The God of Mystery

 

Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king win haste and said thus to him: “I have found among the exiles from Judah a man who will make known to the king the interpretation.” The king declared to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to make known to me the dream that I have seen and its interpretation?” Daniel answered the king and said, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream and the visions of your head as you lay in bed are these: To you, O king, as you lay in bed came thoughts of what would be after this, and he who reveals mysteries made known to you what is to be. But as for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because of any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your mind. (Daniel 2:25-30 ESV).

 

Our reading today which comes from Daniel, chapter 2, is prompted by Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a giant statue made of various metals, with a stone striking it, causing it to crumble and be replaced by a stone kingdom that will never be destroyed. This dream and its interpretation are a prophecy about the rise and fall of successive kingdoms, culminating in God's eternal kingdom. We should remember that Daniel, a Jewish captive in Babylon, is able to interpret the dream. He explains that the statue represents four successive kingdoms, starting with Babylon (gold), followed by other kingdoms symbolized by silver, bronze, and iron. Very few scholars doubt that the stone that strikes the statue represents the kingdom of God, which will be established and will never be destroyed, and it will fill the entire earth.

 

The dream and its interpretation are a prophetic message about the future, offering hope that even in the face of powerful kingdoms and earthly empires, God's eternal kingdom will ultimately triumph. The dream and its interpretation highlight God's sovereignty and His ability to reveal the future and bring about His purposes. And, of course, we come away with the truth that God is ultimately the source of all mystery and their understanding.

 

Daniel told King Nebuchadnezzar that he had dreamt of an amazing statue that was destroyed by “a rock cut out of a mountain, but not by human hands.” The great statue represented the kingdoms of this world, which rise and fall. But the rock represented the coming kingdom of God and Jesus Christ—and this kingdom would grow to fill the whole earth. The Scripture teaches that God calls all of us to believe in him and become a part of this kingdom. By trusting in Jesus, God’s Son, as our Savior, we can have life to the full. So, each of us faces a choice: Will I pledge my life to an earthly kingdom or to the kingdom of God? The way we respond makes all the difference in life. In the coming days we’ll explore what being a part of God’s kingdom should look like in our lives. Today, recognize that God reveals these things to us sop that we would know what should do in life’s circumstances. Commit yourself to being a kingdom participant by your actions.

 

The Laughter of God

 

Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” (Psalm 2:1-6 ESV).

 

I enjoy watching movies and television series based on the comic of Marvel and DC. There is a scene in The Dark Knight that fits well.  This scene, from the second of the Batman films, begins with Coleman Reese, one of Wayne Enterprises’ auditors, approaching Bruce Wayne’s right hand man Lucius Fox.  Reese has discovered that Lucius Fox has been building Batman’s vehicles and gadgets. Upon further investigation, Reese has concluded that his boss, Bruce Wayne, is Batman.  Reese walks into Lucius Fox’s office and begins to blackmail him.  He lays out his evidence and says, “To keep quiet I want ten million dollars a year for the rest of my life.”  Fox waits a few moments before responding, “Let me get this straight, you think that your client, one of the wealthiest and most powerful men in the world, is secretly a vigilante, who spends his nights beating criminals to a pulp with his bare hands, and your plan is to blackmail this person?”  Fox chuckles and says, “Good luck.”

 

This scene reminds me of our reading today, though God’s laughter at humanity’s plan is far more uproarious.  Let me paraphrase a bit. The psalmist pictures God saying:

 

“So, let me get this straight, I created you out of dust.  I breathed life into you.  You wouldn’t be alive without me and you will only live as long as I decide. Before me, your power is as nothing. Before me, your wisdom is as nothing. Before me, your glory is as nothing. It is all less than nothing, and your plan is to take my throne?  Good luck with that.”

 

God finds human rebellion so laughable that He doesn’t acknowledge it as a threat.  Spurgeon is right when He says of this rebellious world, “[God] has not taken the trouble to rise up and do battle with them—He despises them, He knows how absurd, how irrational, how futile are their attempts against Him—He therefore laughs at them.” But then… the miraculous mercy of God shows up! Jesus comes and pays the debt we could never pay; and, dies the death we all deserve! Meditate on that today. Let your mind and heart turn toward the One who simply laughs at those who would attempt to overthrow His will and purpose!

