives in every one of us! Colossians 3:11

This past week in State College the life of a black man, Osaze Osagie, was ended by a police officer who chose to fire his weapon first when “threatened” by Osagie. As I write this, the Equality and Inclusion division of the state police are investigating the shooting. It looks to be a case of three gun and taser armed police officers against one man with a knife. Indeed the coroner has declared it a homicide due to multiple gunshot wounds. I wasn’t present at this shooting, but considering there were three officers to one man, this seems excessive.

One has to question the justice of this. And many have. While peaceable, the public outcry was immediate. The grief is real. It is felt most deeply by the black community, but the white community, especially the church, has joined their brothers and sisters in their grief. Osaze should have had as much of a chance to live as his white neighbor. The initial police report indicates that Osaze brandished a knife. A knife. By a man who felt cornered and overtaken and suffering from mental illness. Certainly three armed police officers could have subdued him! I admit this is merely my opinion, but a logical mind must admit the force that was used certainly seems disproportionate.

What was going on in the mind of the officer who fired his weapon? Only he can answer that. But I somehow have to wonder if this may have been a very different confrontation had he understood what the apostle Paul was teaching the believers in Colossae (and us!) regarding people who aren’t like themselves. “...Your nationality makes no difference, or your ethnicity, education, or economic status—they matter nothing.” (Colossians 3:11a)

For some in today’s American culture this idea of equality that Paul proposes may sound absurd. White supremacy is on the rise. And not just in the United States. Fifty Muslim Middle Eastern refugees who were slaughtered in Christchurch would tell you that. It certainly appears that for some, the color of skin or socioeconomic status or religious beliefs one holds make a huge difference. The shooter in Christchurch wrote a manifesto that suggested “that the white nationalist ideas behind violence and attempted violence in the United States and elsewhere influenced him deeply.” I don’t cite Christchurch to give less weight to #BlackLivesMatter, but rather to help show that this evil is prevalent in even the most unlikely of places.

In her book The Debt, Angela Hunt asks the question, “Why are we surprised when sinners sin?” I have often thought of this quote when I’ve encountered various forms of injustice and evil. I believe the apostle Paul recognized this. In fact, he see it in himself when he calls himself “the foremost of sinners.” And indeed, he tells the Colossian believers “That’s how you once behaved, characterized by your evil deeds.” (Colossians 3:7) The shooting of a mentally unstable black man may or may not be characterized as evil, but the problem still exists. Sin exists and every intention of our hearts is bent toward wickedness always.

Fortunately, this isn’t the end of our story. It may be too late for Osaze, but for us there is hope.

But now it’s time to eliminate them from your lives once and for all—

anger, fits of rage, all forms of hatred, cursing, filthy speech, and lying.

Lay aside your old Adam-self with its masquerade and disguise.

For you have acquired new creation life which is continually being

renewed into the likeness of the One who created you; giving

you the full revelation of God. In this new creation life, your

nationality makes no difference, or your ethnicity, education,

or economic status—they matter nothing. For it is Christ that

means everything as he lives in every one of us!

Colossians 3:8-11

In Christ, we can be new creations, new people. That evil, sinful heart doesn’t have to overtake us or our thoughts. We can begin to see people with the eyes of Christ rather than eyes of hate.

I am a recipient of white privilege. I didn’t ask for it. It is just part of what I receive because my skin happens to lack melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. But I don’t have to embrace this as my identity. My identity is in Christ. It changes everything!

But I must do my part too. I must embrace #BlackLivesMatter because there is so much evil to overcome. I need to daily ask Holy Spirit to help me see everyone I encounter with His eyes. I need to consider every person I encounter as more significant than myself. I must abandon every display of selfishness and embrace a greater concern for what matters to others instead of my own interests. (Philippians 2:4) If I am diligent to be in Christ every day, following the motivation of His own heart, my actions, small as they may be, will make a difference. And in small part, I can give appropriate significance to Osaze Osagie.

More...Christmas Wonder!

