In Christ - Pt 10

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31-39 ESV). We come to the end of our little series in Romans 8 with a wonderful declaration. The Apostle Paul simply says, “God is for us.” The Bible uses several different prepositions to qualify God’s relationship with his people. The angel said Jesus should be called “Immanuel, (which means, God with us)” (cf. Matthew 1:23). John describes God’s incarnation in the person of Jesus Christ this way, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (cf. John 1:14). Here in Romans Paul assures us that “God is for us” (v. 31). Imagine that. The one who created light with a word is for us. The one who spoke and all creation came into existence is for us. The God who took on the Baal prophets through Elijah and defeated them is for us. The God who took down the walls of Jericho, defeated sin through the cross, and put death to death by raising Jesus from the dead is for us. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Paul’s rhetorical question is not meant to suggest that no one is against us but rather that no one and nothing opposed to those who are Christ’s can defeat them. Because God is for us, “we are more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37). Because God is for us, “[nothing] will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:39). The God who is with us is also for us. What then shall we say to that! Today you may find yourself facing something that is difficult. It may be little more than a momentary inconvenience; or, it could be something seemingly in surmountable. Listen to the apostle and take heart. God is FOR you! He is not a judge waiting for you to appear in his court and receive your punishment; he is your savior who is inexorably drawing you to himself and an eternal life that cannot be imagined for its surpassing greatness!

In Christ - Pt 9

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (Romans 8:26-30 ESV). I’m going through a period of time when my physicians have decided that it is better for me to begin to change some of my medications. As many of you know from personal experience, that’s always a bit of an adjustment. On the bright side, I am told that within a month the adjustment will have been completed and I will actually recapture some of my short term memory abilities. Mary will be happy about that! One of the side effects of the transition is that the pain management has not really been as good. We haven’t really gotten the right combination yet while avoiding any undue side effects. I’m confident we will, but we haven’t yet. So, with that little truth in mind, you can see my “hope” emerge. Yesterday I talked a little about that principle as Paul deals with it in the verses just prior to our reading today. However, today we look at an extension of this thought. Physical and emotional pain is awkward for a faith as full of promises as the Christian faith. We feel the difficulty at many points in our lives. When we share with others who are going through difficulty in their lives, it is often awkward. Either our awkwardness leads to silence, which does not feel quite right, or the awkwardness tends to prompt platitudes that come across as hollow. Sometimes we fall into the trap of comparing “battle scars,” which really never works. Paul finds a way through the awkwardness by naming pain as real: “the sufferings of this present time. We do not know what to pray for as we ought. . . . The creation was subjected to futility. . . . [We] groan inwardly” (Romans 8:18, 26, 20, 23). Paul does not gloss over pain with a cliché. He takes seriously the reality of suffering in our lives. But the apostle does not leave us to wallow in pain; he does not leave us without hope in pain. Paul knows the whole story. Beginning with God’s foreknowledge and ending with God’s intention to glorify the ones he loves, Paul relocates our suffering in the much larger redemption story God is telling in the world. That larger story gives us permission to feel deeply the reality and sting of pain without giving up hope that God has better things in store for us. And, he does! Jesus’ resurrection proves that. Now, that’s something to share that will not sound hollow!

In Christ - Pt 8

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (Romans 8:18-25 ESV). Hope is one of the great words of the Christian faith, but it tends to be overused and misused and so has lost some of its force. We tend to use the word “hope” as if it meant wishful thinking. “I hope my team wins the game.” “I hope I get that for my birthday.” But for Christians hope carries with it a certain confidence that God’s promises will be realized, including the redemption of our bodies. That’s why the author to the letter of Hebrews speaks of faith in terms of hope, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for” (cf. Hebrews 11:1). Paul raises the bar for hope when he writes, “In this hope we were saved.” Hope is the confident expectation that though the circumstances of our lives may suggest otherwise, God’s good purposes for the world and for us will come to fruition. The news reports suggest that suffering overwhelms our world, brokenness rules our days, and disappointment is the inevitable conclusion to our dreams. But hope declares confidence in the God who will accomplish his purposes. Though we may not see it now, which is what makes it hope, we are confident we will see and experience God’s final victory one day. I find it altogether logical that hope’s first cultivated spiritual discipline is patience. Patience is difficult, even countercultural, in our instant gratification world. But hope gives us the strength to endure with patience until the very end. I’ve known this to be true in both the little delays of life and the longer, more prolonged parentheses waiting for some conclusion in life. Having reached a stage in my life when more of it is over than is left, I can honestly say that it doesn’t get any less painful waiting; however, it does get easier. I can now look back and see the many times God has done precisely what was necessary and good at just the right time. There is no need to expect any less for the future. He is going to complete this work begun many years ago in Christ. My hope is not some empty desire; it is the rock solid knowledge and experience I have with my God who provides for me nothing but good, even from the worst! Trust in Him!

In Christ - Pt 7

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (Romans 8:18-25 ESV). I couldn’t leave yesterday’s reading without focusing on the concept of “the new creation.” The effects of sin in the world go far deeper than simply distorting our ability to choose well when confronted with decisions on how to live. They are broader than just the disruption of God’s relationship with humankind. The whole creation is affected by sin. Certainly Adam and Eve experienced a division between themselves that they had not known before they fell; they also experienced a separation from the God who made them. But even that isn’t the whole story. Human disobedience also triggered a curse on creation. “Cursed is the ground because of you,” God declared (cf. Genesis 3:17). I have heard of some who genuinely believe that what presently have in our world is what we will have in heaven, maybe just a little “shinier.” Mary and I are fortunate to have two vehicles. I drive a 2003 Tahoe with 245,000 miles on it; Mary drives a 2016 Rav4 with 1,500 miles on it right now. Obviously, they both are in working condition. We drive them every day. However, can I tell you there’s a world of difference between the two? Immediately you would say, “One is old and one is new.” However, the differences goes beyond their age. The Tahoe has been worn with use, while the Rav4 is still in that “breaking in” stage. Our world is like that in many ways. Since the beginning of time and the sin of man invaded God’s creation, our world has been “worn” with use. For the most part it still works, but not as it was intended, nor as it did when God created it. God has not abandoned his plan for creation. He will redeem it as well as man. Paul says that since the fall “the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth” (v. 22). That groaning is not in vain, though, because God intends to bring a new creation to birth. That’s why when John peered past time into eternity he saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” and heard Jesus declare, “Behold, I am making all things new” (cf. Revelation 21:1, 5). Creation, once declared “good” by God in the beginning, will experience the full redemption of God in the end. God’s redemptive purposes for the world include us but are so much bigger and broader and better. What a glorious God we have!