 

Understanding Time

 

The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you? So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:10-12 ESV).

 

In the early days of adulthood it would have been much different if I had known then what I know now about time. So much of the time was spent in the busyness of life. When I began to recognize the truth of our reading today, I was able to see the wisdom of stewarding the time God that gives us. I have been able to keep time in perspective so that I could recognize the brevity of life and the eternal significance of the things that consumed my time. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to prioritize time-sensitive pursuits over eternal truths. Yet Scripture calls us to seek wisdom in how we use our time, investing in relationships, service, and spiritual growth.

 

Time is a precious gift from God, meant to be used purposefully and intentionally. When we “number our days,” we align our priorities with God’s kingdom purposes. We learn to value moments of rest, reflection, and worship, knowing that our goal is to honor God in all we do. Keeping time in perspective has helped to deepen my relationship with God and to enrich my interactions with others. It has taught me to cherish each day as an opportunity to glorify God and to serve others, shining the light of his kingdom.

 

If you are overwhelmed by the demands of time, pause and seek God’s guidance. Ask him to help you prioritize your life according to his will and to grant you wisdom in managing your time effectively.

 

The Bane of Fretting

 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness4 be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:4-8 ESV).

 

Today I want us to look at the problem of worry, or as I have titled the devotional, “The Bane of Fretting.” When I was younger, I don’t remember worrying about anything. In fact, I think I lived a relatively carefree childhood. About the only thing that might have been a concern for me was whether I could sneak away early enough to get across town to Grandma’s house in time for whatever she was cooking that day. My favorite was always her eggplant parmesan with homemade pasta and meat sauce. Since she lived on the other side of Galveston, that was always frowned upon by my folks. However, the food was always worth the risk.

 

As I have aged, it has become harder to avoid worrying about the "what if?" thoughts. I call it “running my lists.” I fret over the things I need to get done and the order in which I need to do them. I know this is exacerbated by my obsessive-compulsive disorder. Sometimes Mary needs to remind me that I’m running my lists with a gentle call back to reality. I do have a process that redirects my focus away from fretting, but sometimes I need to be reminded to use it.

 

Worry can easily become a burden that weighs us down, affecting our health, relationships, and well-being. It can steal our joy and keep us from fully experiencing the present. When we present our worries to God, we acknowledge that he is in control and that we trust him with our lives. This act of surrender allows us to experience his peace, which goes beyond human understanding. God’s peace guards our hearts and minds, protecting us from the harmful effects of anxiety. Letting go of worry is not always easy. It requires a conscious effort to shift our focus from our problems to God’s promises. It means choosing to trust that God is bigger than any situation we face. From my experiences I can say that every time I have chosen to trust God instead of worrying, he has provided for me in ways I did not imagine. Give it a try and get rid of your anxiety!

 

The Strength of a Braided Cord

 

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ESV).

 

There are some proverbs that have stuck in my mind more than others. Today’s reading is one of those. My Dad was a very independent man. I learned a great deal from him. One of those lessons was: “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” There is great truth in that lesson; however, my take on it in the early years of ministry was not correct. Somehow, I began thinking that my way was the only way, it was the right way. Often that meant settling for doing the task by myself rather than involving others in a collaborative work. Often that turned out to simply be wrong. Teamwork is important. There is strength and a sense of community in working together toward a common goal.

 

Working together is essential in overcoming challenges and achieving shared objectives. Teamwork develops synergy, where individual strengths complement each other, leading to greater productivity and creativity. Through teamwork, various perspectives and skills contribute to thorough problem solving and innovation.

 

The Bible emphasizes the values of teamwork. From Moses and Aaron leading the Israelites to Jesus sending out his disciples, cooperation and mutual support are foundational to God’s work. Together we can encourage, support, and build each other up in faith and good works. Looking back, I see how teamwork has enriched my personal growth and accomplishments. It has taught me humility, patience, and the joy of celebrating collective achievements. Each team effort has strengthened relationships and fostered a sense of community and belonging.

