"You're Invited"

Scripture Passage

Revelation 19:1-22:21

Scripture Focus

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life. (Revelation 22:17 NLT)

Observation

I confess once more that I shrink back from the hard and fast declarations many seem willing to make about the apocalyptic visions of Revelation. The details perplex me. But the broad portrait is clear enough for anyone to comprehend.

One thing Revelation promises is justice. The outpouring of wrath recorded in Revelation is not the uncontrolled explosion of an angry god having a really bad day. Rather, it is the measured action of a righteous God who always acts justly. Even after describing quite horrifying plagues, the Scriptures make this clear declaration—“His judgments are true and just” (Revelation 19:2 NLT).

Another priority for Revelation is offering some description of the promised "new heaven and…new earth" (Revelation 21:1 NTL). John’s challenge here was significant—how do you describe what can hardly even be imagined? The heavenly vision continues to stretch beyond the boundaries of human language. The message, however, is clear: The abode of the people of God for all eternity will be remarkable in its beauty and its righteousness.

The closing words of Revelation address a final priority—invitation.

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life (Revelation 22:17 NLT).

Could the heart of God be any clearer…any more plain? “He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent” (2 Peter 3:9 NLT). "Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink—even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk—it's all free!” (Isaiah 55:1 NLT) “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink” (Jesus—John 7:37-38 NLT).

What a way to close Holy Writ! What an expression of the heart of God! Could there be sweeter words for a world destined for painful justice apart from God’s grace? How I pray that any who read these words would embrace God’s gracious offer of life eternal!

***

"In a Single Moment"

Scripture Passage

Revelation 15:1-18:24

Scripture Focus

“In a single moment it is all gone.” (Revelation 18:19 NLT)

Observation

Chapter 18 opens with a powerful angelic declaration—“Babylon is fallen—that great city is fallen!” (Revelation 18:1 NLT) As a prominent and pagan ancient city, the image of “Babylon” captures all of this world that is built on human strength, human wisdom, and human values—and likewise everything that stands opposed to God. The angelic pronouncement is clear—it’s over. “Babylon is fallen—that great city is fallen!”

The striking thing about this pronouncement is how quickly Babylon crumbles. “In a single moment” becomes a dominant phrase in the chapter. It appears in verse 10—“In a single moment God’s judgment came on you.” It appears in verse 17—“In a single moment all the wealth of the city is gone.” And it appears in verse 19—“In a single moment it is all gone” (Revelation 18:10, 17, 19 NLT).

I remember watching the collapse of the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. How suddenly everything changed! How remarkably fast that which seemed an icon of strength and permanence toppled to the ground, claiming the souls of thousands in a moment. So it will be—on a much broader scale—when this pronouncement is made. “In a flash,” the Bible says, “in the twinkling of an eye” (1 Corinthians 15:52 NIV). All that once seemed so permanent and abiding will be gone.

The frail impermanence of that which seems so enduring is a most-neglected theme these days. Odd that such is the case, given how quickly everything around us is changing. But I shouldn’t be surprised—that’s exactly how Jesus described it: “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all” (Luke 17:26 NIV). Just that quickly—“in a single moment.”

***

"His Timing"

Scripture Passage

Revelation 11:1-14:20

Scripture Focus

“Fear God,” he shouted. “Give glory to him. For the time has come when he will sit as judge.” (Revelation 14:7 NLT)

Observation

There’s a phrase that shows up three times in today’s reading. It captured my attention when I read it in chapter 14, verse 7…

“For the time has come…” (Revelation 14:7 NLT)

It shows up earlier in chapter 11, verse 18—“the time of your wrath has come”—and later in chapter 14, verse 15—“the time of harvest has come.” Those words affirm this reality:

For all the fanstasic imagery of these chapters…for all the questions these verses raise (and those questions they answer)…this simple phrase reminds me that all of this activity never happens by chance. Rather, everything I read in Revelation is being orchestrated by the One who holds all things in His control and who directs history to serve His purpose. My responsibility is to wait patiently for His timing to emerge.

That’s not easy—and will only grow more difficult as God’s plan unfolds. Revelation 13:10 and 14:12 both challenge believers to “endure persecution patiently,” remaining faithful while waiting for “the time” to come. All the details of how and when God’s plan unfolds are not ours to know. Elsewhere in Scripture, believers are reminded that “timing is the Father’s business” (Acts 1:7 MSG). “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority” (Acts 1:7 NIV)

What is knowable—what we can have confidence in—is this: God is so mighty…so powerful…that He “works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will” (Ephesians 1:11 NIV). Confident in that—confident in Him—I can leave the timing up to the Father and endure any wait patiently and faithfully, until that day this verse is fulfilled:

“It has come at last—
     salvation and power
and the Kingdom of our God,
     and the authority of his Christ.”
               (Revelation 12:10 NLT)

***

"Explosions of Praise!"

Scripture Passage

Revelation 7:1-10:11

Scripture Focus

He will lead them to springs of life-giving water.
     And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”
                                    (Revelation 7:17 NLT)

Observation

There’s plenty I don’t understand about the book of Revelation. Really—there are people so confident when speaking of Revelation that “this” is “that” and “that” means “this.” Hey—they may be right! I just don’t share their confidence when it comes to speaking so assuredly about things so hidden. But one thing is clear (he said with confidence): John returns again and again to descriptions of explosions of praise for Jesus Christ our Redeemer.