In Christ - Pt 6

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (Romans 8:18-25 ESV). Every time I go to do one of my every eight week phlebotomies, I am reminded how fortunate I am in dealing with “suffering.” It may be true that I have seen some measure of difficulty in life; however, as I see those who are getting treatment for various cancers and other diseases, I know that my journey has been pretty easy actually. The physical sufferings I experience are really nothing compared to others I have known and seen. The Apostle Paul knew something about suffering also. It was not an academic exercise for him. Paul knew all about suffering firsthand. The Christians who received his letter knew the pain of persecution at the hands of oppressive emperors in Rome. AS I write today, I do want to minimize your suffering. We know suffering too. Depending on our situation our suffering goes by different names: the agony of losing a loved one way too early; the pain of living in the shadow of persecution; the vicarious suffering we feel on behalf of those who are hurting. The physical challenges of ill health and the pain of broken relationships are all too common. Remember, our faith never promises that we won’t have to suffer. Christ never assured us that everything would happen as we desire. Suffering has always been in tension with the promises of the faith we hold and proclaim. Paul does not shy away from acknowledging “the sufferings of this present time.” He never tries to ignore pain or gloss over it as something trivial. However, he does urge us to look to a day when all the world’s pain will give way to the new creation God is bringing about. And he suggests putting our pain in perspective: “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that is to be revealed to us.” The great promise of our faith is that one day we will exchange all the sufferings we have ever known for a glory we cannot now imagine. I know many of you who read these devotionals personally. Some of you suffer terribly. Can I encourage you by simply saying it is coming to a close; and, perhaps very soon. Jesus has already won the glory for us. It awaits! Keep moving to that great day of God almighty!

In Christ - Pt 5

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27 ESV). Yesterday I spoke of calling on our heavenly Father “early and often.” The apostle in this section of Romans 8 helps us understand that even the content of that “calling” is undergirded by the Holy Spirit. When we pray we never pray alone. Even when praying privately we do not pray by ourselves. The Spirit prays both in us and for us. So much of the attention on prayer is devoted to our act of praying. We attend conferences on pursuing a deeper prayer life. We sometimes fall prey to the thinking that the more people we have praying the more likely it is that God will hear and answer our prayers. We ask pastors for helpful hints or strategies on a more effective prayer life. While there is certainly nothing wrong with pursuing a deeper prayer life, or asking our friends to pray for us, or finding helpful practices to enable us to pray in faithfulness, it’s important to remember that our efforts aren’t the most important thing in prayer. The most important thing is that the Spirit helps us pray. I found it amusing when I read the following list of children’s prayers:  Dear God: Please send a new baby for Mommy. The new baby you sent last week cries too much. - Debbie, 7  Dear God: Who did you make smarter? Boys or girls? My sister and I want to know. - Jimmy, 6  Dear God: How many angels are there in heaven? I would like to be the first kid in my class to know the answer. - Norma, 8  Dear God: This is my prayer. Could you please give my brother some brains. So far he doesn’t have any. - Angela, 8  Dear Lord: Thank you for the nice day today. You even fooled the TV weather man. - Hank, 7  Dear God: Please help me is school. I need help in spelling, adding, history, geography and writing. I don’t need help in anything else. - Lois, 9  Dear Lord: Tomorrow is my birthday. Could you please put a rainbow in the sky? - Susan, 9  Dear God: I need a raise in my allowance. Could you have one of your angels tell my father. Thank you. David, 7  Dear God: I am saying my prayers for me and my brother, Billy, because Billy is six months old and he can’t do anything but sleep and wet his diapers. Diane, 8 After you finish your chuckling, think about the great truth that these children certainly understand the relationship they have with their heavenly Father. They simply ask. Isn’t that what children do? Pray, by all means pray. Pray your heart and desires, be guided by the Scriptures in your prayers. But with all the important lessons you have learned about prayer, remember this first: “the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God” (v. 27). Just talk to your Father in heaven!

In Christ - Pt 4

So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:12-17 ESV). The Apostles’ Creed, which appears as early as 390 AD, is a compilation of truths adopted and expressed by the early church. It was not written by the apostles, though it certainly contains the primary doctrines expressed by those who’s writings we possess. It is as follows: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Within this creed is one of the great confessions of the Christian faith. It is that Jesus Christ is the only Son of God. When God established his covenant with the people of Israel he named them as his children, “You are the sons of the Lord your God” (cf. Deuteronomy 14:1). The doors of that covenant have swung wide open in Jesus Christ, so that now non-Jews may also be included in the covenant and be named as children of God. Jesus is God’s Son by nature. Our incorporation in the family is by way of adoption. Paul says, “You did not receive a spirit of slavery, but you have received the Spirit of adoption” (v. 15). As God’s children we are given the same benefits that belong to God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Those benefits include the privilege of calling on the Father, like children calling for a parent in the darkness of night during a thunderstorm. When we call, he hears. When we cry, he listens. He is our Father; he hears and listens because we belong to him and he cares for us. Our very crying out to him is evidence that we belong to him; our calling on him is the reminder that we are his children. Perhaps the greatest tragedy in our modern era is the independence we cherish so much. It prompts us to call on our Father only after we have exhausted all of our meager resources and failed. Call on Him early and often. We are his children!

In Christ - Pt 3

You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. (Romans 8:9-11 ESV). The word “spirit” is used no less than twenty-two times in Romans 8, though not always in the same sense. We can distinguish three different spirits here: the Spirit of God, the human spirit, and the spirit (or attitude) that resists God’s Spirit. In verse 5 it’s clear which spirit Paul means when he urges us to “set [our] minds on the things of the Spirit.” In a world where bombs explode, poverty exists, oppression happens, injustice occurs, and sin in its multifarious expressions shows up in every life, Christians are urged to focus on the things of the Spirit. The things of the Spirit are: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control” (cf. Galatians 5:23-23). Each of these attributes is produced in our life through the process of sanctification. As we find ourselves growing in the new life given to us in Christ, the Holy Spirit produces this harvest in our life. It is not without our participation and perseverance; however, it is still a work of the Spirit first and foremost. Life in the Spirit begins with God’s work of redemption through Christ. But it grows in us when we actively set our minds on the things of the Spirit. If we think about love we are more likely to love. If we think about joy we are more likely to be joyful. If we think about peace we are more likely to be peacemakers. We pursue life in the Spirit by intentionally focusing our thoughts on the things of God. Having said that, some caveats are in order.  First, this does not mean that a believer will always be fruitful. Paul exhorted believers to engage in good works so they would not be unfruitful (cf. Titus 3:14). Peter also exhorted believers to add the qualities of Christian character to their faith so that they would not be unfruitful (cf. 2 Peter 1:8). Obviously, both of those passages indicate that a true believer might be unfruitful.  Second, this does not mean that a certain person’s fruit will necessarily be outwardly evident. His fruit may be very private or erratic, but the fact that I do not see it does not mean it is not there.  Third, our understanding of what fruit is and therefore what we expect others to bear may be faulty and/or incomplete. It is all too easy to have a mental list of spiritual fruits and to conclude if someone does not produce what is on our list that he or she is not a believer. But the reality is that most lists that we humans devise are too short, too selective, too prejudiced, and often extrabiblical. God likely has a much more accurate and longer list than most of us do. Today, look inward. I know that my “timber” is much greater than my brother’s “speck” (cf. Matthew 7:3-5). Let’s each bear fruit in the Spirit!

