Christians and the News about Bin Laden
Newscasts are consumed with the recent killing of Bin Laden and the television crews quickly broadcast the celebration at the White House. Facebook and Twitter had record posts and the sentiments of many were sheer delight and elation. Others were uncomfortable with such rejoicing over the death of any human, even if he was clearly an evil terrorist. What should be the response of believers?
This is a tough subject. I am certain that I do not have all of the answers but let me offer some things to think about it. At first glance I think there are two distinctions that need to be made.
1. The distinction between God and humanity. God is the judge and we are not.
2. The distinction between personal revenge and civil responsibility. It is not for us to mete out justice but God does have ordained entities, called to carry it out.
These comments are not exhaustive and I am sure there are some holes in my reasoning. But hopefully it will provide a lens through which we can reflect on the events of these last few hours.
God and humanity are distinct. He is perfect and holy and is the judge of all the earth and according to Genesis 18:25, “always does what is right.” Deuteronomy 32:3, 4 says His work is “perfect” and “all of His ways are just.” Psalm 145:17 echoes that when it notes, “The LORD is righteous in all His ways and holy in all His works.” Jeremiah 50:7 says that the Lord is “the habitation of justice” and Psalm 89:14 declares that “justice and judgment are the habitation of His throne.” We, however, are neither holy nor just and therefore we cannot engage the enterprise of executing judgment.
Personal revenge and civil responsibility are also distinct. Everything God does is just and right. That does not mean we understand it, but it is just, that is in step with His entire character of love, mercy, truth, and righteousness. We, however, are not holy, pure, undefiled, just, or righteous and the list goes on and on. That is why God has not given us the right to execute justice. We are not to avenge evil ourselves. God has instead chosen civil authorities to do that. When someone murders another, it is not right of the relative of that person to get revenge. God does, however, bring that person to justice for their crime but through the entity of civil government. See Romans 12 below.
Romans 12:14-21
Bless those who persecute]you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. "BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Clearly, it is not our job to get revenge! But read on in chapter 13 of Romans.
Romans 13:1-4
Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.
Civil authorities are “ministers of God” to execute His justice and bring wrath on those who practice evil. The USA Navy seals did just that this weekend on Osama Bin Laden. Not personal revenge, but they executed, as ministers of God, the justice of God.
By the way,…this is why it is so important that we do not dismiss the Word of God as that upon which we base our laws. If we throw out Scripture, who will determine what is good and evil?
Part of the character and nature of God is that He is just. He should be praised for that and every other attribute of His character, including love, mercy, and truth. He should be praised for who He is. Our praise today, the day after the Bin Laden announcement, should be God-directed and should emerge from hearts that recognize that the God we worship is just and deserving of our praise. We should rejoice in the fact that His truth and righteousness have been clearly manifest. But, we must also do so with reverence and thanksgiving, cognizant that only because we have placed our trust in Christ, who on Calvary took our judgment, are we free from that condemnation and judgment.
Divine justice was served when Bin Laden was executed. Justice was also served when the wrath of God was poured out on Jesus for us. We rejoice in Christ’s death, not because death is lovely, but because His death was an act of a just God who does everything right.
Certainly there is much more but may we at least reflect upon these truths in these difficult and perplexing days.
Pastor Kevin
Monday, May 2, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
A Call for Wisdom
In the opening proverb of Solomon’s collection of wisdom sayings, a striking and provocative image of wisdom emerges. Wisdom personified, which is revealed as a person, is seen shouting in the streets, lifting her voice in the town square, and crying aloud at the city gate. Wisdom is calling out to the “naïve ones” asking “how long will you love being simple minded?” (Proverbs 1:22) Even more chilling is the prophetic pronouncement leveled at the self-proclaimed, wise scoffer, “because I called you and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention; and you neglected all my counsel and did not want my reproof; I will also laugh at your calamity. I will mock when your dread comes…” (Proverbs 1:24-26)
This text speaks profoundly to the societal and cultural worldview of many of our leaders. They say that only those who “are bigoted, biased, or can’t think straight” would consider abortion, murder, or same-sex marriage as detrimental to society, and view pornography as a protected right rather than a destructive and perverted degradation of the divine plan for human sexuality. Wisdom has eluded all of society and will laugh as calamity comes.
