Fear and New Things

 

So Moses continued to speak these words to all Israel. And he said to them, “I am 120 years old today. I am no longer able to go out and come in. The LORD has said to me, ‘You shall not go over this Jordan.’ The LORD your God himself will go over before you. He will destroy these nations before you, so that you shall dispossess them, and Joshua will go over at your head, has the LORD has spoken. And the LORD will do to them as he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their land, when he destroyed them. And the LORD will give them over to you, and you shall do to them according to the whole commandment that I have commanded you. Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:1-6 ESV).

 

It’s natural to have some fear or apprehension at the beginning of a new experience. When Mary and I moved back to Texas nine years ago, she wanted to learn to be comfortable around firearms. We contacted a wonderful instructor and signed up for an extended training together. I’ve been shooting since I was ten years old. It was not a new experience for me. Mary had never touched a firearm, much less fired it. The instruction was incredible, and her confidence changed enormously. The fear of firearms dissipated quickly, and she became quite proficient with her pistol! And, she found shooting to be fun!

 

In our reading today Moses informs the people that he would not be leading them into the land. Joshua would be the one to lead the people. What a huge task! We couldn’t blame Joshua for at least having a little fear. But God tells him to be strong and courageous and not to be afraid or discouraged. And this encouragement is more than a pep talk. This is God’s promise to Joshua that wherever he goes in the new land that God would bring them into—and however hard the task before him would be—God would always be right there with him.

 

We face difficulties all the time—at work and school, and with our families and friends. We have many opportunities to be discouraged and afraid. But God’s promise to us is the same as it was to Joshua: God will be with us wherever we go. Of course, this does not mean we forego training and education. However, the unknown can still be very scary. The key is that God is with us. This is the first step in overcoming fear. Trust in His presence and power in every experience of life. In fact, you might even enjoy the experience a great deal!

 

Fear No Evil!

 

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 scup 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 23:1-6 ESV).

 

For the next few days I want to focus on how we can overcome fear in our lives. We live in a world that is certainly more complicated and difficult than ever before, we cannot lose the truth that regardless of the circumstances we may find ourselves, God is always the same. He does not waiver or change with the circumstances. He controls and works these experiences in our lives to produce good.

 

The picturesque language of Psalm 23 always makes me think about being outdoors and hunting. I remember one experience in the hill country of Texas many years ago. It was early fall and bow season. I did not have a firearm as I took the early predawn walk to a stand deep in the thickets. There wasn’t much of a trail to follow. It was bordered by old live oaks and large mesquites on both sides. Being alone and wanting to be as quiet as possible, I slowly walked along by the last of the moonlight. Arriving at the stand, I climbed into it and settled in to wait for sunrise. The quiet before dawn is always the greatest of the day. Hearing rustling nearby, my heartbeat began to quicken. I looked to my left a bit and saw five coyotes approaching. Being ten feet above the ground helped ease my tension a bit, but it was scary.

 

The psalmist knew what it was like to follow trails like that. He no doubt drew on his experience of walking through lonely canyons or narrow valleys, ready for a wild animal or an enemy to attack. He knew what it was to be afraid. But he also knew what it was to be led by God—the good shepherd—through frightening places. God had taken care of him throughout his whole life—and even when things seemed most frightening, he knew he didn’t need to be afraid because God was with him. Our lives are filled with dark times when everything seems to be out to get us or there seems to be no comfort. During those times we need to remember that God is with us, watching over us and guiding us. He will protect us! That is the beginning of banishing fear from our lives!

Clear Directions for the Journey

 

Now man angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” (Acts 8:26-31 ESV).

 

My sense of direction can often be suspect. I’ve been “lost” on more than one occasion while wandering the woods. The good news in those situations is that I always managed to find a fence or road to get me back on track. Perhaps this is the reason I’ve only managed to take the “quiet walkways” in the Smokies. They are beautiful, easy paths through the forests that provide a sense of getting off the heavily traveled roads of the area. Much of the time in my personal journey through life has been marked by clear directions. I enjoy those times, though I wonder if I may have missed some incredible experiences by staying too close to the trail.

