Psalm 6
Sometimes our most passionate prayers arise out of our most miserable circumstances. Sometimes those miserable circumstances arise from our own reckless sin.
Along with Psalms 32, 51, 130 and others, it is helpful to read this one as a cry from a man who sees the folly of his sin. He recognizes that his sin has brought tremendous misery upon himself. He’s faint, his bones are in agony and his soul is in anguish. He needs physical and spiritual relief from the well of God’s steadfast mercy, and he needs it fast!
Have you ever been there? Realized that the reason you’re in the mess you’re in is because of your own foolish disobedience to the Lord? Because you did your own thing when you should have done God’s thing?
David not only knew the agony of his own foolishness, he also knew that the only hope he had for help was in the One against whom he had sinned. So he poured out his heart to the Lord, pleading for the mercy that brings physical, emotional and spiritual healing to a sin-sick soul. And by faith he knew that God had heard and accepted his prayer. He was certain that he would experience the forgiveness and deliverance he desperately needed.
On some days the best prayer you can utter may simply be: “Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am so weak.”
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Praying for an Unwavering Walk (Psalm 5)
Psalm 5
Wow. You really want to know what the Lord thinks about those who are full of violence and deceit? You really want to know how the Lord feels about those who continually rebel against Him? You really want to see what will become of those who reject God’s ways and boast in themselves?
David’s plea in this psalm is for God to lead him in the way of righteousness because of his enemies. He doesn’t even want to think about wavering from the ways of the Lord because he knows what fate awaits the wicked, and he knows what joy and blessings await those who love the name of the Lord.
And note that David approaches the Lord not in his own merit, but in holy reverence and humility through the measureless mercy of God. He comes before Him in the morning pouring out his requests to his King, and then waits in expectation for God to answer and vindicate him.
And though he is sure the Lord will deal justly with the rebellious and unrepentant who seek his harm, David is fully convinced that the faithful in Christ will be glad when He spreads His protection over them and surrounds them with His favor as with a shield.
Pray hard, dear friend, that God will lead you in His righteousness and keep your walk unwavering. He’ll deal soon enough with the wicked.
Wow. You really want to know what the Lord thinks about those who are full of violence and deceit? You really want to know how the Lord feels about those who continually rebel against Him? You really want to see what will become of those who reject God’s ways and boast in themselves?
David’s plea in this psalm is for God to lead him in the way of righteousness because of his enemies. He doesn’t even want to think about wavering from the ways of the Lord because he knows what fate awaits the wicked, and he knows what joy and blessings await those who love the name of the Lord.
And note that David approaches the Lord not in his own merit, but in holy reverence and humility through the measureless mercy of God. He comes before Him in the morning pouring out his requests to his King, and then waits in expectation for God to answer and vindicate him.
And though he is sure the Lord will deal justly with the rebellious and unrepentant who seek his harm, David is fully convinced that the faithful in Christ will be glad when He spreads His protection over them and surrounds them with His favor as with a shield.
Pray hard, dear friend, that God will lead you in His righteousness and keep your walk unwavering. He’ll deal soon enough with the wicked.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Getting Through the First Time (Psalm 4)
Psalm 4
Ever notice how hard it is to get connected with a live person when you have to call the phone company or nearly any other corporation these days? Isn’t that frustrating?! It seems like you spend the first ten minutes answering automated questions as they try to route your call to the right department. Then if you make it through that maze you have to wait on hold for the next available representative, who they say will be with you shortly, but you know you have plenty of time to grab lunch and get back before they answer.
Aren’t you glad that God doesn’t put you on hold when you call upon His name? Aren’t you glad that He doesn’t force you to navigate through a maze of automated instructions before answering? Aren’t you glad that His line is never busy, and that you always get through the first time?
The psalmist knew that God had come to his rescue plenty of times in the past, so he prayed with confidence knowing that God would indeed listen to his prayer again and answer him.
Faithful Christian, you, too, can call upon the name of the Lord with confidence through Jesus Christ. He’s there for you! Remember how the Lord has delivered you in past distress. Know that God has set you apart for Himself. His attention and affections are set on you! He loves you more than you’ll ever know! The light of His face is shining upon you! And He’ll answer your desperate cry on the first ring.
Ever notice how hard it is to get connected with a live person when you have to call the phone company or nearly any other corporation these days? Isn’t that frustrating?! It seems like you spend the first ten minutes answering automated questions as they try to route your call to the right department. Then if you make it through that maze you have to wait on hold for the next available representative, who they say will be with you shortly, but you know you have plenty of time to grab lunch and get back before they answer.