This just happened in chapters 4 and 5, and here in chapter 7 it happens again! I’ve had a taste of that at moments in my life—I’ve been a part of gatherings of the people of God where spontaneous corporate praise was the order of the day—but not often. And certainly not often enough.  That’s too bad—those moments are wonderfully refreshing

Perhaps those times of unfettered praise are too infrequent because we don’t see Jesus for who He is—at least, not as well as these we read about in Revelation. In Chapter 4, John describes in remarkable terms a visionary glimpse of the glory that surrounds God’s throne. In chapter 5, Jesus is praised as the only one worthy to open the scroll, as He is the one who alone gave His life for all humanity—“every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9 NLT). Now, in chapter 7, “a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language” stands “in front of the throne and before the Lamb…shouting with a might shout, ‘Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!’” (Revelation 7:9-10 NLT) 

Why all this exuberant celebration of Christ?  About this vast crowd, one of the elders stationed around the throne tells John:

They will never again be hungry or thirsty;
     they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun.
For the Lamb on the throne
     will be their Shepherd.
He will lead them to springs of life-giving water.
     And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”
                              (Revelation 7:16-17 NLT)

Sweet, huh? Rockin’! Awesome! I don’t know—you find a word to describe those scenes and those kinds of promises from God. No wonder Revelation explodes again and again with praise. Perhaps today I should, too! You?

**

"Buy Gold!"

Scripture Passage

Revelation 3:1-6:17

Scripture Focus

So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. (Revelation 3:18 NLT)

Observation

There’s plenty of talk these days about gold, isn’t there? Talk show gurus, investment specialists, internet pitchmen and dozens of others, I suppose, are encouraging worried Americans to “buy gold.” Believe it or not, Jesus encourages His church to buy gold, as well—but gold from Him—“gold that has been purified by fire” (Revelation 3:18 NLT).

I trust it’s obvious that Jesus is not giving investment advice on how to survive financially in times of economic uncertainty. Rather, Jesus is giving spiritual counsel to people too confident of their own spiritual affluence—people who were spiritually bankrupt and absolutely clueless about their condition. To overconfident believers, Jesus says, “You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked” (Revelation 3:17 NLT).

Jesus’ story of the Pharisee and Tax Collector comes to mind. The Pharisee, of course, was all to willing to display his spiritual wealth before God (and anyone else within earshot): “God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.” The tax collector had a significantly different perspective on his spiritual wealth: “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Jesus concluded that parable with these words: “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14 NIV).

The point of either passage is certainly not to leave sincere believers uptight or unsure about their spiritual standing. But the irony is that those most confident about their spiritual wealth apparently have the greatest reasons not to be! Bottom line, “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs” (Matthew 5:3 NLT).

***

"In Your Dreams!"

Scripture Passage

Jude 1:1-25; Revelation 1-2:29

Scripture Focus

…these people—who claim authority from their dreams—live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings. (Jude 1:8 NLT)

Observation

In Jude 1:3, Jude declares that his original intention was to write “about the salvation we all share.” “But now I find,” he says, “that I must write about something else…because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives” (Jude 1:3-4 NLT). “These people,” he writes in verse 8, “claim authority from their dreams” (Jude 1:8 NLT).

Look—there have always been people who take the grace of God too lightly…who act as if God’s grace gives license to live any way we choose. And they’ve always been wrong about that. Jesus extends incredible grace to the woman caught in adultery, but with what admonition? “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11 NIV). Paul addressed the same issue in his letter to the Romans—“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” (Romans 6:1-2 NIV) This fundamental truth is repeated again today in Jude. Let there be no doubt about it—the grace of God is no wishy-washy, “anything goes” forgiveness. It is a forgiveness so great, so generous, so rooted in the holiness of God that it rightly demands the response of a righteous, God-honoring life.

What’s captured my attention today is the source of authority for these who abuse the grace of God—it is “their dreams.” I can’t resist saying this: Is it okay to live however you wish once you’ve experienced the grace of God? “In your dreams!”

And building on what we’ve considered the last few days, and on the wonderful truth of the Christmas season, I remind you that we live under a different authority—a greater authority—the authority of the One True God who, in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, took on flesh and blood and dwelt among us. Our authority—and our example—is not the false and fleeting impression of a subconscious experience. It is, rather, the living, breathing reality of an incarnate Savior!

“Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen” (Jude 1:24-25 NLT).

***

"Has the Body Gone Missing?"

Scripture Passage

John 4:7-5:21; 2 John 1:1-13; 3 John 1:1-15

Scripture Focus

I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. … I say this because many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. (2 John 1:5,7 NLT)

Observation

I’ve tied together two verses in today’s Scripture Focus because they seem (to me) so disparate at first glance, yet I assume they must connect.  Verse 7 must relate to verse 5—they’re not that far apart! If not, John has taken an incredibly radical change of direction between verses 6 and 7. I find that unlikely. So I'm asking myself about the connection within 2 John 1:5-7. What is John’s train of thought? Why does John move from reminding us to love one another to warning us about those who deny the physical Christ?