Closer to home is the folly exercised in the modern church. The preaching of the Word has been exchanged for soft-stepping and ego-driven talks on success and prosperity, sin has been re-defined as weakness, worship has become a spectator sport submitted to Olympic-style judges whose grades are determined by ascetics, style, musical “tightness” and flair, and the call to live as people from another world has been hushed by a push to appear as much like the world as we can to maintain significance or leverage. This is our wisdom! True wisdom will laugh as calamity strikes the foolish church.
Today, like never before, the church needs the wisdom of God in powerful proportion. How may we find wisdom from above to turn us from the path of weak and impotent religion to a path of vibrant and effectual Kingdom living again? Four simple reminders will be helpful.
First, it begins by a return to a sincere and vital relationship with Christ, for “the fear of the Lord is the beginning (foundation) of (true) wisdom” (Proverbs 1:7). Management guru Steven Covey says “whatever is at the center of our life will be the source of our security, guidance, wisdom, and power.” Unless Christ is firmly established in the center of our lives, divine wisdom will elude us. Intimacy with Christ is the foundation for all true wisdom.
Second, the Word of the Lord will reveal divine wisdom. The Psalmist, speaking of the Law of the Lord, said it “makes wise, the simple” (Psalm 19:7). Relationship with Christ void of a relationship with His Word will leave us still worldly, and lacking in divine wisdom.
Third, the generosity of the Lord should give us great hope. James, after exhorting readers who lacked wisdom to “ask of God,-” reminded them that God will give to them liberally (James 1:5)! God is a generous giver, His mercy is new daily and never-ending, His grace super-abounds our sin, His faithfulness reaches to the heavens, and His love cannot be quenched. His meting out of wisdom to those who ask also comes in generous portions.
Finally, the reliability of divine wisdom can be trusted because it is anchored in the steadfastness of His character. James further notes that “every good and perfect gift,” including wisdom “cometh from above, from the Father of lights in Whom there is not variableness and shadow of turning” (James 1:17). Contrasted with the celestial lights (sun, moon, stars) over which the faithfulness of God stands firm and there is not even a slight turning in Him, His wisdom therefore is reliable and stands the test of time. May we turn again to Him, rooted in the Word and confident in both His generosity and faithfulness, and express our need and desire to experience His wisdom in a greater dimension than ever before!
This text speaks profoundly to the societal and cultural worldview of many of our leaders. They say that only those who “are bigoted, biased, or can’t think straight” would consider abortion, murder, or same-sex marriage as detrimental to society, and view pornography as a protected right rather than a destructive and perverted degradation of the divine plan for human sexuality. Wisdom has eluded all of society and will laugh as calamity comes.
Closer to home is the folly exercised in the modern church. The preaching of the Word has been exchanged for soft-stepping and ego-driven talks on success and prosperity, sin has been re-defined as weakness, worship has become a spectator sport submitted to Olympic-style judges whose grades are determined by ascetics, style, musical “tightness” and flair, and the call to live as people from another world has been hushed by a push to appear as much like the world as we can to maintain significance or leverage. This is our wisdom! True wisdom will laugh as calamity strikes the foolish church.
Today, like never before, the church needs the wisdom of God in powerful proportion. How may we find wisdom from above to turn us from the path of weak and impotent religion to a path of vibrant and effectual Kingdom living again? Four simple reminders will be helpful.
First, it begins by a return to a sincere and vital relationship with Christ, for “the fear of the Lord is the beginning (foundation) of (true) wisdom” (Proverbs 1:7). Management guru Steven Covey says “whatever is at the center of our life will be the source of our security, guidance, wisdom, and power.” Unless Christ is firmly established in the center of our lives, divine wisdom will elude us. Intimacy with Christ is the foundation for all true wisdom.
Second, the Word of the Lord will reveal divine wisdom. The Psalmist, speaking of the Law of the Lord, said it “makes wise, the simple” (Psalm 19:7). Relationship with Christ void of a relationship with His Word will leave us still worldly, and lacking in divine wisdom.
