Wandering

 

Some wandered in the desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle.

—Psalm 107:4-7

One day, I had business in a familiar city not far from the surrounding farmlands of my hometown. I had traveled this way many times. Each time I came this way I noted a sign along the roadside that directed people to a local golf club. My curiosity and my sense of adventure, small though it is, led me to believe that I knew where following that sign would lead me. I expected that, in addition to driving past the advertised golf club, the road would also lead me in the direction toward home.

As I drove, I came to a fork in the road and the road signs, faded and askew, pointed in various conflicting directions. I followed the direction of the sign that pointed to the golf club, even though I felt it likely directed me the wrong way.

As I drove along, just as I had suspected, I realized the road I had chosen was taking me in the wrong direction. But, I had now driven so far that I didn’t want to turn around and go back.

The road grew narrower and became paved with dirt. I drove through woods on either side and up steep hills and down into valleys, feeling as much panic as I had ever known driving somewhere. This desolate road finally wound past one farm, and I came to a familiar sounding road.

So, I turned to follow this new road. When I came to a stop sign a few miles later, I was less than two miles from my childhood home. I also discovered that I was much nearer to my destination than I would have been had I followed the road I had originally expected to take.

Speaking metaphorically, sometimes our “internal GPS” leads us through the “fog of life”—so thick that we cannot see ahead—even to the point where we begin to believe that we have strayed way off the path. We feel alone and baffled as to what to do to get “home” again.

In our stupidity and our tendency to wander away from the proper path, many times the Scriptures reminds us that we resemble sheep. Sometimes our Good Shepherd allows us a time of vague and mystifying travel that leads us to think He has allowed us to get lost. In response, we do our best to listen for His voice, to lean on Him when we can’t see the way, and to keep going forward by faith.

Yes, we can get off on the wrong path because we haven’t stayed close to the Shepherd. But, in such a case, though we can feel lost, we know that if we return to God and stay close to Him, He will eventually direct us to where we had hoped to arrive all along.

God patiently waits for us to show our trust in Him. In the times of confusion, He looks for our faithfulness. And, He waits to bring us out of our time of questioning and into the destination where His guidance will lead us.

Oh, Lord, our Heavenly Shepherd, direct us along the dark path on which we find ourselves. Though we cannot see ahead, and the way looks foreboding, speak to us with Your assurance that You will guide us and stay with us until You bring us to the place where you want us to settle—a place we can call “home”!

Lead us, teach us, and make Your way known, as we look back over the path we’ve come by the leading of Your divine presence. We pray with thanksgiving in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Dealing with Issues

 

And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, and had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

—Mark 5:25-28, 34 KJV

In our current culture, we use the word, “issues” in an entirely different manner than it was used historically. To us it means “negative circumstances or questions.” In the passage above, the word referred to a “discharge from the body.”

Nevertheless, I see a very real parallel between this Biblical story and current usage. We certainly deal with “issues” in our lives. Some wear us down, as the discharge of blood did this woman. Some make us physically sick, financially vulnerable, heart-wounded, grief-stricken, scared, lonely, hopeless, etc.

With what “issues” are we dealing with today? Have we strained to reach out to Christ, who has power over all the woes of our lives and can help us make sense, or at least cope with all that happens?

The use of the word, “spent” in this story also speaks to me. The woman had spent all she had. And, even the doctors had come to the end of their solutions. As an old hymn states:¹

When we have exhausted
   our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed
   ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end
   of our hoarded resources,
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

Discovered!

 

Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the Lord.”

—2 Kings 22:8

Have you ever discovered something you thought had been lost forever? I’m not talking about leaving your glasses on the top of your head, or forgetting where you last laid down your car keys—although that can cause panic for a short while! No, I’m talking about discovering something neither you, nor anyone you know, has seen for a very long time—something that finding it has life changing results.

In the story of young King Josiah—as recorded in 2 Kings 22-23—he decided to remodel the old Temple in Jerusalem, the symbol of the great Jewish heritage with all its history. In order to accomplish this work, King Josiah needed to learn how large the funds for such a task had grown under Hilkiah the high priest at the temple.

Josiah sent his secretary, Shaphan, to the high priest to get the report on the finances. While in his presence, the high priest showed Shaphan something the high priest had discovered while making his account of the collections. This priest showed to Shaphan some scrolls containing the Book of the Law that God had given to Moses centuries before.

Shaphan took the scrolls to King Josiah and read them. At hearing the words, the King tore his robes and wept. His words recorded in 2 Kings 22:13 reveal what he said:

“Great is the Lord’s anger that burns against us because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us.”

However, in spite of the guilt the people owned because of their many years of unfaithfulness, the Lord had mercy on Josiah and caused him to avoid seeing judgment brought to his people.