Indeed, for the third day in a row from our readings, the Scriptures have made particular note of the reality of Jesus’ flesh and blood…His physical body. These reminders were included in some of the last Scriptures being written—likely near the end of the 1st century. These words were written no earlier than 50 or 60 years following the birth of Christianity.

So I’m thinking about what transpires over 50 or 60 years, and how easy it is to lose a sense of reality regarding someone who lived that long ago. My paternal grandfather passed away just over 50 years ago. All I know of him are black and white photos from an era I never experienced. My own father passed away nearly twenty years ago. Unfortunately, like my experience of my grandfather, my children’s experience their grandfather is almost non-existent. Apart from eternity, they will never know the reality of who my dad was like I do from having known him in the flesh.

The point—I’m suggesting—is that the limited understanding my children have of their flesh-and-blood grandfather also limits their understanding of the power of his life—what he stood for, how he impacted others, how his life shaped mine. And so it would be for second- and third-generation Christians who only knew the story of Christ, with no living memory of Christ Himself. These believers would more easily succumb to some false doctrine dismissing Christ’s physical existence. And these believers would more easily miss the impact of Christ’s command to do the one thing that would define us as His—“love one another.”

What has that to do with us? Their challenge is our challenge. Having not seen or touched Jesus of Nazareth, let us not diminish the reality of His physical existence! Let us not reduce His life to myth! Let us not be deceived into thinking He—the Christ—was anything less than “the Word become flesh” who “made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14 NIV)!

Rather…

Let us acknowledge the LORD;
     let us press on to acknowledge him.
                              (Hosea 6:3 NIV)

About this, John says, “Be diligent so that you receive your full reward.” (2 John 1:8 NLT) This is our challenge and opportunity.

(And on a completely related note, "Merry Christmas!")

***

"Next Witness, Please"

Scripture Passage

1 John 1:1-4:6

Scripture Focus

We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. (1 John 1:1 NLT)

Observation

Yes, I’m beating the same drum two days in a row. Still…

Yesterday, we focused on the eyewitness accounts of the Apostle Peter. “We saw,” Peter says, “his majestic splendor with our own eyes … ” (2 Peter 1:16 NLT). In other words, “We didn’t invent ‘clever stories’—we reported historical fact!”

And then today, the prescribed reading opens with these words—We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. (1 John 1:1 NLT)

Is Someone perhaps orchestrating a theme here? “We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands.” I love that! At the time of this posting, it’s Christmas Eve. We’re within a few breaths…a few heartbeats…of that day each year when the whole world (okay—look, I know not literally the whole world stops to celebrate Christmas…but grant me a little literary license here)…that day each year when the whole world stops to take notice of the birth of the baby who was God-become-flesh.

Is not the historical reality of Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, simply marvelous (in the original sense of the word—something to be marveled at)? Another voice from the Word of God announces that this is not a fable we’re reading…not someone’s philosophical ponderings…not someone’s wishful thinking. Au contraire! (A little French for you there.) As John says, “We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands.” That’s just astounding!

Thank you, Father, for the gift of your Son. Thank you Eternal Word, for becoming flesh and dwelling among us. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for showing us all things and leading us into all truth. You, Triune Godhead, are indeed the “one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:6 NIV).

***

"Eye-Witness Testimony"

Scripture Passage

1 Peter 5:12-14; 2 Peter 1-3:18

Scripture Focus

“For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes … ” (2 Peter 1:16 NLT)

Observation

It’s fascinating to think about the kinds of memories that must have filled Peter’s heart as he wrote these verses. Peter was there! His ears heard the Master’s teaching. His eyes saw the Savior’s miracles. His sandals shared the Master’s path. These experiences he describes were not just words he’d read on a page—they were moments he’d lived!

In this verse particularly, Peter references his experience with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. Imagine being present on that day—seeing Christ glorified—hearing the Father’s commendation: “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy” (2 Peter 1:17 NLT). Could you ever deny what you’d experienced?

Scoffers may suggest that these are merely “clever stories” we read when perusing the Scriptures, but Peter testifies otherwise. He was eye-witness to Christ… to His life, death, resurrection and ascension. It’s tough to argue with an eye-witness.

And so it is with us. Our witness for Christ, though informed by the Scriptures, should also be equally about what of God we’ve experienced ourselves. “The Bible says… ” will witness best when matched by “… and here’s how I’ve experienced that myself.” Those who “bear witness” to Christ must have something of Christ to bear witness to. So what can you tell me about your experience of Christ?

We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes … ” (2 Peter 1:16 NLT)

***

"Stability and Fluidity"

Scripture Passage

1 Peter 2:4-5:11

Scripture Focus

And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. (1 Peter 2:5 NLT)

Observation

1 Peter 2:5 launches a wonderful metaphor for what it means to be the church—the people of God. Peter writes that we “are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple” (1 Peter 2:5 NLT).

Certainly there are other great Biblical metaphors for the church—“the body of Christ” and “the bride of Christ” come to mind—but there’s something especially attractive about this description of the people of God as “living stones” being built into a “spiritual temple.” At the same moment that those words picture stability (stones) they picture fluidity (living). At the same moment that those words portray structure they portray movement. At the same moment that those words recognize individuality they recognize and call for connection…interrelationship…interdependence.

