Fear Not... then Praise

And David spoke to the LORD the words of this song on the day when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. He said,

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,

my shield, and the horn of my salvation,

my stronghold and my refuge,

my savior. (I Samuel 22:1-3 ESV)

Fear not… then Praise!

David was getting old. His most loyal friends finally told him he was not welcome out on the battlefield, where his life was at risk. He listened to them, and then the Biblical narrative (I Samuel 22:18-22) describes the success of Israel against her remaining enemies.

This story potentially has fear woven through it. Were the friends afraid of the loss of the mighty King David? Was David afraid that he was no longer necessary? Was Israel afraid of the last of Goliath’s kin, the giants?

Yet the word, “fear” is not uttered in this tale. Perhaps fear was present, but we learn instead about what happened after fear had left. Obviously, the Israelites were successful, despite any fear they felt. David was protected, Israel was safe, the Israelite army was victorious. But David does something that he actually did throughout his life… regardless of fear… in the absence of fear… or after fear was gone.

He praised his God.

It is more than simply having a grateful heart or proclaiming eloquent thanks for God’s actions. David, after fear and fear’s threat profoundly poems, “GOD IS AMAZING!” As David realizes that God has protected both David AND Israel, David’s focus becomes on God Himself. David does not focus on the events that might have caused fear. David focused on the God who removes all reason for fear.

Giving thanks is a good thing, of course… but praising God is better. Thanksgiving focuses on what God has done for us, praise focuses on the One True Living God. Thanksgiving focuses on our peace, satisfaction, and blessings, praise focuses on the One True Living God. Thanksgiving focuses on our experienced results, praise focuses on the One True Living God.

God enables us to fear not.

Now what? Praise Him!

Fear Not... Now What? (Introduction)

Fear Not… Now What?

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27 ESV)

Fear not… but Jesus.

Christians today seem to have many reasons to fear. We spent most of last year examining most of the Biblical comments, commands, and encouragements to NOT be afraid.

We fear God’s enemies of the flesh, the world, and Satan.

… but Jesus.

We fear a viral disease that has been a part of the death of many, and now seems to be offering faster moving, more deadly mutations.

… but Jesus.

We fear the emergency powers granted (and taken by) our elected government.

… but Jesus.

We fear the loss of, surrender of, or trampling of ‘our rights.’

… but Jesus.

If we have abandoned fear, as I hope we have, what then?

What happens after we have found peace, rest, and hope in not being afraid?

Let us examine what happens after fear is gone.

I expect we will find that after fear, our next beliefs, choices, and actions will have something to do with Jesus, don’t you?

Satan and Love

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (II Corinthians 4:4 ESV)

Satan and Love

Satan and the spiritual aspect of our daily battles, in some sense, is the most difficult part with which we grapple. Unlike the flesh and the world, the spiritual fight is not detectible by our senses. Our objective mind struggles to grasp it. It is more mysterious than understood.

Perhaps that feels more scary. Perhaps that makes it more intimidating. Perhaps that gives us reason to be more insecure. Perhaps that births fear, and worry, and heart-freeze.

But it should not.

The more we do not understand about this type of warfare, the more we are forced to depend on Christ. We depend on Christ when battling the flesh and the world, too. But we are more prone to trust ourselves, if we perceive we can handle it on our own.

When it comes to spiritual warfare, Christ is our first, middle, and last defense.

And our relationship with Christ is founded by, funded by, and fed by love.

My seminary professor, Dr. Knox Chamblin, taught that modern Christians make two mistakes when it comes to Satan. We either over-emphasize him, or under-emphasize him.

But either way, the Christian’s answer to Satan is love. Christ’s love defeats every effort of Satan. Christ’s unconditional love defeats the guilty accusations that Satan whispers. Christ’s sacrificial love pays our undeserved way through heaven’s gates. Christ’s powerful and providential love turns Satan’s ploys into Christian victory.

Take the love God grants us.

The World and Hope

“…and in his name the Gentiles will hope.” (Matthew 12:21 ESV)

In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious. (Isaiah 11:10)

The World and Hope

It has been so cold for so long! The inclement weather began here last Saturday. First came the snow, accumulating and settling. The frigid cold followed. Day after day, it continues. And the forecast of relief has always seemed an ever shifting few days ahead.

The threat of power outages, the grey dismal skies, and the biting wind combine to make the next few days loom rather than bustle on our calendars.

Looking at the meteorologist’s promises does not help. Because what we SEE outweighs the map’s promise.

