The Lord said to Moses, "See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic design . . . (Exodus 31:1-3).
I had just filled the fuel tank on my farm tractor and started the engine to let it warm up for the hard day of work that lay ahead when I noticed hydraulic oil begin to "gush" forth from deep inside the tractor; a hydraulic line had burst. Having done a fair amount of mechanic work in my life, my first thought was to attempt to fix it myself. I removed a heavy access plate to gain entry to the internals of the tractor. Once removed I found that the access was not much of an access at all and after studying and working at the problem for a couple of hours I decided to talk to my mechanic about it. He said, "Give me a few minutes to gather some tools and I will come and see what I can do." When he arrived I showed him exactly what the problem was. He laid himself up on the tractor near the access point, it is a big tractor, with tools in hand and within two hours the tractor was repaired.
I told myself as I handed him wrenches and watched him work, "This guy is made for what he does." I have "wrenched" enough over the course of my life to have experienced the down and dirty of intimacy with machines, reading the manuals, getting sweaty and greasy, laying in the dirt, snow and on cold concrete, but I am not a mechanic. I am not efficient when I do the work, the desire to do it day after day is not in me because it is a frustrating job for me. On the day my mechanic worked on my tractor I did not hear him swear once, but my Christian vocabulary is severely tested when I am doing that kind of work--perhaps the Lord is teaching patience.
The counselor in me understands that life generally works out as it should, meaning that when hereditary and environmental factors and the Spirit of God are considered, it is no surprise that a person ends up doing what they do. I believe that the Spirit of God has led each person who is doing honorable work to his or her task. One need not worry about what their gift is, just get on with the tasks at hand and the gift will become evident. Do not worry about finding the gift, you will find it as you serve our Lord and Savior each day.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
THE GOD WHO MADE HIMSELF VULNERABLE
My God, my God, why has thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but thou dost not answer; and by night, but find no rest (Psalm 22:1-2).
He who does not love does not know God; for God is love (I John 4:8).
Can a sovereign God be vulnerable? An almighty and all knowing God has no vulnerabilities except that he is also love. Love requires vulnerability because love requires relationship. How can one have a true relationship with one who does not allow another to think or act for him or her self? Real love is the free response, the free choice, of the ones involved in a relationship. The moment God made the decision to create beings in his own image, he made a decision to become vulnerable to be hurt and rejected by those whom he loves.
Not only in creation did God make himself vulnerable, in redemption he made himself more vulnerable by becoming flesh, meaning that he became human. It is extremely difficult to wrap our minds around the incarnation of God, and we will probably never fully understand it this side of heaven. Nevertheless, God subjected himself to the same frailties of humanity to which you and I are subject--yet without sin. God says that the just shall live by faith and so Jesus Christ, our model, lived by trust and obedience to the Father. It might be assumed that because Jesus was God in the flesh then faith was not necessary for him, or that his temptations were not real because it is against the nature of God to sin. None of us completely understands how much of himself Jesus emptied (Philippians 2:7) in the process of becoming human, but I do know that it was enough so that he had to live by faith and deal with the temptations and struggles of life much as we do.
If Jesus' life in the flesh is an example for us, we should not expect that life will be without pain and difficulty. On the cross Jesus felt completely abandoned by his Father (Matthew 27:46) fulfilling the prophecy of the 22nd Psalm. I can guarantee that you, dear reader, will have times when you will feel the same. But, we know that because God made himself vulnerable we have pardon and forgiveness of sin, adoption into his family, the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit and hope for eternity by faith in Christ.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
He who does not love does not know God; for God is love (I John 4:8).
Can a sovereign God be vulnerable? An almighty and all knowing God has no vulnerabilities except that he is also love. Love requires vulnerability because love requires relationship. How can one have a true relationship with one who does not allow another to think or act for him or her self? Real love is the free response, the free choice, of the ones involved in a relationship. The moment God made the decision to create beings in his own image, he made a decision to become vulnerable to be hurt and rejected by those whom he loves.
