"So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself." 1 Corinthians 3:1,2
The Lord brought this passage to my attention recently. It's not that I haven't read it before. My eyes have passed over and my brain has decoded the words on many occasions. Their impact, however, escaped me until this reading. I've been chewing on them ever since. It would take the Lord to use the debacle with my computer to shed light on their meaning.
Computers are wonderful machines. Their uses and benefits would be too extensive to list here. BUT when they won't perform properly or stop functioning all together, it can turn life upside down. Take for example the pharmacy whose computers went off-line in mid-December. For nearly an hour, the staff could only process purchases for customers who had enough cash to cover their total. Frustration reigned on both sides of the counter. A similar situation occurred in my house which lasted much longer.
My former computer, whose manufacturer shall remain nameless but falls under the category of PC, stopped connecting to the internet in October. It was easy enough to commandeer Curt's computer from time to time for email, but I wasn't able to spend any significant time online. That meant that I was prevented from affecting the monthly updates to the Lifework Forum website. It was difficult to be kept from this regular responsibility so I set about figuring out a way around the impasse.
No, the manufacturer would not/could not offer an easy solution. The computer would have to be sent back to them for an unknown cost and with no guarantee that my files would be safe.
No, the local repairmen couldn't offer anything better.
No, I couldn't access the necessary software from any other computer.
Okay, so the answer would have to be something dramatic. We came to the decision that we were being providentially directed to purchase a new computer. Hallelujah, my two year dream was about to come true.
No, that did not solve the problem.
No, the software that drove the website was not compatible with the new computer.
No, the publisher was not willing/not able to trade the PC version for a Mac version because the software had been updated.
Ah, ha, the old computer mysteriously connected to the internet. I scurried around to revise the necessary pages thinking I could update the website at least once more in the old way and would buy some time as I looked for a long-term resolution.
No, when I was ready to publish the revisions the computer would no longer connect to the internet. I was tired of seeing that little red X.
No, we still didn't have the money or desire to purchase more expensive, complicated software.
To say that I was frustrated would be an understatement. I felt I'd been diligent in trying to sort out the problem. It had been a matter of prayer and effort for quite a while. I just wanted it to be over so that I could carry on with my life. Then came the day when I started to make progress. The Lord made it plain that it was time to let the old computer, software, procedures, expectations, etc. go. The energy I was spending in that direction needed to be released to move in the direction He was laying out for His purposes. That little glimpse began to blossom.
Yes, the "old" is gone.
Yes, God is still in this thing with me and there is a solution.
Yes, I have a new, fancy computer and lots to learn.
Yes, there's a whole cast of characters at the Apple store who can help me - for FREE.
Yes, there's a glimmer of hope for this old lady to become conversant in yet another program.
Yes, I began to make valuable strides.
Yes, hallelujah, the Lifework Forum website is once again up and running. (http://www.LifeworkForum.org)
As I sat back and reveled in the relief of meeting my goal, various thoughts began to connect. It was when I laid my dilapidated PC to rest and turned my attention toward moving forward that I made progress. 1 Corinthians 3 came back into my mind. Perhaps part of the process Paul was outlining, "I do not even judge myself, has to do with dwelling on my sin. Scripture is clear about the need to confess and repent so he can't be espousing the idea that God's people are to avoid any kind of self-evaluation before the heavenly throne. Rather, I suspect we are to make our relationships right with God and then move on in His mercy and grace. Otherwise we can become trapped and/or paralyzed.
That's when I pictured myself in the middle of a very long ladder as when I was cleaning out the gutters last fall. At one point I stopped climbing and I felt how wobbly the ladder was. I looked down and saw how high I was and how hard that asphalt was below me. I considered how easy it would be to fall and began to imagine how painful the broken bones would be. I've been in many places and situations that produced the same results.
Of course, practical wisdom says that when climbing a ladder one needs to keep their eyes directed toward the top, focused on the sought-for goal. Once again Paul comes to mind. Divine wisdom applies that same concept to the process of sanctification.
