A Higher Standard

Today, let us remember our American citizens, families, and allies in Afghanistan, and continue to lift them up to the Lord in our prayers.  If anyone needs to know there’s a Battle Standard of the Hosts of Heaven, it is they.  Grace, Peace, and Mercy to them from Him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from Jesus Christ, our faithful witness.

So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun.  When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.  Isaiah 59:19 (KJV)

Many know of the most famous American battle standard, the Star-Spangled banner.  Sewn, not by Betsy Ross, but by American patriot Mary Young Pickersgill of Baltimore, and her 13-year-old daughter, Caroline, in the summer of 1813.  It was delivered to the U.S. Government in August of the same year, for $405.90. 

What the British Bombardment of Baltimore, the night of September 14, 1814, could not do to our Noble Banner, the years have. Souvenir seekers, mishandling, and age, have left it cut, clipped, and in deterioration.  The flag is currently under restoration in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History in Washington, DC. Restoration costs in 1999 were estimated at between $18-$25 million USD.

The Bible speaks of an eternal battle that is waged against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12, Daniel 10:12-13). There is a Righteous Standard raised against this evil onslaught and it proclaims “Redemption.”  Redemption of the human race, and heaven and Earth, to pristine and holy newness, where God comes down and lives among mankind (Isaiah 66:22, Revelation 21:1-3).  This banner will never wear out, nor will it fade or be rotted by the ravages of time.  It is the banner of the LORD of Hosts. The advance of this banner and this holy host may be withstood by a deluded enemy, but through the Power and Authority of its Commander, it can never be fully resisted.

At times it can feel as though you are trapped between heaven and hell, facing an onslaught by an invincible enemy. But just the moment you fear being overwhelmed, a Standard appears out of the smoke of battle, with a host who takes up the fight on your behalf, redeeming your time. It won’t be the Star-Spangled Banner raised to defy your enemy.  It will be the Banner Above the Stars, with the King and Commander of the Host of Heaven leading it.  It’s His highest Standard for you. Look up, Beloved!

Ken

Still as Sweet

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. 2^nd Corinthians 2:14

When I first moved to my current town, one of the first things I did was look for employment.   A couple of local men I’d met suggested some companies to apply to.  “Just tell them I sent you,” both of these fellows said, adding with a wink, “and you’ll be in like the snap of the fingers.”

I did apply and after filling out the applications mentioned their names.  At both places the managers arched their eyebrows and said warily, “Yeah, I know him. I’ll be in touch.”  It’s been 30 years, and I’ve not heard a word back. I walked away from those experiences wondering if what Shakespeare meant was a rose by any other name just smells?

However, there’s one name that will always hold its fragrance. No one in history, great or small, can say they’ve even shared a smidgen of the Glory, Majesty, and Sweet Aroma this man’s name brings to us.  His birth name is Yehoshua, which means “God is Salvation.”  In the Greek, Iēsous, to us, Jesus.

The Apostle Paul wanted believers to understand how perfect and elect the name of Jesus is. To understand it is a name that bears all authority in heaven and on earth, for all will bow their knee and confess He is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11).  He is worthy of our praise, worship, and trust.

We will never be disappointed in that name.  He who bears it is blessed by our Heavenly Father Himself, in a very special way (Matthew 3:17, Mark 9:35).  It’s a name that’s as good as gold and its sweet odor spreads to us so that we might spread its sweetness to people everywhere. It is a name above every name. A name that, even Shakespeare would agree, will always smell as sweet as the rose.

Ken

When Christians Collide

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

Disagreements happen between Christians.  When Peter disingenuously stopped eating with gentile believers to please the Jews, Paul publicly stood against his hypocrisy (Galatians 2:11-21).  At another time Paul disagreed with Barnabas over John Mark, to the parting of their ways (Acts 15:36-41).

Both times it was a disagreement and not a smackdown. Christ admonishes us to be agreeably disposed to one another in love. Paul may have disagreed with his fellow Christians, but he didn’t allow a spirit of bitterness to divide them. He continued to see them in the light of God’s love and remained in fellowship with them as his brothers in Christ, and they with him.

We as Christians will, at times, collide in the viewpoints or personalities of other Christians, but division is a tool of the Devil. When we disagree and a spirit of bitterness or spiritual division seem to be forming, we can stand firm in the faith wherewith Christ has made us free, forbearing differences, or if need be, forgiving any trespass as Christ forgave us. When strife and division reign on the throne of our lives, Christ cannot be King.

So Paul had disagreements with Peter and Barnabas? Yes, however they never allowed them to end their friendship, nor their eternal brotherhood in Christ, and it never affected the outcome of the preaching and teaching of the good news of Jesus.  When collisions come, we can bear one another with love, patience, and a gentle spirit. It is what Christ did.  It is what He calls us to do, because it is what He’s done for us. 

Ken

Without Your Asking

As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. Luke 24:15

On the day of His resurrection Jesus met two of His disciples walking on the road to Emmaus, not yet revealing His true identity to them.

The two men were distressed as they discussed the news of the one they thought would save Israel, but had died at the hands of the chief priest, rulers, and crucifixion by Rome (Vv 19-20).  They even said they’d heard that very morning how some women found Jesus’ tomb empty, and spoke of a “vision” of angels there saying He was alive, with some of their companions confirming the empty tomb. 

Then Jesus began explaining to them from the Scriptures, beginning with Moses and all the prophets, what they said concerning Himself, until their hearts burned within them.  The amazing thing to me in all this is Jesus appeared to them in their crisis of faith without them asking.

The Prophet Isaiah, wrote, “I [the LORD] revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.  To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, ’Here am I, here am I.’” And goes on to say, “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. Is. 65;1, 24 [Emphasis added].”