 

Our reading today gives us an example of someone who was on the well-marked path, but still “lost.” Philip had instructions on where to go. An angel of the Lord told Philip to go south to the desert road leading from Jerusalem to Gaza. There Philip met an Ethiopian official who was returning home from Jerusalem. It must have been a very familiar path for the eunuch. The Spirit then led Philip to stay near the man and to help him understand a passage he was reading from Isaiah. Philip explained that the passage was about Jesus, the Son of God, who came to die for our sin, and then Philip baptized the Ethiopian, just as the man asked him to do.

 

Through his Spirit and the Word, the Lord still commands us everyday. God calls us to walk in his ways, loving the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbors as ourselves. Does God speak to us in other ways, such as the way he spoke to Philip? God certainly can speak to us in dramatic ways, but more often the Spirit of God speaks to us in quiet, subtle ways through his Word and with the help of other believers (like Philip). We should always be following God’s Word and listening for his voice, especially as he nudges us to share the love of Jesus.

 

The Trail Ahead

 

And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.” (Mark 10:32-34 ESV).

 

Although it’s not the oldest or the longest US long-distance footpath, the Appalachian Trail is regarded as the granddaddy of them all, in part because it’s the most user-friendly. The trail passes through and near numerous towns and crosses plenty of roads, so planning a trip on it is generally less complicated than either the Pacific Coast Trail or the Continental Divide Trail. Many trail towns and businesses along the way cater for hikers, with hostels, shuttle services and restaurants running hiker specials. Navigation is easy too: the entire trail is marked by white blazes painted on trees, fence posts, bridge pylons and, occasionally, sidewalks. There are more than 250 three-sided sleeping shelters spaced about a day’s walk from one another, which saves hikers the weight of a tent and provides a community feel to the trail. Many hikers start the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain in Georgia (pictured here). Only a fraction, however, complete the entire trail. To make it all the way up Mount Katahdin in Maine at the end of the trail, the destination must become an unshakable goal.

 

Though Jesus meandered through Galilee and Judea during his ministry, he had one final, unshakable destination in mind, and it was deadly. When he told his disciples he was going to Jerusalem, they were astonished. They knew only too well the ugly jealousy and hatred that the religious leaders had for Jesus. They feared for his life, not to mention their own. Though he had told them about this before, Jesus’ disciples hadn’t grasped the purpose of his mission. He was going to fulfill the Scriptures’ promise of a suffering servant, who would take the sins of fallen humanity on his shoulders (cf. Isaiah 52:13-53:12). He went to Jerusalem to die on a cross in order to give us new life and eternal hope. Thank God that he didn’t quit!

 

We all face hardships in this journey of life. When we feel like quitting, we need to remind ourselves that Jesus kept marching toward his destination. And now that we are freed from sin and death through him, we can know that we will reach the end of the trail!

 

Crossing the Raging Waters

 

But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. (Isaiah 43:1-2 ESV).

 

I can’t imagine what it must have been like for the Israelites as they set out from Egypt. They were finally free but had no idea of how they would settle in their new land. In fact, they weren’t even sure how they would get there. It must have been terrifying for them to walk to the banks of the Red Sea that seemed impassable. Behind them they also saw the cloud of dust raised by the pursuing chariots of the army of Pharoah. Their choices seemed to be limited to drowning in the sea or being slaughtered by the Egyptians. How little they knew of the power of their God. We make the same mistake all too often.

 

In this passage from Isaiah, God assures his people of his presence and protection. When the challenges and crises of life stand in their way like a rushing river, says the Lord, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Using the imagery of surging waters and raging fire, God promises that his people will not be overwhelmed. Later in this chapter, God recounts how he kept Israel safe from the deep waters and the army of Pharaoh when they crossed the Red Sea (cf.  Exodus 14). God also promises to protect his people from the surging destruction of their own sins. He promises to blot those sins out and to remember them no more.

 

You may have had some of the same “raging waters” to cross as I have. I suppose that’s one of the advantages of living seven and a half decades. And, they are advantages… I have also seen God bring me safely to the next part of my journey. The key is in my experience of the truth that God, who created us and knows our weaknesses, promises to love us and protect us from dangers both outside and within our own hearts. God has never failed to fulfill His promise to keep and protect me from all of life’s challenges. My prayer for you is that you will know that same assurance!

 

No Fear!