"Brothers, I do to consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13,14
Thank you, Father, for your Word and the ministrations of your Holy Spirit. Amen
Monday, January 11, 2010
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Standards and Siblings
God has been speaking to me about something. I've been pondering the issue and seeking guidance in the Scriptures. Last night a note in my Bible from 20 years ago caught my attention and focused my thoughts.
I've been noticing that I feel unsettled when brothers and sisters in Christ share with me that they've told others not to worry about not meeting a commitment because "Sandra will understand". I'm glad that people don't see me as a demanding, judgmental and unforgiving person, but somehow it's uncomfortable to think that my opinion is being used as a standard for anybody in terms of their Christian life. Let me see if I can clarify.
I believe that God tells His people what He expects from us. The Bible is full of specific directions and general principles to guide our behavior. For example, those who love God are to follow the dictates of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) in how we live, not only on the outside but also on the inside (Matthew 5:28). We are expected to worship God and Him only and details are given about what true worship looks like and what it requires. (Genesis 22:1-5, 24:26,27,47,48; Hebrews 12:28,29; John 4:24) There is a whole list of duties for the Christian from tending our personal relationship with God through body life and into the sharing of the Gospel.
Obedience to God's mandates is not a matter of what feels comfortable, or seems to be the best idea, or follows a majority vote. Our loving Father has clearly communicated His directions to His chosen offspring. The Lord Jesus explains, "If you love me, you will obey what I command." (John 14:15) That means spending consistent time in prayer, meditating on and memorizing His Word, plumbing the depths of the Scriptures through study, and being part of a corporate body that worships regularly. Among other characteristics, we are to be truth tellers and word keepers. (Acts 5:1-11; James 5:12) These are some of the basics of what might be called Christian duties. It's up to those who are truly members of God's family to bring our lives in line with His standards by His design and guidance. (Philippians 2:13)
God compares His people to a human body with various, interrelated parts that are valuable and necessary one to another. (1 Corinthians 12:12-31) We are meant to be in community where we encourage and challenge each other with hearts full of praise and gratitude for all that our heavenly Father has done for us. (Romans 12:15,16; Colossians 3:15,16) We are to look to the interests of others as we avoid judgementalism, being cautious to tend to the places where our lives do not meet His measure. (Philippians 2:4; Matthew 7:1-5)
These points of understanding are some of those I incorporate as I run the race set before me. (Hebrews 12:1,2) They are why when someone explains the reason they didn't meet a certain responsibility I do my best to offer a gracious response. My Daddy knows how far short I fall of His standards and accepts me as I am, not because I in myself am desirable, but because I am encased with the righteousness of His Beloved Son. He is full of forgiveness and grants me grace out of the richness of His mercy. (Exodus 33:19, Romans 9:15, Ephesians 2:4) How can I offer less to my siblings?
I trust that God knows what the circumstances were and the obedient response that was required. He knows each heart and what it needs - perfectly. It's not up to me to judge the soundness of the reason nor the condition of my sibling's heart. I admit that it's a bit more difficult at some times than others. There was the day I was told that Sunday morning was the only time someone's refrigerator could receive its necessary weekly cleaning. Then there are the moments when the thought floats through my mind that a sibling seems quite able to schedule all manner of activities but is somehow incapable of attending a Bible study or prayer meeting or accomplishing a task they arranged. I do better on some days than others and rejoice that God's Word is living and active, accomplishing His purpose - enlightening my mind and disciplining my heart. (Hebrews 4:12, Exodus 55:11)
The crux of my dilemma is that I am beginning to feel that some of my siblings may be misreading/mistaking my gracious response as a release from their Christian duty. My compassionate remark cannot be the final step in the process we all need to undertake as we pursue holiness. (1 Peter 1:15,16) I need to check my own heart and life. Do I allow the understanding of others when I display my weaknesses to be my measure of approval or acceptance? How do I receive the empathy offered by a sister who may have struggled in a similar way or her encouragement to persevere under God's principles? Do I adjust my personal expectations to match those of others? Or do I bring the whole collection of circumstances, behaviors and attitudes to my loving Father in prayer and through His Word? Do I aim primarily at His standards and priorities for righteousness in my inner life and outward behavior? (Matthew 6:33)
Paul makes it clear whose standard we are to meet. Just because Sister Suzy says she's not upset when I say I haven't been able to attend a meeting or meet a commitment I made doesn't make it okay. God knows what the situation was. He knows how tired I really was and whether or not I used that as an excuse because my heart wasn't really open to worship or pray or study, or if I simply changed my mind about doing what I said I would do. It doesn't really matter what anybody else thinks.
