Empty. Lonely. Hopeless. I can only imagine how the day after Jesus' crucifixion felt to His followers. The men and women who had walked with Him, talked with Him, listened to Him, and loved Him were left without Him. Their hopes and dreams of a messiah had been nailed to the cross and laid in a tomb, sealed with a stone as heavy as the weight upon their hearts. The Gospel accounts give us little insight into this Saturday. Of the four, the book of Luke explains that the women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment (Luke 23: 55-56). You don't prepare ointments and spices for the living but for the dead. So all we know is that they rested and waited on that day, but clearly they believed it was over. Oh what a mournful and painful Saturday it must have been.
We too face our Saturdays, those moments when our hopes are crushed and dreams are shattered. A job is lost, a loved one dies, a diagnosis is given, a relationship is broken. In a fallen world, the list goes on and on. What we knew and hoped in is pulled out from under us, and we are left trying to discern left from right, up from down. We wait in it; we hurt in it. We begin to prepare our ointments and spices to try to move forward, to do something in our pain. And yet we often must be patient in the hurt and brokenness, enduring the suffering.
Friday was crushing. Oh how bleak Saturday must have been. Yet take heart for Sunday arrived, and oh how it came!
On the third day, the stone was rolled away. Jesus, the Son of God who had taken our sins upon his shoulders and shamefully hung upon the cross to bear the penalty of our sins, had broken the chains of sin and death forever! When the women went to the tomb, an angel spoke words of great hope to them. Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen (Matthew 28:5).
Are you facing a Saturday when hope feels lost and the grip of pain and waiting seems to creep in tighter and closer? Look back to resurrection Sunday and remember that all is not lost but that hope rose for us eternally, for those who place their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Jesus said, In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world (John 16:33). Although the circumstances in life may not be as we'd have them, we can place our trust in the One who holds the world in His hands and Who knows and loves us intimately. In Him is life and joy and peace. He came to give us life and to have it abundantly (John 10:10).
Sunday is coming! We praise you King Jesus. Where we falter and lose hope, we look forward with eager expectation. Our hope is in You, the overcomer of every Friday and Saturday brokenness, the one who has overcome the world!
4.19.2014
4.04.2014
Joyful Mourning
The separation of death is a painful blow to our human experience. The sadness felt acutely in our hearts at the loss of those we love bears witness to the fact that death is harsh and not what should be. As death entered my life recently, I found that mourning which pains the heart can also be coupled with beautiful joy.
My grandmother, Jane Elizabeth Beumel, passed away last week. She was an incredibly lovely woman whom I admire deeply. She was sharper and more knowledgeable about most subjects than anyone else I know. She loved hot tea with lots of sugar and always had a spark to her personality. She was adventurous as I aspire to be, for in her younger days she rode the L&N railroad where her father was a conductor to
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travel near and far. She loved my grandfather, Lee, faithfully until his passing and every day after as well. She treasured her family and loved her grandchildren to the hilt. In my childhood, she used to play Barbies with me and let me read aloud to her. Into adulthood, I loved to sit in the rocking chair beside her bed and talk with her or show her stylish new outfits I'd picked out for special occasions. I always knew that she was incredibly proud of the woman I had grown to be and that her love would never fail.
Undoubtedly, her passing leaves a hole that aches and grieves. Yet in this sadness, there is yet another quality about my grandmother and her life which has turned the sorrow into gladness and celebration. My grandmother was a woman of faith who had placed her faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This makes all the difference.
Death is the result and penalty of our sin and fallen nature. Just as the first human beings, Adam and Eve, willfully chose disobedience, so too do each of us. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23). I acknowledge and absolutely admit this about myself. Yet even in this state, God made a way for us to be made in right relationship with him again just as man was first created to be. But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Through His death on the cross, Jesus took my sins upon his shoulders and absorbed the punishment and death that I deserve. Not only did He die in my stead, but He also defeated death and rose again by the power of the Spirit! So while nothing of my own, no matter how good it may be, can ever earn God's favor or clear our record of sin, there is One who can if you call upon His Name and place your trust in Him. Jesus Christ, fully God Who became fully man, lived perfectly, died, and rose again so that in Him, I might have this credited to me. We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). So while death is still a reality here on this earth, it is not the end but just the beginning. For those who have placed their trust in Christ, our lives can be made new even today, and we will one day be made perfect in Him and enjoy His presence for eternity. Equally real, those who have turned from God and refused His Son will not have His righteousness to stand upon. They will deserve the separation and judgment that sin demands. His salvation is open to everyone who would call on His Name. There is no one too far gone or too low for the depths of His love, not even you or me. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).
