New Year's Reformation #6(&7) Patience (&Love)

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

I Timothy 6:11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.

In looking at these godly virtues which lie behind the way we should acts as follower of Christ, we will always find love (aka charity) close by.  That basic characteristic is, as I often state, a decision/mindset to do what is best for others no matter what it costs me.  That is what God has done for us in Christ. Love is at the beginning of the Fruit of the Spirit, which ends with temperance, which we looked at earlier. Also included in that list is patience - putting up with a lot from the person or situation because we want what is best for others.  We are often warned not to pray for patience, because that will open us up to trials. Better yet, we should not pray for patience, as God has already given it to us in Christ. The only question is: Will we put into action what God has already supplied?

New Year's Reformation #5: Diligence

II Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 11 For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 

Diligence is another word rare in our writings, actions, and thought patterns.  Here we have gone back to the NKJV to find a small selection of its usage. In context here, Paul had rebuked this church for their lack of action in addressing blatant sin. Finally, they woke up, repented, and acted. He uses the same word in the next chapter to challenge them to do the same in taking up a collection for needy believers in Judea. In short, diligence presses on to make things right - something New Year's resolutions rarely do. It is "careful and persistent effort."  Of course, Paul is by no means calling for works salvation, but the recognition that the life of a Christ follower is a journey, along which we will constantly find things that need to change in our lives, and to do the journey right, we never coast or cease to see our lives bring glory to God. Have you begun to coast? Be Diligent!

New Year's Reformation #4: Generosity

II Corinthians 8:1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.

Many Americans like to think that they are generous, but we are not.  When we look at statistics of any kind, for the amount of abundance with which we have been entrusted, whether those who claim to be "Christian" or profess to be "liberal" in other ways, not many are truly generous.  It is not simply an amount or percentage, but a mindset and heart perspective.  It is a willingness to give freely of ourselves and whatever we have, be it material, emotional, spiritual, or temporal, to those around us who need it. Often it is far "easier" to send money to those suffering on the commercial on TV than it is to a neighbor, family member, or challenging personality in our own lives. We are not good evaluators of our own generosity. We need to ask: What do others say and see about me?

New Year's Reformation #3: Temperance

 Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

This passage is familiar, but like our word from yesterday, the last quality on the list - temperance, seems to be "last on the list", not so important, a thing of the past.  Many who remember it at all think only of abstaining from alcohol.  Again, it is far more, and it is far from an afterthought at the end of the list. It is most often now translated "self-control," but really has the sense of "balance." It means reaching a place where one is not carried away by excess, while at the same time coming up lacking for passion.  It is the ability to resist temptation on one's own, yet realizing one's dependence upon God and others for a full life. If there is any reason at all that we find it at the end of the list of the Fruit of the Spirit, it is that it is a virtue which takes time and determination to develop.  What kind of balance have you achieved in your life?

New Year's Reformation #2 Chastity

I Timothy 5:1 Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, and to the younger men as brothers, 2 to the older women as mothers, and to the younger women as sisters, in all purity.

Chastity is one of those words we have not seen in a long time. We automatically get visions of a monastery long, long ago. You will notice it is NOT in the verse above, but the ESV has the word purity instead. What is interesting is that this word itself appears in the ESV only 4 times. We need to me more open-minded as to what Chastity really is:  the virtue of moral purity and integrity, encompassing more than just abstaining from sexual activity. It is emphasized in the Bible as a holistic approach to sexual ethics, which includes respect for oneself and others, and adherence to divine principles, treating others with purity and dignity. It is a transformation of the heart and mind in how we view and treat others. It has to do with what we think and intend, affecting what we do with our eyes, our thoughts, and our actions.

