Once upon a time, there was a lovely kingdom in a lovely place. People in this kingdom were very kind to each other. They were polite and always said, “Good morning. How are you?” to each person they passed. They worked hard to set up programs to entertain and teach each other about the God who created them. When someone had a need, they were quick to respond. They loved to take a meal to someone who just had a baby or who was recovering from surgery. They gave gifts to people who were grieving. When they got tired of doing good things day after day, they encouraged each other by quoting things the king had taught them in the book that contained all the rules.
As in all kingdoms, there was a king who ruled over this kingdom. It was his rules that the people followed carefully and it was his teachings that they taught each other. The king would go for walks each day and he would see the busy people doing their good things. He wanted to have conversations with them and to personally encourage them and comfort them, but they never seemed to notice him too much or have time for a conversation. Most of them really didn’t even quite know what he looked like and, because he didn’t wear outstanding, flashy garments and a big glittery crown, they simply didn’t recognize him.
Sometimes, when people would have a particularly difficult time, they would cry out to the king for help. The king was excited that they came to him and was very glad to be able to help them. But as soon as the trouble was over, they would tell him they had a lot to do hoping he would understand and again take off with their busy schedule and not notice him or talk with him again for a very long time. And the king would again walk among them unnoticed other than the polite, “Good morning, how are you?” exchanges.
The king longed to have closer friendships with the people and day after day, he continued to walk among them and invite them to sit down and have a good long conversation with him, but there were only a few who would take him up on it. Those who would sit with him were quick to tell others about their conversations and encourage them to also take time to sit down with the king, for he was a very kind and wise king and had so much to teach them. He could explain things from the book they took their rules from so that they would understand how much he loved them and how much he wanted for them to be content and happy.
When someone in the kingdom took time to sit with the king, they soon seemed to be more at peace – content with their lives no matter what their circumstances were. They seemed to have joy that came from somewhere other than their belongings or vacations or a great party. And some people would take notice and ask them about it. They also seemed to have an urgency to help others find time to meet and sit with the king because they believed that the king had much good wisdom for everyone and they just enjoyed their conversations so much they had to tell others about them. They believed that the wisdom they learned from the king would lead to healing in relationships, contentment with life, and even more sharing and caring among the people. And they found out after they began to regularly meet with the king that they didn’t get so tired of doing good things for other people. They didn’t feel so worn out and used, but instead, they were quick to lend a helping hand to others who needed help. Time with the king energized them like nothing else.
When people who spent a lot of time with the king would grow old and be near death, they would be excited because they knew that they would soon be going with him to a better kingdom where they could always be with the king and worship and honor him. The king had told them that they would not have any more struggles or disappointments, but that they would live in his new kingdom and be filled with peace and joy forever. People who didn’t know the king well would be mystified as to why these people would be happy about leaving the kingdom they were in. After all, it was a lovely kingdom in a lovely place.
The king tried to tell them that this was a temporary kingdom, that a time was coming when it would disappear completely. Those who chose to be part of the new kingdom could count on it being there forever. And so the king would stand and say, “Come, welcome to my new kingdom.” And those who knew him would shout for everyone to hear, “Come! Come with me and meet the king in person! Feel his warm hug and learn from his wisdom and learn about the mysteries of his new kingdom.”
The lovely kingdom in a lovely place with polite people is the “lower case” church that we attend on Sunday mornings and sometimes Wednesday evenings. There are many good people in the church doing many good things. But only a few of the people in the church doing lots of good things actually take the time to visit with the king – our Lord. Sure, we say “good morning,” and “thank you for this food,” and “please bless my family,” and “keep my children safe.” But how much of our days do we walk right past the king and ignore him while we are busy doing our many good things?
God desires for us to have a close relationship with him and is constantly inviting us into conversations. He wants to be a part of everything we do and say. His wisdom is there for the asking. I wonder… will we take the time to come and sit with the King? Or will we walk on by because we are we too busy…
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Comfort Enough to Share
Just when I think I got this ‘love others as yourself’ thing down and think I am over being self-centered, God gently points out not one, but two things in my life I am being selfish with – in one morning devotional time!
