As the rain and snow

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?’” Romans 11:33-35

My father was fascinated with Blue John, or “Derbyshire Spar,” a magnificent streaked and colorful semi-precious stone mined only in Derbyshire, UK. The first new vein in 150 years was discovered three years ago. Rare, beautiful, its quantity is limited, and a coveted find for a collector. Here in Romans 11, Paul finishes his brilliant section on the mysterious, majestic sovereignty of God by breaking into a doxology at the limitlessness of God. What on earth is finite, in the Creator and Ruler is infinite. Allelujah.

King Solomon, with a preface from chapter 1, in Proverbs 2 commends his son to set his life on a treasure hunt for God’s wisdom: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”  And Paul, who certainly had a proper fear of the Lord, knew that plumbing the depths of the Divine was a lifelong pursuit, one that would humble, captivate, satisfy, and inspire to greater mining. 

As I daily go to God’s word and observe His world, interacting with Him and others, He is the One Who reveals Himself in different shades of color, sometimes raw and complicated, sometimes polished and simpler to understand. It takes time and effort to listen with my ears, incline my heart, to ask and seek and search. It takes willing determination to receive and absorb and treasure what He gives–and oh, the rapture of the reward when I realize I’ve only scratched the surface of my Sovereign!

Lord, make me an expert and persistent miner of all things You. For from You and through You and to You are all things. To You be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:36)

“They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” “You shall take delight in the Lord, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth.” Isaiah 40:31; 58:14

Two gentlemen bumped into each other walking on a sidewalk, and one said to his friend, “How are you today?” “Oh, alright, under the circumstances.” “What, pray tell, are you doing living under the circumstances?”

When circumstances weigh us down, dampening our spirits, clouding our perspective, smothering our hope, it is easy to bend into thinking all is too much to bear. We awaken every day to face the giants of life’s demands and stresses and disappointments; they loom above us, and press us down. But when we choose to live above our circumstances, riding the heights with our Lord, they are put into proper perspective. We see all that comes to us as ordered and under God’s loving authority, as pieces He is assembling in our lives and others’ to accomplish His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

O Lord, make me see as You see, setting my mind and heart on things above, grazing at peace on Your mountain heights, and trusting as You work. (Colossians 3:1-2; Ezekiel 34:14)

“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, ‘Till now the Lord has helped us.’” 1 Samuel 7:12

When our children were growing up, we had a door jamb where we marked their height every birthday, a measure not only of physical growth but a mark evidencing another 365 days of life, friendships made, studies learned, maturity formed. Those marks, and the developing handwriting of each child, were cause for praise to the God Who had faithfully brought them that far and had promised that He would not forsake them or His plans for them in the future. (Hebrews 13:5; Jeremiah 29:11)

Samuel’s life had already been marked with moments: his miraculous conception and birth, his mother’s giving him to the Lord’s service, God’s audible call on his life; and now he sets another remembrance that would remind all who saw it of God’s gracious mercy to them, His deliverance, His unshakeable word.

When I memorialize God’s faithfulness– answers to prayer or tangible changes He has made– in a journal or a dated note in the margin of my Bible,  I am setting a marker that tells a story of His character and deeds. The next time that account is read, His constancy is magnified and faith is strengthened. He Who brought me this far will work with me still; He Who awakened belief and inspired holiness and prayer will complete what He began. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

Lord, this day I raise my Ebenezer. You have helped me thus far and will walk with me to the end. May I mark Your faithfulnesses to me in ways that bring You praise and cause others to behold, love, and worship You.

“Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of his might and because he is strong in power, not one is missing.” Isaiah 40:26

I was drawn outside in the very early by a particularly large star (planet?) that seemed alive in its twinkling. Mesmerized, I gazed, wondering at its seeming tinges of color as its white blazed bright. As I moved farther outside, my view now unobstructed, I was overwhelmed by the whole expanse of sky, a canopy of stars in varied sizes, perfectly clear Orion, Cassiopeia, the Big Dipper; and the longer I looked, the more I saw: beautifully suspended white dot pictures and patterns, a line, a shape with a tail (or handle)…named and held in place by God Almighty.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, you are very great!
You are clothed with splendor and majesty, covering yourself with light as with a garment,
stretching out the heavens like a tent.” Psalm 104:1-2

The more I saw, the greater my wonder as the more vast the heavens became–unchanged, yet more deeply seen and comprehended. Isn’t this so with Almighty God? Taking time to consider Him before the clamor of day and its attending considerations, demands, emotions, decisions to be made, magnifies His limitless power and beauty and heightens our praise. The ink black sky has now paled before a coming dawn, and the stars have been swallowed by light. Had I waited, I would have missed His grand display. The darkness we face, or find ourselves in unwillingly, has inspiration to offer and glory to behold that we would be unaware of otherwise.