... and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

Luke 2:18

Have you ever been amazed by anything?  I remember when our daughter was born. Seeing her beautiful face and 10 perfect fingers and 10 perfect toes seemed amazing to me. I didn’t question it, for babies have been born for centuries.  Yet it was still amazing that from my own body could come another completely intact and wonderful little human being who was completely her own person.

Sadly, today’s world culture often doesn’t stand in amazement for very long, if at all.  We resort to our knowledge of the world to explain away every day miracles. We prefer to not linger with incongruencies and that which defies explanation.  We miss the wonder of life itself often because of our need to know.I didn’t question it, for babies have been born for centuries. Yet it was still amazing that from my own body could come another completely intact and wonderful little human being who was completely her own person.

Today I’d like to take a look at the word thaumazō or “amazed,” as is found in our text today.  I like how the New King James Version interprets Luke 2:18 -  And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.”  Let’s place ourselves in the story, explore the wonder of it all and marvel as the shepherds and the people to whom they shared their amazement had.  Let’s learn to wonder and be amazed all over again.

It was certainly an ordinary night.  The sheep were grazing comfortably and the weather was agreeable for the season.  Just another night… Wait! What’s this? An angel? Whoa!! Suddenly the ragtag band of lowlife shepherds sprang to action.  Anything out of the ordinary was always cause for alarm because the sheep were so vulnerable. Just one misstep… But the sheep were fine.  And the angel was speaking, “Don’t be alarmed! I have great news to bring you tonight. It will bring you immense joy. It’s for all people everywhere but you must hear it first!”

It seemed so unlikely.  Nobody gave shepherds the time of day.  More often than not people would walk away to avoid them.  Nobody trusted shepherds with anything. But good news? For all people?

The angel continued.  “Today a Savior has been born in David’s city!  You will know you have found the right baby because it will be wrapped with strips of cloth and will be laid in a manger.”  Before the shepherds could even respond there were suddenly hundreds upon hundreds upon hundreds of angels who appeared with the original angel.  They all started speaking together. “Praise be to God who is above all! And may peace be with men of goodwill.”

Just as suddenly as thee angels had come, they were gone.  The shepherds continued to stare in astonishment until one of them suggested, “We should go to Bethlehem to find this baby just as Yahweh has told us.”  And they all knew where they were going. The angel had told them. Strips of cloth. Manger. Migdal Eder, the tower of the sheep. Another chimed in as they gathered the sheep, “What a strange place for a baby to be born!  The sacrificial lambs lambs are the ones born there and wrapped with strips of cloth to keep them from being damaged so they can be used in temple worship. But a baby? I’ve never heard of that before.”

The shepherds hurried as quickly as their sheep would allow.  Before long they reached Migdal Eder. And just as the angel had told them, they found a young couple inside, stretched out on the hay next to the manger where the holiest of lambs were born and laid.  In the manger was a beautiful, perfect child. The angel had told them the truth! The mother was so small, so young. She looked at the shepherds inquisitively. So they told of their experience. “There was this angel.  See? And he told us that we would find you here. And not only that but he told us your baby is the Savior! And then there were all these angels praising God because of your son. Could He be the Messiah we have waited for so long!”

The shepherds lingered for awhile.  When they finally departed back to their sheep they started talking wildly, “What does this mean?  A Savior?!”

“And born in the place of the sacrificial lambs!”  

“It doesn’t make sense.  But we were told by the angel and everything else he told us was true.”

“Have we seen Messiah?”

“Wow!  This is amazing!  Normally we aren’t told anything.  This is the best news ever!”

“Look!  Here’s comes the potter.  Let’s tell him about everything!”

The scenario played out again and again and again.  Everywhere the shepherds went they chattered about their amazing adventure.  And to a person, everyone marveled. There were so many incongruencies. But sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction.  And so they entered in and wondered at everything the shepherds related to them, caught fully in astonishment.

Does the Christmas story still astonish you?  Or has it become too familiar? Allow yourself to enter into the shepherds story.  Be amazed! And find More of God in Christmas this year!