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship." (Romans 12:1) God is the only name listed. God is the One we are to please. Yes, we need to be gracious to our siblings. We are to urge and inspire each other in developing godly attitudes and actions. (Hebrews 10:24) We must not become standard-setters for each other. Our Savior and King is the authority to whom we must yield.
While we enjoy the horizontal relationship with which our Father has blessed us, let's be careful not to let it become a poor, sinful and dangerous substitute for our intimate relationship with Him - not on any level, for any reason, at any time. A dear sister expresses it this way, "We are to play to an audience of One."
Thank you, Lord, for granting the opportunity to communicate this glimpse into the spiritual life you nurture in us. Please cause each of us you've called to yourself to glorify you and enjoy you forever. Amen
I've been noticing that I feel unsettled when brothers and sisters in Christ share with me that they've told others not to worry about not meeting a commitment because "Sandra will understand". I'm glad that people don't see me as a demanding, judgmental and unforgiving person, but somehow it's uncomfortable to think that my opinion is being used as a standard for anybody in terms of their Christian life. Let me see if I can clarify.
I believe that God tells His people what He expects from us. The Bible is full of specific directions and general principles to guide our behavior. For example, those who love God are to follow the dictates of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) in how we live, not only on the outside but also on the inside (Matthew 5:28). We are expected to worship God and Him only and details are given about what true worship looks like and what it requires. (Genesis 22:1-5, 24:26,27,47,48; Hebrews 12:28,29; John 4:24) There is a whole list of duties for the Christian from tending our personal relationship with God through body life and into the sharing of the Gospel.
Obedience to God's mandates is not a matter of what feels comfortable, or seems to be the best idea, or follows a majority vote. Our loving Father has clearly communicated His directions to His chosen offspring. The Lord Jesus explains, "If you love me, you will obey what I command." (John 14:15) That means spending consistent time in prayer, meditating on and memorizing His Word, plumbing the depths of the Scriptures through study, and being part of a corporate body that worships regularly. Among other characteristics, we are to be truth tellers and word keepers. (Acts 5:1-11; James 5:12) These are some of the basics of what might be called Christian duties. It's up to those who are truly members of God's family to bring our lives in line with His standards by His design and guidance. (Philippians 2:13)
God compares His people to a human body with various, interrelated parts that are valuable and necessary one to another. (1 Corinthians 12:12-31) We are meant to be in community where we encourage and challenge each other with hearts full of praise and gratitude for all that our heavenly Father has done for us. (Romans 12:15,16; Colossians 3:15,16) We are to look to the interests of others as we avoid judgementalism, being cautious to tend to the places where our lives do not meet His measure. (Philippians 2:4; Matthew 7:1-5)
These points of understanding are some of those I incorporate as I run the race set before me. (Hebrews 12:1,2) They are why when someone explains the reason they didn't meet a certain responsibility I do my best to offer a gracious response. My Daddy knows how far short I fall of His standards and accepts me as I am, not because I in myself am desirable, but because I am encased with the righteousness of His Beloved Son. He is full of forgiveness and grants me grace out of the richness of His mercy. (Exodus 33:19, Romans 9:15, Ephesians 2:4) How can I offer less to my siblings?
