Random Encouragement from the Psalms - Pt. 6

 

A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge— no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. (Psalm 91:7-13 ESV).

 

I have been asked many times about “angels.” Our reading today is one of the many references in Scripture to the existence of these mighty spiritual beings. However, there is another reference here. The psalmist says God has commanded “his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” (v. 11). Let me begin with the word “command.” It has also been translated as “God gave His angels a charge concerning you.” The word “charge” is more than just a command to His angels to protect and keep you. A charge basically means God has given a mandate to His angels to protect and told them to ensure that you are protected! It is a charge that carries both the command and the responsibility to ensure it is fully executed. So there are angels right now that have received a charge from the Father to protect and rescue each of us.

 

Angels are spiritual created beings. They are of different spiritual ranks and authorities; and, not all of God’s angelic host has been assigned to you. However, there are some angels who have been assigned specifically to you. Michael was assigned to the nation of Israel in the book of Daniel. Elisha and his servant had a multitude of the angelic hosts around them. Whether it is one or a multitude, the major truth is that God has assigned angels to protect you, and they have been charged to ensure you are protected.

 

You may have never seen your angel, but we do not need to see them to know they are there. I have seen angels around me in the Word, and that is enough to walk in this truth! While some believers have been given the ability to see angels, that is not a prerequisite for their protective service over us. Please do not make this mistake. The truth that applies to the operation of the Holy Spirit in your life applies to the angelic guards around you. Be conscious of the angels around you; and, seek the wisdom of the Lord to guide you in your actions. Cast your fears away. God has already provided the best of protections.

Random Encouragement from the Psalms - Pt. 5

 

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me. By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. I say to God, my rock: “Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” As with a deadly wound in my bones, my adversaries taunt me, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?” Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. (Psalm 42:5-11 ESV).

 

I wrote yesterday that in times of loneliness we should praise God. I thought that seemed too simple to really be believable. After all, there are times in life when we don’t feel much like praising or worshipping God. We don’t jump at the opportunity to tell God how good he is when we know how bad our life is. It doesn’t take much of life to begin to move us from hopeful to hopeless. Perhaps you have had those moments in your life. They shake us to our very core.

 

However, we cannot deny that the psalms repeatedly call on us to praise God. When the writer finds himself in the pits of despair he never forgets to remember that God is still God and so is to be worshipped. The Worship of God is more than just a certain segment of a church service, though it can include that. Worship is a whole of life offering of ourselves to a worthy God. It is an acknowledgment of who God is and who we are in relation to him. The former Archbishop of Canterbury, William Temple, summarized worship in this way:

 

To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God.

 

None of that depends on our personal circumstances but is simply a recognition of a God who is above and beyond our circumstances. When we worship God in this way, we don’t pretend all is well — the Psalmist certainly didn’t. We simply realize that there is a reality greater than our circumstances and worship enables to focus on this greater reality. Worship of God is not escapism. Nor is it a quick fix for all our problems. It is simply facing up to the most basic truth of all: that God remains God no matter how we feel about him or about life. And, in returning to that reality we are able to know and feel the truth of hope even when our circumstances calls us to hopelessness.

 

Random Encouragement from the Psalms - Pt. 4

But you, O LORD, do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid! Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog! Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen! I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him, and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him. (Psalm 22:19-24 ESV).

 

Our reading today is taken from one of the lesser known psalms. Perhaps that’s because it precedes one of the most well known psalms. If you went back to the Scripture and read the entirety of this lament you would recognize the first verse: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Of course, these are the same words Jesus cried out during the hours of darkness of the cross. Strangely this psalm is often quoted, though many don’t recognize where it is located; and it is almost never mentioned in any of the “lists” of favorites. Yet it is one of mine, especially our reading today. It is the cry of a man who understood loneliness in the midst of a crowd.

