There are some pretty "heady" names attributed to our Great God. Holy. Just. Almighty. All-Powerful. Omnipotent. Sovereign.
Yet, do we really know this God we are referencing? He bears some strong characteristics in His names, but what is His name? Who is this God who is so amazing there is no way to contain Him with words? Can we ever even begin to understand this Awesome God who is above all; the One for whom there is no equal?
I think we'd better at least give it a try.
All throughout scripture we catch glimpses of who God is. The trouble is, you need the whole of scripture and history to even begin shaping a complete picture of this mysterious and awesome God. This is not only a daunting task, it is an impossibility in our limited and finite minds. Not to mention, it would take eternity to completely accomplish.
So, let's see if we can do our best to both honor God's word and glorify His name in the story of three significant Old Testament characters.
1.) Abraham.
From the very beginning we see the picture of a very powerful and engaging God. Take for example, the calling of Abraham (known first as Abram).
Here's the paraphrased story in a nutshell: Abram has been promised descendants in Genesis Chapter 11, and again in Chapter 15. In fact, God promises Abram his descendants will be as many as there are stars in the sky (Genesis 15:5). Years later, though, this promise has still not been fulfilled. So, naturally, Abram took things into his own hands...and royally messed things up! He winds up having a son (Ishmael) with a maidservant (Hagar)...and then has to face a very unhappy and very disgruntled wife (Sarai) who blames him for the mess, even though technically it was her idea in the first place.
Talk about a broken home and a messed up family!
So, God shows up onto the scene and...
Wait.
Just think about that for a moment. God shows up. That in and of itself is pretty incredible, don't you think? That God Almighty would take the trouble to show up and engage a messed up situation is astounding. That He makes something amazing from the broken pieces is even more incredible.
He shows up!
But, not in the way and not at the time you might expect. You see, it has been 13 years since the Abram-Hagar-Ishmael debacle. And, all scripture actually says is "the Lord appeared." Just like that He is on the scene and in the midst of these very fragile relationships. We don't know how He appeared to Abram, but materialize He did. You can find the story in Genesis 17.
God appears, and He gives us His name. "I am El-Shaddai," (which means God-Almighty).
How awesome is that?!?
It seems to me, though, "God Almighty" could be anywhere doing anything, yet He chooses to enter the scene of this Abram and Sarai. These people didn't trust Him enough to wait for His leading, took matters into their own hands, messed up pretty incredibly, and God the Almighty shows up. He re-names them Abraham and Sarah. He blesses them and promises a son. He enters into a covenant-relationship with these two dingbats who haven't exactly been the pinnacle of trust, intimacy, and obedience with this Holy God.
Fascinating.
This story gives us an interesting glimpse at the character of God. He tells Abram (right before He changes his name) to "serve me (God) and live a blameless life." The covenant comes after these instructions. God is basically saying, live for me and me alone...and I will make you into a great nation.
Now, it is no secret that Abraham did in fact have countless descendants. What astonishes me in this encounter with God is first that God waits so long. (I mean, a child was promised, Abraham did his own thing and bore the consequences for over two decades) before we are told God appears again on the scene. Only in God's timing and only according to His plan does He operate.
Incredible.
And, when He does appear, God names Himself the Almighty One. Meaning, the One who can do anything. The One without limits. The One whom the story is really about in the first place. God appears, not when it is convenient or expected mind you, and He fulfills the promise He had made (but not forgotten) many many years before.
Maybe God is not exactly what we would suspect. You might assume the Almighty One to be a God of power and authority. You would not be wrong. But, here in this instance this Almighty ruler uses His supremacy to...fulfill a promise, start a nation, and engage a relationship with the least likely of people. Power meets feeble, and turns an impossibility into a legend.
2.) Moses
In Exodus Chapter 3 we read of Moses encountering God in a burning bush. Kind of crazy, and seriously cool. One moment the bush was just a normal plant, the next moment it had spontaneously combusted into a ball of fire. An angel appears to Moses from the fire, and when he goes to take a closer look, God speaks to Moses and calls him by name. God then names Himself "I AM who I AM." Simple. Mysterious. Complete. Profound.
What other being can be named the "I AM." This God is powerful. He is eternal. Yes, He is mysterious, and enthralling, and to some extent He is indescribable; and yet He is far from staying anonymous.
He meets Moses in a bush of fire for crying out loud! It's crazy, but it is also seriously amazing. God definitely got Moses' attention that day, and He certainly marked that holy moment in a very significant way. And, once again, He came at a time Moses least expected it. God showed up, amidst some routine shepherding - the monotonous and rather ordinary life of a shepherd in the wilderness - and infused life into a bush. God then called this fearful man who stuttered and never quite knew what to say, to lead God's people out of slavery.
Pretty astounding.
Then, later in Exodus Chapter 33 and 34 we read another encounter of Moses with God. This time Moses is a little more empowered and bold as he approaches God. He basically persuades God into showing His glory. But God says (and this is paraphrased), "I'll let my glory pass before you, but I must hide you in the rock until I pass. You can see me from behind, but no one can see my face and live."
Frightening.
This God of wonder is also a God who could kill us. Literally, you and I could not stand to be in His presence. We would die. He is that holy. He is that righteous. He is that awesome.
When I read this story I wonder how many times I have taken God for granted, treated Him as "just another" duty or obligation, or turned away from Him because it was easier or more fun to do something else instead.
Russian Roulette would be safer.
You can read the story for yourself. It's pretty amazing. God's goodness passes before Moses, and Moses is forever altered by this encounter. We learn here that God has named Himself "Yahweh. The Lord. The God of compassion and mercy."
So many remarkable things are happening in this story, it is hard to catch them all.
- First, this Almighty God is having a conversation with Moses. Moses is speaking, and we read God's actual answer.
- If that weren't crazy enough, then you have Moses somewhat controlling the conversation. God is God. He is God Almighty, and yet He is allowing Moses to make demands of Him. That's a little twisted.
- Thirdly, God grants Moses his request, but keeps him from being harmed in the process. He protects Moses, even as He is bending to Moses' inclination. Moses can't see God and live. God knows this. So, he hides Moses in the cleft of the rock and passes before Him singing His own praises.
So, what does Moses do? The only thing he can do. Moses immediately falls down to worship this amazing and incredible being he has just miraculously encountered.
When is the last time you could not not worship? When was the last time you encountered something so dynamic you literally fell on your face in fear and reverence? That is what happens to Moses. God then gives him some instructions which Moses carries down to the people. He doesn't even realize his (Moses') face has become so radiant that others can't stand to look at him.
Aren't you a little intrigued at this? First with Abraham (the Almighty) uses His power to start a family. Then with Moses, God (the I AM) inhabits a bush to call a leader (who was a convicted murderer, and basically a runaway hiding in the wilderness) back into His service. Now God (Yahweh - the God of compassion and mercy) meets with his servant and so dynamically changes his physiological appearance, his friends can’t bear to look directly at him.
This is like no other God I have ever imagined.
Throughout scripture there are countless encounters of God revealing Himself. This seems to be a God who wants to be known, a God who longs for relationship, a God who shows up so that we can meet him face-to-face. Several times He names Himself. Often, He remains mysteriously vague. And then, there is the time He meets with one of the most profoundly dynamic prophets of the Old Testament.
Let's see how this Eternal Other presents himself to His special and anointed servant.
3.) Elijah
The story is found in 1 Kings Chapter 19. Elijah was God's man. He was a prophet unlike any other in Israel's history. Elijah is significant for many reasons. This particular event comes at a time when Elijah is literally running for his life from a very evil kingdom. He is so depressed he asks God to end his life. God denies his request. He is fed miraculously by an "angel of the Lord," and then the "word of the Lord" appeared to him.
Once again, we'll probably not understand the total and complete meanings of this encounter until we ourselves come face-to-face with the One who was there. In the meantime, here is what scripture says happened.
The "word of the Lord" asks Elijah what he is doing, and Elijah answers. The Lord invites Elijah to stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord because the Lord's presence is about to pass by.
Elijah follows the instructions, and the Lord comes. First there is a devastating wind, but the Lord was not in the wind. Then there is an earthquake, and then a fire, but God was not in either of those. And then, there was a gentle whisper. And that's where Elijah meets God. In the sweetest of places.
This passage affirms God is God Almighty (Elijah confirms it as he's answering the whisper), but it is more significant than that. God, the all-powerful, the great I AM, El Shaddai Himself is so powerful and amazing His presence stirs up wind, earthquake and fire. But, His essence is shown in the gentle whisper to the heart.
The unexpected to be sure.
At this point, Elijah himself has called down fire from heaven, and Moses was at the helm of the catastrophic plagues on the Egyptians and the parting of the red sea; and then there was that time that God struck down the city of Sodom and Gomorrah because of its corruption...this God Almighty knows how to get His business accomplished!
Yet here He pauses. He waits. He whispers.
If you're looking for God in the amazingly miraculous, the "showy," and/or the definitive expositions of power, you may wind up missing Him. Because, He's also found in the mundane. Remember the stable and the manger filled with hay. Remember the lowly shepherds given first row admittance to the climax of history. Remember that things are not always what they appear. And, remember...this God is the God of the unexpected.
His name is Yahweh. He is the Almighty God indeed. He is a God full of mercy, grace, and truth. He is also the indescribable one. Just when you think He couldn't be more fascinating or awe-inspiring, He will wow you again by stunning you with silence and gently whispering your name.
Maybe it isn't as important a task to name this great God. Maybe, instead we should bow in reverence to the One who was and is and is to come, to the only God, who holds the world in His hands. Whether with trumpet sound, or in the stillness of a whisper, He comes.
And, His name...IS.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
A Little Lesson in Logic...
I think we probably all have things we'd like to ask God. There are probably a lot of "Why, God?" questions in your life. I know there are in mine.