+3

New Year's Reformation #1 Humility

 I Peter 5:5b Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 

Throughout my lifetime one of the things I have seen pretty much fade away is New Year's resolutions. If you are young enough that this is a totally alien concept, the idea is to start the new year making changes to your life for the good. Those of us who are familiar with it also realize it rarely lasts long.  What we need before a change is a change in character: what we value of most importance. Over the next 7 days into the new year we will consider the seven virtues: what we should value most: Humility leads the list. It is not thinking too highly of or too much about ourselves. We are way too self-focused, even when it comes to putting ourselves down.  True Humility is expressed in both our approach to God and to others. We need to see ourselves as "under God's hand" in both His Sovereignty and His supply. We need to trust Him, His plan, His rules as best for us, and stop living like we rule the world. This flows into our approach towards others. What is it that they need and how can God provide that through us. Let's not put it off until January 1; let's start today.

Take Time Today to Treasure, Ponder, and Praise

Luke 2:15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

For the Sake of You...

 I Peter 1:20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Christ has been around forever. He is the Eternal God the Son.  God had decided long ago - before His creation of the world, that He was going to reveal Himself and His plan to man. But when Christ came at His incarnation all the pieces came together.  Peter could say to his readers, including us, that Christ did this for the sake of you who through him are believers in God. Peter ties together the Incarnation with the Resurrection and Ascension as a package deal, a wonderful gift from God. With that Gift, we have faith and hope that will never disappoint. 

The Good and Perfect Gift

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

God is the Ultimate Giver.  James reminds us of that in his opening chapter.  The Ultimate Gift is God's Son.  Like other gifts, He has "come down" from the Father, who never changes.  He chose to send Him down as the Word of Truth, Who not only showed us and told us what God is really like, but also to bring about in us the fruit of His Spirit. When our faith is in Him, then it will affect our lives in both how we act toward God and those around us (see the context of this chapter).  Let us spend this time of celebration looking at the Good and Perfect Gift God has sent us and responding with the changes we need to make.

The Goodness of God

Titus 3:4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 

We have seen earlier that when Christ came, at the incarnation, He came at just the right time. He also showed up in just the right way. He came as the Goodness of God that we need. It is not our righteousness but His that we need. It is not something we do on our own, but something He has done in His goodness, grace, and mercy.  Once again, as we saw in John 1, we can become heirs, children of God, and thereby receive the eternal life we lacked.  The Incarnation, the appearance of God the Son is exactly what we needed.

Born in the Likeness of Men...

Philippians 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

This passage, describing the mission of the Messiah, beginning with the Incarnation, is the perfect overview of the work of Christ, which also gives us access to the mind of God.  When we comprehend and embrace the mind of God, shown in Christ, dramatic changes will take place in the way we think and live. We will be far less selfish and much more humble - just like He was.  Take time to try to wrap your head around the fact of all He left to come on this mission for you.

Just the Right Time

Galatians 4:3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 

By nature, we are not very patient - at least when it comes to the things that matter most. Therefore, when God's timing does not fit our own, we can become frustrated - even hostile. But God does know what He is doing. He sent His Son when the fullness of time had come - at just the right time in history to make it abundantly clear that His Son would fulfill the law and us His coming to adopt others into His family. His way and His timing are the way to victorious living, to free us from our failures, and buy us back into His household.  Because of His timing the Gospel was able to spread all over the world quickly on Roman roads, be communicated clearly through the language of the empire, and help God's people make sense of the fall of the temple. Timing is everything, and God does it best.

THE Reason to Give

II Corinthians 9:12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

In chapters 8 and 9 Paul is giving this church all the reasons why they should carefully and prayerfully prepare their gift for the suffering saints in Judea. All the other churches were doing so, but they were hesitant and negligent to do so. They were all wrapped up in themselves instead of wrapping gifts for others. Here at the end of this passage Paul reminds them of the ultimate reason to give, the inexpressible, unsurpassable, overwhelming grace gift of His Son, Christ Jesus. This Gift should move us to be willing to give wherever God guides us to, for His Glory.