Not only in creation did God make himself vulnerable, in redemption he made himself more vulnerable by becoming flesh, meaning that he became human. It is extremely difficult to wrap our minds around the incarnation of God, and we will probably never fully understand it this side of heaven. Nevertheless, God subjected himself to the same frailties of humanity to which you and I are subject--yet without sin. God says that the just shall live by faith and so Jesus Christ, our model, lived by trust and obedience to the Father. It might be assumed that because Jesus was God in the flesh then faith was not necessary for him, or that his temptations were not real because it is against the nature of God to sin. None of us completely understands how much of himself Jesus emptied (Philippians 2:7) in the process of becoming human, but I do know that it was enough so that he had to live by faith and deal with the temptations and struggles of life much as we do.
If Jesus' life in the flesh is an example for us, we should not expect that life will be without pain and difficulty. On the cross Jesus felt completely abandoned by his Father (Matthew 27:46) fulfilling the prophecy of the 22nd Psalm. I can guarantee that you, dear reader, will have times when you will feel the same. But, we know that because God made himself vulnerable we have pardon and forgiveness of sin, adoption into his family, the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit and hope for eternity by faith in Christ.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Thursday, April 15, 2010
THE WORD BECAME FLESH
In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; but in these last days he has spoken to us by a son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature . . .(Hebrews 1:1-3).
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God (John 1:1).
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us . . . (John 1:14).
It is impossible to have a relationship without some kind of communication. Actually, it is impossible not to communicate because communication is not just words, it is what is done or not done that is a more trustworthy communication. Nonverbal communication is more that 60% of communication and is a more true indication of the heart than verbal communication. Jesus Christ is the true communication of the heart of the Father, communicating not only with his words, but in his life, death and resurrection.
Even though God is the Creator with infinite wisdom and knowledge, still, philosophers and theologians (we are all philosophers and theologians you know) could always argue that God's understanding of what it is like to be human was only hypothetical; it was not actual until the Word became flesh. God took that argument away in Jesus Christ, who fully experience what it is to be you and me! The Wonderful Counselor can empathize with us because he walked in our shoes!
By becoming flesh, God also revealed godliness in human form. He modeled love, humility, forgiveness, and anger. He showed us how to be compassionate and spread hope and joy. The question "What would Jesus do?" has become a cliche, but it is no less valid; Jesus is the model of godliness for you and me. We can see how God would deal with life if he were human.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God (John 1:1).
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us . . . (John 1:14).
It is impossible to have a relationship without some kind of communication. Actually, it is impossible not to communicate because communication is not just words, it is what is done or not done that is a more trustworthy communication. Nonverbal communication is more that 60% of communication and is a more true indication of the heart than verbal communication. Jesus Christ is the true communication of the heart of the Father, communicating not only with his words, but in his life, death and resurrection.
Even though God is the Creator with infinite wisdom and knowledge, still, philosophers and theologians (we are all philosophers and theologians you know) could always argue that God's understanding of what it is like to be human was only hypothetical; it was not actual until the Word became flesh. God took that argument away in Jesus Christ, who fully experience what it is to be you and me! The Wonderful Counselor can empathize with us because he walked in our shoes!
By becoming flesh, God also revealed godliness in human form. He modeled love, humility, forgiveness, and anger. He showed us how to be compassionate and spread hope and joy. The question "What would Jesus do?" has become a cliche, but it is no less valid; Jesus is the model of godliness for you and me. We can see how God would deal with life if he were human.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Sunday, April 11, 2010
JESUS, THE FIRST-BORN
And I will make him the first-born, the highest of the kings of earth (Psalms 89:27).
He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation (Colossians 1:15).
Psalms 89:27 is another of the Old Testament prophecies that was fulfilled in Christ Jesus. Sometimes a thoughtful Bible student will ask, "What does it mean that Christ was the first-born of creation? Does that mean that Jesus was created?" In modern times we tend to think in more literal terms than the ancients. Sometimes, literal thinking can lead us to conclusions that are not true, as in this instance.
Taking a good concordance and looking up the term "first-born," one will find that it is used more than 110 times in the Bible. Most of the time the term can be taken quite literally, but there are a significant number of times when it does not mean first in order, but first in place or first in rank, being the absolute best or the absolute worst. For instance, Job 18:13 says, "By disease his skin is consumed, the first-born of death consumes his limbs," meaning that the worst kind of dying is consuming Job.