In one of the devotional books I am using, Bill Klees asks the question, when we worship, are we thinking about how much we enjoy the song, the voices of others in the group, etc. or are we thinking about God and how he is worthy of our praise and thinking about what Jesus did for us and how undeserving we are but how grateful we are that he was willing to die for us? I hate it, but I have to admit that only some of the time I think about how awesome God is and how humbled I am by his great love and desire for relationship with me – in spite of how undeserving I am! More often I think, “Oh, I really like this song.” Or, “I haven’t heard this one before – it’s not as fulfilling to sing different songs I’m not familiar with.” Or, “Wow, the congregation sounds good this morning!”
And even as I am rethinking my worship, I begin to read II Corinthians. And Paul starts right out talking about comfort. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we have received from God.” II Corinthians 1:3-4
In my pain and suffering, I gladly receive the comfort of God, but quite frankly, I thought it was for me. But Paul clearly says it is also for the purpose of comforting others. Being a true introvert, I want to stay away from the questions and fears of others as I deal with my pain. I want to retreat to my own quiet place and ponder things. But God doesn’t mean for us to keep his comfort to ourselves. Paul goes on to say, “…just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.” II Corinthians 1:7b As others express their sadness at out loss, sharing in our sufferings, I have opportunity to share God’s comfort with them. As others join us in praying for this comfort, they need the opportunity to rejoice in the answers to prayer as we receive comfort. “Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” II Corinthians 1:11b
When Jesus walked on this earth, people took mourning and grieving each other’s losses seriously. They would gather and weep and wail together for several days. Today, we are expected to use our 2-3 days of leave from work, get over it and get back to work and not talk about it as it makes others uncomfortable. Yet, I find in God’s family great support when I am willing to share my pain. And I realize that the greatest comfort comes from those who have gone before me through the grief and pain of losing someone close to them. I realize also that this journey doesn’t end on this side of heaven. Whether it is 3 months, 3 years, or 30 years, people continue on this journey. But neither does the comfort end. And now, it is my turn to comfort those who share in my suffering and also those who come behind me entering this journey for the first time.
It is also an opportunity to quell the fears of those who wonder if they will ever have to travel this road. I can assure them that we have a God we can trust, who delivers the comfort we need when we need it – enough to share!
In one of the devotional books I am using, Bill Klees asks the question, when we worship, are we thinking about how much we enjoy the song, the voices of others in the group, etc. or are we thinking about God and how he is worthy of our praise and thinking about what Jesus did for us and how undeserving we are but how grateful we are that he was willing to die for us? I hate it, but I have to admit that only some of the time I think about how awesome God is and how humbled I am by his great love and desire for relationship with me – in spite of how undeserving I am! More often I think, “Oh, I really like this song.” Or, “I haven’t heard this one before – it’s not as fulfilling to sing different songs I’m not familiar with.” Or, “Wow, the congregation sounds good this morning!”
And even as I am rethinking my worship, I begin to read II Corinthians. And Paul starts right out talking about comfort. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we have received from God.” II Corinthians 1:3-4
In my pain and suffering, I gladly receive the comfort of God, but quite frankly, I thought it was for me. But Paul clearly says it is also for the purpose of comforting others. Being a true introvert, I want to stay away from the questions and fears of others as I deal with my pain. I want to retreat to my own quiet place and ponder things. But God doesn’t mean for us to keep his comfort to ourselves. Paul goes on to say, “…just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.” II Corinthians 1:7b As others express their sadness at out loss, sharing in our sufferings, I have opportunity to share God’s comfort with them. As others join us in praying for this comfort, they need the opportunity to rejoice in the answers to prayer as we receive comfort. “Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” II Corinthians 1:11b
When Jesus walked on this earth, people took mourning and grieving each other’s losses seriously. They would gather and weep and wail together for several days. Today, we are expected to use our 2-3 days of leave from work, get over it and get back to work and not talk about it as it makes others uncomfortable. Yet, I find in God’s family great support when I am willing to share my pain. And I realize that the greatest comfort comes from those who have gone before me through the grief and pain of losing someone close to them. I realize also that this journey doesn’t end on this side of heaven. Whether it is 3 months, 3 years, or 30 years, people continue on this journey. But neither does the comfort end. And now, it is my turn to comfort those who share in my suffering and also those who come behind me entering this journey for the first time.
It is also an opportunity to quell the fears of those who wonder if they will ever have to travel this road. I can assure them that we have a God we can trust, who delivers the comfort we need when we need it – enough to share!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Mothers Who Said Good-Bye
Most often, the birth of a child is a joyful time. As we birth and raise our children, we begin to understand so much more about God the Father. We begin to learn trust in a new way as we see our child totally dependent upon us. And if we allow ourselves to see it, we see the confidence God had in Mary and Joseph when he chose them to be the place where his One and Only Son, Jesus, would be born, a helpless infant, nurtured and taught in their home, raised to be an adult who glorified God and let go to fulfill the purpose God had for him.