 

Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (Isaiah 35:2-10 ESV).

 

Some years ago, I was able to do the Texas Motor Speedway Driving Experience (see picture attached). It consisted of several hours of instruction and a ten-lap drive in a stock car at 160 mph! It was a thrilling experience to say the least. I remember thinking as I was putting on the fireproof suit and helmet one thing: “Don’t Crash!” I climber in the window of the driver’s seat and saw the instructor already seated in the passenger seat. We began to slowly move through the pit area and on to the track. When I shifted into the final gear we were making the second turn at about 120 mph. The instructor said, “Turn into the wall for the turn.” My thought was “WHAT?” But I did as he instructed, and the incline and speed made it easier to navigate the turn. By the time I was coming out of next straight-away I was going 160 mph and things were happening very fast. It was terrifying and exhilarating all at the same time.

 

Our reading today reminds me that I have “an instructor” riding along with me in my life path. There is no danger that He hasn’t faced and overcome. In many passages Isaiah warns of destruction that will come to God’s people if they don’t turn back to living God’s way. But this chapter brims with joy and confidence for all who remain faithful, seeing that God’s way is best. They are redeemed and restored by God. Listening to Him gets me to the finish line for the checkered flag of eternal life!

 

Light for the Path

 

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules. I am severely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to your word!  Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD, and teach me your rules. I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law. (Psalm 119:105-109 ESV).

 

I have often used a lantern of some sort to light my way in the darkness when I’ve found myself outdoors. I’ve noticed a great difference between a “lantern” and a “flashlight” as the latter allows me to cast a beam of light much further than a lantern. However, the flashlight is not as useful in lighting the actual next step along the way. Perhaps that’s because my curiosity keeps me focused on the distant rather than the near. That can be a problem in some instances.

 

Our reading today is taken from Psalm 119. It is one long celebration of God’s Word. The psalmist celebrates the eternal truth and reliability of God’s Word, calling it a lamp for his feet. Now, this is not like stadium lights, so bright that they seem to change darkness to light. Instead, this is more like my lantern, for moving along step by step. This light illuminates the step I am taking right now, and then the next one. Knowing God’s Word does not make us God. It reveals the love, faithfulness, and power of the God we depend on. It teaches an obedience that gives us confidence to walk with God on dark pathways.

 

In this digital age, instant information makes daily tasks easier. Google can show us the fastest route for a trip. YouTube can show us how to hang drywall or plant a tree. But only God’s Word can lead us in the paths that God approves and chooses for us. Thankfully, on our path through life we have a light that won’t fail: God’s Word. Don’t go without your lantern through the way that you have been given to walk through this life!

 

Red, Yellow, Green

 

Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys. (Exodus 40:34-38 ESV).

 

Since I have been a licensed driver since I was fourteen years old, I have never questioned why “red” means stop, “yellow” means caution, and “green” means go when facing an intersection with a traffic light. However, I have never questioned the choice of those colors. As you might expect there is some logic to each of these colors and their meaning through the years. Red symbolizes danger in many cultures, which makes sense, considering it has the longest wavelength of any color on the visible spectrum, meaning you can see it from a greater distance than other colors. And, yellow has almost as much visibility as red, thus it was the choice for “caution.” This is also the reason so many schools universally use this color for their buses. Green's role in lights has changed dramatically over time. Its wavelength is just a bit shorter than yellow's on the visible spectrum, meaning it's still easier to see than any color other than red and yellow. Back in the early days of railway lights, green originally meant "caution," while the "all-clear" light was clear or white. Trains, of course, take an interminably long time to stop, and legend has it that several disastrous collisions happened after an engineer mistook stars in the night horizon for an all-clear. Thus, green became "go," and for a long time, railways used only green and red to signal trains.

 

Of course, there were no signal lights for the Israelites as they made decisions during their wilderness journey. They waited for a signal from God. God had instructed his people to build a tabernacle, a large tent, to serve as a portable sanctuary for worship. At the tabernacle God would dwell in their midst, and the people could worship him there. God’s glory hovered over the tent, and whenever it lifted, they would set out and follow wherever God would lead them next. The tabernacle in the wilderness pointed forward to the temple that would be built in Jerusalem many years later (cf. 1 Kings 6). What’s more, both the tabernacle and the temple pointed forward to another mark of God’s presence among his people. John 1:14 tells us that “the Word”—that is, Jesus—“became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” The original Greek text there says, more literally, that “the Word became flesh and pitched his tent among us, and we beheld his glory.” Jesus came to bring God’s glory in human flesh among his people, and now, through the Holy Spirit, he lives in our hearts and is present with us wherever we go. He’s our signal in life today!