 

It is a fascinating look at the heart of a person of faith who is discouraged but is still sure in his relationship with God. It seems that the first part of the psalm is merely introductory. By verse 12 the psalmist is back to laying out his problems. He characterizes his enemies as wild animals. He calls them the “bulls of Bashan” and “roaring lions.” He says that he is “poured out like water,” his bones are “out of joint,” and his heart is melting like wax. But then, as we see in all but one of the other psalms of lament, Psalm 22 takes a final turn back to recognizing God’s goodness. At verse 18 the psalmist begins to directly ask God to be close. This is not the “Where are you?” tone of the first verses; rather, this is a prayer to God asking for specific deliverance.

 

Then at verse 22 he ramps up the praise, recognizing that God has, in fact, not forsaken him. The psalmist even says that God “has not hidden his face from him” and that God has heard his cries for help. Once again, praise gets turned up to a full-blown psalm of praise until the end of the chapter. There is much we can gain from this example. First, God never leaves us. Our position in Him is secure and never-changing. Second, praise is often the answer to the loneliness we feel. It redirects our mind into transformation. If you find yourself feeling abandoned or alone turn your thoughts to Jesus!

  

Random Encouragement from the Psalms - Pt. 3

 

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words. Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings, from the wicked who do me violence, my deadly enemies who surround me. (Psalm 17:6-9 ESV).

 

In today’s verses we see another psalm written by David. Remember that he was called “a man after God’s own heart.” One thing is clear from his life from studying the Psalms: David was a man of prayer. It is not a stretch to see that he makes prayer his priority in times of need. This psalm is no exception. He is seeking God in the midst of persecution from his enemies. I am particularly fond of the verses I’ve chosen for our reading today. In his time of trouble, David turns to God with confidence that God will hear his prayer and answer him. He has learned that confidence through experience. He knows God and he knows God’s faithfulness.

 

Notice his experience has been that when he calls on the Lord he is answered (v. 6). History with our relationships is the only means to develop trust, or destroy it. I know from my own experience that my high level of trust in my family is born out of a long history of always having them come to my aid when necessary. When we read the history of God interacting with His people in both the Old and New Testament we are struck with the consistency of God’s response to their cry for help.

 

The next verse is even more revealing. David asks God to reveal His marvelous love. What a marvelous way of underlining that truth as we have just finished celebrating God’s love displayed through the precious blood of Christ. David shows us here that God is the God of salvation; he saves those who have been called and trust themselves to him. Have you noticed that when you look at yourself in the mirror, if you stare closely at the dark pupil in the center of your eye (known as “the apple”), you will see your image reflected there. Isn’t it amazing and wonderful that the holy and awesome Creator of this universe holds our image in the apple of His eye? He cares for us; He protects and covers us as a mother bird protects her chicks. We should, like David, ask for these things eagerly and confidently expect them to be true.

 

What do you need today from your heavenly Father? Ask and He will respond with His best for you!

 

Random Encouragement from the Psalms - Pt. 2

 

Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! (Psalm 37:1-7 ESV).

 

Our reading today is one of those that call our attention to the level of satisfaction we perceive as we naturally compare ourselves to others. It almost recalls the familiar lament of “That’s just not fair!” Our culture demands more loudly today than perhaps ever before that life be “fair.” Inevitably our satisfaction and peace suffer under this premise.

 

I remember one experience in particular that took place many years ago while fishing with my dear friend, Jamie McClain. We were in a small fishing boat trolling near the bank fishing with various artificial baits for largemouth bass. Since the trolling motor was at the front of the boat, Jamie sat there to operate it. That left me with the rear seat. I was a bit of a problem since he managed to always face the boat perpendicular to the bank. He asked why I wasn’t catching as many fish as he was to which I quickly responded, “Well, you’re only giving me the used water.” We had a good laugh (and still do). The principle in my retort was that I didn’t feel like I was being treated fairly. He got to cast to the spots first.

 

Of course, this is not as big a problem as many have faced with inequality and prejudice through their life’s journey. But, the principle remains. “Fair” was not the question. Satisfaction and peace were. I wasn’t satisfied, nor did I feel at peace about the circumstance. After all, I was sure I could catch as many or more fish as he did, if I just had a better position. I completely forgot my Dad’s old proverb about “fishin’ not being the same as catchin’.” The joy should have been in the activity, not the results. After all, what could have been better than spending a few hours on a beautiful lake with a good friend, telling all our tall tales, and giving one another a hard time? Key is always in recognizing that relationship always trumps results. No wonder David says, “Trust in the Lord.” That relationship brings the ultimate satisfaction and peace if we embrace it. Delight yourself in the Lord!