Third, the generosity of the Lord should give us great hope. James, after exhorting readers who lacked wisdom to “ask of God,-” reminded them that God will give to them liberally (James 1:5)! God is a generous giver, His mercy is new daily and never-ending, His grace super-abounds our sin, His faithfulness reaches to the heavens, and His love cannot be quenched. His meting out of wisdom to those who ask also comes in generous portions.
Finally, the reliability of divine wisdom can be trusted because it is anchored in the steadfastness of His character. James further notes that “every good and perfect gift,” including wisdom “cometh from above, from the Father of lights in Whom there is not variableness and shadow of turning” (James 1:17). Contrasted with the celestial lights (sun, moon, stars) over which the faithfulness of God stands firm and there is not even a slight turning in Him, His wisdom therefore is reliable and stands the test of time. May we turn again to Him, rooted in the Word and confident in both His generosity and faithfulness, and express our need and desire to experience His wisdom in a greater dimension than ever before!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The Godly Response of the Accused
One of the deepest and ugliest inclinations of the human nature is manifest when we are accused either wrongly or rightly. The way we handle such situations says much about our heart, faith, and spiritual maturity.
The life of David reveals beautifully what the godly response to accusation should be. When David was down, chased from his throne by his own disobedient son, his enemies seized the opportunity to further exasperate the reeling king. Shimei, the descendant of Saul and great antagonist of David, opposed David with cursing, accusation, and stone-throwing meant to bring harm. Abishai, David’s servant, sought permission from David to confront and take out Shimei. Not only did David refuse Abishai’s request, he noted the possibility of Shimei being an instrument of Yahweh and in so doing modeled the key characteristics of the godly when accused (2 Samuel 16:5-14).
First, we must retreat from those who only stroke our ego and try to insulate us from the criticism of others. It is comforting to have those like Abishai who have our backs and try to keep us from the accusation of others, but too often, they hinder us from spiritual growth. Second, we must listen to the Lord’s voice, even in our accusers. Perhaps, David thought God was teaching him something. Finally, we must entrust ourselves to the defense of the Lord, allow Him to be our vindication, and rest in the assurance that He is at work in our lives, making us to be like Him!
The life of David reveals beautifully what the godly response to accusation should be. When David was down, chased from his throne by his own disobedient son, his enemies seized the opportunity to further exasperate the reeling king. Shimei, the descendant of Saul and great antagonist of David, opposed David with cursing, accusation, and stone-throwing meant to bring harm. Abishai, David’s servant, sought permission from David to confront and take out Shimei. Not only did David refuse Abishai’s request, he noted the possibility of Shimei being an instrument of Yahweh and in so doing modeled the key characteristics of the godly when accused (2 Samuel 16:5-14).
First, we must retreat from those who only stroke our ego and try to insulate us from the criticism of others. It is comforting to have those like Abishai who have our backs and try to keep us from the accusation of others, but too often, they hinder us from spiritual growth. Second, we must listen to the Lord’s voice, even in our accusers. Perhaps, David thought God was teaching him something. Finally, we must entrust ourselves to the defense of the Lord, allow Him to be our vindication, and rest in the assurance that He is at work in our lives, making us to be like Him!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The Mess Called the Body of Christ
Life within the church is at times sheer-exhilaration but at other times treacherously problematic. Chuck Swindoll, in addressing the messiness of church life, once mused as he compared it to Noah’s ark, “the stench inside the ark would have been unbearable had it not been for the flood outside.” Church life is at times harsh, messy, and tricky, but the alternative is even less promising.
What makes church life so difficult is us. We are a combination of big-mouth “know-it-alls” like Peter, critical busy-bodies like Martha, passionate but weak-willed dramatics like David, powerful but stubborn like Paul, super-spiritual and position-hungry like James and John, and cynical doubters like Thomas, all thrown together with only one thing in common-we have recognized that we need the grace of God to be saved. Somehow…we are supposed to turn our world upside down for Christ. How in the world will that ever happen?