Up, Down, and All Around

 

So Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.” And they came near. And he said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; do not tarry. You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, and your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. There I will provide for you, for there are yet five years of famine to come, so that you and your household, and all that you have, do not come to poverty.’” (Genesis 45:4-11 ESV)

 

From 1911 to 1961, the Mountain Speedway Roller Coaster at Crystal Palace Park, in Galveston, Texas, provided the brave at heart thrills. It was not as big as some of the modern coasters of today; however, as a young teenager in the 60’s, its 3,000 feet of track rising to over six stories in height. The attached picture gives you some idea of the twists and turns of this old coaster. I did hop in the car from time to time and take the ride. Today would certainly provide a different narrative. I simply have come to know my limitations much better than those days!

 

Roller coasters are known for their steep rises and plunges designed to bring genuine terror to the brave souls who strap in for the ride. The memories of those rides remind me a great deal of the experience of Joseph. As a young man, Joseph was bright and full of life, the favorite of his father. That drove his brothers crazy with jealousy and envy, however. And one day those brothers took revenge, selling Joseph into slavery in Egypt. There we see him rise and fall, gaining honor but also getting thrown into prison for a wrong he did not commit. But God was with Joseph, and eventually God raised him to become a ruler in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh the king.

 

Later, when his brothers came to Egypt to buy food because there was a great famine, they found themselves in the hands of Joseph and were afraid he would take revenge on them. But Joseph had learned about depending on God. He saw God’s watchful care in all the ups and downs of his life, and he saw how God had planned to save many lives through him. Even when we find ourselves on a “roller coaster” in life, we can take comfort that in all circumstances God is with us, redeeming and working all things for good (cf. Romans 8:28).

Walking Into the Unknown

 

After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.” And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. And Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together. (Genesis 22:1-8 ESV).

 

Several years ago, while visiting Cade’s Cove in the Smoky Mountain National Park, I found myself on a short trail walking toward the John Oliver Cabin. It’s a short walk from the parking area and there are two choices of trails. One is a paved walkway while the other takes you through the woods on a less traveled path (pictured here). I decided on this trip to take the less traveled path. My hope was to stop along the way and take a few photos of the trees and any wildlife I might see along the way. There are always lots of birds and butterflies at that time of the year in the Cove. And, of course, the hope is that you might see one of the many black bears that make this area their home.

 

As I read from our Scripture this morning, I remembered that little hike. It was far different than the one God told Abraham to take with his son Isaac to the region of Moriah. God had already told Abraham to sacrifice him as a burnt offering on a mountain there. Abraham obeyed. Reaching the mountain, they slowly climbed to “the place God had told him about.” Isaac noted that they had no lamb for the burnt offering, but Abraham said, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” Abraham then bound his son and placed him on the altar. But as Abraham took the knife to sacrifice his son, God stopped him, saying, in effect, “Now I know that you trust me above all else.” This was certainly unknown territory for Abraham, but he trusted God to provide the lamb in place of his son. We would do well to trust God as we walk into our own unknown!

Walking the Trail

 

Now the LORD said1 to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and pin you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” So Abram went, as the LORD had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him. (Genesis 11:1-7 ESV).

 

I’ve hunted many different places throughout the years. Every one of them required hiking a bit to get to a spot I thought might be productive. I remember one morning when I set out before sunrise for a little longer hike than usual. As I walked, the sun began to rise on the horizon. There were high clouds in the sky that slowly drifted away as the sun broke through. Arriving at my previously scouted spot after a bit I was able to watch the world wake up. These times are always some of my favorite moments in the outdoors. As I came to our reading today I was reminded of the journey of Abraham through Canaan.

