Rejoice with TremblingJohn Piper
A Meditation on Psalms 2:11-12
Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Serve the Lord with fear...
This command does not cancel out Psalm 100:2: "Serve the Lord with gladness." Serving the Lord with fear and serving the Lord with gladness do not contradict each other. The next phrase will make that plain ("rejoice with trembling"). There is real fear and real joy. The reason there is real fear is that there is real danger. Our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29). Yes, the elect are safe in Christ. But examine yourself, Paul says, "to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you-unless, of course, you fail the test?" (2 Corinthians 13:5). "Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12). Confidence in Christ is not careless. Our security is rooted in God's daily keeping, not our past decisions. "[He] is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory" (Jude 1:24). Part of how he keeps us is by awakening the vigilance to rest daily in Christ and not in ourselves.
...and rejoice with trembling.
Fear does not rob us of our joy for two reasons. One is that it drives us to Christ where there is safety. The other is that even when we get there the part of fear that Christ relieves is the hope-destroying part. But he leaves another part-the part we want to feel forever. There is an awe or wonder or trembling in the presence of grandeur that we want to feel as long as we are sure it will not destroy us. This trembling does not compete with joy; it is part of joy. People go to terrifying movies because they know the monster cannot get into the theater. They want to be scared as long as they are safe. For some reason it feels good. This is an echo of the truth that they were made for God. There is something profoundly satisfying about being "frightened" when we cannot be hurt. It is the best when the trembling comes from the grandeur of holiness.
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way...
God is jealous for his Son. "You shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God" (Exodus 34:14). His anger is kindled when the affection designed for him is given to another. Of course there is a Judas kiss. That is not what he has in mind here. The kiss here is the kiss of adoration and submission-perhaps a kiss on the feet as we bow before him. There is no playing games with God. If we love another more, we will perish. He will be our highest treasure, or he will be our enemy. The safest place in the universe is at the feet of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. If we choose to turn from him for another treasure, his wrath will be against us.
...for his wrath is quickly kindled.
The word quickly may not be the best here. The word can mean quickly in the sense of suddenly. Repeatedly in the Bible God is said to be "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" (Exodus 34:6). Not "quick to anger" but "slow to anger". Therefore I am inclined to think Psalms 2:12 means "His wrath can break out suddenly." In other words don't trifle with him in his patience because suddenly it may run out and you be overtaken in wrath. If you go on kissing his creation and not his Son, suddenly you will find the fangs of a serpent in your lip. Don't presume upon the patience of God.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
The only safe place from the wrath of God is in God. Everywhere outside of his care is dangerous. He is the only hiding place from his own wrath. If you see him as frightening and try to run away and hide, you will not find a place to hide. There is none. Outside of God's care there is only wrath. But there is a refuge from the wrath of God, namely, God. The safest place from the wrath of God-the only safe place-is God. Come to God. Take refuge in God. Hide in the shadow of his wings. This is where we live and serve with joyful trembling. It is terrible and it is wonderful. It is like the eye of a hurricane-terror all around, and totally beautiful and calm. Here there is sweet fellowship. Here is quiet, loving communion. Here we speak to him as to a friend. Here he ministers to our deepest needs. I invite you to come.
Are You Brave Enough?
NICOLE UNICE
This sad story is a metaphor for how some believers live the Christian life. God has promised to meet every need of His children—His riches are included in the price Christ paid for their salvation (Eph. 1:18). Yet many folks are trying to live out of their own resources. They don't know that the wealth of God's love, power, and provision is on their menu.
A believer's relationship with the Lord is one of complete unity. Jesus is our life. His Spirit lives through us. Therefore, everything that is available to Him is also available to the brothers and sisters in Christ—all power, strength, and endurance, as well as whatever is required to fulfill physical and emotional needs.
Jim didn't know he had the right to satisfy his hunger in an extravagant way. Learn from this exaggerated example. Read your Bible to learn what riches you are entitled to through faith. God offers believers everything required for living well and wisely. Trust Him for all your needs.
The Messages Parents Send
1 Samuel 20:30-34
When someone asks, "What do you do?" the reply frequently includes a job title. But anyone who is raising or interacting with children has a role far more important than ordinary career duties.
Parents are communicators. Yet unlike conference speakers, moms and dads don't get to preplan their entire message. Everything we do and say—especially that which happens "off the cuff"—teaches our kids. Think about your childhood days. What did your parents do that illustrated their priorities, beliefs, and passions?
Even without speaking, we send messages by our body language, interests, kindnesses, absence or presence, silence . . . Add words to the mix, and we have a recipe for remarkable impact, whether positive or negative.