But, I keep coming through the questions of why to an even deeper, more troubling question - "Really, Lord?" I confess to you that I am a woman of faith. I have decided to believe in the Jesus of the Bible. I have no reservations whatsoever about that decision. But, that does not mean I do not have questions.
I choose to confess with my mouth, "Jesus is LORD," and believe in my heart God raised Him from the dead. (Romans 8:9-10). But, that does not mean I do not have moments of doubt. And, it certainly does not mean I understand it all.
In fact, I am deeply troubled by something Jesus said. And, confused. And, frankly, I am more-than-a-little upset by these words of Jesus. It is a relatively famous quote. You will probably recognize it. You might even have more significant thoughts about these words than I.
You can find the particular verse I am talking about in Luke 9:23, or similar ones in Matthew 16:34 or Mark 8:34. The New Living Version writes it this way. "Then he [Jesus] said to the crowd,
'If any of you wants to be my follower,
you must turn from your selfish ways,
take up your cross daily,
and follow me.'"
These words haunt me.
Here's why: Either Jesus said them, or He didn't.
He either meant them, or He didn't.
We will either believe them, or we won't.
And, we will either take these words seriously, or we will reject them.
Period.
The logic is quite simple. It has to be one way or another. IF Jesus really said it, then the other option is not possible: there is no way He didn't say it. Logically speaking, it can't be both.
To complicate matters, what I choose to believe about these words doesn't change them at all. I can choose to believe Jesus said them and meant them, but that does not automatically prove they are authentic. The opposite is also true, I can firmly reject these words and completely dis-believe their sentiment. That doesn't mean Jesus did not say these very things, mean these very things, and expect these very things from his followers.
Logic is what it is. And, regardless of what we choose to believe about the fact, Jesus either said these words, or He didn't. It is quite simple.
But, the implications are not quite-so-simple.
The truth is: IF Jesus, the Jesus of the Holy Scriptures, did NOT say these words, then this discussion does not matter. My thoughts, feelings, and response to these statements ONLY matter IF they are true BECAUSE Jesus said them. Because, as I've already confessed, I choose to believe in the Jesus of the Bible. I choose to trust this Jesus for my salvation, redemption, and purpose in life. SO, if he didn't say these words, then I personally don't find much benefit in debating the issue.
But, if Jesus DID say these things, then the next question that begs to be asked is, did he mean them?
I'll save you the pain of trying to track the ramblings of brain and cut right to the issue: I believe firmly that Jesus had to have meant what He said. We are told in no uncertain terms that Jesus' life was without sin (1 Peter 2:22), so he could not have been a liar. He was also perfect (2 Cor 5:21), so he could not have been mistaken. (You could also check out Hebrews 4:14-16 and 1 John 3:5).
Therefore, if those things are true, Jesus had to have meant what He said. It is the only logical conclusion we can come to.
I know there are some who will call into question the authenticity and authority of scripture at this point. That, my friends, is a debate for another season. They are valid questions to be sure, but are not relevant to this particular discussion because I have already said, and I quote, "I have decided to believe in the Jesus of the Bible."
This whole argument stems from that statement of faith.
Faith in the Bible, therefore, is inherent in my questioning.
Let's get back to the question at hand, which is whether or not Jesus said, and meant the words recorded (in the Bible). "'If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.'"
So, if Jesus said these words, and meant these words...what, next?
Either I will believe these words, or I will reject these words. Meaning, having accepted these words as having been spoken and meant by Jesus, the next step is to accept or reject these words.
Either I will believe Jesus' words, or I will not.
Not to be redundant, but these words trouble me. If I want to follow Christ (and I have already confessed to you that I do), then according to this passage I must "turn from my selfish ways..."
What? Stop right there. Is this really saying that if I am to be a true follower of Jesus than I no longer have the right or the authority to live for myself?
Profound.
Jesus tells his followers they must follow completely. There is no option of "kind of" following this Jesus. He is demanding a complete and total commitment from His followers. There is to be no "sort of."
Like I said, these words are haunting.
We live in a world of selfishness. Even within the fellowship of believers there is an "aura" of looking out for "number one." You see this in things like who we vote for during Board elections, how we spend the tithing that comes in from the people, what ministries we most often give of ourselves to, and what people (friends) we surround ourselves with.
And yet, Christ says, if we are to truly follow Him, we are to turn from our selfish ways. If He said it, and If He meant it, what in the world are we going to do with that one?
And, my friends, He didn't stop there.
He went on to say we must take up our cross, daily.
I've thought a lot about the cross over the years. It is an easily identifiable symbol of the Christian faith after all. The cross of Jesus is something we Christians celebrate. We wear it around our necks, or put it on our cars...it is a symbol of the hope and power we have over sin and death because of this person, Jesus, and what happened on His cross.
But, here, before He's even walked down the via dolorosa, or marched up to Calvary (carrying his own instrument of death), or surrendered his body and soul to the torment of a gruesome and painful killing - before any of that has happened, Jesus tells His followers: if we are to be true to His name, we will choose to take up our cross as well.
Remember for a moment that the cross in Jesus' day was NOTHING redemptive. There was NO HOPE, and NO JOY connected with the cross. The cross was for criminals. The cross was for the "lowest of the low" kind of people - individuals whom godly people would never consider themselves to be. The cross was not a unique form of death - it has been reported through the ages as being one of the most gruesome and horrific forms of torture in all of history.
Yet, here, Jesus tells his followers we are to take up our cross daily.
We've already worked our way through the questions of "did Jesus say this," and "did Jesus mean this." We have now moved on to - so, what is our response going to be?
And, here's where the haunting of these words grip me.
Seeing as how the cross represented judgment, pain, sorrow, embarrassment, rejection, and torture (just to name a few), Jesus must be asking something significant of his followers by this statement. He asks us to deny ourselves. He asks us to "take up," or embrace our suffering...and He asks us to do so daily.
There is a prevalent thought in some "churchy" circles, that following Jesus is a recipe for the fulfillment of all our hopes and dreams. The thought is: the closer we follow Jesus the sooner we are led "into the promised land," full of much joy, prosperity, and little suffering.
Where did this idea come from? Certainly God desires to bless His children. That is scriptural as well. Check out: 2 Chronicles 30:9, Matthew 7:11, and Ephesians 1:3, just to name a few.
And, yet - what if the desire of my heart is for a long and fulfilling life, but following Jesus obediently costs me my life? What if I actually lose my life following Christ? That blows up the whole concept of my personal "prosperity" being the point, doesn't it?
What if something I deeply desire (a relationship, status, or "answer to prayer.") does not automatically, or ever, come as I faithfully and obediently surrender to Jesus?
What if, "embracing my cross" actually involves the killing of some dreams, and the death of some personal ambitions? I just do not see another appropriate interpretation of these words of Jesus. I guess we are forced to admit that Jesus is asking something more of us than to live for our own comfort, entertainment and enjoyment.
Here's a confession for you: I am very tired tired of us not "getting it." There is so much faulty thinking in the church today that would subtly tell us to hold on to our hopes and dreams because Jesus is "all about fulfilling them!" Except, I have not experienced this in my life. Not all my hopes and dreams have been fulfilled. I am certain not all will be fulfilled. And this has come as a direct result of obedience to Christ. Does that mean Jesus loves me less, or my faith is not strong enough, or I just haven't waited patiently enough?
Maybe.
But...
(And this is a HUGE BUT)...if Jesus never does fulfill those dreams on my heart, what will that do to my faith in Him? If my faith in Him is dependent upon what He does for me, my faith is quite weak indeed.
Don't you see it? In light of this verse, Jesus telling us to "follow Him," with all that implies - it sort of cuts through all the junky and faulty thinking that equates faith in God, through His son Jesus Christ as some sort of balance sheet. i.e. "If I love God + if I follow God = God will give me everything I want."
Hogwash.
There are many things I want the Lord has not given. There are also many blessings in my life which I have in abundance. I may have never expected these things, but they have been given freely nonetheless. I do not mean to say there is no joy or peace in following Christ completely. That would be heresy indeed.
But, I do mean to clearly say that according to Jesus' own words, if I am to be a true follower of Him, then I must actually be willing to die, to kill off things in my heart and mind that He might not want for my life. I may never know or understand the why of these things.
He doesn't demand that I understand. He asks only that I follow Him in complete obedience.
That's why I started this rant by telling you my "why" questions have moved onto, "Really, Lord?" Meaning, I've asked and wrestled deeply with God about some things in my life. "Really, Lord? Are you seriously asking me to __________," or "Really, Lord? Are you seriously telling me to ____________."
Really, Lord?
But, think about it. He who was not willing to spare His son, demands the same level of faithful obedience from His true followers. It makes sense. We are merely following His example.
Luke 14:27 "And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."
May you have eyes to see and ears to hear. May you also have the grace, faith, strength and courage required to give yourself over in complete obedience to the Holy God who is asking nothing more of you than what He offered on your behalf.
But, I keep coming through the questions of why to an even deeper, more troubling question - "Really, Lord?" I confess to you that I am a woman of faith. I have decided to believe in the Jesus of the Bible. I have no reservations whatsoever about that decision. But, that does not mean I do not have questions.
I choose to confess with my mouth, "Jesus is LORD," and believe in my heart God raised Him from the dead. (Romans 8:9-10). But, that does not mean I do not have moments of doubt. And, it certainly does not mean I understand it all.
In fact, I am deeply troubled by something Jesus said. And, confused. And, frankly, I am more-than-a-little upset by these words of Jesus. It is a relatively famous quote. You will probably recognize it. You might even have more significant thoughts about these words than I.
You can find the particular verse I am talking about in Luke 9:23, or similar ones in Matthew 16:34 or Mark 8:34. The New Living Version writes it this way. "Then he [Jesus] said to the crowd,
'If any of you wants to be my follower,
you must turn from your selfish ways,
take up your cross daily,
and follow me.'"