 

Random Encouragement from the Psalms - Pt. 1

 

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23 ESV).

 

It has been a while since we have taken a journey through the Psalms. So, I decided to do a short trip through these incredible songs of worship and praise. I have found many references to the “Most Beloved Psalms”; however, as is true with any list taken from a poll of people the very nature of this list is highly subjective. I’ll use my own version from personal experience over the last five decades. As our reading indicates, the first of our series will be the 23^rd Psalm, also known as “the Nightingale of the Psalms.” This is a beautiful Psalm and is often quoted in times of grief and difficulty. Perhaps the singular most essential part of the psalm is in how it gives us the wonderful picture of a God who cares for his people.

 

It was written by David. He was the youngest of the eight sons of Jesse, and as a young boy David was trained to tend his father’s sheep. What an unusual beginning for a lad who would one day be King David. The Psalm is a picture of a shepherd who rules and feeds his sheep. In the Middle East, especially Israel, sheep will begin grazing about 4 am, walking steadily until 10 am when the sun is high. They get hot and thirsty, and therefore it is vital that the shepherd lead them to a cool shady place where they can lie down to digest the grass they have eaten.

 

The first verse is a lovely reminder that “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want”. In fact, this verse sums up the whole Psalm. We are talking about the Lord, a Person. God, my Lord, is not just a nice theory or fairy tale. He is God with a name. I can call him ‘the Lord’, for he is present tense. Not ‘was’; not just ‘will be’, but he is —here and now, at this very moment. However hot and arid your journey may have become, we have a Good Shepherd who will lead us to lush, green pastures and cool, still water. No wonder David declares that he has nothing left wanting in his life. The Lord has provided all he could need. He does the same for all his children!

 

The Real Lord's Prayer - Pt, 5

 

[Jesus said] “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” (John 17:20-26 ESV).

 

On his last night with the disciples, Jesus shares a meal with them, washes their feet, gives them a new commandment, and answers question after question concerning the fact that he is about to leave them (cf. John 13-16). After all that, Jesus begins to pray. Today we come to the end of that prayer. Jesus and the disciples have not yet traveled to the garden where Jesus will be met by Judas and betrayed. In John, when Jesus prays, the disciples are within earshot. Throughout the earlier part of the evening Jesus had given them as much information as he could about what was about to happen and how he would provide for them in the future. Now Jesus turns from offering information to them and begins to offer intercession for them. The great news is that He also prayed for us. When Jesus tells his Father that he is asking “not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word” (v. 20), he is not exhorting the church to participate in evangelism. Likewise, as commendable as ecumenical partnerships are, when Jesus asks that those who believe and those who do not yet believe “may be one” (v. 21), he is not exhorting involvement in ecumenical dialogue. Jesus is not exhorting the church here. He is not instructing. He is not preaching, teaching, or rallying the troops. Jesus is praying!

 

Many have tried to interpret this chapter into a long “to-do list.” Perhaps the reason for this is that a list is easier to manage than such an experience as intimate as being the subject of Jesus’ prayer. If Jesus were exhorting his disciples, and by extension us, we could strive to meet his expectations. If he were exhorting us, we would have a mission. Instead, we overhear a prayer on our behalf and are not called to action in that moment as much as wonder that the Father and the Son spend their time discussing the likes of us and our little community of faith. This is the depth of His love for each of us. Dare we feel anything less for others in our divine family!

 

The Real Lord's Prayer - Pt. 4

 

[Jesus said] “And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.” (John 17:11-19 ESV).