Inevitably, our children will be greatly affected by what we communicate and how they interpret it. Be conscious of the way each young one processes information—sometimes our intended message becomes skewed by their understanding. What an incredible responsibility we've been given. No wonder wise parents rely on God's help.
Only troubled parents—like the angry, jealous King Saul in today's passage—would ever set out to hurt their children. But in our busyness, or from past woundedness, we might just be sending damaging messages.
What are you communicating to your kids? Ask yourself: What do my actions point to as priorities in my life? Do my children sense a hunger in my heart for God's direction, counsel, and sustenance? Above all, would they know how to have a thriving relationship with Jesus Christ by watching my life?
God's Clear Instructions
Joshua 6
Joshua needed guidance as he faced one of the most crucial moments of his life. Because the Lord had promised him success in conquering Jericho, he knew the outcome of the battle, but as the day of combat approached, he needed a specific strategy for victory. What he heard the Lord say must have made his jaw drop.
Can you imagine the soldiers' thoughts as they carried out this bizarre battle strategy? In confusing times like this, it's good to remember three requirements for benefiting from God's instructions. We need:
Submitting to the Lord's timing is also an essential part of obedience. What would have happened if the army decided to bypass God's plans for the first six days and skip straight to the seventh day's march around Jericho? They would have missed the victory.
How often do we beg the Lord for guidance, yet hesitate to obey when He finally gives it? Living by faith can seem like a huge risk when His instructions make no sense or require a lengthy wait. But knowing His eternal perspective and unlimited power can strengthen our resolve to obey.
Our Heavenly Home
Serve the Lord with fear...
This command does not cancel out Psalm 100:2: "Serve the Lord with gladness." Serving the Lord with fear and serving the Lord with gladness do not contradict each other. The next phrase will make that plain ("rejoice with trembling"). There is real fear and real joy. The reason there is real fear is that there is real danger. Our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29). Yes, the elect are safe in Christ. But examine yourself, Paul says, "to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you-unless, of course, you fail the test?" (2 Corinthians 13:5). "Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12). Confidence in Christ is not careless. Our security is rooted in God's daily keeping, not our past decisions. "[He] is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory" (Jude 1:24). Part of how he keeps us is by awakening the vigilance to rest daily in Christ and not in ourselves.
...and rejoice with trembling.
Fear does not rob us of our joy for two reasons. One is that it drives us to Christ where there is safety. The other is that even when we get there the part of fear that Christ relieves is the hope-destroying part. But he leaves another part-the part we want to feel forever. There is an awe or wonder or trembling in the presence of grandeur that we want to feel as long as we are sure it will not destroy us. This trembling does not compete with joy; it is part of joy. People go to terrifying movies because they know the monster cannot get into the theater. They want to be scared as long as they are safe. For some reason it feels good. This is an echo of the truth that they were made for God. There is something profoundly satisfying about being "frightened" when we cannot be hurt. It is the best when the trembling comes from the grandeur of holiness.
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way...
God is jealous for his Son. "You shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God" (Exodus 34:14). His anger is kindled when the affection designed for him is given to another. Of course there is a Judas kiss. That is not what he has in mind here. The kiss here is the kiss of adoration and submission-perhaps a kiss on the feet as we bow before him. There is no playing games with God. If we love another more, we will perish. He will be our highest treasure, or he will be our enemy. The safest place in the universe is at the feet of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. If we choose to turn from him for another treasure, his wrath will be against us.
...for his wrath is quickly kindled.
The word quickly may not be the best here. The word can mean quickly in the sense of suddenly. Repeatedly in the Bible God is said to be "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" (Exodus 34:6). Not "quick to anger" but "slow to anger". Therefore I am inclined to think Psalms 2:12 means "His wrath can break out suddenly." In other words don't trifle with him in his patience because suddenly it may run out and you be overtaken in wrath. If you go on kissing his creation and not his Son, suddenly you will find the fangs of a serpent in your lip. Don't presume upon the patience of God.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
The only safe place from the wrath of God is in God. Everywhere outside of his care is dangerous. He is the only hiding place from his own wrath. If you see him as frightening and try to run away and hide, you will not find a place to hide. There is none. Outside of God's care there is only wrath. But there is a refuge from the wrath of God, namely, God. The safest place from the wrath of God-the only safe place-is God. Come to God. Take refuge in God. Hide in the shadow of his wings. This is where we live and serve with joyful trembling. It is terrible and it is wonderful. It is like the eye of a hurricane-terror all around, and totally beautiful and calm. Here there is sweet fellowship. Here is quiet, loving communion. Here we speak to him as to a friend. Here he ministers to our deepest needs. I invite you to come.
Are You Brave Enough?
NICOLE UNICE
"Immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’" Mark 6:50b (NIV)
I had my arm around my 9-year-old daughter, Cameron, while we watched The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe together. The spunk and transparency of the youngest character, Lucy, reminded me of Cameron, and I squeezed her a little, hoping she noticed the same.
At one point in the movie, Lucy speaks with Father Christmas, and he asks her if she is ready for the war that will take place in Narnia. He looks down at her and asks her somberly, "Can you be brave?"
Lucy smiles up at him and answers, "I think I could be brave enough."
I had no idea how important that moment would become.
The words brave enough kindled a flame in my soul as I began to think about all the ways I wanted to be brave enough: brave enough to speak up, brave enough to be graceful, brave enough to forgive.
I might not be facing a war of Narnian proportions, but what if my daily life still required bravery? "Brave enough for today" became a sticky phrase in my head — an inspiration for the morning and a personal challenge when I didn’t want to do the hard thing.
I found myself wanting to be brave enough for my job. Brave enough for my family. Brave enough to mother well and brave enough to make good choices in my marriage.
When Cameron struggled later that year with an injury, I wanted to be brave enough for her. But what I learned along the way was I would never have enough courage on my own to face life without fear. I needed a courage that came from outside myself. My self-manufactured bravery always fell short.
In the Bible, Jesus uses the word courage in very specific ways. The original word means something like "be encouraged" or "take heart." The phrase take courage is used four times in the Gospels, always by Jesus Himself. In each instance, Jesus begins with a command: "Take courage!" And then Jesus offers the essence of Himself to the person as the way courage will be enacted.
In one account, He says, ‘Take heart!" and then offers forgiveness of sin. In another, He says "Be encouraged!" and then offers healing. And when He walks out on water in the middle of the night, terrifying His disciples, He offers a simple exhortation, "Take courage. It is I!"
No matter what you need to be brave enough for today, Jesus offers to meet you there with what only He can do. He offers you forgiveness when you fail and grace that energizes you to try again. He offers you healing when you hurt and strength that replaces your weakness. He offers you his presence, giving confidence that comes fully from who He is — not who you are.
When you have Jesus, you have all the courage you need, for whatever you may face.
Heavenly Father, I want to believe that in You I have all I need. As I begin today, would You help me be brave enough for whatever You have for me? Give me courage to forgive generously, love fully and shine brightly in the place You’ve placed me to grow. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." Proverbs 14:12 (NIV)
I anxiously glanced at the clock thinking, If I leave now I’ll still make it on time.
This wasn’t a meeting I could comfortably slip into if I were late … because I was the speaker!
Grabbing my purse, I headed for the garage door when I thought I heard bleating. Yes, bleating, as in a noise coming from a very small animal.
What in the world? I have no idea what that is, but I’m late! Trying to put the strange noise out of my mind, I kept heading toward my car. But try as I might, my heart wouldn’t let me ignore the sad sound, no matter how late it was going to make me.
I turned around and made my way closer to the tiny cry. There, next to our backyard gate, stood the tiniest of fawns. This precious little thing couldn’t have been more than a couple hours old, as it wavered on tiny legs.
On the other side of the fence stood the object of the baby’s sorrow — his mother. They were separated by the fence, and the baby was trapped. He couldn’t get to her and she had no way of getting him out of our backyard.
This wasn’t the first time a little one has been born in our yard. I believe deer spot the cool shade of our woods and decide our yard is the perfect place to give birth. But our yard is not as it seems. When the baby is born and the mother hops back over the fence, her fawn is trapped, alone and without care and protection.
Our yard may appear safe and peaceful to an adult animal, but to an infant it is anything but. I wondered: How many times have I unknowingly jumped into a situation I deemed safe only to get caught where I should not have been?Things like:
… Entering benign conversations, where my speech takes a wrong turn and I find myself gossiping.
… Bored or stressed, as I make my way to my pantry only to indulge in foods that harm, rather than help, my body.
… Wanting to guide my child, when I speak words meant to bring discernment, but instead bring damage.
Today’s key verse warns us, "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death" (Proverbs 14:12). Sometimes, we can feel like we’re doing the right thing, like the mother deer, when in fact, we’re heading in a wrong direction. How can we know what’s right?
Jesus promised us in John 16:13, "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come" (NIV).
When Jesus ascended into heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to be our guide. We need Him. We need His guidance to make wise choices and not become trapped by sin that hurts us and damages our relationship with Jesus. The Holy Spirit is with us, available all day long, with the wisdom we need to live the rich and satisfying life Jesus wants for us. Our part is to listen for His direction.
After making a few phone calls to animal experts, I was instructed to pick up the fawn and lift him over the gate to safety. He didn’t struggle as I gently lifted him from the ground and delivered him back to his mother. I am so thankful that in my life, as I listen to the Holy Spirit, He too, lifts me up and helps deliver me out of the traps I get myself in.
And yes, thankfully, I did make my speaking engagement just in time.
Holy Spirit, I invite You today, to guide and instruct me. Help me not simply choose what seems best to me, but teach me to listen for Your guidance so I can make wise choices. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Our Needs
Philippians 4:19
Jim saved for a long time to take an Alaskan cruise. At last he was on board with two carefully packed suitcases. The first evening, when he heard "Dinner is served" announced over the loudspeaker, he took peanut butter crackers from his suitcase and sat at the table in his small cabin. Every day at mealtime, he repeated the ritual. It wasn't that Jim didn't like the ship's tasty banquets. He simply didn't know that his meals were included in the price of the ticket. For two weeks he enjoyed beautiful scenery off the decks but ate dry, stale food in his cabin.Philippians 4:19
This sad story is a metaphor for how some believers live the Christian life. God has promised to meet every need of His children—His riches are included in the price Christ paid for their salvation (Eph. 1:18). Yet many folks are trying to live out of their own resources. They don't know that the wealth of God's love, power, and provision is on their menu.
A believer's relationship with the Lord is one of complete unity. Jesus is our life. His Spirit lives through us. Therefore, everything that is available to Him is also available to the brothers and sisters in Christ—all power, strength, and endurance, as well as whatever is required to fulfill physical and emotional needs.
Jim didn't know he had the right to satisfy his hunger in an extravagant way. Learn from this exaggerated example. Read your Bible to learn what riches you are entitled to through faith. God offers believers everything required for living well and wisely. Trust Him for all your needs.
The Messages Parents Send
1 Samuel 20:30-34
When someone asks, "What do you do?" the reply frequently includes a job title. But anyone who is raising or interacting with children has a role far more important than ordinary career duties.
Parents are communicators. Yet unlike conference speakers, moms and dads don't get to preplan their entire message. Everything we do and say—especially that which happens "off the cuff"—teaches our kids. Think about your childhood days. What did your parents do that illustrated their priorities, beliefs, and passions?
Even without speaking, we send messages by our body language, interests, kindnesses, absence or presence, silence . . . Add words to the mix, and we have a recipe for remarkable impact, whether positive or negative.
Inevitably, our children will be greatly affected by what we communicate and how they interpret it. Be conscious of the way each young one processes information—sometimes our intended message becomes skewed by their understanding. What an incredible responsibility we've been given. No wonder wise parents rely on God's help.
Only troubled parents—like the angry, jealous King Saul in today's passage—would ever set out to hurt their children. But in our busyness, or from past woundedness, we might just be sending damaging messages.
What are you communicating to your kids? Ask yourself: What do my actions point to as priorities in my life? Do my children sense a hunger in my heart for God's direction, counsel, and sustenance? Above all, would they know how to have a thriving relationship with Jesus Christ by watching my life?
God's Clear Instructions
Joshua 6
Joshua needed guidance as he faced one of the most crucial moments of his life. Because the Lord had promised him success in conquering Jericho, he knew the outcome of the battle, but as the day of combat approached, he needed a specific strategy for victory. What he heard the Lord say must have made his jaw drop.
Can you imagine the soldiers' thoughts as they carried out this bizarre battle strategy? In confusing times like this, it's good to remember three requirements for benefiting from God's instructions. We need:
• Faith to believe the LordWhen God gives us clear instruction through His Word or His Spirit within us, our response shows how much we trust Him. If we truly believe Him and His promises, precise and complete obedience will follow. His victory in any area of struggle is available only to those who act upon His directions.
• Courage to obey Him
• Patience to wait for His timing.
Submitting to the Lord's timing is also an essential part of obedience. What would have happened if the army decided to bypass God's plans for the first six days and skip straight to the seventh day's march around Jericho? They would have missed the victory.
How often do we beg the Lord for guidance, yet hesitate to obey when He finally gives it? Living by faith can seem like a huge risk when His instructions make no sense or require a lengthy wait. But knowing His eternal perspective and unlimited power can strengthen our resolve to obey.