For you who are feeling you’ve shed your last tear, or exhausted your last breath of prayer, I want to hearten you to remember the Lord isn’t asleep, neither is He dozing (Psalm 121:3-4).  He sees all all the time.  Even as He appeared to His disbelieving disciples, when they considered Him dead, He’s with you right now in your own Road to Emmaeus experience.

I can only speak from what He’s done for me.  At times when my foot might have slipped into the mud, He kept me out of the sucking quicksand.  If the experience gained was a lesson learned that ended in His perfect will for me, then I accept the truth of His work in my life (Romans 8:28). I’ve learned the person with the most wisdom bears the most scars.  But scars or not, He’s willing to help us and the faithful One, who calls into being things that are not as though they were (Romans 4:17).

Beloved reader, listen to me.  While things may seem to be falling apart around you, look up and in your mind’s eye behold that God is still on His throne-and He’s awake and alert.  You may have mud on your boots, but He will never allow you to slip into annihilation.

He is Real.  He is Sure.  His promises hold true and He is with you, even now.  He neither slumbers nor Sleeps, and His throne will never fall into decay.  He’s always Mighty to Save, always to your good, and for His Glory.  He’s always willing to come to your side, even, at times, without your asking.

Ken

Pieces of Grace

“First let the children eat all they want,” [H]e told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

“Yes, Lord, she replied, “but even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”  Mark 7:27-28

In Jewish tradition, it was customary at Jewish tables for diners to use pieces of bread to wipe their fingers, since most of what they ate was with their fingers. After the bread was used, the piece was tossed onto the floor for the dogs to eat. So it was in the time of the Messiah.

To Jewish thought, a Jew always had priority over a gentile. In fact, Jews often referred to them as “dogs.” The term Jesus used with this Greek woman was a bit kinder.  It could be translated “puppy” (kunarion), i.e. household pets, and not scavengers.

This woman was asking Jesus to heal her daughter of an unclean spirit. While His reply might, at first might seem harsh and unfeeling, this woman was acquainted with Jewish prejudices of outsiders and was not offended.  Even though she knew the Messiah was there to feed the family first, she believed pieces of that Grace from that banquet table could be had.

Jesus saw that this gentile woman’s faith was strong and He wanted to test its mettle. In giving her the chance to stretch that faith, she demonstrated her sincere confidence in God’s authenticity, love, and power, and He healed her daughter.

Thanks to God’s grace, we can receive more than a few pieces of His favored love and attention. As did this gentile woman, we can come face-to-face with our Messiah and present our requests to Him. But unlike her, we won’t have to settle for pieces of grace to feed our hungry hearts.  We are no longer considered as puppies under the table, but as family.  And when He invites family to come and dine, it is now to feast fully on the Bread of Life, Christ Jesus (John 6:35).

Ken

Count Them if You Can

He took him outside and said, "Look up at the sky and count the stars-if indeed you can count them."  Then [H]e said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Genesis 15:5 (ESV)

I used to mouth the words, “God is good,” with a kind of nonchalance to the real Truth of His Person. However, in the past few years I have come to use that phrase with a deeply respectful appreciation. After all the bad things I’ve experienced, I can't count the times I've seen Him turn those things to good on my behalf. I have found that He indeed works for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

     Did Abram completely trust in the power and strength of God at all times?  No, he didn’t, for he, like the rest of us, was imperfect, and bent by a sinful nature toward doubt.  He too needed to occasionally hear the LORD’s encouragement that He would always be his shield and protector.

     One night, He showed Abram the vastness of the Milky Way and had him look at the stars, challenging him to count them if he could.  He promised him that He would make Abram’s descendants as numerous as the stars he was looking at (Genesis 15:5). 

     Paul writes that Abraham believed God was as good as His word, and it was credited to him as righteousness. He goes on to say it was not credited to him alone, but also for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 4:22-24).

     Yes, God is good.  His response to us is individually tailored to meet our individual needs, and all His promises are strong and true and will stand forever.  His promise and will for you may not be a miracle of fathering a child of promise at 100 years old, but all your needs are just as important to Him, and to Him it’s personal.

     Peace to you today.  Trust in such a gracious and good Father King. There is no need to be afraid, for He is your shield and very great reward with mercies too numerous to even count.   They never fail.  He isn’t just a God who offers you the moon. He gives you the stars.

Ken

 

 

 

 

Napoleon's Chump Change

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.  Romans 12:3 (ESV)

Have you ever heard the term ‘chump change’?  Webster’s Dictionary defines it as: A relatively small or insignificant amount of money.  It’s not worth the trouble. 

     One example, I recall, is the story of Napoleon Bonaparte when he became Emperor of the French Republic. As Pope Pius VII was about to place the crown upon Bonaparte in Notre Dame Cathedral, Napoleon grabbed the crown from the Pope’s hands and placed it upon his own head.  Napoleon thought he alone was the only one worthy enough to put him on the throne.  He thought of himself more highly than he ought to.

     For myself, this is an area I struggle in.  I am prone to place my Crown of Destiny upon my own head.  Seeking to do that has seemed like a splendid idea, but once on the throne of my own will, my prayer life wilted and following my own devices, I wound up, as Emperor Bonaparte, standing before the smoking ruins of a Waterloo of my own making.

     Jesus invites all of us to trust Him to anoint us for our life’s portion.  Sober judgment, with faith is our crown.  I’ve found when I have seized my crown from His hands, any imagined palace became a very real dungeon.  Compared to the riches of Christ Jesus, it was an insignificant and pitiful return for my efforts. I saw it for what it was, simply chump change. Obedience is truly better than that (Psalm 51:17).

Ken