I trust that God knows what the circumstances were and the obedient response that was required. He knows each heart and what it needs - perfectly. It's not up to me to judge the soundness of the reason nor the condition of my sibling's heart. I admit that it's a bit more difficult at some times than others. There was the day I was told that Sunday morning was the only time someone's refrigerator could receive its necessary weekly cleaning. Then there are the moments when the thought floats through my mind that a sibling seems quite able to schedule all manner of activities but is somehow incapable of attending a Bible study or prayer meeting or accomplishing a task they arranged. I do better on some days than others and rejoice that God's Word is living and active, accomplishing His purpose - enlightening my mind and disciplining my heart. (Hebrews 4:12, Exodus 55:11)
The crux of my dilemma is that I am beginning to feel that some of my siblings may be misreading/mistaking my gracious response as a release from their Christian duty. My compassionate remark cannot be the final step in the process we all need to undertake as we pursue holiness. (1 Peter 1:15,16) I need to check my own heart and life. Do I allow the understanding of others when I display my weaknesses to be my measure of approval or acceptance? How do I receive the empathy offered by a sister who may have struggled in a similar way or her encouragement to persevere under God's principles? Do I adjust my personal expectations to match those of others? Or do I bring the whole collection of circumstances, behaviors and attitudes to my loving Father in prayer and through His Word? Do I aim primarily at His standards and priorities for righteousness in my inner life and outward behavior? (Matthew 6:33)
Paul makes it clear whose standard we are to meet. Just because Sister Suzy says she's not upset when I say I haven't been able to attend a meeting or meet a commitment I made doesn't make it okay. God knows what the situation was. He knows how tired I really was and whether or not I used that as an excuse because my heart wasn't really open to worship or pray or study, or if I simply changed my mind about doing what I said I would do. It doesn't really matter what anybody else thinks.
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship." (Romans 12:1) God is the only name listed. God is the One we are to please. Yes, we need to be gracious to our siblings. We are to urge and inspire each other in developing godly attitudes and actions. (Hebrews 10:24) We must not become standard-setters for each other. Our Savior and King is the authority to whom we must yield.
While we enjoy the horizontal relationship with which our Father has blessed us, let's be careful not to let it become a poor, sinful and dangerous substitute for our intimate relationship with Him - not on any level, for any reason, at any time. A dear sister expresses it this way, "We are to play to an audience of One."
Thank you, Lord, for granting the opportunity to communicate this glimpse into the spiritual life you nurture in us. Please cause each of us you've called to yourself to glorify you and enjoy you forever. Amen
Monday, November 9, 2009
PING and Providence
Curt and I recently spent three weeks in China. It seems only appropriate that my first post after returning would be based on "The Story About PING", a classic children's book by Marjorie Flack and Kurt Wiese. In case you don't know the tale, Ping is a "beautiful young duck" whose home was "a boat with two wise eyes on the Yangtze River". We didn't visit the Yangtze, but we did enjoy our time in Kunming and Beijing.
If you haven't read the book, don't despair, it may actually be easier for you to grasp what I'm trying to share. If you know the story well, I pray that you'll be right beside me as I unpack my thought process.
Our trips are filled with lots of motion and interaction. Planes, buses, taxis, cars, and our feet keep us active. The friends we meet and make keep us hearing about and sharing the goodness of the Lord in all circumstances. Nevertheless, the Spirit provides many, often subtle, opportunities to get to know the Father more intimately and grow in grace.
When things don't go according to plan, assuming there was any possibility to have any semblance of a plan, there is always a choice to make - trust God or freak out. It was at one such juncture on the faraway streets of China that I began to ponder my options. The situation was scary and there simply wasn't anything I could do about it. I wanted to trust my loving Father. After all, He's God, Maker of heaven and earth, the One who made me and called me, who sent His Son to shed His blood for my soul and then gave me to my Redeemer to shepherd through this life with the guidance of His appointed Counselor, the Holy Spirit of God. What better place to put my trust!
The truth is that I find it a lot easier to sense my confidence and trust in God when I'm having an intellectual discussion than in the midst of overwhelming trials. I chalk that up to my human frailties and life in a fallen world. Even as the crisis was unfolding I caught my inner self reminding me that God knows the end from the beginning. Not only that, but His sovereign hand controls all of the steps in between. And God coordinates each and every detail along the way for the benefit of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
"Okay then," I decided, "I can trust You, my Father, in this harrowing experience because You know exactly what's going to happen and it will be for my good. I have no idea what it will entail and, just so you know, my feelings are telling me to bail out right now."
