Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Co 1:2). Amen.
We have a God of all. What comes to mind when I say that? Perhaps you think of the fact that he created all and now keeps all (Ge 1,2). That would be correct. And since he did, all things belong to him.
The apostle Paul would have us consider the statement, “we have a God of ‘all,’” a bit differently. It is clear in the way that he repeats the word “all.” We have a God of “all” who gives all to us and who gives all through us. Count the “alls” as we read from … [It is a bit of a trick as far as the correct answer, but I will explain in a bit.]
2 Corinthians 9:8-11
Dear People of our good and gracious God,
The Maker of all allows us to be the manager of some. That is when we break out the fancy word “stewardship.” That means that we take care of someone else’s stuff. My classic example is Joseph in the Old Testament. As a slave, he was responsible for the household of Mr. Potiphar (Ge 39:1-6). He was not the owner of anything, but just the overseer of everything.
But it is not simply stewardship. It is Christian stewardship—looking after our possessions as followers of Christ. Our God is at the center. That is because …
We Have a God of “All”
1. Who gives all to us (8)
2. Who gives all through us (8-11)
1. Who gives all to us (8)
We get the concept of gifts because we get them. Some occasions might be for birthdays or Christmas. James reminds us: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights” (Ja 1:17). Paul makes that point too. We have a God of “all” who gives all to us.
This section of Scripture is taken from a lengthy conversation that Paul has about an offering that the Corinthians were collecting—along with others in the area. It was to help their fellow believers in Jerusalem who were in dire need. Those in Corinth had committed to take part and Paul was encouraging them to complete it so that the donation could be delivered soon (2 Co 8:12).
The apostle is emphatic as he takes up the topic of cheerful giving—not reluctantly or under compulsion (2 Co 9:7). It should not make one sad, but glad. And not a “want to,” but a “get to.”—joyous and generous.
So he calls their attention to God. “God is able” (2 Co 9:8). Ability and capability—God has it. There is no limit. “God is able to make all grace abound to you” (2 Co 9:8). [That is “all” number one if you are counting.] It is not material goods, but divine blessing—grace, undeserved kindness. That would overflow to them. I think of a certain individual when it comes to a $.79 icee from a certain convenience store/gas station. He takes the 24-ounce cup and puts the cover on. Then he pulls the handle and lets the blue raspberry sugary concoction pour in. There is even a shake to have it settle and a squirt or two more. It is not a bit, but a bunch. That is God’s grace given to us. God provides all grace superabundantly.
The Father sent his Son into the world because he loved us (Jn 3:16). Through Jesus, he no longer counts our sins against us (2 Co 5:19). He doesn’t just give spiritual life, but physical life—richly and daily preserving us with what we need (cf. Explanation to the First Article and The Fourth Petition). That is abundant grace.
Jesus, though he was rich, became poor so that we might be eternally rich (2 Co 8:9). He died for all and was raised again (2 Co 4:14,15). We are now right with God (2 Co 5:21). That is abundant grace.
The Holy Spirit has brought us to faith and builds up that faith. He is a deposit, or a down payment, in our hearts, guaranteeing that more blessings will come (2 Co 2:22). That is abundant grace.
God’s grace is not in short supply. We have a God of “all” who gives all to us so that we are blessed.
2. Who gives all through us (8-11)
We get the idea of gifts because we give them. The events might be like weddings or Easter. Jesus relays to us that fathers know how to give the good gifts to their children like bread and fish (Mt 7:9,10). They are not the only ones. Us too. We have a God of “all” who gives all through us.
There is a result, or purpose, behind God’s grace that is more than enough. “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Co 9:8). [There it is—“all” 5x in one verse. That is not just trivia. By the way, the 5th “all” comes through in translation as “every.”] “All things, all times, all needed, every good work.” God is a God of “all.” The recourses are more than adequate when it comes to giving our moments to one another as well as our money for one another.
Jesus certainly demonstrated that on a hillside in northern Galilee. The situation seemed impossible—food for 5000+. There was no Roberts Street where there is a restaurant every few feet. There was no pizza delivery in 30 minutes or its free. You hear the hopelessness in two of the disciples.
Philip weighed in: “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” (Jn 6:7). His arithmetic was appropriate.
Andrew chimed in: “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” (Jn 6:9). His assessment was accurate.
But they didn’t take into account Jesus’ almighty power. When all was said and done, everyone had enough to eat—not just a nibble (Jn 6:12). And there were 12 basketfuls left over—more, much more than with what they started (Jn 6:13). God is able.
And so a Christian can teem with anything that fits into the category of a “good work”—whatever is useful and beneficial (2 Co 9:8). We don’t have to hesitate to give whatever, fearing that we come up short or come up behind. God is able to furnish more. That unnamed man’s gift to Elisha and the school of the prophets is living proof (2 Kings 4:42-44). Twenty loaves of barley bread miraculously fed 100 men. They even had extra to put in Ziploc baggies if they wanted.
There is no reason for us to be hesitant. Paul supports that from the Psalms (Ps 112:9). “As it is written: ‘He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever’” (2 Co 9:9). That brings to mind a farmer who chucks seeds all over—sowing plentifully, handfuls here and there, to reap plentifully, heapings of this and that (2 Co 9:6). The one who is right with God will live right for God. We just imitate God’s liberality.
Paul turns it back to God. “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness” (2 Co 9:10). God is the source. The reality that there was seed implies there was a previous harvest. And now there is grain for bread. That will continue to be the case.
If we transfer the imagery, Paul is reinforcing that we receive the means to be cheerful givers from God. In gratitude, we give and give. And God will cause our attitude and our ability and our availability to grow. We sing with psalmist because we are sure: “O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you” (Ps 84:12).
And so Paul continues: “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion” (2 Co 9:11). [That brings the grand total of “alls” to 7. Again, it comes in the form of 2 “everys.” English is a bit more flexible than Greek, employing two words instead of one.] They will have a singlemindedness of being big-hearted and open-handed, no ulterior motives or hidden agendas.
The result of this will be—for them and us: “through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God” (2 Co 9:11). It will bring about gratefulness to God.
The givers are thankful to God. That is why we give.
The receivers will be thankful to God for the gifts. Others will join us in giving thanks—to God and for us.
We have a God of “all” who gives all through us so that others are blessed.
I don’t discount the truth that the Lord God called the world into existence. The Bible declares it to be true. He is God of all. But that includes the word “all.” We have a God of “all” who gives all to us. He has been generous to us. We have a God of “all” who gives all through us. We can be generous to others. Thanks be to God. Amen.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you (1 Co 16:23). Amen.
July 29, 2018
St. John Lutheran Church Sermons
Sunday, July 29, 2018
Monday, July 23, 2018
The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost (Mark 6:30-34)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Eph 1:2). Amen.
Generally speaking, summertime is vacation time. That may be the case for you. You have already gone or are going soon. (But time is short. Have you noticed them? There are now “back to school” sales going on. [I know that I probably just made someone’s day.]) And even if you can’t sneak away in the near future, you can come up with a dream destination.
It is important. Jesus knows that too. So he extends an invitation: Come, get some rest physically and spiritually. We read from …
Mark 6:30-34
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, who gives and grants real rest,
“So where do you want to go?” That is usually the initial question that begins a conversation—especially if you don’t have a cabin where you can mow lawn and feed mosquitoes.
If you are at a loss, you can spot a commercial on TV or search the web on google as far as suggestions. They typically give places where or reasons why—30 must-see locations in this state or that one or 20 things to do in this city or that one. Depending on your personal preference, it might range from a national park to a ballpark to a water park to an amusement park. It changes is you want to be around people or away from them. Or in the mountains or along the ocean. No matter what it is, it is a break from the routine.
But while tourism departments are concerned about your money, Jesus cares about your mentality. And it is not a recommendation, but a reality.
Come, Get Some Rest
1. Physically (30-32)
2. Spiritually (33,34)
1. Physically (30-33)
“How are you?” That is a common inquiry—at the supper table or the church entryway. The reply most often has to do with our bodies. It can be lethargic from being sleep-deprived to energetic from being sleep-blessed (I made that word up.). Wherever you find yourself on that scale, come, get some rest—physically.
That is one thing that Jesus had in mind for his disciples. They had trailed him for a while. As part of their training, he had recently sent them out in pairs (Mk 6:7). (That is what “apostle” means: “one sent out—for a specific purpose and with definite authority.”) He dispatched them to preach repentance from village to village—a change of mind, turning from their sin and turning to their Savior (Mk 6:12). They could take what they had learned from him and get some practical experience without him.
But that was over. Was it because it was predetermined—a certain time frame when they were to return? In the olden days before cell phones, when we went shopping at the mall, my parents would set a meeting site and an exact time for my brothers and sisters to report back—“the food court at 5:00.” Then we would break the huddle and scatter. Or did the recent news of John the Baptist’s untimely death—beheaded by Herod for speaking against his unlawful marriage—bring them scurrying back (Mk 6:14-29)? It makes no difference. Mark simply relays: “The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught” (Mk 6:30). It was better than those quarterly or yearly statements about your stocks that come in the mail from companies, full of column after column of numbers (not interesting reading for most). As much as they performed or proclaimed—from acceptance to rejection (Mk 6:10,11). How eagerly and patiently Jesus must have listened.
