As the rain and snow

“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you.” “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. 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? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet.” “Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in.” 1 Kings 8:27; Psalm 8:1,3-6; Isaiah 40:21-22

I have recently been involved with several situations that have challenged my thinking on the exaltation of God and man. I’ve heard one say we are not that special, only one notch higher on the food chain; advice to a survivor of abuse that we can be and do anything we put our mind to; and yet another that starting with self in prayer turns us to God. The Bible offers truth for each of these perspectives, teaching that man is indeed special as the crowning-glory-creature made in the image of God; that apart from Jesus we can do nothing; that Jesus taught His disciples to pray our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. We are high, but not as high as God; He can work in us His healthy highest view. (Genesis 1:26-28,31; John 15:5; Matthew 6:9)

What I have rued over time is the high view of God diminishing in our culture, exacerbated by everything from education to political correctness to architectural design of churches to language to self-esteem psychology. We have distorted the view of man by majoring on our touchiness, exaggerating our differences, rewarding achievement that is questionable at best, esteeming our subjective opinions but belittling others’. Certainly we are marvelous creatures, fearfully and wonderfully made by a magnificent God to know and love and serve Him like nothing else in His creation, and we can come anytime to Jesus just as we are. But what we are is stained by sin, which wreaks havoc on a proper view of things, so we must come reconciled to the holy Father through Jesus alone. Contemplating Him first and fully keeps His divine hierarchy and intention in perspective. (Psalm 139:14; John 14:6)

Where am I getting in the way of seeing God for Who He is? Have I so elevated myself that I come to Him thinking about me? When my mind is immersed in His majesty and reign, He adjusts the lens through which I see all else, He elevates my understanding of how beautifully and sovereignly He has ordered and given meaning to His world.

Lord on high, I exalt You above the heavens and here on earth. Thank You for making me Your child and willing subject. Teach me to live confidently with the highest view of You, bearing Your glorious image day by day. (Psalm 57:5,11)

“And Moses said to Hobab the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law, ‘We are setting out for the place of which the Lord said, “I will give it to you.” Come with us, and we will do good to you, for the Lord has promised good to Israel.’ But he said to him, ‘I will not go. I will depart to my own land and to my kindred.’ And he said, ‘Please do not leave us, for you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you will serve as eyes for us.  And if you do go with us, whatever good the Lord will do to us, the same will we do to you.’ So they set out from the mount of the Lord three days’ journey. And the ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them.., to seek out a resting place for them. And the cloud of the Lord was over them by day, whenever they set out from the camp.” Numbers 10:29-34

Moses the leader is also Moses the encourager, and he urged his brother-in-law to come be a part of all the good God had for His people. But Hobab, with a tendency common to many, declined the offer at faith’s adventure, choosing instead to return to what he knew and where he was at ease. Why follow if I am satisfied here? Why go for better if I’ve settled in good? He would never know what he missed had Moses not prevailed with spot-on persuasion: you will be blessed, and be a blessing.

When we say no to God’s clear call to set out from wherever we are entrenched, be it a residence, our work, ungodly habits in a hard relationship, an auto-pilot place of ministry or opinion or prejudice, we are refusing the blessing He has prepared for us in the journey and the destination. We are exalting self, assessing that our way is better than His, or at the least, His way isn’t worth the fuss. When it’s all about me, I am hindered by narrow vision and unable to see that He might actually have more for me than what I choose for myself. I calcify in complacency with what has always been, is convenient, routine, requires minimal effort or change, and don’t (or won’t) consider that God wants to take me further in spiritual understanding and experience and maturity. I also close myself off to His invitation to give, to help others along the way, to initiate a ripple-effect of good and healing, and in doing so miss out on the added inexplicable blessing of being used by God for kingdom purposes far higher and broader than mine. How thankful we should be for Moseses who won’t take no for an answer, and for the hope of God’s promised land!

“No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Father, You have riches and bounty in store for Your own that we cannot conceive. Give us the will to set out with You in expectant faith, and boldness to bring others along to know Your goodness too.

