I don’t know anyone who detailed a car after they rented it. Nor do I know anyone who remodeled their apartment after they signed the lease for it. If I did hear of someone who did such a thing, I would have a few names for them that I choose not to reveal. The only reason why I would be hesitant to “pass judgment” on them is because I treat some of my possessions as if they belonged to me for all of eternity.
In the midst of life’s pursuits, Jesus reminds us, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19). As absurd as the picture painted above, Jesus is reducing the material things that we value as rubbish. And if we apply Jesus’ words to things that we prize greatly, His words are highly offensive. But Jesus wants us to take His words seriously—so that we can assess the condition of our heart, our relationship to God, and how it relates to our final destination.
In an interview several years ago, I like what funnyman Tim Allen, the star of “Home Improvement” had to say concerning his life. Allen said, “In these last couple of years I don’t sweat the small stuff. I realize that you don’t take a U-Haul behind your hearse.”
Tim Allen’s words paint yet another hilarious image, yet if we ponder its relevance in our lives, it might turn into a sobering and grave thought.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Monday, January 2, 2012
I Can Do All Things
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) has been my mantra throughout most of my Christian walk. I have my eyes fixed on this verse when I face huge obstacles and impossible situations. I also remind myself of this verse as I leave my “prayer closet” to face a normal day.
However, the reality of Paul’s statement has been sobering. There have been times when I’ve been kicked in my teeth and wondered what went wrong, only to discover that I had put a period after, “I can do all things.” Other times when the inconceivable occurs, I am reminded of another verse, that echoes Philippians 4:13, and that is, God is “able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work in us” (Ephesians 4:20).
These days I contemplate the Philippians statement in its immediate context. In the verses that immediately precede verse 13, Paul talks about contentment. Paul says,
Then Paul concludes,
This paints a whole different picture of God’s power that should be at work in me. It’s not just about accomplishing tasks, overcoming obstacles, or doing something extraordinary. It is about being okay in the situation I’m in—not because it’s fair or unfair. And it’s certainly not about my comfort or discomfort. But it’s because His presence in my life (vs. 5, 9) which enables me to stand (3:21-4:1). This should satisfy me. This is the power and work of God.
Me thinks that I like the way Paul thinks better than the way I think.
However, the reality of Paul’s statement has been sobering. There have been times when I’ve been kicked in my teeth and wondered what went wrong, only to discover that I had put a period after, “I can do all things.” Other times when the inconceivable occurs, I am reminded of another verse, that echoes Philippians 4:13, and that is, God is “able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work in us” (Ephesians 4:20).
These days I contemplate the Philippians statement in its immediate context. In the verses that immediately precede verse 13, Paul talks about contentment. Paul says,
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Then Paul concludes,
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
This paints a whole different picture of God’s power that should be at work in me. It’s not just about accomplishing tasks, overcoming obstacles, or doing something extraordinary. It is about being okay in the situation I’m in—not because it’s fair or unfair. And it’s certainly not about my comfort or discomfort. But it’s because His presence in my life (vs. 5, 9) which enables me to stand (3:21-4:1). This should satisfy me. This is the power and work of God.
Me thinks that I like the way Paul thinks better than the way I think.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Resolution
I think that it was R. C. Sproul that said that there are no maverick molecules in the universe. I don’t know the context of this statement, but it must have something to do with the idea that God holds ALL thing together (Colossians 1:17).
It is mind boggling to try and imagine a God that knows how many atoms there are in the universe and that He places each of them exactly where He wants them to be. But then again, Scripture does tell us that God put each star in place (Psalms 8:3) and has a name for each one (Psalms 147:4). The Bible also tells us that a bird cannot fall to the ground without His knowledge (Matthew 10:29) and that He knows how many hairs on our head (Luke 12:7—try multiplying that by 7 billion!). On top of that, He sees our every action (Proverbs 5:21), knows our every thought (Luke 16:15) and even our every motive (Proverbs 16:2)!
It is also a hard thing to wrap our minds around the thought that God is involved with “bad” things that happen in this world, especially to seemingly innocent people. But there is overwhelming evidence that He is! God foreknew that the Israelites would be slaves (Genesis 15:13-14), God sent a storm Jonah’s way (Jonah 1:4), He consented to Job’s suffering (Job 1-2), and not only did He stand by and watch His very own Son’s murder, but it was His Will that His Son die (Isaiah 53:10).