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. There is none like You Who have designed the stars and know the ordinances of the heavens; they proclaim Your righteousness, and in them peoples see Your glory. Splendor and majesty are before You; strength and beauty are in Your sanctuary. Teach me all You have for me in Your sanctuary of darkness, that I may carry Your glory into the light.  (Psalm 25:1; Job 38:31-33; Psalm 97:6; 96:6)

“Samuel said to the people, ‘Stand still that I may plead with you before the Lord concerning all the righteous deeds of the Lord that he performed for you and for your fathers.'” 1 Samuel 12:7

Samuel’s farewell address in 1 Samuel 12 is a cogent plea for Israel to look back, and look up. They had rejected their faithful God Who had delivered them from slavery in Egypt; they had forgotten Him. Samuel reminds them of all the people God had sent to lead them, to deliver them, to fight for them, but they had done great wickedness by insisting on having a king when the LORD their God was King. Finally, He had set a king (Saul) over them. “If you will fear the Lord and serve him and obey his voice and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, and if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God, it will be well. But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you and your king. Now therefore stand still and see this great thing that the Lord will do before your eyes.” He asks God, and He sends a warning sign of thunder and rain that day, “and all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel.”

Samuel does not keep harping on their sin, their willful pride and stubbornness, but outlines their history as a reminder to look up in the days ahead. The God Who named them and ruled perfectly would not fail them, but they needed to determine He be sole King of their hearts.

“Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.  And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty.  For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself. Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.”

When we are convicted of sin, or need to correct and guide those who go astray, it does no good to continually dwell on the wrongdoing. That can be a subconscious pride in thinking I can remedy myself, a slap in the face of the One Who vanquished the penalty of my sin, or an exasperation of those I lead. We must see it rightly in context of God’s “way of escape” and His forgiveness, then set out on the right path going forward, looking up to the One enthroned on high. (Ephesians 6:4; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 John 1:9; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

King of my heart, rule every part of me. Guard me from turning aside to empty things, to submitting to other sovereigns. I want to live wholly for Your name’s sake.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1

Beautiful words! But they do not stand alone. It is flippant to think we are not worthy of that condemnation. I’ve recently heard from several, in different contexts, that “man is basically good;” if that is true, then this statement would be unnecessary, or at least, hold no punch. In order for this statement to carry the weight it deserves, to know its truth, we must recognize that we own something deserving condemnation. The beauty of grace is that Jesus bore our condemnation for us, serving justice perfectly.

The “therefore” at the start of chapter 8 refers to the truths explained in prior chapters: we are all sinners, and deserve the wages of death, yet “as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.  For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.  For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 3:10-12,23; 5:21; 8:2-11) 

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 This is no cheap ‘overlooking,’ or ‘that’s-OK’ forgiveness. God’s justice was served at the Cross, where our loving Savior, Jesus, took the wrath we deserve. Hallelujah! Because of this, we have no condemnation! We have a mind of life and peace! I am no longer a slave to sin! God’s Spirit testifies with ours that we are His children! My current suffering promises future glory! God’s Spirit helps me in weakness! God works all things together for my good because I am in Him! And nothing can separate me from His love! All because of Jesus. I am a debtor to His amazing grace. (Romans 8)

Lord, may I keep my mind set on, and live according to, the Spirit, not the flesh. Cause me never to slip into thinking I do not deserve condemnation, but always to bow in gratitude before Your grace that bore the punishment for me.

After hearing Jeremiah’s prophecy of God’s judgment on Jerusalem, and that the only way to spare their lives was surrender, some important-sounding men in the city insisted King Zedekiah put him to death. They did not like his message. The king weakly submitted and put Jeremiah into their hands, and they cast him into a muddy cistern to die.

“When Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, a eunuch who was in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah into the cistern—the king was sitting in the Benjamin Gate— Ebed-melech went from the king’s house and said to the king, ‘My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they did to Jeremiah the prophet by casting him into the cistern, and he will die there of hunger, for there is no bread left in the city.’ Then the king commanded Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, ‘Take thirty men with you from here, and lift Jeremiah the prophet out of the cistern before he dies.’ So Ebed-melech took the men with him and went to the house of the king, to a wardrobe in the storehouse, and took from there old rags and worn-out clothes, which he let down to Jeremiah in the cistern by ropes. Then Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, ‘Put the rags and clothes between your armpits and the ropes.’ Jeremiah did so. Then they drew Jeremiah up with ropes and lifted him out of the cistern. And Jeremiah remained in the court of the guard.” Jeremiah 38:7-13

Blessed, shining Ebed-Melech! He was attentive to all that happened around him, and he was brave. This unpedigreed eunuch in the king’s palace stood up boldly for Jeremiah, risking his own well-being out of compassion for one unjustly punished. Again, the weak king complied. Ebed-Melech engaged others in his rescue of Jeremiah, and kindly padded the ropes he used to pull him out of the well. And he saved him! What a man, whose heart beat for others and energies were spent for their good. Whether a publicly-known figure with known heritage and popular sway, or a background-living servant in another’s service, every one determines whether to squelch or promote God’s truth, to disdain or love His people. Ebed-Melech is commended in chapter 39. “Go, and say to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I will fulfill my words against this city.  But I will deliver you on that day, declares the Lord, and you shall not be given into the hand of the men of whom you are afraid. For I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword, but you shall have your life as a prize of war, because you have put your trust in me, declares the Lord.’”