Believe it or not, that's when PING came to mind.
You see, I had read the story to a group of children the day before. If you've read it, you will be where I was - knowing how the tale would end though the children did not. I knew what Ping's life was like on the Yangtze River with "his mother and his father and two sisters and three brothers and eleven aunts and seven uncles and forty-two cousins." I knew how Ping's days would unfold, what he would do and eat, and how he would feel about the Master's behavior at the end of the day. I even knew how Ping would react on that fateful day.
Those of you who don't know PING are sitting beside the children in my story hour. You're also sitting with me as I felt the panic rise as the helplessness of my situation washed over me in my crisis. What's Ping/am I going to do? What's going to happen to Ping/me? How's it all going to turn out - for Ping and me?
I began to contemplate how I might have had Ping's story unfold had I been the author. I'm not sure I would have had Ping choose to do what he did. I could have written the story to save Ping from the results of his decision. Ping would have had a much happier day, if he chose differently. Then it dawned on me that Ping might not learn the valuable lesson, if he didn't have to face the circumstances he did.
Hmmmm, maybe my adjusted version wouldn't address Ping's maturity level too cleanly. Perhaps he'd be right back where he was on page one. I conceded that there might be some wisdom in the authors' addressing Ping's growth and development in the first instance. My version might have appeared more gentle, but I might not be serving Ping's best. It was interesting to contemplate such possibilities having the inside knowledge.
My crisis continued to unfold. I asked the Lord for His intervention and, impatiently, some insight into how the terror was supposed to be good for me.
Suddenly, I saw the comparison between the author of a book and the Author of life. I knew what was going to happen to Ping only because I'd already read the book. God knows what's going to happen in my life because He's the Author of it. God knows what my life is like on Loon Pond with my Honey. He knows how my days will unfold, what I will do and eat, and how I will feel about what comes across my path. He even knows how I will react in the face of every situation.
I am not able to read ahead in the book of my life. I am as unfamiliar with the upcoming pages as those of you who haven't read the book are unfamiliar with what happens to Ping. Whenever I read PING aloud I find a sweet, secret sort of confidence that may echo with those of you who know the story. As the children walk through the ups and downs of Ping's adventure they may wonder what will happen. They may feel the same tension that Ping experiences. Until the last page they don't know how it will turn out, but I do.
I know the end of Ping's story so I don't go through any of my listeners' wonderings or feelings. I walk with the first-time hearers appreciating their responses and hoping to communicate the calm assurance that it will be a "happily ever after" ending. When I close the cover and look up we rejoice together that Ping is safe at home. I catch a glimpse of what my walk with my Father might be like from His vantage point. God knows what's coming. He is not subject to the doubt and emotional stirrings we experience. He is communicating His calm assurance about the just and joyous rewards of heaven. "No eye has seen, nor ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." Isaiah 64:4; Corinthians 2:9
I am able to rest in the everlasting arms of my Father as I remember His perfect, sovereign providence. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11 "And we know that all things work together for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 Amen
If you haven't read the book, don't despair, it may actually be easier for you to grasp what I'm trying to share. If you know the story well, I pray that you'll be right beside me as I unpack my thought process.
Our trips are filled with lots of motion and interaction. Planes, buses, taxis, cars, and our feet keep us active. The friends we meet and make keep us hearing about and sharing the goodness of the Lord in all circumstances. Nevertheless, the Spirit provides many, often subtle, opportunities to get to know the Father more intimately and grow in grace.
When things don't go according to plan, assuming there was any possibility to have any semblance of a plan, there is always a choice to make - trust God or freak out. It was at one such juncture on the faraway streets of China that I began to ponder my options. The situation was scary and there simply wasn't anything I could do about it. I wanted to trust my loving Father. After all, He's God, Maker of heaven and earth, the One who made me and called me, who sent His Son to shed His blood for my soul and then gave me to my Redeemer to shepherd through this life with the guidance of His appointed Counselor, the Holy Spirit of God. What better place to put my trust!