These words haunt me.
Here's why: Either Jesus said them, or He didn't.
He either meant them, or He didn't.
We will either believe them, or we won't.
And, we will either take these words seriously, or we will reject them.
Period.
The logic is quite simple. It has to be one way or another. IF Jesus really said it, then the other option is not possible: there is no way He didn't say it. Logically speaking, it can't be both.
To complicate matters, what I choose to believe about these words doesn't change them at all. I can choose to believe Jesus said them and meant them, but that does not automatically prove they are authentic. The opposite is also true, I can firmly reject these words and completely dis-believe their sentiment. That doesn't mean Jesus did not say these very things, mean these very things, and expect these very things from his followers.
Logic is what it is. And, regardless of what we choose to believe about the fact, Jesus either said these words, or He didn't. It is quite simple.
But, the implications are not quite-so-simple.
The truth is: IF Jesus, the Jesus of the Holy Scriptures, did NOT say these words, then this discussion does not matter. My thoughts, feelings, and response to these statements ONLY matter IF they are true BECAUSE Jesus said them. Because, as I've already confessed, I choose to believe in the Jesus of the Bible. I choose to trust this Jesus for my salvation, redemption, and purpose in life. SO, if he didn't say these words, then I personally don't find much benefit in debating the issue.
But, if Jesus DID say these things, then the next question that begs to be asked is, did he mean them?
I'll save you the pain of trying to track the ramblings of brain and cut right to the issue: I believe firmly that Jesus had to have meant what He said. We are told in no uncertain terms that Jesus' life was without sin (1 Peter 2:22), so he could not have been a liar. He was also perfect (2 Cor 5:21), so he could not have been mistaken. (You could also check out Hebrews 4:14-16 and 1 John 3:5).
Therefore, if those things are true, Jesus had to have meant what He said. It is the only logical conclusion we can come to.
I know there are some who will call into question the authenticity and authority of scripture at this point. That, my friends, is a debate for another season. They are valid questions to be sure, but are not relevant to this particular discussion because I have already said, and I quote, "I have decided to believe in the Jesus of the Bible."
This whole argument stems from that statement of faith.
Faith in the Bible, therefore, is inherent in my questioning.
Let's get back to the question at hand, which is whether or not Jesus said, and meant the words recorded (in the Bible). "'If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.'"
So, if Jesus said these words, and meant these words...what, next?
Either I will believe these words, or I will reject these words. Meaning, having accepted these words as having been spoken and meant by Jesus, the next step is to accept or reject these words.
Either I will believe Jesus' words, or I will not.
Not to be redundant, but these words trouble me. If I want to follow Christ (and I have already confessed to you that I do), then according to this passage I must "turn from my selfish ways..."
What? Stop right there. Is this really saying that if I am to be a true follower of Jesus than I no longer have the right or the authority to live for myself?
Profound.
Jesus tells his followers they must follow completely. There is no option of "kind of" following this Jesus. He is demanding a complete and total commitment from His followers. There is to be no "sort of."
Like I said, these words are haunting.
We live in a world of selfishness. Even within the fellowship of believers there is an "aura" of looking out for "number one." You see this in things like who we vote for during Board elections, how we spend the tithing that comes in from the people, what ministries we most often give of ourselves to, and what people (friends) we surround ourselves with.
And yet, Christ says, if we are to truly follow Him, we are to turn from our selfish ways. If He said it, and If He meant it, what in the world are we going to do with that one?
And, my friends, He didn't stop there.
He went on to say we must take up our cross, daily.
I've thought a lot about the cross over the years. It is an easily identifiable symbol of the Christian faith after all. The cross of Jesus is something we Christians celebrate. We wear it around our necks, or put it on our cars...it is a symbol of the hope and power we have over sin and death because of this person, Jesus, and what happened on His cross.
But, here, before He's even walked down the via dolorosa, or marched up to Calvary (carrying his own instrument of death), or surrendered his body and soul to the torment of a gruesome and painful killing - before any of that has happened, Jesus tells His followers: if we are to be true to His name, we will choose to take up our cross as well.
Remember for a moment that the cross in Jesus' day was NOTHING redemptive. There was NO HOPE, and NO JOY connected with the cross. The cross was for criminals. The cross was for the "lowest of the low" kind of people - individuals whom godly people would never consider themselves to be. The cross was not a unique form of death - it has been reported through the ages as being one of the most gruesome and horrific forms of torture in all of history.
Yet, here, Jesus tells his followers we are to take up our cross daily.
We've already worked our way through the questions of "did Jesus say this," and "did Jesus mean this." We have now moved on to - so, what is our response going to be?
And, here's where the haunting of these words grip me.
Seeing as how the cross represented judgment, pain, sorrow, embarrassment, rejection, and torture (just to name a few), Jesus must be asking something significant of his followers by this statement. He asks us to deny ourselves. He asks us to "take up," or embrace our suffering...and He asks us to do so daily.
There is a prevalent thought in some "churchy" circles, that following Jesus is a recipe for the fulfillment of all our hopes and dreams. The thought is: the closer we follow Jesus the sooner we are led "into the promised land," full of much joy, prosperity, and little suffering.
Where did this idea come from? Certainly God desires to bless His children. That is scriptural as well. Check out: 2 Chronicles 30:9, Matthew 7:11, and Ephesians 1:3, just to name a few.
And, yet - what if the desire of my heart is for a long and fulfilling life, but following Jesus obediently costs me my life? What if I actually lose my life following Christ? That blows up the whole concept of my personal "prosperity" being the point, doesn't it?
What if something I deeply desire (a relationship, status, or "answer to prayer.") does not automatically, or ever, come as I faithfully and obediently surrender to Jesus?
What if, "embracing my cross" actually involves the killing of some dreams, and the death of some personal ambitions? I just do not see another appropriate interpretation of these words of Jesus. I guess we are forced to admit that Jesus is asking something more of us than to live for our own comfort, entertainment and enjoyment.
Here's a confession for you: I am very tired tired of us not "getting it." There is so much faulty thinking in the church today that would subtly tell us to hold on to our hopes and dreams because Jesus is "all about fulfilling them!" Except, I have not experienced this in my life. Not all my hopes and dreams have been fulfilled. I am certain not all will be fulfilled. And this has come as a direct result of obedience to Christ. Does that mean Jesus loves me less, or my faith is not strong enough, or I just haven't waited patiently enough?
Maybe.
But...
(And this is a HUGE BUT)...if Jesus never does fulfill those dreams on my heart, what will that do to my faith in Him? If my faith in Him is dependent upon what He does for me, my faith is quite weak indeed.
Don't you see it? In light of this verse, Jesus telling us to "follow Him," with all that implies - it sort of cuts through all the junky and faulty thinking that equates faith in God, through His son Jesus Christ as some sort of balance sheet. i.e. "If I love God + if I follow God = God will give me everything I want."
Hogwash.
There are many things I want the Lord has not given. There are also many blessings in my life which I have in abundance. I may have never expected these things, but they have been given freely nonetheless. I do not mean to say there is no joy or peace in following Christ completely. That would be heresy indeed.
But, I do mean to clearly say that according to Jesus' own words, if I am to be a true follower of Him, then I must actually be willing to die, to kill off things in my heart and mind that He might not want for my life. I may never know or understand the why of these things.
He doesn't demand that I understand. He asks only that I follow Him in complete obedience.
That's why I started this rant by telling you my "why" questions have moved onto, "Really, Lord?" Meaning, I've asked and wrestled deeply with God about some things in my life. "Really, Lord? Are you seriously asking me to __________," or "Really, Lord? Are you seriously telling me to ____________."
Really, Lord?
But, think about it. He who was not willing to spare His son, demands the same level of faithful obedience from His true followers. It makes sense. We are merely following His example.
Luke 14:27 "And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."
May you have eyes to see and ears to hear. May you also have the grace, faith, strength and courage required to give yourself over in complete obedience to the Holy God who is asking nothing more of you than what He offered on your behalf.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Loneliness
I am convinced that one of the most difficult things anyone can face in life is feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are often associated with feelings of depression and hopelessness.
Feeling lonely can be overwhelming, and deeply painful.
The truth is, while most of us will face seasons of loneliness at some point in our lives, we tend to feel isolated in or by our particular experiences of loneliness. That's part of our struggle, and it can add to the feelings of seclusion and despair. We feel lonely in our loneliness, which can increase depression and hopelessness. This can make us feel overwhelmed and, frankly, all-the-more lonely.
It is a vicious cycle.
I believe strongly our gracious God is offering us hope in this very area. I have personally found the most difficult and overwhelming feelings of loneliness can be counterbalanced when confronted by God’s love, mercy, grace & hope.
The truth is: loneliness has very little to do with the number of people you are around. Lonely people may find themselves physically alone, or in the midst of a crowd of people. While my single friends most often express a feeling of loneliness, some of the loneliest people I know are my married friends. How many friends you may have or how popular you are really does not make any difference. Feelings of loneliness are overwhelming. It is the feeling of being friendless, lost or forlorn. And, these feelings of despair can come at times when we least expect them. We need healthy and authentic relationships with others, and loneliness can be the result whenever we feel misunderstood, unwelcome or unwanted – or whenever we do not have healthy and authentic Christ-centered relationships where we find belonging, hope, and encouragement.
Loneliness can be one of the most overwhelming feelings we feel. But I want you to know, there is hope! Here are some deep truths that we must acknowledge if we are to conquer the hopelessness that can accompany seasons of loneliness.
1.) We were made for relationship.
In the book of Genesis, we find clear evidence of God’s big picture. In Genesis 1:1, the very opening words of scripture point to a God who is above all, before all, and through all. He IS the creator who envisioned it all in the first place.
