Waiting for Grace

It is said that God answers prayers with one of three answers: yes, no, or wait.

Well, true—maybe. The statement presents an incomplete or rigid viewpoint. For quite often God does the waiting while His children are the ones who hinder or prevent forthcoming answers.

Sometimes, when we’re out-of-order, the Lord waits to be gracious . . . he [God] exalts himself to show mercy. . . . (Is. 30:18 RSV)

I like the Living Bible rendition of this verse: Yet the Lord still waits for you to come to him, so he can show you his love; he will conquer you to bless you, just as he said. For the Lord is faithful to his promises. Blessed are all those who wait for him to help them.

The nation of Judah was in a tight spot when Isaiah penned this. But rather than follow God they chose their own course of action and suffered dreadful consequences.

Meanwhile, God stood ready for the time when they would turn and call to Him. He waits to be gracious. . . .

Originally published August 28, 1981.
Picture: Dried crab apples of winter, Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

The Value of Waiting

Most people hate to wait. Today’s lifestyle with its almost instant products and services—but its never-ending lines—seem to make us even more impatient.

Nevertheless, waiting can be exciting, a time of anticipation and discovery. Preparations for a major event are usually as significant as the event itself. And who hasn’t hit upon the solution to a problem or gained other valuable insight while patiently or impatiently waiting?

For many Christians, the season of Lent is an important time of waiting, a time to reflect upon the sacrifice of God and His Son Jesus, a time to anticipate the risen Christ of Easter, a time to encounter Truth while waiting for insight from Him.

The Psalmist said, Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. (Ps. 33:20,21 NKJV)

Originally published March 2, 1990.

Hearing His Word

People have always tried to discredit Jesus. The Pharisees and Sadducees tried to trap Him in controversy by asking him trick questions. He simply redirected the conversations to bring truth and spiritual light.

One day a Pharisee, a scribe by trade, listened to one of Jesus’ conversations with the Pharisees and Sadducees. He heard them disputing with one another, and he realized Jesus made sense. He [Jesus] answered them well. (Mk. 12:28b RSV)

This man also began to ask questions, but not to prove his own point or to find fault. He sought honest answers—regardless of where they might lead him. And Jesus, after sharing with him for some time, declared, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” (v. 34b)

When we have questions, it’s easy to be swayed by those who scoff—be it ever so subtle. But if we openly bring a matter to Jesus and hear His Words, we discover He does, indeed, answer well.

Originally published July 17, 1981.
Picture: The birds are gone, but the nest is still here, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

To Justify Himself

A religious leader planned to catch Jesus with a trick question by asking how a person could, “inherit eternal life?” (Lk. 10:25 NIV) This would seem simple, but it was controversial because organized religion was in the habit of complicating simple truth. One group—the Sadducees—even taught there was no life after death.

Scripture contained an answer, however, and the simple truth was well known. Jesus let the man begin their discussion by asking the man to quote it: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.” And “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (v. 27)

Perhaps the expert was even waiting for superficial excuses in tune with prevailing ideas of the culture, but Jesus confronted him: “You have answered correctly . . . Do this and you will live.” (v. 28)

Simple truth is usually hard to live. Although the religious man recognized his guilt, he wanted to rationalize a way to ignore God’s clear command. The Bible says, “But he wanted to justify himself.” So he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” (v. 29)

Originally published May 2, 1986.

Seeking Truth?

If our goal is looking for hidden sin in others—or finding a flaw in their logic—or revealing their financial blunder—we best beware. There is a good chance we’re no longer seeking truth.

It may even mean we feel threatened—that we’re looking for problems in others so we can hide our own guilt.

This was the case of the Pharisees or the religious authorities of Jesus' time. Jesus confronted their deceit. He spoke of how they strictly followed legal requirements while failing to show mercy. He spoke of their desire for public recognition. Then He expanded His indictment to include Scribes and Lawyers as well.

That Jesus was speaking truth was obvious to everyone. The only defense for these leaders was to find fault in Jesus. That might take the attention away from themselves. So, the scribes and the Pharisees began to assail Him vehemently, and to cross-examine Him about many things, lying in wait for Him, and seeking to catch Him in something He might say, that they might accuse Him. (Lk. 11:53b,54) They weren’t seeking truth.