As I ponder this, I look back through Scripture and find Sarah and Abraham. Isaac was a child of promise, given to them in their old age. Prophecy was spoken and fulfilled through his birth. And I wonder if Sarah knew what Abraham was doing when he took Isaac up the mountain… Yet God was there every step of the way, building a nation that would bring him honor and glory.
Then there was Hannah who, tired of the ridicule she received for not having any children, prayed for a child. She was given Samuel . To fulfill the promise she had made to God, she took him to Eli as soon as he was weaned. How hard this must have been for her – yet she knew from the moment of conception, Samuel belonged to God and would be used for his purposes.
Samson’s mother is only known as the wife of Manoah. Again, they knew from conception that Sampson was set apart for God. It must have been hard to believe as Sampson was ‘carousing’ with women from other nations. Yet, God used Sampson for his purposes – even in his death. How the wife of Manoah must have suffered!
Elizabeth and Zechariah were filled with joy when they finally conceived and gave birth to a son. The angel Gabriel had made it clear that this baby was special – set apart to do God’s work. John the Baptist was a son to be proud of. Though he was ‘different’, people flocked to him to hear what he had to say and they heard him, repented and were baptized. But in his outspokenness, he confronted Herod with his sin of adultery. He was beheaded around the age of 30. We don’t know if Elizabeth was still living since she was already up in years when John was born. But if she was, what awful sorrow she would have experienced.
Mary was chosen. The angel Gabriel told her so. What an awesome joy and responsibility to be the mother of the Messiah. Prophecies from Simeon and Anna surely left her wondering what she was in for. At 12, Jesus was discussing Scripture with the teachers in the temple courts. They were amazed at his understanding. He was already letting Mary know that she needed to let go of him. The same Mary who was blessed to be the mother of Jesus stood and watched her son die a horrible death on the cross after being tortured to within an inch of his life. How her heart must have grieved and nearly stopped beating that awful day. I wonder if she looked to God and asked what happened to her blessing.
Salome is believed to be the mother of James and John. What a happy, noisy house they must have had as these ‘Sons of Thunder’ grew up. Salome was with Mary when Jesus was crucified. She knew her sons were disciples. I wonder what thoughts were going through her mind. And then it happened. James was the first of the disciples to be killed in the persecution that followed. I wonder how Salome dealt with her sorrow. I wonder if she lived in fear that John would be next and maybe hoped that she would be chosen to die as well.
I ponder these women in the Bible as I consider my own experience. Little is said about them other than that they were there, they wept and mourned. Simple sentences with years of pain and sorrow attached to them if we allow ourselves to think about it.
While our Andrew may not have books written about him and be looked upon as these special men who were set aside for God’s purposes, there are similarities that help me understand these women in the Bible more. Andrew was a ‘surprise’, our first clue that God had a special purpose for him. Andrew was a child that had a special relationship with God seen early in his life. He worshiped God, absorbed Scripture and read much to nurture his life with God. At the age of 12, he made a firm decision to follow Jesus. He never wavered on that decision. Prophecy was spoken over him that summer and it was another clue that we needed to be willing to let him go to be used for God’s purposes. Andrew walked with Jesus. He learned from him and applied daily what he learned. He took Matthew 25 seriously and served those who most people step over or avoid completely. He was quick to give a ride, encourage hope in the hopeless, and spent his life serving others. He brought people alongside him, mentoring and teaching by the way he lived his life. He died suddenly at the age of 28 leaving those who loved him, worked side-by-side with him and those mentored by him wondering why. While his life affected many, his death has affected even many more and only God knows how many people will join Andrew in heaven worshiping at the feet of Jesus because he was willing to be used according to God’s purposes.
I now join Elizabeth, Mary, and Salome saying good-bye to our young adult sons, pondering in our hearts all that God is doing and will continue to do because they were willing to be used by him for his purposes. We are all blessed to be the mothers of special young men. That blessing has not been removed. Yet, we have been asked to do a very hard thing. Somehow, knowing that God is using it to his honor and glory gives us the strength to go on. We are in ‘partnership’ with God who continues to bless us and meet all of our needs as we continue on this journey he has assigned to us.