It was significant work, but strenuous too. And the press of the crowd was infringing on their narratives like when you keep getting texts when you are trying to talk to someone. (You don’t necessarily have to look at them or respond to them.) “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest’” (Mk 6:31). The weary workers need some downtime to be refreshed from their traveling tour—even if it wasn’t at a 5-star bed and breakfast or all-inclusive resort. “So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place” (Mk 6:32). Rest followed work. It was rest with him after work for him.
We have been there a time or two—possibly right now. Busy. It affects any and every age group—young and old, all year around. We are constantly on the go. And you are aware of the result: tired (with a smidgen of cranky mixed in for good measure).
It is worth acknowledging. Work is not punishment for us, but a purpose for us. Work is a gift of God going all the way back to the Garden of Eden (CW p. 32). It is a way for Adam and Eve to worship God and give him glory (1 Co 10:31). It still is for us. It wasn’t until sin came into the world that it brought frustration or irritation to the process. By providing us with abilities and opportunities to work in different roles, we take care of our various responsibilities. There is high value and dignity in hard work.
But it was not the Lord’s intention that we work around the clock all year long—driving ourselves so hard that we deprive ourselves so often. There is also the good of rest—ranging from an afternoon nap to a night’s sleep to a week of vacation or an afternoon of recreation (CW p. 32). That is evident in one of the aims of the Sabbath Day in the Old Testament—in part, a day of rest for the body (Ex 20:8-11). Time off and time away allows us to recuperate and rejuvenate.
Either extreme is the issue—to work too much or too little. There has to be a balance—not lounging around and laying around all day. Work follows rest. Work for him is after rest with him. The disciples would soon be back at it serving as waiters and busboys to 5000+ people, handing out food from a boy’s lunchbox—5 loaves of bread and 2 fish—and cleaning up 12 basketfuls of leftovers. We work faithfully and rest appropriately. Jesus is aware of that. Come, get some rest physically so that we can serve our Savior and each other.
2. Spiritually (33,34)
So “how are you?” The response can also include our souls. No matter where you are from exhausted to animated (coffee and caffeine might have a part in that), come, get some rest spiritually.
Jesus and company were able to sneak a bit of time together (Jn 6:3). But not for long. “But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them” (Mk 6:33). It was like paparazzi chasing a celebrity. It may not have been really respectful like calling someone in the middle of the night, but they took advantage of the opportunity to be with Jesus—some, no doubt, for the miracles, others for the message.
It was a conscious choice on their part. We have many options in a day and on Sunday. It is not rest away from Jesus, but rest together with Jesus. We don’t want to take a holiday from him, but with him. We can include worship during time away.
Jesus did not view the throng of people as a nasty interruption of his free time. He did not send them away, but he sat them down. There was an intense need in them. “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd” (Mk 6:34). His heart ached for them. The comparison is familiar. Sheep cannot survive without someone watching over them—guiding and guarding them. They cannot find food for themselves. They cannot fight predators by themselves. They will end up dead.
Things had not changed that much from Jeremiah’s day. Those in charge were not leading and feeding God’s people. So God took matters into his own hands: “‘I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,’ declares the LORD” (Je 23:4). Ultimately he pledged a “righteous Branch” from David’s family (Je 23:5). That is a prophecy about Jesus.
Here Jesus healed their sick. He helped their souls. “So he began teaching them many things” (Mk 6:34). His instruction more than likely included who he was—the Messiah—and why he came—to save. He had come to lay down his life and take it up again (Jn 10:17).
And that is what he did. With David, a shepherd himself, we can declare: “The LORD is my shepherd” (Ps 23:1). And as such, he summons us to come to him for rest—rest for our weary and burdened souls (Mt 11:28). He takes the weight of the guilt and replaces it with his righteousness. He lives up to his name: “The LORD Our Righteousness” (Je 23:6). Through him, we are right with God—holy. He restores our souls as he makes us lie down in green pastures and beside the quiet waters of his Word (Ps 23:2). Or as the apostle Paul pointed out about Jesus: “He himself is our peace” (Eph 2:14). And changing the picture from an open field to a solid structure: “You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone” (Eph 2:19,20).
The rest isn’t just on earth, but for eternity where nothing will disrupt or disturb it. We can be confident: “I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Ps 23:6). Come, get some rest spiritually. And it will not end.
We maybe fit into two categories—looking back on or looking ahead to vacation. In summer more so than any other time of the year. It is vital for us to rest. Jesus is aware of that. So he doesn’t just suggest rest; he supplies it. Come, get some rest—physically and spiritually. Both come from him whether it is a breather from work or the forgiveness of sins. Rest easy—now and always. Amen.
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love (Eph 6:24). Amen.
July 22, 2018
Generally speaking, summertime is vacation time. That may be the case for you. You have already gone or are going soon. (But time is short. Have you noticed them? There are now “back to school” sales going on. [I know that I probably just made someone’s day.]) And even if you can’t sneak away in the near future, you can come up with a dream destination.
It is important. Jesus knows that too. So he extends an invitation: Come, get some rest physically and spiritually. We read from …
Mark 6:30-34
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, who gives and grants real rest,
“So where do you want to go?” That is usually the initial question that begins a conversation—especially if you don’t have a cabin where you can mow lawn and feed mosquitoes.
If you are at a loss, you can spot a commercial on TV or search the web on google as far as suggestions. They typically give places where or reasons why—30 must-see locations in this state or that one or 20 things to do in this city or that one. Depending on your personal preference, it might range from a national park to a ballpark to a water park to an amusement park. It changes is you want to be around people or away from them. Or in the mountains or along the ocean. No matter what it is, it is a break from the routine.
But while tourism departments are concerned about your money, Jesus cares about your mentality. And it is not a recommendation, but a reality.
Come, Get Some Rest
1. Physically (30-32)
2. Spiritually (33,34)
1. Physically (30-33)
“How are you?” That is a common inquiry—at the supper table or the church entryway. The reply most often has to do with our bodies. It can be lethargic from being sleep-deprived to energetic from being sleep-blessed (I made that word up.). Wherever you find yourself on that scale, come, get some rest—physically.
That is one thing that Jesus had in mind for his disciples. They had trailed him for a while. As part of their training, he had recently sent them out in pairs (Mk 6:7). (That is what “apostle” means: “one sent out—for a specific purpose and with definite authority.”) He dispatched them to preach repentance from village to village—a change of mind, turning from their sin and turning to their Savior (Mk 6:12). They could take what they had learned from him and get some practical experience without him.
But that was over. Was it because it was predetermined—a certain time frame when they were to return? In the olden days before cell phones, when we went shopping at the mall, my parents would set a meeting site and an exact time for my brothers and sisters to report back—“the food court at 5:00.” Then we would break the huddle and scatter. Or did the recent news of John the Baptist’s untimely death—beheaded by Herod for speaking against his unlawful marriage—bring them scurrying back (Mk 6:14-29)? It makes no difference. Mark simply relays: “The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught” (Mk 6:30). It was better than those quarterly or yearly statements about your stocks that come in the mail from companies, full of column after column of numbers (not interesting reading for most). As much as they performed or proclaimed—from acceptance to rejection (Mk 6:10,11). How eagerly and patiently Jesus must have listened.
It was significant work, but strenuous too. And the press of the crowd was infringing on their narratives like when you keep getting texts when you are trying to talk to someone. (You don’t necessarily have to look at them or respond to them.) “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest’” (Mk 6:31). The weary workers need some downtime to be refreshed from their traveling tour—even if it wasn’t at a 5-star bed and breakfast or all-inclusive resort. “So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place” (Mk 6:32). Rest followed work. It was rest with him after work for him.
We have been there a time or two—possibly right now. Busy. It affects any and every age group—young and old, all year around. We are constantly on the go. And you are aware of the result: tired (with a smidgen of cranky mixed in for good measure).
It is worth acknowledging. Work is not punishment for us, but a purpose for us. Work is a gift of God going all the way back to the Garden of Eden (CW p. 32). It is a way for Adam and Eve to worship God and give him glory (1 Co 10:31). It still is for us. It wasn’t until sin came into the world that it brought frustration or irritation to the process. By providing us with abilities and opportunities to work in different roles, we take care of our various responsibilities. There is high value and dignity in hard work.
But it was not the Lord’s intention that we work around the clock all year long—driving ourselves so hard that we deprive ourselves so often. There is also the good of rest—ranging from an afternoon nap to a night’s sleep to a week of vacation or an afternoon of recreation (CW p. 32). That is evident in one of the aims of the Sabbath Day in the Old Testament—in part, a day of rest for the body (Ex 20:8-11). Time off and time away allows us to recuperate and rejuvenate.
Either extreme is the issue—to work too much or too little. There has to be a balance—not lounging around and laying around all day. Work follows rest. Work for him is after rest with him. The disciples would soon be back at it serving as waiters and busboys to 5000+ people, handing out food from a boy’s lunchbox—5 loaves of bread and 2 fish—and cleaning up 12 basketfuls of leftovers. We work faithfully and rest appropriately. Jesus is aware of that. Come, get some rest physically so that we can serve our Savior and each other.
