Divine Paradox

A paradox by definition consists of contradictory posits that defy logic — or at the very least, defy the bounds of our ability to comprehend them. There are those conflicting facts that provoke meticulous research and analysis and investigation. Yet there are those mysteries that remain irresolvable — wherein even the greatest minds eventually find their intellectual capacity for logical interpretation or expression completely exceeded.

And that is God.

We know Him as He reveals Himself to us — and yet God is so much more!

Where the divine paradox that is God exceeds all logic is revealed — that is where we find the need for belief/faith/trust (pistis)… the posture from which we can choose either to rebel and retreat into our finitude or to surrender to the divine embrace that calls us to worship and adoration.

Is Jesus wholly man?
Is Jesus wholly God?
Yes & Yes!

Is God three?
Is God one?
Yes & Yes!

Is the Lord’s Supper bread and the fruit of the vine?
Is the Lord’s Supper the Body and Blood of our Lord?
Yes & Yes!

Is God here abiding within all who are His own?
Do we invite God to come and fill us again and again?
Yes & Yes!

Does God know everything?
Does God invite me to bring my requests boldly before the throne of grace?
Yes & Yes!

Within the constraints of our feeble human understanding, God’s revelation of Himself is sometimes in ways that are irresolvable — and yet, in knowing Him and knowing that we are known by Him, we can rest in that glorious, mind-blowing majesty!

…even as we humbly and lovingly work through that of which we are convinced and are yet being convinced with fear and trembling.

For centuries now there have been strong differences not only in opinions but in doctrines as well — among the most sincere and godly men and women. We would all do well to not only work out our own salvation and be thoroughly convinced of that which we believe but also to humbly acknowledge our finitude — seeking first the Kingdom of which we are citizens in obedience to the holy and royal law of love.

Possessed by Indifference… Worshipping Self

17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’ ” 20 And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
(Mark 10:17–22)

It’s so easy to dismiss this as a unique situation… “It certainly can’t apply to me. I’m by no means wealthy.” In comparison to most of my neighbors, perhaps not. But there are undeniably needy persons and families in my community, village, or city. Do my possessions so possess me that I’m content with passively acknowledging others in need? Has indulgence led me to indifference? What do I sacrifice for the sake of helping the needy and the lost and the broken? How does my budget (time/energy and money) for entertainment/recreation (sports, hobbies, cable, movies, shows, vacations) or dining out (nicer restaurants) compare with my charity (love/care for others)?

Yet this young man’s possessions were truly only the symptom. Jesus used his possessions as the trigger for revealing the “one thing” that was lacking. For this young man, self was ultimately his god. Even his greeting is exposed by Jesus (Who knew his heart) as posturing…a way to hopefully get this “famous rabbi” bolster his ego.

Is my love for God really just a facade…masking my need to feel good about myself? In actuality, that can make it easy to pursue good behavior…to compete and perform, even if privately (pride doesn’t always like to be too obvious). Conversely, authentic love for God will exhibit as worship of and obedience for Him and in love for my neighbor as myself…doing unto my neighbor as I would have them do unto me…indeed loving all of God’s creation as He does!

What does my Christian identity look like?

Reading Leviticus 23:37-38 this morning, I had to pause and reflect on what daily Christian living looks like…

“These are the appointed feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim as times of holy convocation, for presenting to the LORD food offerings, burnt offerings and grain offerings, sacrifices and drink offerings, each on its proper day, besides the LORD’s Sabbaths and besides your gifts and besides all your vow offerings and besides all your freewill offerings, which you give to the LORD.”

In just these two verses from Leviticus, there is a snapshot of how thoroughly the lives of the Israelites were identified with and defined by their covenant relationship with YHWH God. Yet, in this age, Christianity seems to welcome a part-time relationship with the Creator, its Savior and King. Now we are certainly not under the Mosaic law. But, in ignorance and even selfishness, we demonstrate a certain neglect of its purpose and beauty … for it reveals the holiness of God and our rightful place as humble subjects of our King, living in abandonment to any other … our lives utterly saturated with the recognition and worship of the One, the Almighty God, our Lord and Savior Jesus, in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit! Indeed, by the Spirit of adoption, our hearts cry out to God our Father and Jesus our Brother … and at the same time we are a Holy Priesthood unto our God! May every aspect of our daily lives proclaim our identity in Christ Jesus. May our salt and light in this world be a sweet aroma before God … the incense of His Holy Love working in and flowing through us.