I experienced joyful mourning in saying goodbye to Maw Maw Jane. I mourn for the loss of a woman I dearly love, but I rejoice with a full heart that Jesus has taken her home to be with Him. I am joyous that she gets to experience the fullness of His glory and to worship Him with adoration and awe. I am excited that one day I will get to join her and the multitude of believers in this! So as Easter Sunday approaches in a few weeks, I reflect upon the Friday death of my Jesus and that Sunday joyful morning of His resurrection that allows my joyful mourning! Praise be to His name always!
My grandmother, Jane Elizabeth Beumel, passed away last week. She was an incredibly lovely woman whom I admire deeply. She was sharper and more knowledgeable about most subjects than anyone else I know. She loved hot tea with lots of sugar and always had a spark to her personality. She was adventurous as I aspire to be, for in her younger days she rode the L&N railroad where her father was a conductor to
Undoubtedly, her passing leaves a hole that aches and grieves. Yet in this sadness, there is yet another quality about my grandmother and her life which has turned the sorrow into gladness and celebration. My grandmother was a woman of faith who had placed her faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This makes all the difference.
Death is the result and penalty of our sin and fallen nature. Just as the first human beings, Adam and Eve, willfully chose disobedience, so too do each of us. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23). I acknowledge and absolutely admit this about myself. Yet even in this state, God made a way for us to be made in right relationship with him again just as man was first created to be. But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Through His death on the cross, Jesus took my sins upon his shoulders and absorbed the punishment and death that I deserve. Not only did He die in my stead, but He also defeated death and rose again by the power of the Spirit! So while nothing of my own, no matter how good it may be, can ever earn God's favor or clear our record of sin, there is One who can if you call upon His Name and place your trust in Him. Jesus Christ, fully God Who became fully man, lived perfectly, died, and rose again so that in Him, I might have this credited to me. We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). So while death is still a reality here on this earth, it is not the end but just the beginning. For those who have placed their trust in Christ, our lives can be made new even today, and we will one day be made perfect in Him and enjoy His presence for eternity. Equally real, those who have turned from God and refused His Son will not have His righteousness to stand upon. They will deserve the separation and judgment that sin demands. His salvation is open to everyone who would call on His Name. There is no one too far gone or too low for the depths of His love, not even you or me. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).
I experienced joyful mourning in saying goodbye to Maw Maw Jane. I mourn for the loss of a woman I dearly love, but I rejoice with a full heart that Jesus has taken her home to be with Him. I am joyous that she gets to experience the fullness of His glory and to worship Him with adoration and awe. I am excited that one day I will get to join her and the multitude of believers in this! So as Easter Sunday approaches in a few weeks, I reflect upon the Friday death of my Jesus and that Sunday joyful morning of His resurrection that allows my joyful mourning! Praise be to His name always!
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.
-"In Christ Alone"
1.11.2014
Silence Is Golden
People tend to think I'm a pretty quiet person, and I get it. Don't get me wrong, I love to talk, but I often live in a world of thoughts rather than busting out to share my opinions and words with the world. Yet even with introverted tendencies, there are many times when I feel like duct tape over my mouth is needed. Too often the words that I do speak are ones that I wish I could take back, words of complaint rather than praise, words of anger rather than love, or words of negativity rather than encouragement. Now and then I think of a lesson that my friend's dad shared with us during our childhood. Squeezing a small tube of toothpaste out on a paper plate, he pointed that it could not be retracted into the bottle. In this same manner, words once spoken cannot be taken back. Forgiven, yes, but they will have left their mark nonetheless.
The wisdom of Solomon teaches similarly in Proverbs. When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent (Proverbs 10: 19). Thoughts so easily become words spilled among our families, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and even strangers. Words carelessly and selfishly spoken can be an arrow of pain to those we love the most. Even worse, in this we fail to emanate to those around us the love which we have received through Christ. Words carelessly spoken should strike our own hearts deeply as well for they don't honor ourselves, others, or the Lord. As I often repeat to my students the words of Thumper from the Disney movie Bambi, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all." If many words invite transgression, I can only conclude that the cliche rings true: silence is golden. Thankfully, though, I believe that golden silence can move us to an attitude and position in which our words can build up others and honor God.