In a public meeting, King Josiah read this Book of the Law to the people and renewed the Covenant in the presence of the Lord. All the people pledged themselves, as well. To seal their commitment, the King ordered every statue, high place, shrine, and altar to false gods, mediums, and spiritists removed. The King also renewed the celebration of the Passover. No celebration like this had happened in hundreds of years.

What would happen in America, if the general population rediscovered the written Word of God? Would we weep and wail, spend days in fasting and prayer, renew baptismal vows, marriage vows, and remove anything from our public squares that smacked of obedience to the false gods of our own culture?

As God’s people, let us take up this Word from God found in the example of King Josiah. Let us renew our own commitment to God and His written Word as our rule in life and as the power of God for salvation to all people. Then, let us pray that God will help men, women, boys, and girls in our society rediscover the sacred writings that belong to them. Let us pray that they will read God’s written Word and, as a result, bow before the God who sent both the Living Word and that written Word, in order to bring salvation to this desperately needy world.

 

 

The Pleasure of Your Company

 

“I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste. He has taken me to the banquet hall and his banner over me is love.”

—Song of Songs 2:3-4

You can still read the lines, “The pleasure of your company is requested...” on formal wedding invitations that you may receive today. These words most often get overlooked when we keep reading to learn the details that follow.

Chances are that you enjoy the company of special people: those with whom you feel comfortable, those you know well, or those you would like to get to know better. As Christians, we learn to enjoy the pleasure of our Lord’s company through Bible study and prayer, most often in the privacy of our quiet time alone.

The Westminster Shorter Catechism, which many believe summarizes the doctrine of the Bible quite well, begins with the question:

“What is the chief end of man?”

And, the answer written there says simply:

“The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.”

Most often, when we consider these words, we think about our lives “glorifying” God. I wonder how often do we think about “enjoying” Him?

David, the man after God’s heart, says in Psalm 16:11:

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Another psalmist—perhaps one of the Sons of Korah—in Psalm 43:4 refers to God as his “joy and delight.”

And, God requires nothing of us, in order to meet with us, other than our firm desire and our time. As the Lord Jesus stated in the passage found in Matthew 11:28:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

He knows the pleasure and rest we find coming into His presence. We do not have to wonder if this presence comes only at certain times. Yes, sometimes we can sense His nearness more than at other times. But, He has promised that He would never leave us or forsake us.

In fact, the very last words Jesus spoke before He ascended into Heaven, recorded in Matthew 28:20, remind us:

“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

An old hymn, ¹ written in the 18th century, captures the concept of joy in His presence:

O thou, in whose presence, my soul takes delight,
On whom in affliction I call,
My comfort by day and my song in the night,
My hope, my salvation, my all!

We can get started receiving this close fellowship with the Savior by beginning our prayer time as follows:

Oh, Lord, You who have invited us to know You, we request the pleasure of Your company during this time of prayer. As we draw near to You, please reveal Yourself through Your written Word.

Thank You for Your promise to be with us always, through our Lord Jesus and by the in-dwelling presence of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

______________________

1 Swain, Joseph. Hymn: “O Thou in Whose Presence,” Public Domain.

 

 

Normal School Day or Field Trip?

 

Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

—Luke 9:23

Most teachers in elementary schools designate these late May or early June days as “Field Trip Days.” Students and teachers alike look forward to time away from desks, pencils, tests, and stuffy classrooms. They eagerly anticipate interesting visits to the world outside. Field Trips break up the monopoly of the routine and add interest to the old and mundane.

What would you think of a teacher—if she had the financial means—who planned field trips every school day of the year? She would have her class spend every hour away from the books and regular curriculum. The children would never have to listen to boring lectures, do endless drills, complete reading assignments, take quizzes and tests, or tackle any of the kind of activities that occupy a normal classroom experience.

In a devotional by Beth Moore, she compares the assignments that God gives us, and the call to discipleship, with the difference between field trips and normal classroom times. She explains that most often, the assignments God gives relate to our abilities and individual gifts. We may feel the “call” to a certain mission or task. We love the “ride” and enjoy the unique position we may feel suits us best.

However, we need to take caution, in order to guard ourselves from assuming that these times of special service will last all throughout our lives. Instead, God may call us to tasks or responsibilities that we would never say relate to the unique giftings He has given us.

God may expect us to care for an elderly parent for a few years. He may ask us to take charge of cookie baking for a church event. He might even ask us to spend a season on a sick bed. None of these activities may fit in with the gifts He has given us. We may ask ourselves, “What about God’s call?”

Beth Moore points out that God “calls” us to discipleship, to obedience, and to service. His call comes to us whether that means using the gifts He has given us or not. Sometimes He allows us to spend many years on the “field trips” of exciting ministry. And then, sometimes we are called back into the day-after-day unglamorous life of the routine classroom.

Here’s how Beth Moore sums up her devotional: ¹

The Twelve were called to be Christ’s learners or pupils. They also were designated apostles, meaning they would be sent forth. What would His pupils be sent forth to do? Whatever He told them. In our human need for the security of sameness, we tend to want one job assignment from God that we can do for the rest of our lives. He’s far more creative than that!