“In the beginning God created…” which means God was already there. He was at work before creation even began. The entire chapter of Genesis 1 tells of the unfolding of His creation: the creation of light, His placing of the stars, the moon & the sun in the sky, God’s filling the whole earth with all living things…it is glorious indeed! We must understand how very intentional God was when He was creating the earth we enjoy.
The story of creation is a miraculous picture of God’s heart! And, in Genesis 1:26 we see a clear picture of God’s heart for us – the very people He has made for His glory. God says, “Let us make man (human) in our image, in our likeness…” (Emphasis mine.) The plural language of this verse is intentional and, I believe, crucial for us to understand.
Not only is God the driving force behind all of creation, but He refers to Himself in this verse as “we.” This reality of the trinity is so complex and dynamic; it alone could, and has, filled many books. However, the point of it all is preciously simple: we are made in the image of God, who in Himself is intrinsically a relational being.
It is not a far jump of logic, then, to understand that we were made to be relational ourselves. In fact, scripture leaves us no doubt that we were made, created, formed, and shaped by the very God of the universe who is, relational at His very core. We cannot escape the reality we were made for deep and lasting fellowship with this GREAT God – and with the others He has created.
That is why it hurts so deeply when our relationships with God and one another are broken. That is why seasons of loneliness overwhelm and threaten something deep within our souls. You and I were created to invest in and enjoy the very relationships we crave. And when life’s situations or the choices of ourselves and/or others leave us feeling isolated and alone, we know something is very wrong. We feel empty because we are not being filled the way we crave. The truth is, we crave fulfillment from relationship because that is who God is.
We absolutely must understand this truth before we can understand the hope and wholeness God is offering us in this very area of our lives.
2.) Maybe our personal feelings are not the point.
Feelings are difficult to understand. We can feel hungry, happy, sad, tired, bitter, and lonely. There are a myriad of things we can, and do feel, every moment of every day. Feelings are sometimes the strongest things we sense. Feelings can have an irritating way of overwhelming everything else. Feelings can also affect our opinions and reactions to the events of our lives as we live out each day. Some of us are better than others at keeping our feelings in check – but all of us have feelings or emotions that drive us.
The problem is: feelings are not trustworthy. Feelings are… just feelings.
Yes, feelings can impact our thoughts, opinions, outlook and approach to life. But, feelings are mysterious. And, oftentimes, feelings can be fleeting. For instance, I can be happy one moment and sad the next – that does not necessarily mean that something happy happened one moment and something sad happened in the next.
Feelings are legitimate, in that whatever I feel, or however I feel it, is exactly what and/or how I feel. My feelings are my feelings, and they are important. My feelings matter, and so do yours, but only to a certain extent.
Because, my feelings and yours, whatever they might be at any particular moment, are not reliable. If I am tired I am more prone to unhappy feelings. If I am well-rested, I am more prone to happier feelings. If I can have varying “feelings” about the same situation, based on the amount of sleep I had the night before, or by how stressful my life has been in recent days, then my feelings really are not trustworthy.
And, then again, some feelings are fleeting while others are more permanent. Nevertheless, they are only how I happen to feel about those things or those people at that particular moment. Maybe my feelings are not the point. Maybe your feelings are not the point. Maybe there is a bigger picture we need to choose to see.
This thought occurred to me one season of life that felt particularly lonely. I had a conversation with a trusted mentor who encouraged me to focus my thinking in Philippians 4. There, the Apostle Paul is encouraging the church in Philippi to rejoice in the Lord, always. That is a difficult thing for us to do. Especially for those of us who struggle with feelings of depression and loneliness, which often attack our lives simultaneously. How in the world are we supposed to rejoice in the Lord when our world feels as though it is falling apart?
Paul gives us the answer when he writes, “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things…and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)
And so, I tried to focus my thoughts on the things I knew were true. Where I had been feeling quite depressed because I was lonely, I began to see the truth: that was I was not actually alone at all. God made me. God knows me. God has a plan for my life. God’s big picture was brighter than mine was in every possible way. As soon as I took the emphasis off what I was “feeling” and focused on the hope I have in who God is, the feelings of depression because of the loneliness began to subside. I began to think about things that were noble, right, pure and lovely. And, believe me – my feeling sorry for myself – was not at all noble, right, pure and lovely. Yes, I was in a season of life that was lonelier than I would have liked. However, the minute I honestly acknowledged that I was not completely alone, because of God’s love for me, the negative power of the loneliness diminished. Almost immediately I was not as lonely or as hopeless as I had been, because I took the emphasis and focus off of myself.
I quickly realized I could not continue to focus on the “woe-is-me” thinking and feeling if I was to honor the word of the Lord in my life. Moreover, the minute I got the eyes of my heart off me and focused on my Awesome Father, and on his heart and love for me, the deep pain and agony disappeared. There is power in bringing our thought life under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. I might have still been physically alone in those moments, but I was no longer quite as lonely, and that was a blessing indeed!
Maybe our feelings of loneliness, depression, and hopelessness are not the point. Maybe the point is (it always has been and always will be) WHO GOD IS, and the minute we intentionally choose HIM instead of giving into the self-gratifying feelings of sadness because we find ourselves alone, we will begin to find the hope we so desperately need.
3.) Intentional Intimacy
When I was a teenager, my Youth Pastor used to toss words around like “doing daily devotions,” or “having quiet time with God.” The trouble was, I never really understood exactly what he meant by those phrases. In my adult life, I have come to learn how very crucial it is for Christians to choose to spend quality alone time with God. Yet, so many of us have never been taught how to do this.
Many believers truly love God, but we do not know how to spend time with Him. This scares me on many levels. Think about the closet relationships you have in your life. There is something to be said for spending quality time with that person or those people. Relationships that you do not properly invest in WILL eventually fade away. If this is true for our relationship with God, as it is with others, then it is a HUGE concern that many of us do not know HOW to pursue a close and authentic relationship with God.
In addition, intimacy with God is a major theme of scripture. In Deuteronomy Chapter 4, we read a warning to the Israelites. Through Moses God is sending a message: “Seek me, follow my ways, obey my commands and you will be my blessed people. Create idols, turn away from my decrees, you’re on a path to destruction!”
The verses throughout Chapter 4 clearly outline what God’s people are to do and who God’s people are to be. Then in verse 29 God promises, “But if from there (from exile, because of disobedience) you seek the LORD your God, you will find him (the LORD your GOD) if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” God wants to be in close relationship with His people, but we must invest our whole heart, and our whole lives to find Him.
In the book of 1 Chronicles, this idea is reiterated. In Chapter 28, King David tasks his son Solomon to lead God’s people justly. David says, in verse 9, “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.” Repeatedly in scripture, we are encouraged to seek God. If we seek Him, we will find Him.
Jesus Himself gave us some of the most familiar words in scripture, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt 6:33). Could it be any clearer? We are to seek God; we are to be intentional in spending time with Him, and investing ourselves in right relationship with our God. It is a miracle indeed that we are invited to such intimacy with the creator of the universe!
What if, the next time you are experiencing a season of loneliness, you chose to use that time to be intentional in growing closer to God. What might that look like for you?
4.) Alone…but not lonely
The picture that comes to my mind is of two lovers walking hand-in-hand in a gorgeous garden. This idea might seem foreign to you, but it is scriptural as well. The prophets Jeremiah, Ezekiel & Hosea all used “lover and beloved” language to refer to the intimate relationship of God and His people. In my mind, it is such a clear and beautiful picture of the intimacy to which we are invited. We are, after all, God’s beloved.
I remember an old hymn that I learned as a child. It is called “In the Garden.” The melody is reflective and the words are meaningful. I wish you could hear this very song to understand how and why it comes to mind whenever I picture healthy-loneliness. Take a minute to read these words, and if you know the song – feel free to sing along. The words are as follows:
“I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear, falling on my ears
The Son of God discloses:
And He walks with me, and He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own.
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
You speak and the sound of Your voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
And the melody that You gave to me
Within my heart is ringing…”
You and I will not ever be able to protect ourselves completely from moments, or seasons of life where we feel alone. But, being alone and feeling lonely are two very different things. It is absolutely crucial we come to understand the power we have to choose which of these two categories we find ourselves at any particular time.
The picture I have in my head is of a person choosing to get away and “spend some time with the Lord.” I must confess that more often than not, this is the last thing I want to do when I feel overwhelmed with loneliness. There is too much of a draw for me to want to feel sorry for myself, or run to a person I can physically see and touch to fill the void I am suddenly feeling. But, the choice we have instead is to view these times where we find ourselves alone as opportunities to draw close to our Master, our Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Intimacy with Jesus ONLY comes from intentionally drawing close to Him. When you find yourself facing a season of particular loneliness, you have this choice to make. Either you will choose to draw close to the lover of your soul – your maker, redeemer, sustainer, your Savior – or you will withdraw out of pain, disappointment, and fear, “into yourself.” The choice you must make is between intimacy with the one who made you and gave His life to save you, or more isolation by yourself.
When we come to times of loneliness we can choose to bring our pain, our disappointment, our fears to the One who knows us best and loves us most. That is the picture I have when I encounter “The Garden” song. You and I cannot always choose when we will face particular times of isolating loneliness. But we can choose, when those times come, to use that opportunity to draw close to our Savior. Instead of focusing on your own pain, learn to listen to His heart of love for you. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, reach out and grab hold of the one who is offering His very self to you in that moment.
It is crucial that you remember: you were made for relationship.
God wants to draw you into a right relationship with Him, and He has given us that gift through the life, death, and resurrection of His precious Son Jesus. Learning to walk with Jesus, and live a life of intimacy with the Eternal God-head is a process. But, be encouraged, it is the greatest adventure we are invited to embark on. Whenever you are lonely, choose worship and prayer instead of self-focus and loathing. Jeremiah 29:11 is quite familiar, but have you ever read through to verse 13? God says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” So, seek Him, and you will find Him indeed.