Friendship Redefined

Jesus said to him, “Friend…” (Matthew 26:50)

Just as Judas had betrayed Jesus with, of all things, a kiss…even in that moment, Jesus called him “friend”. This is both a fulfillment of prophecy (Psalm 41:9) and at the same time a simply astounding demonstration of the mercy of God the Father. It is we who chose to be His enemies! Yet how amazing is His grace that Jesus gave His very life-blood (John 15:13) to reconcile us to Himself while we were still helpless, sinful enemies of God (Romans 5:6-11)!

But what does this divine friendship look like? Much more than a social media post! Jesus invites us into an abundantly joyful life with Him. But accepting that invitation begins with belief and repentance … literally turning away from friendship with the world (James 4:4) and being born by the Spirit (John 3:5-6) into a life of obedience to Jesus (John 15:14).

Obedience? Yes. Because we have been so loved (1 John 4:19), we love in return … in this is a perfect summation of the Christian life (1 John 4:7-21). This is no fickle love that requires nothing of us … it requires absolutely everything! (Mark 12:30-31)

This is divine friendship by the power of the Spirit in the fellowship of God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior and King eternal.

When Good is the Very Worst

It’s not at all uncommon to hear, “but she is such a good person” or “he was always so kind to everyone”. These and similar statements are made questioning, and often sincerely so, God’s justice in the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus alone. Although there’s much to unpack in that discussion, in Luke 18 we find a response directly from Jesus addressing this topic.
18 And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 19 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.
There’s that word — “good” — Jesus knew what was coming.
20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’ ” 21 And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.” 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
Note here that the commandments Jesus lists first for this seeker are those that have to do with decent, moral living — the common law foundational equivalent of what makes any society function. Then Jesus goes much deeper — beyond that which is socially acceptable and right to the very crux of the matter. You see, it’s not just the rich young ruler who comes into the scope of this conversation — riches just happened to be his one thing.

There are many good people in the world for whom one thing stands between them and following Jesus. Good behavior alone is not the same as following Jesus. Indeed, good behavior does not inherit eternal life. Here, the good is truly the enemy of the best — so much so that it will only result in the worst.
In contrast, when the lawyer came to test Jesus in Luke 10, Jesus affirmed that he knew and declared the sum of it all.
25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”
Our love for Jesus will show forth as the love of Jesus and that fruit won’t just be good fruit — it will be eternal.

Civics, Politics, and Love

I’ve been avoiding saying much on social media lately — especially within the political sphere — and I believe it’s good to continue in that vein.

So, in the hopes of fostering some good will and peace…
May all those who call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ take some things to heart — seriously.

1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
(1 Ti 2:1–4)

13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
(1 Pe 2:13–17)

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.
(Mt 5:43–45)

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
(Ro 12:18)

And again…

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
(Heb 12:14)

And how do we ever hope to accomplish any of this?

Begin here:
30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
(Mk 12:30–31)

The Love That Pursues

Reading the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) today, the love of the father is overwhelmingly tangible. Both sons demonstrated failure — the kinds of abject failures that emanate from deep within a heart that is yet to truly know the love of the father. One son sought to fill the inner void of his brokenness by gratifying his every desire — the other, by seeking approval for his performance and perfection. In both situations, the father went out to his son to invite and welcome and reconcile — to pursue as only love can pursue.

So, do you find yourself feeling like a failure lately? Job isn’t what you expected or hoped for? Jealous of others apparent success? Kids pushing you to the edge? Marriage is breaking you? Or, you know you have really screwed things up … and the consequences are becoming unbearably painful. Here this from Rebecca Van Noord: “Often, when we focus too much on our own failures, we don’t reach the point where grace changes us.”

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,
yonder on Calvary’s mount out-poured,
there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide,
what can avail to wash it away!
Look! there is flowing a crimson tide;
whiter than snow you may be today.

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
freely bestowed on all who believe;
you that are longing to see his face,
will you this moment his grace receive?

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
grace, grace, God’s grace,
grace that is greater than all our sin.

(Johnston)

There is no better news than this … the God Who is Love pursues failures like you and me! The Almighty God of all creation is pursuing us with Holy Love — the perfect and sincere and everlasting Love that we can only ever comprehend in knowing Him as our heavenly Father.

Just prior to telling of the Prodigal Son, Jesus gives two examples (Luke 15:3-7, 8-10) of loss and redemption and ends both of them with the proclamation that there is rejoicing in Heaven over even one sinner who repents.

So, will you be the son or daughter who wallows in your failure or perhaps sulks about the joy of others? Or will you repent and receive by grace the indescribable love and unspeakable joy of God the Father?

Yep, that’s Him … right behind you, still pursuing you, longing for you to know Him … longing to tell the angels that it’s time to rejoice again in Heaven.