 

God had brought Abram (whom he later renamed Abraham) and his household on a long journey from Harran (in present-day Turkey) to the land of Canaan (present-day Israel). God had made promises, and Abraham had trusted God, taking him at his word (Genesis 12:1-7). As we can see in today’s reading, God promised to give Abraham all of the land that he could see around him in Canaan. And God said, “Go, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you.” God promised to bless Abraham and his descendants there, and Abraham settled in that land and worshiped the Lord.

 

Today, as I think of the many “walks” I have taken through life I am thankful for Abraham’s example. God might not call us to journey on foot, but he does call each of us to follow him in faith and faithfulness. And through Jesus, a descendant of Abraham, God keeps his promises to us. Trust God to take you all the way to your heavenly home!

 

A Walk for Freedom

 

Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence. And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an ark of gopher wood. Make rooms in the ark and cover it inside and out with pitch. This is how you are to make it: the length of the ark 300 cubits,5 its breadth 50 cubits, and its height 30 cubits. Make a roof for the ark, and finish it to a cubit above, and set the door of the ark in its side. Make it with lower, second, and third decks. For behold, I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life under heaven. Everything that is on the earth shall die. But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. (Genesis 6:11-18 ESV).

 

Juneteenth is an often overlooked event in our nation's history. On June 19, 1865, Union troops freed enslaved African Americans in Galveston Bay and across Texas some two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. It was the last “battle” for freedom initiated by the War between the States. Strangely, this day was not officially recognized until 2022 when President Biden declared the day a federal holiday. I cannot imagine the difficulty in the process for freedom so many have endured through the years since Lincoln first signed the Emancipation Proclamation. I do know many have been a part in that journey.

 

The history of this day reminded me of the experience of Noah. His story isn’t about escaping the flood but gaining freedom from death. His first step was to build the ark that would carry them through the destruction to come. There were specific instructions that God gave him in the process. It was not a simple project. In fact, it took between 100 and 120 years to finish construction and gathering the animals. Gathering materials, measuring, cutting, fitting, shaping, joining, finishing. Piece by piece, the ark took shape. God had commanded Noah to build an enormous lifeboat on dry land. It must have felt like an impossible, ludicrous project. Imagine the courage, resolve, and sheer stamina it took to work on the ark day after day as his neighbors mocked him.

 

God chose Noah for his faith. When he received God’s command, Noah didn’t hesitate. Though he may have had doubts, he acted in faith, step by step, until the ark was ready. Just like emancipation didn’t happen with the signing of a document, so our spiritual journey does not happen with one moment of initial faith. It is a journey. Our part is to walk the path God has given us in his strength. Doing that will bring us to our final victory and ultimate freedom!

 

A Long Hike

 

When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him. (Genesis 5:21-24 ESV).

 

Our reading today is just a footnote of the life of Enoch. We are told he was the father of Methuselah at the age of 65, and then that he lived another 300 years with other children during those years. At the age of 365 He was still “walking” with God when God “took him.” I’m a bit less than two months from my 75^th birthday, and I cannot imagine living three hundred more years! Continuing with the theme of “walking with God” I was reminded of how hiking through the Smokies came be long and arduous, or short and peaceful. All the hikes I’ve taken along the many trails were “quiet walkways.” Regardless, you are often rewarded with views that are simply breath-taking. The picture I’ve included is just one of those views off a very short walk near the visitor’s center on the Tennessee side of the National Park.

 

Even with my limited experience I know that walking a long-distance trail can give you a feeling of timelessness. Although the landscape changes, the day-to-day rhythm remains the same: walk, eat, sleep; repeat. The life of Enoch, an early descendant of Adam and Eve, also has a sense of timelessness about it. After all, he lived for 365 years and did not die! Yet Enoch’s lifespan was short for his family. Enoch’s father, Jared, lived to the age of 962. At age 65, Enoch had a son named Methuselah, who lived to be 969 years old!

 

The four short verses about Enoch’s life don’t tell us much, but we do learn one crucial fact about him: “Enoch walked faithfully with God.” In his long life of stepping through each day, Enoch walked in a way that pleased God. In fact, God was so pleased with Enoch’s faithful walk that he spared Enoch from the curse of death. Certainly there is mystery in this story. Yet there is no mystery about how to please God. God calls us to walk faithfully with him, trusting him, honoring him, and serving him. God will probably not take us away as he did with Enoch, but we have the comfort of knowing that Jesus, who conquered sin and death for us, has promised never to leave or forsake us when our own lives end. That makes the walk well worth the effort!