A Ruler Who Brings Hope

 

Romans 15:12 And again Isaiah says,
“The root of Jesse will come,
    even he who arises to rule the Gentiles;
in him will the Gentiles hope.”
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, 

so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

If you haven't noticed, there is not a lot of hope to go around lately.  Whether it be religion, politics, economics, or personal relationship issues, you don't find many hopeful people.  Christ came for hopeless people who realized things were not right and on their own they could not fix it. For the Jews, it was their promised Messiah. For the Gentiles (most of the world) He is the King we need in our lives. Let's look to Him, trust in Him, and find in Him our hope.

Where Is He?

Matthew 2:1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

Part of what we refer to as "The Christmas Story" is this arrival of Magi looking for the newborn King. What is jolting is the fact no one in Jerusalem seemed to care or be looking for Him.  They were so caught up in other things they could not be bothered to become a part of the search. They allowed outsiders to go on the journey alone.  Is it possible that we have done the same in celebrating the coming of the Messiah? That we get so caught up in less important things that we do not take time to seek Him, to worship Him? Where is He in your celebration?

Sent by Grace to Show the Truth

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

We have seen over the last couple of days that at the Incarnation, when Jesus came, He came with grace and truth.  Mankind has shown his resistance to both: he does not want to face up to the darkness of his sin, and he doesn't want any help when God offers to reach down and save him. This passage, near the end of his life and ministry on earth, brings us back to theme of truth.  Connected to His truth is the way to God and eternal life.  Christ came in the flesh that we would know God by seeing Him, hearing Him, watching Him, and trusting Him.  "Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him. How I've proved Him o'er and o'er. Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus. O for grace to trust Him more."

Incarnated to Be Trusted

 

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 

We have already seen John's description of the Incarnation of Christ as the Light and Life coming into the darkness. This is described further here, along with what we saw yesterday - that many did not receive the light; they wanted to remain in the darkness to try to cover their evil.  Of course, this just does not work, as in the end all darkness will be exposed.  This best-known verse in the Bible, of course, has been diluted to some sense of "believe" which falls far short of its meaning. John (and Jesus) are talking about a total trust in Christ as the plan of God for salvation: Nothing less. 

The Word, Full of Grace and Truth

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; God the only Son, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.

God speaks, and when He does, we need to listen. When He sent His Son, He spoke more boldly and clearly than ever before. (Hebrews 1) When Christ came, we were able to see and hear Him clearly and without any bias. He spoke with Grace (He lovingly reached out to help us in our deepest need) and Truth (we really, really need His Help).  He made it clear what He was doing and why He was doing it, and made it possible for us to really know Him the way He wants and we need.  

Rejecting or Receiving?

 

John 1:9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

As we celebrate the Incarnation today, one of the most prominent details is the giving of gifts. In itself, that is not bad, but our commercialization of it is horrible.  As we saw yesterday, when God sent His Son, He sent the Light we need.  But many, if not most, did not want this Light; they rejected Him. How do we feel when our gifts are rejected? Especially if the Gift is One we know would make life more valuable? Imagine then what it meant to God to be rejected, having given every good gift and then the Best Gift.  There is no questioning the value of the Gift nor the heart of the Giver - only the heart of the one to whom it is given. Are you a receiver or a rejector?  

Life and Light Came Down

 John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

God knows how slow we are to get it.  John, writing many years after the other Gospel writers, zooms out from the couple in the stable to a heavenly perspective to show us what it looks like from God's viewpoint. He was sending His Son with life and light into our dark world to show us the way back to Him. He had been watching for centuries, fully concerned with His creation, seeing the darkness spread and the curse of sin take its toll.  He was giving the light and night we needed, watching to see how He would be received. His impact was and still is greater than any meteor, and is yet what was needed then is now needed all the more. 

Glory to God for His Gift!

Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

This army of angels announces not war, but peace.  God is sending His Ambassador, this Baby, to offer terms of peace with God.  He is His glory, His plan.  Lest we get the wrong idea about this phrase "with whom he is pleased," the idea is not that man has been so good God is sending them rewards, but that God is offering a gracious gift because He is good and loving and giving.  It also implies that not everyone will receive this gift. He is being offered to those who will lovingly receive Him and accept Him as God's offer of peace.  