All of those things are qualities the church must embrace in a rapidly changing environment. Given the significant cultural shifts that have occurred especially over the last fifty or perhaps one hundred years…and given that those changes continue to occur with increasing rapidity…the church must be marked by fluidity and movement. But she cannot neglect those realities that tie her together as a body and provide the foundation for her health and strength—the finished work of Christ, the present activity of the Holy Spirit, and the living, authoritative Word of God.

What a blessing to know that the Scriptural message overflows any cultural boundaries imposed upon it and that the church remains, by the grace of God, His church—equipped to partner with God in Kingdom progress until the day of His glorious return.

***

"Welcome to the Club!"

Scripture Passage

Hebrews 13:1-25 1 Peter 1:1-2:3

Scripture Focus

This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. … They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. (1 Peter 1:10, 12 NLT)

Observation

There are two things I find fascinating about 1 Peter 1:10-12. First—just like yesterday’s “Scripture Focus” on Hebrews 11:40—again today the Bible records that great people of faith longed for something significant which was held in reserve for us! It’s not that they were kept forever from receiving what we now enjoy, but that they were given something that was not theirs to understand in full. Complete clarity regarding the prophetic messages that they themselves delivered was kept from them. “They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for [us]” (1 Peter 1:12 NLT). What a privileged people we are to know what others had only wondered about!

Second, I would never put myself on the same level as those who prophesied regarding Christ’s appearing, but I do share a sense of affinity with them after reading these verses. I, too, have stood up and attempted to proclaim things I don’t fully understand—things I cannot fully articulate. It’s terribly frustrating! There are days that something stirs in my soul…days there’s some perception—some minimal understanding—but not nearly enough clarity to either feel like I understand it myself or that I could possibly explain it to anyone else. Still, the call is there to speak that word. And so, with fear and trembling—and an utter sense of inadequacy—I do.

But that’s the place of the servant of God, isn’t it? I don’t mean only “preachers.” I mean you, too. It is—at times—the role of God’s man or woman to speak what’s in his or her heart, even if full understanding has not yet come.

We read the prophets and assume, I think, that these spokespersons for God understood in full what we’re so challenged to sort out. 1 Peter 1 declares otherwise, announcing that they, themselves, often spoke with the same kind of limited understanding and trembling heart that all people of faith throughout the ages have known. So if you’ve been there like I have—and like they were—Welcome to the Club!

***

"A Sudden Stop and a Hard Right"

Scripture Passage

Hebrews 11:1-12:29

Scripture Focus

All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us. (Hebrews 11:39-40 NLT)

Observation

Hebrews 11 is commonly known as Scripture’s “Hall of Faith.” It contains name after name of great people of God whom Scripture directly commends for their faith-full-ness. And that is a remarkable commendation, because if the Scriptures celebrate anything at all, they celebrate people of faith.

But there’s a fascinating transition at the end of chapter 11.   In fact, transition is hardly a strong enough word. It’s like the celebration of these people of faith comes to a screeching halt and the Scriptures suddenly take a hard right! “All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised” (Hebrews 11:39 NLT). Hebrews uses the most inclusive language—“all”—to affirm that every person listed is excluded. “None of them received all that God had promised.” And the fascinating thing is why.

For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us. (Hebrews 11:40 NLT)

God’s gracious plan for faith-filled people was not complete until we—those who have, since Christ, placed full trust in Christ—were counted among those of “like precious faith” (2 Peter 1:1 KJV). God wasn’t done until I was included. Wow!

(For what it's worth, the word translated “perfection” in verse 40 has to do with completeness and wholeness.)

That prompts two responses in me. First, I want to honor God, who “loved me and gave himself up for me” (Ephesians 5:2 NIV). How gracious His ways and beyond understanding! Second, I want to make sure I’ve not stopped short of seeing others whom God wants to include.

Scripture is clear: “The Lord is…not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV). I want to remain focused on His call and busy in His work until all He longs to accomplish is complete.

***

"Better Promises"

Scripture Passage

Hebrews 8:1-10:39

Scripture Focus

He is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises. (Hebrews 8:6 NLT)

Observation

The book of Hebrews is all about the superiority of Jesus—a better high priest who institutes a better covenant through a better sacrifice. I’m not sure that before today, however, I ever noticed one other way Hebrews describes the superiority of this covenant: Better promises.

He is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises. (Hebrews 8:6 NLT)

And Hebrews 10:15-17 details two of those better promises:

And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so. For he says,

“This is the new covenant I will make
     with my people on that day, says the LORD:
I will put my laws in their hearts,
     and I will write them on their minds.”

Then he says,

“I will never again remember
     their sins and lawless deeds.”
                              (Hebrews 10:15-17 NLT)

Are those not two most wonderful promises? First, the covenant moves from “external” to “internal.” Instead of laws written on tablets of stone, God’s promise is that He will write His law our hearts and minds! It’s the difference (it seems to me) between searching through volumes of reference works on dusty bookshelves just to uncover some applicable regulation (one mental image) verses simply knowing what is the right thing to do (a second, much better, mental image).

Second, my sin moves from “ever before me” (Psalm 51:3) to “remembered no more” (Jeremiah 31:34). Again I ask—does it get any better than this?