This is similar to our outlook regarding God’s enemy, the world. At first glance, Christianity seems on the decline, numerically. Right and Wrong are miss-defined in society. Anger and selfishness are rampant. The world, in our eyes, is overcoming God and His people.

That is exactly why God gives us the gift of hope. Romans 8:24 says, “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?” We cling to hope when our observation tempts us to dismay and despair.

The good news of the gospel is more than a promise of heaven. God’s enemy, the world, also finds its true hope in Christ Jesus… even though they do not know it, yet. In HIS name, the Gentiles will hope! And of HIM the nations will inquire!

When things look darkest, He gives hope.

Take the hope God grants us.

The Flesh and Faith

For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:6 ESV)

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:24 ESV)

The Flesh and Faith

When the Bible uses the term, “flesh” as God’s enemy, we usually think of two aspects. First, the effects of Sin in creation. Since Adam, things do not work the way they were created. Plants do not grow correctly, (weeds!) decay and decline have become the natural norm, and things break down. All because of Sin.

Second, “flesh” refers to our old sinful nature. Our flesh is our pre-redeemed selves: Prone to wander, selfish rebellion, and God-denying.

God gives us faith to combat the flesh.

Salvific Faith transforms God’s children into new creatures, diminishing daily the old, and rebuilding the new. He has promised that this is what is happening with us, even when at times it does not seem like it. Faith defeats the flesh, ultimately… and even today.

Faith also results in the transformation of creation. God’s faithful folk live our lives transforming the chaos of sin’s effects into the God’s orderliness. We can see this occurring in improved medicine, farming techniques, and more knowledge of God’s creation. Faith defeats the effects of Sin in creation ultimately… and even today.

God gives us faith to combat the flesh.

Take the faith God grants us.

The Enemies of God

For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. (Galatians 5:17 ESV)

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (I John 2:15 ESV)

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (II Corinthians 4:4 ESV)

During WWII, immediately after D-Day, many newspapers announced that the Axis had been defeated. The incursion of the Allies into Normandy, combined with the growing success of the Soviets on the Eastern Front made the end of the war all but inevitable. But much work remained. Much more bloodshed. Much more struggle.

God has three enemies, as described in His Word. These enemies are the flesh, the world, and Satan. And while Christ defeated EVERY enemy through His life, His death, and His restored life, we continue to be caught in the remains of the struggle. The war’s end is known, but the battles continue.

God has given us three wonderful and powerful gifts with which to fight. He gives us faith, He gives us hope, and He gives us love. (I Corinthians 13:13)

We have been examining these three gifts for a few months, and the time has come to move on to a different topic in these short posts. But before we leave our examination of faith, hope, and love, we will examine how these three gifts line up for conflict with God’s three enemies.

We fight every day, and He gives us gifts to help every day.

Take the gifts God grants us.

Arguments and Love

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. (Psalm 127:3-5 ESV)

Arguments and Love

The victory, even in battles of words, is the Lord’s. (II Chronicles 20:15)

But here is a thing that makes me go, “hmmmmm.”

Christ does not just wave His magic wand to achieve His victories. He DOES empower us, guide us, and help us as we defend His truth. He does not need us, but His people rejoice in the opportunity to join with Him in the good fight.

Psalm 127 suggests a heart-warming benefit to loving relationships, such as families.

The love found in families gives us allies in arguments against God’s enemies. Obviously, Christians love in arenas outside of the family. It seems the Psalmist here describes the unity of a father and his children as the epitome of earthly love. But other relationships in Christ perform the same function.

Love gives us allies.

Christ Himself, of course, is THE ally. But He gives us additional help.

Take the love God grants us.

Arguments and Hope

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:38-39 ESV)

Arguments and Hope

Christ’s direction here is very hard to obey. We do not like it. He seems to want us to surrender. He seems to want us to ALWAYS surrender. He seems to want us to always surrender so that we always lose.

Who wants to do that?

But found in Christ’s command is actually a directive to live in hope.

Because Christ is not asking us to lose every conflict, ESPECIALLY not those conflicts in which we battle HIS enemies. Because His Word makes it clear that HE has already won the war, the battle, the fight, and the conflict. (among others: Colossians 2:15, I Corinthians 15:57, Romans 8:37, Deuteronomy 20:4, John 16:33, I John 4:4…)

When Christ tells us to ‘turn the other cheek’ He is giving us hope that WE do not need to strive for victory, because HE has already won. WE do not need to be concerned about the immediate conflict, because HE guarantees the victory. WE do not need to agonize over the battle raging around us, because vengeance, victory, protection, defense, offense, and every detail of that battle are already ensured… bought and paid for on the cross.