Having an appropriate view of God is important I believe in regards to this issue. First of all, it is important to note that those in Christ can approach the throne of grace with confidence because of the work Jesus has done on my behalf (Hebrews 4:16). He is my Mediator and Advocate making it possible for me to approach an infinitely holy God. And yet, I desire to always be awed at the grandness and magnificence of my God and never flippant in my posture toward Him. The Creator of the dust beneath my feet, the very cells in my body, the stars in the sky, and the unknown reaches of the solar system is my God. Let me be quiet and awed before His throne. But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him (Habakkuk 2:20). Be still, and know that I am God...(Psalm 46:10). The triune God: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, are eternally perfect while I am but a wisp of breath. Having this correct understanding and reverence before Him leads me to golden silence, a quiet which allows me to bask in His royal perfection and love which the Father has given to me through the sacrifice of His Son and the gift of His Spirit.
Somewhat ironically, as I meditate upon how great and majestic our God is, I can't keep silent! I'm like a geyser bubbling up with thankfulness and joy that He would choose to save a sinner such as me, become Lord of my life, and bring a completeness to my life that this world could never satisfy. This praise cannot lead to sinful words of anger, bitterness, or complaining but finally brings me to a place where my communication first honors God and radiates His love to others. My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord...(Psalm 146:21). We become free and able to encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
May my mouth be closed when words are many and lead to destruction. May my heart and mind be turned in golden silence to my Lord. And may the renewed and vibrant words that spill forth in praise speak well of His greatness and place His glory on display for all to see!
The wisdom of Solomon teaches similarly in Proverbs. When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent (Proverbs 10: 19). Thoughts so easily become words spilled among our families, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and even strangers. Words carelessly and selfishly spoken can be an arrow of pain to those we love the most. Even worse, in this we fail to emanate to those around us the love which we have received through Christ. Words carelessly spoken should strike our own hearts deeply as well for they don't honor ourselves, others, or the Lord. As I often repeat to my students the words of Thumper from the Disney movie Bambi, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all." If many words invite transgression, I can only conclude that the cliche rings true: silence is golden. Thankfully, though, I believe that golden silence can move us to an attitude and position in which our words can build up others and honor God.
Having an appropriate view of God is important I believe in regards to this issue. First of all, it is important to note that those in Christ can approach the throne of grace with confidence because of the work Jesus has done on my behalf (Hebrews 4:16). He is my Mediator and Advocate making it possible for me to approach an infinitely holy God. And yet, I desire to always be awed at the grandness and magnificence of my God and never flippant in my posture toward Him. The Creator of the dust beneath my feet, the very cells in my body, the stars in the sky, and the unknown reaches of the solar system is my God. Let me be quiet and awed before His throne. But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him (Habakkuk 2:20). Be still, and know that I am God...(Psalm 46:10). The triune God: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, are eternally perfect while I am but a wisp of breath. Having this correct understanding and reverence before Him leads me to golden silence, a quiet which allows me to bask in His royal perfection and love which the Father has given to me through the sacrifice of His Son and the gift of His Spirit.
Somewhat ironically, as I meditate upon how great and majestic our God is, I can't keep silent! I'm like a geyser bubbling up with thankfulness and joy that He would choose to save a sinner such as me, become Lord of my life, and bring a completeness to my life that this world could never satisfy. This praise cannot lead to sinful words of anger, bitterness, or complaining but finally brings me to a place where my communication first honors God and radiates His love to others. My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord...(Psalm 146:21). We become free and able to encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
May my mouth be closed when words are many and lead to destruction. May my heart and mind be turned in golden silence to my Lord. And may the renewed and vibrant words that spill forth in praise speak well of His greatness and place His glory on display for all to see!
12.31.2013
Why Resolutions Are Great (And Also Ineffective...)
2013, it's time to bid thee farewell. You've been a great one. In fact, I'd have to say one of the very best. During your twelve months, your 365 days, God has worked on my mind, heart, and life in ways that I never could have hoped for or fathomed. 2013, you were a year of truth and grace, life giving truth that made me realize just how much grace I need from myself, others, and which I'm given abundantly day after day by the Lord. I can only hope that the year to come will bring much more of the same.
Being the goal-oriented planner that I am, another year heralds an opportunity to make new resolutions and reach for greater heights. Books to read, Scripture to study, thoughts to journal, posts to write, moments to be thankful, and people to love (like the verb and not just the word); these are all on docket for 2014. I'm pretty excited about it, and I'll probably tell you more about it as the year rolls by. Clearly, I think resolutions and goals are great.....and I also think that they are ultimately ineffective. Before you call me confused and speaking nonsense, let me explain.
Why do we make resolutions?
We as human beings realize that we just simply aren't reaching our full potential. We want to be the best version, to prove to ourselves and those around us that we are valuable and worthy of time and attention. We believe we must earn it.