 

Jesus asks the Father to sanctify the disciples in truth. I am not sure we can emphasize the importance of truth enough. This may be the information age, but much of that information is either blatantly false or it is truth mixed with error, and truth mixed with error is also false. While our society seems to have an attitude that truth is not something to be overly concerned about, God is very concerned about it. He desires truth to be in the innermost being of a person (cf. Psalm 51:6). Those who worship Him must do so in spirit and in truth (cf. John 4:24). We are to walk in the truth (cf. Psalm 86:11) and speak the truth in love (cf. Ephesians 4:25). Those who suppress the truth in unrighteousness will find themselves under the wrath of God (cf. Romans 1:18). Truth is so important to God that Jesus states that He is the truth (cf. John 14:6).

 

Jesus asks God to sanctify the disciples in truth for truth will cause sanctification in those that desire to follow God. It will separate people from their sinful practices. A person pursuing righteousness will change to match the truth even if it’s contrary to the practices of their own culture. Truth will win out. However, those who do not desire to follow God will suppress the truth and mix it with their own thoughts so they can continue to do what they want. Humans have an incredible capacity to justify themselves or shift the blame elsewhere.

 

Truth is that which is in keeping with ultimate reality. It is found in God’s word as Jesus states here, “Thy Word is truth.” But the ministry of truth would not end with Jesus’ departure. The statement here that “Thy Word is truth” applies to all of Scripture (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). As we have seen earlier, the Holy Spirit would continue the ministry that Jesus began with the disciples. The Holy Spirit would also disclose what the Father said and lead the disciples into all truth (cf. John 16:13). The Bible is truth. It makes no claim to speak on every subject, but it is sufficient itself for everything pertaining to life and godliness. The Bible is not a text book on every subject, but any subject it comments upon even in the most minor way is truth. It is inerrant and infallible. Jesus sanctifies, completes us in Scripture. It is truth!

 

The Real Lord's Prayer - Pt. 3

 

[Jesus said] “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.” (John 17:6-10 ESV).

 

In our reading today Jesus asks the Father for specific things concerning the disciples. The danger here is that we make these verses a history lesson and no more; looking at these verses as applicable only for those first disciples misses the mark. Although the immediate application is for those first disciples, these verses apply to all believers regardless of the era. The greatest impact is the realization that Jesus has not stopped praying for his won. Right now Jesus stands in the presence of the Father for the benefit of all those who belong to him.

 

Jesus describes these people with these words: “Yours they were, and you have given them to me” (v. 6). Jesus is praying for a group of people who in the mind and sovereignty of God have been called out of the world and given to the Son. Further, Jesus expresses ownership of these people with these words: “All mine are yours, and yours are mine” (v. 10). We are the people of God because we are the personal property of God. It is true that every person ever created belongs to God by nature of origin. He created the world so the world in the sense of creation belongs to God.  But the Father and Son possess a deeper sense of ownership for those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Here Jesus is not praying for the world. Jesus is praying for those people who by the decree of the Father belong to the Father and to the Son.

 

We do need to exercise some caution here. We must not twist it to understand that we are somehow the “grand prize” given to the Son for his great sacrifice. We are not a pure and perfect reward. We are a gift given to the Son that demands restoration and the cost of that restoration was the very life of the Son. And, praise God that since we have been given to the Son our restoration is guaranteed. Jesus keeps, guards, and loses none (cf. John 17:12). Since we are the personal property of the Father and Son our redemption, our salvation, is as good as done; not because of who we are but because of who Jesus is. Now, that IS good news!

 

The REal Lord's Prayer - Pt. 2

 

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.  I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. (John 17:1-5 ESV).

 

If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, what would you pray for? Jesus prayed for glory. Now, that seems a bit grandiose, but when we truly understand what He’s asking, we can see His deeply rooted commitment to His calling. Glory means “to honor or praise.” But it’s not just applause. It’s recognizing the worth or character of something. There is a wonderful Civil War movie titled “Glory”. It is based on the true story of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry regiment, which was a military unit made up mostly of African-Americans. It begins with the story of their humiliation and disrespect and ends with their heroic charge on Fort Wagner. To glorify something is to reveal its honor. They were pressed down by racism, but they broke through as they broke the fort’s wall, revealing their inherent courage, bravery, and valor.