“And the Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness… So it was always: the cloud covered [the tabernacle] by day and the appearance of fire by night. And whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, after that the people of Israel set out, and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the people of Israel camped. At the command of the Lord the people of Israel set out, and at the command of the Lord they camped. As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. Even when the cloud continued over the tabernacle many days, the people of Israel kept the charge of the Lord and did not set out… Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, abiding there, the people of Israel remained in camp and did not set out, but when it lifted they set out. At the command of the Lord they camped, and at the command of the Lord they set out.” Numbers 9:1,16-19,22-23

All along their forty-year way, this God was faithful at His helm, providing daily manna, camping His fiery and thick presence in the Israelites’ midst. Whether His tabernacle tent was pitched, or packed up and carried to the next place, His glory led and He remained with His own. He conversed with Moses as His friend: He spoke, listened, and answered; He understood and gave instruction… all in the wilderness. What to them was wild and inhospitable, to Him was orderly and home. It is the same for us His children. (Exodus 33:11)

I am in a wilderness of sorts, a place of tangle where I need clarity and direction, and find these words of great comfort this morning. The LORD speaks in my wilderness. He is near, He is nigh. He knows my situation, my heart-hurt concern, my sense of being called to what I do not know, my willingness to follow His lead. He covers me with His shade of care and protection from the onslaught of consternation, emotion, even fear by day, and He gives firelight in the darkness and argument and confusion. He intercedes for me, knowing the perfect will of the Father. He knows the way I go and should go, and will move ahead of me when it is time, always abiding, in charge, unflustered. I can rest with Him, trust Him, and when He says move, keep His charge. He will continue with me, of that I am sure. (Joshua 1:5; Job 23:10; Romans 8:26; Hebrews 7:25)

The wilderness may be full of pain, longing, wondering with no answers or waiting with no end in sight, but God speaks into it. The cloud may block my view of what is ahead, and I may not even know how to pray, but God hovers near, full of goodness, knowledge, and grace. He will lift up and set out when His time is right.

Lord, in my wilderness, to Whom else would I go? You speak to me here and lead me with Your word of life. May I keenly listen, and keep Your charge to stay or move at Your command. (John 6:68-69)

 

 

“On the day when Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle and had anointed and consecrated it… the chiefs of Israel, heads of their fathers’ houses, chiefs of the tribes,.. brought their offerings before the Lord, six wagons and twelve oxen, a wagon for every two of the chiefs, and for each one an ox. They brought them before the tabernacle… [Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah] offered his offering the first day...one silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70 shekels, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering; one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of incense; one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering; one male goat for a sin offering; and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old… 

“This was the dedication offering for the altar on the day when it was anointed, from the chiefs of Israel: twelve silver plates, twelve silver basins, twelve golden dishes full of incense;..  all the cattle for the burnt offering twelve bulls, twelve rams, twelve male lambs a year old, with their grain offering; and twelve male goats for a sin offering; and all the cattle for the sacrifice of peace offerings twenty-four bulls, the rams sixty, the male goats sixty, the male lambs a year old sixty.” Numbers 7:1-3,12-17,84,86-88

Moses finished setting up the tabernacle, all the detailed work was complete, all its furnishings were anointed and consecrated, yet there was no “eat, drink and be merry.” The dedication of God’s tabernacle stirred dedication in Israel’s leaders to manifest in generous, measured, orderly contribution for the Lord’s ongoing work. Rather than sitting back to luxuriate in satisfaction and rest, or even to pat on the back and give lip-service to a job well done, they came with gifts unto the One Who had provided for it all. Imagine each tribe’s chief, anticipating his day, carefully weighing, counting, preparing, as the offerings were brought forth day after day for twelve days. The rhythm and beauty of this bounty was music to the LORD’s ears as He hovered above the mercy seat. (Numbers 7:89; Ecclesiastes 2:24; 3:13; 5:18; Luke 12:19)

How does the music resound with me? Is the incense of this sacrifice pleasing to my heart? Are there times when I choose to rest in laurels, or sigh in resignation after hard work, only to leave it unfinished? Am I determining ‘closing time,’ or do I seek my Lord’s every request of me and give, and give more, so His work can continue? Do I count a simple consecration of myself to Him enough, and fail to move forward to complete the offering, which might require more of my time, my effort, my resources, than I’d originally anticipated? “Choose this day whom you will serve. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

Father, thank You for Your finished work that enables me to finish mine. Help me keep a loose grip on all You have given me, contributing it freely and gratefully to You for Your service and glory.

“Everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity.” “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” Hebrews 5:13-6:1; Philippians 3:12 

We recently visited several schools in areas of Puerto Rico hit hard by Hurricane Maria and a challenging economy. In brilliant contrast to the depressed state of affairs around them, the students shone with joy, hope, delight in life and learning. When asked what they wanted to be, they responded with confidence a news journalist, an engineer, a coder, a physical trainer, an illustrator. They were vibrant with curious exploration, not only aware of their gifts but eagerly honing them. Most were bilingual, one worked calculus, another debate, one Student Council teen prayed over us with the maturity of a seasoned theologian. One little boy, with glasses and years and heart stature much larger than his body, greeted and guided us through hallways with a quiet assurance. When asked about his aspirations, he said calmly I have lots of gifts. We later learned he had been there less than three months, bullied and stagnant at his previous school, now flourishing in the spirited, encouraging environment. Not one child said he wanted to stay on the playground; everyone we met seemed eager to grow, apply what was taught, press on to maturity.

One teacher of a few dozen elementary students in a remote, poor area had her Masters degree and wide opportunities, but said with shining smile she always sought the Lord and knew this was where God had her. Another young couple, proficient and successful in technology disciplines and secular careers, heeded God’s call to lead a church and school, humble to learn all they could and fully committed to the vision of maturing students to make a difference. It is inspiring to imagine what God will do with these living examples for these young ones who were being trained in spiritual discernment entwined with their subject knowledge.

How willingly, and with what measure of gusto, am I pressing on to maturity? What doesn’t grow dies. As days and months go by, it is vital we keep choosing spiritual meat over milk, stretching and moving over sedentariness. Alongside whom do I strive, mutually strengthening souls, sharpening iron with iron? Do I ever say I have read enough, learned enough, know enough? I’ve served my time, it’s another’s turn? Where am I choosing spiritual recess over advanced courses and training? (1 Samuel 23:16; Proverbs 27:17; Acts 14:22)

Lord, please so order my days and choices and growth, that I stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God, and keep moving to help others do the same, to the praise of Your glory. (Colossians 4:12)

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.” Numbers 6:24-26; Psalm 67:1-2

The Aaronic blessing, tucked into the middle of what is the often overlooked book of Numbers (chock full of census, laws, and complaining), is a breath of fresh air, and a reminder that in all things, it is God’s nature to bless. I remember singing this benediction as a young person, in four part harmony, and the mere words, in their power and beauty and consonance, washed over us all in inexplicable blessing, a washing and filling of the Spirit, a lifting of our souls to the heavenlies, every time we sang. The inspired word of God does that, and it is ours to receive with open hands, and to pronounce on others.

I am intrigued by the shining face and countenance of God. Is it a look of understanding and love and merciful acceptance? Is it that indescribable light that Moses sought when he asked God, in intimate conversation, to show him His ways and glory that he might know Him? Is it an anthropomorphism of His personal presence, exuding power, warmth, goodness, and all His name means? “Upon” us implies a covering, a bestowing from above, and I find I long for that covering, that veil, that laying on of the divine on my hard head of flesh. (Exodus 33:13-14,18-20)

If I am so blessed as to receive this anointing, what difference is it making? If in the midst of to-dos and hardships, like in the account of Numbers, God reaches out and offers the light of His face, shouldn’t I necessarily see things with greater depth, understand with clearer insight, love more freely? Shouldn’t I be announcing the glories of God’s mercy and keeping and truth, and spreading profusely His love and light to others? Oh, may His benediction on me not stop here! To whom much is given, much is required, and we are not to hoard His bountiful grace and blessing. When He has shone on our faces, we cannot conceal His deliverance, faithfulness, salvation. Where am I allowing a furrowed brow or sideways glance to hide His goodness and compassion? When are stress and stern shrouding my countenance, stiff and unyielding against His gentle kindness that could be touching another? (Psalm 40:10; Luke 12:48)

O Lord, captivate my heart with the glance of Your eyes. Lift up the light of your face upon me, that from me reflects all that You are with whomever I am, wherever I am.  May I be generous in my blessing on others as You are on me. (Song of Solomon 4:9; Psalm 4:6)