All Signs Point to Christ

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

Signs are interesting things - in life and in scripture.  Often people demanded signs: like the Israelites, Pharoah and his magicians, and the religious leaders in Jesus' day.  But when God chose to give signs - especially about His Savior/Deliverer/Messiah, they were clear and somewhat startling. Everyone was looking for a great powerful leader to arise and save the day; God sent a Baby - in of all places, a lowly manger.  This became the talk of the town, and the world. Who would have thought? Thankfully, that is the way God works: in far more wonderful ways than we could imagine. But He also points the way, gives the signs, and they point to Christ as the Way. 

Not a Hallmark Movie...

Luke 2:8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

In the West, we have very much romanticized the Incarnation account into a warm, fuzzy movie.  It was not. It was hard reality. The shepherds were working the midnight shift, facing the dangers of thieves and wild animals. They were scared to death by something even more overwhelming: the glory of the Lord and the shining messenger who interrupted their quiet lives. They were "sore" afraid: their fear hurt - they "feared a great fear!" With all that, this messenger better have something good to say - and he did. His announcement off Good News is what they needed to hear, what we need to hear. It was not a sugar-coated message: "you guys need a Savior," and He's here. Thankfully, this is a live action thriller, and not some romantic comedy.

Not a Random Act

 

Matthew 1:21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us) 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus..

As we watch the Incarnation of Christ unfold, we find very importantly that it was not some thrown-together plan. God had been working on it before man could remember.  It was so important - so necessary, that nothing was left to "chance." Salvation hung in the balance. Though humans had to be in the plan for it to be effective, we wonder even at the involvement of Joseph and Mary. But God allowed it and even insisted on it.  In short, God knows what He is doing and purposely does it for our good. What Good News it is that Immanuel has come!

No Ordinary Joe

Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

Joseph is a very interesting character in the incarnation narrative. At first glance one might think he was a helpless pawn in the plot, just being used for convenience.  But he actually had a very active role to play. He had choices; he had character; he had compassion; he was a man who considered what he was doing.  He chose to follow the Lord's basic commands as well as the specific ones given through the angel. He took care of Mary and Jesus to the best of his ability. He willingly served God and waited for His will.  God calls on us to follow in suit. Our calling will not be the specific one he had here, but it us just as important for our lives and the lives of those around us. 

Is There Room?

Luke 2:6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

We looked yesterday at Joseph and his willingness to accept God's plan above his own, which allowed him to be a part of the most wonderful event in human history: the incarnation of Christ.  These next two verses focus more on Mary and her new Child.  This was most likely not how she envisioned her first taste of motherhood - banned to the barn because of the crowd inside.  It was in a sense the first taste of rejection she and the Child would experience in this adventure. It also sets the tone for His lifetime of ministry: many would find no room for Him in their schedules, their lives, their hearts. Advent forces us to ask that question: "Is there room in my life for Him?" If not, there will be no room for us in His house.

Fitting Our Plans with God's Plan

 

Luke 2: 1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

Joseph planned on marrying Mary. He loved her and wanted her as wife.  It involved a lot of planning on his part: arranging the marriage with her family, going back to prepare a place for them, and making this unwanted trek to Bethlehem to register, pay taxes, and let the empire know who they were and where they lived.  It was a lot.  Things did not turn out to be easy: explaining how Mary came to be with child, making this hard journey hear her delivery date, getting them all home safely and keeping them so.  But Joseph realized something we need to remember: we are not to fit God's plan into our plan; we are to keep our plans in line with His. He owns the story, and He makes it all turn out the way it ought to be. 

God Does This Kind of Thing...