Aren’t you glad that God doesn’t put you on hold when you call upon His name? Aren’t you glad that He doesn’t force you to navigate through a maze of automated instructions before answering? Aren’t you glad that His line is never busy, and that you always get through the first time?
The psalmist knew that God had come to his rescue plenty of times in the past, so he prayed with confidence knowing that God would indeed listen to his prayer again and answer him.
Faithful Christian, you, too, can call upon the name of the Lord with confidence through Jesus Christ. He’s there for you! Remember how the Lord has delivered you in past distress. Know that God has set you apart for Himself. His attention and affections are set on you! He loves you more than you’ll ever know! The light of His face is shining upon you! And He’ll answer your desperate cry on the first ring.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Remarkable Faith in Terrifying Times (Psalm 3)
Psalm 3
If troubling and distressing circumstances seem to have you surrounded, welcome to David’s world. In Psalm 3, David’s foes include his very own son and a host of traitors with him who are taunting him and wanting to take his life. The temptation for David would be to abandon faith in God and to fret uncontrollably over the danger.
But David displays remarkable faith in terrifying times. His confidence in the Lord remains steadfast though his enemies are raging against him. David resolutely trusts in the protection and power of the Lord to whom he calls with expectation for salvation.
The Lord is his shield, his glory and the lifter of his head. Why then should he be afraid of the many thousands who have him surrounded when the Lord is on his side? David even managed to get a good night’s sleep knowing that God heard his prayer and would come to his deliverance.
Friend, why should we fret and worry and fear when the Lord is our shield, our glory and the lifter of our heads? Yes, the threats are real, the danger is real and the situation is beyond our control. But, salvation belongs to the Lord! Lift your heart to heaven, cry to Him for help, and get a good night’s sleep.
If troubling and distressing circumstances seem to have you surrounded, welcome to David’s world. In Psalm 3, David’s foes include his very own son and a host of traitors with him who are taunting him and wanting to take his life. The temptation for David would be to abandon faith in God and to fret uncontrollably over the danger.
But David displays remarkable faith in terrifying times. His confidence in the Lord remains steadfast though his enemies are raging against him. David resolutely trusts in the protection and power of the Lord to whom he calls with expectation for salvation.
The Lord is his shield, his glory and the lifter of his head. Why then should he be afraid of the many thousands who have him surrounded when the Lord is on his side? David even managed to get a good night’s sleep knowing that God heard his prayer and would come to his deliverance.
Friend, why should we fret and worry and fear when the Lord is our shield, our glory and the lifter of our heads? Yes, the threats are real, the danger is real and the situation is beyond our control. But, salvation belongs to the Lord! Lift your heart to heaven, cry to Him for help, and get a good night’s sleep.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Trusting in the King of Kings (Psalm 2)
Psalm 2
How foolish it is for even the most powerful rulers in this world to fight against the Almighty King in heaven.
This Psalm reminds us of the sovereignty of our God who sits enthroned on high, His authority, His power, His justice and His salvation. Those who rebel against Him are like a feeble band of sheep assembling themselves together to fight a pack of lions. They don’t stand a chance.
Indeed, God’s Chosen King, the Holy and Anointed One who is the King of all kings and Lord of all lords, will rule victoriously over all the kingdoms of the earth! He is the Son who has become heir of all things and ruler of all nations. He is Jesus, the radiance of God’s glory, the image of the invisible God, the One who has created and sustains all things by the word of His power. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and He will snap His enemies’ mightiest weapons of war into pieces like rotting twigs.
God is not threatened in the least by the most devious and malicious schemes of man. Neither should we. Our trust is in the King of kings. He has the final and ultimate say. His kingdom will prevail, and we are richly blessed and eternally secure by taking refuge in Him.
How foolish it is for even the most powerful rulers in this world to fight against the Almighty King in heaven.
This Psalm reminds us of the sovereignty of our God who sits enthroned on high, His authority, His power, His justice and His salvation. Those who rebel against Him are like a feeble band of sheep assembling themselves together to fight a pack of lions. They don’t stand a chance.
Indeed, God’s Chosen King, the Holy and Anointed One who is the King of all kings and Lord of all lords, will rule victoriously over all the kingdoms of the earth! He is the Son who has become heir of all things and ruler of all nations. He is Jesus, the radiance of God’s glory, the image of the invisible God, the One who has created and sustains all things by the word of His power. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and He will snap His enemies’ mightiest weapons of war into pieces like rotting twigs.