In Christ - Pt 2

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:1-8 ESV). Yesterday we looked at the phrase “in Christ”: today we must examine another phrase, “no condemnation.” This chapter from the Apostle Paul is abundantly sprinkled in gospel promises. They begin where the assurance of our faith begins: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” A definition is vital. Condemnation has to do with the penalty that follows a guilty verdict. It points to the judicial consequence for those who have demonstrated sin in any of its countless expressions. We should remember that though the specific actions that come from our sinfulness may vary in each of us by degree or kind, the reality of sinfulness remains true for all of us. Any honest assessment of our lives will leave us repeating with the apostle Paul, “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing” (cf. Romans 7:19). So, the bad news is that no one escapes sin and therefore everyone is faced with condemnation. The good news is that God loved us too much to leave us in our guilt. He has taken in Christ the judgment and has paid the penalty we deserved. In Christ we do not stand condemned but free, we do not stand guilty but forgiven. Jesus Christ died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins and rose from the grave to overcome the consequences of our sin, so that “whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (cf. John 3:16). I have testified in enough criminal cases to know the process is first proving guilt. Our guilt has already been proven. Of that there can be no doubt. After guilt has been proven, there is always a determination of sentence. At that point it is no longer a matter of whether the accused is guilty; it merely needs to be determined how badly they will be punished for their crime. We are guilty of the most heinous of crimes. We have rejected our Creator. The punishment is death. Because of Christ we now may be assured that our standing in Christ eliminates the entire process. We no longer are condemned. We are innocent. Are you in Christ? Then God says, “Not guilty!” That is glorious good news!

In Christ - Pt 1

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:1-8 ESV). Today we will begin a series that focuses on one of my favorite chapters in the Bible, the eighth chapter of Paul’s letter to Rome. I encourage you to read the entire chapter in one sitting soon. Though we will look at it microscopically, a panoramic view of the apostle’s central principles found here are amazing. One author, Herbert Douglass, says: Romans 8 is a very bright light; Romans 7 is a very bleak and black picture of those who try to live their lives, either without a knowledge of the “good” life or without the confidence that God, through the Holy Spirit, wants to help us live overcoming lives. The connection between the chapters is in the first verse of this week’s chapter: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Paul passes from the painful struggle to the peace and freedom that is offered to those “in Christ.” So, as it begins and as it ends Romans 8 leaves us in the same location: “in Christ.” “In Christ” is a spiritual reality for all who believe in Jesus as Lord and acknowledge him as Savior. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead he defeated the power of sin and death and created for us a new place to live. We are now in a place that has not been possible since creation; we are “in Christ.” Life in Christ begins with an act of God that is entirely a gift. Even though we often try to add something to grace, nothing we bring to him is sufficient to affect this change in us. Only Christ could do that. It does continue with our submission to the person and purposes of Christ in the world. To be in Christ is to pursue Christlikeness wherever we are: offering mercy to those who need mercy, speaking the truth to those living with lies, worshiping God in a world full of idols, giving ourselves for the sake of others rather than seeking self-satisfaction. To be in Christ is a grace offered and empowered life that glorifies God and blesses others. This is where we begin this series. My prayer is that these short studies will bless you greatly – in Christ!

Clothes - Pt 10

When you come to appear before me, who has required of you this trampling of my courts? Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations— I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause. Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken. (Isaiah 1:12-20 ESV). I rarely wear white dress shirts anymore; however, when I do I am especially careful with that last cup of coffee while driving to my destination. There have been those times when I ignored that personal rule and hit a bump in the road spilling coffee at the most inopportune moment, getting it on the white shirt. There really isn’t a good way to remove coffee stains from white shirts while driving to a speaking engagement! I suppose I could just ignore the stain and hope that no one notices, though that wouldn’t work for someone as particular as I am with things like that. After all, on an important occasion like a speaking engagement, clothes need to be clean. There is a spiritual application here as well. We often forget that our souls get stained too. Our pride, selfishness, and envy stain our lives from the inside out. Occasionally we catch glimpses of the ugliness. But no matter how hard we try, we can’t scrub out our sin. That’s why God’s promise in Isaiah is such good news. He says that our sins can be washed clean. Jesus cleans us from the inside out. He washes our soul’s dirty laundry. In Revelation, the apostle John sees people from “every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes” (cf. Revelation 7:9). The only one who could offer dazzling white robes is the one who has washed away all sin. As we come to the close of this little series on clothes in the Scripture, my encouragement to all of us is to focus on the incredible grace God has performed on our behalf through Christ. It is much more than forgiveness of our sin. It is the reuniting of our spirit with our heavenly Father and returning us to our created state of perfect fellowship with Him. That “clothing” is more than just clean… it is perfect forever!

Clothes - Pt 9

Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. And people came and said to him, “Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day. No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins—and the wine is destroyed, and so are the skins. But new wine is for fresh wineskins.” (Mark 2:18-22 ESV). Some of us are old enough to remember when patches on our clothing were a sign that we were less affluent rather than more. It was not uncommon to wear out the knees on our jeans and put patches on them so we could get some more use out of them. Today that may not be the common practice. In fact, I have noticed that it seems to be very fashionable to wear jeans that have worn spots all over them. I’m told that those are very expensive designer jeans. That was not the case in Jesus’ day. The people of His day knew that they needed to use every scrap of material to make their clothing go as far as possible. Jesus also knew a very important principle about these patches. It was important that when you patched something up, the patch needed to be pre-shrunk. Otherwise it would only cause worse damage later. While this is good, practical advice, it is interesting to see how Jesus uses this principle to teach a very important truth to his disciples. Our reading today is one of the many parables Jesus used in his teaching. These were common word pictures that made the eternal principle much easier to understand. I think that Jesus was saying something like practices must be fitting with beliefs. Pre-shrunk jeans need pre-shrunk patches. Old covenant beliefs required old covenant practices. Jesus was ushering in a new covenant that required new practices. Jesus’ disciples learned new ways of living. They learned a new type of Passover celebration we call the Lord’s Supper (cf. Luke 22:14-20); they learned Jesus was the way to salvation (cf. Acts 16:31); and, they learned that following the Holy Spirit above all ritual laws was the way of this new covenant cf. (Acts 10:44-45). All these practices were new. When we choose to follow Christ, we become a “new creation” (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17). The Holy Spirit moves us to reject ill-fitting lifestyles that would tear us away from God. He gives us new work, new hearts, and a new identity so we fit the coming of a new kingdom. Put on your new clothes today!

