One Word: Blessed

Each year in the fall, I pray and ask the Lord if He has a word for me to dwell on in the upcoming year.  During my extended break from blogging, I was given the words “Grace” and “Intentional.”  I spent a little over two years with the word “grace,” and it changed my life.  It quieted those inner voices of accusation and guilt that I battled with for years.  I began to practice the discipline of preaching the gospel to myself every day.  Gaining this knowledge made the transition to “intentional” living a natural progression.

My word for 2020 is “blessed.”

It is not the passive form of blessed, as in “I am blessed,” but a call to action.  I see this word as an extension of the word “intentional.”  God promises blessing to His children who obey His commands.  In order to obey, and walk according to His commandments, we must be intentional in the way we think and act.  If we do that, He will bless us.  My plan is to begin the year in the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount, and then follow where He leads me from there. 

I am excited for the journey, and look forward to a deeper walk with Him in 2020!

Looking Forward to Christmas

The month of December is typically the time when most Christians focus their attention on the birth of Jesus Christ.  Many churches celebrate Advent, and sermons tend to focus on this miraculous event in history.  When we read the accounts in Matthew and Luke, we look back and marvel at the miracle of our Savior’s birth.  The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. 

The account of Christ’s birth in Matthew emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy.  In the first two chapters alone, we read of the fulfillment of five different prophecies.  Biblical prophecy tends to take on a near/far pattern and is progressive in nature.  The details of a prophecy not only pertain to the near future of the prophet speaking, but also refer to the far future, even as far as the Day of the Lord and the events surrounding the end times. 

As we look back, let us not forget to look forward.  Emmanuel, God with us, was born in a stable over two thousand years ago.  He was born in order to save His people from their sins (Matt. 1:21) and through the power of the resurrection, He is still with us! 

“…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:20b)

“…for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.”  (Heb. 13:5)

“For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.” (1 Thess. 5:9-10)

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:3)

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them.” (Rev. 21:3)

Yes indeed, I am looking forward to Christmas in two days, but I am also eagerly anticipating His return and dwelling with Him forever.  Maranatha!

Christmas Covenant

Matthew chapter one has always presented a challenge for me.  Around verse three, I begin to lose my focus.  My eyes begin to skim quickly over the long list of names in the genealogy of Christ.  I know that it was important for the people of that day, as well as all future generations, to know the historical record of where their Messiah came from, and from whom He descended.  This season I made the decision to dwell in this chapter and ask myself, “What does this passage tell me about God?”  I wanted to find more than the easy answer of “It tells me the genealogy of Jesus.”

The first thing I noticed was that God has a plan.  From the very beginning, even before the creation of the world, there has always been a plan.  God created the world in absolute beauty and perfection and placed man within it to govern and steward His creation.  Man’s decision to disobey His commands and the introduction of sin into the world was not a surprise to Him, and it did not derail His plan.  God would send His only begotten Son to be born of a virgin…fully human, yet fully God, to redeem us and reconcile us back to Him.

As I made my way through the list of names, I recognized some of them and remembered their stories.  Rahab was a prostitute.  David, someone described as a man after God’s own heart, was both an adulterer and a murderer.  Solomon, a man with whom God was pleased and granted him wisdom like no other, loved many foreign women.  Though he was warned by God not to associate with them, he had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines, who turned his heart away from being wholly devoted to the Lord.  Manasseh, a king of Judah, did evil in the sight of the Lord.  God is sovereign, and will bring about His plan, even through the imperfection of man.