He does not merely say, “turn the other cheek,” or “do not attack back in arguments, do not squabble in the dirt.” He says, “The victory is firmly in my grasp. Let ME win.”

Take the hope God grants us.

Arguments and Faith

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19 ESV)

Arguments and Faith

The Lord is not being prophetic. The vengeance that He promises has ALREADY been won. Sin lost. All the enemies of God, the flesh, the world, and Satan lost. The cross, while appearing to defeat the Son of God, actually defeated God’s enemies.

So when our anger rises because someone has offended us, even when that anger is righteous, step back into faith. WE do not have to win arguments against evil. WE do not have to win debates against scoffers. WE do not have to win shouting matches defending anyone.

Because Christ already won.

I am not claiming that we should not always speak truth, in love (Ephesians 4:15, Zechariah 8:16) But when wielding the sword of God’s truth, winning does not need to be our goal. When challenging untruth, presenting truth is our only responsibility, winning does not need to be our goal. When fighting the war of words, neither exalt in winning, nor mourn in failure. Christ has already done all the winning for us.

Believing that brings peace.

Take the Faith God grants us.

Forgiveness and Love

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. (Luke 23:34 ESV)

Forgiveness (2) and Love

At the very moment Jesus is praying, His blood is being shed. That blood that is not randomly dripping, but instead each individual drop is paying for the sins of those whom Jesus loves.

That is why He is, almost at that very moment, dying.

And among His last words are an amazing statement of how and why salvation works.

He is speaking particularly about those who are crucifying Him. By the context of the lot-casting, He is speaking about the Roman soldiers and officials.

Jesus says, “THIS blood is for them.”

Of course, more events need to happen. The soldiers and officials WILL come to realize their need for Christ’s blood because of their sins. The gospels record centurions saying conversion-like things, (Matthew 27:54, Mark 15:39, Luke 23:47) and perhaps this was a part of that story. But Jesus’ statement on the cross indicates that His blood was being shed for some of those folk standing right there.

But He was also, perhaps, referring to all of His saints.

Because we do not know what we do, either.

Our sins are often unnoticed and unconfessed.

But Jesus bled and died for us.

Forgiveness (2) and Hope

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD, “though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18 ESV)

Forgiveness (2) and Hope

Lately I have been trying to drink less carbonated drinks. Since I am not a fan of drinking water straight, I have been using one of those powdered drink mixes. My favorite flavor is called Raspberry Ice.

Almost.

The problem with Raspberry Ice is that it stains. Because it is red. Other colors of powdered drink mix do not stain as readily, or as badly. But that red dye leaves marks on tabletops, shirtsleeves, carpeting, and lips.

Maybe Isaiah was thinking about Raspberry Ice powdered drink mix.

Because our sins stain like that.

Our sins are noticeable, damaging, and embarrassingly ugly.

But no matter how red-stained our sins make us, there is something that gets rid of the mark. Jesus’ red blood somehow makes our red stains disappear. Better than that, Jesus’ red blood makes our red stains pure, clean, and beautiful.

Today we feel shame, remorse, sorrow, embarrassment, fear, loneliness, and guilt. Today we might not think that stain will EVER come out.

But in Christ, and Christ alone, the stain will be gone.

The crimson will be as white as snow.

Take the hope God grants us.

Forgiveness (2) and Faith

As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12 ESV)

Forgiveness (2) and Faith

What a different statement this would be if we lived on a map instead of a globe. “East” and “West” on a map is a measurable yet relative concept. On a limited flat surface, “as far as the east is from the west” might be next door… or 2000 miles.

So the separation, due to God’s work, might be a very close thing or a very distanced thing.

That would not be encouraging, would it? “Hey, all you folk aware of the serious nature of your sin… God has done an amazing work to forgive you! But how MUCH He forgave you… how MUCH He removed your sin from you… is kind a vague uncertain thing. Oh well… have a nice day! Now go on to Psalm 104.”

But instead, even if the Psalmist did not understand the geographical facts in play, God says in this Psalm that the difference between God’s redeemed people and our sin is INFINITE.

Picture yourself on a globe. Face east and start traveling.

When do you stop heading east?

Disregarding place names like East Coasts, Western Deserts, and ‘Out West,’ there is no end to heading east once you start.

East and West are infinitely apart.

