"Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it; For how should My name be profaned? And I will not give My glory to another. Listen to Me, O Jacob, And Israel, My called: I am He, I am the First, I am also the Last." Isaiah 48:10-12
"However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, 'We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.' " Acts 14:20-22 NKJV
God's message to His people has never been 'Things are going to be easy.' In fact it is quite the contrary. The furnace of affliction is a common theme.
When grace is sufficient than the Gospel is sufficient because Christ is our all in all.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes" Rom 1:6a NKJV
We learn that we can trust the message to deliver because we can trust Christ to deliver. God will use pain and pleasure... He will employ joy and sorrow... riches and poverty... sickness and health... youth and old age... the Gospel spans the length of the human experience. This love covers the multitude of sins.
Perhaps if I like Paul have something that I ask God to remove again and again and His answer becomes 'My Grace is sufficient for you.' that thing becomes a furnace of affliction for us. In the furnace is where the fourth man is revealed. The furnace burns away my bonds and leaves the garment of righteousness untouched.
If I learn to trust it for myself then I can boldly entrust it to others.
This deliverance is a deep deliverance. It delivers the depth of a person and the height of a person. The experience of the Gospel disarms fear in my life. If fear is disarmed and pain has purpose I will not prescribe comfort as a solution. The Gospel is the only method we will prescribe once we are fully convinced.
Christ was not sentimental. He cried tears over Israel for what they had been through and the suffering that was to come to them. He wanted to gather them in His arms and He also wants to gather us into His arms.
In those arms we find a deep hope that transcends our state and healing that makes us truly whole. When the gospel is presented people see an entrance into Christ's embrace.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Pleasure in Infirmities?
When grace is enough for me something strange happens. Maybe it is because faith is functioning in a momentum. God knows grace is sufficient... when we know it also we share a faith secret that colors our world view in a different way. We see our personal history differently.
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." 2 Cor 12:9-10 KJV
Infirmities (Astheneia - G769) Weakness of the body that create vunerablity
Reproaches (Hybris - G5196) Desire or arrogance that takes pleasure in or disregards the pain it causes others.
Necessities (G318 - Anagke) Limitations imposed by circumstance or by law
Persecutions (G1375 - Diogmos) People are actively out to hurt or destroy you
Distresses (G4730 - Stenochoria) Narrowness. The frustration or pain that comes with not being able to make something important fit.
That is quite a list.
The theology is one thing but to apply this personally is another. Who wants any of these things? The word Paul uses as 'take pleasure' can be translated 'prefer.' Is he a masochist? Does he enjoy pain? No, He sees the dynamic of grace. He sees that reaction, contradiction and inability are not things to be avoided. They are things that God is able to handle without blinking. That they happen at all is proof that grace is functioning.
"And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god." Acts 28:3-6 KJV
Like the viper these things don't kill us. We keep gathering sticks. We keep seeking lost humanity. Although we are cold and wet we go and power is on us.
Let's face it. When we suffer any of those things on that list outside of our call they are maddening. They ignite anger. We quote 'All things work together for good' again and again but it is like throwing pebbles at a mountain.
All those things must be sandwiched between 'Grace is sufficient' and 'For Christ's Sake' in order for us to see them as good and encouraging.
"Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." John 14:11-13 ESV
God will fill up what is missing for the work's sake. The Father is giving the Son people and we are part of that gift.
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." 2 Cor 12:9-10 KJV
Infirmities (Astheneia - G769) Weakness of the body that create vunerablity
Reproaches (Hybris - G5196) Desire or arrogance that takes pleasure in or disregards the pain it causes others.
Necessities (G318 - Anagke) Limitations imposed by circumstance or by law
Persecutions (G1375 - Diogmos) People are actively out to hurt or destroy you
Distresses (G4730 - Stenochoria) Narrowness. The frustration or pain that comes with not being able to make something important fit.
That is quite a list.
The theology is one thing but to apply this personally is another. Who wants any of these things? The word Paul uses as 'take pleasure' can be translated 'prefer.' Is he a masochist? Does he enjoy pain? No, He sees the dynamic of grace. He sees that reaction, contradiction and inability are not things to be avoided. They are things that God is able to handle without blinking. That they happen at all is proof that grace is functioning.
"And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god." Acts 28:3-6 KJV
Like the viper these things don't kill us. We keep gathering sticks. We keep seeking lost humanity. Although we are cold and wet we go and power is on us.
Let's face it. When we suffer any of those things on that list outside of our call they are maddening. They ignite anger. We quote 'All things work together for good' again and again but it is like throwing pebbles at a mountain.