2. Spiritually (33,34)
So “how are you?” The response can also include our souls. No matter where you are from exhausted to animated (coffee and caffeine might have a part in that), come, get some rest spiritually.
Jesus and company were able to sneak a bit of time together (Jn 6:3). But not for long. “But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them” (Mk 6:33). It was like paparazzi chasing a celebrity. It may not have been really respectful like calling someone in the middle of the night, but they took advantage of the opportunity to be with Jesus—some, no doubt, for the miracles, others for the message.
It was a conscious choice on their part. We have many options in a day and on Sunday. It is not rest away from Jesus, but rest together with Jesus. We don’t want to take a holiday from him, but with him. We can include worship during time away.
Jesus did not view the throng of people as a nasty interruption of his free time. He did not send them away, but he sat them down. There was an intense need in them. “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd” (Mk 6:34). His heart ached for them. The comparison is familiar. Sheep cannot survive without someone watching over them—guiding and guarding them. They cannot find food for themselves. They cannot fight predators by themselves. They will end up dead.
Things had not changed that much from Jeremiah’s day. Those in charge were not leading and feeding God’s people. So God took matters into his own hands: “‘I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,’ declares the LORD” (Je 23:4). Ultimately he pledged a “righteous Branch” from David’s family (Je 23:5). That is a prophecy about Jesus.
Here Jesus healed their sick. He helped their souls. “So he began teaching them many things” (Mk 6:34). His instruction more than likely included who he was—the Messiah—and why he came—to save. He had come to lay down his life and take it up again (Jn 10:17).
And that is what he did. With David, a shepherd himself, we can declare: “The LORD is my shepherd” (Ps 23:1). And as such, he summons us to come to him for rest—rest for our weary and burdened souls (Mt 11:28). He takes the weight of the guilt and replaces it with his righteousness. He lives up to his name: “The LORD Our Righteousness” (Je 23:6). Through him, we are right with God—holy. He restores our souls as he makes us lie down in green pastures and beside the quiet waters of his Word (Ps 23:2). Or as the apostle Paul pointed out about Jesus: “He himself is our peace” (Eph 2:14). And changing the picture from an open field to a solid structure: “You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone” (Eph 2:19,20).
The rest isn’t just on earth, but for eternity where nothing will disrupt or disturb it. We can be confident: “I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Ps 23:6). Come, get some rest spiritually. And it will not end.
We maybe fit into two categories—looking back on or looking ahead to vacation. In summer more so than any other time of the year. It is vital for us to rest. Jesus is aware of that. So he doesn’t just suggest rest; he supplies it. Come, get some rest—physically and spiritually. Both come from him whether it is a breather from work or the forgiveness of sins. Rest easy—now and always. Amen.
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love (Eph 6:24). Amen.
July 22, 2018
Monday, July 16, 2018
The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (Ephesians 1:3-14)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Eph 1:2). Amen.
There are some things you can scan quickly—like a postcard mailed from a boy at camp, others you have to scour slowly—like a textbook printed by a scholar about physics.
Why? You want to make sure that you don’t miss anything.
It is not hard to get a scribbled note: “You wish you were here.” You can glance at that casually and go on.
It is not so simple to grasp a complicated formula: E=mc2. (In case you forgot: “Energy equals mass times the speed of light squared.” Thanks, Mr. Einstein.) You have to pour over that carefully and go over it again.
It is just a paragraph from the apostle Paul which stretches from eternity to eternity—something God planned and performed. It is not necessarily light reading. But it is very comforting reading. We join him in this thought. Praise God for his glorious grace. You are selected by the Father, saved through the Son, and sealed with the Spirit. We read from …
Ephesians 1:3-14
Dear People of our Glorious God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
A doxology is a hymn of praise. Paul is no stranger to them when it comes to God. In his letters, he breaks out in song in the middle of them (Ro 11:33-36). He busts out at the end of them (Php 4:20). It is the same at the start of them like the section before us.
He couldn’t help singing God’s praise. No matter when or where. Even from prison in Rome when he writes to the Christians gathered in the city of Ephesus (Acts 25:11; 28:30 [along with the letters of Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon]).
It is relatively brief, but really beautiful. We don’t want to overlook the meaning, but look over the message. And when we do, Paul’s encouragement is easy (Eph 1:6,12,14).
Praise God for his Glorious Grace
1. You are selected by the Father (3-6)
2. You are saved through the Son (7-13)
3. You are sealed with the Spirit (13,14)
1. You are selected by the Father (3-6)
This morning we confessed: “I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty” (CW p. 31). The Father is the first person of the Trinity. Paul has us think about that. Praise God for his glorious grace. You are selected by the Father.
God certainly is worthy of words which call him good: “Praise be to [or “blessed be”] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph 1:3). Why? “Who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Eph 1:3). There is nothing missing or lacking—whatever fits into the category of a blessing—every sort of and every kind of. That all comes from heaven and culminates in heaven (Ja 1:17). And all through Christ. Without him we have nothing. With him we have everything. And we do. (More on that, or better—more on him in a minute.)
Consider what the Father has done: “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight” (Eph 1:4). Let that sink in. He picked us. And it wasn’t a notion that he threw together at the last moment—on a wish or a whim. Before he laid the foundation of the universe. Long before we were even born. And it was not like Tuesday’s All-Star Game. Those representatives from the National League and the American League are the best of the best in baseball. (I didn’t even get one vote, if you are curious.) They have a high batting average or on-base percentage. They can hit home runs and field fly balls. No. It wasn’t who we would be or what we would do. But who Jesus was and what he would do. It is based entirely on the mercy of God and totally on the merits of Christ. Praise God for his glorious grace.
And there was a purpose behind it: “to be holy and blameless in his sight” (Eph 1:4). Not because we were holy and blameless—we weren’t, but to be …
“holy” (Eph 1:4)—free from sin and far from it. That makes us “saints” (Eph 1:2).
“blameless” (Eph 1:4)—without fault or blemish (Eph 5:27).
That is how we stand in front of him. Our conscience can make accusations. The devil can make allegations. But God elected us to be holy and blameless. Praise God for his glorious grace.
The Father acted in our best interest. He had to and did. “In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will” (Eph 1:4,5). Once outside of his family, now inside. God puts us there—sons and daughters with the full rights and privileges that come from the Father (Ga 3:26,27; 1 Jn 3:1). All because he wanted to, not forced to. It was exciting to him and executed by him. “To the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves” (Eph 1:6). Look around to see your spiritual siblings. The Father was well pleased with his Son (Mt 3:17). With us too. That undeserved kindness God gives to us. Praise God for his glorious grace. You are selected by the Father to be his own from eternity.
2. You are saved through the Son (7-13)
And then we continued: “I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God” (CW p. 31). The Son is the second person of the Trinity. Paul has us think through that. Praise God for his glorious grace. You are saved by the Christ.
Paul’s pen now points to the One who makes everything possible—our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph 1:3). “In him we have …” (Eph 1:7)
“redemption through his blood” (Eph 1:7). To “redeem” is to set free through the payment of a price. We might use the illustration of the ransom for the release of a prisoner of war. And it came at a high and heavy cost (1 Co 6:20)—not money from a bank, but blood from Jesus’ body (1 Pe 1:18,19). He suffered on the cross and died in our place. Praise God for his glorious grace.
“the forgiveness of sins” (Eph 1:7). That has the idea of sending off or sending away—like canceling a debt or an obligation. Gone. All the times that we have stepped to the side like a gymnast falling off the balance beam. But that didn’t result in a deduction, but damnation. “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Ps 103:12). Praise God for his glorious grace.
Speaking that Paul highlights that: “in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding” (Eph 1:7,8). There is not just a bit of grace—like the drip of a leaky faucet splashing in the sink, but a bunch of it—like cold water running over the sides of a glass. We wouldn’t complain about that on a hot and humid day. But not an advisory about the heat, but the admittance into heaven. God knew what had to be done and acted on that. We have that knowledge and appreciation.
But we would have never come up with any of this. Again, God took care of that. “And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ” (Eph 1:9). It is not as if we could sniff out some clues to figure it out. A “mystery” is something that God has to reveal to us like when someone hands you a present. You have to open it to know what is inside. God explains that his desire is to save us in Christ. And he has. Praise God for his glorious grace.
And God has a goal—“to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ” (Eph 1:10). Jesus is above all and over all. At the right moment, he came into the world to take care of our sin and shame (Ga 4:4). And again, this wasn’t a haphazard happenstance—nothing accidental: “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory” (Eph 1:11,12). Everything occurs just as God had determined—from the promise to Adam and Eve of a Savior for them to the guarantee to Abraham of a Savior from him. And God is faithful. He carried it out. Jesus finished it (Jn 19:30). Praise God for his glorious grace.