Oswald Chambers says that it is in the fire of sorrow that we find ourselves. He says that success leads to pride, monotony leads to complaining, and only sorrow leads to finding ourselves. (My Utmost for His Highest, June 25, updated edition) When we find ourselves, we become compassionate and loving people because we allow God to express himself through us. I believe that it is in sorrow that we finally give up our last hold on selfish desires and present ourselves to God as a living sacrifice, ready to serve him wholeheartedly. Sorrow is a refining fire that purifies our motives and desires. We find ourselves as we discover the true purpose for which God has created us and called us to be.
Lord, help me to lean into the sorrow that you have given me to bear and not pull back. Help me to learn everything that you have for me to learn in this experience so that I will be the most useful to you in your purposes as I finish out my life on this earth. Thank you for your constant presence that comforts me and guides me. Thank you that you have not left me alone but have provided others to walk beside me on this journey. I worship you and praise you alone.
“You hem me in – behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. … How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! ... Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:5-10;17;23-24
As I ponder this, I look back through Scripture and find Sarah and Abraham. Isaac was a child of promise, given to them in their old age. Prophecy was spoken and fulfilled through his birth. And I wonder if Sarah knew what Abraham was doing when he took Isaac up the mountain… Yet God was there every step of the way, building a nation that would bring him honor and glory.
Then there was Hannah who, tired of the ridicule she received for not having any children, prayed for a child. She was given Samuel . To fulfill the promise she had made to God, she took him to Eli as soon as he was weaned. How hard this must have been for her – yet she knew from the moment of conception, Samuel belonged to God and would be used for his purposes.
Samson’s mother is only known as the wife of Manoah. Again, they knew from conception that Sampson was set apart for God. It must have been hard to believe as Sampson was ‘carousing’ with women from other nations. Yet, God used Sampson for his purposes – even in his death. How the wife of Manoah must have suffered!
Elizabeth and Zechariah were filled with joy when they finally conceived and gave birth to a son. The angel Gabriel had made it clear that this baby was special – set apart to do God’s work. John the Baptist was a son to be proud of. Though he was ‘different’, people flocked to him to hear what he had to say and they heard him, repented and were baptized. But in his outspokenness, he confronted Herod with his sin of adultery. He was beheaded around the age of 30. We don’t know if Elizabeth was still living since she was already up in years when John was born. But if she was, what awful sorrow she would have experienced.
Mary was chosen. The angel Gabriel told her so. What an awesome joy and responsibility to be the mother of the Messiah. Prophecies from Simeon and Anna surely left her wondering what she was in for. At 12, Jesus was discussing Scripture with the teachers in the temple courts. They were amazed at his understanding. He was already letting Mary know that she needed to let go of him. The same Mary who was blessed to be the mother of Jesus stood and watched her son die a horrible death on the cross after being tortured to within an inch of his life. How her heart must have grieved and nearly stopped beating that awful day. I wonder if she looked to God and asked what happened to her blessing.
Salome is believed to be the mother of James and John. What a happy, noisy house they must have had as these ‘Sons of Thunder’ grew up. Salome was with Mary when Jesus was crucified. She knew her sons were disciples. I wonder what thoughts were going through her mind. And then it happened. James was the first of the disciples to be killed in the persecution that followed. I wonder how Salome dealt with her sorrow. I wonder if she lived in fear that John would be next and maybe hoped that she would be chosen to die as well.
I ponder these women in the Bible as I consider my own experience. Little is said about them other than that they were there, they wept and mourned. Simple sentences with years of pain and sorrow attached to them if we allow ourselves to think about it.
While our Andrew may not have books written about him and be looked upon as these special men who were set aside for God’s purposes, there are similarities that help me understand these women in the Bible more. Andrew was a ‘surprise’, our first clue that God had a special purpose for him. Andrew was a child that had a special relationship with God seen early in his life. He worshiped God, absorbed Scripture and read much to nurture his life with God. At the age of 12, he made a firm decision to follow Jesus. He never wavered on that decision. Prophecy was spoken over him that summer and it was another clue that we needed to be willing to let him go to be used for God’s purposes. Andrew walked with Jesus. He learned from him and applied daily what he learned. He took Matthew 25 seriously and served those who most people step over or avoid completely. He was quick to give a ride, encourage hope in the hopeless, and spent his life serving others. He brought people alongside him, mentoring and teaching by the way he lived his life. He died suddenly at the age of 28 leaving those who loved him, worked side-by-side with him and those mentored by him wondering why. While his life affected many, his death has affected even many more and only God knows how many people will join Andrew in heaven worshiping at the feet of Jesus because he was willing to be used according to God’s purposes.