 

Likewise, glory is God’s presence revealed (cf. Exodus 33:14). So when Jesus prays, “Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you” he is praying to reveal the honor of the Son so that the Son may reveal the honor of the Father. When Moses was on Mount Sinai talking to God, the people of Israel got worried and made a golden calf to worship. They needed to “see” the glory of God. Of course we know the rest of that story. After Moses intercedes on their behalf, God stays His judgment and precedes them into the wilderness. We see the record: The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14).

 

I remember the first time I actually saw the Smoky Mountains. I had no experiential reference to the beauty of the mountains until that moment. That moment changed my understanding completely. Pictures and words couldn’t compare to actually seeing it first-hand. So it is with God. So Jesus prays for the glory of God to be finally revealed in all its perfection for all men to experience. And, so it was! That ought to be our prayer today as well.

 

The Real Lord's Prayer - Pt. 1

His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:30-33 ESV).

 

Today we will begin to look at the seventeenth chapter of the Gospel of John. It is known as “The High Priestly Prayer.”  Our reading reflects that Jesus has turned from talking to the disciples to talking with His Father. He invites us to eavesdrop on His prayer so that we might know what He prays for us today. It is one of the longest recorded actual prayers of Jesus. In this beautiful chapter, Jesus prays for Himself (vv.1-5), He prays for His disciples (vv. 6-20), and He prays for His church (vv. 21-26).

 

Jesus essentially hands in His final report to the Father. He says, “I finished the work you gave me to do.” He’s done all that is necessary for us to be saved. The Gospel and salvation is never what God asks us to do to be saved, but instead it’s God telling us what He’s already done for us. While that is often difficult for us to accept, it is the clear message of the Scripture. I am often a bit surprised by others when presented with this truth. Typically some version of the response “If that’s true, then why should we do anything good?” It is almost as if we have been so convinced that we must do something to earn our redemption that we have come to believe that we cannot be motivated by the love of God for us.

 

We live a different belief when relating to our children and grandchildren. Is there really nothing you wouldn’t do for them? I know that it merely takes an off-handed comment for me to do everything in my power for mine. It doesn’t matter how “busy” I may be with my own interests, when one of my family merely mentions something they want or need, I will drop everything to see that I do what is necessary to get that for them. That is true because I love them for who they are, not what they do. God loves us like that. No wonder the disciples told Jesus, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech!” As we look at each of the sections of the prayer, we will see much more of how Jesus applies this love to us and his church. For the remainder of the week, read this chapter as your meditation each day. Find that one verse that is for you and let the Holy Spirit embed it into your memory.  

  

Always Changing and Ever Secure

 

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:5-7 ESV).

 

Last week I had an experience that was both a pleasant surprise and a great encouragement. I happened to be outside watching (not supervising) some brick masons as they repaired a hole in the brick wall of the main house. Our neighbor’s trailer got loose and rolled down the hill and poked a hole in the brick requiring about two square feet of the brick to be taken out and replaced. Kyle had not arrived home yet and I was fascinated to watch their technique. About halfway through the repair Kyle came home and walked around to where we were working. He asked, “When did the signs get put up in the front?” I looked at him and said, “What signs?” He said, “There are two signs in the front. They’re from the church congratulating Faith and Logan on their graduation from high school.” I was outside and I didn’t see anyone come by, and I certainly didn’t hear anyone, though I’m nearly deaf in one ear anyhow! We walked around to the front and sure enough there were the signs.

 

Well, let me get to more of the story. The picture I’ve included is one of Faith and Logan sitting under the Century Tree at Texas A&M University. It was taken when they were still in Middle School. Things have certainly changed in the last six years. They are graduating from high school in about six weeks. Faith will be attending A&M in College Station and Logan will be at A&M in Texarkana. Standing in front of those yard signs, I told Kyle, “I’m not sure I’m ready for this.” He smiled and merely nodded his agreement. Proud, elated, exited with anticipation, and many more emotions flood my mind; however, fear is not one of them.