And not just for Jews, but for Gentiles. For us too. “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation” (Eph 1:13). We are in Christ. We see that in God’s true Word (Jn 17:17). That fact that he has saved us—rescued us from an impossible situation—is good news. It might be similar to the happy story that took place this week in Thailand. There was no way that the soccer coach and his 12 players were going to get out of that cave by themselves. The 17 days that they were trapped in that cave are proof of that. Plus the expert divers sent in after them. They needed someone to save them. And so did we. That is why the Lord sent his prophet Amos: “Go, prophesy to my people Israel” (Amos 7:15). And that is why Jesus sent the 12 “two by two” (Mk 6:7). It was so that the people would see their sin and their Savior (Mk 7:12). That is the responsibility of fathers to children, generation after generation. The upshot of that is: “Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands” (Ps 78:7). Praise God for his glorious grace. You are saved through the Son, Jesus Christ, to be his own to eternity.
3. You are sealed with the Spirit (13,14)
And finally we concluded: “I believe in the Holy Spirit” (CW p. 31). The Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. Paul has us think over that. Praise God for his glorious grace. You are sealed by the Spirit.
It was the Holy Spirit who created faith in our hearts by calling us to faith with the Word. That gives us a present blessing: “Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit” (Eph 1:13). In Paul’s day, a letter would be rolled up and closed with wax. A person would push a ring on the hot material signifying that the contents were genuine. But a seal also was an indicator of ownership. We belong to God. The Holy Spirit comes and makes that clear (Acts 2:33; 2 Co 1:21,22). He does it as he dwells in our hearts.
But there is more—a future blessing. “[The Holy Spirit] is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory” (Eph 1:14). That is a technical term like our down payment. When you purchase a new/used black vehicle, you hand over a certain amount and pledge that the rest will follow—every month for 72 of them, for example. By granting the Holy Spirit, more is on the way. That is when Jesus will come again to take us to his side in heaven (Lk 21:28). That is when we will receive our full inheritance (Mt 25:34). Praise God for his glorious grace. You are sealed by the Spirit to be his own for eternity.
I am not sure of the rule of thumb for how many times you read a postcard or textbook before it makes its way into the recycle bin. More than one time. Is that fair? It is with Paul’s introduction to the Ephesians. And when we do it leads us to praise him. Praise God for his glorious grace. You were selected by the Father, saved through the Son, and sealed with the Spirit. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love (Eph 6:24). Amen.
July 15, 2018
There are some things you can scan quickly—like a postcard mailed from a boy at camp, others you have to scour slowly—like a textbook printed by a scholar about physics.
Why? You want to make sure that you don’t miss anything.
It is not hard to get a scribbled note: “You wish you were here.” You can glance at that casually and go on.
It is not so simple to grasp a complicated formula: E=mc2. (In case you forgot: “Energy equals mass times the speed of light squared.” Thanks, Mr. Einstein.) You have to pour over that carefully and go over it again.
It is just a paragraph from the apostle Paul which stretches from eternity to eternity—something God planned and performed. It is not necessarily light reading. But it is very comforting reading. We join him in this thought. Praise God for his glorious grace. You are selected by the Father, saved through the Son, and sealed with the Spirit. We read from …
Ephesians 1:3-14
Dear People of our Glorious God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
A doxology is a hymn of praise. Paul is no stranger to them when it comes to God. In his letters, he breaks out in song in the middle of them (Ro 11:33-36). He busts out at the end of them (Php 4:20). It is the same at the start of them like the section before us.
He couldn’t help singing God’s praise. No matter when or where. Even from prison in Rome when he writes to the Christians gathered in the city of Ephesus (Acts 25:11; 28:30 [along with the letters of Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon]).
It is relatively brief, but really beautiful. We don’t want to overlook the meaning, but look over the message. And when we do, Paul’s encouragement is easy (Eph 1:6,12,14).
Praise God for his Glorious Grace
1. You are selected by the Father (3-6)
2. You are saved through the Son (7-13)
3. You are sealed with the Spirit (13,14)
1. You are selected by the Father (3-6)
This morning we confessed: “I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty” (CW p. 31). The Father is the first person of the Trinity. Paul has us think about that. Praise God for his glorious grace. You are selected by the Father.
God certainly is worthy of words which call him good: “Praise be to [or “blessed be”] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph 1:3). Why? “Who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Eph 1:3). There is nothing missing or lacking—whatever fits into the category of a blessing—every sort of and every kind of. That all comes from heaven and culminates in heaven (Ja 1:17). And all through Christ. Without him we have nothing. With him we have everything. And we do. (More on that, or better—more on him in a minute.)
Consider what the Father has done: “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight” (Eph 1:4). Let that sink in. He picked us. And it wasn’t a notion that he threw together at the last moment—on a wish or a whim. Before he laid the foundation of the universe. Long before we were even born. And it was not like Tuesday’s All-Star Game. Those representatives from the National League and the American League are the best of the best in baseball. (I didn’t even get one vote, if you are curious.) They have a high batting average or on-base percentage. They can hit home runs and field fly balls. No. It wasn’t who we would be or what we would do. But who Jesus was and what he would do. It is based entirely on the mercy of God and totally on the merits of Christ. Praise God for his glorious grace.
And there was a purpose behind it: “to be holy and blameless in his sight” (Eph 1:4). Not because we were holy and blameless—we weren’t, but to be …
“holy” (Eph 1:4)—free from sin and far from it. That makes us “saints” (Eph 1:2).
“blameless” (Eph 1:4)—without fault or blemish (Eph 5:27).
That is how we stand in front of him. Our conscience can make accusations. The devil can make allegations. But God elected us to be holy and blameless. Praise God for his glorious grace.
The Father acted in our best interest. He had to and did. “In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will” (Eph 1:4,5). Once outside of his family, now inside. God puts us there—sons and daughters with the full rights and privileges that come from the Father (Ga 3:26,27; 1 Jn 3:1). All because he wanted to, not forced to. It was exciting to him and executed by him. “To the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves” (Eph 1:6). Look around to see your spiritual siblings. The Father was well pleased with his Son (Mt 3:17). With us too. That undeserved kindness God gives to us. Praise God for his glorious grace. You are selected by the Father to be his own from eternity.
2. You are saved through the Son (7-13)
And then we continued: “I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God” (CW p. 31). The Son is the second person of the Trinity. Paul has us think through that. Praise God for his glorious grace. You are saved by the Christ.
Paul’s pen now points to the One who makes everything possible—our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph 1:3). “In him we have …” (Eph 1:7)
“redemption through his blood” (Eph 1:7). To “redeem” is to set free through the payment of a price. We might use the illustration of the ransom for the release of a prisoner of war. And it came at a high and heavy cost (1 Co 6:20)—not money from a bank, but blood from Jesus’ body (1 Pe 1:18,19). He suffered on the cross and died in our place. Praise God for his glorious grace.
“the forgiveness of sins” (Eph 1:7). That has the idea of sending off or sending away—like canceling a debt or an obligation. Gone. All the times that we have stepped to the side like a gymnast falling off the balance beam. But that didn’t result in a deduction, but damnation. “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Ps 103:12). Praise God for his glorious grace.
Speaking that Paul highlights that: “in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding” (Eph 1:7,8). There is not just a bit of grace—like the drip of a leaky faucet splashing in the sink, but a bunch of it—like cold water running over the sides of a glass. We wouldn’t complain about that on a hot and humid day. But not an advisory about the heat, but the admittance into heaven. God knew what had to be done and acted on that. We have that knowledge and appreciation.
But we would have never come up with any of this. Again, God took care of that. “And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ” (Eph 1:9). It is not as if we could sniff out some clues to figure it out. A “mystery” is something that God has to reveal to us like when someone hands you a present. You have to open it to know what is inside. God explains that his desire is to save us in Christ. And he has. Praise God for his glorious grace.
And God has a goal—“to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ” (Eph 1:10). Jesus is above all and over all. At the right moment, he came into the world to take care of our sin and shame (Ga 4:4). And again, this wasn’t a haphazard happenstance—nothing accidental: “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory” (Eph 1:11,12). Everything occurs just as God had determined—from the promise to Adam and Eve of a Savior for them to the guarantee to Abraham of a Savior from him. And God is faithful. He carried it out. Jesus finished it (Jn 19:30). Praise God for his glorious grace.
And not just for Jews, but for Gentiles. For us too. “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation” (Eph 1:13). We are in Christ. We see that in God’s true Word (Jn 17:17). That fact that he has saved us—rescued us from an impossible situation—is good news. It might be similar to the happy story that took place this week in Thailand. There was no way that the soccer coach and his 12 players were going to get out of that cave by themselves. The 17 days that they were trapped in that cave are proof of that. Plus the expert divers sent in after them. They needed someone to save them. And so did we. That is why the Lord sent his prophet Amos: “Go, prophesy to my people Israel” (Amos 7:15). And that is why Jesus sent the 12 “two by two” (Mk 6:7). It was so that the people would see their sin and their Savior (Mk 7:12). That is the responsibility of fathers to children, generation after generation. The upshot of that is: “Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands” (Ps 78:7). Praise God for his glorious grace. You are saved through the Son, Jesus Christ, to be his own to eternity.
3. You are sealed with the Spirit (13,14)
And finally we concluded: “I believe in the Holy Spirit” (CW p. 31). The Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. Paul has us think over that. Praise God for his glorious grace. You are sealed by the Spirit.