The truth is that I find it a lot easier to sense my confidence and trust in God when I'm having an intellectual discussion than in the midst of overwhelming trials. I chalk that up to my human frailties and life in a fallen world. Even as the crisis was unfolding I caught my inner self reminding me that God knows the end from the beginning. Not only that, but His sovereign hand controls all of the steps in between. And God coordinates each and every detail along the way for the benefit of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
"Okay then," I decided, "I can trust You, my Father, in this harrowing experience because You know exactly what's going to happen and it will be for my good. I have no idea what it will entail and, just so you know, my feelings are telling me to bail out right now."
Believe it or not, that's when PING came to mind.
You see, I had read the story to a group of children the day before. If you've read it, you will be where I was - knowing how the tale would end though the children did not. I knew what Ping's life was like on the Yangtze River with "his mother and his father and two sisters and three brothers and eleven aunts and seven uncles and forty-two cousins." I knew how Ping's days would unfold, what he would do and eat, and how he would feel about the Master's behavior at the end of the day. I even knew how Ping would react on that fateful day.
Those of you who don't know PING are sitting beside the children in my story hour. You're also sitting with me as I felt the panic rise as the helplessness of my situation washed over me in my crisis. What's Ping/am I going to do? What's going to happen to Ping/me? How's it all going to turn out - for Ping and me?
I began to contemplate how I might have had Ping's story unfold had I been the author. I'm not sure I would have had Ping choose to do what he did. I could have written the story to save Ping from the results of his decision. Ping would have had a much happier day, if he chose differently. Then it dawned on me that Ping might not learn the valuable lesson, if he didn't have to face the circumstances he did.
Hmmmm, maybe my adjusted version wouldn't address Ping's maturity level too cleanly. Perhaps he'd be right back where he was on page one. I conceded that there might be some wisdom in the authors' addressing Ping's growth and development in the first instance. My version might have appeared more gentle, but I might not be serving Ping's best. It was interesting to contemplate such possibilities having the inside knowledge.
My crisis continued to unfold. I asked the Lord for His intervention and, impatiently, some insight into how the terror was supposed to be good for me.
Suddenly, I saw the comparison between the author of a book and the Author of life. I knew what was going to happen to Ping only because I'd already read the book. God knows what's going to happen in my life because He's the Author of it. God knows what my life is like on Loon Pond with my Honey. He knows how my days will unfold, what I will do and eat, and how I will feel about what comes across my path. He even knows how I will react in the face of every situation.
I am not able to read ahead in the book of my life. I am as unfamiliar with the upcoming pages as those of you who haven't read the book are unfamiliar with what happens to Ping. Whenever I read PING aloud I find a sweet, secret sort of confidence that may echo with those of you who know the story. As the children walk through the ups and downs of Ping's adventure they may wonder what will happen. They may feel the same tension that Ping experiences. Until the last page they don't know how it will turn out, but I do.
I know the end of Ping's story so I don't go through any of my listeners' wonderings or feelings. I walk with the first-time hearers appreciating their responses and hoping to communicate the calm assurance that it will be a "happily ever after" ending. When I close the cover and look up we rejoice together that Ping is safe at home. I catch a glimpse of what my walk with my Father might be like from His vantage point. God knows what's coming. He is not subject to the doubt and emotional stirrings we experience. He is communicating His calm assurance about the just and joyous rewards of heaven. "No eye has seen, nor ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." Isaiah 64:4; Corinthians 2:9
I am able to rest in the everlasting arms of my Father as I remember His perfect, sovereign providence. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11 "And we know that all things work together for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 Amen
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Rock and Sand
Have you ever had an occasion when it seemed that brand new words somehow appeared in the text of your Bible? It happened to me recently and I've been contemplating the incident ever since.
As I was preparing to lead a study my research took me to the end of Luke chapter 6. That's where the parable of the wise and foolish builders is recorded. I passed my eyes casually over the words asking the Spirit to make the connection for me to the topic of the study. When I read verse 48, "He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock."(NIV) My antennae went up and my mind was suddenly in red alert mode.