How gracious our God! How marvelous His ways! How superior His covenant extended to me through Jesus Christ my Lord!

***

"Grow Up, You Big Baby!"

Scripture Passage

Hebrews 4:14-7:28

Scripture Focus

You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. (Hebrews 5:12 NLT)

Observation

American pastors and church leaders invest enormous effort these days making Christianity “relevant”— assuring that ministries connect with people in practical, even attractive, ways. Christian ministries often strategize for market share and package “product” no differently than secular organizations.

And wise marketing is something I value. I do not value human wisdom over the supernatural activity of the Holy Spirit. Still, I’m convinced the church cannot neglect the image she projects in market-savvy culture or create unnecessary barriers for people to hurdle on their way to Christ. I believe in making faith in Christ as simple, accessible, and attractive as I can!

As a result, when people aren’t as responsive towards Christ as they ought to be, I often re-examine my own ministry or reflect on the structure and functionality of the programs and ministries of the church I pastor. Today’s Scripture passage reminds me that it may not always be a problem with the way the gospel is presented. The problem can also lie with the way the gospel is received! The author of Hebrews minces no words:

“There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.” (Hebrews 5:11-12 NLT)

That’s an encouragement to me—sort of—and a challenge. I’d like the Scriptures I read to tell me what’s wrong with other people (so I can feel better about myself by comparison)—and they do. But the truth is, the Scriptures also always speak truth to me, about me. So today I’m forced to ask myself...

“In what ways do I need to grow up? In what ways should I be so much further advanced than I might be now? What am I missing because I’m spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen?”

***

"Like Father, Like Son"

Scripture Passage

2 Timothy 4:19-22; Hebrews 1-4:13

Scripture Focus

Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. (Hebrews 1:1-2 NLT)

Observation

What a great verse to read so near to Christmas Day! What a great way to open a letter celebrating the superiority of Jesus! What an incredible truth that “in these final days, [God] has spoken to us through his Son” (Hebrews 1:2 NLT).

I remember as a young boy visiting a church where my father had attended services in his youth. I was probably 5 or 6 years old at the time. My dad introduced me to a matronly woman (or so she seemed to me) who had apparently known him when he was a boy. “You wouldn’t need to tell me he’s your son,” she said. “I can tell from looking!”

It took me a minute to figure out what she meant.  I'd never before thought about bearing any resemblance to my dad. Since then, the resemblance has been pointed out many times.

Indeed, I’m enough like my father that simply knowing me will tell you more about who my father was than any other source from which you might draw (siblings excluded, of course). Oh, I suppose through diligent research you might learn from other sources more facts about my father. But the truth is, given that my father is with the Lord, you’ll never come closer to knowing him—how he thought, what he loved, his unique traits and distinctive mannerisms—than by knowing me.

Given all that, I still remain an imperfect representation of my father. But Jesus, the Bible says, is “the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV). Jesus himself said, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9 NIV). There’s simply no stronger representation the Father could send…no greater revelation of who He is…than the Son, Jesus the Christ. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 NIV). That’s good news!

***

"Paper Plates or Fine China?"

Scripture Passage

2 Timothy 2:1 – 4:18

Scripture Focus

If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. (2 Timothy 2:21 NLT)

Observation

In 2 Timothy 2, Paul illustrates from the wealthy homes of his day where there were two sets of dishes—everyday dishes and the 1st century equivalent of fine china…special utensils “made of gold and silver.” His application remains powerful in the 21st century. The best dishes, of course, are used only on the most honorable of occasions. “If you keep yourself pure,” Paul writes, “you will be a special utensil for honorable use” (2 Timothy 2:21 NLT).

I’m thinking today that, for all its beauty, Paul’s metaphor probably doesn’t pack as much muscle for us as it would have for Timothy and his contemporaries. You see, most middle class American homes actually have both everyday and special occasion dishes. Such luxury would have been unthinkable for most every 1st century believer.

For the average person to think about two sets of dishes in Paul’s day might compare to me imagining the opportunity to strap in the driver’s seat for the Daytona 500 or the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It’s imaginable, but barely so—and only in my wildest fantasies.

That’s just how spectacular it should have seemed to 1st century believers that God could use them powerfully, and just how spectacular it ought to seem to us. What would you give…what would you do…what would you sacrifice to experience your biggest dream? Even all that is not too much to lay aside in order to become a “special utensil…ready for the Master to use you for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21 NLT)

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"Three Strikes and You're Out!"

Scripture Passage

1 Timothy 6:11-21; Titus 1-3:15; 2 Timothy 1:1-18

Scripture Focus

If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them. (Titus 3:10 NLT)

Observation

There are many ways in which the commands of Scripture call us to be more generous and compassionate towards others than we’ve been willing to recognize. For example, Jesus said, “If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. …Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.” (Matt 5:40, 42 NLT)? While I confess—I’m not willing to argue for a fully-literal-in-every-case interpretation of those commands—I also think we’re not above ignoring commands like those altogether.

Likewise, there are many ways in which the commands of Scripture call us to be more confrontational and decisive with others than we’ve been willing to recognize. That’s the case here, I think. Paul gives clear instruction to Titus:

If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them. (Titus 3:10 NLT)

Yet, when have you seen that? “Three strikes and you're out!”  Rather than take God's Word seriously, churches endure all sorts of misshapen relationships and malformed connections because we don’t want anybody to leave. Paul doesn’t wait for ‘em to leave—he sends ‘em away!