Why aren't resolutions good enough?
If I achieved infinite goals, lofty ones that took me to the highest mountain peaks or to the greatest extreme, I'm certain I'd find what I already know in my life. It's not good enough. It's never enough because there is always another step up, more to prove or achieve. Rather than reach the finish line and think, "I made it! Now I can just be.", we realize with disappointment that we're still flawed and in need of improvement. It seems that achievements no matter how great are always overshadowed by the realization that there is much brokenness and failure in our lives. It can become an exhausting and self-deprecating cycle.
Fear not. There's good news.
What's the alternative?
You're with me aren't you? If we're both being real with ourselves, I know you're with me on this one because you're a flawed human being just like I am. Now that we've broken down the facade and gotten real about the fact that resolutions and self fixes will never actually fix us, let's consider an alternative. In 2013, I've come to love even more something that I've known and embraced for a long time. Yes, God was really gracious to move it deeper into the intimate recesses of my heart and let me bask in it at a grander level: I'm not good enough, yet He has sent one Who is infinitely good enough so that I can be made perfect in Him. I can say that I make big mistakes and little mistakes and miss the mark for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). I acknowledge my weakness so that I can see my need. Because of my sinfulness, God the Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to live a sinless life and to die on my behalf absorbing the wrath and punishment that I rightly deserved, for He loves me so (John 3:16). By placing my faith and life in Christ, I get the beautiful gift of union with Him. When God looks at me, He sees Jesus' perfection. It's unreal how amazing it is, but it is real! Thank you God that you are a God of truth and a God of great grace.
Why make resolutions?
So clearly I don't have to flounder in the fact that I'm not enough anymore. Jesus is mine, and I am His. My position as perfect in Christ is secure. However, this doesn't mean it's always apparent in my everyday life. With God residing within me in the person of the Holy Spirit, He is now working together with me throughout life to become more like Christ in practice. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). Because of my thankfulness for His saving work, I'm going to take action in obedience to please Him. This doesn't earn me my salvation or make Him love me more. But an overflowing fountain from a grateful heart can't help but want to show it through action.
2014, you will be a year of more changes and goals so get ready. In 365 days, I hope I look more like Jesus than I do today. I will remember that resolutions are ineffective of themselves, but in context and paired with the perfection of my Savior, I can move forward in obedience, truth, and grace to love my God and those He has placed around me with greater intensity and completeness.
Truth. Grace. Jesus.
Happy New Year!
Being the goal-oriented planner that I am, another year heralds an opportunity to make new resolutions and reach for greater heights. Books to read, Scripture to study, thoughts to journal, posts to write, moments to be thankful, and people to love (like the verb and not just the word); these are all on docket for 2014. I'm pretty excited about it, and I'll probably tell you more about it as the year rolls by. Clearly, I think resolutions and goals are great.....and I also think that they are ultimately ineffective. Before you call me confused and speaking nonsense, let me explain.
Why do we make resolutions?
We as human beings realize that we just simply aren't reaching our full potential. We want to be the best version, to prove to ourselves and those around us that we are valuable and worthy of time and attention. We believe we must earn it.
Why aren't resolutions good enough?
If I achieved infinite goals, lofty ones that took me to the highest mountain peaks or to the greatest extreme, I'm certain I'd find what I already know in my life. It's not good enough. It's never enough because there is always another step up, more to prove or achieve. Rather than reach the finish line and think, "I made it! Now I can just be.", we realize with disappointment that we're still flawed and in need of improvement. It seems that achievements no matter how great are always overshadowed by the realization that there is much brokenness and failure in our lives. It can become an exhausting and self-deprecating cycle.
Fear not. There's good news.
What's the alternative?
You're with me aren't you? If we're both being real with ourselves, I know you're with me on this one because you're a flawed human being just like I am. Now that we've broken down the facade and gotten real about the fact that resolutions and self fixes will never actually fix us, let's consider an alternative. In 2013, I've come to love even more something that I've known and embraced for a long time. Yes, God was really gracious to move it deeper into the intimate recesses of my heart and let me bask in it at a grander level: I'm not good enough, yet He has sent one Who is infinitely good enough so that I can be made perfect in Him. I can say that I make big mistakes and little mistakes and miss the mark for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). I acknowledge my weakness so that I can see my need. Because of my sinfulness, God the Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to live a sinless life and to die on my behalf absorbing the wrath and punishment that I rightly deserved, for He loves me so (John 3:16). By placing my faith and life in Christ, I get the beautiful gift of union with Him. When God looks at me, He sees Jesus' perfection. It's unreal how amazing it is, but it is real! Thank you God that you are a God of truth and a God of great grace.