 Luke 1:34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”

God thinks outside the box because He is outside the box.  He is creative.  Not only can we look around us to see the wonders of His creative hand; we can look at human and biblical history to be amazed.  When we ask ourselves (and God): "How could this happen?", He is able to direct us to points in the past, and the present, which remind us He can and He does.  Mary was amazed but not so amazed she could not nor would not believe. Her faith led to action. She submitted to God's will, and she went on to visit Elizabeth. The incarnation is amazing in all its details, but not impossible. God can, He wants to, and He does. 

The Hope of Peace

 Micah 5:

1 Now muster your troops, O daughter of troops;
    siege is laid against us;
with a rod they strike the judge of Israel on the cheek.
2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
    who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, 

whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.
3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time
    when she who is in labor has given birth;
then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel.
4 And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,
    in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great
    to the ends of the earth. 

5 And he shall be their peace.

Some of the greatest messages of hope for the coming of the Messiah came when Israel was going through some really hard times - usually suffering at the hands of their enemies. God gives us hope in the hardest of times.  The end goal, which we are to appropriate in the moment as well, is ultimately peace. He is truly present with us now, pointing us to the time of ultimate peace.

The Full Picture of the Incarnation...

Isaiah 53:11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;
by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,
    make many to be accounted righteous,
    and he shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,
    and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,
because he poured out his soul to death
    and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
    and makes intercession for the transgressors.

As we celebrate Advent, we cannot separate the coming of the Baby from what He came to accomplish. Isaiah gives us both ends of the spectrum.  God sent His Son, His Servant, to suffer and die for our transgressions - to bear our sin. That purpose was not frustrated; He accomplished what He came to do: make many righteous, bringing us into relationship with God.  He was born to die, come back to life, and bring us life.  May we never disconnect the two. 

Hope in the Darkness!

 

Isaiah 9:6 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

The land of Judah was in bad shape.  Things looked okay economically, but spiritually it was a disaster. Enemies surrounded them and their King refused to listen to God or His prophets.  There was a darkness in the land and wars never seemed to end. Where would they find hope to go on?  God pointed them to the promise of a Son.  No matter how bad things may seem personally, socially, or relationally, God does have a plan, and that plan is His Son - His wonderful, wise and willing-to-suffer-and-die-for us Son. Take heart! There is HOPE this advent, and His name is Jesus. 

The Sign of Hope Is the Son...

 Isaiah 7:10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz: 11 “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.” 13 And he said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

As we turn our thoughts to Advent, we begin in the Gospel of Isaiah.  God's people needed some good news.  Judah was surrounded by enemies, and King Ahaz had chosen badly whom to trust. God was calling to him through Isaiah: "Pick Me! Pick Me!", but Ahaz refused to put his hope in God. God even offered a sign (usually people in trouble begged for a sign!), but Ahaz refused to look or listen to God.  God gave His sign of hope anyway: a son.  As we find in the New Testament Gospels, God was not only giving a sign for that time, but for all eternity: His Son is the Sign of Hope for us all. Trust in Him.

Give Thanks to the Lord before Other "gods."

 

Psalm 138:

1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;
    before the gods I sing your praise;
2 I bow down toward your holy temple
    and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
    for you have exalted above all things
    your name and your word.
3 On the day I called, you answered me;
    my strength of soul you increased.
4 All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O Lord,
    for they have heard the words of your mouth,
5 and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
    for great is the glory of the Lord.

Our final psalm of thanksgiving is another by David. Throughout his life David had come into contact with other kings and their gods.  He had found that there was no other God like his - One Who hears and answers prayer, Who was always with him, and to Whom no other's glory would compare. Therefore, he was not afraid or ashamed to sing and speak His praises before these other kings or their idols.  May we give thanks to the Lord before all who watch and listen.

Give Thanks to the God of Heaven!

 Psalm 136:
23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
24 and rescued us from our foes,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
25 he who gives food to all flesh,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.