It was the Holy Spirit who created faith in our hearts by calling us to faith with the Word. That gives us a present blessing: “Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit” (Eph 1:13). In Paul’s day, a letter would be rolled up and closed with wax. A person would push a ring on the hot material signifying that the contents were genuine. But a seal also was an indicator of ownership. We belong to God. The Holy Spirit comes and makes that clear (Acts 2:33; 2 Co 1:21,22). He does it as he dwells in our hearts.
But there is more—a future blessing. “[The Holy Spirit] is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory” (Eph 1:14). That is a technical term like our down payment. When you purchase a new/used black vehicle, you hand over a certain amount and pledge that the rest will follow—every month for 72 of them, for example. By granting the Holy Spirit, more is on the way. That is when Jesus will come again to take us to his side in heaven (Lk 21:28). That is when we will receive our full inheritance (Mt 25:34). Praise God for his glorious grace. You are sealed by the Spirit to be his own for eternity.
I am not sure of the rule of thumb for how many times you read a postcard or textbook before it makes its way into the recycle bin. More than one time. Is that fair? It is with Paul’s introduction to the Ephesians. And when we do it leads us to praise him. Praise God for his glorious grace. You were selected by the Father, saved through the Son, and sealed with the Spirit. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love (Eph 6:24). Amen.
July 15, 2018
Monday, July 9, 2018
The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (Ezekiel 2:1-5)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Co 1:2). Amen.
Both words are important and instructive—“public ministry.”
The adjective—public: It is in the sense of “on behalf of” and “in the name of.”
The noun—ministry: It signifies service.
That describes those who go out from God and for God—a service on behalf of and in the name of a group of individuals. It is not on their own or by themselves. There is a call. And God is behind the message and the messenger.
We celebrate it with pastors, for example. And we see it with prophets—like Ezekiel. The Sovereign Lord sends his spokesmen—speaking to them and speaking through them. We read from …
Ezekiel 2:1-5
Dear People of God who proclaims his Word through his workers,
There are plenty of prophets in the Bible—both in the Old Testament and the New (He 1:1). You don’t have to think very hard to come up with a name or two. Often the book bears their name—Jeremiah or Daniel, Joel or Obadiah. There are others too like Elijah and Elisha who were significant in Israel’s history.
But what is a prophet? We often think of someone who tells the future. But there is more to it. My definition is “one who speaks God’s Word to God’s people.” A spokesman. God calls them and communicates through them. It is his initiative and idea.
The Sovereign LORD Sends His Spokesmen
1. Speaking to them (1,2)
2. Speaking through them (3-5)
1. Speaking to them (1,2)
“Who said so?” That plays out all the time—between siblings and coworkers. It is not just what is said—“time to eat supper” or “time to get busy,” but who said it—a parent or a boss. If one is going to represent another correctly, he has to listen to him carefully so that the statement is clear. The Sovereign Lord sends his spokesmen—speaking to them.
That is what happened with Ezekiel. He had been in Babylon for a few years when the Lord came calling. That is because King Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed Jerusalem and deported many far from their homeland. But God had not forgotten them. He had something to convey to his people. That was the job of his prophet Ezekiel.
Before sending him, God speaks to him. And he appears in an impressive way—a marvelous vision. Ezekiel observed four living creatures. Each had four faces—the face of a man, lion, ox, and eagle. Above them in a vast expanse was a fiery-looking throne on which was seated “a figure like that of a man” (Eze 1:26). Ezekiel did what we would do—a face plant. (And not like when we fall off of our bike or trip on the sidewalk.) But his nose was on the ground before the glory of the Lord (Eze 1:28).
But that is not really conducive to conversing. You might contend the same: “Look at me when I am talking to you.” “He said to me, ‘Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you’” (Eze 2:1). The Lord addresses him that way frequently throughout the 48 chapters in our Bibles (93 times!). He is calling to mind the fact that Ezekiel is a man and he is God. That is obvious. But there is a big difference between Ezekiel’s sinful humanity and God’s striking holiness. But Ezekiel was to be attentive like a soldier snapping to attention before his superior—ready to receive his orders.
Ezekiel got some much-needed help. This was too important to miss. [Slide 10] “As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me” (Eze 2:2). It is interesting that the name “Ezekiel” means “God strengthens.” He was doing just that.
That is an important reminder for God’s spokesmen—both for the one who serves and the ones served. There is no room for pride in the ministry—in one’s wisdom or wit, smarts or savvy. No individual is the Savior. There is only One who is in that category—Jesus. A spokesman is feeble and frail. And he has to be fair. Like the author of a psalm, he asks: “If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?” (Ps 130:3). What if God did as good of a job as doctors do with their charts? And he answers—“who can stand?”: no one. Or as we chanted earlier: “Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you” (Ps 143:2). Again, no one.
But the Sovereign Lord stands his messengers on their feet and supports them with a message of the sending away of sin (Ps 130:4). First for them. It is not because of their charisma, but of God’s character. He is merciful. Every day. The psalmist also captured that thought: “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love” (Ps 143:8). It is morning. And those mercies are new every morning (La 3:22).
The spokesman of God goes forward with that—comforted and courageous. The apostle Paul highlighted that. Whatever his “thorn in [his] flesh” was (he is not specific), it was painful (2 Co 12:7). But it caused him to look to the Lord and lean on him. He heard God’s promise: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Co 12:9). So Paul could not keep silent: “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Co 12:10). The Sovereign Lord sends his spokesmen—prophets, Paul, pastors—speaking to them a word of pardon for them. They preach God’s grace to themselves first.
2. Speaking through them (3-5)
“Who said so?” Once a brother or colleague understands the authority behind the call to the dinner table or the concern about the work ethic, there might be a willingness to act. God endorses his prophets and then encourages them to go. The Sovereign Lord sends his spokesmen speaking through them.
Ezekiel’s efforts were not going to be easy. That is quite a way to begin. That would be like a coach starting his pregame speech with: “Tonight’s starting pitcher hasn’t given up a hit in 14 years, but let’s step in the batter’s box and swing away.” What? “Son of man [The second time that God labels him that.], I am sending you to the Israelites” (Eze 2:3). Ezekiel was going on an official mission and for an important purpose. But consider the audience:
“a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me” (Eze 2:3). There was ongoing resistance to God’s authority. This is not the stereotypical teenager who won’t obey because he knows better. Not only had they failed to keep the law, there was also the worship of other gods. So much for the covenant with God. That is why the Lord was disciplining them in their new home in a foreign country—a judgment on their sin.
“they and their fathers have been in revolt against me to this very day” (Eze 2:3). It was a generational problem—a learned behavior. They had broken the relationship with the Lord with open defiance. It is not just a matter of “why?,” but “why not.”
Do you think that Ezekiel was raising his hand for the assignment? “I am more than happy to sign up for that.” No one asks for the nasty chores around the house. (I will let you use your imagination.)
And then there is more (as if that wasn’t enough). Imagine pushing a standup comedian on stage with: “They are cranky and crabby. They have raw vegetables and ripe fruit with good arms and great aim.
“The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate” (Eze 2:4). Really, “hard of face.” They were shameless almost as if they stood with arms crossed.
“and stubborn” (Eze 2:4). Literally, “hard-hearted.” Like a rock, they weren’t going to change.
And yet God wanted them back. So he sent his spokesman—speaking through him. It had nothing to do with Ezekiel’s whims or wishes. “Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says’” (Eze 2:4). “So declares the One who is the Master of all who is serious about his threats as his guarantees.” He would mention their guilt before God but also the Messiah from God.
The reactions would be one of two—neither of which Ezekiel could control: “whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious house” (one more description of their disobedience) (Eze 2:5). They could open their ears in acceptance and recognition or close their hearts in reluctance and opposition. They might take note; they might not. That wasn’t Ezekiel’s business. But there was this reality: “They will know that a prophet has been among them” (Eze 2:5). They would have that personal experience without a probable excuse.
That is how it was in Nazareth when Jesus came to town, teaching in the synagogue. They couldn’t get past their familiarity with Jesus’ family. And the sad report: “And they took offense at him” (Mk 6:3). They stumbled into the deathtrap of unbelief with the notion, “It’s just Jesus. No big deal.” There were some who did believe in him and bring their sick to him. But in general, many, if not most, snubbed him.
The results are still the same: People can reject or refuse God’s spokesman because he has flaws or faults. They might not like what he asserts—whether it comes to the gift of marriage or the use of the tongue. But “This is what the Sovereign LORD says” (Eze 2:4). Or one can rejoice because God’s representative brings forgiveness and freedom. They might love what he affirms. “This is what the Sovereign LORD says” (Eze 2:4). Jesus’ empty cross cancels guilt and open tomb confirms life. God’s Word has that power and purpose to give life (Ro 1:16; Is 55:10,11). The Sovereign Lord sends his spokesmen—speaking through them second.