God is not threatened in the least by the most devious and malicious schemes of man. Neither should we. Our trust is in the King of kings. He has the final and ultimate say. His kingdom will prevail, and we are richly blessed and eternally secure by taking refuge in Him.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Starting Fresh (Psalm 1)
Psalm 1
Are you ready and willing for God to start a fresh work of trust and obedience in your life this year? Would you like for Him to bless you with greater joy and sweeter peace, and to make you more useful and more fruitful for His glory?
This Psalm offers a telling description of the man who lifts his heart to heaven and receives God’s abundant and eternal blessings, while warning the wicked of God’s judgment.
Stated negatively first, such blessing comes to the one who does not pursue the ways of the ungodly world. He does not follow the foolish advice of godless people. He does not share the mindset of those who reject God’s commands.
Instead, the one who receives the blessings of the Lord finds his delight in the Word of God. To him the words of Scripture are treasures far more valuable than silver or gold. The words of God taste sweeter than honey, for they provide flawless counsel, they guide in the way of truth, illuminate the path of righteousness and unfold the revelation of God’s salvation in the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. They are truly words of joy and delight to all who seek God.
If you want this to be the year you find a truer and greater happiness than you’ve ever known before, lift your heart to heaven in 2011, starting fresh by soaking day and night in the Word of God.
Are you ready and willing for God to start a fresh work of trust and obedience in your life this year? Would you like for Him to bless you with greater joy and sweeter peace, and to make you more useful and more fruitful for His glory?
This Psalm offers a telling description of the man who lifts his heart to heaven and receives God’s abundant and eternal blessings, while warning the wicked of God’s judgment.
Stated negatively first, such blessing comes to the one who does not pursue the ways of the ungodly world. He does not follow the foolish advice of godless people. He does not share the mindset of those who reject God’s commands.
Instead, the one who receives the blessings of the Lord finds his delight in the Word of God. To him the words of Scripture are treasures far more valuable than silver or gold. The words of God taste sweeter than honey, for they provide flawless counsel, they guide in the way of truth, illuminate the path of righteousness and unfold the revelation of God’s salvation in the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. They are truly words of joy and delight to all who seek God.
If you want this to be the year you find a truer and greater happiness than you’ve ever known before, lift your heart to heaven in 2011, starting fresh by soaking day and night in the Word of God.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Hearts to Heaven Introduction
This is the online version of Hearts to Heaven in 2011: 31 Devotions for Meditation and Worship in the Psalms. I plan to post each day's reading at 6:00 a.m. beginning January 1 through January 31. Thanks for following along.
"To You, O Lord, I lift my soul..." (Psalm 25:1)
For Ridgway First Baptist Church [and the extended online community], to the glory of God the Father...
Let me invite you to embark with me upon a 31-day journey through the first 31 chapters in the Psalms. I can’t think of a better way to start the New Year than by immersing ourselves in the Word of God. The psalms serve as good entry point, urging us to lift our hearts to heaven while we walk through the unknown, uncertain and often unsettling days on earth.
This guide is meant to assist you in reading the psalms each day. It’s not a replacement for reading the Bible! You will find some commentary, some application, some devotional stuff and some suggestions for further study.
I want to encourage you to really meditate upon the psalms. We often read the Bible just to “get through” a portion so that we can check the box that says, “I Read My Bible Today.” Slow down. Take time to absorb what you read. Realize that Almighty God reveals Himself in His Word and wants to conform you more into the image of His Son, Jesus. Talk honestly with God through each passage. Listen carefully. Let the Holy Spirit press home what needs pressing! Come humbly, hungry, willing to learn and willing to change.
And worship the Lord! Worship results as we trust God and put His Word into practice, as we praise Him and give Him thanks. Reading and knowing His truth is one thing. Responding rightly is another, and it’s called worship.
May the Lord lift our hearts to heaven in 2011!
Rob Gallion
"To You, O Lord, I lift my soul..." (Psalm 25:1)
For Ridgway First Baptist Church [and the extended online community], to the glory of God the Father...
Let me invite you to embark with me upon a 31-day journey through the first 31 chapters in the Psalms. I can’t think of a better way to start the New Year than by immersing ourselves in the Word of God. The psalms serve as good entry point, urging us to lift our hearts to heaven while we walk through the unknown, uncertain and often unsettling days on earth.