 

This principle is never more important than in the family. I’ve been so blessed through the years to have Mary beside me, woven into the fabric of every decision and work. This is one of those lessons that came with some experience and time. I certainly could have been better knowing this earlier. Perhaps that’s your story as well. Let’s strive to imitate Christ’s example of unity and service, knowing that together we can accomplish far more than we could if we worked alone.

 

Learning from Past Experiences

 

My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Lie not in wait as a wicked man against the dwelling of the righteous; do no violence to his home; for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity. (Proverbs 24:13-16 ESV).

 

I’ve come to appreciate the value of learning from past experiences, good and bad. Each of these is a means of gaining wisdom. I will admit it is always a bit more difficult to reframe failures as opportunities for growth; however, this is like honey. Solomon tells us that it is good and “sweet to your taste” (v. 13). I have come to see each of these experiences as good as they have profoundly shaped my understanding of resilience and perseverance.

 

Any of us are driven by the desire for perfection and consequently rarely find “success” in our experiences. A dear friend and mentor once told me, “Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of it.” That helped me to see mistakes not as dead ends but as steppingstones toward improvement and wisdom.

 

As you may know, I enjoy woodworking. Through the years I have built many different projects, some small and others large. If the material is wood, I am not intimidated from the project whatever the size might be. Several years ago, I decided to get back into wood turning. I had experimented with working with a wood lathe many years ago, but not owning my own lathe made continuing the practice near impossible. Acquiring a lathe and the tools that are necessary to use it for various projects was my first step. It was amazing how difficult it was to “pick it up again.” However, with each failure came more success as I changed my approach and technique with each project. I guess I knew I had succeeded when I finished a bowl and showing it to Mary, she said, “Is that for me?” To be honest, it wasn’t “for” anyone. I just enjoyed making it. Now, it sits prominently on our mantle. All the failures were steps leading to success.  

 

Learning from our mistakes means acknowledging them, seeking feedback, and making necessary adjustments. It involves humility and a willingness to change. By reframing failure, we can grow in resilience, deepen our trust in God’s guidance, and continue moving forward with hope. Sure wished I’d known that much earlier in my life!

 

Giving Yourself Grace

 

[The Apostle Paul said] So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:7-9 ESV).

 

Perhaps the most difficult thing I have learned as I have aged is the importance of giving myself grace. This lesson is often echoed by the wisdom of mentors and friends who remind me that growth is a process, not an immediate transformation. My penchant for perfection has always been a stumbling block to the joy of finishing a task.

 

One of those times when this lesson became clearer to me was on a turkey hunt with two of my friends in Tennessee, Bucky Rowland and Tom McCoy. One of them set up just a few yards away from my position so that he could call a gobbler close enough for me to get a shot. It was long until two big Eastern Turkeys started to trot into range. I was anxious to impress my other friend with my trophy and my impatience got the best of me. I shot way to early while the turkeys were still a bit out of range. Needless to say I was very disappointed and embarrassed. As we walked back to the truck I stayed on the other side of the field, walking alone. Later I learned that one of the others asked, “Why is Don way over there?” The answer was easy since my other friend knew me all too well. He said, “Oh, he just needs a little alone time. He’s doesn’t do well with failure.”

 

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ,” urges 2 Peter 3:18. This involves embracing our imperfections, learning from our mistakes, and celebrating our progress. It’s a reminder that God’s grace is sufficient for every step of our journey. We need to let go of unrealistic expectations and understand that maturity comes with time and experience. Another mentor once told me, “Every step forward, no matter how small, is still progress.” His words have stayed with me, reminding me that growth is not always visible but is always happening.

 

Oh, I should say that I did go back out a few days later with Bucky and got my first Eastern Gobbler! I waited that time! Perhaps you should give yourself a little grace and simply try again!

Trusting in God's Timing

 

For everything there is a season, and la time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted: a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 ESV).

 

Trusting God’s timing is a lesson I have learned through seasons of waiting and uncertainty. I often wonder how much easier my life could have been had I learned that truth earlier. However, as I have begun to catch a glimpse of the perfect timing of God in every circumstance, I have also come to remember that God is in control of the events in my life and it intends everything to bring good to me. I have also come to trust that truth even when it doesn’t align with our expectations.