He is a God of order and symmetry.  We see in verse seventeen that there are fourteen generations between Abraham and David, David and the deportation into Babylon, and from the deportation to the birth of Jesus.  I recently heard a sermon that highlighted these three sections of the chapter and referred to the covenants associated with them.  God is a covenant keeper.  A covenant is an agreement which establishes a relationship between God and his people.  It is initiated by God, who announces to its recipients both its conditions as well as its reward of promise and blessings to those who are obedient to its terms.  The Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12, 15, 22) represents reconciliation and grace.  The Davidic Covenant (1 Chronicles 17) represents the Messiah, son of David, as a ruler.  Isaiah 9:6-7 confirms that “..a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on his shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.  There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore.  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.”  Finally, in Jeremiah 31 it speaks of a new covenant.  The Lord declares that He will be their God, and they will be His people.  In verse 34, the Lord declares “for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”  In Matthew 26 during his final Passover meal, as he passes the cup around to his disciples, he declares, “for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”  Jesus is the only one who has the ability to forgive us our sin and make us righteous before God.

We read throughout the Old Testament that time and again the people were disobedient, yet God remained faithful to His word.  In the very first chapter of the New Testament, we see that God has always had a plan.  Through this long line of imperfect people, God sent His Son for the purpose of redeeming and reconciling back to Him those who would believe and accept the sacrifice provided.  That very same Son will one day be our eternal King and Ruler.

Jesus
The Promised One
The Promise Keeper
Our Hope and Promise for eternity.

Fear Not

If someone were to ask me to list the feelings most commonly associated with Christmas, I’d probably rattle off love, joy, and peace.  Fear is not usually the first emotion that comes to mind when we think of Christmas, yet when you read the Christmas story, fear is a common thread with the people involved.  Both Mary and Joseph were told not to be afraid.  Zacharias struggled with fear.  The shepherds were terribly frightened when the host of angels appeared before them.

It is also important to note that all of these people were people who loved the Lord.  Joseph was a righteous man (Matthew 1:19).  Mary was favored by God (Luke 1:28) and declared herself to be a bondservant of God (Luke 1:38).  Zacharias was a priest in the Temple and described as one who was righteous in the sight of God and walked blamelessly in all His commandments and requirements (Luke 1:5-6).  The shepherds recognized that the Lord had sent the angels to announce the birth, and glorified and praised God (Luke 2:15, 20.)

It comforts me that these people who were considered righteous and blameless struggled with fear. I have battled with fear for most of my adult life.  I am all too familiar with this particular foe.  Fear and anxiety rob us of joy. The angel came bearing good news of great joy which shall be for all the people. Jesus…Emmanuel…God with us.  He became flesh and dwelt among us, and while He did not fear, He clearly recognized and understood the human propensity for it.

When Zacharias named his son John, scripture records that he was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied that Jesus had been sent so that “we, being delivered from the hand our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.”  (Luke 1:74-75)  Our Savior and Redeemer was born to save us from our sins and deliver us from our enemies, and that includes the iron grip of fear.  One of my favorite verses in scripture is Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear, for I am with you.  Do not look anxiously about you, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”  

There is the Christmas story in the first eight words of this verse.

Do not fear, for I am with you.

Jesus,

Emmanuel,

God with us.

Only by the grace of God and the blood of Jesus, my Savior and King, am I able to stand before God and be declared righteous and blameless.  While I readily admit that I struggle with fear, I also experience love, joy, and peace in my heart this Christmas season.  The Baby born in a manger two thousand years ago is with me, strengthening me, helping me, upholding me with His righteous right hand.  Being reminded of this means that I can serve Him without fear in holiness and righteousness all of my days, for “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Citizenship

Twenty years ago, I never imagined that I would be living in a time when “fake news” is both a common phrase as well as a reality in the American culture.  It has become less about truth, and more about he who screams loudest.  When it comes to American politics and government, corruption is rampant.   I firmly believe that the founding fathers would be shocked and dismayed at what has become of this great nation since its birth.   

While I am disappointed when I consider the political landscape in which I live, I am proud to be an American and realize what a blessing it is to live in this country.  I do my best to be a good citizen.  I pay taxes, obey the established laws, and exercise my right to vote.  If I’m being honest though, I find myself increasingly tempted to throw in the towel and declare that I’m done.  I’m done trying to determine what the truth is when I watch the news.  I’m done with the arguing and vitriol.  I’m done with Twitter wars and Facebook scandals.