What is equally astonishing and fascinating is that just as the human body, solar system, and everything in nature is so intricately woven together by Him, He also knits the Bible together in a similar fashion. We may have difficulty “connecting the dots” and seeing the bigger picture because the Bible is filled with allusions, symbolism, metaphors, shadows, comparisons, and contrasts and quite often, the Bible does not take the time to explain itself or inform us as to what literary device it is using. On the other hand, we may be suffering from myopia, seeing that the Bible is “spiritually discerned.” I mean, I would have never known that “the rock” followed the Israelites around in the desert, nor would I have figured out that this rock was Jesus (I Corinthians 10:4) if the Apostle Paul didn’t tell us.
In all the awe and awesomeness of God, I think that God wants everyone to know one thing. This “one thing” links everything together—God, the universe, life, nature, mankind, and the Bible. This “One Thing” is the Person of Jesus Christ because He is the voice and embodiment of God (Hebrews 1:1-3). This is why Peter claims that EVERYTHING we need that pertains to life and godliness (or God) can be found in Jesus (II Peter 1:3). He is so profound that even the angels watch with curiosity and fascination how Jesus’ life and death affected and still affects the world (I Peter 1:10-12).
This is the time of the year that many people remember the details–even the microscopic ones of Jesus’ advent into the world. As I reflect on Jesus’ entrance into human history, I’m also looking around at our world, watching how everything seems to be falling into place (not apart), and am reminded that His return is imminent. As I look forward to the New Year, I am compelled to be serious, diligent, and vigilant in preparing myself to receive Him again.
It is mind boggling to try and imagine a God that knows how many atoms there are in the universe and that He places each of them exactly where He wants them to be. But then again, Scripture does tell us that God put each star in place (Psalms 8:3) and has a name for each one (Psalms 147:4). The Bible also tells us that a bird cannot fall to the ground without His knowledge (Matthew 10:29) and that He knows how many hairs on our head (Luke 12:7—try multiplying that by 7 billion!). On top of that, He sees our every action (Proverbs 5:21), knows our every thought (Luke 16:15) and even our every motive (Proverbs 16:2)!
It is also a hard thing to wrap our minds around the thought that God is involved with “bad” things that happen in this world, especially to seemingly innocent people. But there is overwhelming evidence that He is! God foreknew that the Israelites would be slaves (Genesis 15:13-14), God sent a storm Jonah’s way (Jonah 1:4), He consented to Job’s suffering (Job 1-2), and not only did He stand by and watch His very own Son’s murder, but it was His Will that His Son die (Isaiah 53:10).
What is equally astonishing and fascinating is that just as the human body, solar system, and everything in nature is so intricately woven together by Him, He also knits the Bible together in a similar fashion. We may have difficulty “connecting the dots” and seeing the bigger picture because the Bible is filled with allusions, symbolism, metaphors, shadows, comparisons, and contrasts and quite often, the Bible does not take the time to explain itself or inform us as to what literary device it is using. On the other hand, we may be suffering from myopia, seeing that the Bible is “spiritually discerned.” I mean, I would have never known that “the rock” followed the Israelites around in the desert, nor would I have figured out that this rock was Jesus (I Corinthians 10:4) if the Apostle Paul didn’t tell us.
In all the awe and awesomeness of God, I think that God wants everyone to know one thing. This “one thing” links everything together—God, the universe, life, nature, mankind, and the Bible. This “One Thing” is the Person of Jesus Christ because He is the voice and embodiment of God (Hebrews 1:1-3). This is why Peter claims that EVERYTHING we need that pertains to life and godliness (or God) can be found in Jesus (II Peter 1:3). He is so profound that even the angels watch with curiosity and fascination how Jesus’ life and death affected and still affects the world (I Peter 1:10-12).
This is the time of the year that many people remember the details–even the microscopic ones of Jesus’ advent into the world. As I reflect on Jesus’ entrance into human history, I’m also looking around at our world, watching how everything seems to be falling into place (not apart), and am reminded that His return is imminent. As I look forward to the New Year, I am compelled to be serious, diligent, and vigilant in preparing myself to receive Him again.
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