 

Trusting in God’s timing can often mean giving up our own desire for immediate results. Acknowledging God’s wisdom and sovereignty, we recognize he sees the bigger picture and knows what is best for us. When we trust in God’s timing, we let go of anxiety and practice patience, confident that he will fulfill his promises in his time. God’s timing is marked by his faithfulness and love. He works all things together for our good (cf. Romans 8:28), even in times of delay or apparent silence. God’s timing prepares us, refines our character, and aligns circumstances for his glory and our ultimate good.

 

Looking back, I can see that God’s timing has brought blessings. In seasons of waiting God has taught me dependence on him, deepened my faith, and opened doors I had never imagined. Each situation has been a divine appointment, revealing his faithfulness and provision in unexpected ways.

 

If you find yourself discouraged by waiting, I urge you to rest in God’s promises and trust his timing. Seek his guidance through prayer and his Word, knowing that he is faithful to fulfill his plans for you at the appointed time.

 

The Power of Patience

 

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:1-5 ESV).

 

Our reading today teaches us the value of patience. Patience, the ability to wait calmly in the face of frustration or adversity, holds significant power for personal growth and well-being. It allows us to navigate life's challenges more effectively, reduce stress, and make better decisions. By cultivating patience, we can improve our emotional resilience, foster inner peace, and even achieve greater success in our endeavors.

 

I like the quote in the meme I’ve attached: “Patience is not the ability to wait but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting. James writes this in our reading today. He uses the word “perseverance.” In our theme of “Then and Now” I must confess I wish I would have learned this much earlier in my life. In my younger days, impatience often clouded my vision. I yearned for instant results, quick solutions, and immediate gratification. It wasn’t until I embraced the wisdom of patience that I truly understood its importance.

 

Patience involves more than waiting; it’s a virtue cultivated through endurance, trust, and faith. It teaches us to remain steadfast in times of trial and uncertainty, knowing that God’s timing is perfect. The Scriptures remind us to “be patient in tribulation.” This doesn’t mean passively enduring difficulties but, rather, maintaining hope and perseverance amid challenges. Patience allows us to navigate life’s twists and turns with grace and resilience.

 

Jesus, our ultimate example, demonstrated patience in his earthly ministry. He endured hardships, faced opposition, and waited for the appointed time to fulfill his mission. His patience was rooted in unwavering trust in God’s plan. Practicing patience requires discipline and a shift in perspective. It’s about focusing on progress rather than perfection, trusting that each step forward, no matter how small, brings us closer to our goals.

 

Learning from the Wisdom of Others

 

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult. Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:15-18 ESV).

 

I have discovered over the years how little I really know. My Dad was a great teacher for me in my early years. I loved many of the same things that he loved and thus found myself trying to learn as much about those things as I could. Whether it was an outdoor activity like fishing or hunting, or work related in the meat market of the store we owned, I tried my best to watch and listen to him. In fact, I often tried to mimic him exactly as I attempted to be as good as he was. Through those conversations and lessons, I learned that wisdom is something we gain from those who have gone before us.

 

Observing others’ successes and mistakes can provide valuable lessons. We often think we must figure everything out on our own, but wisdom invites us to learn from others. Proverbs helps us see that surrounding ourselves with wise mentors and friends can profoundly help in our decision making and growth.

 

There were times when I didn’t heed the advice I was given, and I faced hard consequences. Looking back, I can see how pride and stubbornness can cloud judgment, leading to avoidable mistakes. Learning from others calls for humility and openness, recognizing that we don’t have all the answers. God places people in our lives to guide and teach us. And, the Bible is filled with stories of people who learned valuable lessons through their experiences—both good and bad. By observing their examples, we gain insight into living wisely and faithfully.

 

It is never too late to find the wisdom of others that God has placed in your life. Look for them. Learn from them. Live a life that is filled with the healing of their wisdom.

 

I Am Beloved

 

For you [God] formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I wake, and I am still with you. (Psalm 139:13-18 ESV).