If they had taken Jesus’ words to heart they could have received from Him. They didn’t want to hear someone who would challenge their comfortable world.

Originally published September 18, 1992.
Picture: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008. Photo by Solveig.

How Hard It Is

A rich young ruler came to Jesus, asking what he should do to inherit eternal life. Jesus began by asking a series of question. The questions were designed to pinpoint one specific problem in young ruler’s life. Then Jesus said, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” (Mk. 10:21 NKJV)

That was a radical solution. And because Jesus didn’t tell everyone to sell everything they owned and then give it away, we know it was a personal message. If it seems hard to us, that’s because we don’t know the condition or state of the ruler’s heart, we don’t know his spiritual needs, and we don’t know anything about God’s call upon his life.

The sad thing is that the ruler didn’t respond positively to Jesus’ message. The Bible tells us, he went away grieved, for he had great possessions. (v. 22b)

Great possessions are nice, but not if they keep us from following God.

Originally published May 17, 1991.

Our Need for Mercy

Mercy. It means light punishment. Or perhaps it means no punishment, a reprieve or forgiveness when we fail or do something wrong. Mercy definitely means help is on the way when circumstances are difficult.

Our human condition being what it is, our need for mercy never ends. We continually experience failure, wrongdoing, and difficulty. With the psalmist we cry, God be merciful to us and bless us. . . . (Ps. 67:1 NKJV)

The Bible portrays God as a source of unlimited mercy for those who trust Him and who come to Him with humble hearts. With great mercy, He leads His people through hard times. With great mercy, He forgives all who come to Him.

Our response? Hopefully it's a response of gratitude. Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy. . . ! God our own God shall bless us. . . . (v. 4a,6b)

Originally published November 10, 1989.
Picture: Flower, Hawaii, 2004. Photo by Patty.

Developing Roots

When Jesus explained the parable of the Sower to His disciples, He focused briefly on people who are like rocky soil. He said, “they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.” (Lk. 8:12 RSV)

Plants can’t live without roots. Roots anchor plants firmly in the ground so they don’t fall over or blow away; they absorb minerals and water to sustain life and growth. Usually only a small part of a root is visible for they extend below the soil’s surface.

If we wish to live strong lives in Christ, we must submerge our inner life support—our roots—deep into the life and words of Jesus. Other people might never see our private life with God, but only He can keep us from blowing away during times of temptation. He feeds us the spiritual food we need and He provides Living Water. The strength and quality of our Christian life depends upon a vital relationship with Him.

Originally published September 11, 1981.

His Perfect Obedience

Jesus lived a life of perfect obedience. He always!—always!—did His Father’s will.

Imagine. We might be willing to submit our will to another person’s will for an hour—or maybe an afternoon or a day. But even then, inside—in our heart of hearts—we wait for our time of servitude to end so we can relapse into our own ideas, our own agenda. A lifetime of submission? Impossible.

Yet that’s what Jesus did, how Jesus lived. Locked into an earthly body, He submitted to His Heavenly Father. Not because He had to, but because He wanted to. Love for His Father and for His Father’s people were His motivation. He didn’t forget—even on the cross when He cried, “Father, forgive them. . . .” (Lk. 23:34)

Jesus’ perfect obedience, even obedience to death on a cross, is our salvation. By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ . . . for by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. (Heb. 10:10, 14)

Originally published March 26, 1993.
Picture: Roses, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008. Photo by Solveig.

Satan's Offer

Jesus came to establish God’s Kingdom on earth. Satan knew as much when he tempted Jesus. He met Jesus in the Wilderness, gave Him a grand tour by supernaturally showing Him all the kingdoms of the world.” Then Satan said, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” (Mt. 4:8b,9 NKJV)

Jesus didn’t argue with Satan’s offer or logic. He knew Satan wanted to be worshiped; he knew Satan was god of this world and that the world was Satan’s to offer. It might have seemed that taking the offer would have been an easy way out.

But Jesus knew the offer didn’t fit His Heavenly Father’s purpose.

Even more important, the kingdoms of the world—regardless of their glory—were not what Jesus had in mind at the time. He had come to establish a different kind of kingdom. When He began His ministry, He had an unique message. We read, From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (v. 17)

Satan offers the world in a negative, selfish package; Jesus offers heavenly virtues here an in our afterlife. Like Jesus during His earthly ministry, we live in the world. And like Jesus, we can receive heavenly virtues and we can look forward. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!