Why make resolutions?
So clearly I don't have to flounder in the fact that I'm not enough anymore. Jesus is mine, and I am His. My position as perfect in Christ is secure. However, this doesn't mean it's always apparent in my everyday life. With God residing within me in the person of the Holy Spirit, He is now working together with me throughout life to become more like Christ in practice. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). Because of my thankfulness for His saving work, I'm going to take action in obedience to please Him. This doesn't earn me my salvation or make Him love me more. But an overflowing fountain from a grateful heart can't help but want to show it through action.
2014, you will be a year of more changes and goals so get ready. In 365 days, I hope I look more like Jesus than I do today. I will remember that resolutions are ineffective of themselves, but in context and paired with the perfection of my Savior, I can move forward in obedience, truth, and grace to love my God and those He has placed around me with greater intensity and completeness.
Truth. Grace. Jesus.
Happy New Year!
11.28.2013
Burdened by Abundance
In this Thanksgiving season, I have been thinking much about one word which really resonates with me: bountifully. I appreciate how a psalmist expresses gratitude: ...for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you (Psalm 116:7b). Yes, the Lord truly has dealt bountifully showering blessings upon me in so many arenas of life. I've been reminded recently that no matter how mediocre or even difficult we may consider a temporary circumstance, most American citizens are simply rolling in the dough and living the good life in comparison to the majority of individuals around the globe. We certainly have much for which we should offer thanks. Yet I believe that in such bounty, we must be cautious to guard our hearts and minds, for our accumulations can easily transform into burdens of abundance.
Things are just things, temporary and fleeting objects which we accumulate to fulfill our needs, our desires, our entertainment, our desired status positions, and a myriad of other purposes. Much of the time, this is quite fine until our sinful hearts get involved. To quote Mark Driscoll, "Idolatry is taking a good thing, making it a god thing and that's a bad thing." When a desire for more and more earthly things consume our hearts, our abundance truly does become burdensome. One can wear himself out in constant comparison with others or endless striving for more, more, more. But to what end? Our greed is a bottomless pit that will never be satisfied. During Jesus's earthly ministry, he preached to the people a message knowing that we could easily fall into the struggle and burden of abundance. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth or rust destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:19-21). I love this passage because it's clear that Jesus was not asking people to give it all up and be miserable, moping human beings. However, He was clearly more concerned about their heart condition and helped clarify the understanding that true blessing and wealth lies not in our earthly possessions but in a heavenly inheritance for those who trust in Him as their Savior. Truly, it's only when we loosen our grip on things of this earth and turn our eyes toward Him that we can even enjoy our current temporal blessings with the right attitude and view. For all we have is from God, and just as it has been given so can it be taken away. My heart cry becomes, "Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways" (Psalm 119:37).
I think also of a familiar teaching of Jesus, the parable of the pearl of great price. The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field (Matthew 13:45-46). A man or woman living under the burden of abundance may discover the pearl of great price and be overjoyed to hear the beautiful truth that Jesus is the answer to our sinfulness and brokenness who has paid the price for sin and offers us eternal life in Him. And yet the ultimate treasure that He is, the pearl of greatest price, is too costly for him or her. How could one consider laying down all else in exchange for the Treasure of Christ? And yet look to the man in the parable; in his joy he took his abudance, his temporary fleeting abundance, and sold the bounty in exchange for not something but someOne far greater and more glorious.
On this Thanksgiving Day as we move into the Christmas season, may we have hearts full of gratitude for the way which we have bountifully been dealt with. Yet would you, with me, consider where your heart lies in regards to your earthly treasures? Do you live under a burden of abundance where you have allowed things to creep into a place of far too much importance? Have you let good things become god things that you worship instead of using them to point you back with a heart of joy to the Giver? When we look clear enough and hard enough if we're brave enough, it's sure to be an uncomfortable sight. Then throw off the burden and rest blessed in the right bounty, the abundant love and
grace we receive through Christ Jesus our Lord!