Where in the world did those words, "dug down deep and laid the foundation" come from? I honestly couldn't remember ever having read them before. I rushed to the concordance and found that the same parable is also recorded in Matthew 7. Sure enough, those specific words do not appear there. Verse 24 ends with, "like a wise man who built his house on the rock". I realized that the Matthew passage must be the only one I'd previously read.
These kinds of discoveries are one of the ways the Lord reaches into my occasionally relaxed attitude about His Word and grabs my attention. I began to ponder the additional detail provided in Luke and asking the Spirit to guide my thinking. The insights I was given have stuck with me and I've already shared them with a number of friends.
You see, the picture I had from the Matthew passage was of two men who built similar houses - one set on a rock and the other set on a sandy beach. Old Yankees like me understand that important difference because we've weathered Nor'easters and hurricanes along the New England coast. Anything set on sand will surely be washed away, while things set on a rock are much more secure.
I have to admit though that there were times when my image of two identical houses caused me some discomfort. You see, I have witnessed times when structures have been washed right off of rocky islands. But God's Word is God's Word and He said the house on the rock stood firm under the onslaught of a storm. That was good enough for me.
What joy and delight to have the Luke version of the parable clarify the situation. The man who built his house on the rock "dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock". (Luke 6:48) He wasn't going to take any chances on having the precious structure he labored over washed away by any outside threat. He put his back into the task and excavated until he found rock solid enough to secure the foundation and support the entire house. He wanted his home to be secure for the long haul so he began by applying himself to the task of setting it on solid footing.
The parable took on a whole new perspective. It's possible that the wise and foolish man's houses did look identical to a passerby during beautiful weather - perhaps even surrounded by lovely landscaping. It would be when the "torrent struck" (v. 48, 49) that the difference would become obvious. The wiseman's house with the firm foundation set on rock would not even be shaken. The foolish man's house with an insufficient foundation would "collapse and its destruction [be] complete." (v. 49) The importance and value of the support below the surface would be clear to even the casual observer. One building much as it was before the storm, the other in shambles.
The spiritual comparison is easy to make. The person who humbly approaches God for wisdom builds their life on the solid foundation of a relationship with Him through Christ's atoning sacrifice, the truth of His Word, and a loving desire to be a doer of that word and not a hearer only. (James 1:22) Such a life will be sustained and unshaken when the storms strike. No amount of wind, rain, hail, trials, struggles, loss, deprivation, opposition, persecution, etc. will move such a life. "God's solid foundation stands firm." 2 Timothy 2:19
The person who stands alone builds their life on the foolishness of their own thinking. Such a life cannot withstand the storms that threaten it. Wind, rain, and all the pressures of this fallen world will cause such a life to collapse and be totally destroyed. "He who trusts in himself is a fool." (Proverbs 28:26a)
Hallelujah that God indwells His people by the power of the Holy Spirit. He leads and guides us according to the Father's wisdom. "For in Him we live and move and have our being." (Acts 17:28) Christ Himself calls out to His Father for our protection. "I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. ... My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." (John 17:9,15)
Praise God that He always keeps His promises. (Numbers 23:19) He is the refuge for the righteous and we are secure in Him. (Hebrews 6:13-20)
Then it dawned on me - no wonder sanctification is hard, often dirty work. The process is represented in this parable by digging down until we find rock that is solid enough for a foundation on which to secure the building called my life. Plumbing the incredible depths of the unshakable truths of Scripture and seeking an intimate relationship with God Himself take time and effort. There's a lot of dirt and filth to dig through both in my heart and the world around me. We shouldn't be surprised by the effort or the muck.
Thank you, Lord, for this glimpse at the awesome work of salvation that provides the solid rock for my sanctification. Please continue to work out your good purpose in my life and cause me to stand firm amidst any and all dangers and evil that you alone might be glorified and your Name hallowed in all the earth. Amen
As I was preparing to lead a study my research took me to the end of Luke chapter 6. That's where the parable of the wise and foolish builders is recorded. I passed my eyes casually over the words asking the Spirit to make the connection for me to the topic of the study. When I read verse 48, "He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock."(NIV) My antennae went up and my mind was suddenly in red alert mode.