 

While life is indeed ever changing, it is always secure in the purpose and plan of our great God. Our reading tells us that Jesus is “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (v. 7). Fear is rooted in being out of control. I don’t need control; I have Jesus, who is completely in control! He is working all things to the good of His children. I can trust Him and know that I will always be secure; and, so will they. In fact, every child of God has that certainty guaranteed by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit!

 

Asparagus

 

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; let all the ends of the earth fear him! (Psalm 67 ESV).

 

OK… I hope we can have a little fun and be encouraged today. Thus I have chosen to write about grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus! I love to cook, though my menu is not as broad as some. We have two grills; one is fueled with propane and one with charcoal or wood. I often use the kettle grill which is fueled with charcoal and add a bit of seasoned mesquite. I like to grill the vegetables along with the meat; and, asparagus is a staple for us. Wrapping each spear in bacon and seasoning them a bit is a very tasty treat with just about any meat.

 

As I thought about that a bit I also went to our reading today. If you want to understand how God often works in our lives, plant asparagus. Early in spring, the asparagus bed is just a plain patch of dirt. But leave for a weeklong trip, and upon your return you may find the tender spears have shot up to over three feet tall! Where there had been nothing, now triumphant stalks stand proud and graceful, bursts of life from barren ground. These are not precious little tips peeking through the soil, but stems strong and plentiful, a full plot reporting the week of warming weather. If you are a seasoned gardener, you have experienced this little miracle. That’s not terribly unusual for spring in Texas. This time of the year we have bluebonnets and other wildflowers that are bursting with their color throughout the fields along the highways; bare trees are leafing out; and, flower buds swelling to bloom. That ought to gain a little sharper attention from us. Especially after Easter that ought to call us to a stronger belief. After all life has burst up from the sleeping soil before our very eyes and sends joy. It ought to bring resilience and wonder surging through our soul.

 

This is the resurrection story: What was dead comes back to life. The moment simply speaks to us of Jesus’ resurrection, an event the returning array of asparagus imprints on us with a deeper intensity. The bare plot turned vegetable crop shows us new birth and a living hope. There is nothing subtle or cryptic about it. Our reading declares the spring garden proclaims the way of God’s salvation (v. 1).

 

Do Not Fear!

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” (Matthew 27:1-10 ESV).

 

The first words the angels said to the women after Jesus rose from the dead were: “Don’t be afraid!” The first words Jesus spoke after He rose from the dead to the women were: “Don’t be afraid!” And, the first words the disciples heard Jesus say when he met them as a group were: “Don’t be afraid!” That’s the message of Easter! Don’t be afraid! Jesus is alive! Fear has a lot of names. Worry, tension, anxiety and stress are a few nicknames for fear. Fear is no small thing. Too much stress caused by anxiety and worry can even be life-threatening. Jesus knew this was the principle message every believer needs. Throughout the Bible we see that love and fear are opposites. They can’t operate together. When love dominates your life, fear is expelled.

 

Our most profound need in life is to feel completely, totally, unconditionally loved, not for something we could be or should be, but to be enjoyed and adored just as we are. And the cross proves that’s exactly how Jesus loves us. You don’t have to be afraid, because not only does God love you, but Jesus died and rose again just for you. Even when you fell a loss of power or that your life is out of your control, we have the proof that Jesus has already won the victory over every circumstance. I often hear people say things like, “I feel powerless to change the situation… I feel powerless to break this bad habit… I feel powerless to save my relationship… I feel powerless to get out of debt… I feel powerless to manage my time and my schedule…” The truth is, you were never meant to live this life on your own power. God longs to have a relationship with you, and His resurrection gives you the power you need to succeed in every area of your life. His resurrection power gives you the ability to fight back fear with the unconditional love of Christ. He has risen! 

Holy Week - Pt. 5

The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard. (Matthew 27:62-66 ESV).

 

After Jesus was placed in the tomb we get a glimpse of the fear of the unknown from the religious leaders who were instrumental in forcing Jesus’ death at the hands of the Roman government. They had heard all the rumors of the prophecies of resurrection. After all they had done to end this “rebellious uprising” they had to see it to the end. They received a contingent of guards from Pilate and sealed the tomb with a rock completely covering the entrance. Surely that would get them through the next two days. What they did not account for was the power of God. They simply did not believe.