11.03.2013
Don't Miss the View
A chord of notes in harmony. A melding of complementary flavors. A sentence in a book that is beautifully crafted. There is no particular formula or criteria, but there are things in our lives that we know are simply at their best when we experience them. And fall, it seems to me, was at its absolute prime today. I was so blessed to enjoy its splendor when I went for a run this afternoon. As I took off at a leisurely pace, I adjusted the cord of my iPod, began listening to the music in my ears, and focused on my breathing. The air was crisp; it was an afternoon when the cool oxygen filling my lungs and the exertion of muscles in my body working to propel me forward made me feel especially alive. As I continued a piece down the path, I happened upon it. For yards and yards beyond me on my right, tree after tree leaned gracefully above me creating a canopy of the most vibrant, intense yellow. I thought of pictures I have seen and longed to enter, those with peaceful paths lined seemingly on and on by stately oaks or maples. Yet in that moment I had entered such a picture, and it was more magnificent than I could imagine. Lamenting that I had left my phone in the car and was thus unable to photograph the moment, I conceded that no angle or amount of pixels could truly capture the beauty I saw before me nor the joy that it brought. Instead, I feasted my eyes upon it and offered up a prayer of thankfulness for such extravagant beauty.
Thinking about this incredible sight, I have to wonder how many people missed on out it today. No doubt billions, for only a crowd of a few Indianapolis residents used that part of the trail. And even of those who shared the same path I traveled, many may have even failed to slow down or take note. And what of all those equally beautiful trees and individual leaves just a bit deeper in the woods that even I did not enjoy? Were they all for naught? There is an old philosophical question that goes, "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around, does it make a sound?" Does the sound matter or exist if no living being is there to experience it? So it is with these little hidden gems, these leaves and plants and creatures and complex little critters tucked away where no human eye can admire. Is it a waste? No, I believe that the uncelebrated such as these which live, shine brightly, then are gone without the least notice are a reminder of how much greater is the love of our Creator for us, His most precious creation.
In the account of creation laid out in the book of Genesis, we learn that God first spoke into being the land and the water, the plants, the day and the night, the living creatures. And God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:25) But He wasn't finished yet; He was ready for the final piece. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27) While He had commended His earlier work as good, at the end of this day God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. (Genesis 1:31, emphasis mine) From the very start, our relationship with our Maker was meant to be distinctly different than that of the rest of creation. We can read on only a couple of chapters later and see how the perfect relationship between God and the man and woman was marred by human selfishness and sin. It's no secret that we've been experiencing and participating in the effects of the Fall ever since. I can truly identify with a phrase that the apostle Paul uses, that we are sinners, of whom I am the foremost. (1 Timothy) We serve a perfectly holy God, and even our most minute sins (not to mention the ones that stand out more clearly and boldly) are an offense against Him which deserve infinite judgement.
Let me take you back to the previous question about those little leaves. So what of those that vibrantly change colors and hang upon the branches with no eye to enjoy their brilliance? Are they a waste? This I do know, that if God would put such intricate detail and reflection of His glorious beauty into a hidden leaf, how much more does He love you and me? He shouldn't, for we absolutely don't deserve it even a little bit, but praise Him that He does! I love the beautiful picture that the Psalms give of the detail with which our Creator knows us, not at a distance but so intimately. For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb....My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately women in the depths of the earth. (Psalm 139: 13, 15)
Not only did He make us and does He knows us to such extravagant detail, but to an even greater degree does He love us. But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) Yes, even while we were His enemies in rebellion against Him in our sin, the Son came down and took on human form, lived a sinless life, and allowed Himself to be hung upon a cross. He suffered the wrath that I deserve, that you deserve, and He sacrificed Himself in our stead. Don't miss out on the fact that our sins deserved punishment, for they are a crime against the perfection of our God. He is a just God, and we must be thankful for He wouldn't be good if He were not. Our sins could not be excused or looked over; there was a great price to pay, and Jesus Christ paid it in full. He conquered death by rising again three days later, and He is now seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high. (Hebrews 1:3) This is the glorious, life shaking truth: Because of the work of Christ, all who call upon His Name in faith are saved. Realizing that I am broken, fallen, and can never make the cut on my own, I am united to Jesus, my Savior, by making Him Lord of my life and trusting in His work, not my own.
Don't pass by the trail with the glorious view, and don't walk down the path without looking up at the One above. He's glorious, He's majestic, He's more than words can say, and His love expressed through the work of Jesus shouts clearly what great depths He has gone to to bring us back to Him, to perfect joy and union with our Creator. Don't miss the experience; don't miss the view. It'll change you eternally.