“Purpose to seek Him—He will be your reward. Purpose to know Him—He will reveal Himself to you. Purpose to follow Him—He will lead the way. Purpose to enjoy Him—He will be your closest friend. Purpose to praise Him—He will be your song. Purpose to trust Him—He will be your provider. Purpose to be totally His—He will be totally yours.” ~ Roy Lessin
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13).
AMEN.
Feeling lonely can be overwhelming, and deeply painful.
The truth is, while most of us will face seasons of loneliness at some point in our lives, we tend to feel isolated in or by our particular experiences of loneliness. That's part of our struggle, and it can add to the feelings of seclusion and despair. We feel lonely in our loneliness, which can increase depression and hopelessness. This can make us feel overwhelmed and, frankly, all-the-more lonely.
It is a vicious cycle.
I believe strongly our gracious God is offering us hope in this very area. I have personally found the most difficult and overwhelming feelings of loneliness can be counterbalanced when confronted by God’s love, mercy, grace & hope.
The truth is: loneliness has very little to do with the number of people you are around. Lonely people may find themselves physically alone, or in the midst of a crowd of people. While my single friends most often express a feeling of loneliness, some of the loneliest people I know are my married friends. How many friends you may have or how popular you are really does not make any difference. Feelings of loneliness are overwhelming. It is the feeling of being friendless, lost or forlorn. And, these feelings of despair can come at times when we least expect them. We need healthy and authentic relationships with others, and loneliness can be the result whenever we feel misunderstood, unwelcome or unwanted – or whenever we do not have healthy and authentic Christ-centered relationships where we find belonging, hope, and encouragement.
Loneliness can be one of the most overwhelming feelings we feel. But I want you to know, there is hope! Here are some deep truths that we must acknowledge if we are to conquer the hopelessness that can accompany seasons of loneliness.
1.) We were made for relationship.
In the book of Genesis, we find clear evidence of God’s big picture. In Genesis 1:1, the very opening words of scripture point to a God who is above all, before all, and through all. He IS the creator who envisioned it all in the first place.
“In the beginning God created…” which means God was already there. He was at work before creation even began. The entire chapter of Genesis 1 tells of the unfolding of His creation: the creation of light, His placing of the stars, the moon & the sun in the sky, God’s filling the whole earth with all living things…it is glorious indeed! We must understand how very intentional God was when He was creating the earth we enjoy.
The story of creation is a miraculous picture of God’s heart! And, in Genesis 1:26 we see a clear picture of God’s heart for us – the very people He has made for His glory. God says, “Let us make man (human) in our image, in our likeness…” (Emphasis mine.) The plural language of this verse is intentional and, I believe, crucial for us to understand.
Not only is God the driving force behind all of creation, but He refers to Himself in this verse as “we.” This reality of the trinity is so complex and dynamic; it alone could, and has, filled many books. However, the point of it all is preciously simple: we are made in the image of God, who in Himself is intrinsically a relational being.
It is not a far jump of logic, then, to understand that we were made to be relational ourselves. In fact, scripture leaves us no doubt that we were made, created, formed, and shaped by the very God of the universe who is, relational at His very core. We cannot escape the reality we were made for deep and lasting fellowship with this GREAT God – and with the others He has created.
That is why it hurts so deeply when our relationships with God and one another are broken. That is why seasons of loneliness overwhelm and threaten something deep within our souls. You and I were created to invest in and enjoy the very relationships we crave. And when life’s situations or the choices of ourselves and/or others leave us feeling isolated and alone, we know something is very wrong. We feel empty because we are not being filled the way we crave. The truth is, we crave fulfillment from relationship because that is who God is.
We absolutely must understand this truth before we can understand the hope and wholeness God is offering us in this very area of our lives.
2.) Maybe our personal feelings are not the point.
Feelings are difficult to understand. We can feel hungry, happy, sad, tired, bitter, and lonely. There are a myriad of things we can, and do feel, every moment of every day. Feelings are sometimes the strongest things we sense. Feelings can have an irritating way of overwhelming everything else. Feelings can also affect our opinions and reactions to the events of our lives as we live out each day. Some of us are better than others at keeping our feelings in check – but all of us have feelings or emotions that drive us.
The problem is: feelings are not trustworthy. Feelings are… just feelings.
Yes, feelings can impact our thoughts, opinions, outlook and approach to life. But, feelings are mysterious. And, oftentimes, feelings can be fleeting. For instance, I can be happy one moment and sad the next – that does not necessarily mean that something happy happened one moment and something sad happened in the next.
Feelings are legitimate, in that whatever I feel, or however I feel it, is exactly what and/or how I feel. My feelings are my feelings, and they are important. My feelings matter, and so do yours, but only to a certain extent.
Because, my feelings and yours, whatever they might be at any particular moment, are not reliable. If I am tired I am more prone to unhappy feelings. If I am well-rested, I am more prone to happier feelings. If I can have varying “feelings” about the same situation, based on the amount of sleep I had the night before, or by how stressful my life has been in recent days, then my feelings really are not trustworthy.
And, then again, some feelings are fleeting while others are more permanent. Nevertheless, they are only how I happen to feel about those things or those people at that particular moment. Maybe my feelings are not the point. Maybe your feelings are not the point. Maybe there is a bigger picture we need to choose to see.
This thought occurred to me one season of life that felt particularly lonely. I had a conversation with a trusted mentor who encouraged me to focus my thinking in Philippians 4. There, the Apostle Paul is encouraging the church in Philippi to rejoice in the Lord, always. That is a difficult thing for us to do. Especially for those of us who struggle with feelings of depression and loneliness, which often attack our lives simultaneously. How in the world are we supposed to rejoice in the Lord when our world feels as though it is falling apart?
Paul gives us the answer when he writes, “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things…and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)
And so, I tried to focus my thoughts on the things I knew were true. Where I had been feeling quite depressed because I was lonely, I began to see the truth: that was I was not actually alone at all. God made me. God knows me. God has a plan for my life. God’s big picture was brighter than mine was in every possible way. As soon as I took the emphasis off what I was “feeling” and focused on the hope I have in who God is, the feelings of depression because of the loneliness began to subside. I began to think about things that were noble, right, pure and lovely. And, believe me – my feeling sorry for myself – was not at all noble, right, pure and lovely. Yes, I was in a season of life that was lonelier than I would have liked. However, the minute I honestly acknowledged that I was not completely alone, because of God’s love for me, the negative power of the loneliness diminished. Almost immediately I was not as lonely or as hopeless as I had been, because I took the emphasis and focus off of myself.
I quickly realized I could not continue to focus on the “woe-is-me” thinking and feeling if I was to honor the word of the Lord in my life. Moreover, the minute I got the eyes of my heart off me and focused on my Awesome Father, and on his heart and love for me, the deep pain and agony disappeared. There is power in bringing our thought life under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. I might have still been physically alone in those moments, but I was no longer quite as lonely, and that was a blessing indeed!
Maybe our feelings of loneliness, depression, and hopelessness are not the point. Maybe the point is (it always has been and always will be) WHO GOD IS, and the minute we intentionally choose HIM instead of giving into the self-gratifying feelings of sadness because we find ourselves alone, we will begin to find the hope we so desperately need.
3.) Intentional Intimacy
When I was a teenager, my Youth Pastor used to toss words around like “doing daily devotions,” or “having quiet time with God.” The trouble was, I never really understood exactly what he meant by those phrases. In my adult life, I have come to learn how very crucial it is for Christians to choose to spend quality alone time with God. Yet, so many of us have never been taught how to do this.
Many believers truly love God, but we do not know how to spend time with Him. This scares me on many levels. Think about the closet relationships you have in your life. There is something to be said for spending quality time with that person or those people. Relationships that you do not properly invest in WILL eventually fade away. If this is true for our relationship with God, as it is with others, then it is a HUGE concern that many of us do not know HOW to pursue a close and authentic relationship with God.
In addition, intimacy with God is a major theme of scripture. In Deuteronomy Chapter 4, we read a warning to the Israelites. Through Moses God is sending a message: “Seek me, follow my ways, obey my commands and you will be my blessed people. Create idols, turn away from my decrees, you’re on a path to destruction!”
The verses throughout Chapter 4 clearly outline what God’s people are to do and who God’s people are to be. Then in verse 29 God promises, “But if from there (from exile, because of disobedience) you seek the LORD your God, you will find him (the LORD your GOD) if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” God wants to be in close relationship with His people, but we must invest our whole heart, and our whole lives to find Him.
In the book of 1 Chronicles, this idea is reiterated. In Chapter 28, King David tasks his son Solomon to lead God’s people justly. David says, in verse 9, “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.” Repeatedly in scripture, we are encouraged to seek God. If we seek Him, we will find Him.
Jesus Himself gave us some of the most familiar words in scripture, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt 6:33). Could it be any clearer? We are to seek God; we are to be intentional in spending time with Him, and investing ourselves in right relationship with our God. It is a miracle indeed that we are invited to such intimacy with the creator of the universe!
What if, the next time you are experiencing a season of loneliness, you chose to use that time to be intentional in growing closer to God. What might that look like for you?
4.) Alone…but not lonely
The picture that comes to my mind is of two lovers walking hand-in-hand in a gorgeous garden. This idea might seem foreign to you, but it is scriptural as well. The prophets Jeremiah, Ezekiel & Hosea all used “lover and beloved” language to refer to the intimate relationship of God and His people. In my mind, it is such a clear and beautiful picture of the intimacy to which we are invited. We are, after all, God’s beloved.