This guide is meant to assist you in reading the psalms each day. It’s not a replacement for reading the Bible! You will find some commentary, some application, some devotional stuff and some suggestions for further study.
I want to encourage you to really meditate upon the psalms. We often read the Bible just to “get through” a portion so that we can check the box that says, “I Read My Bible Today.” Slow down. Take time to absorb what you read. Realize that Almighty God reveals Himself in His Word and wants to conform you more into the image of His Son, Jesus. Talk honestly with God through each passage. Listen carefully. Let the Holy Spirit press home what needs pressing! Come humbly, hungry, willing to learn and willing to change.
And worship the Lord! Worship results as we trust God and put His Word into practice, as we praise Him and give Him thanks. Reading and knowing His truth is one thing. Responding rightly is another, and it’s called worship.
May the Lord lift our hearts to heaven in 2011!
Rob Gallion
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Hearts to Heaven in 2011
Lord willing, by the first of the year I will have a 2011 devotions in the Psalms project printed and ready to give away. My intent is to encourage you to start the New Year by getting into the Word of God, or rather, by getting the Word of God into you!
I think about the story of Joshua taking on the leadership role in Israel upon Moses’ death. This would be for him a new venture, an overwhelming one, no doubt. After 40 years of suffering in the wilderness for their unbelief, the nation was now ready to move forward and claim the land God had promised Israel long ago.
It was a new day, a new opportunity. New challenges would arise, new problems to overcome, new decisions to make and new directions to take. The past was behind them, the future wide open. Much like the dawning of a New Year.
What new opportunities will 2011 bring? What new challenges will you face? What new decisions will you have to make? What new directions might you take? Year 2010 is nearly gone. For some, you bid it a fond farewell. For others, you’re glad to see it go. Who knows what 2011 will be?
One thing’s for sure: Joshua needed help. To face the new day, to face the unknown, and to face what would have seemed impossible, he would need divine help. Yes, the Lord had promised He would give them this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. It was indeed a beautiful land. Would you have expected anything less from a gracious and sovereign God?
But, there were nations occupying the territory. Some of the inhabitants were giants. Their cities were large and fortified. You don’t just walk in and tell the people to move because God said this land now belongs to you. “So, you see, all you need to do is sign on the dotted line, pack up your things and calmly leave the country, and we’ll take over from here, thank you very much.” No, conquering this land would not be easy, and would not be possible without the power of the Lord.
On a side note, the Canaanites living there at the time were notorious for their moral and spiritual bankruptcy. Records on stone tablets reveal practices of brutality, corruption, infant sacrifice, serpent worship and male and female prostitution. The Bible clearly states that God was using Israel as His instrument of divine judgment against the peoples of this land. Deuteronomy 9:5 makes this plain: “It is not because of your righteousness or integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness of these nations, the Lord your God will drive them out before you…”
So the Lord had a word for Joshua as he prepared to meet the new day. It was a message of promise and encouragement along with a challenge. The promise was that God would give him and the nation of Israel the land – every place where they would set their feet – and that God Himself would be with Joshua as He was with Moses, never leaving and never forsaking him.
The encouragement was to be strong and courageous. Three times in four verses (Joshua 1:6-9) the Lord tells Joshua, “Be strong and courageous.” There was no need to be afraid nor discouraged. God would be with him wherever he went.
The challenge was to obey the Word of God. The Lord told Joshua to be careful to obey all of it, and not turn to the right or to the left. He told him to meditate on the “Book of the Law” day and night, never letting its truth depart from his mouth, so that he would be careful to do everything written in it. Then, God said, when the Word of God got into him he would be prosperous and successful.
Friend, if you desire a prosperous and successful New Year (using God’s greater definitions of prosperous and successful), if you want to be ready to face whatever unknowns, whatever giants, whatever opportunities or problems may abound, then I would urge you to get into the Word of God. Meditate on it day and night, and be careful to obey it fully.
If you don’t have a clue where or how to start, then stop by and pick up a free copy of “Hearts To Heaven in 2011: 31 Devotions for Meditation and Worship in the Psalms.” I'll also try to post each day's reading right here on this blog throughout January. Hope you have a happy New Year in the Lord!
I think about the story of Joshua taking on the leadership role in Israel upon Moses’ death. This would be for him a new venture, an overwhelming one, no doubt. After 40 years of suffering in the wilderness for their unbelief, the nation was now ready to move forward and claim the land God had promised Israel long ago.