It was almost 7 years to the day that you called me to be your pastor. It was not directly from God, but directed by God. That has always been the case with prophets—known or unknown, from Amos to Agabus (Amos 7:15; Acts 11:28). They are mouthpieces—those who speak God’s Word to God’s people. The Sovereign Lord sends his spokesmen for public ministry—service on behalf of and in the name of a congregation. But as he dispatches, he does it speaking to his spokesman—cleansing him from sin. And then God speaks through his spokesman—calling to the Savior. Such a one hears for himself and is helpful for you. Together we turn to and trust in the Sovereign Lord. Amen.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Co 13:14). Amen.
July 8, 2018
Both words are important and instructive—“public ministry.”
The adjective—public: It is in the sense of “on behalf of” and “in the name of.”
The noun—ministry: It signifies service.
That describes those who go out from God and for God—a service on behalf of and in the name of a group of individuals. It is not on their own or by themselves. There is a call. And God is behind the message and the messenger.
We celebrate it with pastors, for example. And we see it with prophets—like Ezekiel. The Sovereign Lord sends his spokesmen—speaking to them and speaking through them. We read from …
Ezekiel 2:1-5
Dear People of God who proclaims his Word through his workers,
There are plenty of prophets in the Bible—both in the Old Testament and the New (He 1:1). You don’t have to think very hard to come up with a name or two. Often the book bears their name—Jeremiah or Daniel, Joel or Obadiah. There are others too like Elijah and Elisha who were significant in Israel’s history.
But what is a prophet? We often think of someone who tells the future. But there is more to it. My definition is “one who speaks God’s Word to God’s people.” A spokesman. God calls them and communicates through them. It is his initiative and idea.
The Sovereign LORD Sends His Spokesmen
1. Speaking to them (1,2)
2. Speaking through them (3-5)
1. Speaking to them (1,2)
“Who said so?” That plays out all the time—between siblings and coworkers. It is not just what is said—“time to eat supper” or “time to get busy,” but who said it—a parent or a boss. If one is going to represent another correctly, he has to listen to him carefully so that the statement is clear. The Sovereign Lord sends his spokesmen—speaking to them.
That is what happened with Ezekiel. He had been in Babylon for a few years when the Lord came calling. That is because King Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed Jerusalem and deported many far from their homeland. But God had not forgotten them. He had something to convey to his people. That was the job of his prophet Ezekiel.
Before sending him, God speaks to him. And he appears in an impressive way—a marvelous vision. Ezekiel observed four living creatures. Each had four faces—the face of a man, lion, ox, and eagle. Above them in a vast expanse was a fiery-looking throne on which was seated “a figure like that of a man” (Eze 1:26). Ezekiel did what we would do—a face plant. (And not like when we fall off of our bike or trip on the sidewalk.) But his nose was on the ground before the glory of the Lord (Eze 1:28).
But that is not really conducive to conversing. You might contend the same: “Look at me when I am talking to you.” “He said to me, ‘Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you’” (Eze 2:1). The Lord addresses him that way frequently throughout the 48 chapters in our Bibles (93 times!). He is calling to mind the fact that Ezekiel is a man and he is God. That is obvious. But there is a big difference between Ezekiel’s sinful humanity and God’s striking holiness. But Ezekiel was to be attentive like a soldier snapping to attention before his superior—ready to receive his orders.
Ezekiel got some much-needed help. This was too important to miss. [Slide 10] “As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me” (Eze 2:2). It is interesting that the name “Ezekiel” means “God strengthens.” He was doing just that.
That is an important reminder for God’s spokesmen—both for the one who serves and the ones served. There is no room for pride in the ministry—in one’s wisdom or wit, smarts or savvy. No individual is the Savior. There is only One who is in that category—Jesus. A spokesman is feeble and frail. And he has to be fair. Like the author of a psalm, he asks: “If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?” (Ps 130:3). What if God did as good of a job as doctors do with their charts? And he answers—“who can stand?”: no one. Or as we chanted earlier: “Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you” (Ps 143:2). Again, no one.
But the Sovereign Lord stands his messengers on their feet and supports them with a message of the sending away of sin (Ps 130:4). First for them. It is not because of their charisma, but of God’s character. He is merciful. Every day. The psalmist also captured that thought: “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love” (Ps 143:8). It is morning. And those mercies are new every morning (La 3:22).
The spokesman of God goes forward with that—comforted and courageous. The apostle Paul highlighted that. Whatever his “thorn in [his] flesh” was (he is not specific), it was painful (2 Co 12:7). But it caused him to look to the Lord and lean on him. He heard God’s promise: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Co 12:9). So Paul could not keep silent: “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Co 12:10). The Sovereign Lord sends his spokesmen—prophets, Paul, pastors—speaking to them a word of pardon for them. They preach God’s grace to themselves first.
2. Speaking through them (3-5)
“Who said so?” Once a brother or colleague understands the authority behind the call to the dinner table or the concern about the work ethic, there might be a willingness to act. God endorses his prophets and then encourages them to go. The Sovereign Lord sends his spokesmen speaking through them.
Ezekiel’s efforts were not going to be easy. That is quite a way to begin. That would be like a coach starting his pregame speech with: “Tonight’s starting pitcher hasn’t given up a hit in 14 years, but let’s step in the batter’s box and swing away.” What? “Son of man [The second time that God labels him that.], I am sending you to the Israelites” (Eze 2:3). Ezekiel was going on an official mission and for an important purpose. But consider the audience:
“a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me” (Eze 2:3). There was ongoing resistance to God’s authority. This is not the stereotypical teenager who won’t obey because he knows better. Not only had they failed to keep the law, there was also the worship of other gods. So much for the covenant with God. That is why the Lord was disciplining them in their new home in a foreign country—a judgment on their sin.
“they and their fathers have been in revolt against me to this very day” (Eze 2:3). It was a generational problem—a learned behavior. They had broken the relationship with the Lord with open defiance. It is not just a matter of “why?,” but “why not.”
Do you think that Ezekiel was raising his hand for the assignment? “I am more than happy to sign up for that.” No one asks for the nasty chores around the house. (I will let you use your imagination.)
And then there is more (as if that wasn’t enough). Imagine pushing a standup comedian on stage with: “They are cranky and crabby. They have raw vegetables and ripe fruit with good arms and great aim.
“The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate” (Eze 2:4). Really, “hard of face.” They were shameless almost as if they stood with arms crossed.
“and stubborn” (Eze 2:4). Literally, “hard-hearted.” Like a rock, they weren’t going to change.
And yet God wanted them back. So he sent his spokesman—speaking through him. It had nothing to do with Ezekiel’s whims or wishes. “Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says’” (Eze 2:4). “So declares the One who is the Master of all who is serious about his threats as his guarantees.” He would mention their guilt before God but also the Messiah from God.
The reactions would be one of two—neither of which Ezekiel could control: “whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious house” (one more description of their disobedience) (Eze 2:5). They could open their ears in acceptance and recognition or close their hearts in reluctance and opposition. They might take note; they might not. That wasn’t Ezekiel’s business. But there was this reality: “They will know that a prophet has been among them” (Eze 2:5). They would have that personal experience without a probable excuse.
That is how it was in Nazareth when Jesus came to town, teaching in the synagogue. They couldn’t get past their familiarity with Jesus’ family. And the sad report: “And they took offense at him” (Mk 6:3). They stumbled into the deathtrap of unbelief with the notion, “It’s just Jesus. No big deal.” There were some who did believe in him and bring their sick to him. But in general, many, if not most, snubbed him.
The results are still the same: People can reject or refuse God’s spokesman because he has flaws or faults. They might not like what he asserts—whether it comes to the gift of marriage or the use of the tongue. But “This is what the Sovereign LORD says” (Eze 2:4). Or one can rejoice because God’s representative brings forgiveness and freedom. They might love what he affirms. “This is what the Sovereign LORD says” (Eze 2:4). Jesus’ empty cross cancels guilt and open tomb confirms life. God’s Word has that power and purpose to give life (Ro 1:16; Is 55:10,11). The Sovereign Lord sends his spokesmen—speaking through them second.
It was almost 7 years to the day that you called me to be your pastor. It was not directly from God, but directed by God. That has always been the case with prophets—known or unknown, from Amos to Agabus (Amos 7:15; Acts 11:28). They are mouthpieces—those who speak God’s Word to God’s people. The Sovereign Lord sends his spokesmen for public ministry—service on behalf of and in the name of a congregation. But as he dispatches, he does it speaking to his spokesman—cleansing him from sin. And then God speaks through his spokesman—calling to the Savior. Such a one hears for himself and is helpful for you. Together we turn to and trust in the Sovereign Lord. Amen.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Co 13:14). Amen.
July 8, 2018
Monday, July 2, 2018
The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost (Lamentations 3:22-33)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Co 1:2). Amen.
Do you know of anyone who is actually good at waiting? It is an issue for any and every age group—from young to old. And it can be big things or little things. Or hard things or happy things.
There is the anticipation of an approaching doctor’s visit. (And even if you have the first appointment of the day, you still have to do your time in a separate room before seeing the physician. Good thing everyone has their mobile devices.) And afterward, you wait for the results of the biopsy.
There is the excitement of an upcoming baseball game. Why is every light red on the way there? Even the backseat driver calls attention to and makes mention of the crimson color.
There are lines at restaurants for favorite foods and there are empty tables. You are hungry. You want to dig in.