Clothes - Pt 8

Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the people of Israel were assembled with fasting and in sackcloth, and with earth on their heads. And the Israelites separated themselves from all foreigners and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. And they stood up in their place and read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day; for another quarter of it they made confession and worshiped the LORD their God. On the stairs of the Levites stood Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani; and they cried with a loud voice to the LORD their God. Then the Levites, Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, “Stand up and bless the LORD your God from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. (Nehemiah 9:1-5 ESV). Clothes do make a difference. Some of the clothes we wear communicate specific things about us. For instance, wearing a sports jersey communicates that you’re a fan of a particular team. Putting on a wedding dress says this is a very special day for you. Uniforms of various kinds indicate what our function may be or what our career might be. Ancient Israelites occasionally communicated by clothing we no longer wear: sackcloth. Sackcloth was made of coarse material like hemp. In Nehemiah’s day, sackcloth was worn during times of confession and repentance. More than anything, sackcloth communicated a desperate plea for mercy. It symbolized that, for the wearer, things were not alright, not right at all. Sometimes we have a tendency to dress one way when we’re feeling another. Our name brand clothes say “I’m fine,” or “I belong,” even if inside we feel upset or left out. Sackcloth would show others how we truly feel. Fortunately, we don’t have to hide our feelings from God. Even without donning sackcloth, we can bow our heads and confess our sins. We can voice our desperate pleas for mercy at any time, no matter what we are wearing. And God is faithful to answer. The promise of God is that when we confess our sin He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (cf. 1 John 1:9). This promise can be made because of the work of Christ on our behalf. We can be “clothed” with the righteousness of Christ through our faith in His work of grace. There are a few favorite clothing stores I frequent. The clothes there seem to be fairly priced and fit well. In our spiritual life there is only one store to shop at… the Jesus store. Only Christ will do when we stand before God in judgment.

Clothes - Pt 7

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’” John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:1-8 ESV). I’m sure that there is a clandestine education that takes place for girls when they are young so that they may educate their husbands sometime later. I’ve learned more things about seemingly meaningless objects over the years than I can count. This education must take place pretty early in life because I have noticed that my oldest granddaughter, Faith, has also begun to instruct me in some of these finer items. I have also found a perplexing prevailing thought that is common in all the women I know. They can’t seem to understand how I have lived this long without this vital knowledge. Just one of those vital pieces of information is thread count for bed sheets. Please don’t write me and tell me how unbelievable it is that I didn’t know about this. I have been told numerous times already. I really like sheets that are both soft and crisp. Flannel is soft, but it is not crisp. Some linen is crisp, but it is not soft. The actual material the sheets are made from also has a great deal to do with the way they feel. Now, I would assume you could go to the sheet store and simply look on the package and it would tell you if they were soft or not and to what degree of softness they were. I mean when I go to the cleaners I simply tell them heavy starch on the jeans and they know what I’m talking about. They will come back clean and starched so they can stand up by themselves as opposed to light, which means they don’t even looked like they’ve been cleaned; or, medium, which means they are in between. So, concerning sheets, I have been informed that the higher the thread count, the more they will feel crisp; and, the material determines the softness. Get bamboo or linen with a thread count higher than 600 and you’re in for a nice night’s sleep. John the Baptist wasn’t willing to spend time or money chasing comfortable clothes. He wore camel’s hair (a tough, scratchy option). He didn’t spend much on food either. He ate grasshoppers and wild honey. John the Baptist lived a simple life, a life suited to the wilderness. Simplicity means we center our attention on what is truly important and let go of things that are not essential. Letting go actually frees us up to serve God more fully. We live in a culture that doesn’t value simplicity. It says, “You need more, more, MORE!” More soft clothes, more gadgets, more experiences, more whatever-it-is-you-want. John decided the only thing he needed more of was God’s Spirit. Simplicity helped him be close to God. It released him to serve God effectively. Watch your preferences today. Keep it simple.

Clothes - Pt 6

When the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, to go in to the king, she asked for nothing except what Hegai the king's eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her. And when Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign, the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. Then the king gave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther's feast. He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces and gave gifts with royal generosity. (Esther 2:15-18 ESV). Today is a special day for both Kyle and Brandy. It is their 19th wedding anniversary and Brandy’s birthday. It is also a great day for me to emphasize one of the great women of the Bible and a special article of clothing she wore. Most of us are taught at an early age that it’s desirable to be crowned royalty. Children are naturally drawn to the idea of being a king or a queen. Children are drawn to idea of royalty. Young girls often dress up as princesses. Being a real king or queen, however, isn’t all fancy clothes and crown jewels. The Bible consistently warns those who are in authority because God will hold them accountable for how they wield power. In today’s reading, Queen Esther is called upon to save the Jewish people, who are under attack and threatened with genocide. If she approaches the king without his permission, she could be killed. But God gives Esther courage to enter the king’s presence and save her people. Before she goes to the king, her uncle says, “Who knows, perhaps you were made queen now for this very reason?” This year has been a year when I have often thought and said that Brandy certainly was “born for such a time as this.” The construction of our house has been delayed for various reasons for much longer than anyone expected and this has resulted in our living with Kyle and Brandy. All of our children have been supportive of us through the years, but this is certainly a greater sacrifice than any would expect to make. Brandy continues to wear her crown for good. We should wonder the same thing about our positions. We might not wear a crown, but we all have influence. Whatever job we may have, we have the opportunity to use our positions for good. It’s not always easy. Sometimes it requires bravery. But the one we serve above all others is the King of the Universe. Happy Anniversary to Kyle and Brandy… and Happy Birthday Brandy! She is certainly a queen in our eyes!

Clothes - Pt 5

Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. (Exodus 3:1-6 ESV). When I officed from my home there were occasions when my clients would come in and immediately begin taking their shoes off. They would always explain that they felt they were too dirty to walk on the carpet with them. That was very respectful, however completely unnecessary. Our reading today points to another example of an article of clothing mentioned in the Bible, Moses’ sandals. While tending his flocks, Moses saw a shrub on fire, yet not burning up. Curious, he approached the shrub. God called out from the fire: “Moses, Moses! Don’t come too close. And take off your sandals, this is holy ground.” Moses obeys. God always took ceremonial cleanliness seriously. Later in the Old Testament, God kills Israelites for disobeying his instructions about the need for cleanliness in approaching his holiness. There is something much deeper here than ceremony however. Moses removing his sandals reminds us that sinful people are unfit to stand before a holy God, except on his terms. We are simply not “clothed” appropriately for that encounter. Fast-forward several centuries. Jesus heals the sick, raises the dead, and proclaims good news. Jesus’ disciple, Peter, recognizes that he’s the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. One memorable evening in an upper room, Peter took off his sandals in God’s presence. But this time, Jesus, God incarnate, wants to wash Peter’s feet. It was customary for the host of the meal to provide this service for those who were in attendance. There is something much going on here though. Peter knows he’s undeserving. But Jesus says, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with me” (cf. John 13:8). So Peter readily agrees. Peter understood that in order to approach a holy God, we must be clothed with the righteousness of Jesus. He alone makes us clean enough to stand in God’s presence. God does have certain “dress codes” to attend the royal court of heaven; and, he makes sure to provide it for us through his work of grace!