I now join Elizabeth, Mary, and Salome saying good-bye to our young adult sons, pondering in our hearts all that God is doing and will continue to do because they were willing to be used by him for his purposes. We are all blessed to be the mothers of special young men. That blessing has not been removed. Yet, we have been asked to do a very hard thing. Somehow, knowing that God is using it to his honor and glory gives us the strength to go on. We are in ‘partnership’ with God who continues to bless us and meet all of our needs as we continue on this journey he has assigned to us.
Oswald Chambers says that it is in the fire of sorrow that we find ourselves. He says that success leads to pride, monotony leads to complaining, and only sorrow leads to finding ourselves. (My Utmost for His Highest, June 25, updated edition) When we find ourselves, we become compassionate and loving people because we allow God to express himself through us. I believe that it is in sorrow that we finally give up our last hold on selfish desires and present ourselves to God as a living sacrifice, ready to serve him wholeheartedly. Sorrow is a refining fire that purifies our motives and desires. We find ourselves as we discover the true purpose for which God has created us and called us to be.
Lord, help me to lean into the sorrow that you have given me to bear and not pull back. Help me to learn everything that you have for me to learn in this experience so that I will be the most useful to you in your purposes as I finish out my life on this earth. Thank you for your constant presence that comforts me and guides me. Thank you that you have not left me alone but have provided others to walk beside me on this journey. I worship you and praise you alone.
“You hem me in – behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. … How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! ... Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:5-10;17;23-24
Sunday, June 12, 2011
A New Body
Not that I haven’t thought about it before, but since our son left his earthly body a few months ago, I’ve thought about it a lot more. As I was reading Paul’s writings in I Corinthians 15 this morning, I was amazed at how detailed Paul was. I know I read this many times before, but this time I was paying more attention!
First, Paul voices the question. “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?” I Corinthians 15:35 His answer: “How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.” I Corinthians 15:36 I began wondering about seeds. Most seeds are very small. They have a kernel of life in them, but it is not until they are buried in the ground and shrivel up and the outer shell disintegrates – dies – that they truly become what they were meant to be – full of life and producing fruit. Out of that small seed comes a beautiful flowering plant, a huge tree, or a productive garden vegetable. It is more alive than the seed ever appeared to be.
Paul tells us, “So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.” I Corinthians 15:42-44 “And just as we have born the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven. I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we will all be changed – in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable and we will be changed.” I Corinthians 15:49-52
In this world, we look at death as a horrible thing. We strive to live as long as we can, not wanting to let go of what we have here on this earth. But as I read these words, I wonder why! If death is our passage to becoming truly alive to being raised in glory and power forever, why do we cling so tightly to this thing we call life on this earth? Why do we put so much energy into obtaining things that we think will bring us happiness such as a bigger house, a newer car, a super vacation, a great retirement plan, and so little into preparing our spirits (which I see as the kernel inside us that will grow into a thing of beauty once we die) for an eternity of glory and power?
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there you heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 I wonder what these treasures are that we are storing in heaven? I think they are relationships that we nurture in this world. I think they are the people saved as we share the Gospel of Christ with others. I think they are the love we have for our fellow travelers in this world as we give of our blessings and our time to others around us. I think they are the special times, memories we have as we grow in our relationship with Christ. These are all the things that pertain to the soul – the spirit within us. That is the imperishable part of who we are and who we will become as we die to this world and are raised up with Christ.
As I understand more about what is to come, I can easily say with Paul, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain!” Philippians 1:21 I’m looking forward to eternity and I’m working at storing treasures there as I get ready to go.
First, Paul voices the question. “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?” I Corinthians 15:35 His answer: “How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.” I Corinthians 15:36 I began wondering about seeds. Most seeds are very small. They have a kernel of life in them, but it is not until they are buried in the ground and shrivel up and the outer shell disintegrates – dies – that they truly become what they were meant to be – full of life and producing fruit. Out of that small seed comes a beautiful flowering plant, a huge tree, or a productive garden vegetable. It is more alive than the seed ever appeared to be.