 

Taking a Walk

And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” (Genesis 3:8-13 ESV).

 

If you have followed some of our recent escapades, you may remember my writing about a trip to Georgia and the southern Appalachians. We met David and his family at a wonderful cabin in an idyllic location. Just one of the activities we were able to take advantage of was a short hike along the Appalachian Trail. It was a mild week for February and the hike was short enough that I was able to keep up. Our destination was a suspended walking bridge over the river. Along the trail an old tree had been cut to clear the trail. The loggers, being creative, fashioned a “bench” from the stump that the kids sat on for the pose I’ve included. It was an enormously enjoyable hike.

 

This morning as I was reminiscing, I thought of a different “walk” in the Scripture. In our reading today, God is walking in the Garden of Eden to meet with Adam and Eve. The indication is they enjoyed walking with God “in the cool of the day” in their garden home. But in today’s story, they were deeply anxious. Earlier in the day, they had disobeyed God, doing the one thing God had told them not to do. God had created Adam and Eve to live in fellowship with himself, with each other, and in harmony with the earth and its creatures. In their disobedience, however, they tried to hide from God, and, as the story continues, we see their alienation from each other and from the rest of God’s good creation.

 

When he comes to walk with them, God finds Adam and Eve cowering in shame. God explains the consequences of their sin. But in his judgment on the serpent, we glimpse God’s promise to redeem fallen humanity back to fellowship with himself, with each other, and with his world. In the coming days I intend to explore some of the “walks” of the Scripture. I hope they will provide you with encouragement in the grace of God’s redemption and love.

  

Happy Father's Day

 

He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. (Psalm 103:10-13 ESV).

 

I often avoid writing devotionals on Mother’s Day or Father’s Day; however, I felt that there is a principle that would provide encouragement to all of us as we observe this day. Of course, I understand the trauma and difficulty that some have experienced from their parents. This should not deter us from celebrating our ultimate Father in heaven.

 

My Dad (pictured here) would have been 109 years old if he were still living. His death came in 1974, just months before our oldest son was born. I have often thought how proud he would have been to have been able to see all our children as they have grown to be such fine men. However, I do know his faith has secured him and we will see him in our time one day.

 

Reminiscing brings me to our reading today. Much of my own fierce regard for family was modeled for me by Dad. This is the truth of the character of God we see revealed in the Scripture. I love the first verse of the selected reading: “…He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.” The psalmist is reminding us of the immeasurable grace and mercy God has shown to us in the work of Christ on the cross and in the resurrection. When I begin to feel the guilt or shame of my failures, I immediately go to the truth that He has paid the price for every one of them. They are forgiven and forgotten in His grace.

 

We are His children, His family. Because of that, no good thing is withheld from us. Even when it seems like everything is falling apart, God knows our heart and works every experience for our good (cf. Romans 8:28). Celebrate the dads in your life, and remember the greatest Dad is your heavenly Father!

 

One Untimely Born

 

For l delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day pin accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. (1 Corinthians 15:3-9 ESV).

 

In our reading today there is an important phrase in verse 8, “one untimely born). It is also translated as “one abnormally born” in some other English versions. Either speaks of the terror of Saul’s experience of meeting Jesus on the way to Damascus. What he is saying is that when Jesus appeared to him, he felt as if he were like a child taken from the womb too early. Being stopped by a blinding light, falling to the ground, and learning that he had persecuted the church of God by chasing followers of the crucified Messiah—who was now ruling in heaven— was all too much for him to grasp. Saul, blinded by glory, had to be led by hand along the rest of the way to Damascus. Then, a few days later, the Lord sent Ananias to visit Saul, and he received the Holy Spirit, was healed from blindness, and was baptized.

 

The book of Acts shows that people come to faith in Jesus in many ways. The Spirit is free and does not follow a formula. Sometimes the Spirit uses words of Scripture to move a person’s heart. Sometimes a person hears the good news through someone else. Sometimes the Lord speaks through a dream or a vision. In some cases, as with Saul, the encounter may be dramatic and even terrifying, followed by a vision and the coming of the Spirit a few days later. In other cases, whole households are baptized, including children who will grow in faith throughout their life. But in all these ways the Spirit is at work!