Apparently some things are more important than keeping everybody happy.

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"Desiring an Honorable Position"

Scripture Passage

1 Timothy 3:1-6:10

Scripture Focus

This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be an elder, he desires an honorable position.” (1 Timothy 3:1 NLT)

Observation

God bless the person who welcomes leadership responsibilities.

I suppose I understand that leadership isn’t for everybody and—at the same time (to be honest about it)—I wonder why there aren’t more people both (#1) willing to “step up to the plate” where leadership is needed and (#2) willing to do the kind of work required to become the kind of person qualified to carry the responsibilities that kingdom advance demands.

(Yes, I know—that’s a terribly long and convoluted sentence. So read it again if you need to.)

Perhaps the reason some are unwilling to lead is because leadership requires diligent labor. Even before the leadership responsibilities begin, one who would lead as an elder faces a laundry list of requirements—each demanding the development of significant qualities that don’t always come easily. And then the leadership responsibilities stack on top of that!

But, hey—somebody’s gotta do it. More than that, somebody ought to do it. It’s an “honorable position,” Paul says. In my book, honorable things are desirable things. And something’s wrong when a person can say, “I don't really care that much about tasks and challenges that are honorable. I don't really care that much about becoming a person of character qualified to lead in God’s Kingdom. I’d really rather just not bother.”

My, I must be feeling feisty today, but here’s the passage of Scripture that comes to mind—Matthew 25:24-30…

   [24] "Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. [25] So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.'
   [26] "His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? [27] Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
   [28] "'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. [29] For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. [30] And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'" (Matthew 25:24-30 NIV)

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"That's No Baloney!"

Scripture Passage

James 4:1 – 5:20; 1 Timothy 1:1 – 2:15

Scripture Focus

God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:16 NLT)

Observation

Paul was a man with a checkered past. If there is such a thing, Paul was more than just an “ordinary” sinner. He was a sinner of the worst kind—a vicious persecutor of the church! Luke describes him as “breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples” (Acts 9:1 NIV). And Jesus took Paul’s assaults against the church personally—as assaults against Him! What question does Jesus ask Paul (Saul) as he stops him in his tracks on the road to Damascus? “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4) The reality is, Jesus had every reason to wipe Paul off the face of the earth. He would have been fully justified had He chosen to obliterate even any memory of Paul from the history of humanity.

Instead, the Savior appeared to Paul in dramatic fashion, giving Paul the opportunity he needed to repent and believe the good news. Paul’s conversion stands as testimony to God’s “great patience with even the worst sinners” (1 Timothy 1:16 NLT).

Many common questions raised by unbelievers regarding Christian faith are rooted in portrayals of God as unjust, unfair, and even angry and vengeful. Those objections are nothin’ but baloney. Oh, they may be genuinely offered and perceived as legitimate by those who offer them, but any honest reading of the Scriptures reveals a God who is “patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 NIV). In fact, just like Paul who knew of God’s patience by experience, so did Peter, who wrote those words. Having vehemently denied Jesus after promising he wouldn’t, Peter (like Paul) learned how patient and willing to forgive our Savior is.

All such accusations of cruelty, anger, or wrath stand dismissed with an honest look at who God is. Don’t believe them. Disregard such lies—when offered by those who protest the Christian faith…and when Satan attempt to make you believe otherwise yourself. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you’ve done, or where you are today—you, too, “can believe in Him and receive eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:16 NLT).

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"Wait for Green!"

Scripture Passage

James 1:1 – 3:18

Scripture Focus

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. (James 1:19-20 NLT)

Observation

In drag racing, two cars line up side-by-side at the starting line for a timed launch. Lights on the “Christmas tree” (that’s what it’s called) illuminate sequentially from yellow to green. You can’t cross the starting line until the green light shines. Launch your car too early and you'll “red light”. It’s a foul that disqualifies you from the race.

“Launching too early” disqualifies you from the race. That’s why James gives this Spirit-inspired counsel:

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. (James 1:19-20 NLT)

James 1:19 is just good counsel for anybody—Christ-follower or otherwise. Someone has said, “We’ve got two ears and only one mouth for a reason!” How slow I am to listen—I know! How ready I am to respond—not always positively, encouragingly, or with understanding, but rather, ready to correct, to challenge, to rebuke! And even more so, I think (for me), quick to grow angry! For anybody, this brief snippet of Holy Writ stands as good counsel. “Hold your tongue. Really listen. Seek to understand before responding.”

But for the Christ-follower in particular, there’s an addendum to James’ counsel that makes following this directive even more important. “Human anger,” he says, “does not produce the righteousness God desires” (James 1:20 NLT). It’s not just that you’ll get along better with others, not make such a fool of yourself, not have to go back and rebuild bridges you’ve burned if you’ll hold steady and think before speaking. More than that, God’s divine purposes are thwarted by our “quick to speak, slow to listen, quick to grow angry” responses. The influence God calls me to bear for His sake—in His cause—is lost. The witness I’ve spent years developing is traded in a moment of hasty response. Kingdom advance suffers when my anger replaces God’s patience in my life.

