Longing for Redemption - November 26, 2017

II Timothy 4:8 - In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

In many ways, Paul's longing for his eternal home was foreign to Jewish sentiment. The Jewish culture has always been more in touch with the "here and now" rather than the the "sweet by and by."  Certainly, many who followed Pharisaic teachings believed in an afterlife. Diametric in belief were their counterparts, the Sadducees, who believed in only an earthly existence with no hope of a life after death (Acts 23:8). However, both groups and most Jewish people looked mainly for betterment of life here on earth. They believed their position as children of Abraham made them secure for whatever heaven would offer them. So, when Paul spoke of the heavenly realm as the reward of the believer, this was a paradigm shift, especially for Jewish believers. His Gentile audiences knew less about the Jewish sense of entitlement regarding birthright. Therefore, Paul's letter to Timothy was not one of special privilege regarding the aged apostle's heritage as a child of Abraham, but instead his right to be a child of God according to faith in Jesus Christ (John 1:12).

Some of the Jews who followed Jesus undoubtedly grew angrier as He did not manifest the kingdom of God on earth. That is the only thing that interested many of them. They did not want to hear about a heavenly kingdom, but one where they would prosper socially, economically, and politically here on earth. Their arrogance as the "chosen people" made them blind to the paradoxical teaching of Jesus concerning a kingdom where the poor in spirit reigned (Matthew 5:3). Rather than fortify this earth, they were being told to abandon it and to prepare for a new heaven and a new earth. Instead of considering their country, position, social standing, or wealth, Jesus was telling them to forsake all and prepare for something infinitesimally superior. However, they could not have both. They would inevitably trust in one or the other, deciding which kingdom they chose to give their allegiance.

What is remarkable is how Paul -- a Pharisee of Pharisees -- threw off former preconceptions of Jewish acculturation and embraced the Messiah and His promise of the hope of Glory. Or, how Peter, Andrew, James, and John abandoned their families to follow Jesus! This was unheard of in ancient Palestine, for a son to walk away from his family. Our westernized mindset built on individualism really does not comprehend the closeness of Semitic families and what this meant.

Similarly, if we have truly loved Christ's appearing in our lives and hearts on the day of our salvation, we will be anticipating His return and not be seeking to preserve our earthly heritage. Consider King Hezekiah and how he begged God not to take him to heaven (II Kings 20:6). It can be argued that Hezekiah is the reason why the Babylonians later pillaged Jerusalem. If he had not been around to show the Babylonian emissaries Judah's wealth, they might not have bothered with this distant land (II Kings 20:12-19). However, the king was only interested in the "here and now." He did not understand how loving his earthly life would have ramifications for centuries.

How many of us would react similarly? How many of us love our comfortable lives here on earth and would be saddened to see Christ coming in the clouds? Like those of the Jewish nation, are we as Christians enraptured with our earthly lives? Have we become so busy with the temporal things that we do not long for the things of heaven? (Luke 14:18-20) So many of us loved His initial appearing in our lives when He saved us. Yet, now there might be some reservation regarding His second coming to snatch us away. We should all beware of loving the "here and now" and long for the "sweet by and by." If not, then have we truly loved His appearing?

Heavenly Father, may we long for Your Son's appearing. There is nothing this imperfect earth can give us that You have not already granted us if we will but trust in You. Help us to have great patience, forbearance, and wisdom, knowing Your return is soon. May we love Your appearing in all aspects of our lives. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick

Legs to Stand On - November 19, 2017

II Samuel 9:8 - Again he prostrated himself and said, “What is your servant, that you should regard a dead dog like me?”

Possibly no other scripture passage gives us a clearer picture of redemption than that of the story of David and Mephibosheth. To understand this story's significance, it is first essential to understand the importance of the covenant between David and the house of Saul. Not only was David bound in loyalty to King Saul, but the covenant and promise he entered into with his son Jonathan was a binding oath of fealty. Jonathan's stripping himself of his armor and giving it to David was an ancient practice of humility that symbolized complete trust and loyalty to the other. David understood the importance of his oath to Jonathan and therefore sought to honor his solemn promise after his friend's death. Therefore, after the kingdom was firmly established in David's hands, we find chapter nine of the second book of Samuel devoted to this covenant trust. David sought out the remaining posterity of Jonathan to bestow the same kindness he experienced from Saul's son as David fled imminent death. David's merciful attitude does not necessarily respect the strength of the man he inevitably helps. Instead, it reveals both the character of King David and also the King of Kings (II Samuel 9:1-7).