 

Continuing in our look at things that we may wish we knew then, one of those certainly is our depth of being beloved. It has been my experience through ministry with hundreds of different people of all ages that the one basic truth that provides the ability to both love God and love others is knowing that truth. So many people struggle with self-worth and often feel inadequate. We are eternally loved by God; and, hated by Satan, who is our enemy. We must remember that God’s creations are wonderful. And, of course, this includes each of us!

 

To draw strength and hope from this truth we should deliberately practice seeing ourselves through God’s eyes. Our reading today declares that God was intentional in His creation of each of us. The result of that creation is that we are “…fearfully and wonderfully made” (v. 14). Each of us is crafted with such specific intentionality and care by God, who loves us, that we can be nothing less than wonderful and awesome. This is the first and most important step in breaking free of the chains of self-doubt and criticism that the enemy assails us with.

 

I realize that self-love isn’t about arrogance or self-centeredness; it’s about acknowledging and appreciating the unique person God created us to be. Our sin nature and the lies of our enemy have convinced us that we are anything but wonderful and majestic. Yet, that is God’s declaration.

 

As we embrace God’s love for us, we find the strength to love ourselves. This self-love allows us to live confidently, knowing that we are valued and cherished. And by accepting ourselves, we can better fulfill God’s purpose for our lives and extend his love to the people around us. Loving oneself is a vital part of loving others; we cannot pour from an empty cup. Believe that you are beloved!

 

If I'd Known Then What I Know Now

 

Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:8-12 ESV).

The picture accompanying today’s devotional was taken some years ago as Mary and I traveled through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to Cherokee, North Carolina. If you’ve visited that area you recognize the signature “smoke” that gives the mountains its name. We have visited that area dozens of times over the years. It is “our place.” As I write today’s devotional I am reminded of the truth in the common lament, “If I could’ve known then what I know now.”

 

You see, we lived in North Carolina and Tennessee for a total of twelve years. Yet, we didn’t visit the mountains any more frequently then than we do now. Somehow, we just didn’t have the time. That was a foolish decision based on the thought that we’d always be in that area and still had plenty of time to take the short three hour drive to the mountains “later.” Now that “later” has come we live nearly twenty hours of drive time to the mountains we have come to love. We simply don’t get there nearly as often as we would like.

 

There might be aspects of your life that you would approach differently given your current knowledge also.  I have many more than just not visiting the Smokies as much as I’d like to dwell on! For the next few days (or weeks) I intend to write the devotionals in a way that may encourage you to deepen your relationship with God, navigate life’s challenges with faith, and discover the abundant life Jesus has promised even with the regret of missing some things in favor of other things.

 

Our reading today helps us understand that there is a progression in life that allows us to be sure that there will be a day when we will have knowledge that has been perfected in the grace of God and all our disappointments will be swept away in the glorious presence of God when we will see clearly! I pray you will find a new depth of hope in that truth!

A Door that Locks

 

For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. (2 Corinthians 5:1-9 ESV).

 

We are not a “camping family.” Though we enjoy the outdoors, Mary has always insisted that there be a “door that locks” on the place we sleep. I have always enjoyed hunting, especially deer hunting (please know that I have done a lot more hunting than killing). In some of the places I’ve leased I’ve stayed overnight in old farmhouses, small cabins that I either built or remodeled for use, and a travel trailer. Mary accompanied me to some of those leases over the years. One illustrates her need for a bit more security than most of the structures provided. We had leased some land near Brushy Creek, Texas. It has no structure on it. So, I built a cabin. It was dry and could be warmed easily in the winter, however, it did not have a door that locked. Mary agreed to go with me one weekend, but would not sleep in the cabin. We slept in the Suburban even though the cabin had beds and mattresses. The Suburban had doors that locked! Believe me, we were glad to get home to our bed after a night or two sleeping in a SUV!

 

Our reading today uses the image of a “tent” to describe our earthly lives. The comparison to our eternal home with a tent is striking. A real home, like that which God is preparing for us is so much better! Though we can enjoy lots of good times on our earthly journey, we also struggle with the realities of sin and weakness. We suffer hurt and disappointment. We give in to temptation, and we hurt the people we love. Our bodies grow old, and our abilities weaken. When we struggle with such things, God’s Spirit reminds us that we are made for something more. We live our lives before the face of God, in the hope of being made new in Christ. Even in our weakest moments we can live with confidence because we are looking forward to a permanent home provided by God.