When the Bible speaks of Jesus as being the "first-born of all creation," it means that Jesus is preeminent over all creation--not that he was created, but that he is the creator and sustainer of the universe. So, imagine the Creator lying in a manger because there was no room for him in the inn, or, imagine the Creator some 33 years later, dying on a cross for you and me. To the wise of this world, it just doesn't fit, but: God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong, God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast (I Corinthians 1:27-29).
The name, "First-Born," was a prophesied title of the Messiah who bore very nature of God (Hebrews 1:3) and the nature of man. The most important question is, however, is Jesus Christ the Preeminent One in your life?
Grace&Peace;
Tom
He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation (Colossians 1:15).
Psalms 89:27 is another of the Old Testament prophecies that was fulfilled in Christ Jesus. Sometimes a thoughtful Bible student will ask, "What does it mean that Christ was the first-born of creation? Does that mean that Jesus was created?" In modern times we tend to think in more literal terms than the ancients. Sometimes, literal thinking can lead us to conclusions that are not true, as in this instance.
Taking a good concordance and looking up the term "first-born," one will find that it is used more than 110 times in the Bible. Most of the time the term can be taken quite literally, but there are a significant number of times when it does not mean first in order, but first in place or first in rank, being the absolute best or the absolute worst. For instance, Job 18:13 says, "By disease his skin is consumed, the first-born of death consumes his limbs," meaning that the worst kind of dying is consuming Job.
When the Bible speaks of Jesus as being the "first-born of all creation," it means that Jesus is preeminent over all creation--not that he was created, but that he is the creator and sustainer of the universe. So, imagine the Creator lying in a manger because there was no room for him in the inn, or, imagine the Creator some 33 years later, dying on a cross for you and me. To the wise of this world, it just doesn't fit, but: God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong, God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast (I Corinthians 1:27-29).
The name, "First-Born," was a prophesied title of the Messiah who bore very nature of God (Hebrews 1:3) and the nature of man. The most important question is, however, is Jesus Christ the Preeminent One in your life?
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Thursday, April 08, 2010
ROCK JESUS
. . . just as you saw that a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand, and that it broke to pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold (Daniel 2:45).
And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense, and a rock of stumbling . . . (Isaiah 8:14).
It has been said that there are about 300 prophecies in the Old Testament about Jesus Christ; the cited texts are but two of them. One of them is actually Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzer's dream, a timeline revealing the general time of the coming of Christ and his Kingdom.
Jesus Christ is the rock on which life is to be built (Matthew 7:24-27). For those who build their lives on Jesus, he is a sanctuary, a refuge, shelter, sustainer and an encourager, helping each one deal with the inevitable storms of life.
It was also prophesied that Jesus would become a stumbling stone to some and a rock of offense to other, and he has fulfilled that prophecy as well. His own people rejected him when they understood that he was not the kind of king they wanted. He is still rejected today for the same reason. He is rejected today because he is too narrow. He did not describe himself as a good teacher but as the way, the truth and the life. He is not away, but the way. He is not a truth, but the truth. He is not one source of life, but the source of life.
Many are offended by Christ and thus try to remove any reference to him in modern life. The Advent, Christmas, season, secularists and religionists simply call the winter holiday season--"Happy holidays," or "Season's greetings." And, they simply refer to Good Friday and Resurrection Day, Easter, as the spring holidays.
The truth is that in the end, every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). No one will dismiss him as irrelevant! The question each person must answer now is, "Who is Jesus to me, a sanctuary, a stombling stone or an offense?" I hope you can answer with me that Rock Jesus is redemption and hope, the foundation for life.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense, and a rock of stumbling . . . (Isaiah 8:14).
It has been said that there are about 300 prophecies in the Old Testament about Jesus Christ; the cited texts are but two of them. One of them is actually Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzer's dream, a timeline revealing the general time of the coming of Christ and his Kingdom.
Jesus Christ is the rock on which life is to be built (Matthew 7:24-27). For those who build their lives on Jesus, he is a sanctuary, a refuge, shelter, sustainer and an encourager, helping each one deal with the inevitable storms of life.