All those things must be sandwiched between 'Grace is sufficient' and 'For Christ's Sake' in order for us to see them as good and encouraging.
"Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." John 14:11-13 ESV
God will fill up what is missing for the work's sake. The Father is giving the Son people and we are part of that gift.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
All Sufficient Grace
"For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor 12:8-9a
Grace is sufficient when I don't, can't and won't and is just as strong then as when I do, can and will. All six of those statements can be very misleading and insufficient when the situations of our lives actually come into the light of reality.
Perhaps it is a poor or wrong self image that keeps us from attempting what seems out of reach or perhaps in arrogance we take credit for situations where our natural strength had little merit. In contrast God's grace will turn out to be enough to handle what needs handling. Our strength may overshadow it so that it remains hidden in the background. Our weakness showcases grace and reveals it's perfection.
Mercy can be expressed when I have a second coat and give it away. Grace is expressed when I have nothing to give and in my bankruptcy God shows Himself to be faithful.
Grace is absent of human merit and must be experienced over time in order to learn of it's real sufficiency.
It may not look like it will be enough... but it is.
Grace is based on Jesus and He did, could and will do all that is needed. That realm is beyond my power. I can be a participant and the receiver of it but no one but God can initiate it.
"And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:8-11
If my inability can reveal God's grace today then I want it to. If my ability is submitted and reveals grace then I want that also.
What Jesus builds will last and be sufficient. Today I purpose to trust in that and nothing else.
Grace is sufficient when I don't, can't and won't and is just as strong then as when I do, can and will. All six of those statements can be very misleading and insufficient when the situations of our lives actually come into the light of reality.
Perhaps it is a poor or wrong self image that keeps us from attempting what seems out of reach or perhaps in arrogance we take credit for situations where our natural strength had little merit. In contrast God's grace will turn out to be enough to handle what needs handling. Our strength may overshadow it so that it remains hidden in the background. Our weakness showcases grace and reveals it's perfection.
Mercy can be expressed when I have a second coat and give it away. Grace is expressed when I have nothing to give and in my bankruptcy God shows Himself to be faithful.
Grace is absent of human merit and must be experienced over time in order to learn of it's real sufficiency.
It may not look like it will be enough... but it is.
Grace is based on Jesus and He did, could and will do all that is needed. That realm is beyond my power. I can be a participant and the receiver of it but no one but God can initiate it.
"And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:8-11
If my inability can reveal God's grace today then I want it to. If my ability is submitted and reveals grace then I want that also.
What Jesus builds will last and be sufficient. Today I purpose to trust in that and nothing else.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Forged in Corporate Hope
"But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." 1 Thess 5:4-11 ESV
In Spurgeon's devotional for this morning he quotes one of these verses and some lines from Pilgrim's Progress. He brings out a principle that travelers who travel together have company to keep them awake and lively. So true.
It made me re-read that verse and the surrounding verses looking for what was singular and what was plural. Paul emphasizes a 'corporate identity'... we are this... we are not that... even the girding of armor to prepare for battle is done together. He almost talks like a coach talking to his team in the locker room and telling them to encourage one another about the victory they have.
Fellowship keeps us awake. It keeps us sharp.
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Heb 10:24-25 ESV
This verse is often used in the context of individual church attendance but the 'us' here is talking about corporate fellowship. It isn't just something 'I' do... it is something 'we' do. It is a group venture. It is team concept.
Our individual hope is expressed to the group. Our individual faith makes up a corporate faith field.
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Matt 18:20
"For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God." 2 Cor 4:15 ESV
Grace is experienced individually but it is extended corporately. Every joint supplies in the corporate manifestation. Thanksgiving is increased.
I want to grow as an individual but I also want to grow as a coach and as a team player in my spiritual walk. I want to go to a gathering I am leading or attending in some capacity with a wakeful purpose to help another person strap on their armor or to build up and encourage in some way. To go not in some emotional mania of rhetoric but to go in faith and to enter the flame where I can be forged in the corporate expression of hope and love.
In Spurgeon's devotional for this morning he quotes one of these verses and some lines from Pilgrim's Progress. He brings out a principle that travelers who travel together have company to keep them awake and lively. So true.
It made me re-read that verse and the surrounding verses looking for what was singular and what was plural. Paul emphasizes a 'corporate identity'... we are this... we are not that... even the girding of armor to prepare for battle is done together. He almost talks like a coach talking to his team in the locker room and telling them to encourage one another about the victory they have.
Fellowship keeps us awake. It keeps us sharp.
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Heb 10:24-25 ESV
This verse is often used in the context of individual church attendance but the 'us' here is talking about corporate fellowship. It isn't just something 'I' do... it is something 'we' do. It is a group venture. It is team concept.