I realize the slightly paradoxical situation here. But I am glad of it. Because it reinforces my understanding that God’s Gracious Forgiveness requires faith to accept it.

Christian, do you wonder if God has forgiven you?

Take the faith God grants us.

Forgiveness and Faith

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. (Ephesians 1:7 ESV)

Forgiveness and Faith

A few years ago we paid a home mortgage off early.  The payoff was unexpected.  And writing that check and knowing that our dept was paid was thrilling!

Each month, however, when our usual mortgage paying day came around, I still felt bad.  It had been a regular check, and we usually felt pressure and tension.  Once the mortgage was gone, our habitual uncomfortable feeling overwhelmed the fact of our freedom.

And it was silly.

The forgiveness that God gives us is just the same.  In HIS book, our sin-debt has been paid.  In HIS book, we have redemption.  In HIS book, we are forgiven.

Our continued feelings of guilt, fear, and awkwardness before Him is not connected to truth.  I will not call us silly for these feelings, instead I note their inaccuracy.  God’s statement and judgment outrank our feelings.  God’s decrees of grace outrank our feelings.  God’s choice to forgive outranks our feelings.

Believe what He says and rejoice in being forgiven!

Take the faith God grants us.

Forgiveness and Love

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1 ESV)

Forgiveness and Love

The hippies might have had it right. They seem to have coined the phrase, “I am in to that.” While hippies never endorsed an official Hippie Dictionary, being “in to something” meant more than liking it, appreciating it, and admiring it. It also implied a selfless devotion, a heart-felt dedication, and perhaps almost a worship.

That sounds a lot like love.

Insert a tiny, ‘to’ into Paul’s words, and the phrase describes loving Christ Jesus.

I am in to Jesus.

And therefore, there is no condemnation for me as I stand before His judgment throne, not only at my death, but every day.

I certainly deserve condemnation. I certainly deserve punishment. I certainly deserve a resounding, “GUILTY,” and hard gavel slam.

But because I am in to Jesus, instead I am adopted, made holy in His sight, and pronounced ‘innocent.’ With Jesus’ innocence.

Love leads to forgiveness. And forgiveness leads to love.

Take the love God grants us.

Forgiveness and Hope

Then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” (Hebrews 10:17 ESV)

Forgiveness and Hope

I admit to displaying a bit of belief in Christian karma, until I recall this verse. I sort of expect that bad things happening to me are still somehow God punishing me. But clearly God promises that He does not remember my sins.

If He does not remember my sins, He is not punishing me for them.

Perhaps the troubles are logically the result of my poor choices or foolish actions. If so, God is using them to teach me, guide me, remind me, or actually help me. He is NOT punishing. Perhaps the troubles are meant to teach, guide, remind, or actually help someone else. He is NOT punishing me. Perhaps the troubles are somehow exactly what God knows I (or someone else) need, and are truly for my good. (Romans 8:28) He is NOT punishing.

Which means that tomorrow, the only thing that God remembers about us is His Son’s death on our behalf. Tomorrow, the only thing that God remembers about us is His Son’s righteousness worn by us like a robe. Tomorrow, the only thing that God remembers about us is His love.

Take the hope God grants us.

Hair and Love

And standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. (Luke 7:38 ESV)

Hair and Love

The sacrifice of something precious is an expression of love.  God loves us and sacrifices His Son.  Jesus loves us and sacrifices Himself.  Jonathan loved David and sacrificed Jonathan’s position.    Parents love their children and sacrifice time, resources, and energy. 

This unnamed woman loved Jesus. (Luke 7:47) She showed it by personal sacrifice.  She ruined her hair to humbly wash and anoint the feet of Jesus.

Jesus exclaims, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13 ESV) But after this woman’s work, he might have said, “This is a pretty good expression of love, too, that someone gives up their beautiful hair for their beloved.”

We are not often given the opportunity to show love by giving up our hair. 

But we are often given the opportunity to show love by giving up something.

Perhaps it is power.  Perhaps it is a position.  Perhaps it is a possession.  Perhaps it is our reputation.  Perhaps it is time.  Perhaps it is energy.

We can love like this woman loved, because God has taught us… Jesus has taught us… His people have taught us what love is.

Take the love God grants us. 

Hair and Hope

So Hanun took David's servants and shaved off half the beard of each and cut off their garments in the middle, at their hips, and sent them away. When it was told David, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, “Remain at Jericho until your beards have grown and then return.” (II Samuel 10:4-5 ESV)

Hair and Hope

David’s servants lost half of their beards. But they lost more than that. Culturally, they had lost their respect, standing, and reputation.