Clothes - Pt 4

Jacob lived in the land of his father's sojournings, in the land of Canaan. These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was pasturing the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father's wives. And Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him. (Genesis 37:1-4 ESV). Most people have at least heard about Joseph’s robe. In fact, it might be one of the most infamous articles of clothing in the entire Bible. The robe was beautiful, but after Jacob gave it to Joseph things got ugly. Joseph’s brothers saw that Jacob favored Joseph. They hated him for it and wanted to kill him. Instead they sold him as a slave to Egypt. To cover their tracks, they ripped up Joseph’s robe, dipped it in blood, and led their father to believe that an animal had killed him. The story ends well. God remained with Joseph, gave him important work in Egypt, and eventually reconciled him to his brothers. However, the tattered robe reminds us that favoritism is wrong. The apostle James puts it this way: “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin” (cf. James 2:8-9). That’s difficult. I want to favor people who are nice to me or who show kindness to me. However, God shows us clearly through this article of clothing that love should work differently for us. Jesus showed love to all people, even his enemies. Just one of those areas where we can do better is in resisting the urge to show favoritism. Of course there is a level of love we show to our family that is deeper; however, we ought to resist excluding others in other areas of our relational lives. We have all been on the receiving side of such favoritism. It never feels good. Jesus’ example was just the opposite. He called for acts of service toward others. Read leadership is shown through serving others, not being served. There’s a wonderful story about a Chicago bank that once asked for a letter of recommendation on a young Bostonian being considered for employment. The Boston investment house could not say enough about the young man. His father, they wrote, was a Cabot; his mother was a Lowed. Further back was a happy blend of Saltonstalls, Peabodys, and other of Boston’s first families. His recommendation was given without hesitation. Several days later, the Chicago bank sent a note saying the information supplied was altogether inadequate. It read: “We are not contemplating using the young man for breeding purposes. Just for work.” Neither is God a respecter of persons but accepts those from every family, nation, and race who fear Him and work for His kingdom. So should we!

Clothes - Pt 3

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:1-7 ESV). We continue to look at the things we can learn about the character of our God through the clothing spoken of in the Scripture. Our reading today is very specific when Luke details that Jesus was wrapped in “swaddling cloths.” I remember when our oldest son was born and there was so much to learn about the care of a baby. Mary knew how to “swaddle” Kyle, but I simply didn’t have a clue. My first question was “why?” Why did he need to be wrapped up so much? It seemed to me that it was uncomfortable at the least. Later I would learn how comforting it was as it simulated the environment of the womb. On the first Christmas, the Son of God was born in a high-risk situation; there was no hospital, no doctors, no mid-wife, or help other than Joseph. The king of the universe was born in a stable, wrapped in swaddling cloths, and laid in a feeding trough. What an undignified entrance! Some might wonder, “Why didn’t God dress his son in a royal baby robe? That would make a more powerful fashion statement.” Yet God does make a powerful statement by choosing swaddling cloths. They were standard for the time. They showed that Jesus would live like any other ordinary human, without the advantages of a royal upbringing. Jesus grew up in a low-income family as a carpenter’s son in a small town. In fact, he was spared no sorrow and was even called “the Man of Sorrows.” It is indicative of the great love God has for us. That he would be submissive to such a humbling existence speaks of that love. Swaddling cloths were a powerful statement in one other way. Jesus was wrapped in strips of cloths not only at his birth but also at his death (cf. John 19:40). The swaddling cloths are a reminder that although wise men visited and angels sang on Christmas, Jesus’ victory over death would require him one day to wear grave clothes. Isn’t it interesting that not only was Jesus born like any other human, he also died like any other human. It was a real death. It was even more painful and gruesome than any other of the time. That the depth of the sacrifice God made for his children. Notice also that he did not wear those cloths after the resurrection. All semblance of the devastation of sin on humanity was removed by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Now that’s an incredible wardrobe change! He did that for us!

Clothes - Pt 2

The man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. And the LORD God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them. (Genesis 3:20-21 ESV). I suppose I could have changed the title to today’s devotional to make it a bit more “catchy” although that doesn’t seem to be my general proclivity. I could have called it something like “fig leaves to fur coats” and perhaps it would have piqued interest in reading it a bit more than “Clothes – Part 2”. The message would be the same though. Let’s see if we can dig in a bit and see a characteristic of our gracious God that will be encouraging to you today. The story of creation begins with Eve and Adam as naked. They didn’t care. There was no worry about protection from the elements, they were perfect; there wasn’t any shame or guilt, there wasn’t any sin or imperfection in creation yet; and, their beauty in how God had made them was apparent, they were perfect in every way. This was true until the day they ate the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Suddenly they realized they were naked and were ashamed. Adam and Eve tried to cover themselves by wearing clothes they had made of fig leaves. Of course that didn’t work. God saw it all. The curse of sin had entered the world when God confronted Adam and Eve in the Garden. If the consequences weren’t so tragic, it would almost be laughable. Adam and Eve thought they could hide from God behind fig leaf clothing. Think of it. Fig leaves are neither durable nor comfortable. Can you imagine having that rub against you every time you moved! However, as a first attempt at clothing and camouflage, that was the best they could do. I don’t know they could have won any awards for design, but it did function for the moment. That moment quickly passed. God saw through their disguise and knew that they had disobeyed. Because God and sin cannot coexist, he sent Adam and Eve from paradise into the rocky, thorny, painful world outside the garden. But not before he made for them more suitable clothing. God knew that fig leaves were not long-term protection. So he provided leather and fur clothing that was both long-lasting and warm. God provided these gifts even to his sinful children. He still provides for us. This action is a beautiful foreshadowing of what God was going to ultimately do through Jesus. Once we realize our own sin we try so many different ways to put a different spin on it. We develop all kinds of excuses and reasons for our failure. The truth is they are about as effective as fig leaves. The only satisfying means of transforming our wardrobe is to take on the righteousness of Jesus. We do that by faith in the work he has already performed on our behalf. Is it time for you to change your wardrobe?

Clothes - Pt 1

For you 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 awake, and I am still with you. (Psalm 139:13-18 ESV). It may seem strange to see a little series of devotionals on “clothes”; however, it seemed to be something on my mind. This is the time of the year when wardrobes start to change for most folks. The weather moderates and we wear different kinds of clothing to suit the warmer weather. Perhaps the most interesting part of that change is how much “style” has to do with what we wear. Functionality really is secondary. Now, today I’m not going to talk about “what” we wear. So don’t give up on this devotional yet. Clothing is an essential part of life. As I mentioned, concern about style is very common. It ranges from what’s stylish in your state to the fashion runways of Milan to the neck rings of the Kayan people in Burma. It’s amazing to me that since I now live in Texas, I don’t get those funny looks from the folks at the cleaners when I take my jeans in to have them starched and creased anymore. Lots of folks here wear them that way. Anyway, this began my thoughts to crystallize around what the Bible has to say about fashion and clothing. That took me to our reading today. Let me begin by saying that when it comes to specifics, the Bible doesn’t really help us decide whether or not I should starched and creased jeans. There are several stories dealing with fashion and clothing throughout scripture, from Adam and Eve’s fig-leaf garments in Genesis to bright white robes in Revelation. As I have read these again, I have learned that by looking at something as “worldly” as fashion and clothing important truths about both God and ourselves are revealed. That’s where I want us to go for the next few days. For instance, did you know that God clothed us before we even were born? Job says, “you clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews” (cf. Job 10:11). Our skeletal, cardiovascular, and muscular systems alone wouldn’t suffice, so God clothed us with skin. God designed us in such an incredible way that David couldn’t help but sing out, “You knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” That means God is the great Designer. God fashioned us “in his image.” Perhaps this explains why fashion exists. Something of God’s creativity rubs off on us. So, go ahead, wear your jeans starched and creased if you want to. Let that remind you of the plan and purpose of our GREAT God!