There are delays at checkouts when buying clothes and there are open registers. You are in a hurry. You want to dress up.
Waiting is not something that we like to do, but we have to do. It is hardly fun. It is often frustrating. Even if we start off with some patience, it turns into impatience. How much longer?
It is that way in life. It can be so with the Lord. But wait in confident hope because the Lord’s compassion is new every morning and because the Lord’s concern is near every moment. We read from …
Lamentations 3:22-33
Dear People of God whose heart is on us and whose help is for us,
Google doesn’t make you wait long. Type is a word or phrase in the box on your phone or computer with just about anything—song titles to sports figures—and there are hundreds of websites to consult and confer. In what? 2 or 3 seconds? And yet we say, “I hope that one might be of some assistance.” There is a bit of uncertainty.
And then there is God. There are those times when our immense expectation for instant gratification is tried and tested. We state, “I hope that God will do something.” And yet at times we are unsure.
We need to review how the Bible uses the word “hope.” There is not ever a hint of hesitation. It is not something doubtful, but definite. That is why we add an adjective as a reminder. It is almost redundant.
Wait in Confident Hope
1. Because the Lord’s compassion is new every morning (22-26)
2. Because the Lord’s concern is near every moment (27-33)
1. Because the Lord’s compassion is new every morning (22-26)
“Good morning” is a pretty simple greeting. We share it with those at home, at work, at church. But what do we mean? Is it a desire: “I would like you to have a good morning.”? Or is a declaration: “It is a good morning.”? It can be that second idea. Wait in confident hope because the Lord’s compassion is new every morning.
The golden age for Israel was gone. Thanks to Nebuchadnezzar and his army from Babylon. They had come down and carted off the best and the brightest. And in their wake, the destruction was staggering because the walls were broken down. The devastation was shocking because the temple was burnt down. It would similar if Washington D.C. was wiped from the map.
It is not surprising that the first words of the book are: “How deserted lies the city, once so full of people” (La 1:1). The survivors could tell of horrors that only soldiers who have seen combat could sympathize—from the carnage to the cruelty. All that was left was the charred ruins of a changed landscape. Why? They had refused the repeated warnings from God’s prophets to repent. Jerusalem had sinned greatly (La 1:8).
That context is critical. Because with that background, there is the bright spot. In the midst of the ruins and rubble in the middle of the book and brokenness, the author writes (probably Jeremiah—we will go with that assumption): “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail” (La 3:22). [That is the way it works with Hebrew poetry. The good stuff is in the center. I have compared it to a hamburger. The bun is nice, but the meat is the main thing. (By the way, medium well, too. You can have your pink. I like it cooked.) We are used to the important point placed at the end in English compositions.] In spite of the damage to the Holy City, there was still a holy God who is the Lord—changeless in his care and compassion, his forgiveness and firmness (Ex 3:14; 34:6,7). And so again …
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed” (La 3:22). He is full of mercy and is merciful—seeing what is needed and supplying what is necessary. And that never gets used up like gas in a car. No matter how many times we make the trip to Jesus’ cross, we walk away with all our guilt removed. It is all because of him and not us.
“for his compassions never fail” (La 3:22). The Lord’s bond with his people is closer than a mother and her child—or a father for that matter. His deep favor does not come to an end like a summer trip or a day off. Calmly and coolly we can contend, “I am a child of God.”
A short review of Israel’s past makes that point. God had chosen them out of all the nations on earth to be the cradle of the Savior. He rescued them out of the slavery of Egypt to keep that promise alive, the promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He had resettled them in Canaan after 40 years of wandering in the desert. And now. What about now? That great love and his compassions were still there. With those far away and those close by.
In fact, “They [the Lord’s mercies and compassions] are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (La 3:23). Every breath of air, every sip of water, every crust of bread, and every stitch of clothing were all evidences of that. (And we have so much more than that—full pantries and closets and garages!) All because the Lord is reliable and dependable. As they opened their eyes to another day, that was all there, still there.
As we begin a fresh day, that is all ours too. In place of complaints, we have the Lord’s compassion. He has not given up on us. Nor will he. Ever. Each one of us can join in: “I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him’” (La 3:24). We are his. And he is ours—like an inheritance. And that is guaranteed (cf. Ps 73:26). And the wait is not out of uneasiness, but eagerness like for fireworks on the 4th of July. There is conviction. “The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him” (La 3:25). There is silence. “It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD” (La 3:26). He would bring them back to their homeland one day so the Messiah could be born at the proper time (Ga 4:4).
That is how we can be so positive that the Lord is attentive to us. We see that in what he did to rescue us from sin. The apostle Paul pointed that out: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Co 8:9). Jesus gave up the magnificence of heaven so that we could have a mansion in heaven. We are rich on earth—freedom from sin, but also in eternity—a place with him. Wait in confident hope because the Lord’s compassions are new every morning. That was true yesterday. It is the case today.
2. Because the Lord’s concern is near every moment (27-33)
There are those occasions when it is a salutation: “Good morning,” It can lose its significance and become worthless because of its repetitiveness. But it can be an observation: “It is a good morning.” But we are more ready to assert that when things are going well—when there are happiness and health, not wrong—when there are tears and fears. But in either situation or circumstance, wait in confident hope because the Lord’s concern is near every moment.
Perhaps we forget the title of this section of Scripture—Lamentations. A “lament” is an expression of sorrow or sadness. There can be weeping and crying. The Lord’s spokesmen did not live in ivory towers, but with intense troubles. Like us. They were real people with real problems. That can tear down confident hope. Wait for the Lord? We find it easier to whine to the Lord.
But there is always good. And that is more than a generic word—“good.” It is “beneficial.” Jeremiah jots this down: “It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young” (La 3:27). A yoke is that wooden device put on beasts of burden to plow fields or pull loads. But he is referring to a figurative one. It is helpful to learn to deal with tough issues at a tender age for later on. Think of it along the lines of parenting. No mommy or daddy likes to watch their little one carry something heavy like a disappointment of a strikeout. They want to step up and step in. But umps don’t like to change their calls of balls and strikes—even if the ball is outside or inside. But if their little ones don’t deal with distress until they are 47, it will be more difficult.
We have gone and will go through challenging stretches—with our family or finance. But through them the Lord develops endurance and perseverance. And ultimately hope (Ro 5:3-5)—confident hope in the Lord who is in complete control at all times.
And Jeremiah goes on: “Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it on him” (La 3:28). It is the LORD—note the name, the God of grace—who allows it at times. And he always has a useful purpose. A teacher may permit a student to struggle with a math problem for that one to learn or to turn to him for help.
So we can proceed forward with the Lord. And without grumbling or groaning. “Let him bury his face in the dust—there may yet be hope” (La 3:29). There is humility. You can’t utter too much when your mouth is in the ground. “Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace” (La 3:30). There will at times be insults. It could be from those who ruin and wreak your reputation, not recognizing or realizing all that you do for them. How? Or better, why? “For men are not cast off by the Lord forever” (La 3:31). God is the Master of all. He does not disapprove of us, but delights in us. He directs our lives accordingly and also appropriately.
And what is more: “Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love” (La 3:32). Even in anxiety, there is assurance. He cares for us (1 Pe 5:7). It will always be for our eternal good. That is all things that confront us or come against us (Ro 8:28). The Lord gets no sick, twisted pleasure to watch us suffer. “For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men” (La 3:33). His eyes are on us and his heart is open to us.
It is often when life is at its worst that we have opportunity to witness God at his best. You can see Independence Day pyrotechnics better at 10:00 PM than 10:00 AM (even though some around this neighborhood would challenge that theory—and repeatedly over the last few weeks. There no such thing as a bad time for a bottle rocket.).
Note how Jesus did that with Jairus. His 12-year-old daughter was declining. And fast. So when it was dire, he darted to Jesus. But then the unthinkable happened. Death. Despite what those from Jaiurs’ house advised, Jesus announced: “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (Mk 5:36). He had the ability to heal. And he demonstrated his power over death by taking her by the hand and telling her: “Talitha koum!” (which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, get up!’)” (Mk 5:41). That same authority he displayed by exiting his tomb after three days. We can only imagine the joy of that little girl’s mom and dad. The same that we feel when we recall that death will touch us and our loved ones, but it will not triumph over us. Because Jesus lives, we live (Jn 14:19).
The psalmist captures the thought when he has us sing: “Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Ps 30:5). It can be that quick. Even if the issue is chronic and we don’t get it, God has got it. The Lord will supply strength for it and support in it. Wait in confident hope because the Lord’s concern is near every moment.
We may not be an expert at waiting, but we can learn to excel. You can google ways to improve or increase your stamina. Or you can look to and lean on the Lord. Wait in confident hope because the Lord’s compassion is new every morning and his concern is near every moment. Today is another example of that. There is no doubt about it. Amen.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Co 13:14). Amen.
July 1, 2018
Do you know of anyone who is actually good at waiting? It is an issue for any and every age group—from young to old. And it can be big things or little things. Or hard things or happy things.
There is the anticipation of an approaching doctor’s visit. (And even if you have the first appointment of the day, you still have to do your time in a separate room before seeing the physician. Good thing everyone has their mobile devices.) And afterward, you wait for the results of the biopsy.