“Lord, I long for your righteousness to reign in me and throughout the earth. Plant this living word in my heart ‘that I might not sin against you’ (Psalm 119:11 NIV).”

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"Generously Supplied...and Pleasing to God"

Scripture Passage

Philippians 2:12-4:23

Scripture Focus

I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. (Philippians 4:18 NLT)

Observation

Philippians 4:19—“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus”—is a favorite verse of many believers. It’s made more interesting by the verse that precedes it.

Specifically, God’s most generous promise is made to His most generous people. The Philippians had been exclusively and repeatedly openhanded toward Paul. “You Philippians,” he says beginning in verse 15, “were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once.” (Philippians 4:15-16)

God’s great promise of full supply given in 4:19, then, follows the Philippians’ acts of abundant generosity described in 4:18.  I know that God may sometimes choose to act generously towards those who are not generous themselves. That’s His business, and why we call it grace. But God here promises—and therefore obligates Himself—to supply every need of those who themselves choose to act generously toward His servants doing His work. The words of Acts 2:39 come to mind—“The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call." (Acts 2:39 NIV)

Beyond that, the gifts that the church at Philippi offered to Paul extended beyond Paul, becoming gifts to God Himself. “The gifts you sent me,” Paul says, “…are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18 NLT) That means the gift I place in the offering plate or drop in the mail or place in the hand of a beloved brother or sister in Christ does more than pay a bill for the church or meet a need for a family. That gift honors and blesses God. And what more could gratitude want than to honor and bless the One who has supplied so richly for us through Jesus Christ our Lord? Paul’s words assure me that any tangible expression of love offered in genuine gratitude “hits the intended target"…that it reaches the object of my affection…that it touches the heart of God.

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"Charge It To Me..."

Scripture Passage

Philemon 1:1-25; Philippians 1-2:11

Scripture Focus

If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me. (Philemon 1:18 NLT)

Observation

Onesimus was a runaway slave who had fled from his owner Philemon. Somewhere along the way, Onesimus met the Apostle Paul and, as a result, gave his life to Christ. As it turned out, Paul knew Onesimus’ owner, Philemon. (It must have been an interesting moment when that connection was made!) So when Onesimus decides to seek reconciliation with Philemon, he carries with him this letter from the Apostle Paul (a letter we now call "Philemon") encouraging the same.

The letter is powerful in and of itself—in essence it says, “Receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ, because that is what he has become”—but it holds additional impact because of Paul’s relationship with Philemon as a partner in the gospel (1:17). Theirs must have been a significant relationship in Christ. On the strength of their relationship, Paul is able to say to Philemon, “If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me. …I will repay it. And I won’t mention that you owe me your very soul! (Philemon 1:18-19 NLT)

With those words, Paul pictures what Jesus has done on our behalf before a just and holy God. All our sins have been charged to Him, and we are reconciled to the Father through Him and because of Him. Beyond that, though, with those words Paul also calls us to ongoing reconciliation with one another! Paul speaks the heart of our Savior anyplace discord exists within the body of Christ. “If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me."

“It’s not right!” I protest. “I’ve been offended! I’ve been wronged! Where is my compensation? My pound of flesh?” And Jesus stretches a nail-scarred hand in my direction and says again, “Charge it to me. …I will repay it. And I won’t mention that you owe me your very soul! (Philemon 1:18-19 NLT)

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"Gracious and Attractive"

Scripture Passage

Colossians 1:24 – 4:18

"Ma and Pa Kettle"

Scripture Focus

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. (Colossians 4:5 NLT)

Observation

Ma and Pa Kettle are comic characters featured in a series of films released by Universal Pictures beginning in the late 1940s. I’d never actually seen a Ma and Pa Kettle film till the other day, but the cornball humor was a great diversion. I encourage you to track one down and give it a look-see. Make your kids watch it with you. Tell ‘em this was all you had for entertainment back in the good ol’ days.

This particular film highlighted Pa Kettle digging a well—with dynamite! I don’t mean tidy-like. I mean by lighting a stick of dynamite and tossing it randomly towards the back yard. Now, I’ve never dug a well (so I’m no expert), but here’s my guess about digging a well that way: You might reach water eventually, but not without a boatload of collateral damage!

Some believers are inclined to evangelize the way Pa Kettle dug wells. In the name of Christian witness, they’ll toss a bombshell into a conversation just to see if it’ll explode. Often it will. And sometimes, I suppose, it even “strikes water.” But in my experience, the collateral damage usually makes this approach more costly than it’s worth.

By contrast, the Holy Spirit inspired words of the Apostle Paul call for a different approach. “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone” (Colossians 4:5 NLT).

I can’t put it any better than that! “Lord, let my conversation be ‘gracious and attractive’ so that You might be seen for who You are—gracious and attractive. Let my words—and my life—invite everyone to ‘the right response.’”