Originally published March 9, 1990.

Clothed with White Robes

The book of Revelation is hard to understand, but some passages are so exciting we thrill to them anyway.

For example, “ beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindred, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes. . . . (Rev. 7:9 KJV)

The multitude worshipped with a loud voice. Angels worshipped, too. Then an elder approached and asked John, “What are these which are arrayed in white robes? And whence came they?” (vs. 13b)

At John’s request, the elder answered his own question: “These are they which came out of the great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (v. 14b)

Originally published September 30, 1983.
Picture: Flowers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008. Photo by Solveig

The Teacher

Jesus' teaching was revolutionary during His life, and it is revolutionary today. When the crowds following Him grew increasingly large, He walked up mountainsides so the people could see Him and hear His message more easily.

Much of Jesus’ teaching is recorded in the Sermon on the Mount. He reviewed Old Testament concepts by expanding them. He opened up their meaning for the people and revealed new applications of God’s love. Perhaps He did this because many people had an incomplete understanding of the Scriptures.

Jesus offered a solution for people who have trouble understanding God’s Word. He told them to ask for help. One of the concepts He taught was, "Ask and it will be given you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened. . . ." (Mt. 7:7 NIV)

The crowds were amazed at His teaching because He taught as one who had authority. . . . (Mt. 5:28) Perhaps we’re amazed, too. We need to ask, seek, and knock. We need to look to the One who speaks with authority.

Originally published February 18, 1983.

Jesus—Only Jesus

Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthians telling them he had been God’s wise master builder when he was among them. He had shared Christ with them and he had helped establish them as members of God’ family. Then he said, For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (I Cor. 3:11 NKJV)

If we think of our life with God as a building, we might like to add many things to our foundation. We might like to add our good works, our accomplishments, or our talents. We might even like to add our background—the accomplishments of parents or grandparents.

But Scripture is clear. Jesus—and only Jesus—can be a foundation for life with God. Nothing else is strong enough to withstand the shaking each Christian must face.

Because everything will be tested—even those additional aspects of our Christian life: Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw . . . the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. (vs. 12,13b)

Originally published August 9, 1991.
Picture: Cactus in bloom, Arizona desert, 2008. Photo by Patty.

The Prescribed Sacrifice

Moses followed direction he received from God on Mount Sinai when he sprinkled blood over the Israelite nation to ratify a covenant—to seal God’s solemn agreement with His people. (Ex. 24:8)

It’s not likely that each person actually received blood upon his person, but by faith each person identified with God’s prescribed blood sacrifice and became a member of God’s kingdom.

God made several covenants with His people in the Old Testament. Each revealed more of His nature until finally, in the New Testament Jesus ratified the final or New covenant. Jesus became the final offering for Sin when He shed His blood on a cross.

Since that time, all who receive Jesus—all who identify with His sacrifice through faith—become members of His church, God’s Kingdom on earth.

Old Testament prophets foretold that Jesus would offer the perfect His sacrifice. Isaiah said, I will . . . give You as a covenant to the people . . . That you may say to the prisoners. ‘Go forth,’ to those in darkness. (Is. 49:8b,9a NKJV)

Originally published March 29, 1991.

Captivity Captive?

Paul quoted Ps. 68:18 in his letter to the Ephersians: When He [Jesus] ascended on high He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men. (Eph. 4:8 NKJV) Because that sounds confusing to our minds, let’s look briefly at what it means to lead captivity captive.

Captivity is a condition of severe restraint or bondage. Spiritual captivity is bondage to sin. It means being overwhelmed or overcome by the power of sin’s influence. People in spiritual captivity experience loss of moral freedom. They can’t choose good for pure or holy reasons.

Satan is the master-mind behind all captivity. He wants to imprison people—rob them of God’s blessings, but Jesus defeated Satan when He shed His blood on Calvary.

When Jesus ascended on high, He entered heaven as the victor over Satan. Since that occasion, no one has had to remain a captive under Satan’s control. Because, He led captivity captive.

Originally published February 16, 1990.
Picture: Cactus in bloom, Arizona Desert, 2008. Photo by Patty.