The above for verses are the conclusion of the psalm we examined yesterday.  They summarize all the things we should thank God for into three categories: His Presence, His Protection, and His Provision. He does not forget us and leave us to suffer alone; He comes in His mercy and grace to rescue us from others and ourselves; He makes sure we have what we need.  When He refers to God in the last verse as the God of Heaven, He is not emphasizing God's transcendence - that He is "way far away" - but that He is watching us from where He sees everything and can see what needs to be done, and since He is sovereign and all powerful, He can and will do something about it.  Indeed, we have reason to give thanks to Him!

Give Thanks to God for Everything!

 Psalm 136: 
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.

This is THAT Psalm: the one that is like a responsive reading. It reminds us of all the things God does for His people, then has the people respond: for His steadfast love endures forever.  It lists one after another blessings that we enjoy because we are His people: He does great wonders, made everything we see, led His people out of bondage and slavery, dealt with all the enemies who attacked, brought them into the promised land, and provided everything they needed.  Give Him thanks!

Give Thanks to the Lord for His House

 Psalm 122: I was glad when they said to me,
    “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”
2 Our feet have been standing
    within your gates, O Jerusalem!
3 Jerusalem—built as a city
    that is bound firmly together,
4 to which the tribes go up,
    the tribes of the Lord,
as was decreed for Israel,
    to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
This is yet another psalm of David in which he calls us to thanksgiving. This time David was rejoicing over the privilege of worshipping God in Jerusalem, the place He had established.  This was a big thing to David, as he often did not have that privilege, having been on the run from Saul, the Philistines, and other enemies.  He had learned not to take this for granted. We should not equate church buildings with the temple or as sacred in and of themselves, but we should not miss the importance of gathering together with God's people to worship and give Him thanks.  The lack of a desire to do so indicates ingratitude. 

Give Thanks to the Lord for His Light.

Psalm 118: 25 Save us, we pray, O Lord!
    O Lord, we pray, give us success!
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
    We bless you from the house of the Lord.
27 The Lord is God,
    and he has made his light to shine upon us.
Bind the festal sacrifice with cords,
    up to the horns of the altar!
28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
    you are my God; I will extol you.
29 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    for his steadfast love endures forever!

This last section of Psalm 118 brings us back to where it started, with David giving thanks to God and calling upon all to give Him thanks, because He is good and faithful in His love.  One way He describes this is having God shed His light upon us. The picture refers to the blazing light of the brazen altar where sacrifices were offered.  This light of God is also shown in His Son, Who came in the name of the Lord.  This passage is alluded to in His triumphal entry, when the people sang, only some of whom seemed to understand that Jesus is God's light to the world. May we give thanks for His Light today.

Give Thanks to the Lord for His Open Gates!

 Psalm 118:
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness,
    that I may enter through them
    and give thanks to the Lord.
20 This is the gate of the Lord;
    the righteous shall enter through it.
21 I thank you that you have answered me
    and have become my salvation.
22 The stone that the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone.
23 This is the Lord's doing;
    it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 This is the day that the Lord has made;
    let us rejoice and be glad in it.

As seen above and in yesterday's passage, this psalm is full of well-known choruses and verses alluded to in the New Testament.  David has called out to the Lord and He has answered. God has an open gate/open door policy. He is waiting for us to call out to Him with our needs - especially our need of salvation. The gates of His city are very functional, as they are connected to His perfect Cornerstone - His Son and our Savior. Why would we not come to His gates and ask for deliverance, then come back and give Him thanks? 

Give Thanks to the Lord for His Forever for Whoever!

 

Psalm 118:

1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Let Israel say,
    “His steadfast love endures forever.”
3 Let the house of Aaron say,
    “His steadfast love endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the Lord say,
    “His steadfast love endures forever.”
5 Out of my distress I called on the Lord;
    the Lord answered me and set me free.
6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.
    What can man do to me?