Paul gives some keys in 1 Corinthians 12 when he unpacks the metaphor of the Body of Christ. Several reminders from this text will be helpful. First, God is given full responsibility for the hodge-podge of people that have been brought together. We didn’t pick this team, He did. We probably shouldn’t question His judgment. Second, every part is different. Hands, feet, elbows, and kneecaps are all important parts but all play vastly differing roles. There are creative geniuses, plodders, relational giants, spiritual-gurus, and methodical wizards that add to this messy thing we call the church. Third, Paul says every part is necessary. Try text messaging without your fingers, balancing your glasses without both ears, or walking straight without your big toes and you will get the picture. We need one another. Four, every body part will have days of honor and days of suffering and like it or not, both the honor and the suffering are to be mutually shared. There is no place to distance ourselves from one another for if we do, we may find ourselves sadly alone when we suffer.
Finally, to ensure that such loneliness and separation do not occur, Paul calls us to “have the same care for one another.” This “care” is a reflection of Christ’s character who calls us to cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
Godly care is not demonstrated by the 3 friends of Job who came along in his pain to point out error, identify fault, and criticize his life. Instead, it is perfectly modeled in the Good Samaritan, shown as the example by Jesus of authentic care. He had compassion, not a critical spirit. He saw the man’s pain as a call to mercy, not a chance to gain advantage. He gave without receiving what the man couldn’t do for himself and risked his own reputation for the healing of the bruised man on the roadside; this is authentic care and that which Scripture calls us to in the Body of Christ.
Just as the Samaritan made sure that the wounded traveler was taken to an inn where he was in a position to find wholeness, we have that responsibility to one another. The Psalmist speaks of the anointing that is poured on the High Priest’s head and drips down to cover every aspect of the body (Psalm 133). We are called to care for one another by keeping the hurting attached to the body so that the healing that flows from Christ’s own head, might flow without hindrance and bring hope and healing to their pain.
Sometimes it’s easy to be spiritual like the Levite and priest and pass by the broken on the roadside, even those in our own church body. However, God has called us to care for one another. May He teach us what authentic care really looks like.
What makes church life so difficult is us. We are a combination of big-mouth “know-it-alls” like Peter, critical busy-bodies like Martha, passionate but weak-willed dramatics like David, powerful but stubborn like Paul, super-spiritual and position-hungry like James and John, and cynical doubters like Thomas, all thrown together with only one thing in common-we have recognized that we need the grace of God to be saved. Somehow…we are supposed to turn our world upside down for Christ. How in the world will that ever happen?
Paul gives some keys in 1 Corinthians 12 when he unpacks the metaphor of the Body of Christ. Several reminders from this text will be helpful. First, God is given full responsibility for the hodge-podge of people that have been brought together. We didn’t pick this team, He did. We probably shouldn’t question His judgment. Second, every part is different. Hands, feet, elbows, and kneecaps are all important parts but all play vastly differing roles. There are creative geniuses, plodders, relational giants, spiritual-gurus, and methodical wizards that add to this messy thing we call the church. Third, Paul says every part is necessary. Try text messaging without your fingers, balancing your glasses without both ears, or walking straight without your big toes and you will get the picture. We need one another. Four, every body part will have days of honor and days of suffering and like it or not, both the honor and the suffering are to be mutually shared. There is no place to distance ourselves from one another for if we do, we may find ourselves sadly alone when we suffer.
Finally, to ensure that such loneliness and separation do not occur, Paul calls us to “have the same care for one another.” This “care” is a reflection of Christ’s character who calls us to cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
Godly care is not demonstrated by the 3 friends of Job who came along in his pain to point out error, identify fault, and criticize his life. Instead, it is perfectly modeled in the Good Samaritan, shown as the example by Jesus of authentic care. He had compassion, not a critical spirit. He saw the man’s pain as a call to mercy, not a chance to gain advantage. He gave without receiving what the man couldn’t do for himself and risked his own reputation for the healing of the bruised man on the roadside; this is authentic care and that which Scripture calls us to in the Body of Christ.