In Conclusion

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. Brothers, pray for us. Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-28 ESV). I am always amused when speaks use the phrase “in conclusion.” It reminds me of an old story of two boys in church. One of them had never been before. He asked many questions of his friends concerning the traditions and behavior during the worship. His friend patiently explained everything as best as he knew. However, after all the singing, the pastor walked to the pulpit, took his watch off and laid it on the pulpit. The young boy asked, “What does that mean?” His friend simply answered, “Nothing. He never looks at that thing!” Paul has tried to summarize several times before these last verses. I frankly think he ran out of papyrus and just comes to an end. These concluding sentences do form a wonderful benediction, both for his original audience and us as well. The parting words here are not last-minute reminders to the gathered community in Thessalonica. They’re not tacked on like a “P.S.—I almost forgot to add . . .” No, this closing blessing is a crucial summons to stay strong in the faith. Paul is summarizing the main message of all that he’s tried to communicate to the Thessalonians. He wants them to remember that the God they know in Jesus is a God of peace, who has the power to sanctify them and make them into the people they are called to be. He wants them to remember that being a Christian is not just about how to live in the here and now but is forward-looking, always scanning the horizon for what God has in store. He wants them to live blameless lives and to know that they can do so through the power of Christ, who demonstrated how to live blamelessly and faithfully in relationship with God the Father. Those are some parting words that should stay with us as well. Wherever you are, whether you are in the midst of affliction or exultation, may you be encouraged and uplifted in your faith, renewed in hope and in the knowledge of a God who will see you through to the fullness of the reign of Jesus Christ. Think of others that are also traveling this journey. Pray for them; tell them of your encouragement through the days. We are all in this process of coming to a conclusion; it is always easier to get there knowing someone else is walking with us. Just a short note to say you are thinking of them goes a long way to help us persevere in the times that are most challenging. I know it means the world to me when someone just says they have prayed for me. Try it today!

How Much Are You Worth?

Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 ESV). Have you ever thought about how much money your body is worth? I know, some of you are chuckling now; but, there is an incredible need for healthy organs, tissue, and fluids of our bodies. Many years ago, according to Discovery Science Magazine, the human body was worth pocket change, a mere 97 cents. This could purchase all the raw carbon, iron, and calcium a person had to offer. Today, thanks to improved processing, a determined seller could gain closer to $46 million for donating every reusable part. Of course, there’s a catch: The most lucrative substances are the ones you can’t go without. So the $7 million you’d get for your germ-fighting antibodies would be quickly spent on the plastic bubble needed to keep you alive. In our reading today the apostle echoes his instruction in his first letter (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:12) when he urged them to live lives worthy of their calling. Here it’s a prayer that God would make the believers worthy of his calling in their lives. Holding these two together gives a helpful picture of what a worthy life looks like. He’s talking about a significantly different “worth.” We’re called to renewal and sanctification, and we’re given the power to do all of that by the same God who asks it of us. God doesn’t love us because we’re worthy; we’re worthy because God loves us. The source of our worthiness is essential to understand. We must be rooted in the knowledge that God sees us cloaked in the grace of Christ. Otherwise we will be burdened by persistent feelings of unworthiness, never quite sure whether we measure up. Be assured of God’s love for you, so that you may be set free from the anxiety of feeling inadequate. We are worth much more than any assigned dollar amount! Now that’s good news we can celebrate!

Times and Seasons

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 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 Thessalonians 5:1-11 ESV). I remember May 21, 2011 very well. That was the day Harold Camping and his followers had predicted, no, insisted, that the world would come to an end. As I passed a billboard proclaiming the definitive date, I thought, well, here we are. I guess God still has plans for us! Reading this passage again, I’m struck by Paul’s insistence that we are children of the day. Picturing the day of the Lord coming “like a thief in the night” always made me think of a fearful time of waiting. If we were children of the night we could only hunker down and hope all our preparations were enough. But we don’t live in the darkness of night, where fear and uncertainty can paralyze us. We live in the bright daylight of possibility, where the wonder and the opportunities all around us are illuminated. God is not through with us yet, and as long as we’re here there’s more of the kingdom mystery breaking in, more for us to see and experience. We don’t need to know “the day or the hour” because we prepare for the day of the Lord by participating in today, because this day, and every day, is “the day that the Lord has made.” So “let us rejoice and be glad in it” (cf. Psalm 118:24). We need to rejoice in the present. We have to realize that this truly is the day that the Lord has made. Someone has said that there are three days on everybody’s calendar; yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I would assert that all of our “days” are important; however the only day which we have any real control over is today. Yesterday is gone into the tomb of time. To live in yesterday is to waste today and rob tomorrow. To live in tomorrow may cause us to not experience the joy of the present. We have to see that tomorrow is wrapped in what we do today. Today is the real “times and seasons” with meaning. Rejoice, your past is forgiven and your future is secure!

Falling Asleep

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 ESV). I am aware that today is Mother’s Day. So, though it is not much more than a nod to all of those who are Mother’s, I want to acknowledge their sacrifices and incredible contribution to all of us. Especially to the three incredible mother’s I know, Mary, Brandy, and Becca, may God continue to bless and give you great grace as your children honor you in all things. With that said, today, I want to continue our little study of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians. Our reading today mentions “those who are asleep.” Sleep was a common euphemism for death in Paul’s day. His task was to help the Thessalonians learn how to respond to death now that they had become Christians. For those with pagan backgrounds, the idea of resurrection was new and strange. Paul doesn’t go into detailed speculation about the details of our future life. He simply reassures his readers that they can trust in the power of God to do with the dead what the Father did with Jesus. He raised him from death to life, and so will he do to us. Notice that Paul doesn’t say they shouldn’t grieve anymore now that they know about the promise of resurrection. He says they will grieve differently now. For Christians, this means that we still mourn the loss of those we love. Their absence is hard to bear, even if we are comforted in believing that they are in God’s presence. But in the midst of our bereavement we also live into the mystery that death doesn’t have the final word. As a pastor and counselor, I’ve frequently witnessed the mysterious, sometimes heart-wrenching experience of watching a person depart this earthly life. I don’t have answers or explanations for the tough questions that loved ones may cry out, nor can I alleviate the grief they are going through. But often powerful comfort for the moment can come in the form of a prayer of commendation, where together we entrust the dying person into the hands and safekeeping of God, for all eternity. John Wesley preached his last sermon of Feb 17, 1791, in Lambeth on the text "Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near" (Isa 55:6). The following day, a very sick man, he was put to bed in his home on City Road. During the days of his illness, he often repeated the words from one of his brother's hymns: I the chief of sinners am, But Jesus died for me! His last words were, "The best of all is, God is with us!" He died March 2, 1791. Death is not extinguishing the light from the Christian; it is putting out the lamp because the dawn has come.