This great psalm, which we will spend three days considering, reminds us of two or more of the characteristics of God we have already considered: His goodness and steadfast love. They were things God's people could count on, and so can we.  It's not just the people of Israel and their priests, but anyone who fears the Lord, trusts in Him, calls out to Him for salvation. (Continue to read through verse 16). May you have true reason to call out in thanksgiving to God today.

Give Thanks to the Lord Wholeheartedly!

Psalm 111:1 Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
    in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the works of the Lord,
    studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
    and his righteousness endures forever.

This psalm serves as a great summary of many of the reasons we have seen for thanksgiving: His works, His righteousness, His faithfulness, His redemption, and more. What is noteworthy in this psalm (well worth the time to read the rest of the verses) is that there are no strings attached.  The psalmist is not asking or pleading for something - just letting loose and praising God for Who He is and thanking Him for all He has done.  There is a bonus at the end: when we take time to praise and thank God in this way, we will be living wisely in the fear of the Lord. 

Give Thanks to God for His Help!

Psalm 109

 30 With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord;
    I will praise him in the midst of the throng.
31 For he stands at the right hand of the needy one,
    to save him from those who condemn his soul to death.

This is one of the many psalms of David which begins with him calling out to God to hear his plea for help.  He was being mistreated, pursued, and spoken evil of unjustly.  He pleaded his cause before God, trusting in Him as the God of justice to help the poor, needy, and oppressed.  He points out all the ways that the wicked take advantage: they lie, they hate, they attack.  David then hands them over to God to deal with.  For his part, he entrusts himself to God. He states:

26 Help me, O Lord my God!

    Save me according to your steadfast love!

27 Let them know that this is your hand;

    you, O Lord, have done it!

Let us not forget to call out to God for help, and let us not forget to give Him thanks when He does, pointing to Him as the One Who has done it!

Give Thanks to the Lord for His Steadfastness!

 

Psalm 108:
1 My heart is steadfast, O God!
    I will sing and make melody with all my being!
2 Awake, O harp and lyre!
    I will awake the dawn!
3 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
    I will sing praises to you among the nations.
4 For your steadfast love is great above the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

This psalm of David is the source of numerous contemporary songs of praise and thanksgiving: I Will Give Thanks to You, Awake the Dawn, Be Exalted O God, With Our God We Shall Do Valiantly, and more. Why? Because David's message resonates so much with us. In the battles of life - be it with the Moabites, Edomites, and Philistines, or the migraines, energy-drains and frustrations - in God we can find the stability we need to stand firm in faith and move forward. Any of the songs above or others not listed which contain this theme are a great way to start the day, away the morn, and seize the day for Him.

Give Thanks to the Lord for His Redemption

 

Psalm 107:
1Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
    whom he has redeemed from trouble
3 and gathered in from the lands,
    from the east and from the west,
    from the north and from the south.

We have here yet another longer psalm that reviews the history of God's faithfulness to His people. Besides reminding us of His goodness and love, the key word here is Redemption - God buys back His people from their sin and repeatedly getting themselves into trouble. He was with them through the dryness of the desert and scariness of the seas.  He delivered them from prison and the foolishness of their own ways.  He is our great Redeemer. As a result, the psalmist reminds us of what the wise thing is to do:

31 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,

    for his wondrous works to the children of man!

32 Let them extol him in the congregation of the people,

    and praise him in the assembly of the elders.

Give Thanks to the Lord Again!

 

Psalm 106
47 Save us, O Lord our God,
    and gather us from among the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name
    and glory in your praise.
48 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
    from everlasting to everlasting!
And let all the people say, “Amen!”
    Praise the Lord!

Yesterday we looked at the opening verses of this long psalm, examining how God had been so good to the people of Israel throughout their history - even in their most difficult days, yet they continually sinned against Him, ignored Him, forgot Him, and took Him for granted. But the time we get here to the closing paragraph, the psalmist calls upon the people to call out to Him once again and ask for deliverance. What he anticipates, believes, and looks forward too is being able to once again gather as a people to give God thanks once again for His deliverance, praising His character and thanking Him for His faithfulness once again. 