Remember the meaning of disciple: pupil, learner! We can’t keep skipping class—our time with God in the Scripture and in prayer—and expect to know when He’s scheduled a field trip!

God looks for servants ready to obey. He needs His true disciples to follow where He leads. He expects those whom He has called to His service to eagerly learn what He has to teach, whether it fits into the category of a class assignment or an exciting field trip!

______________________

1 Moore, Beth. Portraits of Devotion. Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 2014. p. 218.

 

 

The Oak, the Olive, and the Palm

 

“They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”

—Isaiah 61:3

I like trees. Even as a child, when my dad knew a tree was dying and needed cutting, I remember feeling sad about it. Old, large trees seemed to have so much character and shed so much shade. Their leaves played in the sunshine as I lay on the grass underneath, caught up in the views on summer days. They held my swings on which I spent countless hours singing and daydreaming.

The oak, known for its strength and endurance, has popularity around the world. As a symbol for American independence, the oak was selected as the “American National Tree.” People love to consider this great tree, as a symbol for power and maturity.

Oaks, unlike many other trees, take many years to mature. Even its seed, found within the acorn, takes six to eighteen months to mature. Each large, beautiful sturdy oak sees many harsh winters and many hot summers. It resists pests and disease in order to survive.

Among the earth’s longest living trees, we find the olive tree, with origins in the Middle East. Olive trees are known to live for several centuries and to remain productive for that long, if they receive proper pruning. Like the oak, they grow very slowly.

The olive branch has become a symbol of abundance, glory, and peace. Olive oil and the olive berry have nourished countless generations. Though never tall and towering, these sturdy trees spread their branches widely and tolerate drought well because of their sturdy, extensive roots.

King David refers to the olive tree in Psalm 52:8, as he contrasts his life with that of those who do not trust in God:

But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God.

The word “flourishing” seems to indicate that David saw himself as one full of health and steeped in productivity for the sake of his God.

Another tree in Scripture symbolizes strength and beauty within God’s household. In Psalm 92:12-13, we read:

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”

Palm trees, in a diversity of forms, can be known for their height. The date palm, typical in desert oases, has provided nourishment for weary travelers for centuries. Palms grow in the tropics, and generally thrive in most habitats where they are planted. Again, such a tree provides us with a beautiful picture of a mature and godly person, with a graceful erectness in the honored place of God’s courts.

These trees give us such an example of the kind of character God wants for his mature followers: strength, endurance, beauty, productivity, health—all qualities possessed by God’s people as examples of the grace He wants to produce in all of us year after year.

These trees represent, not an easy life, but a life of sturdy character brought about by the winds and storms of adversity. And, for what purpose do such lives exist? They exist to flourish in God’s house.

Praise God for His ability to create, by His grace, a beautiful “planting” for His glory from our lives. Thank Him for those we see around us whom He has also blessed with fruitfulness for His glory!

 

 

A Hole in My Bucket

 

My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

—Jeremiah 2:13

I remember teaching the conversational folk song:

There’s a hole in my bucket,
dear Liza, dear Liza.
There’s a hole in my bucket,
dear Liza, a hole.

This statement of the folk song is answered with these words:

Then, mend it, dear Henry,
dear Henry, dear Henry.
Then, mend it, dear Henry,
dear Henry, mend it

The song then goes through a long list of possible ways to mend the hole. Eventually, having exhausted every possible solution, the song comes back to the reality of the original problem: “There’s a hole in my bucket.”

As Christians, just like Liza and Henry, we often must realize that we are carrying water buckets full of holes and leaking the contents everywhere we go. Even with the best of intentions, we cannot live the Christian life and carry the Water of Life in our own faulty buckets.

In John 4:1-30, we read the story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus asks her for a drink, knowing full well that her “bucket” is full of leaks and that she has never even tasted what He has to give her. She needs His Living Water. He explains in verse 14:

“Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

What does that mean? In John 7:37, Jesus explains that on the last and greatest day of the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem:

“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive.

We see plenty of people carrying around buckets that appear quite useful. But in fact, those buckets have leaks and the supply water will soon drain away. When we look at ourselves, even those of us who have tasted the Living Water, we must admit to God, like a Puritan prayer ¹ expresses:

My mind is a bucket without a bottom,
with no spiritual understanding,
no desire for the Lord’s Day,
ever learning but never reaching the truth,
always at the gospel well but never holding water.
My memory has no retention,
so I forget easily the lessons learned,
and Thy truths seep away.
Give me a broken heart
that yet carries home the water of grace.

May the Lord, have mercy. May He cause us to thirst for the Living Water that only He can give us. Then, may we carry that Living Water in solid, unspoiled buckets to others: God’s refreshment and new life.

______________________

1 Bennett, Arthur, Ed. The Valley of Vision. Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth Trust, 1975. p. 72.