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible… By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise… For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” Hebrews 11:1-3,8-10; 1 Thessalonians 5:24 

We toured a small church school in a rough area of Puerto Rico, limited in space for growing interest while vibrant in spirit as the signs on its walls: Fruit de la Vida (fruit of life). Since Hurricane Maria, after which many public schools closed due to damage and families leaving for the States, the government has offered abandoned school buildings to private schools for a minimal charge for a set period of time, and if improvement, care, and maintenance are exhibited, the school can become theirs. We went to the nearby abandoned building they intended to transform, stripped by looters of its AC units, water-damaged from a partly-destroyed roof, doors secured but dented with a lock-picker’s brazen frenzy, and saw piles of black plastic bags stuffed with trash. ‘A group of us came last weekend and cleaned up our garden.’ This indomitable leader’s hope and faith were astounding; (I wanted some). What we saw as lifeless, dusty, decrepit, she saw as teeming with children, a garden, possibilities.

We toured another school that had already refurbished part of an abandoned campus, now bustling with vibrant teachers and smiling children for almost a year. Freshly painted classrooms boasted elementary artwork and cheery signs, walkways were lined with garden plots of sunflowers, corn, and tomatoes. I was riveted by a tidy row of black trash bags, lined up in the sun, bulging not with trash but with new seedlings sprouting in dirt.

How do I look at life’s challenges? The black bags at each school triggered the choices offered. Do I spend my time stuffing my bags with whine and blame, collecting critical scraps on others, trashing the atmosphere around me? Or do I see opportunity to clean up, open doors, refresh my life and zeal? When I see damage and decay from sin storms, do I languish and complain in helplessness, or look in faith to the One Who makes all things new? Do I coddle bad habits or genuinely repent and set to work planting life and bearing fruit that brings nourishment and beauty to others? These people trusted the faithfulness of God, and I can too. (Revelation 21:5)

Faithful Father, thank You for inspiring me through faithful heroes and black bags. Keep me ready for every good work of faith, putting desolation of days and mind and heart behind, and striving ahead with You Who called me to bear much fruit. (John 15:16; Philippians 3:13; Titus 3:3,8,14)

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” Titus 2:11-14

Paul’s instructions to Titus are cogent and specific. The solid unshakable basis for Christian behavior is that the grace of God has appeared, saving us, redeeming our former way of life into new and vibrant life, and the impetus for diligence in the present is the anticipation and blessed hope for the glory of God and Jesus when He returns. Armed with these realities, how are we to live? As those in active training for godliness, practicing renouncement of worldly passions, and instead exercising self-control and upright choices and activities. We are being made pure. Think rinsing a garment over and over, then shaping and wearing it, or an object being sanded and scrubbed in order to shine.

I found myself recently nagged with irritation and snippiness, fighting in my mind against nasty foxes of criticism, swoons of self-righteousness and wanting my own way. This morning I took time to thank God specifically for making me miserable in that behavior, convicting me of sin, leading me to cry out in repentance, and changing my attitude. He really does this! It can be a relentless battle at times as the flesh picks and pesters, but He is faithful to keep alert our holy desire when it comes under attack, to stir the embers of zeal when they flag and fizzle. He comes alongside to align our passions aright and give godly unction for the present ungodly age. Allelujah!

How zealously am I coming in line with this training, this regular discipline of taking up of good works over self-indulgences? Do I languish and yield to spiritual sloth, giving in to my weak flesh with flimsy excuses or comparisons, or do I take seriously that my Savior will return, and prepare to meet Him as I would to greet another loved one? Am I so armed with the hope of Christ that He fuels and ignites how I love, serve, see and empathize with others, spend my time and resources? Am I willing to shrug off selfishness and lift the weight of servanthood, to go the distance for His kingdom when I would rather not, then get up and do it again?

“While bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” “Let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith… so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” 1 Timothy 4:8; Hebrews 12:1-3

Exalted Perfecter of my faith, keep me pressing on now, training in the righteousness in which I will one day behold and bow before You.