There is the excitement of an upcoming baseball game. Why is every light red on the way there? Even the backseat driver calls attention to and makes mention of the crimson color.
There are lines at restaurants for favorite foods and there are empty tables. You are hungry. You want to dig in.
There are delays at checkouts when buying clothes and there are open registers. You are in a hurry. You want to dress up.
Waiting is not something that we like to do, but we have to do. It is hardly fun. It is often frustrating. Even if we start off with some patience, it turns into impatience. How much longer?
It is that way in life. It can be so with the Lord. But wait in confident hope because the Lord’s compassion is new every morning and because the Lord’s concern is near every moment. We read from …
Lamentations 3:22-33
Dear People of God whose heart is on us and whose help is for us,
Google doesn’t make you wait long. Type is a word or phrase in the box on your phone or computer with just about anything—song titles to sports figures—and there are hundreds of websites to consult and confer. In what? 2 or 3 seconds? And yet we say, “I hope that one might be of some assistance.” There is a bit of uncertainty.
And then there is God. There are those times when our immense expectation for instant gratification is tried and tested. We state, “I hope that God will do something.” And yet at times we are unsure.
We need to review how the Bible uses the word “hope.” There is not ever a hint of hesitation. It is not something doubtful, but definite. That is why we add an adjective as a reminder. It is almost redundant.
Wait in Confident Hope
1. Because the Lord’s compassion is new every morning (22-26)
2. Because the Lord’s concern is near every moment (27-33)
1. Because the Lord’s compassion is new every morning (22-26)
“Good morning” is a pretty simple greeting. We share it with those at home, at work, at church. But what do we mean? Is it a desire: “I would like you to have a good morning.”? Or is a declaration: “It is a good morning.”? It can be that second idea. Wait in confident hope because the Lord’s compassion is new every morning.
The golden age for Israel was gone. Thanks to Nebuchadnezzar and his army from Babylon. They had come down and carted off the best and the brightest. And in their wake, the destruction was staggering because the walls were broken down. The devastation was shocking because the temple was burnt down. It would similar if Washington D.C. was wiped from the map.
It is not surprising that the first words of the book are: “How deserted lies the city, once so full of people” (La 1:1). The survivors could tell of horrors that only soldiers who have seen combat could sympathize—from the carnage to the cruelty. All that was left was the charred ruins of a changed landscape. Why? They had refused the repeated warnings from God’s prophets to repent. Jerusalem had sinned greatly (La 1:8).
That context is critical. Because with that background, there is the bright spot. In the midst of the ruins and rubble in the middle of the book and brokenness, the author writes (probably Jeremiah—we will go with that assumption): “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail” (La 3:22). [That is the way it works with Hebrew poetry. The good stuff is in the center. I have compared it to a hamburger. The bun is nice, but the meat is the main thing. (By the way, medium well, too. You can have your pink. I like it cooked.) We are used to the important point placed at the end in English compositions.] In spite of the damage to the Holy City, there was still a holy God who is the Lord—changeless in his care and compassion, his forgiveness and firmness (Ex 3:14; 34:6,7). And so again …
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed” (La 3:22). He is full of mercy and is merciful—seeing what is needed and supplying what is necessary. And that never gets used up like gas in a car. No matter how many times we make the trip to Jesus’ cross, we walk away with all our guilt removed. It is all because of him and not us.
“for his compassions never fail” (La 3:22). The Lord’s bond with his people is closer than a mother and her child—or a father for that matter. His deep favor does not come to an end like a summer trip or a day off. Calmly and coolly we can contend, “I am a child of God.”
A short review of Israel’s past makes that point. God had chosen them out of all the nations on earth to be the cradle of the Savior. He rescued them out of the slavery of Egypt to keep that promise alive, the promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He had resettled them in Canaan after 40 years of wandering in the desert. And now. What about now? That great love and his compassions were still there. With those far away and those close by.
In fact, “They [the Lord’s mercies and compassions] are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (La 3:23). Every breath of air, every sip of water, every crust of bread, and every stitch of clothing were all evidences of that. (And we have so much more than that—full pantries and closets and garages!) All because the Lord is reliable and dependable. As they opened their eyes to another day, that was all there, still there.
As we begin a fresh day, that is all ours too. In place of complaints, we have the Lord’s compassion. He has not given up on us. Nor will he. Ever. Each one of us can join in: “I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him’” (La 3:24). We are his. And he is ours—like an inheritance. And that is guaranteed (cf. Ps 73:26). And the wait is not out of uneasiness, but eagerness like for fireworks on the 4th of July. There is conviction. “The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him” (La 3:25). There is silence. “It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD” (La 3:26). He would bring them back to their homeland one day so the Messiah could be born at the proper time (Ga 4:4).
That is how we can be so positive that the Lord is attentive to us. We see that in what he did to rescue us from sin. The apostle Paul pointed that out: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Co 8:9). Jesus gave up the magnificence of heaven so that we could have a mansion in heaven. We are rich on earth—freedom from sin, but also in eternity—a place with him. Wait in confident hope because the Lord’s compassions are new every morning. That was true yesterday. It is the case today.
2. Because the Lord’s concern is near every moment (27-33)
There are those occasions when it is a salutation: “Good morning,” It can lose its significance and become worthless because of its repetitiveness. But it can be an observation: “It is a good morning.” But we are more ready to assert that when things are going well—when there are happiness and health, not wrong—when there are tears and fears. But in either situation or circumstance, wait in confident hope because the Lord’s concern is near every moment.
Perhaps we forget the title of this section of Scripture—Lamentations. A “lament” is an expression of sorrow or sadness. There can be weeping and crying. The Lord’s spokesmen did not live in ivory towers, but with intense troubles. Like us. They were real people with real problems. That can tear down confident hope. Wait for the Lord? We find it easier to whine to the Lord.
But there is always good. And that is more than a generic word—“good.” It is “beneficial.” Jeremiah jots this down: “It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young” (La 3:27). A yoke is that wooden device put on beasts of burden to plow fields or pull loads. But he is referring to a figurative one. It is helpful to learn to deal with tough issues at a tender age for later on. Think of it along the lines of parenting. No mommy or daddy likes to watch their little one carry something heavy like a disappointment of a strikeout. They want to step up and step in. But umps don’t like to change their calls of balls and strikes—even if the ball is outside or inside. But if their little ones don’t deal with distress until they are 47, it will be more difficult.
We have gone and will go through challenging stretches—with our family or finance. But through them the Lord develops endurance and perseverance. And ultimately hope (Ro 5:3-5)—confident hope in the Lord who is in complete control at all times.
And Jeremiah goes on: “Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it on him” (La 3:28). It is the LORD—note the name, the God of grace—who allows it at times. And he always has a useful purpose. A teacher may permit a student to struggle with a math problem for that one to learn or to turn to him for help.
So we can proceed forward with the Lord. And without grumbling or groaning. “Let him bury his face in the dust—there may yet be hope” (La 3:29). There is humility. You can’t utter too much when your mouth is in the ground. “Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace” (La 3:30). There will at times be insults. It could be from those who ruin and wreak your reputation, not recognizing or realizing all that you do for them. How? Or better, why? “For men are not cast off by the Lord forever” (La 3:31). God is the Master of all. He does not disapprove of us, but delights in us. He directs our lives accordingly and also appropriately.
And what is more: “Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love” (La 3:32). Even in anxiety, there is assurance. He cares for us (1 Pe 5:7). It will always be for our eternal good. That is all things that confront us or come against us (Ro 8:28). The Lord gets no sick, twisted pleasure to watch us suffer. “For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men” (La 3:33). His eyes are on us and his heart is open to us.
It is often when life is at its worst that we have opportunity to witness God at his best. You can see Independence Day pyrotechnics better at 10:00 PM than 10:00 AM (even though some around this neighborhood would challenge that theory—and repeatedly over the last few weeks. There no such thing as a bad time for a bottle rocket.).
Note how Jesus did that with Jairus. His 12-year-old daughter was declining. And fast. So when it was dire, he darted to Jesus. But then the unthinkable happened. Death. Despite what those from Jaiurs’ house advised, Jesus announced: “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (Mk 5:36). He had the ability to heal. And he demonstrated his power over death by taking her by the hand and telling her: “Talitha koum!” (which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, get up!’)” (Mk 5:41). That same authority he displayed by exiting his tomb after three days. We can only imagine the joy of that little girl’s mom and dad. The same that we feel when we recall that death will touch us and our loved ones, but it will not triumph over us. Because Jesus lives, we live (Jn 14:19).
The psalmist captures the thought when he has us sing: “Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Ps 30:5). It can be that quick. Even if the issue is chronic and we don’t get it, God has got it. The Lord will supply strength for it and support in it. Wait in confident hope because the Lord’s concern is near every moment.
We may not be an expert at waiting, but we can learn to excel. You can google ways to improve or increase your stamina. Or you can look to and lean on the Lord. Wait in confident hope because the Lord’s compassion is new every morning and his concern is near every moment. Today is another example of that. There is no doubt about it. Amen.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Co 13:14). Amen.
July 1, 2018
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