Give Thanks to the Lord, for He Is Good!

 

Psalm 106:1 Praise the Lord!
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Who can utter the mighty deeds of the Lord,
    or declare all his praise?
3 Blessed are they who observe justice,
    who do righteousness at all times!

This is another longer psalm, reciting the history of God's people.  It is full of their unfaithfulness to Him by their sinning, iniquity, wickedness, rebellion, inconsiderateness, failure to remember (and forgetting) all He had done for them, failure to wait upon Him, turning from Him to idols, despising the promised land, murmuring and complaining, refusal to obey, sacrificing their children - and I'm sure I missed some in this list!  Worse yet, these were all in response to His wondrous works, saving them, leading them, providing for them, doing great deeds on their behalf.  In short, God had been very good to them.  The Psalmist longed for the time when they would see it again. It begins when we praise and thank Him.  That's a great place to start the week. Give Thanks to the Lord, for He is Good!

Give Thanks to the Lord for His Deeds

 Psalm 105:

1  Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;
    make known his deeds among the peoples!
2 Sing to him, sing praises to him;
    tell of all his wondrous works!
3 Glory in his holy name;
    let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
4 Seek the Lord and his strength;
    seek his presence continually

We have already seen a song of thanksgiving to God for His works; here it is for His deeds.  Though we know there are both sides to deeds - good, bad, or dirty - the term usually has the first connotation of good deeds.  These are good memories of all God has done for us. This lengthy psalm proclaims the ways that God had faithfully provided and done things for them throughout rough times in history: famines while they were wandering shepherd, their bondage in Egypt, their wandering in the wilderness, the opposition they faced in entering the land.  What sticks out is not all the bad, but the Good things God had done in keeping His covenant promises.  This is a time for us to look back on hard times made bearable by His Good Hand of providence, grace, and mercy.

 Psalm 97

8 Zion hears and is glad,
    and the daughters of Judah rejoice,
    because of your judgments, O Lord.
9 For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth;
    you are exalted far above all gods.
10 O you who love the Lord, hate evil!
    He preserves the lives of his saints;
    he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light is sown for the righteous,
    and joy for the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,
    and give thanks to his holy name!

This Psalm begins with the statement: The Lord Reigns! It is a celebration of God's Sovereignty. God rules over His creation and the affairs of men. His people who trust Him, love Him, and live for His recognize that in their daily lives.  They see His light for their paths, righteousness in His ways, and joy in their hearts. When you know the God Who reigns, you cannot help but give thanks to His holy name!

Give Thanks to the Lord for His Works!

 

Psalm 92:
1:It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
    to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
    and your faithfulness by night,
3 to the music of the lute and the harp,
    to the melody of the lyre.
4 For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work;
    at the works of your hands I sing for joy.

In this psalm for the Sabbath, we find once again thanks for God's love and faithfulness, but additionally, the works of His hands. The psalm proceeds to acknowledge wisdom and ability that God has that none other can understand.  The one who trusts in Him, acknowledging His day of rest to celebrate He creative power and blessing on all those who love Him, will receive and enjoy all the wonderful things God does, makes, and gives. The word the psalmist uses, which has become popular again today is "Flourish". The one knows, trusts, loves, and thanks God will flourish in this life and in God's presence. 

Give Thanks to God for His Faithfulness

 Psalm 57:2 I cry out to God Most High,
    to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
3 He will send from heaven and save me;
    he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah
God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!

We once again find David calling out to God for deliverance. He was hiding from Saul in a cave and danger was close by.  He describes his situation as being surrounded by wild beasts. But he chose to give God thanks. He goes on to sing:

8     Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre!

    I will awake the dawn!

9 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;

    I will sing praises to you among the nations.

10 For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,

    your faithfulness to the clouds.

May we awaken the dawn today with a song of thanksgiving and praise to God. Great is His faithfulness!