Our Heavenly Home
As enjoyable as traveling may be, most of us would admit to having a sense of security and delight upon arriving back home. There's just something comforting about opening the door, seeing familiar things, and feeling we're where we belong.
The apostle John was given a vision that included glimpses inside our future home, the new Jerusalem. You may be surprised to know that some things from our old abode will be missing. But what replaces them will be infinitely better.
For one thing, there were no church buildings in John's vision, "for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" (Rev. 21:22). No longer will denominations divide up the body of Christ. Nor will the sun or moon shine on the city in that day, "for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb" (v. 23). Imagine--no need for electricity, flashlights, or candles.
One other difference is that the city gates will always be open. Since sin will not be a factor, locks will be unnecessary in our heavenly home. Death and decay will also be absent. In fact, nothing impure will ever enter that future residence--utter holiness will characterize the heavenly place, and suffering will be a thing of the past. What we have to look forward to is the abundant life in Christ, pure and unmarred.
Think about the comfortable feeling you have as you open your front door. That's but a hint of what we'll feel some day on arriving at the place our Father has lovingly and personally prepared for us in heaven. We will finally--and permanently--be "at home" in a way that defies description.
Our Sins
�All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.� (Isaiah 53:6)
�All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.� (Isaiah 53:6)
As Christ hung on the cross, the Jewish leaders felt that He was guilty of blasphemy�a mere man, claiming to be God. In short, they felt that He was dying for His own sins. Their tragic misconceptions were predicted centuries before, as recorded in the treasured 53rd chapter of Isaiah: �We hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. . . . we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted� (vv. 3-4).
But not so! God did not punish Him for His sins, but for ours. �He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities� (v. 5). �For the transgression of my people was he stricken� (v. 8).
The penalty for sin has always been death, and even though �he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him� (vv. 9-10). He was the perfect �offering for sin� (v. 10) and �he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors� (v. 12). Justice has been served! �He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many� (v. 11).
Furthermore, through His death, even our griefs have been borne and our sorrows carried (v. 4). In addition to all this, our peace has been gained through His chastisement and our healing has been accomplished with His stripes (v. 5).
Such considerations can drive us only to the most complete prostration of wonder and amazement. Necessitated because �all we like sheep have gone astray,� God�s justice has been satisfied, because Christ, in love, has taken upon Himself �the iniquity of us all.� As in the hymn: �Love so amazing, so divine, demands my life, my soul, my all.� JDM
Cleansed by the Word
�Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.� (Psalm 119:9)
Psalm 119:9-16 provides key instructions for those who would seek to please their Creator with a godly life.
�Taking heed� (Hebrew shamar�guarding) of God�s Word is the foundation upon which a godly life is built (vv. 10-11). The psalmist sought God with his whole heart and pleaded with God to prevent him from wandering (Hebrew shagah�to stray through ignorance). That plea was then turned into a confirmation and an understanding: �Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee� (v. 11).
With the assurance of these foundational elements, the psalmist promised the Lord that he will organize his life so that he �will not forget thy word� (v. 16).
Similar to the apostle John�s assurance in his first epistle, the psalmist recognized behaviors that he was already exhibiting. His �lips� have �declared� the judgments of God (v. 13). He knows that he has �rejoiced in the way� (v. 14) of God�s revealed testimonies as much as the ungodly have boasted of gaining wealth. He is no stranger to godly living and loves the way of God, seeking to excel in holiness (1 John 5:3).
The section closes with two �I will� promises, surely based upon his earlier commitment to cleanse his way. The psalmist promised to �meditate in [God�s] precepts, and have respect unto [His] ways� (v. 15). This assumes time, study, and careful thought about the purposes and intent of God�s message. It is not a promise to sit comfortably and �clear one�s mind� of cogent thinking, waiting on some voice to reveal truth. The psalmist can then �delight� in the statutes of the Word (Psalm 119:16; Romans 7:22).
As we seek to know God�s great Word, may His works refresh our hearts and delight our lives. HMM III
�Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.� (Psalm 119:9)
Meditation
�This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.� (Joshua 1:8)
�This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.� (Joshua 1:8)
This well-known verse contains the first use of the Hebrew verb for �meditate� (hagah) in the Bible and, significantly, it is a command to meditate on the Scriptures. Such meditation is not mere quietness or daydreaming, but is thoughtfulness with a purpose�to obey �all that is written therein.�
Meditation for its own sake, without being centered on God�s Word, is often useless or even harmful. Witness the Western proliferation of Eastern �meditation cults� (T.M., etc.) in recent years, which lead their devotees into pantheism and occultism. Isaiah 8:19 warns against �wizards that peep, and that mutter [same word as �meditate�].� �Why do . . . the people imagine [same word] a vain thing?� (Psalm 2:1).