Anguish and Hope

My mind and heart ache — conflicted with anger, horror, and deep sadness at the escalation of brutal injustice and flagrant immorality lately. Not just here in America; but it is coming home for us as Christians here — suffering for us has yet to compare to that of our brothers and sisters in many other countries.

Hear these words…

My soul cries out, My soul cries out for You
These bones cry out, these dry bones cry for You
To live and move cause only You can raise the dead
Could lift my head up
My soul cries out, my soul cries out for You

Jesus You’re the one who saves us, constantly creates us
Into something new
Jesus surely You will find us, surely our Messiah
Will make all things new, will make all things new
—Dry Bones (Gungor, Creation Liturgy)

Pray with me…
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.
Come, Spirit of Holy Love!
Father fill me with your fullness.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
Maran atha!
Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Image Bearers

Current events continue to emphasize for me something that I believe will introduce this topic well. As a Christian, have you ever found yourself excoriated and attacked for speaking the Word or proclaiming the Gospel? Or, perhaps it was that you acted or spoke with malice or resentment in your heart toward someone with a particular sin that was more offensive that you could tolerate. As a sinner, did you ever find yourself ill-at-ease, uncomfortable, or just down-right seething with anger in the presence of some holier-than-thou, self-righteous, do-gooder Christian?

Consider this …

A Christian need never be condemning of a sinner — indeed, we are warned strictly against such behavior. Rather — in their unbelief and by their own words, thoughts, and deeds — sinners are already condemned. Because God has faithfully and graciously revealed Himself throughout all of creation, through His Word, and by His prophets, the convicting work of His Holy Spirit is perfectly sure and effectual.

Yet, the claim frequently made by sinners is that Christians are always condemning them — yet, strangely enough, not necessarily because a Christian in any way spoke or acted to condemn them. By a Christian teaching Scripture or proclaiming the Gospel — or, even simply by the mere presence of a Christian, the work of the Holy Spirit is made more evident. The Christian is simply being the salt and light that the Lord Jesus has called them to be. Rather, what the sinner is seeking, is for the Christian to condone their sin, Even if the whole of Christendom were to condone their sin, these poor sinners would sense no less condemnation. There is an inherent condemnation in sin — a guilt that cries out for some sort of resolution — the reconciliation of the soul knows is broken. You see, sin separates us from the only One by Whom there is forgiveness and redemption — Divine separation anxiety … it can’t get any worse than that! This is something so deeply rooted in us that it can never be humanly resolved. Sin violates the very image in which we were created — the image of God.

Let’s explore this idea here — this image we bear.

15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. 16 And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. 20 And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness [image] and inscription is this?” 21 They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 22 When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.
(Mt 22:15–22)

Now, as you may have noticed, our money doesn’t bear the image of Ceasar — rather, it declares “in God we trust” … while bearing the images of any number of historically or politically significant people. For decades, we have pledged allegiance to the flag of our nation “under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” But, if anything, the past century or so has proven quite thoroughly that neither the words on our money nor those proclaimed in our pledge can make this a Christian nation … we are so far removed from that. Unborn babies murdered by the millions and many sold for body parts… rampant and flagrant immorality, no longer in shame, but celebrated publicly… Our national image is horribly corrupt.

When it comes to marketing, politics, public relations, and such, it’s not surprising at all to hear the phrase, “Image is everything.” In all my years of managing risk — regardless of industry, whether healthcare, finance, manufacturing, etc. — there is a particular form of risk that organizational leaders are keenly aware of … the risk of damage to their reputation. Their image matters to them greatly. They will make decisions about where to spend their money and who is allowed to speak publicly on their behalf and what verbiage is acceptable and appropriate — all this and more … all relative to projecting and protecting their image. Image and reputation are inextricably and unavoidably linked to one another.

But how did this all get started? Where did it all begin? Well, I’m glad you asked.

In the beginning, “God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” (Ge. 1:26) Isn’t it fascinating, even shocking, that God would take the risk of allowing His image to be embedded within and projected by mere mortal beings? By our very nature, designed in the image of the Divine, we are given the ability to will — to choose for ourselves. Mankind was given the freedom even to choose wrongly and in doing so to horribly damage God’s reputation … and, unfortunately, that is exactly what happened. Ever since that time, people have looked at other people — especially other people who claim to serve and know God — and blamed God for those who have so poorly born His image.

In Matthew 22, we read of the religious leaders coming to again attempt to trick Jesus — ironically enough, to try to get Him to damage His own image and reputation. Andrew Murray, in his work “With Christ in the School of Prayer,” reflects on this passage:
`WHOSE is this image?’ It was by this question that Jesus foiled His enemies, when they thought to take Him, and settled the matter of duty in regard to the tribute. The question and the principle it involves are of universal application. Nowhere more truly than in man himself. The image he bears decides his destiny. Bearing God’s image, he belongs to God: prayer to God is what he was created for.