Most of us have lost something. Maybe not half a beard. But we have lost possessions, positions, and companions. And like David’s servants, we have at times lost respect, standing, and reputation.

David was a good King. He was sensitive to his servant’s loss. And he acted to restore what he could. He could not make their hair grow, but he could help them restore their place in society. He helped them wait.

We have an even better King. Jesus restores what we have lost, too. And He has more power and ability than David did!

I can not promise that Jesus will restore tomorrow what is causing you to feel loss. But He will restore, and so urges our attention on, all that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. (Philippians 4:8) He is the Greatest King.

Perhaps not until we open our eyes in His Kingdom. Perhaps after a wait, like David’s servants. Perhaps sooner.

But because He is King, we can hope.

Take the hope God grants us.

Hair and Faith

Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:7 ESV)

Hair and Faith

It is sometimes said, “the devil is in the details.” But I disagree. God’s care for His people is displayed in the details. Jesus reminds us here that even the individually insignificant hairs on your head are identified, counted, and known by God.

Since God pays such close attention to such tiny things as an individual hair, it follows that He also pays close attention to the whole head of hair. If God pays such close attention to the whole head of hair, it follows that He also pays close attention to the entire head. If God plays such close attention to the entire head, it follows that He also pays close attention to the rest of you.

God’s children, adopted through the priceless sacrifice of His only begotten Son, are of immense value to Him.

He apparently cares about sparrows… but He cares more about you.

He apparently cares about your individual hairs… but He cares more about you.

The next time you wonder of God notices you, look in the mirror and try to count your hairs.

God has already counted them. He has already noticed them. He has already noticed you. He has already purchased you. He already gives you something to believe in.

Take the faith God grants us.

Stars and Hope

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? (Psalm 8:3,4 ESV)

Stars and Hope

Extravagant (not merely in price) gifts are indications of care.

Once when I was leaving a congregation, an artist friend gathered bits and pieces of reminders of my time in the church and town. The handle of a coffee mug from the radio station that I enjoyed. Bits of plates and cutlery from friends’ kitchens. Rocks and materials from ranches and farms.

She then combined them into a wall-hanging. When I glance at that collage, I remember the church, the town, and the people. But I also remember and feel again the fact that she is mindful of me… and cares for me.

Finding that someone cares for me is like finding a treasure.

The Psalmist sees the artistry and order of the night sky as proof that God cares for him. He arrives at that conclusion by noting that the lights in the sky are amazing. And that we humans, whom God is mindful of, and whom God cares for are not nearly so amazing. Yet God made the wondrous and extravagant so that we can occasionally look at it and grin.

He created the fantastic because He cares so much for little, tiny me.

The awesome skylights remind us of God’s affection, care, and attention.

If the sky were dull grey ALL the time… and if the lights were un-twinkling, few in number, and uninteresting, would not that imply that God was not interested in us? Instead, the varied lights, the artful patterns, the predictable yet wild movement, and the music of the spheres shout, “GOD CARES.”

When we wonder if tomorrow will be lonely, look at God’s gifts in the sky. When we expect that our loneliness has no end, look at God’s gifts in the sky. When think that tomorrow we will be unloved, unnoticed, un-understood, and unimportant… notice for a moment what God did for you.

Tomorrow, Someone will care for you.

Take the hope God grants us.

Stars and Love

The moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever. (Psalm 136:9 ESV)

Stars and Love

Helen Keller, famous for her literary contributions despite being blind and deaf, declared that when her teacher, Anne Sullivan, taught her to read, the young Keller, “awoke from fear. I was no longer quite so deaf, or quite so blind.”

Sullivan is reported to have smiled in response and said, “What else could I do? I had grown to love you.”

Solitary confinement, with sensory deprivation, has been outlawed as a cruel and unusual punishment.

While a night storm’s noises are terrifying, the worst part is when the power goes out, and our homes are plunged into darkness.

Perhaps for profound spiritual as well as emotional reasons, we were created with an awareness that we need light and Light. And our creator knows this.

So when He was making the stuff of this universe, the first thing He made was light. (Genesis 1:3) And further, He blessed even the darkness of night with smaller lights. (Genesis 1:16) So we would not have to be in the dark.

God frees us from the dark, even before creation was finished. Because He loves His people.

The stars, given to diminish the darkness of light, are evidence of God’s love.

Take the love God grants us.