The blessed man is the one whose �delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night� (Psalm 1:2). That is, only if we are continually guided by the Holy Scriptures will we be happy and successful.
In the New Testament, the Greek word for �meditate� (melatao) is used only twice. Once, it is translated �imagine� (Acts 4:25) and is in a quotation of Psalm 2:1, as above. The last time it is used, however, its emphasis reverts back to the context of its first usage, as in our text above. Paul commands us: �Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. . . . Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all� (1 Timothy 4:13, 15). Modern meditationists say that the goal of meditation is to clear our minds of �things,� but God wants us to meditate on �these things��the life-giving, life-directing doctrines of His Word. HMM
The term �labor� to many seems to connote drudgery or routine, repetitive, demeaning toil. As used here in the fourth of God�s Ten Commandments, however, the Hebrew word abad means rather to �serve� and is so translated 214 times in the King James. Only one other time is it translated �labor,� and that is in the first rendering of the commandments (Exodus 20:9). Thus, the command could well be read: �Six days shalt thou serve. . . .�
Furthermore, the word for �work� (Hebrew melakah) does not denote servile labor but �deputyship� or �stewardship.� The one whom we are to serve or act as deputy for, of course, is God Himself when we do our work. In the ultimate and very real sense, the Lord is our employer, and we serve Him, not man. Therefore, �whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men� (Colossians 3:23). Every honest occupation, if carried out for the Lord�s sake and to His glory, is �divine service,� and every Christian who holds this perspective on his or her work (be it preaching, or bookkeeping, or homemaking, or whatever) is in the Christian ministry�for �ministry� simply means �service.�
Note also that God has ordained not a four-day or five-day workweek: �Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work,� He says, thus commemorating the six days in which He worked in the beginning, �for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth� (Exodus 31:17).
One day, Lord willing, we shall hear Him say, �Well done, thou good and faithful servant: . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord� (Matthew 25:21). Then, throughout the ages to come, �his servants shall serve him� (Revelation 22:3) with everlasting joy. HMM
Bounty from the Word
�Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.� (Psalm 119:17)
�Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.� (Psalm 119:17)
Materialism is so prevelant that it is sometimes difficult to not associate words like �bounty� or �blessing� with earthly riches. This psalmist wasn�t concerned with physical prosperity, but rather that God would reveal to him what his own heart sought��that I may live, and keep thy word.�
He requested spiritual insight: �Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law� (v. 18). Without hint of greed or self-centered aggrandizement, he only longed to understand the �wondrous� insights of the torah (law). We lack �bounty� if we neglect studying God�s inerrant Word.
We often forget that we are �stranger[s] in the earth� (v. 19). Once adopted into God�s family (Ephesians 1:5), our citizenship (Philippians 3:20) is transferred from this earth to God�s �city� (Hebrews 11:10). Thus, the psalmist begged for God not to �hide� the commandments from him because his �soul breaketh for the longing� (v. 20) he had, in every season, for the judgments of God�s Word.
He remembered God�s swift justice against the �cursed� (v. 21) who �err� (wander, stray) from the Word, since the �princes� (chiefs, leaders) of the land resisted his effort to obey God (v. 23). Nontheless, he was determined to demonstrate his �delight� in the �counselors� within God�s testimonies (v. 24).
Many who claim to be evangelicals today boldly scorn those who trust that �every word of God is pure� (Proverbs 30:5). May God keep us from �the fear of man� (Proverbs 29:25) and embolden our resolve to �worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name� (Psalm 138:2). HMM III
To Be or Not to Be
�I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.� (Galatians 2:20)
The verb �to be,� in its various forms and tenses, enjoys wide usage throughout Scripture. Verses employing it, as it relates to us, contain many of the greatest and most precious truths. Consider the following sampling.
Past tense: �While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us� (Romans 5:8). �When we were enemies, we were reconciled to God� (v. 10). �You hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins� (Ephesians 2:1). �You, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled� (Colossians 1:21).
Present tense: �Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven� (Romans 4:7). �Know ye not that ye are the temple of God?� (1 Corinthians 3:16). �Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation� (1 Peter 1:5). �By the grace of God I am what I am� (1 Corinthians 15:10). �Beloved, now are we the sons of God� (1 John 3:2). �For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him� (Colossians 2:9-10). Note also our text verse.