Our individual hope is expressed to the group. Our individual faith makes up a corporate faith field.
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Matt 18:20
"For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God." 2 Cor 4:15 ESV
Grace is experienced individually but it is extended corporately. Every joint supplies in the corporate manifestation. Thanksgiving is increased.
I want to grow as an individual but I also want to grow as a coach and as a team player in my spiritual walk. I want to go to a gathering I am leading or attending in some capacity with a wakeful purpose to help another person strap on their armor or to build up and encourage in some way. To go not in some emotional mania of rhetoric but to go in faith and to enter the flame where I can be forged in the corporate expression of hope and love.
Monday, March 4, 2013
The Hand on the Table
"And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed! And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing." Luke 22:19-23 KJV
In communion the hands and the mind are occupied with Christ and what He has done. The hand that remains unoccupied in that way is the dangerous hand. The hand that remains on the table is a hand that betrays. It is a hand present for fellowship but devoid of communion. It is a hand on the table.
The disciples worried themselves trying to figure out the dilemma. Whose hand was it? Why would someone do such a thing? But, Christ just continued on His way to the cross.
If the flesh remains exposed to body life but the person remains unconverted by Christ betrayal is inevitable. Christianity will seem vain and ineffective. Christ will seem distant. The work will become something to be attacked and have bitterness attached to it's memories. The cost of betrayal will end up thrown back into the temple in moral frustration and the end will not be pretty.
This scenario can be someone's whole life or season of their life. A 'hand on the table' season is a bitter season with few or no snapshots in the scrapbook of faith.
Searching for tares is frustrating and futile. So is being passive when we should be active in believing.
Handling the bread and the wine is where the life is. It is a life of nourishment and comfort. Christ is present and close and redemption is happening and possible. We never eat communion alone. It is done in a group for a reason. In that place the cross has made us all equal and we have everything that is truly important in common.
Memory filled communion causes us to reflect on an event we did not see ourselves. The cross. Christ had His face set like a flint to go there. Nothing natural or supernatural could stop Him. Let nothing stop us from going and taking the cup of salvation and drinking from it. That is the place where we are once again saved from self and every other danger.
In communion the hands and the mind are occupied with Christ and what He has done. The hand that remains unoccupied in that way is the dangerous hand. The hand that remains on the table is a hand that betrays. It is a hand present for fellowship but devoid of communion. It is a hand on the table.
The disciples worried themselves trying to figure out the dilemma. Whose hand was it? Why would someone do such a thing? But, Christ just continued on His way to the cross.
If the flesh remains exposed to body life but the person remains unconverted by Christ betrayal is inevitable. Christianity will seem vain and ineffective. Christ will seem distant. The work will become something to be attacked and have bitterness attached to it's memories. The cost of betrayal will end up thrown back into the temple in moral frustration and the end will not be pretty.
This scenario can be someone's whole life or season of their life. A 'hand on the table' season is a bitter season with few or no snapshots in the scrapbook of faith.
Searching for tares is frustrating and futile. So is being passive when we should be active in believing.
Handling the bread and the wine is where the life is. It is a life of nourishment and comfort. Christ is present and close and redemption is happening and possible. We never eat communion alone. It is done in a group for a reason. In that place the cross has made us all equal and we have everything that is truly important in common.
Memory filled communion causes us to reflect on an event we did not see ourselves. The cross. Christ had His face set like a flint to go there. Nothing natural or supernatural could stop Him. Let nothing stop us from going and taking the cup of salvation and drinking from it. That is the place where we are once again saved from self and every other danger.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Translating the Language of the Church
"There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning, but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church." 1 Cor 14:10-12 ESV
Zeal to experience and zeal to build. A desire to understand and to be understood.
I was so built up by the translators in Montreal on our recent trip there. The whole Church up there truly is amazing but I was thinking this morning about those people who stood in the gap specifically for the purpose of translating French to English or vice versa.
Can I be a translator of the language of the Church? Will the words of Christ be heard. People who don't know Him may see Him as a foreigner. Don't get me wrong I know the Spirit of God must do this thing and yet I want to be available to say the words.
The translator stands next to the speaker ready for the person to speak. If there is a pause they pause... if a verse is quoted they quote it... if the speaker has a certain tone they match that tone. English must turn into French for the French hearer to be edified.
As I go on outreach today I want to speak the language of the person standing in front of me and yet I am listening for the words that come from Heaven so that what is said does not originate in me. I want to translate the line upon line mind of Christ.
Who is sufficient for these things? It must be God and yet I have eagerness and faith that when I go... we go... it will be God.