 

The disciples were so grief stricken they were lost without their leader. They retreated to the upper room and waited in silence. They were not hopeful, they were defeated and numb with the pain. They had things yet to do, but none of them could muster the strength to finalize Jesus’ burial. They sat, paralyzed with the unknown. Is that really so different than many of us have experienced? It doesn’t take much life to experience such loss. At first it is simply unbelievable. We deny the reality. Slowly the minutes turn to hours and we begin to feel the full brunt of the loss. Slowly we recognize there is nothing we can do, even if we had the strength to do it.

 

It was silent. No one had the words to speak to one another; nor did it appear that God was speaking. I suspect even the angels were struck dumb with the truth of the death of the Father’s only Begotten Son. Had the devil really won? Had these sinful religious leaders and corrupt government officials really ended the life of Jesus? We now know different, because we are on this side of the resurrection. But, they didn’t. That Sunday morning when the women come to finalize the burial, everything changed! The heavens shouted, the angel spoke, and Jesus said, “It is I!” Now the silence was forever ended. Death no longer had any power over us! Silent Saturday turned to Easter Sunday! He is Risen! That now is our chorus!

  

Holy Week - Pt. 4

 

And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). And they offered him wine mixed with fmyrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. And it was the third hour when they crucified him. And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him. (Mark 15:22-32 ESV).

 

So much has been said and written about the reasons for calling this day “Good Friday.” So, I’d like to concentrate on another aspect of the events of the day. What images come to mind when you imagine the crucifixion of Jesus? Please take a moment, perhaps reread our verses for today. Then close your eyes and imagine the crucifixion. Do you see the scene? Three crosses? Crown of thorns? Hammering nails? Christ’s pained face? I think most people, if you asked them, would respond that the mental picture of the crucifixion that first comes to mind includes some of these graphic images.

 

But if you really read Mark’s account of the crucifixion closely you’ll note that the kinds of details that usually jump into our mind aren’t as prominent as you might think off the top of your head. Mark doesn’t place a lot of emphasis on the physical details that describe Jesus’ crucifixion. Mark doesn’t explain how tall the cross was, or where the nails were placed on His body. Nor does Mark describe details about the agony Jesus endured, what it felt like for Him, or provide any other details on how physically difficult the experience was. Instead, Mark devotes almost the entirety of his Gospel account to depicting the insults and mockery that surrounded the crucifixion.

 

Again, rather than focusing on the intense pain of the experience, Mark instead captures the spectacle and humiliating emotional abuse hurled against Jesus in the final moments of His earthly life. If you pay close attention to the theme running through all of the mockery, you can see that it all points to one single idea. Jesus’ oppressors mockingly claimed they’d believe He’s the Messiah if He would come down from the cross. Those who were laughing and cheering on Jesus’ death were fully aware of the things Jesus had said and done. Even the religious leaders noted that they were aware that Jesus had saved others (v. 29), presumably describing the miracles and healings that were a hallmark of His ministry. It makes me wonder what would it have taken for Jesus’ killers to have believed in Him. How many healings would Jesus had to provide before the leaders of the day recognized His awesome power? How many exorcisms would Jesus have needed to perform before they would be convinced that He was a holy man? How many powerful sermons would Jesus have needed to give before they saw His true divine wisdom? Of course, Jesus did something even more remarkable than coming down from the cross – He rose from the grave three days later. That makes it a Good Friday!

Holy Week - Pt. 3

 

Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean.” (John 13:5-10 ESV).

 

What has come to be known as “Maundy Thursday” was a pivotal day in Holy Week. Our reading describes the beginning of what we have come to know as “the Last Supper.” All the preparations had been made for the Passover. As the disciples gathered, Jesus assumes the position of a servant and begins to wash their feet. It had to have been a stunning moment.  The Master, with a towel wrapped around His waist like a slave, kneeling to wash His disciples’ dirty smelly feet covered with the dust of Jerusalem. Though Peter protested, he was rebuked to submit, to comprehend the symbolism of the act.