I remember an old hymn that I learned as a child. It is called “In the Garden.” The melody is reflective and the words are meaningful. I wish you could hear this very song to understand how and why it comes to mind whenever I picture healthy-loneliness. Take a minute to read these words, and if you know the song – feel free to sing along. The words are as follows:
“I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear, falling on my ears
The Son of God discloses:
And He walks with me, and He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own.
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
You speak and the sound of Your voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
And the melody that You gave to me
Within my heart is ringing…”
You and I will not ever be able to protect ourselves completely from moments, or seasons of life where we feel alone. But, being alone and feeling lonely are two very different things. It is absolutely crucial we come to understand the power we have to choose which of these two categories we find ourselves at any particular time.
The picture I have in my head is of a person choosing to get away and “spend some time with the Lord.” I must confess that more often than not, this is the last thing I want to do when I feel overwhelmed with loneliness. There is too much of a draw for me to want to feel sorry for myself, or run to a person I can physically see and touch to fill the void I am suddenly feeling. But, the choice we have instead is to view these times where we find ourselves alone as opportunities to draw close to our Master, our Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Intimacy with Jesus ONLY comes from intentionally drawing close to Him. When you find yourself facing a season of particular loneliness, you have this choice to make. Either you will choose to draw close to the lover of your soul – your maker, redeemer, sustainer, your Savior – or you will withdraw out of pain, disappointment, and fear, “into yourself.” The choice you must make is between intimacy with the one who made you and gave His life to save you, or more isolation by yourself.
When we come to times of loneliness we can choose to bring our pain, our disappointment, our fears to the One who knows us best and loves us most. That is the picture I have when I encounter “The Garden” song. You and I cannot always choose when we will face particular times of isolating loneliness. But we can choose, when those times come, to use that opportunity to draw close to our Savior. Instead of focusing on your own pain, learn to listen to His heart of love for you. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, reach out and grab hold of the one who is offering His very self to you in that moment.
It is crucial that you remember: you were made for relationship.
God wants to draw you into a right relationship with Him, and He has given us that gift through the life, death, and resurrection of His precious Son Jesus. Learning to walk with Jesus, and live a life of intimacy with the Eternal God-head is a process. But, be encouraged, it is the greatest adventure we are invited to embark on. Whenever you are lonely, choose worship and prayer instead of self-focus and loathing. Jeremiah 29:11 is quite familiar, but have you ever read through to verse 13? God says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” So, seek Him, and you will find Him indeed.
“Purpose to seek Him—He will be your reward. Purpose to know Him—He will reveal Himself to you. Purpose to follow Him—He will lead the way. Purpose to enjoy Him—He will be your closest friend. Purpose to praise Him—He will be your song. Purpose to trust Him—He will be your provider. Purpose to be totally His—He will be totally yours.” ~ Roy Lessin
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13).
AMEN.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Ask, Seek, Knock
The more I learn of God and His ways, the more mysterious He becomes.
The more I discover His truth, the more questions I realize I have.
The deeper I dig, the more I see how very little I really know of God, His heart, and His ways.
From a strictly human point-of-view, this can be frustrating. From the eyes of faith, however, this just goes to further prove the awesome nature of the One who is truly Other: holy, just, righteous, true, and perfectly perfect in his perfection.
One concept in scripture has held me utterly confounded for years. It is the theme of asking, seeking, and knocking… combined with the promise we will receive and find. It is a profound thought.
The Gospel of Matthew states it this way, “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."
It is a simple assurance. And it is, most unfortunately, one I am prone to doubt, and one I struggle to believe.
This is a problem.
Here's why: God’s word says it, clearly… therefore He must mean it, literally… so, there is something severely wrong if I choose to disbelieve it.
Let’s be honest. There are things in scripture that we may not like. There are stories that raise questions we may be unwilling to face. And yet, our objections, fears, and stubbornness do not change the truth of who God is. If there is something in scripture that doesn’t align with our thinking we have one of two logical responses.
One: the problem is God (either His word is imperfect, incomplete, or untrue).
Or, two: the problem is with us (we are imperfect, incomplete, or believing untruth).
Which do you suppose is most likely?
Asking (a.k.a, pleading, coercing, begging, demanding…)
I must confess, my struggle with this concept is quite selfish. I have asked God for things He has not given me. I have asked in seemingly every way possible: tearfully, joyfully, with a broken heart, in humor and in earnest. There are things God still has not granted me. Deep things. Important things. Significant things.
So, out of the pain and the rejection I sense my heart hardening toward the heart and message of God. I read the scriptures, and a huge part of me is skeptical. "Ask and you shall receive." I feel somehow vindicated in my doubt of God’s word, because he has not given me what I want. Therefore, He is the liar, and I am somehow more justified in my reaction.
In reality, though, I am no different or better than a toddler throwing a tantrum in a store because a parent will not allow them the candy or the toy they are reaching for. The truth is, though I may not want to see it, God is actively showing me much grace, even in my sin-based hard-hearted response. Even as I grow more stubborn, He is patiently and gently responding to my anger and bitterness with loving kindness.
No, this IS not fair. It’s not even close. But, the truth is, GOD ALMIGHTY is the one being unfairly treated in this scenario, not me. Because, you see, I am short-sighted. I am judging God (the Almighty creator of the universe) by what he has or has not given to me. How pathetic and disgusting is that?
While it may truly seem unfair that I would not get what I want when I want it, that is not an appropriate picture of the whole story.
The same is true for your story, my friends.
Superficially speaking, you and I are prone to feeling entitled to those things we want most in life. That does not mean our desires and responses are warranted. The real heart of the matter is how undeserved our response is - towards God - when we don’t get what we want or what we believe we “should” receive.
While the lack of getting what I want when I want it feels like a slight to me, it is actually God who is getting snubbed. The truth is, even while I am ranting and raving against a God who would “withhold” that which I want most passionately, I am actually the one in the wrong when I allow my heart to grow hard towards God because of my hurt, pain, or stubbornness. THAT is the unjust. THAT is the unfair. THAT is the problem here.
There are a lot of different motives in the asking. Scripture makes reference to many of these. Let’s limit our search to the Gospel of Matthew, and we will still find more scenarios than we can appropriately handle.
• Herod “asks” the Magi from the east, “Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews?” (Matt 2:2). Herod undoubtedly has ulterior motives in this question.
• The Centurion “asks” Jesus to heal his paralyzed servant (Matt 8:5-13). This asking is full of humble faith. We know this because Jesus is astonished at the depths of this mans sincerity (8:10).
• The Pharisees “ask” why Jesus eats with “sinners.” (Matt 9:9-13). It is obvious they are filled with self-righteous pride and their question is almost sarcastic. Jesus puts them in their place by saying it is for the sinners He, the Messiah, has come.
• Then there is the asking of the Pharisees in order to trick Jesus (Matt 12:9-14). Jesus’ response: He heals the man on the Sabbath anyway. The Pharisees respond by plotting ways to kill him.
• There is the asking of the honestly perplexed (Matt 13:10-17) as Jesus’ disciples wonder why Jesus teaches in parables, not in straightforward simplicity. Jesus responds by referencing Old Testament Prophecy (Isaiah 6:9-10) and leaving the heart of their question unresolved.
• And there is the asking for proof (Matt 16:1-4). Jesus says, the proof has been made plain. Basically, he says, “Take it or leave it. The truth is there for you to see if you so choose.”
The list could continue. There are various ways to ask. There are various motives in the asking. Maybe part of the problem is in our hearts as we are asking. Since God knows our hearts, it is not a mystery to Him why we are asking the questions, or why we are asking for those things. God is not oblivious to the underlying motives in our heart, even if we are.
James 4: 1-3 addresses this issue as well. “What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong – you want only what will give you pleasure.” (NLT).
Huh.
Maybe we are the problem here. Maybe it is specifically what we are asking for, or why we are asking for it, that keeps God from fulfilling those desires.
You see, God knows the why behind the asking.
Seeking (child’s play, or desperate search?)
I’ve had reason to search for things before. As a child I loved the game “Hide and Seek.” I’ve actually been known to be quite a master hider myself, and I must confess I truly do love the thrill of stumping a comrade with my excellent skills.
And, unfortunately, since I am prone to misplacing any number of important items, I’ve become accustomed to the pains of “seeking” as an adult as well. I know all-too-well the panic of a real life urgent “treasure hunt” (i.e. for my keys, purse, important receipts, tax-documents – you name it, I’ve probably lost it...and needed desperately to find it.)
There is a difference, isn’t there, between a child’s game and a sincere panic-driven “must find” situation. I’m struck by the significance of that difference as I ponder what Jesus means when he says, “Seek and ye shall find.”
All throughout scripture, we find a God who is desperately longing to be sought after.
In Deuteronomy, God is firmly warning His covenant people of the serious nature of His covenant. He makes provisions for His people, and instructs them on how to live. He warns them: their disobedience will lead them to utter destruction (4:26) and captivity (4:27-28). And then, the word of the Lord to his people, “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” God says, “Look, if you disobey me, there will be the most severe of consequences. But, even then, all hope is not lost. Just search for me with all your heart and soul, and you will find me.”
It seems simple, doesn’t it? It may even seem too good to be true. Or, maybe you're thinking "It was true for God’s people back in the days of Moses, but that is no longer applicable to us and our lives today."
Here is my response to those thoughts: I am a firm believer there are some things in scripture shared for a specific purpose and time that are dangerous for us to take out of context and apply to our lives at our whim. Yet on the other hand, there are themes of scripture, which are meant to be shared for all of God’s people in any context. How are we to know the difference?
One way is for us to search the whole of scripture. If something is found only once, we must carefully find the right and God-intended application to our lives, seeing as how we are living in a wholly different world today. On the other hand, if the same word or concept is found more than once in scripture, and was given to people from different cultures, speaking different languages, living in different places at different times, all facing different & varying scenarios… then we would be wise to pay careful attention to that word, because God’s Truth IS timeless.