It was a new day, a new opportunity. New challenges would arise, new problems to overcome, new decisions to make and new directions to take. The past was behind them, the future wide open. Much like the dawning of a New Year.
What new opportunities will 2011 bring? What new challenges will you face? What new decisions will you have to make? What new directions might you take? Year 2010 is nearly gone. For some, you bid it a fond farewell. For others, you’re glad to see it go. Who knows what 2011 will be?
One thing’s for sure: Joshua needed help. To face the new day, to face the unknown, and to face what would have seemed impossible, he would need divine help. Yes, the Lord had promised He would give them this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. It was indeed a beautiful land. Would you have expected anything less from a gracious and sovereign God?
But, there were nations occupying the territory. Some of the inhabitants were giants. Their cities were large and fortified. You don’t just walk in and tell the people to move because God said this land now belongs to you. “So, you see, all you need to do is sign on the dotted line, pack up your things and calmly leave the country, and we’ll take over from here, thank you very much.” No, conquering this land would not be easy, and would not be possible without the power of the Lord.
On a side note, the Canaanites living there at the time were notorious for their moral and spiritual bankruptcy. Records on stone tablets reveal practices of brutality, corruption, infant sacrifice, serpent worship and male and female prostitution. The Bible clearly states that God was using Israel as His instrument of divine judgment against the peoples of this land. Deuteronomy 9:5 makes this plain: “It is not because of your righteousness or integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness of these nations, the Lord your God will drive them out before you…”
So the Lord had a word for Joshua as he prepared to meet the new day. It was a message of promise and encouragement along with a challenge. The promise was that God would give him and the nation of Israel the land – every place where they would set their feet – and that God Himself would be with Joshua as He was with Moses, never leaving and never forsaking him.
The encouragement was to be strong and courageous. Three times in four verses (Joshua 1:6-9) the Lord tells Joshua, “Be strong and courageous.” There was no need to be afraid nor discouraged. God would be with him wherever he went.
The challenge was to obey the Word of God. The Lord told Joshua to be careful to obey all of it, and not turn to the right or to the left. He told him to meditate on the “Book of the Law” day and night, never letting its truth depart from his mouth, so that he would be careful to do everything written in it. Then, God said, when the Word of God got into him he would be prosperous and successful.
Friend, if you desire a prosperous and successful New Year (using God’s greater definitions of prosperous and successful), if you want to be ready to face whatever unknowns, whatever giants, whatever opportunities or problems may abound, then I would urge you to get into the Word of God. Meditate on it day and night, and be careful to obey it fully.
If you don’t have a clue where or how to start, then stop by and pick up a free copy of “Hearts To Heaven in 2011: 31 Devotions for Meditation and Worship in the Psalms.” I'll also try to post each day's reading right here on this blog throughout January. Hope you have a happy New Year in the Lord!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
The Greatest Story Ever Told
There are so many captivating storylines that go with the narrative surrounding Jesus’ birth. Some miraculous, some mysterious, some inspiring, some amusing. Some dramatic, some ironic, some delightful, some heart-breaking.
I find myself reading the story and wishing that the gospel writers would have provided a little more detail to clear up certain scenes. But then sometimes a little holy imagination can go a long way.
Think about the conversation that Mary would have had with Joseph, the one where she tells him that she’s pregnant. “Joseph, dear, are you sitting down? I have some news to share with you…” Obviously he knows it’s not his baby. An angel visit? A virgin conceiving? No way! Joseph watched the film about that stuff in 5th grade; he knew how these things work.
Then there’s the part about when Mary goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Remember Elizabeth? She’s the mother of John the Baptist, whose pregnancy was also miraculous. She was way past her prime when the angel told her husband, Zechariah, that this couple would bear a son who would make ready for the Lord a people prepared.
Anyway, she’s in the last trimester of her pregnancy when Mary, who has just found out that she’s carrying the Savior of the world, comes to visit. Here’s the part I love: when Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting, the baby in her womb leaps for joy! Somehow there’s this supernatural spiritual connection between these unborn children in the wombs of their mothers, and the result is great joy.
And I think about the scene in which Joseph and Mary are preparing to travel to Bethlehem for this census. Mary’s just about to pop (I mean that in a delicate way) and now her husband-to-be wants to take her on this cross-country trip in the family mini-van? Wait, they didn’t even have vehicles back then. They’d be walking? Hiking up and down mountainous terrain? Maybe she’s riding on a donkey, but is that any better than walking?