Take note — Image decides destiny.

Now, we’re not talking about anything quite so shallow as some contrived facade — something you can put on and take off as needed. For we know, just as God told Samuel, “the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”
(1 Sa 16:7)

In the world, we see how that concept of image is corrupted and perverted into an obsession with self and outward appearances. We see the entire human race reflecting something that, more often than not, bears very little resemblance to a God of Holy Love. We witness valiant human efforts to overcome the inherent flaws that are so readily apparent. Self-improvement spawns industry after industry … whether physical or emotional or spiritual self-improvement — from exercise programs to diet supplements to brain training to counseling and meditation. And don’t get me wrong, some of these are valid and do have their place. Some efforts are more successful than others. Some people just try harder. Some are simply gifted with upbringing or personality that is more disciplined or of better moral character. But others are discouraged, deceived, ignorant, foolish — or, as Paul said to the Thessalonians, some are even under delusion from God Himself because they’ve rejected the Truth they were given. (2 Th. 2:9-12)

In ourselves, we may perseveringly give it all our very best — or, give up entirely and live only unto ourselves. Either way, we remain desperately devoid of the one thing — the only thing — that will ever save us from ourselves … to be born again, restored to the image of God Incarnate — Jesus the God-man who gave His life’s blood on the cross, taking our sin and shame upon Himself — yes, bearing our corrupted, debased image.

Listen to how the Apostle Paul expresses this throughout his letters to the churches …

To the Ephesians:
17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness [image] of God in true righteousness and holiness.
(Eph 4:17–24.)

To the Colossians:
3 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
(Col 3:1–10)

To the Corinthians:
45 Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. 47 The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.
(1 Co 15:45–49)

To the Philippians:
For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
(Php 3:18-21)

We who are in Christ have a tremendous responsibility — and that responsibility is sustained by a glorious and blessed hope! We can live abundantly today in the victory that Jesus secured by His precious blood. As we are faithful, we can know that Holy Love fills and cleanses us and overflows to the benefit of all those everyday whom God grants us the privilege of exhorting and encouraging and teaching and blessing. And we know that great and glorious day of the return of our Lord and King is drawing ever nearer when we will be restored perfectly into His image!

If you are not in Christ, you know just how deeply and greatly you need to be born again. I pray the Holy Spirit of God will move with mighty convicting power to draw you unto Himself and that you will humbly confess and repent and be restored. Don’t let Divine separation-anxiety be the ruination of your brief time here on earth and lead you to eternal death.

So, let me ask you: Whose image do you bear?

Remember, the image you bear decides your destiny!

The Unnatural Lifestyle — Naturally Reasoned

That which is most natural — in its purest, originally created sense — is precisely that which honors and worships the Creator as God alone. As the Apostle Paul began his theological treatise to the Church in Rome, isn’t it interesting that the Old Testament is not his initial or explicit point of reference? Rather, he argues from the natural revelation of God — declaring that mankind had always had all that was necessary to honor and worship its Creator. But humanity rejected God as He had revealed Himself to them in nature — choosing their own foolish wisdom, denying the glory of the Creator and worshipping mere creatures, denying the truth about God in favor of a lie. Because they rejected the naturally clear revelation of God, in His wrath He gave them up to the unnatural … “to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.” (Ro. 1:26-27) And not only this, but all manner of ungodliness and wickedness.

Here we stand, thousands of years hence — the benefactors of the manifold revelation of God, not only in nature, but in Scripture and the incarnate, crucified, and resurrected Christ and His Church and the Holy Spirit … and the rejection of God as He reveals Himself continues and increases ever more pervasively and perversely. The world has fallen so far away from the goodness and glory in which it was created that the plague of deception can no longer even be recognized by many if not most. That which is truly and rightly natural, as God intended, is so far from where creation is today. This is clearly evidenced by behavior that is against or contrary to nature, including sexual perversion such as homosexuality. Not only is such behavior prevalent, the efforts to celebrate and normalize such seem to prevail increasingly.

If the unnatural lifestyle is what you have chosen, repent and confess your sins to God Who is faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you — making you His own in Christ and filling you with His Spirit of Love.

Christian brothers and sisters, the call remains today as it was to the early Church — stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught (2 Th. 2:15); stand fast through faith (Ro. 11:20); stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God (Co. 4:12); hold firm to the trustworthy Word (Ti. 1:9); hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory (Ja. 2:1); hold fast to the hope set before us (He. 6:18); hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He Who promised is faithful (He. 10:23).

God’s promise to Joshua is ours today — “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (He. 13:5). Jesus assurance stands eternal — “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).