Where in the world did those words, "dug down deep and laid the foundation" come from? I honestly couldn't remember ever having read them before. I rushed to the concordance and found that the same parable is also recorded in Matthew 7. Sure enough, those specific words do not appear there. Verse 24 ends with, "like a wise man who built his house on the rock". I realized that the Matthew passage must be the only one I'd previously read.
These kinds of discoveries are one of the ways the Lord reaches into my occasionally relaxed attitude about His Word and grabs my attention. I began to ponder the additional detail provided in Luke and asking the Spirit to guide my thinking. The insights I was given have stuck with me and I've already shared them with a number of friends.
You see, the picture I had from the Matthew passage was of two men who built similar houses - one set on a rock and the other set on a sandy beach. Old Yankees like me understand that important difference because we've weathered Nor'easters and hurricanes along the New England coast. Anything set on sand will surely be washed away, while things set on a rock are much more secure.
I have to admit though that there were times when my image of two identical houses caused me some discomfort. You see, I have witnessed times when structures have been washed right off of rocky islands. But God's Word is God's Word and He said the house on the rock stood firm under the onslaught of a storm. That was good enough for me.
What joy and delight to have the Luke version of the parable clarify the situation. The man who built his house on the rock "dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock". (Luke 6:48) He wasn't going to take any chances on having the precious structure he labored over washed away by any outside threat. He put his back into the task and excavated until he found rock solid enough to secure the foundation and support the entire house. He wanted his home to be secure for the long haul so he began by applying himself to the task of setting it on solid footing.
The parable took on a whole new perspective. It's possible that the wise and foolish man's houses did look identical to a passerby during beautiful weather - perhaps even surrounded by lovely landscaping. It would be when the "torrent struck" (v. 48, 49) that the difference would become obvious. The wiseman's house with the firm foundation set on rock would not even be shaken. The foolish man's house with an insufficient foundation would "collapse and its destruction [be] complete." (v. 49) The importance and value of the support below the surface would be clear to even the casual observer. One building much as it was before the storm, the other in shambles.
The spiritual comparison is easy to make. The person who humbly approaches God for wisdom builds their life on the solid foundation of a relationship with Him through Christ's atoning sacrifice, the truth of His Word, and a loving desire to be a doer of that word and not a hearer only. (James 1:22) Such a life will be sustained and unshaken when the storms strike. No amount of wind, rain, hail, trials, struggles, loss, deprivation, opposition, persecution, etc. will move such a life. "God's solid foundation stands firm." 2 Timothy 2:19
The person who stands alone builds their life on the foolishness of their own thinking. Such a life cannot withstand the storms that threaten it. Wind, rain, and all the pressures of this fallen world will cause such a life to collapse and be totally destroyed. "He who trusts in himself is a fool." (Proverbs 28:26a)
Hallelujah that God indwells His people by the power of the Holy Spirit. He leads and guides us according to the Father's wisdom. "For in Him we live and move and have our being." (Acts 17:28) Christ Himself calls out to His Father for our protection. "I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. ... My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." (John 17:9,15)
Praise God that He always keeps His promises. (Numbers 23:19) He is the refuge for the righteous and we are secure in Him. (Hebrews 6:13-20)
Then it dawned on me - no wonder sanctification is hard, often dirty work. The process is represented in this parable by digging down until we find rock that is solid enough for a foundation on which to secure the building called my life. Plumbing the incredible depths of the unshakable truths of Scripture and seeking an intimate relationship with God Himself take time and effort. There's a lot of dirt and filth to dig through both in my heart and the world around me. We shouldn't be surprised by the effort or the muck.
Thank you, Lord, for this glimpse at the awesome work of salvation that provides the solid rock for my sanctification. Please continue to work out your good purpose in my life and cause me to stand firm amidst any and all dangers and evil that you alone might be glorified and your Name hallowed in all the earth. Amen
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