 

All too often the church has sought to standardize the way a person is born again. Just as in physical birth no two are exactly the same so it is with spiritual birth. There may be similarities, but they are as unique as the individual. Knowing that should give us great encouragement seeing that God is working to create individuals as unique as the sunrise! He is perfect with the details. Rest in that knowledge!

 

Set Apart

 

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. (Colossians 2:8-15 ESV).

 

God called his people to be distinct (“set apart, holy”) from other nations. That way, the other nations could see this blessed nation and be drawn to meet the one, true, loving God (Genesis 12:1-3). He does the same today with all of those who are called into His grace and redemption.

 

Since the time of Abraham, God’s people were set apart by circumcision (of males, and usually as babies—Genesis 17:9-14). But that eventually led to a major question in the early church, as the Lord sent his renewed people, who were mainly Jewish, to bring the gospel to Gentiles and welcome them into his family. Did Gentiles have to be circumcised to be fully Christian? The early church eventually concluded, “No.” Since God was already accepting them through the Holy Spirit, they needed to be received into the church through the declaration of their faith. This is usually done through baptism, though it is not essential to salvation.

 

The real key is not in a church practice. Rather, it is found in the way we live. Being “set apart” ought to show itself in the way we live and act toward others in our daily lives. We really ought to examine how different we are from those who do not claim to follow Jesus.

 

Simple Salvation

 

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God. (Acts 16:25-34 ESV).

 

On our first trip to the Holy Land Mary and I found ourselves in a bit of a predicament one early evening in Jerusalem. Several of our group wanted to go to the Western Wall and see the people who went there to pray in the evening. It was not very far from our hotel, and we decided to walk. We were warned not to venture out after dark in the old city, however, things were not nearly as bad as they are now. We set off down the narrow streets and hadn’t gotten more than a few blocks from the hotel when we were stopped by three Israeli soldiers who were on patrol. Seeing their rifles and uniforms was a daunting sight! They politely asked to see our passports and questioned us where we were going. After telling them we simply wanted to see the Western Wall, they told us it was not safe for us to be wandering through that part of the city alone. To our surprise and delight they offered to escort us to a vantage point that was safe. It was both terrifying and beautiful at the same time as we wound through alleyways and ended on a porch overlooking the wall.

 

Our reading today was much more serious an encounter than ours. Paul and Silas found themselves unjustly detained. They had been sharing the message of Jesus and were falsely accused of causing an uproar, so they were beaten and thrown in jail. In prison they prayed, and they sang hymns to God while the other prisoners listened. They had a deep confidence (faith) that God could use even their misfortunes to draw others (even criminals and jailers) into his family.

 

When an earthquake sent by God opened the prison and unchained everyone, Paul and Silas assured the jailer that no one had escaped. And the jailer, who had been ready to kill himself, learned about salvation through belief in Jesus. Then the jailer and “all his household were baptized.” (v. 15.) In that time a “household” often included a wife and children, aging parents, and slaves or servants. In examples like this, God makes clear that he wants whole households brought into his covenant family!

 

The Gospel really is that simple. Just like we were “saved” from any potential danger in our walk through Jerusalem through no effort of our own, so we can be saved from the real danger of eternal death by the work of Jesus. Accept the gift of God in your life today!

 

Stormy Seas

 

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:35-41 ESV).

 

During the 1630s, just when Rembrandt came to Amsterdam to begin his career in earnest, he painted what many consider his most dramatic works. The Storm on the Sea of Galilee (pictured here) exemplifies this type of work. Rembrandt chose a story from the Bible perhaps to show the seriousness of his artistic intentions. He came to Amsterdam fully intending to become known as an artist of only history paintings and portraits. However, he created this painting using a maritime theme. He demonstrated that he could combine a history painting with a seascape using a story from the New Testament. The Storm on the Sea of Galilee is Rembrandt's only seascape. In an allegorical sense, the work also illustrates the power of nature and man's helplessness in its force. Numbered among the twelve disciples were fisherman and sailors; however, in this scene they are powerless and exposed to elements. They can only hang on. One holds his hand over the side while others futilely attempt to steady the boat, the man on the left putting one hand to his hat and the other to the rigging is said to have the face of Rembrandt. It has been theorized that Rembrandt's point in this is to put himself in the event through his imagination to inspire faith in the Biblical text, affirming its occurrence.