Those familiar with this story know that Mephibosheth's handicap further demonstrates King David's kindness. We are told a few chapters earlier how the lad's nurse had heard of Saul and Jonathan's death and was hurrying to retreat from the conquering Philistines. In her haste, she fell with the child and crippled him for life (II Samuel 4:4). Now in his teens or early twenties, Mephibosheth was granted a reprieve by the reigning king. He may have possibly heard stories from his father regarding his great friend, David. Yet, for years after his father's death, he may have heard nothing that would have given him any hope of kindness springing from the covenant between Jonathan and David. But then came that extraordinary day when the king called for him to appear before the royal court. Would he be killed? His thoughts were possibly running rampant as he drew near to Jerusalem. Once there, we read how the king's desire was to extend kindness to him for his father Jonathan's sake. The first thing he tells him is to not be afraid. David promises to restore all the fortunes of Saul's house to the young man (II Samuel 9:7). Mephibosheth's response is classic middle eastern as he prostrates himself before his benefactor: "What is your servant, that you should regard a dead dog like me?”

One might look at David's act of kindness as extraordinary, for truly it was. Conversely, the response of Mephibosheth was both complimentary of David's kindness and his understanding of the king's covenant obligation to Jonathan. Even though David knew his legal obligation to Jonathan's covenant, David's character was demonstrative of his love toward his old friend. The restoring of property and title are one thing. However, granting Mephibosheth a seat at the king's table placed the young man in a place of honor and respect not unlike any of the king's sons.

While the parallels and similarities between this redemption story and the one Jesus Christ wrought for us are obvious to most, they still bear mentioning over and over again. Have not all of us who have tasted of the kindness of God been crippled by sin? Has he not sought us out as David sought out Mephibosheth to restore to him his royal fortunes? Often, I have heard God's great gift of salvation referred to as "religion" and as a "crutch" for those too weak to stand on their own. Tragically, those who say such things are those who do not see they are dragging themselves through life, unable to stand as they imagine. When you know you are a cripple, a crutch is a wonderful thing! I shudder to consider our state if God had not sought us out in our lameness and restored to us a place of honor at his table. While we may feast on God's goodness here on earth, there will be a day when we will forever be at His great banquet table. There we will know that we were once crippled by sin and that our Great King redeemed us --- not on our own merits but through his love and kindness as our Creator.

Heavenly Father, our gracious God ... allow us to understand what You have done by seeking us out and inviting us to Your royal table. May we feast upon Your wisdom and Your love, knowing You have not withheld anything from us as sons and daughters of the Most High. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick

How to Love God's Word - November 12, 2017

We have all known picky eaters. When I was a child, I was required to eat everything on my plate. With our children, my wife and I insisted they try something before saying they did not like it. Usually we made them eat two or three bites before opting out. I believe this is a reasonable and rational approach rather than forcing children to eat. However, I will say there is really nothing today that I do not like when it comes to food. Similarly, my grown children like most cuisines. They have learned from experience that all foods are at least worth trying. By allowing our palates to experience a variety of tastes, we train our "flavor buds" to appreciate and evaluate. This disallows the pre-judging of foods and denying them a proper chance.

In contemporary America and other westernized countries, we do not lack a variety of experience regarding food. Even smaller towns have Chinese and Mexican restaurants, whereas larger cities have any ethnic food we might desire. However, I would venture to say that many of us do not know there are similarly many different flavors and "tastes" in God's word. Proverbs 27:7 tells us "A sated man loathes honey, but to a famished man any bitter thing is sweet." When hunger is the driving force, it doesn't matter how something tastes. The only concern is to quell the hunger pains. However, once we have found out how to satisfy our hunger by continually coming to God's word, it is helpful to find out how to make it satisfying as well. Just because someone is no longer hungry does not mean they are satisfied in their fullness. Through the years, I believe I have learned a thing or two about not only satisfying my spiritual hunger from God's word, but also finding great satisfaction in the various flavors and tastes I encounter. I will explain this further through the following three steps that reveal how to find lasting fulfillment in dining continually and with great pleasure on God's word:

1. Try it, you might like it! -- If you have never studied the word of God in a consistent manner, do not pre-judge that it is a boring endeavor. Oftentimes, God allows us to engage in the discipline of reading His word before He gives us a true love for it. As Jeremiah states in our lead verse, he "found" the words of the Lord. This means diligently spending time in the word everyday to begin finding what God is saying to us, individually. When we do, we begin to find the joy in discovery as God brings His word alive.