Fitbits

Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 ESV). Recently Mary and I have been gently chastened by our new doctor to get into shape. It seems she has taken that much better than I, which is certainly no surprise to anyone that knows us. We had become somewhat sedentary in our lifestyles over the last few years and it takes its toll as you age. Mary became proactive and decided to start a walking regimen of 10,000 steps per day. In order to both keep up with her progress and continue to be challenged she got a Fit-Bit. She also entered into a little challenge with her sister to do the walking and stay in shape. Well, of course I scoffed. However, as I see her walking up and down the street in the evening to complete her daily steps, I am ashamed to think I certainly haven’t been that disciplined. As I came to our reading today, I was reminded that there is much to be learned from the apostle’s encouragement to “control our body.” A lot has changed in the last two thousand years, but Paul’s instruction about controlling our bodies is just as relevant as ever. Like the first century Thessalonians, we too dwell in a culture that revels in all sorts of unhealthy attitudes and practices when it comes to both our bodies and sexuality. Some Christian traditions have tried to set themselves apart by denigrating bodily matters and emphasizing spiritual health instead. But to cultivate contempt for our bodies is to reject good gifts from God. What’s crucial is that we embrace and use these gifts in ways that will honor God, ourselves, and those with whom we are in relationship. Prior to the advent of Christianity, God’s people needed to be purified and holy in order to approach God’s presence in the Jerusalem temple. Now that God’s presence dwells within believers themselves, our bodies ought to be places where holiness and honor reflect the Spirit’s presence. Holiness isn’t just an occasion, nor is it accomplished by performing certain rituals. It’s a way of life, empowered by the love and example of Christ. And when individuals live honorably with their bodies, the whole community is better equipped to live in health and harmony. Seeking holiness in our bodily conduct is part of how we respond to the gospel, which calls us to live not for self-gratification but for the well-being of all, as God intends.

By Your Love

But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you—for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. (1 Thessalonians 3:6-13 ESV). Paul makes reference to a report brought to him by Timothy concerning the the actions of the church in Thessalonica. It is a good report, outlining their actions of faith and love toward one another and the community. It might sound trivial; however, it was very difficult to be a Christian in the hostile environment in which they lived. Coming to this passage I began to ponder whether people know I’m a Christian without my telling them. One of the characteristics that made the early Christians stand out was their love, expressed through actions like caring for each other’s physical and economic needs. The mutual love of Christians was radical too, in that it was expressed by people of drastically different socioeconomic and racial backgrounds. One’s status in the wider culture didn’t translate into a higher or lower status in the church. Instead believers were united in their new identity in Christ. They had their conflicts too, but these were bearable because of the love they shared, love modeled to them by Paul and others, and ultimately by Christ himself. Some years ago there was a popular chorus, “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” often sung as a benediction to worship. Peter Scholtes, who was born in Evanston, Illinois and grew up in Oak Park, where he attended Ascension School and Fenwick High School before studying at Quigley and St. Mary of the Lake-Mundelein seminaries, wrote the hymn while he was a parish priest at St. Brendan's on the South Side of Chicago in the 1960s. At the time, he was leading a youth choir out of the church basement and was looking for an appropriate song for a series of ecumenical, interracial events. When he couldn't find such a song, he wrote the now-famous hymn in a single day. I pause and reflect on whether I live in such a loving way that strangers can actually know that about me. I’m saddened when I hear people say their impression of Christians is that they are judgmental and exclusive. I wonder, what would it look like to reach out in radical love to people who have felt rejected by us? Surely Christ’s love, which is wide and long and high and deep, seeks to embrace all who feel cast out. And surely Christ’s love has the power to turn all of us, no matter how broken or bitter we feel, into instruments of God’s love.

Do You Remember Me?

Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain. (1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 ESV). It has been nearly twelve years since I was in this area of North Central Texas. I have heard a couple of phrases many times in the last six weeks. First, there have been those who have recognized either Mary or I and said, “You haven’t changed at all.” I am very appreciative of the kind sentiment; however, they are either delusional or just being kind. I prefer to believe the latter. The other is a question I get a lot as I am confronted by people who may have known me. It is, “Do you remember me?” Sometimes I do, and sometimes I don’t. Just like I have changed physically, they have too. I had one young man come to me recently and say, “Brother Don… it is so good to see you. Do you remember me?” And, before I could answer, he turned to his wife and said, “This is the preacher that baptized me when I was twelve.” Well, I did confess that I didn’t remember him by sight, but once he told me the story and his name, I could remember the details of our shared past. That’s the background of our reading today. Twice in this passage Paul mentions not being able to bear the anxiety of his concern for the young church of Thessalonica. He yearned to know how they were doing, and whether they were struggling in their faith. Though Paul had moved on geographically in his missionary journeys, his mind and heart were still with the Thessalonians. He understood that growing the church wasn’t just about converting people and forgetting them. He knew from painful personal experience that becoming a Christian in that day and age would eventually bring suffering, the kind of suffering that the Evil One could use to jeopardize the faith of new believers. Any gardener knows that growing something requires a lot more than just putting seeds in the ground. Nurturing plants to their full fruit-bearing potential requires care and vigilance. The gardener knows that the seeds contain the power to grow into what they were destined for, but it would be naive to assume the seeds won’t need any care or protection along the way. The gospel has its own power in the lives of believers, but we all need to be nurtured and carried forward by the tender care and concern of those who are lovingly invested in us as we grow into mature disciples of Jesus who bear fruit. This is one of the great blessings of developing relationships with others. Invest in their lives!

Friends Remembered

But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy. (1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 ESV). I have mentioned before how we have been so happy to be “home” again in Texas. We have reunited with many friends and have many more scheduled for the near future. It is great to see them. All of the ability through electronic media and various means of communication is no substitute for seeing the people we love in person. I have also said how difficult it is to have left behind so many friends in Tennessee. I catch myself texting, messaging, or calling folks just to hear their voice again. I must confess that I took for granted being there. I suppose that’s a natural occurrence whenever we move to another location. Paul’s strong expression of emotion in this passage reminds me of that feeling. The separation from loved ones is often difficult. When we yearn to be with people we care for the pain of distance can be heartrending. Paul’s desire to be reunited with the young church of Thessalonica reflects his deep commitment to them. He is not content simply to preach the word, convert people, start churches, and move on to the next place. He wants to stay connected, to see with his own eyes what the gospel is doing where it has taken root. He’s not looking to take credit for his accomplishments; instead, it’s the Christians in Thessalonica themselves who are Paul’s “glory and joy.” It is in these growing disciples that Paul will boast, as he looks forward to the return of Christ. It’s worth pausing to think about all the other things of which Christians are tempted to boast. It is easy to boast in our facilities, our programs, our institutions, our knowledge of scripture; it is simple to boast in our history and heritage. These things aren’t bad, of course, but Paul’s words remind us that what we can really take joy in is sharing the journey of faith with others. What we should rejoice in is this: each disciple growing in faith, and each church community—whether it’s an established group or a ragtag bunch of rookie disciples—growing deeper in its identity in Christ. Today I invite you to spend a little time remembering your friends. You may be prompted to make a call or send a note; don’t delay, do it quickly. Even if you are miles apart, a short word of greeting and encouragement will do you both great good. And, if there are some in your past that you have just lost touch with, reengage. I think you will find that the reward will far outweigh any anxiety you may feel. You both will be rewarded with a taste of heaven.

Quid Pro Quo

For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. (1 Thessalonians 2:9-12 ESV). There are many words and phrases that make it into our language as it continues to evolve. One of those is “quid pro quo.” Literally this phrase is Latin meaning “this for that.” The Urban Dictionary describes it with the understanding of: "I want something, you want something. You give me what I want, I'll give you what you want. Quid pro quo." It is another way of expressing the principle the Apostle Paul describes in our reading today. He and the other missionaries with him acted like “a father toward a son” toward them and he encourages them to do the same with others. Mutual encouragement is a big theme in First Thessalonians. Paul frequently expresses how encouraged he is by their faith, and he in turn encourages them to keep growing in faith, hope, and love. Encouragement, of course, is crucial for any major life change. Just ask anyone who’s trying to lose weight or quit smoking. Encouragement isn’t quite as crucial, of course, for a simple, straightforward task, like registering to vote or paying a bill. Perseverance might be necessary (but that’s a story for another day). Most of the time we all need a little encouragement to go forward just a bit more. Paul’s focus on encouragement is thus a reminder that being a Christian is not an easy, one-time, check-the-box accomplishment. The gospel changes the shape of our entire lives. Living a life that is worthy of God’s calling can’t be done in five minutes a day or by completing a to-do list of tasks, no matter how worshipful they might be. To really live lives that “walk the walk,” as Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to do, means that all of our lives will be transformed. This demands a lot more than the popular theology in Thessalonica described. With the pagan deities of that culture you could simply make an offering, then live your life in whatever way you chose. But to follow the God we know in Christ means offering all we are and have to him. Now, if you’re at all like me, that complete self-sacrifice the Bible speaks about is often just out of reach in your mind. I must confess that some of the things I know the Lord wants me to do seem terribly difficult and impossible to do. That’s where quid pro quo is so important. If you encouragement me, I am free to encourage you. We both get a bit better at becoming all God wants us to be in the process. Regardless of how often you may have fallen, you can get up and try again. God’s forgiveness is complete and forever. Come one… join me in walking a bit further. Who knows what we will find just around the corner!

Gentle Preaching

For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. (1 Thessalonians 2:5-8 ESV). The Apostle Paul says, “But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.” This is an amazing metaphor, when you consider both the power of the gospel message and the low status of women in that society. This isn’t the only place Paul uses maternal language, either. He calls the Galatians “my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth” (cf. Galatians 4:19). Paul and his companions had compelling news to share, but he didn’t bully people into accepting it. He didn’t have to be aggressive or manipulative because he knew and trusted that the gospel had its own persuasive and enduring power. Like a nursing mother caring for an infant, his relationship with the new believers was marked by intimacy, tenderness, exposure, and vulnerability. Like a mother, Paul was a nurturer: self-giving, responding to the needs of those being nurtured. Gentleness, one of the fruits of the Spirit, helps a strong bond of love and connection to grow and flourish. Today we see a wide range of approaches used to convey the gospel message. Some are certainly gentler than others. It’s interesting to notice how some leaders do share the gospel in ways that are indeed like a nursing mother, who gently offers her child the opportunity to be filled and satisfied. She knows what the infant hungers for and offers what she has so that the child can grow. It’s a beautiful picture of what the ministry of the Word can be. Now, for those of you who disagree, let me quickly add that I am not advocating silence in regard to the dangers or destructive consequence of sin. We ARE sinners. There can be no doubt left in that truth. However, after we have stated the obvious, we must be quick to extol the grace of our Savior. I love the way the apostle uses this theme in the Roman letter. He spends the first few chapters explaining that all men have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (cf. Romans 3:23); however, he comes to that wonderful declaration in chapter five that even “while we were yet sinning, Christ died for us” (cf. Romans 5:5-11). Hell-fire and brimstone only have a place in our sharing of the Gospel when they are paired with heavenly peace and eternal life. By the way, most people know from the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives how bad they are; they need to know how they can be good. That message is the message of Christ. Preach that; share that with others.

Who's Calling, Please?

For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. (1 Thessalonians 2:1-5 ESV). Don’t you just love “robo calls”? You know, these are the calls that come occasionally from some robotic call machine somewhere to see if you will answer. Every now and then I get a phone call from these unfamiliar numbers. Honestly, I don’t know anyone from the city that shows on the caller ID, but usually I answer the call. After all, it could be someone I know who needs something and is calling from an unfamiliar number. Usually it’s someone asking for money for a cause, soliciting my vote on some issue or candidate, or someone trying to sell me something I not only don’t want, but don’t need either. I really love the ones where they offer a free vacation. Really? I’m old enough and cynical enough to know that there are strings attached and that I’m not really being offered a free gift. In Paul’s day the residents of major cities like Thessalonica were accustomed to having various figures come through town trying to win converts to whatever philosophy or religion they claimed to represent. Then as now, people were wary enough to know that there were strings attached, that the philosopher or guru was looking to gain money or status by gaining adherents. Paul and his fellow preachers were different, though. The apostle reflects in our reading today. He describes in some detail what it was like to share a message that was purely a gift from God. Paul wasn’t looking to be flattered or to get rich, and he wasn’t even expecting to earn his living from the people he won over. He was free to live and serve alongside the people as a brother instead of a huckster. His way of being a messenger matched the message itself; people could trust and receive it with no strings attached. I find it a bit off-putting that there are still some of those “preachers” in our day who merely speak what people want to hear in order to garnish their support and financial gain. Whenever I get one of those unsolicited sales calls, I always ask, “Who’s Calling, please?” Usually that’s enough to hear a click on the other end of the line as they hang up and go to the next call. I know that’s just their job. I get that. However, our job as bearers of Good News is to share the gospel in ways that demonstrate that it is the hearer who stands to gain, not us. People will listen to that message.