Lest you think I am without hope, I assure you that I’m not.  My hope is in Jesus Christ.  I am a citizen of His government, a government of which there will be no end to its increase, and one characterized by peace.  His kingdom will be established and upheld with justice and righteousness forever.  So how do we as believers navigate through the daily onslaught of corruption that is streaming at us through our phones and televisions?  How do we maintain focus and sustain hope? The answer is that we look to Jesus, the Son of God.  He is both God and Man.  

As we enter the Christmas season, we begin to hear music proclaiming His birth.  We read again the Christmas story and marvel at the humble, yet glorious entrance our King made into our world (which He created.)  This year I have decided to read the Christmas story and focus on the humanity of the people involved.  Who were they?  What did they do?  What were their emotions?  Joseph was a good citizen.  He made his way from Nazareth to Bethlehem to obey the decree sent out by Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken.  This was not a quick car ride up the freeway.  It required planning and physical effort. Mary was nearing the end of her pregnancy. It would have been much easier for them to stay in Nazareth near family and friends who could help them. 

I marvel at the sovereignty and power of God in this aspect of the Christmas story.  God moved upon Caesar Augustus to order a census in perfect timing so that Joseph and Mary would be in Bethlehem in order to fulfill the prophecy in Micah 5:2 which states, “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.  His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity.”  Right here in the Christmas story is a real-life example of Proverbs 21:1 which says, “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes.”  God is sovereign over all, and that includes governments and leaders.  Whether they acknowledge Him or not, He will bring about His will in all things.  His word always comes to pass. 

What is my role in all of this?  Jesus instructs me to be good citizen.  “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Mark 12:17)  I will continue to pay taxes, obey the law, and live peaceably in a land where I am blessed with the freedom to vote, speak freely, and worship my King.  I will no longer strive to determine “truth” (#fakenews) when I already know the Truth.  My hope is in the King who is the way, and the truth, and the life (John 14:6), whose power is not thwarted by man’s ego or corruption, and who uses governments and leaders in spite of themselves, to bring about His word and blessings for His people.

Fellowship

Autumn is my favorite season.  The air is crisp and cool, pumpkins dot the fields, and trees ablaze in fiery colors of orange, red, and gold fill the landscape.  Brittle leaves skitter across the road and rain begins to tap-tap-tap at the window.

Today we celebrate Thanksgiving.  Family and friends will gather around the table and enjoy a special meal together.  As bowls and platters are passed around, perhaps we will share what we are thankful for, or recount stories from past Thanksgiving gatherings.  We will look at each person around our table, smile, and be thankful for their presence in our lives and this opportunity to enjoy fellowship.

I have so much to be thankful for, and today my thoughts are focused on fellowship.  It is truly amazing to me that not only can we enjoy fellowship with each other, but with God Himself.  At the moment of Jesus’ death on the cross, the veil in the Tabernacle was torn in two from top to bottom (Matt. 27:51).  After His resurrection, He encountered Mary in the garden and told her, “Go to My brethren, and say to them ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.'” (John 20:17, emphasis mine)

“And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”  (John 20:21-22)

“For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.  For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’  The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.”  (Romans 8:14-17)

“This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.”  (Ephesians 3:11-12)

“Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.”  (Hebrews 4:16)

As we draw near to each other today for a time of fellowship, let us draw near to Him and remember His provision, grace, and mercy.  Scripture promises that if we draw near to God, He will draw near to us, and  for that I am truly thankful.