“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Now on the tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. It shall be for you a time of holy convocation…  And you shall not do any work on that very day, for it is a Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the Lord your God. You shall not do any work. It is a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwelling places. It shall be to you a Sabbath of solemn rest.'” Leviticus 23:26-28,31-32

The Day of Atonement, when the High Priest entered behind the veil to present a sacrifice of atonement for all the people, was for the ‘recipient’ of that offering’s accomplishment a day of rest. All the bloody work was borne by the unblemished lamb, performed by the Priest, the Mediator, and those for whom it was effective were justly pronounced, without any effort of their own, atoned for. All that was needed was not theirs to do; it was for them to rest, and to receive.

Subversive to our natural inclination to do something and earn a reward, we cannot contribute to our atonement; our salvation rests (and we can rest!) fully in the finished work of Christ. It’s His work. For many, this is too ‘easy’ to be adequate so it is too hard to rest in. We want to be good enough, either without the need for atonement at all, or to make some kind of recompense or restitution ourselves. But the truth is, none of us is good enough, all have fallen short, and only Jesus can atone for our sin by His perfect sacrifice. We are justified because His death on our behalf fulfilled the justice we deserve. We must never forget His gift of redemption pictured on the day of Atonement, nor neglect the great salvation His once-for-all offering of Himself has accomplished for us. Rather, we can rest fully in this work that is His and has been finished, free to love and serve without fear and with great abandon. (Psalm 14:1,3; Romans 3:23-26; Hebrews 2:3;5:9;7:27;9:12-14,26)

What works am I grasping, or wont to busy myself with, that need to be laid at the beautiful altar of sacrifice, to be covered with His blood? When will I surrender my effort in order to to rest in my Savior’s, which He completely and perfectly finished? (John 19:30)

“Not the labor of my hands can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and Thou alone.                                             Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling;                                                        Naked, come to Thee for dress; helpless, look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly; wash me, Savior, or I die.”  Augustus Toplady  ~1776 

My Father, thank You for the unblemished Lamb of God Who has taken away my sin. May I ever rejoice in Your finished work, and so live in the freedom and joy and rest it brings that others want to know You and receive it also. (John 1:29)

 

 

 

“I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness.” “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” “Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.” Proverbs 4:11; Philippians 4:9; 1 Timothy 4:15; 2 Timothy 1:5 

I rode my bike this cool morning, pumping legs up, down, up, down, slicing thin and fast through filtered light and bird song. I thought back to decades ago when my father helped me onto a new bike, no training wheels, gave a gentle push, and I rode four houses down to the end of our dead-end street, then fell when I tried to turn. I loved the euphoria of balance and moving air and gliding smoothly along the road, but needed to learn how to manage gravel and speed and changing direction. All soon became second nature.

Isn’t this like our journey of faith, with our heavenly Father, upon the gift of salvation, giving gentle nudges in the right direction and letting us learn how to maneuver life with Him? He equips us with everything needed- a new heart and the indwelling Spirit- and we learn to set a course, to move ahead and balance, to navigate difficulties. We learn from riding in a pack, drawing on the strength of fellowship and the experience and rhythm of those who have gone before, and we also learn how to listen singularly to God’s clear voice when we strive alone, completely dependent on Him.

The longer we travel in the Christian life, the greater our confidence in our unchanging God grows, and the more this ability to ride becomes ingrained. Sometimes struggling against strong headwinds, sometimes exhilarated by joy, we now by habit steadily pedal in the unchanging strength of God Who leads the way.

But there is danger in a learned practice that becomes rote. We must beware the too-easy cadence that lulls us to spiritual sleep, the pleasant distractions that blind us to hazards, the windy passions that veer us off-course. We must be wary of auto-pilot: of work without zeal, words without sincerity, service without heart, worship with no true honor of the Worthy One. Are there areas where I am going through the motions, or have ceased to move at all? Have I gotten in a rut, afraid to venture out of my comfort with a skill long-honed but lying dormant? Is there another I should be riding alongside for mutual encouragement, to help navigate the way and resist the wind?

Lord, help me continue stable and steadfast in faith, and watchful and thankful in prayer. May I be diligent to ride through life as You have called and taught me to do, practicing love, virtue, knowledge, self-control, godliness, for the sake of Your glory and excellence. (Colossians 1:23; 4:2; 2 Peter 1:3-10)