Future tense: �It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is� (1 John 3:2). �Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord� (1 Thessalonians 4:17). �And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. . . . and they shall reign for ever and ever� (Revelation 22:3-5). JDM
�I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.� (Galatians 2:20)
The Imperatives of Redemption
�From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.� (Matthew 16:21)
�From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.� (Matthew 16:21)
The little word �must� (Greek deon) conveys urgency and necessity and is frequently used in connection with the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ. When He was just a lad, He told the learned men in the temple: �I must be about my Father�s business� (Luke 2:49).
But then the first time this key auxiliary verb is found in the New Testament is in the comprehensive prophetic statement of His mission, as given to His disciples in our text. He must go to Jerusalem to suffer, and die, and be raised the third day. As He was moving toward that climactic event, �he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent� (Luke 4:43). Furthermore, �I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work� (John 9:4).
He had much preaching and much work to do in that brief three-year interim in world history. But then He must die! And why must He die? Because �the scriptures must be fulfilled� (Mark 14:49). �These are the words which I spake unto you . . . that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me� (Luke 24:44). And how must He die? �As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up� (John 3:14). But then, of course, �he must rise again from the dead� (John 20:9).
To what purpose must He be lifted up on the cross to die and then be raised again? Why, because �there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved� (Acts 4:12). HMM
Understanding the Times
�And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.� (1 Chronicles 12:32)
�And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.� (1 Chronicles 12:32)
This chapter lists the numbers of men from each of the tribes of Israel who cast their lot with David in his conflict with King Saul. All these numbers are given except those of Issachar, but of these it was said that all their brethren followed their 200 leaders in turning to David. The reason for their unanimity in this decision was that these leaders �had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.� It was time to �turn the kingdom� to David, �according to the word of the LORD� (1 Chronicles 12:23). God had given them a Benjamite, Saul, as king for a time, but now David had been anointed, and it was the time to give �the sceptre� to Judah, according to the prophecy of their father, Jacob, given over 600 years before (Genesis 49:10).
How desperately we need leaders today who are spiritual �sons of Issachar,� understanding these times! Christ told the apostles: �It is not for you to know the times or the seasons� (Acts 1:7); it was more urgent that they proceed to witness for Him �unto the uttermost part of the earth� (v. 8).
Nevertheless, He would return to the earth in some generation, and that generation should be expected (when they would see all these things) to �know that it is near, even at the doors� (Matthew 24:33). They could understand the signs, and even though they should never attempt to guess the date, they could �look up, . . . for your redemption draweth nigh� (Luke 21:28), when they would see �these things begin to come to pass.�
The signs are everywhere, yet few of our leaders�Christian politicians included�seem to understand the real meaning of these times. Christ is �even at the doors!� HMM
The Small Things Threatening Your Marriage
LYSA TERKEURST
LYSA TERKEURST
"May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
One day, I was mindlessly looking out the window of an airport watching a few seagulls dart about overhead while airline workers were busy loading bags.
Nothing about the scene spoke of danger. But then I remembered a flight from a while back that was brought down by a few geese. The seagull that faded into the background just moments before became a point of extreme interest to me. What if?
It�s amazing if you stop to think about it that a huge airplane could be brought down by just a few birds. Birds. Who would have thought? It makes me think about other seemingly small things that can cause great destruction as well � especially when it comes to marriage.
Words vented in frustration can seem so small.
Slightly disrespectful attitudes can seem so small.
Complaining about lack of finances can seem so small.
Brushing off his desires can seem so small.
Making mental lists of things you wish were different about him can seem so small.
But each one of these seemingly small things can so easily and tragically wedge itself into the core of a marriage and send it spiraling toward destruction. Entire families have been ripped apart by things that once seemed so small.
Listen to the heartbreak in this note that was anonymously posted on my blog:
"Girls � I know this seems small � but, it�s really not. Take it from someone who has blown it to the point where he gave up and divorced me. It�s too late for me. But, it�s not for you. Please be aware of the little things. I wouldn�t have you join me for anything in the world. Be on your guard and protect your marriage."
I am challenged by this. I can�t just mindlessly assume that my marriage is coasting along okay and that little problems can�t topple us. I can�t get complacent. I can�t get prideful. I can�t get lazy. I can�t take the gift of my marriage for granted.
I have a good marriage, but sometimes I slip into automatic and stop getting as intentional as I should about investing richly and deeply into our relationship.