Paul tells us, “So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.” I Corinthians 15:42-44 “And just as we have born the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven. I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we will all be changed – in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable and we will be changed.” I Corinthians 15:49-52
In this world, we look at death as a horrible thing. We strive to live as long as we can, not wanting to let go of what we have here on this earth. But as I read these words, I wonder why! If death is our passage to becoming truly alive to being raised in glory and power forever, why do we cling so tightly to this thing we call life on this earth? Why do we put so much energy into obtaining things that we think will bring us happiness such as a bigger house, a newer car, a super vacation, a great retirement plan, and so little into preparing our spirits (which I see as the kernel inside us that will grow into a thing of beauty once we die) for an eternity of glory and power?
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there you heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 I wonder what these treasures are that we are storing in heaven? I think they are relationships that we nurture in this world. I think they are the people saved as we share the Gospel of Christ with others. I think they are the love we have for our fellow travelers in this world as we give of our blessings and our time to others around us. I think they are the special times, memories we have as we grow in our relationship with Christ. These are all the things that pertain to the soul – the spirit within us. That is the imperishable part of who we are and who we will become as we die to this world and are raised up with Christ.
As I understand more about what is to come, I can easily say with Paul, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain!” Philippians 1:21 I’m looking forward to eternity and I’m working at storing treasures there as I get ready to go.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
The Thunderous Voice of God
Last night I woke up to a ‘crash-banger’. It was a pretty noisy one. As I lay there listening to the thunder, I was reminded of times in the Bible where God’s voice is referred to as thunder. “The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.” John 12:29 This was after Jesus had prayed, “’Father, glorify your name!’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’” John 12:28
When Moses was up on the mountain talking with God and receiving the Ten Commandments, the people were waiting below. “When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear.” Exodus 20:18
Job’s young friend Elihu was speaking. “He unleashes his lightning beneath the whole heaven and sends it to the ends of the earth. After that comes the sound of his roar; he thunders with his majestic voice. When his voice resounds, he holds nothing back. God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.” Job 37:3-5
“Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: ‘Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.’ (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)” Revelation 19:6-8
When our son Andrew was in first or second grade, he was to walk home with a friend after school. I was working in an office near the friend’s house. A thunderstorm hit about the time the boys were to walk home. I assumed the mother of the friend would pick the boys up at school. However, I found out later her car wouldn’t start. Two very wet and shaking young boys walked into the office – terrified by the storm they had endured. From that time until he was 12, Andrew cowered whenever a thunderstorm came through. He would come find me wherever I was and he would curl up in a corner a few feet (or inches sometimes) from where I was working. If it was night, he would crawl into our bed. I knew to not leave him alone in a thunderstorm. He was simply terrified.
At the age of 12, Andrew met God in a new and deep way. And miracle of miracles, he was no longer frightened by the thunder. In fact, he began to enjoy a good thunderstorm seeing it as a demonstration of God’s great and awesome power at work. I wonder if he began to hear God’s voice rather than the loud noise that made him tremble. He obviously had began to trust rather than fear.
I wonder… When God speaks to me, will I hear his voice – his words – or will I hear thunder? Will I tremble and fall down before him – before his great and awesome power and majesty? Will I fear and stand back or will I go up the mountain as Moses did and talk with God?
What a mixture of sensations when we draw near to an awesome and powerful God! Who can stand in his presence, yet, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15 He calls us friends!
Lord, help me to hear what you are saying to me – not just noisy thunder. But help me to understand your holy majesty and power as I tremble at the sound of your voice as well. Amen
When Moses was up on the mountain talking with God and receiving the Ten Commandments, the people were waiting below. “When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear.” Exodus 20:18
Job’s young friend Elihu was speaking. “He unleashes his lightning beneath the whole heaven and sends it to the ends of the earth. After that comes the sound of his roar; he thunders with his majestic voice. When his voice resounds, he holds nothing back. God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.” Job 37:3-5
“Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: ‘Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.’ (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)” Revelation 19:6-8
When our son Andrew was in first or second grade, he was to walk home with a friend after school. I was working in an office near the friend’s house. A thunderstorm hit about the time the boys were to walk home. I assumed the mother of the friend would pick the boys up at school. However, I found out later her car wouldn’t start. Two very wet and shaking young boys walked into the office – terrified by the storm they had endured. From that time until he was 12, Andrew cowered whenever a thunderstorm came through. He would come find me wherever I was and he would curl up in a corner a few feet (or inches sometimes) from where I was working. If it was night, he would crawl into our bed. I knew to not leave him alone in a thunderstorm. He was simply terrified.