Thinking about this incredible sight, I have to wonder how many people missed on out it today. No doubt billions, for only a crowd of a few Indianapolis residents used that part of the trail. And even of those who shared the same path I traveled, many may have even failed to slow down or take note. And what of all those equally beautiful trees and individual leaves just a bit deeper in the woods that even I did not enjoy? Were they all for naught? There is an old philosophical question that goes, "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around, does it make a sound?" Does the sound matter or exist if no living being is there to experience it? So it is with these little hidden gems, these leaves and plants and creatures and complex little critters tucked away where no human eye can admire. Is it a waste? No, I believe that the uncelebrated such as these which live, shine brightly, then are gone without the least notice are a reminder of how much greater is the love of our Creator for us, His most precious creation.
In the account of creation laid out in the book of Genesis, we learn that God first spoke into being the land and the water, the plants, the day and the night, the living creatures. And God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:25) But He wasn't finished yet; He was ready for the final piece. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27) While He had commended His earlier work as good, at the end of this day God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. (Genesis 1:31, emphasis mine) From the very start, our relationship with our Maker was meant to be distinctly different than that of the rest of creation. We can read on only a couple of chapters later and see how the perfect relationship between God and the man and woman was marred by human selfishness and sin. It's no secret that we've been experiencing and participating in the effects of the Fall ever since. I can truly identify with a phrase that the apostle Paul uses, that we are sinners, of whom I am the foremost. (1 Timothy) We serve a perfectly holy God, and even our most minute sins (not to mention the ones that stand out more clearly and boldly) are an offense against Him which deserve infinite judgement.
Let me take you back to the previous question about those little leaves. So what of those that vibrantly change colors and hang upon the branches with no eye to enjoy their brilliance? Are they a waste? This I do know, that if God would put such intricate detail and reflection of His glorious beauty into a hidden leaf, how much more does He love you and me? He shouldn't, for we absolutely don't deserve it even a little bit, but praise Him that He does! I love the beautiful picture that the Psalms give of the detail with which our Creator knows us, not at a distance but so intimately. For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb....My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately women in the depths of the earth. (Psalm 139: 13, 15)
Not only did He make us and does He knows us to such extravagant detail, but to an even greater degree does He love us. But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) Yes, even while we were His enemies in rebellion against Him in our sin, the Son came down and took on human form, lived a sinless life, and allowed Himself to be hung upon a cross. He suffered the wrath that I deserve, that you deserve, and He sacrificed Himself in our stead. Don't miss out on the fact that our sins deserved punishment, for they are a crime against the perfection of our God. He is a just God, and we must be thankful for He wouldn't be good if He were not. Our sins could not be excused or looked over; there was a great price to pay, and Jesus Christ paid it in full. He conquered death by rising again three days later, and He is now seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high. (Hebrews 1:3) This is the glorious, life shaking truth: Because of the work of Christ, all who call upon His Name in faith are saved. Realizing that I am broken, fallen, and can never make the cut on my own, I am united to Jesus, my Savior, by making Him Lord of my life and trusting in His work, not my own.
Don't pass by the trail with the glorious view, and don't walk down the path without looking up at the One above. He's glorious, He's majestic, He's more than words can say, and His love expressed through the work of Jesus shouts clearly what great depths He has gone to to bring us back to Him, to perfect joy and union with our Creator. Don't miss the experience; don't miss the view. It'll change you eternally.
10.27.2013
Fully Empty
I stood on the wobbly step stool while my friend Hope steadied it from below. Reaching up to the glass in front of me, I spritzed Windex across the pane and cleaned away the dirt, grime, and streaks from the window. "Thank you so much for doing that girls," the lovely lady from our church gratefully said handing us candy and homemade cookies to take on our way. "I have been wanting to clean that for such a long time and just couldn't reach it." Ms. B was a lovely woman to encounter this weekend during our cleanup morning, and I am thankful to her for reminding me that whether it be window wiping or trying to accomplish more monumental things in life, we can't do it from our own self-sufficiency. Oh yes we try like the little engine that could, chugging along and huffing, "I think I can. I think I can!" But when we get to the top of the hill and pull into the station, the cheering crowd may not even be there, or if they are, it turns out that it isn't as fulfilling as you'd hoped. Until we see life through the lens of Jesus' finished work on the cross and make Him our treasure, every striving and addition in our lives will lead to frustrated emptiness.