So, I�ve decided to declare this my "get intentional" week. Today I�m focusing on my words. I'm praying for God to interrupt my mouth at every turn today. I want "these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart to be pleasing" (Psalm 19:14) to the Lord and honoring to my husband.
I�m going to hold my tongue against saying anything careless. I�m going to intentionally use my words as gifts to my husband today and nothing else.
Not that just one day of doing this can protect my marriage forever � but it sure is a good start.
Dear Lord, I want my thoughts, words and actions to always reflect Your love in me. Help me to extend grace to my spouse just as You have extended grace to me. In Jesus� Name, Amen.
"�It was not because of his sins or his parents� sins,� Jesus answered. �This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.�" John 9:3 (NLT)
Have you ever wondered why God allows you to suffer? Was it something you did wrong? Or was someone else at fault? We want to find someone to blame, especially when so much bad happens in our world.
I struggle with these thoughts as well, but years ago God�s Word helped me see a different perspective. Jesus� disciples had these same questions, and John chapter 9 records Jesus� interesting response.
Jesus and His disciples were walking through the streets of a city when they encountered a blind man. One of the disciples asked Jesus why the man was blind: "As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. �Rabbi,� his disciples asked him, �why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents� sins?�" (John 9:1-2, NLT)
Jesus lovingly put their confusion to rest with today�s key verse, "�It was not because of his sins or his parents� sins,� Jesus answered. �This happened so the power of God could be seen in him�" (John 9:3).
I imagine the disciples standing there, looking perplexed by Jesus� answer. How could this man�s blindness display the power of God? How could this physical infirmity bring glory to God? How could his life serve a higher purpose?
The passage continues, "Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man�s eyes. He told him, �Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam� (Siloam means �sent�). So the man went and washed and came back seeing!" (John 9:6-7, NLT)
The blind man�s sight was completely healed, but notice that his healing wasn�t immediate. He wasn�t healed when Jesus spat on the mud and smeared it on his eyes, but only after he obeyed what Jesus instructed him to do.
The blind man was healed when he chose to obey the command of Jesus to "go." Without questioning or hesitating, the man went and his obedience resulted in not only healing, but discovering a holy purpose from his pain.
Like many, this man had been suffering with undeserved physical and emotional challenges for decades. He may have lived his entire life feeling inferior, unloved, rejected, excluded and possibly believing he had no purpose. He may have also assumed his past and his current limitations rendered him useless. After all, he didn�t have any special skills or qualifications � or even eyesight.
But here stood Jesus, telling everyone this man�s life could serve as proof of the power of God. But it only happened because of obedience.
Unlike the blind man in this story, we often talk ourselves out of obedience, rather than trusting and obeying God�s command to "go." But when we walk in faith, even when we don�t feel ready and have to push through our doubts, fears and hesitations, true healing and purpose can begin to take shape in our hearts and lives.
We don�t always get answers to why something happened. But regardless of our circumstances or our limitations, when we choose to take a leap of faith, we too can experience true spiritual healing and see a new perspective about our past for the very first time.
What a wonderful world this would be if we all caught a glimpse of how God wants to turn our pain into purpose and use our lives as proof of His power.
Lord, I want my life to serve as proof of Your goodness. Fill me with courage and motivation to go and share with others what You have done for me. Show me how You can turn my pain into purpose and make my life count for You. In Jesus� Name, Amen.
God Honors Our Commitment to Him
Daniel and his friends faced the same dilemma we do--how to live a holy life in a godless culture. At one time, our society readily accepted Christian values and standards, but that era is quickly passing. Our challenge today is to live under God's authority while remaining in submission to the law of the land. At times we are forced to choose between the two, but if we'll seek the Lord's guidance before marching defiantly forward, He may open an alternative approach for us.
Had Daniel bluntly declared, "I won't eat this food!" he wouldn't have lasted long, and we wouldn't have the book of Daniel in the Bible. But the Lord gave him the wisdom to humbly seek permission from the person who was in a position of authority over him. God honored his commitment and provided a way for him to live righteously in a pagan world.
We tend to hold up Daniel and his three friends as extraordinary people who lived amazing lives. But have you ever wondered what the Lord could do in the life of an ordinary person like you? The determining factor is not the greatness of the individual but, rather, his commitment to a God who can do remarkable things in a life fully devoted to Him. That's the kind of people our Lord is looking for.
Although we don't know all that God could do in our lives if we'd radically commit ourselves to Him, the thought of missing out on His plans should be enough to motivate us to obey. You don't want to arrive in heaven and discover you forfeited blessings because you weren't fully devoted to Him.
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