And seriously, Mary’s father allows her to go? If I would have tried to take my wife on such a journey when she’s nine months along, my father-in-law would have politely suggested I not. On the other hand, perhaps Mary insisted on going with Joseph. Maybe she knew of Micah’s prophesy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem and that this was all God’s providence to fulfill it.
You want to talk drama? Look at Herod, the drama king. These wise men roll into town causing no little commotion. They start asking people in Jerusalem where the King of the Jews was to be born. Herod hears of it and whines to himself, “Wait a minute! I’m the king around here!” But he obliges these strange visitors and directs them to Bethlehem.
The story continues with Herod telling the wise men to report back to him when they’ve found Him, so that he, too, may go and (wink, wink) “worship” Him. Of course the wise men are warned in a dream to avoid Herod like the plague, so they take the back roads home. Herod finds out he’s been had, gets furious and orders every baby boy under two years old in Bethlehem to be killed.
Meanwhile, an angel of the Lord has appeared to Joseph in a dream and tells him to take the baby and Mary on the next flight to Egypt.
So many sub-plots and twists and turns and adventures! I don’t have room to tell about Simeon or Anna or the shepherds or the people that argued with a mute Zechariah about what to name his baby. I wish I could tell you about the blindness of all the religious leaders in Jerusalem who figured out from the Scriptures where the Messiah would be born, but would only smile and wave as these foreigners went to worship the very One they were waiting for!
I don’t know all the details of all the stories, but of this I’m sure: every account points to the redemptive plan of God the Father through Jesus Christ the Son. We needed a Savior, and God made good on His promise to save us. He brought it all about perfectly, in His way, in His time, fulfilling every prophecy and thrilling the hearts of every man, woman, boy and girl who finds the true joy and peace and hope and love of Christmas not in presents nor eggnog nor tinsel nor lights, but in the Light of the world, Jesus our salvation, the greatest gift of all, Immanuel, God with us.
I find myself reading the story and wishing that the gospel writers would have provided a little more detail to clear up certain scenes. But then sometimes a little holy imagination can go a long way.
Think about the conversation that Mary would have had with Joseph, the one where she tells him that she’s pregnant. “Joseph, dear, are you sitting down? I have some news to share with you…” Obviously he knows it’s not his baby. An angel visit? A virgin conceiving? No way! Joseph watched the film about that stuff in 5th grade; he knew how these things work.
Then there’s the part about when Mary goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Remember Elizabeth? She’s the mother of John the Baptist, whose pregnancy was also miraculous. She was way past her prime when the angel told her husband, Zechariah, that this couple would bear a son who would make ready for the Lord a people prepared.
Anyway, she’s in the last trimester of her pregnancy when Mary, who has just found out that she’s carrying the Savior of the world, comes to visit. Here’s the part I love: when Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting, the baby in her womb leaps for joy! Somehow there’s this supernatural spiritual connection between these unborn children in the wombs of their mothers, and the result is great joy.
And I think about the scene in which Joseph and Mary are preparing to travel to Bethlehem for this census. Mary’s just about to pop (I mean that in a delicate way) and now her husband-to-be wants to take her on this cross-country trip in the family mini-van? Wait, they didn’t even have vehicles back then. They’d be walking? Hiking up and down mountainous terrain? Maybe she’s riding on a donkey, but is that any better than walking?
And seriously, Mary’s father allows her to go? If I would have tried to take my wife on such a journey when she’s nine months along, my father-in-law would have politely suggested I not. On the other hand, perhaps Mary insisted on going with Joseph. Maybe she knew of Micah’s prophesy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem and that this was all God’s providence to fulfill it.
You want to talk drama? Look at Herod, the drama king. These wise men roll into town causing no little commotion. They start asking people in Jerusalem where the King of the Jews was to be born. Herod hears of it and whines to himself, “Wait a minute! I’m the king around here!” But he obliges these strange visitors and directs them to Bethlehem.
The story continues with Herod telling the wise men to report back to him when they’ve found Him, so that he, too, may go and (wink, wink) “worship” Him. Of course the wise men are warned in a dream to avoid Herod like the plague, so they take the back roads home. Herod finds out he’s been had, gets furious and orders every baby boy under two years old in Bethlehem to be killed.