Intent on Evil

The priests and Pharisees of Jesus’ time were intent on evil. Their goal was ending the ministry of Jesus. They didn’t care that He was, in fact, the Messiah. Or that He preached God’s Word and wrought marvelous changes in people’s hearts. They didn't care that He healed the sick. Jesus cut into their territory, and they wanted Him out. And God didn’t stop them.

When the Pharisees sent officers to arrest Jesus, the officers returned without Him saying, No man ever spoke like this Man. (Jn. 7:46 NKJV) The Pharisees weren’t interested. They held Jesus and the people who followed Him in contempt. Are you also deceived? they asked the officers. (Jn. 7:47-49) When Nicodemus, one of their own who presumably did know the law, tried to defend Jesus, he was rebuked.(Jn. 7:50,51)

We wouldn’t have let it happen, but God let evil follow its course. Jesus was crucified on Calvary and a sorrowful Nicodemus helped Joseph of Arimathea bury the body. (Jn. 19:38,39) The Pharisees—still committed to protecting their interests—paid guards to watch the tomb.

Originally published March 13, 1992.

Contend Earnestly

Peace from God doesn’t mean loss of conflict. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit, and Jude verbally offered peace when he wrote, Mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you. (Jude, v. 2 NKJV) Jude also supported conflict when he wrote, contend earnestly for the faith. . . . (v. 31)

Jude instructed the believers to contend because outsiders had come to the congregation with heretical doctrine. Without making their intent known or immediately apparent, men were gradually introducing doctrines that said it was okay to turn the grace of our God into licentiousness. . . . (v. 4)

The teaching must be resisted, but the people didn’t need to lose their peace while they stood for truth. Their peace rested upon their inner relationship with God—not upon circumstances—or even on the presence of ungodly men teaching ungodly doctrines. They could have peace amidst strife because they trusted God.

Originally published June 23, 1980.
Picture: Red River of the North, 2009. Photo by Cindy.

With the Eye of Faith

Jesus put a great deal of effort into the disciples. They were His trainees. Before He died, He said to Father God, “They were Yours. You gave them to Me . . . Now they have known all things which you have given Me are from You.” (Jn. 17:6b,7 NKJV)

Jesus said that even when He knew the disciples did not understand much of what He was saying to them. He even knew they would scatter at the time of His crucifixion. Yet He invested in the disciples because His Father told Him to—and because He believed His Father. He continued to pray and to work according to His Father’s Word concerning them.

Jesus looked at the disciples with the eye of faith, seeing not only who they were at the time, but who they would become. He believed they would develop into mature apostles. He even believed, in spite of how it seemed, that His time with them was bearing fruit, “Oh righteous Father!” he said, “The world has not known You . . . and these have known that You sent Me.” (v. 25)

Originally published November 30, 1990.

Outside the Camp

Lent is that time of year when much of Christendom focuses their attention on the cross of Jesus.

Although the cross is a familiar, loved symbol today, crucifixions were hardly lovely. We know from historical records that especially evil leaders arranged for public crucifixions. For the most part, however, they were conducted in secluded places away from the mainstreams of daily activity because they were so gruesome, abhorrent.

So just as the Old Testament scapegoat was taken outside the camp during the Exodus of the Israelites—bearing their collective and personal sin into the Wilderness (Lev. 16)—Jesus died outside the camp. We read, Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. (Heb. 13:12 NIV)

The writer of Hebrews continues by offering an invitation, Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. (Heb. 13:13)

Originally published February 26, 1982.
Picture: Flower in Hawaii, 2004. Photo by Patty.

Looking Forward

Most of us have experienced a time when life seemed utterly black, hopeless. Jesus death on the cross was such a time for His disciples. All hopes of a kingdom on earth were dashed—and they didn’t understand the eternal kingdom Jesus had talked about. They couldn’t conceive of the resurrection that would follow. It appeared that evil controlled their future when Jesus was delivered into the hands of sinful men. . . . (Lk. 24:7 RSV)

So often our darkest hours are preludes for a resurrection. When we think there is no hope, God is doing His thing, working with a master plan set in place before written history and beyond our wildest human imaginations.

Although the disciples didn’t understand, Jesus did. The writer of Hebrews explains this when he wrote, Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross. (Heb. 12:2a NIV)

Lent is meaningful because it points to Easter.

Originally published April 9, 1982.