This reminds me of a passage I read recently in the book of Haggai. To give a bit of context, the Jews had returned to Jerusalem with a mission to rebuild the temple after many years of exile in Babylon. Although work had previously begun, resistance from adversaries halted the progress (see Ezra 4). Thus, the prophet Haggai spoke a message from God to His people calling them to return their eyes and lives to Him. This would be signified by less focus on the menial strivings of their daily lives and instead on rebuilding His temple where His glory and presence would reside among them. The prophet states, "Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes. (Haggai 1:4-6)
Do you ever feel this way after all you've done is work, strive, fall down, pull yourself up by your bootstraps, and push onward? You've filled and filled and filled.......and it's meaninglessly empty. Like, these men and women over 2,500 years ago, I too can be guilty of this same error. Oh, I don't try to push God out of the way. No, I just keep inching up into the driver's seat beside Him and putting my hands on the wheel too. Of course He's driving, but I just have to get my hands in there to make minor adjustments where I see fit. It's as if I think that by thinking and trying hard enough, I can do it of my own accord. Oh Cassie, Cassie, Cassie. When will I ever learn? Again and again, I have to ask God to tear down the idol of self and to destroy it, decimate it, smash it to smithereens! I like what one of my favorite authors, Tim Keller, says about idols of the heart in his book Counterfeit Gods. "Idols cannot simply be removed. They must be replaced. If you only try to uproot them, they grow back; but they can be supplanted. By what? By God himself, of course. But by God we do not mean a general belief in his existence. Most people have that, yet their souls are riddled with idols. What we need is a living encounter with God."
If we, ourselves and efforts, are not enough and we need an encounter with a living God, where shall we seek? In the Old Testament time such as that of Haggai, the people built a temple so that through priests and mediators they could approach God. Church buildings are wonderful places, and I love mine very much, but now that Jesus has come it's just that, a building. We don't have to build a structure for Him to occupy, for we can look at the cross and shout out victoriously, "Christ has conquered death and paid the penalty for my broken sinfulness!" By embracing that we are fully empty in this world and calling in faith on the saving name of Jesus, we can be filled. They (and we) were eating yet hungry and drinking yet thirsty? Be filled with Jesus, the Bread of Life and the Living Water! We don't need a building, a mediator, or works for we can approach the throne of grace with confidence with one mediator between God and mankind, the man Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:16, 1 Timothy 2:5). Set your eyes upon His perfect, finished work on behalf of sinners such as me and make Him your treasure. Let what was fully empty becoming overflowing with the greatest abundance and joy in all the earth!
This reminds me of a passage I read recently in the book of Haggai. To give a bit of context, the Jews had returned to Jerusalem with a mission to rebuild the temple after many years of exile in Babylon. Although work had previously begun, resistance from adversaries halted the progress (see Ezra 4). Thus, the prophet Haggai spoke a message from God to His people calling them to return their eyes and lives to Him. This would be signified by less focus on the menial strivings of their daily lives and instead on rebuilding His temple where His glory and presence would reside among them. The prophet states, "Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes. (Haggai 1:4-6)
Do you ever feel this way after all you've done is work, strive, fall down, pull yourself up by your bootstraps, and push onward? You've filled and filled and filled.......and it's meaninglessly empty. Like, these men and women over 2,500 years ago, I too can be guilty of this same error. Oh, I don't try to push God out of the way. No, I just keep inching up into the driver's seat beside Him and putting my hands on the wheel too. Of course He's driving, but I just have to get my hands in there to make minor adjustments where I see fit. It's as if I think that by thinking and trying hard enough, I can do it of my own accord. Oh Cassie, Cassie, Cassie. When will I ever learn? Again and again, I have to ask God to tear down the idol of self and to destroy it, decimate it, smash it to smithereens! I like what one of my favorite authors, Tim Keller, says about idols of the heart in his book Counterfeit Gods. "Idols cannot simply be removed. They must be replaced. If you only try to uproot them, they grow back; but they can be supplanted. By what? By God himself, of course. But by God we do not mean a general belief in his existence. Most people have that, yet their souls are riddled with idols. What we need is a living encounter with God."
If we, ourselves and efforts, are not enough and we need an encounter with a living God, where shall we seek? In the Old Testament time such as that of Haggai, the people built a temple so that through priests and mediators they could approach God. Church buildings are wonderful places, and I love mine very much, but now that Jesus has come it's just that, a building. We don't have to build a structure for Him to occupy, for we can look at the cross and shout out victoriously, "Christ has conquered death and paid the penalty for my broken sinfulness!" By embracing that we are fully empty in this world and calling in faith on the saving name of Jesus, we can be filled. They (and we) were eating yet hungry and drinking yet thirsty? Be filled with Jesus, the Bread of Life and the Living Water! We don't need a building, a mediator, or works for we can approach the throne of grace with confidence with one mediator between God and mankind, the man Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:16, 1 Timothy 2:5). Set your eyes upon His perfect, finished work on behalf of sinners such as me and make Him your treasure. Let what was fully empty becoming overflowing with the greatest abundance and joy in all the earth!
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