Just as the Samaritan made sure that the wounded traveler was taken to an inn where he was in a position to find wholeness, we have that responsibility to one another. The Psalmist speaks of the anointing that is poured on the High Priest’s head and drips down to cover every aspect of the body (Psalm 133). We are called to care for one another by keeping the hurting attached to the body so that the healing that flows from Christ’s own head, might flow without hindrance and bring hope and healing to their pain.
Sometimes it’s easy to be spiritual like the Levite and priest and pass by the broken on the roadside, even those in our own church body. However, God has called us to care for one another. May He teach us what authentic care really looks like.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
The Leader’s Heart
The future had looked bright for Israel on their first royal inauguration day. The tall and handsome son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin had been anointed as their first king and hopes were high that soon Israel would emerge as a nation of stature and prestige, reflecting the character of their picturesque leader.
However, their hopes were dashed and their dreams quickly faded as Saul’s poor choices, foolish presumptuousness, and undisciplined character proved fatal to his leadership and Israel’s future. A new king, according to Samuel the prophet, would rise to the throne and breathe new hope and promise, a greater and brighter future than the Benjamite star could ever offer. This new leader of God’s people was unassuming; the youngest child of Jesse, known for an ambition that was greater than his sense of royalty, and a tender of his father’s sheep. But one thing he possessed that others did not was a heart after God.
His heart after God recognized divine destiny. His Psalms reveal his conviction that God shaped him in his mother’s womb with a purpose in mind. His encounters with the lion and bear and the showdown with Goliath were all part of God’s destined creation.
His heart after God was honest. His prayers pulled no punches and hid no conviction; if he was angry, he said it, if he was afraid, he confessed it. Always however, God was invited to search the inner recesses of his heart and show him his frailty and sin.
His heart after God was tender. As a shepherd, he knew the work of leading gently the wayward sheep and the importance of shaping them while they were hurting. David allowed God to shape his heart in pain.
Finally, his heart after God was intensely aware of God’s working in his life and His inescapable presence. He knew that creation revealed His handiwork that the heavens declared His glory, and that even in the depths of the earth, he could not be shaken. He was always aware of God at work.
Leadership certainly demands skill and competence. It necessitates great attentiveness and ongoing learning but more than anything, it calls for a heart after God. A heart that recognizes God’s destiny, demonstrates integrity, submits to loving correction, and looks for God’s activity. You may lead others without all the skill you think you need, but without the heart after God, you will never lead others to higher ground!
However, their hopes were dashed and their dreams quickly faded as Saul’s poor choices, foolish presumptuousness, and undisciplined character proved fatal to his leadership and Israel’s future. A new king, according to Samuel the prophet, would rise to the throne and breathe new hope and promise, a greater and brighter future than the Benjamite star could ever offer. This new leader of God’s people was unassuming; the youngest child of Jesse, known for an ambition that was greater than his sense of royalty, and a tender of his father’s sheep. But one thing he possessed that others did not was a heart after God.
His heart after God recognized divine destiny. His Psalms reveal his conviction that God shaped him in his mother’s womb with a purpose in mind. His encounters with the lion and bear and the showdown with Goliath were all part of God’s destined creation.
His heart after God was honest. His prayers pulled no punches and hid no conviction; if he was angry, he said it, if he was afraid, he confessed it. Always however, God was invited to search the inner recesses of his heart and show him his frailty and sin.
His heart after God was tender. As a shepherd, he knew the work of leading gently the wayward sheep and the importance of shaping them while they were hurting. David allowed God to shape his heart in pain.
Finally, his heart after God was intensely aware of God’s working in his life and His inescapable presence. He knew that creation revealed His handiwork that the heavens declared His glory, and that even in the depths of the earth, he could not be shaken. He was always aware of God at work.
Leadership certainly demands skill and competence. It necessitates great attentiveness and ongoing learning but more than anything, it calls for a heart after God. A heart that recognizes God’s destiny, demonstrates integrity, submits to loving correction, and looks for God’s activity. You may lead others without all the skill you think you need, but without the heart after God, you will never lead others to higher ground!