At the age of 12, Andrew met God in a new and deep way. And miracle of miracles, he was no longer frightened by the thunder. In fact, he began to enjoy a good thunderstorm seeing it as a demonstration of God’s great and awesome power at work. I wonder if he began to hear God’s voice rather than the loud noise that made him tremble. He obviously had began to trust rather than fear.
I wonder… When God speaks to me, will I hear his voice – his words – or will I hear thunder? Will I tremble and fall down before him – before his great and awesome power and majesty? Will I fear and stand back or will I go up the mountain as Moses did and talk with God?
What a mixture of sensations when we draw near to an awesome and powerful God! Who can stand in his presence, yet, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15 He calls us friends!
Lord, help me to hear what you are saying to me – not just noisy thunder. But help me to understand your holy majesty and power as I tremble at the sound of your voice as well. Amen
Thursday, June 9, 2011
How Did He Do It?
When I feel overwhelmed by life or the things God is asking me to do, I only need to look at Moses. I’m glad I’m not Moses. God asked Moses to lead about 2 million people on a 40-year camping trip in the desert without much in the way of supplies. No matter what I find myself doing, the task will not begin to compare to that!
Though my tasks are not that overwhelming, I can still learn a lot from Moses and how he managed this experience.
1. He was prepared
Moses was spared – Pharaoh had ordered the infant boys to be killed - and he was prepared. He grew up in Pharaoh’s Palace, but until he was weaned he was with his Hebrew family. So his early years were filled with learning God’s ways.
Living in the palace, he would have received a very good education and would have learned a lot about leadership and administration. He would have rubbed shoulders with world leaders and understood a lot about politics.
2. He was called
Moses didn’t ignore the burning bush but went to explore it because he noted that it was on fire, but it was not being consumed. Something was different about this bush. He could have walked on by and totally missed what God was doing at that moment. Maybe he often wished he had! But his calling was clear. There was no mistake. God was asking him to take leadership and help the Israelites leave the bondage they were in as slaves in Egypt. “So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” Exodus 3:10
3. He was humble
“(Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)” Numbers 12:3
Moses was also a Friend of God – they talked face to face. Numbers 12:8 says, “With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles…” This close relationship with God probably didn’t just start when he was out in the desert with the people. Somehow, I believe that Moses was seeking after God all along. That is why he recognized the burning bush as being something to stop and pay attention to.
4. He trusted God
Numbers 14 speaks of a time when the people rebelled against Moses and God. Moses trusted God even when the tribal leaders were working against him. I’m thinking that Moses would have gladly given up the leadership if God would have allowed him to at this point. He would have gladly gone back to herding sheep for his father-in-law. But God showed his power and his might in support of Moses. Moses didn’t need to ‘take control’ and make the people follow.
When the people grumbled, Moses went to God to supply their food and water. He knew that he did not have the ability to provide for 2 million people, but God did.
5. He loved the people
He interceded more than once for the people when God wanted to destroy them because of their rebelliousness. God was ready to do away with them and grow Moses’ family up into a nation. But Moses reminded God of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and also reminded God of what it would look like in the eyes of the world if he destroyed his own people. Moses’ great love for the Israelites caused him to give up power and glory in his own life for the sake of his people.
So how does this apply to me?
Like Moses, I have been prepared. God has given me a rich heritage of Christian family, walking with other believers, and faith. When I look at specific things I have dealt with in my life, I can see how God prepared me and led the way. He placed people in my life to encourage me to grow in areas where I was the weakest. He put me in job situations that prepared me for what was then the future. As I look back, I can see many ways God has prepared me for what was to come.
I am called. Moses went to the burning bush – he was paying attention and didn’t ignore it. When my focus is on God and what he is doing, I see opportunities for ministry and go with him. Like Moses, I explore what is going on around me and listen for God’s voice. I talk with God and listen for his direction. He leads me on in ministry as he places opportunities in front of me.
Being humble comes from understanding my relationship with God. He is God and I am his servant. He is my Father and I am his child. He loves me and I love Him. When I understand this relationship, I cannot be puffed up and full of myself. I need first to bow before my Maker and offer myself as a living sacrifice to him. Secondly I need to put others’ needs and welfare before my own. Being humble also means being teachable – a willingness to learn from God and from others as I go along.