Abide: Finding Rest, Part 2

In yesterday’s post, I compared the concept of oxen yoked together with a more modern day example of being a part of a caravan.  While aspects of the example are fitting, the picture has a critical flaw -- it is stressful to be in a caravan, not restful as Christ promises if we abide.  It occurred to me that the person who is most at rest in a caravan is the passenger in the lead vehicle!  He doesn’t have to worry about keeping everyone together, and since he is with the lead driver who has declared that he knows the way, the passenger can simply sit back and enjoy the trip.  Even the passengers in the follow vehicles feel a measure of stress because they know their driver doesn’t know the way.  As a driver in a caravan, you are with your leader, but if you are a passenger assigned to the first car, you are in the same car as your leader.  In John 15:4, Jesus doesn’t say, “Abide with Me,” He says, “Abide in Me.” (emphasis added).

I’ve been trying to piece together a picture of the rest that comes with abiding in Christ, and it took my son getting his learner’s permit this week to help me connect the dots.  As my son got behind the wheel for the first time, I could tell that his “stress-meter” was peaking in the red zone.  He was excited to have his permit and be granted this new privilege, but as he put his hands on the wheel for the first time, he also realized the huge responsibility involved in driving, coupled with the fact that he had no idea what to do.  He had proven he knew the rules of the road, but he had zero knowledge of how to operate a vehicle.

I sat in the front passenger seat right next to him, and began to explain the dashboard, turn signal, wipers, etc.  I touched and pointed to everything as I explained.  After he turned on the car, I had him pause and think through all of the steps he would need to take before entering traffic.  As we pulled away from the curb, I could sense his rush of excitement, but his knuckles were the whitest I’ve ever seen them!  I kept up a constant stream of instruction mixed with praise and reassurance.  The first stop sign produced a sudden jolt. He nervously apologized, and I chuckled and told him it was just fine, and he was doing great.  His first trip was one mile in length, and involved stopping, turning, and learning how to stay straight in the lane.  We even laughed together when I had to say, “turn, turn, Turn, TURN!!!” and when both of our heads jerked back when he began to proceed after a stop sign.

Sitting next to him in the car reminded me of the Matthew 11:28-29 passage which tells us twice that it is being near Christ that provides rest.  “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me.”  My son is learning how to drive, and that requires me to be near him -- coaching, guiding, instructing, and reassuring.  We are in the car together.  We see, hear, and experience every aspect of the trip together. He has been watching me drive his entire life, and knows that I have the knowledge and experience to teach him this new skill.  He listens to my voice and does everything I say because he trusts me.

On our second outing, I was still very vocal in pointing things out as he drove.  At times, I was quiet for short periods, and noticed that he was talking to himself.  He checked in with me constantly to ask, “Was that ok?” and “Who has the right of way here?”  After one particularly smooth turn, he said, “Hey, that was my best one yet, right?!!?”  I noticed that as we circled our small town, his knuckles began to be ever-so-slightly less white!  The more he drove and got the feel for things, the more he began to relax.  It is my nearness and constant conversation with him, coupled with hands-on experience that is already beginning to bring him rest and the reassurance he needs that he can do this!

Here is the mystery and joy of abiding.  We have all heard the metaphor of letting Jesus “take the wheel” of our lives.  We want and need Him to be in the driver’s seat, taking us where He wants us to go.  But He also wants us to learn from Him!  He has tasks for us to accomplish with His help and guidance, and this is when He lets us take a turn behind the wheel.  Our lives are marked with sudden stops and jerky, tentative starts.  Sometimes we need to make a turn, but don’t know what that feels like or how to make it happen.  He is right next to us gently saying, “turn, turn, Turn, TURN,” I imagine with a smile on His face and gentle reassurance in His voice.

I just love this picture of abiding.  As my son’s teacher, I know he can do it.  From my son’s perspective, he knows he can trust me.  So it is with the Lord as my teacher, and me as the student driver.  The mystery of abiding is allowing Jesus to be the driver of my life, but understanding that He wants me to learn from Him as I accomplish the plans He has for me.  The best way to learn is to be near Him, constantly talking with Him and checking in for encouragement and direction.  He is in my car (life) with me, and will guide and direct my path, every step of the way.  He knows the way, and I just need to listen and obey.  He is gentle and humble in heart, and I know that He loves me…

…and that brings me…

…rest.