Monday, February 14, 2011
The Faith of the Called
Luke 5:1-11
The life of faith is inherently a journey if our faith is at all living. That reality is seen quite clearly in Peter’s life as a whole and unveiled quite dramatically when one looks microscopically at his call.
Peter’s faith journey began with a simple and unrefined curiosity regarding the things of the kingdom explained by Jesus as He taught the multitudes from Peter’s boat. That curiosity, still untested, became cynicism when the Master bid Peter to change the location of his nets to have a better chance at success. This cynicism sprung from a proud heart who thought he knew best how to master his own profession. Soon the cynicism melted into fear when the Master’s suggestions yielded a miraculous catch of fish. The fear gave way to unreserved abandonment when Peter recognized that Jesus was inviting him to enjoin His heart and mission. Peter forsook and followed the One whom moments before he had asked to depart.
Where do we find ourselves on our faith journey? Many that we minister to are either curious or cynical and need desperately to encounter the power of Christ to bring meaning, vitality, and hope into their mundane life circumstances. Many, like Peter, are gripped by fear and paralyzed by the presence of the One who makes them fall prostrate in fear. But God is calling us to push beyond the curiosity, the cynicism, and fear and press on to a deeper and more meaningful faith; a faith that is manifest by a total abandonment of all that we possess and hold dear. May we answer that call to be fishers of men.
The life of faith is inherently a journey if our faith is at all living. That reality is seen quite clearly in Peter’s life as a whole and unveiled quite dramatically when one looks microscopically at his call.
Peter’s faith journey began with a simple and unrefined curiosity regarding the things of the kingdom explained by Jesus as He taught the multitudes from Peter’s boat. That curiosity, still untested, became cynicism when the Master bid Peter to change the location of his nets to have a better chance at success. This cynicism sprung from a proud heart who thought he knew best how to master his own profession. Soon the cynicism melted into fear when the Master’s suggestions yielded a miraculous catch of fish. The fear gave way to unreserved abandonment when Peter recognized that Jesus was inviting him to enjoin His heart and mission. Peter forsook and followed the One whom moments before he had asked to depart.
Where do we find ourselves on our faith journey? Many that we minister to are either curious or cynical and need desperately to encounter the power of Christ to bring meaning, vitality, and hope into their mundane life circumstances. Many, like Peter, are gripped by fear and paralyzed by the presence of the One who makes them fall prostrate in fear. But God is calling us to push beyond the curiosity, the cynicism, and fear and press on to a deeper and more meaningful faith; a faith that is manifest by a total abandonment of all that we possess and hold dear. May we answer that call to be fishers of men.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
The Portion for the Lonely Leader
From the Devotion Book An Uncovered Life
Scripture Reading: Psalm 73:26
There is a reality that often befalls those whose greatest desire is to please God, whose fondest hope is to know Christ, and whose life call is to serve the people for whom Jesus died. That reality is many times characterized by the unfair criticism of others, the cynical questioning of personal motives, the surprising abandonment of those thought to be friends, and a profound loneliness that threatens to overwhelm the one striving to draw close to God. Sadly, after twenty-five years of pastoral ministry, I can attest to the fact that these realities are far too often the rule rather than the exception. If however, we explore the truth of Scripture, we will find that this has been the case for those who are in active pursuit of God since the dawning of time.