 

It was the most powerful image of what the relationship of one believer ought to have with another believer. Jesus, the Redeemer and Master, stoops to the lowliest of positions in service for His disciples. We must not miss the meaning here. First, it was Jesus affirming for each of them that His death and forgiveness was more than enough. Nothing else needed to be done. They were secure. And, second, their lives, though not perfect, would always have the daily cleansing of sin from His sacrifice. So He continues to wash off our everyday grime and gently, tenderly wipes us clean, knowing, realizing we will only get soiled again.

 

It is also an example of how we are to treat one another. So often we divide over the most ridiculous reasons. We forget that a servant has no rights. We are purposed to serve those around us. It’s hard to disagree over these nonessentials when you are washing one another’s feet. I wonder how many divisions through the centuries could have been prevented if every meeting began with this exercise? Jesus shows us the way. It is that of wondrous love! We must love like that!

Holy Week - Pt. 2

Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself. But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is blood money.” So they took counsel and bought with them the potter’s field as a burial place for strangers. Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken by the prophet Jeremiah, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom a price had been set by some of the sons of Israel, and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me.” (Matthew 27:3-10 ESV).

 

One of the key characters as the story of Holy Week unfolds is also the least regarded, Judas Iscariot. Because of that, the despair of Judas is an event in Holy Week that often evades deeper scrutiny. His is a wilderness that often escapes our sympathy. Yet, the message is important. Often it feels like we have reached a barren place from which there is no return. It appears that this is the place Judas found himself after the betrayal of Jesus. Through the years I have met and ministered to many people who felt they had reached such a place from which there could be no forgiveness or restoration.

 

For some it may be a lifestyle of destructive addictions, while others may have committed a sin for which there seems no coming back from. Many years ago, while serving as the pastor of a church in Huntsville, Texas, I often was called on to speak and counsel with some of the inmates of the various prisons in the area. On more than one occasion I was called by the warden to come and speak to one of the inmates concerning their guilt and shame. In all but one of those encounters I saw the wonder of God’s grace as it broke through their shame. While the consequences of their crimes were not changed, they were changed.

 

It is never too late to be forgiven in this life. Wherever you are, whatever you have done, you need not feel the hopelessness of Judas. His error was in turning to other men for his forgiveness. Only Jesus can forgive. And, He has secured that forgiveness by the payment of our debt in full with His blood! Come to Him!

  

Holy Week - Pt. 1

 

And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?” And they discussed it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” (Matthew 21:23-27 ESV).

 

Since this is Holy Week, leading to the greatest celebration within the Christian community, Easter Sunday, I thought we would enjoy a look at each of the day’s events in the life of Jesus from the perspective of how it may encourage and help us in our daily lives. Last week I used some random thoughts from the week’s events as a means of encouragement. So many of my readers commented how helpful and encouraging they were. Thank you for your response; and, I pray these will be equally helpful. After the “Triumphant Entry” into Jerusalem and the week continued, Jesus experienced conspiracies of every kind.

 

Remember, upon His entrance into Jerusalem, the religious leaders plotted to get rid of Him more than ever before. Their desire for removal caused them to stoop below their standards and join forces with Rome and the Herodians. In addition, they partnered with the Sadducees, who were considered to be religious liberals; denying both the resurrection and angels. While there were other things that happened, I am certain this experience is included to help us understand the real struggles Jesus faced before the cross. Just a few days earlier Jesus entered Jerusalem to the shouts of praise and adoration. Now He faces the jealousy and fear of the religious leadership of the people He called from slavery and protected for millennia. The very people who should have been His closest allies and supporters turned on Him and became His fiercest enemies.

 

Isn’t this similar to the struggles we face from those who ought to be our greatest supporters. Perhaps it is a family member who has betrayed you; a close friend who has turned against you; or, a co-worker who has sabotaged you future. Regardless, Jesus is able to identify with our stress and daily dramas. We can find joy in the way Jesus victoriously handled all of these challenges. Trust Him with your life in every way, which includes what will happen today. He leads the way to our own victory. Trust His way. Follow His lead. Pursue His holiness.