Zeal to experience and zeal to build. A desire to understand and to be understood.
I was so built up by the translators in Montreal on our recent trip there. The whole Church up there truly is amazing but I was thinking this morning about those people who stood in the gap specifically for the purpose of translating French to English or vice versa.
Can I be a translator of the language of the Church? Will the words of Christ be heard. People who don't know Him may see Him as a foreigner. Don't get me wrong I know the Spirit of God must do this thing and yet I want to be available to say the words.
The translator stands next to the speaker ready for the person to speak. If there is a pause they pause... if a verse is quoted they quote it... if the speaker has a certain tone they match that tone. English must turn into French for the French hearer to be edified.
As I go on outreach today I want to speak the language of the person standing in front of me and yet I am listening for the words that come from Heaven so that what is said does not originate in me. I want to translate the line upon line mind of Christ.
Who is sufficient for these things? It must be God and yet I have eagerness and faith that when I go... we go... it will be God.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Wisdom That Includes
God's wisdom descends it does not climb. It seeks to include but not at the cost of holiness.
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." James 3:13-18 NKJV
Self-seeking wisdom always travels with unwelcome companions. Confusion and evil are always not far behind.
The gospel draws a circle that includes a person inside. I love the words describing the qualities of this wisdom. It is pure (Hagnos - G53) and that holiness comes first. That purity is a purity that only exists in the pure One Himself. Peaceable (Eirenikos - G1516) wisdom has rest embedded in it. It is interwoven with the Shalom of God. It is also gentle (Epieikes - G1933) which is reason derived from and in rest. This gentleness is fair, calm and gracious. It is not rigid there is a willingness to yield or to be entreated (Eupeithes - G2138). This wisdom does not just make impersonal pronouncements it is approachable and transparent. God wants interaction on a personal level. That interaction results in the dispensing of mercy (Eleos - G1656) and good fruits (Agathos - G18/ Karpos - G2590) are the result.
Of all the things that wisdom is what it isn't is equally revealing. It has no partiality (Adiakritos - G87) or hypocrisy (Anypokritos - G505).
This phrase 'without partiality' is an interesting one it is the negation of the word used for doubt or discerning (Diakritos - G1252). In other words wisdom from above does not create wrong divisions by coming to wrong conclusions or making wrong distinctions.
If a hypocrite wears a mask this love removes the mask to reveal it's face. It is the unfeigned approach of someone that has nothing to hide.
This wisdom doesn't make the false distinctions that cliques make. It does not have multiple personalities. It yields and invites and loves without ever leaving it's primary quality of purity.
Does this sound like anyone you know?
Jesus was and is all of these things. Believers are people who embrace and take on these qualities as well.
The wisdom of the Gospel is this kind of wisdom.
"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." Phil 1:9-11
This is love that is 'without offense.' This wisdom is excellent and sincere and if people refuse it our hands are clean.
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." James 3:13-18 NKJV
Self-seeking wisdom always travels with unwelcome companions. Confusion and evil are always not far behind.
The gospel draws a circle that includes a person inside. I love the words describing the qualities of this wisdom. It is pure (Hagnos - G53) and that holiness comes first. That purity is a purity that only exists in the pure One Himself. Peaceable (Eirenikos - G1516) wisdom has rest embedded in it. It is interwoven with the Shalom of God. It is also gentle (Epieikes - G1933) which is reason derived from and in rest. This gentleness is fair, calm and gracious. It is not rigid there is a willingness to yield or to be entreated (Eupeithes - G2138). This wisdom does not just make impersonal pronouncements it is approachable and transparent. God wants interaction on a personal level. That interaction results in the dispensing of mercy (Eleos - G1656) and good fruits (Agathos - G18/ Karpos - G2590) are the result.
Of all the things that wisdom is what it isn't is equally revealing. It has no partiality (Adiakritos - G87) or hypocrisy (Anypokritos - G505).
This phrase 'without partiality' is an interesting one it is the negation of the word used for doubt or discerning (Diakritos - G1252). In other words wisdom from above does not create wrong divisions by coming to wrong conclusions or making wrong distinctions.
If a hypocrite wears a mask this love removes the mask to reveal it's face. It is the unfeigned approach of someone that has nothing to hide.
This wisdom doesn't make the false distinctions that cliques make. It does not have multiple personalities. It yields and invites and loves without ever leaving it's primary quality of purity.
Does this sound like anyone you know?
Jesus was and is all of these things. Believers are people who embrace and take on these qualities as well.
The wisdom of the Gospel is this kind of wisdom.
"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." Phil 1:9-11
This is love that is 'without offense.' This wisdom is excellent and sincere and if people refuse it our hands are clean.
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