I am learning to trust God in all things. When things seem overwhelming, I’m tired or just out of sorts, I need to trust that God can and will continue to use me and that he will be glorified by my service and honor to him. “And my God will meet all of your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
I am challenged to love those God places before me – even those who at first seem unlovable. When I’m filled with God’s great and awesome love for me, I am able to be a loving presence even to the difficult person, co-worker or neighbor. God has placed me next to them. In loving them, I intercede for them and nurture them with the wisdom and knowledge God has given me. If I love well, in the end we are all better for it.
If I can learn from Moses how to be a good leader, like Moses, I can lead people to the Promised Land.
“Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.” I Corinthians 1:7-8
Though my tasks are not that overwhelming, I can still learn a lot from Moses and how he managed this experience.
1. He was prepared
Moses was spared – Pharaoh had ordered the infant boys to be killed - and he was prepared. He grew up in Pharaoh’s Palace, but until he was weaned he was with his Hebrew family. So his early years were filled with learning God’s ways.
Living in the palace, he would have received a very good education and would have learned a lot about leadership and administration. He would have rubbed shoulders with world leaders and understood a lot about politics.
2. He was called
Moses didn’t ignore the burning bush but went to explore it because he noted that it was on fire, but it was not being consumed. Something was different about this bush. He could have walked on by and totally missed what God was doing at that moment. Maybe he often wished he had! But his calling was clear. There was no mistake. God was asking him to take leadership and help the Israelites leave the bondage they were in as slaves in Egypt. “So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” Exodus 3:10
3. He was humble
“(Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)” Numbers 12:3
Moses was also a Friend of God – they talked face to face. Numbers 12:8 says, “With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles…” This close relationship with God probably didn’t just start when he was out in the desert with the people. Somehow, I believe that Moses was seeking after God all along. That is why he recognized the burning bush as being something to stop and pay attention to.
4. He trusted God
Numbers 14 speaks of a time when the people rebelled against Moses and God. Moses trusted God even when the tribal leaders were working against him. I’m thinking that Moses would have gladly given up the leadership if God would have allowed him to at this point. He would have gladly gone back to herding sheep for his father-in-law. But God showed his power and his might in support of Moses. Moses didn’t need to ‘take control’ and make the people follow.
When the people grumbled, Moses went to God to supply their food and water. He knew that he did not have the ability to provide for 2 million people, but God did.
5. He loved the people
He interceded more than once for the people when God wanted to destroy them because of their rebelliousness. God was ready to do away with them and grow Moses’ family up into a nation. But Moses reminded God of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and also reminded God of what it would look like in the eyes of the world if he destroyed his own people. Moses’ great love for the Israelites caused him to give up power and glory in his own life for the sake of his people.
So how does this apply to me?
Like Moses, I have been prepared. God has given me a rich heritage of Christian family, walking with other believers, and faith. When I look at specific things I have dealt with in my life, I can see how God prepared me and led the way. He placed people in my life to encourage me to grow in areas where I was the weakest. He put me in job situations that prepared me for what was then the future. As I look back, I can see many ways God has prepared me for what was to come.
I am called. Moses went to the burning bush – he was paying attention and didn’t ignore it. When my focus is on God and what he is doing, I see opportunities for ministry and go with him. Like Moses, I explore what is going on around me and listen for God’s voice. I talk with God and listen for his direction. He leads me on in ministry as he places opportunities in front of me.
Being humble comes from understanding my relationship with God. He is God and I am his servant. He is my Father and I am his child. He loves me and I love Him. When I understand this relationship, I cannot be puffed up and full of myself. I need first to bow before my Maker and offer myself as a living sacrifice to him. Secondly I need to put others’ needs and welfare before my own. Being humble also means being teachable – a willingness to learn from God and from others as I go along.
I am learning to trust God in all things. When things seem overwhelming, I’m tired or just out of sorts, I need to trust that God can and will continue to use me and that he will be glorified by my service and honor to him. “And my God will meet all of your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
I am challenged to love those God places before me – even those who at first seem unlovable. When I’m filled with God’s great and awesome love for me, I am able to be a loving presence even to the difficult person, co-worker or neighbor. God has placed me next to them. In loving them, I intercede for them and nurture them with the wisdom and knowledge God has given me. If I love well, in the end we are all better for it.
If I can learn from Moses how to be a good leader, like Moses, I can lead people to the Promised Land.
“Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.” I Corinthians 1:7-8
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