Lord, make me an Ebed-Meech, ever aware and open to opportunities to stand up and act for the needy. And send Ebed-Melechs to loved ones who need hope and rescue.

“Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was.” Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” Then the Lord said to Samuel, “Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.” 1 Samuel 3:1,3-11

I remember well the thrill in my soul the first time I was certain God called me for a specific task. I had regularly read and studied the Scriptures, and spent time in prayer worshiping, thanking, and asking, but the clear sense of His specific voice to me was at once humbling, powerful, personal, and overwhelming. It was through my regular reading that God’s holy word addressed so clearly three specific questions I had, I knew it was the Lord calling me to a new role in ministry. Over the years there have been many times He has, through His good word, led in moves and decisions, confirmed courses of action, given wisdom or ideas or creativity, inspired work and conversations, promised exactly what I sought or lacked or another needed. God still speaks!!

Samuel did not have the Bible as we do, but he was in the right place, in God’s presence, listening and responding as he knew how. His willingness to hear and obey acquainted him with God, fed his faith, and nurtured his growth. “And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the Lord.  And the Lord revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the Lord.” Today, the revelation in God’s complete word beckons us to come, dig, partake, and say, “Speak, Your servant is listening.” It is as we respond, and apply the truths we glean, that He brings deeper and greater understanding, causing roots to grow and fruit to be borne.

Lord, I come and call to You, knowing You will answer. Awaken me morning by morning, to hear as one who is taught. Keep me making time to seek You with my whole heart through Your word, meditating on Your precepts, learning Your ways, delighting in Your personal, limitless word. (Psalm 17:6; Isaiah 50:4; Psalm 119:10,14-16)

“Happy are you! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help, and the sword of your triumph!” “A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. The cheerful of heart has a continual feast.” Deuteronomy 33:29; Proverbs 15:13,15

I noticed recently at the post office all the new ads have people looking down–no eye contact. So much of our society exists this way, with virtual communication, and in public places, harried, insulated hustle. But there is something magic, something captivating, about a look-deep-in-your-eyes smile shared with another. It quickens the heart; it awakens hope and security and the sense of being valued; it sparks joy.

En route very early to my gate in an airport, I passed a family and was melted when a young girl caught my eye and gave me a huge, genuine smile. Of course I smiled back–a piece of happiness, ‘thankful-to-be-alive-today’ passed between us in that quick moment. A few hours later, still quite early in another airport, a young couple with sleepy toddlers smiled knowingly at each other, sharing a beautiful, intimate moment of humor and loving joy that arrested me; I whispered, “Thank You, Lord.” Looking around, so many are serious and isolated, so few smiling.

An older woman in our church when I was growing up told me a smile was a gift from God to be used for others. Her simple message stuck with me. I used to hear my mother smile over the phone- it was contagious, communicating such delight for me that I couldn’t help but spontaneously smile back, “I love you too.” Parting with loved ones and sharing the benediction of a smile as we say good-bye squeezes the heart something fierce, and lingers. Job described the power of a smile to refresh and encourage: “They waited for me as for the rain, and they opened their mouths as for the spring rain. I smiled on them when they had no confidence, and the light of my face they did not cast down.” (Job 29:23-24)

Lord, keep me joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the You have shown. Lift Your countenance upon me, cause Your face to shine on me and radiate to others. Make me ever aware of those around me, and may I always be generous with the gift of a smile that says, “You are special, you are an image bearer of God, and life is meaningful.” (1 Kings 8:66; Numbers 6:26; Psalm 67:1)

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle.” Isaiah 55:1,10-13

Every surface glistened when I first looked out this morning; I saw the soft drops tickling leaves and grass, dotting the water. After days of more menace than wet, I welcome the grumbling sky and its steady rain. What languished is lustily drinking, what drooped is reviving. As I used to tell the children, everything is saying ‘thank you, thank you’ to their Creator and Keeper.

O fainting heart, listless passion, spent vitality, weary soul, drink in the Rain! Take your fill of Jesus, and leap for joy! Lord on high, rinse my mind of thorn and brier, slake my thirst with Your word, revive me to bloom, bear fruit, and sing!