It was also prophesied that Jesus would become a stumbling stone to some and a rock of offense to other, and he has fulfilled that prophecy as well. His own people rejected him when they understood that he was not the kind of king they wanted. He is still rejected today for the same reason. He is rejected today because he is too narrow. He did not describe himself as a good teacher but as the way, the truth and the life. He is not away, but the way. He is not a truth, but the truth. He is not one source of life, but the source of life.
Many are offended by Christ and thus try to remove any reference to him in modern life. The Advent, Christmas, season, secularists and religionists simply call the winter holiday season--"Happy holidays," or "Season's greetings." And, they simply refer to Good Friday and Resurrection Day, Easter, as the spring holidays.
The truth is that in the end, every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). No one will dismiss him as irrelevant! The question each person must answer now is, "Who is Jesus to me, a sanctuary, a stombling stone or an offense?" I hope you can answer with me that Rock Jesus is redemption and hope, the foundation for life.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Saturday, April 03, 2010
JESUS, "DAVY CROCKETT" OF FAITH
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2).
According to the text, Jesus is our pioneer, blazing a trail for us to follow. The Greek word from which "pioneer" is translated is also translated as author, founder, captain, originator, leader,guide, and last but not least, champion. In popular American culture, Davy Crockett, "king of the wild frontier," exemplified all of those qualities of a pioneer. He is but a picture of what Jesus Christ actually did for us! What is clear is that the author of Hebrews intended for his readers to see Jesus as the trailblazer who is the source salvation, guidance and inspiration for their lives because of what he accomplished for us; he is the true pioneer, our champion.
My great grandparents homesteaded the farm on which Helen and I live in 1871. Silas, Rebecca and infant son, Henry, traveled across Iowa in a covered wagon powered by an ox team during the month of February so that they could be on the homestead by March 1. Also it must be noted that February travel made it much easier to traverse the swampy land and rivers because they were frozen. I have often drawn inspiration from them when I think of the hardships they endured as they were "pioneering" on the Northwest-Iowa prairie. God forgive us for taking for granted what has been given to us because of the hard work and sacrifice of our forefathers and mothers.
A pioneer is a trailblazer so that others can follow and benefit from what he has accomplished. Not only is Jesus life's "True North" reference point, he is the way, safely guiding us by blazing a trail for us to follow. Do you trust him? Often, the trail Jesus blazes is counter to conventional wisdom, for example, counting others better than ourselves (see Philippians 2:1-8), but that is the trail he has blazed. Will you travel that road?
Grace&Peace;
Tom
According to the text, Jesus is our pioneer, blazing a trail for us to follow. The Greek word from which "pioneer" is translated is also translated as author, founder, captain, originator, leader,guide, and last but not least, champion. In popular American culture, Davy Crockett, "king of the wild frontier," exemplified all of those qualities of a pioneer. He is but a picture of what Jesus Christ actually did for us! What is clear is that the author of Hebrews intended for his readers to see Jesus as the trailblazer who is the source salvation, guidance and inspiration for their lives because of what he accomplished for us; he is the true pioneer, our champion.
My great grandparents homesteaded the farm on which Helen and I live in 1871. Silas, Rebecca and infant son, Henry, traveled across Iowa in a covered wagon powered by an ox team during the month of February so that they could be on the homestead by March 1. Also it must be noted that February travel made it much easier to traverse the swampy land and rivers because they were frozen. I have often drawn inspiration from them when I think of the hardships they endured as they were "pioneering" on the Northwest-Iowa prairie. God forgive us for taking for granted what has been given to us because of the hard work and sacrifice of our forefathers and mothers.
A pioneer is a trailblazer so that others can follow and benefit from what he has accomplished. Not only is Jesus life's "True North" reference point, he is the way, safely guiding us by blazing a trail for us to follow. Do you trust him? Often, the trail Jesus blazes is counter to conventional wisdom, for example, counting others better than ourselves (see Philippians 2:1-8), but that is the trail he has blazed. Will you travel that road?
Grace&Peace;
Tom
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