 

Ask God’s Spirit today to open your eyes to the hope and confidence of the home you are promised in Christ.

 

A Place for You

 

[Jesus said] “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God;1 believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:1-6 ESV).

 

Robert Frost, a great American poet, once wrote: “Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.” That may be true in the common culture, however, that is not the truth of the Scripture. First, God doesn’t “take us in” because of some compulsion placed on him. We have a place in heaven because of the atoning work of Christ and the grace extended to us in Him.

 

It would not be unusual for us to doubt that such a place really exists. In this world, every home we make for ourselves, no matter how sweet it may feel, will always fall short. Sin and death bring an end to our earthly comfort, and even the best places in this life offer only a glimpse or a foretaste of full life with God in his presence.

 

Jesus has promised something remarkable to all who trust in him. Even as he faced his own death for our sin, Jesus offered the hope of eternal life with God to all who will follow him. He promised to lead believers to the Father and to prepare a place for redeemed sinners longing to be at home with God.

 

Our Savior doesn’t merely tantalize us with the offer of a perfect home; he assures us that He is giving us the absolute truth. Believe his promise and trust in his grace to prepare you for the place where your Father will certainly take you in. Let that home be where your heart and mind are each day of you earthly journey. There is where you will find a place just for you!

 

Do You KNow Where You Belong?

 

Now these were the people of the province who came up out of the captivity of those exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried captive to Babylonia. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town… The whole assembly together was 42,360, 65 besides their male and female servants, of whom there were 7,337, and they had 200 male and female singers. Their horses were 736, their mules were 245, 67 their camels were 435, and their donkeys were 6,720. (Ezra 2:1-2, 64-66 ESV).

 

Yesterday we looked at Elijah and his response to being weary in his journey. God made it very clear to him that he was not abandoned, and all was going just as God wanted for his best good. For us it is important to see our future home and the eternal life Jesus has won for us as the ultimate provision of “home.” Knowing this gives us the ultimate answer to where we belong. The journey is not the end. The end is found in our heavenly home, reunited with all of those whom we have loved and are waiting on us there.

 

In between the verses of our Bible reading today there is a long list of names. Genealogies and other lists like this do not usually make for interesting reading. After all, we know very little about most of the people listed there. Their actions, hopes, and dreams—all of that is lost to history, and we have only their names. But the Bible includes this list because it would help later generations see how they were connected to the exiles and had a place among God’s people in history. Similarly, today, many people have found it meaningful to trace their family tree and learn things about their ancestry that they had never known before. It can help people learn about their identity and even some of the places their ancestors come from.

 

One of the great pictures of salvation in the Bible is that we now belong to the family of God. If you put your faith in Christ, you are adopted as a child of God (cf. Romans 8:14-17; Ephesians 2:19-22). This is good news for everyone! It can also give comfort to anyone who may feel that their past actions have burned bridges with the people around them, or whose families reject their faith in Christ. In Jesus, God has given us a place to belong and a people to belong to. Look to that great promise for you hope and encouragement!

 

Weary in the Journey

Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.” And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God. There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” (1 Kings 19:1-10 ESV).

 

There have been those times in my life when I could easily identify with Elijah in our reading today. Elijah had just finished a successful campaign against the false prophets of Israel. The false prophets of Baal had been routed, and the people of Israel had proclaimed their allegiance to the true God. God had answered Elijah’s prayers for an end to a crippling drought (cf. 1 Kings 18). But instead of resting confidently in the Lord, who had brought about all these good things, Elijah ran away. The threat against his life from Jezebel was simply too great for him to get beyond his weariness.

 

Sometimes we are just too worn out to stay where we are. Even our moments of success can be clouded by opposition and fear, and it can seem easier to run away. Maybe you’re overwhelmed by the uncertainties of life, or you feel unable to cope for another day with a difficult relationship. Or maybe you’re just plain tired and you think that being elsewhere—physically or spiritually—will fix things. But when we run from our challenges, we often miss the lessons God wants us to learn—about ourselves and his care.