Meanwhile, an angel of the Lord has appeared to Joseph in a dream and tells him to take the baby and Mary on the next flight to Egypt.
So many sub-plots and twists and turns and adventures! I don’t have room to tell about Simeon or Anna or the shepherds or the people that argued with a mute Zechariah about what to name his baby. I wish I could tell you about the blindness of all the religious leaders in Jerusalem who figured out from the Scriptures where the Messiah would be born, but would only smile and wave as these foreigners went to worship the very One they were waiting for!
I don’t know all the details of all the stories, but of this I’m sure: every account points to the redemptive plan of God the Father through Jesus Christ the Son. We needed a Savior, and God made good on His promise to save us. He brought it all about perfectly, in His way, in His time, fulfilling every prophecy and thrilling the hearts of every man, woman, boy and girl who finds the true joy and peace and hope and love of Christmas not in presents nor eggnog nor tinsel nor lights, but in the Light of the world, Jesus our salvation, the greatest gift of all, Immanuel, God with us.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
There's Your Christmas Joy, Mr. Grinch
The Grinch, of course, is an ugly green-bodied, red-eyed sort-of-cat creature who lives in a cave on the top of Mt. Crumpit. He’s bitter, hateful, jealous and lonely. From his humble dwelling place he can hear the happy sounds of Christmas from the residents far below in Whoville – and he’s not happy about it.
So The Grinch makes plans to steal their presents, their decorations and even their Christmas hams, and does so successfully under the guise of Santa himself, hoping to keep Christmas from coming. Indeed, “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch.”
But no matter how mean he’s been or what evil he’s done, The Grinch can’t stop Christmas. He soon realizes that there’s more to Christmas than lights and presents. In the end, his heart which began “two sizes too small” grows three sizes, and he returns the stolen goods and is welcomed into the Whoville community warmly.
I know the Christmas season can very easily become a joyless burden for some. Maybe you wish you could hibernate all December and come back out when it’s over. Maybe the happy sounds of others just rubs you the wrong way. Perhaps the inglorious over-commercialization of Christmas and all the office parties and family get-togethers and crowded malls and over-done Christmas song remixes on the radio are nearly enough to make you wish that Christmas would just go away.
In some ways, I agree. Who can argue that our culture has certainly created a commercial event that greatly distracts from the very reason Christmas is celebrated?
My family and I went to Carmi last weekend to see “Bethlehem Revisited.” It’s a re-enactment of the village life of Bethlehem 2,000 years ago. You see the Jewish people buying and selling goods at the market, baking bread, weaving blankets, building stuff, tending sheep and goats and otherwise engaged in their daily activities. The Romans, who controlled the region, enlist their soldiers to enforce the law and keep the peace. There’s quite a lot of “hustle and bustle” going on in this little village.
As you’re walking out, however, you pass by a small stable where the animals would be kept. On this night a young couple occupies the stall. It’s quiet. And you notice the woman holding a baby. He looks like a newborn child. No doctors, no bright lights, no crib except a manger. It feels reverent. Like a holy night. The young woman cradles her baby and seems to radiate with an inner joy. The young man stands silently nearby and marvels at this sight. It was a moment of worship. Our youngest son, Toby, said that was his favorite part. It was mine, too.
And there’s the Christmas joy you’re looking for, Mr. Grinch. His name is Jesus. He is called Immanuel, which means, “God with us.” He came as a gift of love to mankind from the Father above. “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” He came so that we who are sinners by nature and by choice might be forgiven and made clean in the sight of Almighty God. He came so that we who were hostile to God through our sinful natures might become His beloved adopted children. He came so that we who are unable to do anything to earn our own salvation from the wages of our sin (which is death and hell), might receive the mercy and grace of our God through faith in Christ Jesus His Son.
This baby, Jesus, who existed with God from the beginning, and indeed was God in the Trinity, became flesh and dwelt among us. He lived a perfectly obedient life to the Father on earth and became the perfect sinless atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world when He suffered and bled and died upon the cross of Calvary. And He became the victor over death by His resurrection victory on the third day, when He conquered sin and death forevermore. His appearing means peace with God, abundant and eternal life, and unspeakable joy to all who receive Him as Savior and Lord by faith.
If you’re feeling more Grinch-like than you’d care for this Christmas, take your focus off the hustle and bustle of the season and be captivated by the simple truth of Jesus. And come worship with us this Sunday, Dec. 19, at 10:40 a.m. for a special Christmas music worship celebration. We’d love to see you there.
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