Let’s see which one this truth is.
One of the most famous of all scriptures is Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you…” It is a verse held onto desperately by many in need. But the heart of that message of hope is incomplete unless we see it in the right context. We must include it with the next verses, 12 -14. “…Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity.” God says, (here is my paraphrase of His message), “Yes, I have plans to prosper you, but it is only when you seek me with your whole heart that you will find me, and only then will I bring you out of captivity.”
God wants us to seek Him. The promise is we will find Him when we seek with all our heart. In 1 Chronicles 22:19 we read of the instructions to the people of Israel as they are setting up the kingdom reign of David through Solomon. God clearly instructs his people, “Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God…” (22:19).
Pay attention to that word, "devote." It seems quite crucial to the concept.
Then in Joel 2, God begs us to repent wholeheartedly. He says, “Even now…return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning." Then Joel says to us, “Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity” (Joel 2:12-13, NIV).
There is this clear and unquestionable sense throughout scripture that God wants our whole hearts, and that He wants us to seek for Him wholeheartedly.
Over and over again, God shares His desire: that we would seek to find Him, we would strive to know Him, we would endeavor to truly worship Him – but in order for this to happen, we must invest our whole selves.
And, that changes the point for us, doesn’t it?
There is a sense of desperation, when we wholeheartedly do something. It is exactly the difference between looking for a friend in a game… or desperately, as if our life depends on it (because it does) searching for something we are lost without.
When Jesus says in Matthew 7:8, “Everyone who seeks, finds,” it seems clear he is referring to the frantic search, not just the fun and whimsical treasure hunt.
And so, we return to the matter at hand. Maybe the problem is in the why I’m asking… or maybe it’s in the how I’m asking. Whatever it is that I am “asking for” or “seeking,” is it a life-or-death issue? Is it the most important search of my life? It is… if I’m asking for and seeking to find the One who is my truest need: the real answer to my truest questions.
Who…or what…determines the answer, or frustrating lack thereof
The truth that God wants us to seek Him seems apparent. And yet, that truth never ceases to amaze me.
God asks us, His people, numerous times, to seek Him. The Creator of the universe desires us to search for Him. Astounding, isn’t it?
Even more amazing still: we are promised, we are assured, more than once, that we will find God when we seek Him. We are (encouraged doesn’t seem strong enough a word) to seek God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength.
And, for the first time in my life I’m beginning to sense the faith walk that journey truly is.
Here is some of my personal journey of struggle with this concept. May you learn from my wrestling of faith.
While in Seminary I was given an opportunity to take a class called “The Gospel of Matthew.” So, to fulfill the class requirements I spent countless hours one term investing myself in the first book of the New Testament. Now, I am no Bible Scholar. I do not claim to have any special or specific revelation about the Gospel of Matthew. However, I must say it is most certainly a special gift, to have had the chance to study this particular book for a specific season in a fairly intense way.
The result: the Gospel of Matthew holds a special place in my heart even today. It is really quite amazing to see how God’s word becomes more alive and vibrant the more we invest ourselves in it.
Needless to say, the Gospel of Matthew is particularly significant to me, mostly because I have spent some time studying it particularly. During that time of study, the Sermon on the Mount came to “live” in my heart in a significant way. This is important for you to understand, because while the Sermon on the Mount has held particular significance to me, it is specifically one of the passages of scripture I have wrestled most deeply with.
Thus, the faith-battle in my heart. And, the root of my blinded distrust in our precious Savior because of my hard-heart towards His.
There is something profoundly dynamic about the Sermon on the Mount. It is a particular message of Jesus to His disciples, with specific instructions on how we are to live our lives. Over the years I’ve found myself often returning to these words… and an unsettling question resounds in my heart: does my life match up? If not, I am in trouble, because if there is one thing that God’s word is clear about, it is that God’s people are called to live their lives the way His word instructs.
And yet, it wasn’t until I started to compare Matthew’s version of Christ’s sermon with the version found the in the Gospel of Luke that I realized one of the most important truths of my life.
The Gospel of Matthew says, “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened…So, if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him” (Matt 7:7-8,11).
OK, so God says to ask, seek and knock, and we will be given “good gifts.” Seems simple enough to me. God says ask for it, and He will give us the “good gifts.” And, I sense myself unwillingly reverting back to my toddler-esque tantrum… “But, God, there are so many things I have asked you for that I haven’t received! How can your word be true and you not give me what I want? It’s right here in black and white!!!”
So, turn with me to the powerful answer God showed me one morning as I sought Him full of angst and despair. The answer is in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 11, verses 9-10. “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks the door will be opened.”
So far, so good.
Jump with me to verse 13 which holds the key. “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.”
And, I am yet again stunned by the word of the Lord.
God promises to give us the “good gifts,” and in our sinful nature, left only to our own shortsighted blindness, we assume that to mean “anything we want.”
No. Wrong. Absolutely not. That's actually not at all what it means.
The truth: God's word says when we seek (with our whole hearts) we will find (that WHO we are seeking for), the Holy Spirit (who IS the full embodiment of every good gift). God’s word is clear: HE is the “good gift” we are to be seeking. HE is the answer to the question we are asking. HE is the reason for the seeking in the first place.
All of a sudden, it makes much more sense. It’s not just the why of my asking, or the amount of desperation behind the search, it is in the what I am asking for in the first place.
Let’s move beyond the fight of semantics for a moment.
If we are going to be serious about our faith, we must do the work of honestly confronting those things that hinder our walk with God. Specifically that means our doubts, fear, insecurities, and the sin in our lives, which gets in the way of His grace having full reign.
If we read these words and feel dissatisfied, somehow we are disappointed in what scripture says, that is because we have not been seeking the right thing… or better said, we have not been seeking the right One. In that case, we have been making something, or someone else the priority of our lives.
That, my friends, is idolatry.
We are to pursue God wholeheartedly. That is when we will find Him. If we are looking for something else, we are wasting our time on something temporal that will eventually fade away. That is dangerous territory. I am reminded of Jesus’ words from Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Where is your treasure? Where is your heart? What, or who, is the pursuit of your life? If it is anything less than the Holy God, it will never cease to disappoint, frustrate, and thwart.
It will never satisfy.
But Jesus gives us a simple answer: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matt 6:33, NLT).
The more I discover His truth, the more questions I realize I have.
The deeper I dig, the more I see how very little I really know of God, His heart, and His ways.
From a strictly human point-of-view, this can be frustrating. From the eyes of faith, however, this just goes to further prove the awesome nature of the One who is truly Other: holy, just, righteous, true, and perfectly perfect in his perfection.
One concept in scripture has held me utterly confounded for years. It is the theme of asking, seeking, and knocking… combined with the promise we will receive and find. It is a profound thought.
The Gospel of Matthew states it this way, “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."
It is a simple assurance. And it is, most unfortunately, one I am prone to doubt, and one I struggle to believe.
This is a problem.
Here's why: God’s word says it, clearly… therefore He must mean it, literally… so, there is something severely wrong if I choose to disbelieve it.
Let’s be honest. There are things in scripture that we may not like. There are stories that raise questions we may be unwilling to face. And yet, our objections, fears, and stubbornness do not change the truth of who God is. If there is something in scripture that doesn’t align with our thinking we have one of two logical responses.
One: the problem is God (either His word is imperfect, incomplete, or untrue).
Or, two: the problem is with us (we are imperfect, incomplete, or believing untruth).
Which do you suppose is most likely?
Asking (a.k.a, pleading, coercing, begging, demanding…)
I must confess, my struggle with this concept is quite selfish. I have asked God for things He has not given me. I have asked in seemingly every way possible: tearfully, joyfully, with a broken heart, in humor and in earnest. There are things God still has not granted me. Deep things. Important things. Significant things.
So, out of the pain and the rejection I sense my heart hardening toward the heart and message of God. I read the scriptures, and a huge part of me is skeptical. "Ask and you shall receive." I feel somehow vindicated in my doubt of God’s word, because he has not given me what I want. Therefore, He is the liar, and I am somehow more justified in my reaction.
In reality, though, I am no different or better than a toddler throwing a tantrum in a store because a parent will not allow them the candy or the toy they are reaching for. The truth is, though I may not want to see it, God is actively showing me much grace, even in my sin-based hard-hearted response. Even as I grow more stubborn, He is patiently and gently responding to my anger and bitterness with loving kindness.
No, this IS not fair. It’s not even close. But, the truth is, GOD ALMIGHTY is the one being unfairly treated in this scenario, not me. Because, you see, I am short-sighted. I am judging God (the Almighty creator of the universe) by what he has or has not given to me. How pathetic and disgusting is that?
While it may truly seem unfair that I would not get what I want when I want it, that is not an appropriate picture of the whole story.
The same is true for your story, my friends.
Superficially speaking, you and I are prone to feeling entitled to those things we want most in life. That does not mean our desires and responses are warranted. The real heart of the matter is how undeserved our response is - towards God - when we don’t get what we want or what we believe we “should” receive.
While the lack of getting what I want when I want it feels like a slight to me, it is actually God who is getting snubbed. The truth is, even while I am ranting and raving against a God who would “withhold” that which I want most passionately, I am actually the one in the wrong when I allow my heart to grow hard towards God because of my hurt, pain, or stubbornness. THAT is the unjust. THAT is the unfair. THAT is the problem here.
There are a lot of different motives in the asking. Scripture makes reference to many of these. Let’s limit our search to the Gospel of Matthew, and we will still find more scenarios than we can appropriately handle.
• Herod “asks” the Magi from the east, “Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews?” (Matt 2:2). Herod undoubtedly has ulterior motives in this question.
• The Centurion “asks” Jesus to heal his paralyzed servant (Matt 8:5-13). This asking is full of humble faith. We know this because Jesus is astonished at the depths of this mans sincerity (8:10).
• The Pharisees “ask” why Jesus eats with “sinners.” (Matt 9:9-13). It is obvious they are filled with self-righteous pride and their question is almost sarcastic. Jesus puts them in their place by saying it is for the sinners He, the Messiah, has come.
• Then there is the asking of the Pharisees in order to trick Jesus (Matt 12:9-14). Jesus’ response: He heals the man on the Sabbath anyway. The Pharisees respond by plotting ways to kill him.
• There is the asking of the honestly perplexed (Matt 13:10-17) as Jesus’ disciples wonder why Jesus teaches in parables, not in straightforward simplicity. Jesus responds by referencing Old Testament Prophecy (Isaiah 6:9-10) and leaving the heart of their question unresolved.
• And there is the asking for proof (Matt 16:1-4). Jesus says, the proof has been made plain. Basically, he says, “Take it or leave it. The truth is there for you to see if you so choose.”
The list could continue. There are various ways to ask. There are various motives in the asking. Maybe part of the problem is in our hearts as we are asking. Since God knows our hearts, it is not a mystery to Him why we are asking the questions, or why we are asking for those things. God is not oblivious to the underlying motives in our heart, even if we are.
James 4: 1-3 addresses this issue as well. “What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong – you want only what will give you pleasure.” (NLT).
Huh.
Maybe we are the problem here. Maybe it is specifically what we are asking for, or why we are asking for it, that keeps God from fulfilling those desires.
You see, God knows the why behind the asking.
Seeking (child’s play, or desperate search?)
I’ve had reason to search for things before. As a child I loved the game “Hide and Seek.” I’ve actually been known to be quite a master hider myself, and I must confess I truly do love the thrill of stumping a comrade with my excellent skills.
And, unfortunately, since I am prone to misplacing any number of important items, I’ve become accustomed to the pains of “seeking” as an adult as well. I know all-too-well the panic of a real life urgent “treasure hunt” (i.e. for my keys, purse, important receipts, tax-documents – you name it, I’ve probably lost it...and needed desperately to find it.)
There is a difference, isn’t there, between a child’s game and a sincere panic-driven “must find” situation. I’m struck by the significance of that difference as I ponder what Jesus means when he says, “Seek and ye shall find.”
All throughout scripture, we find a God who is desperately longing to be sought after.
In Deuteronomy, God is firmly warning His covenant people of the serious nature of His covenant. He makes provisions for His people, and instructs them on how to live. He warns them: their disobedience will lead them to utter destruction (4:26) and captivity (4:27-28). And then, the word of the Lord to his people, “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” God says, “Look, if you disobey me, there will be the most severe of consequences. But, even then, all hope is not lost. Just search for me with all your heart and soul, and you will find me.”
It seems simple, doesn’t it? It may even seem too good to be true. Or, maybe you're thinking "It was true for God’s people back in the days of Moses, but that is no longer applicable to us and our lives today."
Here is my response to those thoughts: I am a firm believer there are some things in scripture shared for a specific purpose and time that are dangerous for us to take out of context and apply to our lives at our whim. Yet on the other hand, there are themes of scripture, which are meant to be shared for all of God’s people in any context. How are we to know the difference?
One way is for us to search the whole of scripture. If something is found only once, we must carefully find the right and God-intended application to our lives, seeing as how we are living in a wholly different world today. On the other hand, if the same word or concept is found more than once in scripture, and was given to people from different cultures, speaking different languages, living in different places at different times, all facing different & varying scenarios… then we would be wise to pay careful attention to that word, because God’s Truth IS timeless.
Let’s see which one this truth is.
One of the most famous of all scriptures is Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you…” It is a verse held onto desperately by many in need. But the heart of that message of hope is incomplete unless we see it in the right context. We must include it with the next verses, 12 -14. “…Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity.” God says, (here is my paraphrase of His message), “Yes, I have plans to prosper you, but it is only when you seek me with your whole heart that you will find me, and only then will I bring you out of captivity.”
God wants us to seek Him. The promise is we will find Him when we seek with all our heart. In 1 Chronicles 22:19 we read of the instructions to the people of Israel as they are setting up the kingdom reign of David through Solomon. God clearly instructs his people, “Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God…” (22:19).
Pay attention to that word, "devote." It seems quite crucial to the concept.
Then in Joel 2, God begs us to repent wholeheartedly. He says, “Even now…return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning." Then Joel says to us, “Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity” (Joel 2:12-13, NIV).
There is this clear and unquestionable sense throughout scripture that God wants our whole hearts, and that He wants us to seek for Him wholeheartedly.
Over and over again, God shares His desire: that we would seek to find Him, we would strive to know Him, we would endeavor to truly worship Him – but in order for this to happen, we must invest our whole selves.
And, that changes the point for us, doesn’t it?
There is a sense of desperation, when we wholeheartedly do something. It is exactly the difference between looking for a friend in a game… or desperately, as if our life depends on it (because it does) searching for something we are lost without.
When Jesus says in Matthew 7:8, “Everyone who seeks, finds,” it seems clear he is referring to the frantic search, not just the fun and whimsical treasure hunt.
And so, we return to the matter at hand. Maybe the problem is in the why I’m asking… or maybe it’s in the how I’m asking. Whatever it is that I am “asking for” or “seeking,” is it a life-or-death issue? Is it the most important search of my life? It is… if I’m asking for and seeking to find the One who is my truest need: the real answer to my truest questions.
Who…or what…determines the answer, or frustrating lack thereof
The truth that God wants us to seek Him seems apparent. And yet, that truth never ceases to amaze me.
God asks us, His people, numerous times, to seek Him. The Creator of the universe desires us to search for Him. Astounding, isn’t it?
Even more amazing still: we are promised, we are assured, more than once, that we will find God when we seek Him. We are (encouraged doesn’t seem strong enough a word) to seek God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength.
And, for the first time in my life I’m beginning to sense the faith walk that journey truly is.
Here is some of my personal journey of struggle with this concept. May you learn from my wrestling of faith.
While in Seminary I was given an opportunity to take a class called “The Gospel of Matthew.” So, to fulfill the class requirements I spent countless hours one term investing myself in the first book of the New Testament. Now, I am no Bible Scholar. I do not claim to have any special or specific revelation about the Gospel of Matthew. However, I must say it is most certainly a special gift, to have had the chance to study this particular book for a specific season in a fairly intense way.
The result: the Gospel of Matthew holds a special place in my heart even today. It is really quite amazing to see how God’s word becomes more alive and vibrant the more we invest ourselves in it.
Needless to say, the Gospel of Matthew is particularly significant to me, mostly because I have spent some time studying it particularly. During that time of study, the Sermon on the Mount came to “live” in my heart in a significant way. This is important for you to understand, because while the Sermon on the Mount has held particular significance to me, it is specifically one of the passages of scripture I have wrestled most deeply with.
Thus, the faith-battle in my heart. And, the root of my blinded distrust in our precious Savior because of my hard-heart towards His.
There is something profoundly dynamic about the Sermon on the Mount. It is a particular message of Jesus to His disciples, with specific instructions on how we are to live our lives. Over the years I’ve found myself often returning to these words… and an unsettling question resounds in my heart: does my life match up? If not, I am in trouble, because if there is one thing that God’s word is clear about, it is that God’s people are called to live their lives the way His word instructs.
And yet, it wasn’t until I started to compare Matthew’s version of Christ’s sermon with the version found the in the Gospel of Luke that I realized one of the most important truths of my life.
The Gospel of Matthew says, “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened…So, if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him” (Matt 7:7-8,11).
OK, so God says to ask, seek and knock, and we will be given “good gifts.” Seems simple enough to me. God says ask for it, and He will give us the “good gifts.” And, I sense myself unwillingly reverting back to my toddler-esque tantrum… “But, God, there are so many things I have asked you for that I haven’t received! How can your word be true and you not give me what I want? It’s right here in black and white!!!”
So, turn with me to the powerful answer God showed me one morning as I sought Him full of angst and despair. The answer is in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 11, verses 9-10. “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks the door will be opened.”
So far, so good.
Jump with me to verse 13 which holds the key. “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.”
And, I am yet again stunned by the word of the Lord.
God promises to give us the “good gifts,” and in our sinful nature, left only to our own shortsighted blindness, we assume that to mean “anything we want.”
No. Wrong. Absolutely not. That's actually not at all what it means.
The truth: God's word says when we seek (with our whole hearts) we will find (that WHO we are seeking for), the Holy Spirit (who IS the full embodiment of every good gift). God’s word is clear: HE is the “good gift” we are to be seeking. HE is the answer to the question we are asking. HE is the reason for the seeking in the first place.
All of a sudden, it makes much more sense. It’s not just the why of my asking, or the amount of desperation behind the search, it is in the what I am asking for in the first place.
Let’s move beyond the fight of semantics for a moment.
If we are going to be serious about our faith, we must do the work of honestly confronting those things that hinder our walk with God. Specifically that means our doubts, fear, insecurities, and the sin in our lives, which gets in the way of His grace having full reign.
If we read these words and feel dissatisfied, somehow we are disappointed in what scripture says, that is because we have not been seeking the right thing… or better said, we have not been seeking the right One. In that case, we have been making something, or someone else the priority of our lives.
That, my friends, is idolatry.
We are to pursue God wholeheartedly. That is when we will find Him. If we are looking for something else, we are wasting our time on something temporal that will eventually fade away. That is dangerous territory. I am reminded of Jesus’ words from Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Where is your treasure? Where is your heart? What, or who, is the pursuit of your life? If it is anything less than the Holy God, it will never cease to disappoint, frustrate, and thwart.
It will never satisfy.
But Jesus gives us a simple answer: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matt 6:33, NLT).
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