 

Thankfully for us, God is willing to meet us when we run away. He came to Elijah with a gracious question: “What are you doing here?” And God responded to Elijah’s hurt and fear with a promise of his presence and ongoing work. By coming to us in Christ, God has done even more. When you’re worn out and tempted to run away, let the presence of Christ lead you back home to rest in him. 

A Straight Path

 

Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones, whereas angels, though greater in might and power, do not pronounce a blasphemous judgment against them before the Lord. But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction, suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you. They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness. (2 Peter 2:10-16 ESV).

 

We live in the country surrounded by three very large ranches in Parker County. One of them, to our north, is 17,500 acres! As you can imagine there is not a direct route to get to town. So, when we want to go into town for something we need to make a decision based on whether the eastern or western deviation from a straight path will take us to our destination easier. Either way, you must travel out of the way to get to your desired destination. A “straight road” is simply not an option.

 

This is something of what the Apostle Peter describes in our reading today. The false teachers of his day were people who had gone off in the wrong direction. Today we should be aware of the things that might lead us off-course. Peter mentions the attractions of pleasure, greed, pride, lust, and the promise of false freedoms. All these things and more lead us on meandering paths that can quickly bring us away from where God would have us go.

 

The “wages of wickedness” can also be appealing. Balaam was an example of someone who thought sin could offer a shortcut to a good life (cf. Numbers 22). But that wouldn’t work, and Balaam had to be rebuked by his donkey before he could see the truth! In a similar way, we might think a financial scheme will get us what we want. And when we realize we have gone wrong, we may well have caused many people lots of harm and damage. God invites us to embrace Christ as our Lord and Savior— the one who directs us and saves us from our wrong turns. Follow him and let him keep you on the right way!

 

Forgetting God

 

So you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God by walking in his ways and by fearing him. For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing out in the valleys and hills, a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey, a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing, a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills you can dig copper. And you shall eat and be full, and you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Take care lest you forget the Lord your God. (Deuteronomy 8:6-11 ESV).

 

Forgetting God is the primary cause of our restlessness in our journey. Forgetting God doesn't necessarily mean completely erasing God from memory. Instead, it is the neglecting of God's presence in our life. It happens when we  prioritize other things over Him, or lose our focus on our relationship with Him. It can involve forgetting to be thankful, relying on oneself instead of God, or failing to remember God's goodness and promises.

 

It takes work to maintain a home. Whether you own your own residence or rent from others, there are always little maintenance projects that creep up: light bulbs need replacing, lawns need mowing, faucets begin to drip, doors need to be repainted. Sometimes we put the work off for another day, but if we wait too long the home will deteriorate. A home always needs regular maintenance. We can also face temptations to take our home with God for granted. When times are good, we look at our material blessings, at our relationships with family and friends, or at our moral character, and we assume we are doing fine. We forget that these are gifts from God that we receive by grace.

 

Israel was reminded that when they arrived in the promised land, they needed to make work of remembering God. God warned that if they did not actively honor the Lord for his gifts, they would soon forget the Giver. God wants us to know where our blessings come from—and especially the gift of our relationship with him in Christ. This active, intentional act of remembrance is the key to avoiding restlessness in our journey. Commit yourself to recognizing the greatness of your relationship with Him each day!

 

The Problem with Restlessness

 

They made a calf in Horeb and worshiped a metal image. They exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass.  They forgot God, their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt, wondrous works in the land of Ham, and awesome deeds by the Red Sea. Therefore he said he would destroy them— had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him, to turn away his wrath from destroying them. Then they despised the pleasant land, having no faith in his promise. They murmured in their tents, and did not obey the voice of the Lord. Therefore he raised his hand and swore to them that he would make them fall in the wilderness, and would make their offspring fall among the nations, scattering them among the lands. (Psalm 106:19-27 ESV).

 

The human condition of sin breeds a strong restlessness within all of us. Our reading today is a list of the restlessness of the nation of Israel after they were delivered from slavery in Egypt and their travel to the Promised Land. The portion I’ve included here is particularly vivid.