 

It is a great work of art. Jesus’ disciples were doing all they could to keep their boat from capsizing as they were crossing a lake during a storm. And, at the same time, Jesus was taking a nap! When the disciples woke Jesus, they were alarmed that he did not seem to care about the storm and its danger. But then Jesus simply got up and spoke to the wind and the waves, saying, “Quiet! Be still!” Jesus’ words were not a plaintive request or even a prayer, but a command. And the wind and waves obeyed!

 

The disciples had just a moment of relief before another terrifying thought crept over them: “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” The disciples knew their Scriptures and were very much aware that, in the beginning, it was God who told the waters what their boundaries were. In the time of the great flood, it was God who commanded the waters to cover the earth. It was also God who had made a way for his people through the Red Sea. So, the disciples clearly knew the answer to their question “Who is this?” And they were trying to come to grips with the reality that their friend, who had just been napping in the boat, was also the Lord of all creation! It is that same Jesus who gets us safely through every storm we may face. Those “waters” cannot harm us!

 

Well-drawn or Spring-fed?

 

The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.” (John 4:19-26 ESV).

 

We live in an area where it is necessary to drill a well and pump our water from one of the aquifers in our area. Often, I meet people who are not familiar with the difference between well water and spring water. Well water is drawn from an underground aquifer, while spring water flows naturally to the surface. Because well water is sourced from groundwater, it may contain more minerals than spring water. This can be a good or bad thing, depending on your needs. Our water is particularly full of minerals that necessitate the “softening” of the water. Most of the water in Israel during Jesus’ day was well-drawn.

 

Our reading today takes place at such a well. The picture I’ve attached is believed to be well known as Jacob’s well from this story. Of course, it was enshrined hundreds of years ago. We shall see some unusual imagery about water from this story.

 

Jesus reaches out to a Samaritan woman—and that is surprising because Jews did not usually associate with Samaritans. But Jesus’ purpose here, even though he was tired and thirsty, was to share the good news of eternal life so that more people could learn the truth about God, who loves them. Jesus asks the woman for a drink of water, and her first reaction is to say, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” And Jesus, the master teacher, gives a response that can sound in some ways like a riddle. He talks about “the gift of God” and something called “living water,” and he invites the woman to wonder “who it is that asks [her] for a drink.” He now certainly has her attention, and she is curious about this “living water,” where it comes from, and if it has anything to do with the water at the well.

 

So, Jesus explains that the water he is talking about is spiritual. He also says that it comes from him and that it will give people eternal life. The woman soon also learns that Jesus is the Messiah her people have been waiting for. And in amazement she rushes away to tell her townspeople, and many of them become believers (cf. John 4:28-30, 39-41)! This is the story for us today. Jesus still offers the water of eternal life to all of those who have become believers in Him! Neither spring water nor well water can give us that. It only comes from Jesus!

 

Water and the Spirit

 

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, ia ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, lwe know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:1-8 ESV).

 

Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus is very important for us to understand. The meaning of His direction of our need to be “born of water and the Spirit” to enter the kingdom of God is essential. He is not saying that it is essential to be baptized with water to be counted among God’s people. God has shown that he saves people apart from water baptism. But God uses water baptism to engage with us and to communicate his grace, so that is the usual practice in the church today.

 

At this point we do well to keep in mind the example of the criminal who was crucified along with Jesus. This man saw who Jesus was, and he asked to be remembered when Jesus came into his kingdom. And Jesus told him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Clearly, he was not baptized with water. In John 3, I think Jesus is echoing prophets like Ezekiel, who spoke about water as a symbol of cleansing from sin, and about the Spirit of God, who comes to fill us and renew our hearts (cf. Ezekiel 36:24-27). That symbolism is picked up by John and Jesus in their practice of baptism.

 

The key is the baptism of the Spirit which takes place post-Pentecost when the Holy spirit calls and quickens our spirit. It is that moment when we are born again. Baptism is a wonderful expression of that transformation, but it is not an essential part of the process. God does all we need to be born again. Thanks be to God!