Abraham certainly understood this reality. Though wealthy and by many, well respected, he longed for an heir-a son that he could call his own and with whom he could share life. Decade after decade passed and still this great father of faith continued childless and his faith-filled longing for the companionship of a son remained unfulfilled. Likewise, consider the Levites, that special and uniquely equipped Hebrew tribe called to lead the chosen people of God into the divine presence through song, praise, and sacrificial worship. Yet the Levites were outsiders, owned no land of their own, and found themselves lacking fellowship
with other tribes of Israel. Their call was special, their responsibility great, but their sacrifice was significant. Or what about David? He was a daringly brave warrior, anointed king, passionate worshipper, and a man after God’s own heart. Yet one mis-step and David quickly found himself on the outside looking in, despised by his enemies, ostracized by his friends, betrayed by his family, and left to
experience perpetual loneliness. He was the fallen, forgotten, criticized, and ridiculed man of God who had unfortunately had his humanity exposed. Abraham, the Levites, and David had much in common. All were called to great and unique tasks, specially gifted, and deeply human. And, because of their call and often as a result of their exposed humanity, they were forgotten and left alone, misunderstood, wrongly criticized, and in most cases without one to whom they could turn. Many today, resonate with this description and feel the sting of such overwhelming loneliness. What Abraham, the Levites, and David all found however, was that while their human relationships often suffered as a result of their unique calls, a beautifully fulfilling intimacy with the God who had called them was available. When Abraham sought desperately for an heir to be his companion, God’s response was “I am your exceedingly great reward” (Genesis 15:2). While the Levites had no land to call their own, God promised, “The Lord shall be your inheritance” (Deuteronomy 10:9). And David, though forgotten by his friends and family, lifted his voice in exuberant praise and exclaimed, My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:26) Portion (cheleq) in the Hebrew, means “allotment, share, sufficiency.” Though David’s flesh would fail him and his friends forsake him, still the Lord was his portion, his “more than enough.”
The life of leadership may be heavy and lonely. It may grow even more wearisome when we expose our humanity and the grace with which we have handled others is not extended to us. Nevertheless, still He is our exceedingly great reward, our inheritance, our portion forever and with that assurance, we can rest, knowing that we are never alone.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 73:26
There is a reality that often befalls those whose greatest desire is to please God, whose fondest hope is to know Christ, and whose life call is to serve the people for whom Jesus died. That reality is many times characterized by the unfair criticism of others, the cynical questioning of personal motives, the surprising abandonment of those thought to be friends, and a profound loneliness that threatens to overwhelm the one striving to draw close to God. Sadly, after twenty-five years of pastoral ministry, I can attest to the fact that these realities are far too often the rule rather than the exception. If however, we explore the truth of Scripture, we will find that this has been the case for those who are in active pursuit of God since the dawning of time.
Abraham certainly understood this reality. Though wealthy and by many, well respected, he longed for an heir-a son that he could call his own and with whom he could share life. Decade after decade passed and still this great father of faith continued childless and his faith-filled longing for the companionship of a son remained unfulfilled. Likewise, consider the Levites, that special and uniquely equipped Hebrew tribe called to lead the chosen people of God into the divine presence through song, praise, and sacrificial worship. Yet the Levites were outsiders, owned no land of their own, and found themselves lacking fellowship
with other tribes of Israel. Their call was special, their responsibility great, but their sacrifice was significant. Or what about David? He was a daringly brave warrior, anointed king, passionate worshipper, and a man after God’s own heart. Yet one mis-step and David quickly found himself on the outside looking in, despised by his enemies, ostracized by his friends, betrayed by his family, and left to
experience perpetual loneliness. He was the fallen, forgotten, criticized, and ridiculed man of God who had unfortunately had his humanity exposed. Abraham, the Levites, and David had much in common. All were called to great and unique tasks, specially gifted, and deeply human. And, because of their call and often as a result of their exposed humanity, they were forgotten and left alone, misunderstood, wrongly criticized, and in most cases without one to whom they could turn. Many today, resonate with this description and feel the sting of such overwhelming loneliness. What Abraham, the Levites, and David all found however, was that while their human relationships often suffered as a result of their unique calls, a beautifully fulfilling intimacy with the God who had called them was available. When Abraham sought desperately for an heir to be his companion, God’s response was “I am your exceedingly great reward” (Genesis 15:2). While the Levites had no land to call their own, God promised, “The Lord shall be your inheritance” (Deuteronomy 10:9). And David, though forgotten by his friends and family, lifted his voice in exuberant praise and exclaimed, My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:26) Portion (cheleq) in the Hebrew, means “allotment, share, sufficiency.” Though David’s flesh would fail him and his friends forsake him, still the Lord was his portion, his “more than enough.”
The life of leadership may be heavy and lonely. It may grow even more wearisome when we expose our humanity and the grace with which we have handled others is not extended to us. Nevertheless, still He is our exceedingly great reward, our inheritance, our portion forever and with that assurance, we can rest, knowing that we are never alone.
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