 

It reminds me of the old saying that “The grass is always greener on the other side.” I must admit that the grass really is greener in some places outside of our arid region. However, that is not what the psalmist is describing. This is that concept of dissatisfaction that we can have when we don’t recognize that God is preparing a place for us that will more than satisfy our every desire. The fact that we are not there yet is merely a reflection that we are not yet ready for that new home.

 

The psalmist recalls how God gave his people a home. God brought them out of Egypt and protected and provided for them. But Israel often longed for something different, thinking they could do better. Yet, in running from God, they ran from the One who provided their true home. Our sinful hearts easily forget the gift of the home we have with God. This is the great danger of our restlessness.

 

When Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote that “It's not the destination, it's the journey,” he was simply wrong. Without the knowledge of the destination of heaven, the journey means nothing, whether it has been good or bad! That pleasant land He has prepared for us is worth it all! Take comfort in that.

 

A Better Country

 

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants bas many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:8-16 ESV).

 

While Mary and I would like to spend more time in the Smokies, we don’t get there nearly enough. When we are able to travel there, we have found a small cabin on the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. It is very cozy and sits on the river which gives me the opportunity to fly fish in the mornings while she is sleeping a bit later. The picture I’ve included was taken in the fall, though it is equally beautiful at any season. And, the fishing is pretty good on Thursday through Saturday since they release the rainbows on Thursday morning upstream from here. It has become our “home away from home.” We always look forward to these times away together.

 

But living in someone else’s home is no substitute for being at our home in Texas. The writer of Hebrews, looking back at the stories of Israel’s patriarchs, makes clear that something deeper drives our search for home. In faith we are “looking for the city … whose architect and builder is God.” Not all of us might recognize this deeper search, of course. Often, we pull up stakes in search of something that will make our lives better. We imagine we can trade the hardships and heartaches of one situation for a week at the cottage, or with a new boyfriend or girlfriend, or with a stiff drink, or a new job, or a nicer home, or, anything else that might seem to fulfill our longing. But the best this world can offer is merely a substitute compared to the home with “many rooms” that our Savior prepares for us (cf. John 14:2).

 

The patriarchs, by faith, went somewhere. They followed God’s call or discovered that God was with them as they went. And they learned that just going somewhere could never satisfy the longing that only God could fulfill. Look to THAT better country God is preparing specifically for you. That brings hope and life, peace and encouragement in the journey!

 

Never Forget Where Home Is

 

So Joseph remained in Egypt, he and his father’s house. Joseph lived 110 years. And Joseph saw Ephraim’s children of the third generation. The children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were counted as Joseph’s own. And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will visit you and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.” So Joseph died, being 110 years old. (Genesis 50:22-26 ESV).

 

You may have heard the admonition to “never forget where home is.” That’s usually the advice given when children leave home to start their own family after marriage. While Joseph probably didn’t say these very words before his death, our reading today makes it very clear that he thought his “home” was in the “land of promise.” He called his brothers to “carry his bones” from Egypt to Israel when they returned. And, while we have no definitive proof that was done as he asked, there is a tomb (pictured here) which is located near Shechem at the eastern entrance to the valley that separates Mounts Gerizim and Ebal, just about 100 yards northwest of Jacob's Well, on the outskirts of the West Bank city of Nablus.

 

The last words of Joseph were all the more remarkable because he hadn’t lived at “home” for many years. He had grown successful and prosperous in Egypt. His children lived there. For all intents and purposes, Egypt was his home. This makes it very clear that he understood the concept of God’s eternal “promised land.” For the believers this is our eternal home.

 

Knowing where home is means you have to know where you have come from and where you belong. Many people grow up somewhere and never leave, and they cannot imagine living anywhere else. But in our increasingly mobile societies today, “home” can be harder to recognize. Joseph reminded his brothers that their home was the place God had promised to their forefathers—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And one day God would bring them back there. No matter how successful we may become in a particular place, the Christian’s home is defined by adoption into the family of God. Our home with God is only possible because God has come to our aid in Christ. Never forget that you belong to this faithful Savior. Your home is heaven!