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"Once More...Relationships"

Scripture Passage

Ephesians 5:15-6:24; Colossians 1:1-23

Scripture Focus

And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:21 NLT)

Observation

Ephesians 5 (like chapter 4 before it) is full of challenging directives for daily living—particularly with regard to our relationships. There are challenging words for wives and husbands, parents and children, slaves and masters. In many cases, these have become words we love to use as weapons, setting out boundaries no one dare cross and lobbing pot shots at each other from “our” side of the camp. Husbands remind wives of how they’re to be submitted to, and wives remind their husbands of how they’re to love. Parents remind children that they’re to be obeyed and children suggest that if they’re exasperated by parental action, ignoring parental authority is somehow justified. The matter of slaves and masters we disregard, as we don’t know quite what to do with that, rather than drawing principles for offering either God-honoring employment or diligent labor (depending on our role) in our 21st century culture.

What we often forget is that this whole section of Scripture begins with a call to mutual submission. “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21 NLT). So Paul’s intent is not so much to define roles and articulate boundaries as it is to express ways in which every redeemed person can communicate his or her submission to the whole—to Christ and who He is and what it means to be a part of His body in the earth today!

Particularly with regard to marriage, Paul says when we do these things, we portray to our world the relationship between Christ and the Church. Apparently, though, we’ve not done much of a job. Not only do fewer and fewer people have any interest in Christ and His Church, fewer and fewer have any interest in marriage itself! Our relationships are supposed to be rich and real enough to invite people to Christ, and they’re apparently not even inviting in and of themselves!

Well, that calls for change, doesn’t it? A change in me, and perhaps a change in you, and most certainly changes in how we relate to one another.

“Lord, let us learn this grace of mutual submission out of reverence for You!”

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"Carefully Determine What Pleases the Lord"

Scripture Passage

Ephesians 3:1-5:14

Scripture Focus

Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. (Ephesians 5:10 NLT)

Observation

There’s so much loaded into Ephesians 3-5 it’s difficult to find a place to latch on! As a friend of mine likes to say, “It’s like trying to drink from a fire hose!” In chapter 3, Paul expresses the wonder of his calling—“extending God’s grace to the Gentiles” (3:2)—and offers a beautiful prayer on behalf of God’s people (3:14-21). He presents insightful descriptions of what Christ has done for the church and what should happen among us as a result (4:1-16). But perhaps most captivating to me are the simple, practical guidelines offered for the kind of daily living that brings honor to Christ…

“Stop telling lies” – Ephesians 4:25
“Quit stealing” – Ephesians 4:28
“Don’t use foul or abusive language” – Ephesians 4:29
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander…” – Ephesians 4:31
“Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you” – Ephesians 5:3

All those commandments regarding what we ought not to do are balanced by commandments regarding what we ought to do…

“Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes” – Ephesians 4:23
“Let us tell our neighbors the truth” – Ephesians 4:25
“Use your hands for good hard work…then give generously to others in need” – Ephesians 4:28
“Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” – Ephesians 4:32

There’s more, but I get to the point where—like the teacher of the law who approached Jesus with a similar question—I’m wondering, “Which commandment is the greatest?” And that’s when I arrive at Ephesians 5:10…

Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. (Ephesians 5:10 NLT)

That seems kind of “bottom line” to me and I like it. It allows for the thoughtful insight demanded by our ethically complex days…days where there don’t always seem to be the black and white choices so easy to make. But it keeps the focus clear and precise—pleasing the Lord. That's really the goal, isn't it? At least it ought to be! And that simple verse reminds me of where this section started—“Therefore I…beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling” (Ephesians 4:1 NLT).

“Lead a life worthy of your calling. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.” Solid parameters for today’s decisions.

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"In Heaven and on Earth"

Scripture Passage

Acts 281-31: Ephesians 1:1-2:22

Scripture Focus

God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. (Ephesians 1:9-10 NLT)

Observation

I have many more questions than answers about what eternity will be like. But I’ve been surprised of late (and challenged to expand my thinking) by the preponderance of Scriptures that speak of “the earth” as part of God’s plan for eternity.

Oh, I’ve known many of those Scriptures for years. But I’ll dare to admit that my vision of eternity has probably been shaped more by the words of others than the Word of God. Popular culture, of course, portrays the Christian perception of eternity as some mundane existence marked by a whole lot of harp strumming and cloud sitting. (If that’s all there is, it’s no wonder nobody cares that much to go!) But even “Christian” culture seems to limit God’s plan for our eternities to “gates of pearl” and “streets of gold” and visions of heavenly worship services.

Don’t misunderstand—those images have rich appeal for me! I love to be with the people of God. I love to celebrate the goodness of God. But many Biblical references give a glimpse of something much greater, involving and including the earth—and us as part of it—in God’s plan for eternity. Revelation 5:10 declares that God “has made [us] to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and [we] will reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:10 NIV). 1 Peter 3:13 says plainly that “in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness” (1 Peter 3:13 NIV).

In today’s “scripture focus”—a summary statement about God’s “mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure,” (Ephesians 1:9)—the Apostle Paul includes the earth, as well. Rather matter-of-factly, Paul announces God’s plan for eternity. Bottom line, “…this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth” (Ephesians 1:9-10 NLT).

I understand it is a renewed earth. I understand it becomes “the home of righteousness.” (Indeed, that’s part of the beauty of it, yes?) I also understand that we’ve generally neglected to consider the earth and God's plans for it when we think about eternity, and I suggest that’s worth pondering. “Everything in heaven and on earth under the authority of Christ.” Cool, huh?

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