2. Mix it up! -- Do not, and I repeat , do not start in Genesis and start reading through the entire Bible! (Most folks who do this stop when they hit the chapters in Leviticus about cleansing leprosy!) Instead, read  a chapter from the Old Testament each day and one from the New Testament. Or, read a Psalm or a chapter of Proverbs along with a chapter of the Gospels. Personally, my daily reading consists of a chapter from the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible), a chapter from the history books (Joshua through Esther), a chapter in the poetry books (Job through Song of Solomon), a chapter in the prophets (Isaiah through Malachi), a chapter of the Gospels (Matthew through John), and a chapter of the New Testament (Acts through Revelation). By reading six chapters a day, I get through the Old Testament about once every eight months, the New Testament books every five months, and the Gospels about four times a year. I have been doing this for many years and it works well for me.

3. Don't be doggedly dogmatic! -- Even though I have a set schedule of reading and study, I do not get bent out of shape if I miss a day or my schedule gets thrown off by the Holy Spirit leading another way. Our Bible reading should be regarded as a "love plan" not a contract that can be broken if we do not hold to it perfectly each day. However, we should try to maintain consistency when possible. If we do, the Lord will bless our time and begin to show us treasures we would not have believed as we remain faithful.

Are we famished for God's word? Some of us do not even have a mild appetite for what God has given mankind through the written word, let alone a ravenous desire for His writings. Are we daily in the Holy Bible, digging out its treasures? The only way to get hungry for God's word is by getting into it. As we do, we will long for it as we would miss a loved one,  rather than condemning ourselves as a judge when we miss a day. The Word of God is not a drudgery, beloved. It is "a joy and the delight" of our hearts if we will but discipline ourselves to seek God there daily.

Heavenly Father, I pray for those who desire a greater discipline in reading and meditating on Your word. Give them first the desire to spend time with You, daily, in Your written word. Then, bless their faithfulness by sharing nuggets of truth that will make their spirits soar. As they find the joy in Your word, increase their hunger for it, developing their taste and pleasure as they savor its wonder! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

 

Rick

Simply Salvation - November 5, 2017

Psalm 116:6 - The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me.

In Alcoholics Anonymous, there is a saying that goes something like this: "No one comes in here as a high roller!" The implication is that no one goes to AA because it seems like a fun and entertaining thing to do. It is usually a last resort in an attempt to arrest alcoholism. Some have said that going to an AA hall was like going to the "last house on the block." The implication being that this was their last choice and often their last chance at a sober life, by their thinking. Alcoholism had brought them low and now they needed the help of God and the group to find a way from this hopeless pit in which they were trapped.

In our lead scripture, the psalmist also mentions he "was brought low." Whether or not it was a result of his doing or not, it is clear that people, places, and/or things had brought him to a low place in life. Often the cause of our distress is not relevant when we are overwhelmed in its result. We just want to get out of the discomfort created by the grief. However, often our pride stands in the way of even acknowledging we are in a pit of despair. Instead, we keep saying everything is okay or it will improve if we "keep on keeping on." Another familiar truism used in AA is the definition of insanity, doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results. Not only is this the apex of pride but it is also the pinnacle of ignorance. It denies both our need of a Savior and also our insistence that we are Him!

How low will we allow ourselves to go? How simple can we become? The mighty paradox of the Kingdom of God is the weak are made strong by His grace. As Paul states, not many of us who are wise by the world's standards have found the wisdom of God in salvation (I Corinthians 1:26-27). When we finally do understand how something bigger than ourselves is the one that has brought us low, then it only makes sense that something bigger than ourselves must intervene to bring us higher once again. If Jesus Christ and His salvation is not necessary and if we can lift ourselves from the proverbial mire by our own bootstraps, then His death and resurrection was a complete waste of time! Those who have been brought low by their flesh, sin, and the devil should know they cannot save themselves. There is only salvation in Jesus Christ --- Period! (John 14:6; John 8:24)

While God's redemption is utterly simple in that we must embrace the seeming foolishness of the cross, it is often not easy (I Corinthians 1:18). We all have this mental beast on our shoulders that wants to be king instead of allowing God His proper place in our lives. When we finally do experience the simplicity of the Gospel, then we can say with the psalmist: "Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you." (Psalm 116:7) As I and countless others have said, humility and surrender is not a place of perpetual weakness. They are the springboards to more strength than we can ever imagine. All we must do is believe, trust, and then surrender. The results will astound those simple enough to believe as He brings us to that higher place in Him.

O Lord our God, may we know we have been brought low by sin. May we know You are the only One who can bring us higher. Everything else is but an illusion. Grant us eyes to see and ears to hear. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick